February 23, 2003
Over The Weekend We Interviewed Anthony's II Pitcher Marc Alicea
Below his story
1. When you were a kid you played for Fishtown A.C. what sports did
you play?
Answer
I played soccer for Jerry Franklin for 4 years. Also I played baseball for 2 years with Pat Cain as coach. I played soccer and baseball for Hetzel until we made the transition to Fishtown A.C.
2. When did you first think about becoming a modified pitcher?
Answer
I first thought about being a modified pitcher when I used to come over and watch Chris Smith pitch. He was like a brother to me. He lived with me for two years when he was having problems at home. I pitched my first game in 1994 for picayune.
3. How much have you learn about the game since you started pitching?
Answer
I have learned a tremendous amount in the last five years with Anthony's. I credit that to Bob McCormick and Richie Nottis. Bob taught me how to throw a curve. Which I really seen improve in the last two years.
4. Rumors around the batting cage. Is that you are "Thin Skinned" If
the other team gets on you. You'll get hot and this will throw your
game right out of the window?
Answer
Well, I think I have really improved with my temper. With age I see a big change. Just this last year I thought was my best as far as blocking everyone out accept for Billy Wilcox.
5. What is up with Anthony's this year?
Answer
. My team is going to be good for a long time. The core group of guys are still in there twenties. Woody, Markley, Greg, Gil, Ryan...........The old guys are Me, Rich, Bob, Wilcox, Ray. Chris is 29 so he is not old yet...hehehehe. With this group of guys anything less than a championship is considered by us a bad season.
6. If Rich Nottis Sr. returns this season, that would give Anthony's
three pitchers. Are you going to be happy maybe not pitching as much
as last season. When your pitching was a big part of the Championship?
Answer
This year I welcome Richie back with open arms. I got a child on the way in April and I will not be making all the games. But as far as having three pitchers and me being on the bench, I would be lying if I said I would be happy sitting because I always want to pitch.
7. How much longer do you plan on playing?
Answer
I plan on playing like 5 more years if my arm holds up. After games my back and shoulder truly hurt. I can't pitch back to back nights like I used to, that is for sure.
8. You and your wife soon will have your first baby. Are you excited?
and are you ready to get up at night and change a diaper?
Answer
I am very excited about my wife having our first child in April. But I hear the tough stories from Chris Lemma. I don't look forward to the early mornings and the diaper changes. hehehehe
9. What are Anthony's #2 chances of repeating as league champions in 2003?
Answer
Our chances of repeating are very good. We lost one player and that was Ralphie. He most likely had the best arm on the team, Gil and Ryan both have exceptional arms as well. We picked up a good utility in Keith Stratton.
10. What will be the facters needed if your team is to to repeat?
Answer
. The main factors needed for us to repeat is health. If everyone stays healthy we should have a great chance. We are very strong up the middle of the field with Gil, Chris, Woody and Markley. Markley's fielding is overlooked but he covers plenty of ground out there, it makes up for his average arm.
11. What player in the league is the hardest for you to get out?
Answer
My toughest out the past year were Cloud, Tobler Regan’s and Joe Ristine Preliminary. Joe caught me for a year and he knows me well, he hits like 700 against me.
12. If Anthony's don't will the Championship this season. What team do you think will?
Answer
. I think Regans will win it if we don't. They have good pitching and hitting. There defense needs improvement but there pitching is key. Prelim also has a shot. They have a quality team and we have a terrible history against Berrilla , Prelims pitcher.
13. If you could add one new rule to the league for the coming season.
What would it be?
Answer
I would have to say a shorter season.
14. You have been a part of two championships in 2000 and again in
2002. There are a lot of players never play in a championship game.
What does it mean to you to be a pitcher on the Championship Team?
Answer
It is a great feeling pitching in the championship. I pitched in the last 4 championships. Losing 2 and winning 2. So I have the experience. The only thing I was disappointed in last years championship was that I was not on the mound for the last out in the championship. I started the game. I thought I pitched well. I pitched 6 innings. I thought in the 6 inning I didn't have my best stuff and I didn't want to serve up balls to regans, so I took myself out. Bob came in and closed the door and we won 5-4.
Alicea Playoff History
We do not have any records from the Championship playoff for 2000
Alicea was the pitcher that took Anthony’s II to their first ever Championship.
ANTHONY'S #2 VS. REGAN'S TUESDAY AUGUST 7, 2001 8:15PM
Anthony's #2 came back just like a good team should. With bats on fire they came to play. John Wood had a big night with his bat a home run and triple and his arm. Marc Alicea had the essential pitches when he needed them and had Regan's poping up on to many at bats. Anthony's 12 Regan's 8.
1.
PRELIMINARY VS. ANTHONY'S #2 Tuesday August 14, 2001 ~ 7:30pm
In game one it was Preliminary's pitching that carried them all night to a win. But in game two it was what got them in trouble in the very first inning. Preliminary's Starting pitcher Vince Menello walked the first three Anthony's batters then third baseman Neil Spence hit a ball off of the left field fence that cleared the bases. It was in the bottom of the fourth inning with Anthony's leading four to three when Bobby Markley hit a home run to make the score five to three. Anthony's pitcher Marc Alicea did everything right the rest of the game to get Anthony's a 6 to 3 win.
MONDAY August 12, 2002 ~ 8:15pm ~ STARBOARD SIDE VS. ANTHONY'S #2
Anthony's pitcher Marc Alicea must have wondered what was happening in the first inning. See Starboard Side was exploding hits and runs all over the place. It may just have been the teams best inning ever in the playoffs against a team like Anthony's #2 and when it was all over the score was 8 to 0. Alicea went to the bench got his head into the game and when he came out here was a different person. Anthony’s did come back in this game and won 12 to 8. Alicea did not give up another run in the last six innings allowing just two hits.
Regan's Vs. Anthony's #2 ~ Tuesday August 20, 2002 ~ 7:00pm Wood hits another home run making the score Anthony's 4 to 0. Besides the score Anthony's is getting the pitching on this night by Marc Alicea he is breezing along with just a one hitter after four innings. But in the fifth Regan's starts making their move.
In the bottom of the sixth inning score 4 to 4 Anthony's Greg Cunningham hits a very big home run putting Anthony's only briefly ahead in the game as Regan's quickly tied the game again in their top of the seventh and holds Anthony's in the bottom of the inning to send the game into the eighth inning. Alicea holds Regan's off the board in the eighth and go into the bottom of the inning, Second baseman Chris Nottis leading off hits a ball that clears the high fence in left field. Giving Anthony's a 6 to 5 win and a 2 to 1 lead in the best of five series.
Pitching ~ Anthony's ~ Alicea IP 8 ~ Hits ~ 12 ~ 5 Runs ~ 2 WK ~ KO ~0 ~ 1 & 1 In the Series
Alicea Gets The Win In The Championship Game 2002
The 5th, and final game of the 2002 Championship Vs. Regans
In this game Marc asked to be removed from the game after pitching 6 ½ innings his arm just could not go any further.
Anthony’s won in the ninth inning 5 to 4.
**************************************************************
I just wanted to add that Billy Wilcox is a fair man and is doing an excellent job. Also Jack you are doing a fine job with all the work you do for the league. Thanks for the interview.
Thank You Marc for taking the time to do this interview. Best wishes to you and your wife with the new baby. And good luck to you this season……
************************************************************************
Pete Boyer ~ Interview -
April 19, 2004
WOULD THIS CONTROVERSIAL COACH RETURN SOMEDAY TO COACH ANOTHER TEAM?
By Jack Moore
Question
1. How many years have you coached in this league?
Answer
I started about eight years ago 1994/95 with Shane’s Pub.
Question
2. Why did you leave the team this season? was there any internal problems with the players that you know of?
Answer
No real internal problems. Their all real good guys. I still go out and drink with them. No I just started to get tired. It started to be a drag with guys not showing up, biggest reason was when Tony’s #2 left. You hate them when your on the field. But after the game you go back to the bar and have a beer with them their all good guys.
Question
3. When you came to the second meeting this winter did you know you where not coming back?
Answer
The thought was in the back of my head. I still did not know who was coming back and who was not? Before your next meeting I heard Davis, Zack , Chrisie and Steve Brown was for different reasons. It would be later in the season before they could play or were not going to play at all this year. I talked to Brian Gilbert we decided instead of not having players go back to the bar and leave the sponsor down. We would cash it in. After that I started to hear that there were guys that said no no we want to play. So I turned it over to Borrelli.
Question
4. What are some of the best things that happened to you in this league over the years?
Answer
That would be The Championship over Anthony’s #II and the way we won it! We came out all year long and played our assess off. Another was the championship verses the Crazy Leprechaun even though we did lose the championship on my birthday. Both teams respected each other. There was no hard feelings, no animosity. We went out and played our asses off and we got beat. They deserved it. We had a real good time back at the Lep’s bar when the owner Frankie Davis closed up and let everybody party.
Question
5. What are some of the worst things that happened to you over the years?
Answer
After the year we had lost the Championship to the Lep’s. The other guy that had the franchise wanted it back in his name. At the meeting there was a vote and we lost. This was the night I gained so much respect for Jo Jo (Joey Zysk) I was ready to walk out of the door and say the hell with it when he grabbed me by the arm and asked what happened? I told him we lost the vote and were out. He went in there and said you guys are asses for letting this team go that has just played for the championship. I always liked Joey but after that night I had all of the respect in the world for him.
Question
6. You were the reason for so many new rules and rules being changed in this league over the years. At least you got the blamed for most of this. Mainly the bats.
Answer
My personality is to be abrasive and antagonist I like that. A lot of the rule changes I tried I thought would benefit the league? And it seems some of them to foliation. But after teams dropped out. THE BATS - Jack Guilty as Charged I’ll admit it now its all water over the dame guilty as charged. I got five free bats from De Marinis and there was no way I was leaving them go. It had to be A.J. hitting a home run that Jo Jo questioned ha, ha, ha, Guilty as charged.
Question
7. In the last four years as a coach you have one of the best records in this league. from 2000 to 2003 your team won 69 season games that is a average of 17 win a season. while losing just 28 and you have a 9 and 5 record in the playoffs this is as good as any team in the league.
Answer
It the guys that we put on the field they weren’t guys we swiped from other teams. Like some other team shave a propensity to do. We went out we found guys here the coach names five or six players ( don’t want to misspell any names) This is why we were there every year.
Question
9. If you were to back into this league would you coach any other team but your old team?
Answer
I’m still going to make games when I can. I basically turned over the regains to John Borrelli because he wanted it. I hope they do have a great season I really do. They are all of my friends, we have had a great seven or eight years together.
Q What sports did you play as a kid?
A.I played one year of organized baseball when I was 12 years old. Other than that I would just play things in the neighborhood like hockey, stickball, football, etc.
Q How old were you when you started playing softball?.
A. I was 20 when I started to play Arc softball. I was 22 when I played my first modified game.
Q How many years have you been playing softball?
A. I have been playing Arc softball for 8 years and modified for 6 years.
Q Where did you go to school? and did you play baseball?
A. I went to George Washington High School from 90 – 94 and played football and baseball. I then when to LaSalle University (after a quick pit stop AT CCP) on a baseball scholarship as a pitcher.
Q You seem like a set back quiet kind of guy. Is that the way you have always been? or do you keep everything inside?
A. I am not real quiet I just don’t scream and yell. I like to just play the best I can and let my ability do the talking for me. I try to get my teammates pumped up sometimes, but I rather just watch the game and try to find ways to improve.
Q Not many people have had the chance to see much of you this season because your team played a lot of late games. But the last ten days in the play offs you have been the talk of Fishtown. And you have been compared with some of the best home run hitters that have ever played in this league with the likes of Donald Dougherty, Werner Brand and Tommy Slevenski after just one season. What do you think about all of this?
A. I am flattered by the comparisons to these great players, however lets not get carried away. I did play well in the playoffs, but there is something to be said of consistent play. I am sure that these players you mentioned year in and year out preformed to high levels. If I am to be compared to them I must do the same thing year in and year out. I think it is a bit unfair to put me in that category with just one year under my belt.
Q. This is your first year in our league. You have played in other leagues. How do you compare this league with others?
A. I really like playing in Fishtown. The people are very friendly to me and have made me feel at home. There is something to be said about this neighborhood league. The excitement and bragging rights are a great incentive to play hard with determination and tenacity. I think that the league has many great players, and a lot of new up incoming talent. This league can flourish if there would be some people to teach these young players the fundamentals of the game. There is a great core of ballplayers, and the energy and excitement are definitely in place at hetzels. I know that the modified softball is struggling nowadays, just ask the teams up at Pollack where I have been playing for the last 5 years, but that doesn’t mean it has to die. There are some great experienced players down here that could really teach some of these guys some things. If you get the right combination of player and coach I think the league will become even better.
Q You were just named M.V.P. of the 2004 playoff this is an outstanding award to win not many players have ever won this kind of award. What did this mean to you? and is this your first M.V.P.?
A. I am very grateful to all those who felt I deserved this award. I could not have done it with out my teammates. I can’ t really take any credit for this award. It is my first MVP in any sport I have played. I have received all public distinctions in football and baseball but never an MVP.
Q Over all you must be very happy playing on the Championship team in your first season here in Fishtown?
A. I am thrilled that I could be a part of this championship team. I really enjoyed my time this year. We have a good chemistry on this team.
Q Are we going to have the opportunity of watching you play here for a few years.( If the league continues?)
A. Without question I will be playing down here.
I really hope that people who care about this special league take an active part in making it better. It is easy to criticize the players, teams, and the league for not being as good as years past, but it is a special person who will take it upon himself and be an active part of the rebuilding process. It may not happen overnight, but it can happen without question. I like this league and hope to play for a long time down here.
Thank you Jack
THIS COMMISSIONER
KNOWS HE GAVE 110%
An Interview with Bill Wilcox
By Jack Moore
March 21, 2005
1. Bill did you play any sports in school?
A.
Yes I played baseball and football two years at Mastbaum high school
2. You did start getting contacted with the Fishtown Mens Softball League at the age of 15. Tell us a little about what were you doing back then?
A.
As a kid I would go over to Hetzells every night back then it was a big thing to go and watch the games. There was not even a fence down the first base line. At that time it was also a big thing to be a “Bat Boy” so that is how I got started in the league. There must have been 20 teams in the league at that time. My first team was the Damm Yankees as a fill in player not a starter. The second year I was setting on Newt’s wall and Tommy Thomson came over to me and asked me if I was playing for anybody? I said no at that point he asked Bobby Dunbar who was coaching a team and that was how I got to know Don Dougherty Bobby Mc Gee Eddie Emberger and Tommy Slevenski. I started on that team when I was about 16 or 17 years old. I had another year of high school left when I started playing with them guys.
3. Dave Rotan died in 1996 Jack Moore took over the league for the remainder of 96 season. Then out of a clear blue sky he asked you if you would consider taking over the league? This was a very big task. And something you had never even thought of doing. This must have been a real shocker when he said take a few days and think about it.. Where would you start and how do you run a softball league? What were you thinking about when he asked you?
A.
I remember I was at a meeting right after Dave died and you were telling everyone that you could not handle running the league by yourself and I thought that someone being in the league a lot longer then me was going to step up and come forward. You then said if you could not get any help the league was going to fold. Being in the league since I was 16 years old and did not want it to go under. I stood up and said “I will do it” What was running in my mind at the time. Not to much because I did not know what it consisted of. My first year I was a little timid because I left people,.. lets not say walk all over me. But I left people get away more then I know. Then when I realized that if I was going to run this league right I had to hurt some feelings along the way.
I did not want to do that but being the commissioner you can’t make everybody happy if your going to run the league the right way. At the time you asked me I did not know all of the details but I learned each day as I went on.
4. If you did take over the league would you have to give up playing? Something you really wanted to continue doing.. And what would the other teams think of you playing in the league and making the decisions that might involve their teams?
A.
OK well this is one thing I can really be proud of myself. Because I have probably suspended more of my own team then I suspended anybody in the league. As far as me showing favoritism I know in my heart I have never done that. I know I have been accused of it people say I have gotten favoritism from the umpires and that is not true. But I know for a fact that I have ran it without cheating without ever going to a umpire and saying anything to him.
I have treated everyone a like. I have never let anyone get away with anything. I have talked to them after each incident. Then do what I know I have to do as a player and a commissioner.
When I first took over the job like I said I did not want to stop playing because that is how much I love playing in the Hetzell league and I know in my heart I could be a good commissioner and be a player at the same time.
5. What was it like... That first year as commissioner taking on all of the work and responsibilities?
A.
Well it really did not bother me because I loved playing the game. And I loved doing it for the players. It was not just for me but for a lot of other people that loved softball. For the guys like Donald Dougherty, Bobby Mc Gee, Eddie Emberger, and Tommy Slevenski these players I will never forget.
6. Over the last ten seasons you had to make some very tough decisions when the rules of the league were broken. Many have been suspending players and umpires for many different infractions. This must have been the hardest thing you ever had to do in you life? Telling a player, coach or umpire that he had been suspended.
A.
Yes sure it was always very hard to suspend a guy because you think that guy is your friend. And in the heat of a moment in a game people say things that they don’t really mean. You know in your heart at that moment people do things and say things that they should not say. But then you have to do your job they can’t keep doing it and if not handled the right way things will just get worse.
I was suspended myself by Dave Rotan one or two times. You just can’t leave anyone abuse the league or a umpire weather right or wrong he is human and is there to work a game then go home to his family calling him names and all of that stuff is wrong.
7. The loss of your Dad. in 2000. Worrying about your Mom and the family . That had to be really tough on you? But there was still the league and the field and the umpires and everything still had to go on. How did you work all of these things out? In such a dreadful time of your life?
A.
Well you know you have to keep going on. The loss of my Dad was a tragedy to me because of the way it happened, you know he was not supposed to go at that time but God took him. My Mom took it very badly I had to make sure that I was always there for her. I had to work every day then I would go over and do the field. Then I would go check on my Mom if I had a game that night I would play then call her again to see if everything was OK?
It has been five years now since my Dad passed and my Mom is doing really good.
8. You have given your all for ten seasons and there are people that think you have made the league better and done a great job as with the leagues commissioner. Now you have said that this the 50th season will be your last season running the league. Do you really mean it? Or is there a chance you may change your mind?
A.
1. That is a good question again. You know what I said it because times have changed a lot. And some things have been said I can’t handle I feel people don’t appreciate what you do today. Maybe. there is a possibility that I could again You don’t know what is going to happen this year. Right now in my heart I am saying that this is it.
I do not regret anything I have done in the last ten years.. I know that have given 110% There were times I did not even get to see my kids ball games because I had to clean the field at Hetzells. There is a lot of things that people don’t know. And there are people that really don’t care or appreciate it.
I do it because if there are 500 people in the league 480 of them do care. Most of them come up to me and say you did a great job on the field tonight. That means a lot to me at least they appreciate it. I am probably the only commissioner ever to run a league and not make a dime . My reason is because I love Hetzells, the players and I love being a part of the league.
2. How hard is it going to be on you just to walk away?
A. Very hard I love softball so much I have been playing since I was with the 26th Pal. I love being around these guys and the partying. It is really going to hurt.
3. What is your life going to be like without softball in it?
A.
I really don’t have a answer for that. The first year I will think about it all of the time.
But when I was younger if I missed a game it would eat me away. Now if I miss a game it don’t bother me as much as 20 years ago. But I would say it is going to be really tough.
4. Will you still play? Or is this it?
A.
No if I leave the Commissioner I will leave the game.
Note:
Before Bill took over the league he asked me if I would stay with him? I promised him that I would be with him as long as he needed me . If he would take over the commissioners title.
Personally I have worked with Bill the entire ten years of his running the league and I feel that he has been as fair as any man could have been dishing out the suspensions. And his love for this league has been the driving force of excellence in making the league the best there was in the City.
There have been a lot of commissioners over 49 years that have worked to make this league the best anywhere. But this one has gone the extra mile in everything he has done over his ten years and made it number one. I don’t think no one has ever done it better......................
Thanks Bill for a truly fabulous job. It had been my pleasure being with you these ten seasons.
Jack Moore
No one knows just how thankless of a job this really is. Running a neighborhood softball league and having to put up with all of the shit that any body feels like throwing at you. How many nights you go home and think why do I do this?
"Remembering The Best" ~~~ June 4, 2005
An interview with Donald Dougherty
By Jack Moore
Question
There has been a lot of stories about you hitting a ball over the school roof and the ball was found in the school yard?
Answer
It must have been that last lucky bounce and a gust of wind.
Question
Who was the best player you have ever played with?
Answer
This is a hard question to answer, since I have played with so many players, but if I have to choose one it would have to be my brother Richie, he did it all.
Question
Do you remember one season that stood out above all of the rest? One you would call your best?
Answer
I would say it was back in the mid-eighties, playing for Kelly’s Happy Tap. We were playing Anthonys who at that time had one of the best pitchers in the league, Jimmy Strunk. We had the bases loaded and I had a 3-0 count and Jimmy thru his best pitch down the middle to me, I timed that pitch must right and hit it over the fence for a grandslam, as I was going around the bases Jimmy yelled over to me saying you were not to swing at that pitch, I replied I know and just chuckeled a bit.
Question
You had a lot to do with the Fishtown Mens Softball League being so well known all over the City back in the 1970's/80's Everybody knew who you were.
Answer
I don’t feel it was just me, there were a lot of good players back then, I feel I was just a little part of it.
Question
How many times were you asked to play in other leagues for other teams? And did they offer you anything like jobs, or money to do this?
Answer
Many times but I just played with two other teams, I played with one team in the Lawncrest league and I played with Richmond at Cohox with whom I may say we went to the World Championships in Baltimore.
Question
What does it mean to you today to know that kids that never seen you play a game know your name?
Answer
I feel it’s a privilege and an honor to have others know about me.
Question
Did you ever get tossed from a game by a umpire?
Answer
Did I ever, a few times and one at a time it was during the playoffs, and may god rest his soul it was Dave Rotan.
Question
How old were you when you first started playing softball?
Answer
Started playing when I was 20 years old
Question
How many years in all did you play?
Answer
Close to 30 years
Question
How many teams did you play for?
Answer
Counting the Night league, Saturday league, Sunday league, I would have to say around ten
Question
How many Championship teams were you on?
Answer
There were 5 teams that had won championships
Question
When did you retire?
Answer
1993
Question
In 1996 You were inducted along with Bobby Mc Gee into the leagues hall of fame. Do you remember your feelings on that night?
Answer
Yes I do, it was an honor to have been given this award on the same night along with one of the best pitchers in the league Bobby, but lets not forget that Bobby was not just a pitcher he also played shortstop. I had a few shivers in my body when they announced my name, and at that timed I had a few flashbacks remembering the years I played. I felt like I had been standing in a room with the greats like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Ty Cobb, Ha Ha.
Question
You played football, basketball, baseball, and softball and were very good at all of them. Was softball you favorite?
Answer
My first love was baseball, had played it since I was 12 yrs old until I was 18, after that I had not played baseball or softball until I was 20, That is when I started playing softball full time, so I guess you would have to say yes softball was my favorite.
Question
You had two Son’s Kevin and Donald that played in the league a few seasons. Do you think it was hard on them trying to live up to your reputation?
Answer
When my sons first started playing softball I talked to them and told them be yourself and no one else, I told them that if they don’t do any of the things that I did not to worry about them because others will tell you that you cant be your father and that was true, just be yourself and have fun doing it, Set your own goals and be proud of what you do.
Question
What do you think of the game today? What is the big difference from your time?
Answer
It is slowly dying all around the city, since I retired I checked out a few of the games and what a disappointment it was, the playground was empty and look like a ghost town. Only a few teams in the league. Back in my time you had to turn away teams because we had to many with over 20 teams in two different divisions. The games were always packed because you never knew who was going to win that night because it didn’t matter if you were the best team or the worse you were always treated to a good game,
Question
Baseball and softball is a dying sport all over the City the kids don’t even have the interest to play anymore .Back in your day the players would get to the field maybe a hour early to get some BP and field a little before the game. Not anymore some players show up just five minutes before game time. What do you think is the reason for this big change?
Answer
First of all I would have to say that its dying because in to days world there is to much stuff out on the streets to do, I also think many of them don’t have any interest in playing softball, rather just drink, smoke a lil and do a line here and there. Also have to think most of them have kids of there own to take care of and have to work all the hours they can and just don’t have the time to play, but I really think it’s the change in the world today.
Question
Finally What are your feelings
about playing in this league?
Answer
Well Jack, as far as what the leauge meant to me was that i couldnt have played at a better time in my life, I have met so many players thru the years and make a lot of new friends along the way thanks to the leauge, so many rivials have made this leauge the best in the city no matter who you played against.Every night you could go to the games and see more than you barganed for, not crying for at least a half inning {ha ha}. Players respected one another.Five nights a week people came over the watch the games no matter what kind of team was fielded, good or bad made no difference because by the time each game was over the crowds went home knowing that they saw a good game. Rarely did you ever see a blow out. As far as the teams go that were in the leauge they were competitive each and every night, we had around 12 teams in the leauge every year we played, and had two divisions makin sure they were equal.Rivals became apparent after that, of course you had some teams hating others but that made for a good game.As far as the fans went they were great, they always respected the players on and off the field, they seemed to care about the leauge always takin care in keepin their knowledge in who was playin and and the players they went over to watch. At times as a player sittin in the players area you had to stand because a lot of the fans would come over early to watch the games and they wanted to be close to teams they were rooting for. THey would always coment on how well the game was goin and building your moral as the game went on.Friday nights were the best as the fans packed the playground, it seemed like a concert was being held. They were the greatest fans you could play for and i always had respect for them.I was told the there may be no leauge any more and that this might be the last year for the leauge, what a shame if that happens because i think that the area will be dead. Sometimes when i drive by the playground and theres no game being played i stop and gaze and think wow what it was like, I really cant describe what the leauge was like over the past few years i can only reflect on what others have told me. People always sayin that they wish we were all still playing so that they can enjoy themselves each and every night.I hear there are only six teams in the leauge and that they dont play every night like in the old days. I really dont have a true coment on the leauge today. In closing i want to thank you Jack for giving me the chance to play when i was growin up in the area, best times of my life.I would also like to say thanks to all the umpires who had to put up with us every game we played, I know i had my run ins with most of them, Tommy., Mr Shank, Bobby Krause, Yourself and others whom i may forget, aslo thanks to Billy Wilcox for keepin the leauge goin for the past few years, he did a hell of a job,I have the most respect for each and every one of you and i also want to say thanks for letting me tell you on how i feel about this. Thanks so much, Donald Dougherty. THats about it Jack and if you need anything else dont hesitate to ask.
Commentary:
For those that played with him or just watched him say this was a very special ball player and there may not be another like him in our life time. He not only could hit the long ball better then anyone else but did it year in and year out. Every year he would hit more home runs then any player in the league. But he also did everything else a great player did. He would run the bases like a deer and take that extra base challenging the outfielded to try and threw him out. And when he was in the field he had a gun for and arm and most players in the league knew of it and never took that challenge with him. Yes for sure over the leagues many seasons there have been a lot of truly powerful ball players that hit the ball over the high fence and also onto the school roof but none with the regularity of this player. But even most of these players that have seen him play have agreed Donald Dougherty stands alone.
DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN WE HAD THE
BEST SOFTBALL SCHEDULES IN THE U.S.A.?
Click on the graphic above
Click sign for the playoffs page.
2003 PLAYOFFS
THE 2004 PLAYOFFS
CLICK HERE TO READ
2001 Banquet
The Last Awards Banquet 2002
Our Award Nights Started September 1993 to September 2001
The Vote to End The Awards Night was 5 to 4
Taken at The Winter Meeting On Janurary 21, 2002
The Bill Glassman Family at the League's Hall of Fame Induction ceremony
New Hall of Fame inductee, Joe Wyatt with family and friends.
Preliminary Bar
The 2001 Rotan League Champions
(left to right) Greg Cunningham of Anthony's II and Coach Pete Boyer
of Preliminary Bar receive the League Championship and Runnerup Awards
John Borrelli of Preliminary Bar, receives his Playoff MVP Award
from Commissioner Bill Wilcox.
The individual team MVPs for the 2001 season.
Bill Glassman Jr presents the first ever Bill Glassman Sr
Good Guy Award to Bill Carter
VOTE FOR A NEW LEAGUE LOGO
RAN FROM JUNE TO AUGUST 8, 2001
League Logos
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
Celebrating Our 50th Anniversary
We Hope??
1956-2005
HETZELLS FIELD SCHEDULED TO BE
SHUT DOWN BEFORE THIS SEASON ENDS?
May 2, 2002
Even thou the environmentel people gave the city a clean bill for Hetzells field a few weeks ago. There are some that have kept the pressure on the City to close the field down. So there was a meeting on April 3, 2002 to make a decision at one point the field was to be shut down on Thursday April 4, 2002. But after some pleaing that closing the field would push almost 400 Fishtown A.C. Children along with the Rotan softball league and also the Penn Treaty School uses the field with no where to play.
So at this point the Department of Recreation said that they would shut the field down on August 1, 2002. This date is still up in the air because of the Freddy Adams Tournament that is always played the second week of August.
Why should the field be shut down? If the field is safe? This will push almost all of the children that play soccer for the Fishtown A.C. off the field out to find another place to play and where could be?
Fishtown is a neighborhood that is in need of another playground so bad. It's always over looked all of the time. The children have no where to go to play, so they hang on the corners and get into trouble. It's time for the City to realize that there is a place called FISHTOWN and it's in the City Of Philadelphia and it's time for some of the money to go into a new place where Children can play.
LATEST UP DATE: We talked to Tom Fox of the Department of Recreation. He said that the plan is to aerate and seed the field next week. With a little rain to help the grass grow. They will be able to hold off until med August. Then the City would shut the field down. And Turn all of the field over then seed or lay grass. The field may be closed down for about six weeks? We will keep you up to date any time we get more.
WOULD YOUR TEAM LIKE TO PLAY AT GREATERFORD PRISON?
April 20, 2002
To The Dave Rotan Sr. Softball League:
I’m writing on behalf of the Graterford Branch NAACP who are an organization that connect with various communities through inter-active programs such as basketball games, softball games, volleyball games, R&B and Rap Shows, job seminars and motivational speakers.
We are in the process of looking for outside teams who are interested in coming to the Graterford Prison to play against the Graterford NAACP team. We would provide transportation if needed, official referees and trophies.
The individuals must be 18 years of age or older, must not have felony convictions and must complete a security clean check form. This form should be mailed to the attention of Mr. Bob Kowalcyk, Activities Dept., P.O. Box 246, Graterford, PA 19426. All forms must be completed and submitted 3 weeks prior to the date of a game.
They would prefer for Sunday (around noon) games if possible and they have all Sundays available at the moment.
If you have any teams who may be interested they can contact myself Maria Rios who is the outside liaison for this organization at 215-235-3489 or 267-251-3247 with questions and/or available dates. I can also be contacted in writing at P.O. Box 22359, Philadelphia, PA 19110-2359. I, in turn will contact Graterford NAACP to set up the dates for the game.
We look forward to hearing from you soon and thank you in advance for your participation.
Sincerely,
Maria Rios
Graterford Branch NAACP Liaison
I HAVE TAKEN TEAMS TO GREATERFORD MANY TIMES
It is quite a experience. If you have any questions I can help you with e-mail me or call me. I would be glad to help you. I will tell you this, its a day you will long remember and you'll play a very good team.
Jack Moore
E-MAIL
FRIDAY - JUNE 7, 2002~~ 7:00pm ~ ANTHONY'S #2 VS. PRELIMINARY
Here two of the top three teams in the league meet. Preliminary comes into the game one game down to Anthony's #2 in the loss column in the first two games the teams have split. With both teams winning their game by just one run.
Well this game starts out with Anthony's scoring four runs in the top of the first inning. But it did not take very long for Preliminary to tie the game for they score four runs in the bottom of the first inning.
In the third inning Preliminary scored a run to give them the lead 5 to 4. Going into the bottom of the sixth inning the score is tied at seven. Preliminary has the bases loaded a ball is chopped to third baseman Neil Spence he steps on the base then comes home but throws the ball high over catcher Bill Wilcox head. The runner goes back to third base. Now there is two runners at second base the ball is tossed to second so the runner at third comes home. After all is said and done Preliminary has a one run lead but their shortstop is tossed out of the game. This means that there is no one else to come into the game but coach Pete Boyer.
With runners at first and third and one out. Anthony's holds a meeting at the pitchers mound it is decided to walk the batter at the plate and load the bases to get to the coach that has bad knees and hope for a double play. Well everything is set the pitch is made the coach hits a dribbler down the third base line no more then ten feet in all. By the time the catcher picks up the ball the runner scores from third and on first base with a hit and r.b.i and a .1000 batting average stands coach Boyer. Preliminary scores another run in the inning. Anthony's scores a run in the seventh. Final Score Preliminary 10 to 8 UP-DATE THIS GAME WAS CALLED A FORFEIT ON SATURDAY 6/8/2002 FINAL SCORE ANTHONY'S #2 7 TO 0
BOMBSHELL HITS LEAGUE WHEN PRELIMINARY BAR IS GIVEN FORFEIT
It was Saturday June 8, about 4:30pm when it all started. An E-Mail was sent to Jack Moore from a person named (Name Removed By Request) this is what it said ~"How can Pete bat when his name is not on the roster?"
And sure enough Pete's name was not on the 22 man roster like all other team rosters. Every other coaches name is on their 22 man players roster.
So a copy of the e-mail was sent to the commissioner Bill Wilcox and Coach Pete Boyer. After the Commissioner had checked the Preliminary Bar roster and found that the Coaches name was not on the roster. He called the coach and informed him that his team was assessed with a forfeit that was covered under Rule #10 FORFEITS Sec. #4 Any team using a ineligible player (any person that's name is not on the teams 22 man roster) Will forfeit any and all games that the team had won with that player in the line up.
When the Coach was told of the forfeit he said "If the league gives us this forfeit I will pull my team out of the league" The commissioners statement to that was "Pete you have to do what you have to do" It was just one year ago that the same thing was imposed on the Starboard Side team for using a player not on the roster.
So Preliminary's Friday night win over Anthony's #2 will become a loss. And the standings will change and the league will go on. We hope with Preliminary but only time will tell..........
Dave Rotan Sr. Softball League
June 14, 2002 Season
An Umpire takes the brunt of attract for doing wrong. When he did everything right but a little late. Read what happened when umpire Tom Mc Clain called last nights game
HIS LOVE FOR THE GAME GOT HIM IN HOT WATER
COMMENTARY BY JACK MOORE
It was raining, but it had been raining off and on all night. The field was wet and starting to get slippery BUT because these teams were cooperating so much rushing on and off of the feild to get this game in and not even taking warm-ups between innings. Umpire Tom Mc Clain let his heart do the talking and not his head.
This game could have, And maybe should have been called after the fifth inning ended. "But these kids were so excited, they kept asking me ump your going to try and get this game in? After the end of the fifth inning the base umpire came in and said to me "How much longer are you going to let this go?
As the bottom of the sixth inning started "I told Starboard Side catcher Joey Malak "This is it one way or the other (meaning I would give the teams one more inning) Fishtown scores three runs making the score 5 to 4. If your a umpire you know what is coming if you call the game. But the field is BAD and if one of the players gets hurt it was because the umpire did not call the game.
Tom and I go back almost 50 years as a matter of fact I started umpiring five years before Tom started. Even back in his first years as a umpire. You knew this guy was going to be a good one. And time proved this true Tom Mc Clain is considered in these parts as one of the best umpires anywhere and when it comes to a championship school game in any sport He is the first one called to do that game. His honesty and integrity is always above reproach
So after the man has given his all and has given both teams a great called game. He is called every name in the book? It's a disgrace to degrade him and call him ever mf'er possible. Here is a man that don't need to be doing the Rotan league. But his love for Fishtown and the game keeps bringing him back for one more year.
POPULAR LEAGUE RULE STILL MISSUNDERSTOOD BY SOME
6/23/2002
The "Bench Runner Rule"
Has been a part of the Rotan league for nine seasons and it is still often questioned. Like in a game played June 12th, 2002 with Starboard Side and Preliminary. We will not use any names but one Starboard Side's Coach Bob Mulvenna that used this rule to the ultimate.
Let's say it's the fourth inning
Bob takes player #1 out of the game to pinch hit for him. Player#2 batting for player #1 gets a hit. Now the Coach puts player#1 back into the game as the bench runner at first base. Player #3 hits a double and drives in player #1. Now the Coach can use the Re-Entree rule to put Player #1 back into the game. NOTE player #1 must go back into the game in the same spot (batting order) he was at the start of the game.
Rule #7 BENCH RUNNER
One time in each game a team can use a BENCH RUNNER for anyone , but cannot use any player that is in the game at that time. But can use any player on the bench even if they were in the game earlier, and was taken out. The team will not lose their right to use the re-entree rule for any player that is used as this runner. (Note: this is a Rotan league rule)
12- RE-ENTEE RULE-
Any of the starting players may be substituted for at any time. The starting player may return to the game and replace the player that took his place in the line up. When this happens the substitute player cannot re-enter the game at any time. (But can be used as a bench runner
This is meant to be a fun rule. It can be used just to give any runner on base a rest. But those that know how to use it. Do use it in a very benefical to way to help their team. We hope this will help you understand the bench runner rule a little better so that the next time your at a game and you hear UMP we're going to use the bench runner. You'll know whats going on....
YOUNG BUNCH OF ALL-STARS WILL REPRESENT THE ROTAN LEAGUE IN
NEW YORK
Many of this years All-Star team has never had a chance to play on the leagues All-Star team. Even thou many of them have played in the league for years. But this year they will get a chance to go to New York to play. Then again play in the leagues All-Star game here on Friday Night July 12, 2002. Preliminary told the league that to many of their players had made plans to be away over the 4th. of July weekend and they would not be able to play in the New York game on July 6th. So Anthony's #2 the team that won the league in 2000 will get the chance to play the New York Champs. Most of the Anthony's #2 team will not play in the all-star game in New York so that the other teams players will get more of a chance to play......
Any of these players that can't make the trip will be replaced on this roster.
YOU CAN GO, IF YOUR QUICK
WE HAVE A VERY FEW SEATS OPEN ON THE BUS
TO NEW YORK ON JULY 6TH. THE COST IS $20.00 THAT INCLUDES THE TRIP. AN AFTER THE GAME PARTY AND REFRESHMENTS ON THE BUS ON THE WAY HOME. THIS IS ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS ANYONE WISHING TO GO SEE BILL WILCOX. A.S.A.P.
THE BUS LEAVES AT 8:30AM AND WE WILL NOT WAIT FOR ANYONE.
2002 ALL-STAR ROSTER
- 1B ~ Bill Gorey ~ Anthony's #1
- 1B ~ Frank Graber Sr. United Cab
- 2B ~ Chris Lemma ~ Starboard Side
- 2B ~ John Swift ~ Mandi's Deli
- SS ~ Tom Dixon ~ Starboard Side
- SS ~ Gil Newton Jr. ~ Anthony'S #2
- 3B ~ Butchy Moore ~ United Cab
- 3B ~ Bill Carter ~ Mandi's Deli
- Cat ~ Sean Yost ~ Fishtown
- Cat ~ Dave Rock ~ Regan's
- OF ~ Jason Johnson ~ Anthony's #1
- OF ~ Bob Mulvenna ~ Starboard Side
- OF ~ Tom Mulllen ~ Starboard Side
- OF ~ Bill Todd ~ Mandi's Deli
- OF ~ Dave McGhee ~ Mandi'S Deli
- OF ~ Bill Spross ~ Anthony's #1
- OF ~ Rich Nottis Jr. ~ Fishtown
- OF ~ Rick Harr Jr. ~ Fishtown
- OF ~ Danny Doyle ~ United Cab
- Pit ~ Mike Martin ~ Mandi's Deli
- Pit ~ Jim Mc Kenna ~ Regan's
- Pit ~ Bob Mc Cormick ~ Anthony's #2
NOTE: This team won by the score of 8 to 2
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WHO WERE THE LEAGUE MVPs?"
TRIVIA See Below
These players were named M.V.Ps at the Annual League's Award Nights from 1993 to 2000. All of the stats for each category R.B.Is, Home Runs, The Highest Batting Average were compiled by Bill Gassman Sr.
1993 - Bob McGee - Fishtown
1994 - Jason Holloway - Anthony's
1995 - Joe Zysk - Anthony's
1996 - Bill Anderson - Day's Pub
1997 - Brian Gilbert - Picayune
1998 - Werner Brand - Crazy Leprechaun
1999 - Werner Brand - Crazy Leprechaun
2000 - Rich Nottis, Sr. - Crazy Leprechaun
Compiled from the Star
Week of Wednesday October 25, 2001 Edition
Website Copy #2
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