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Author: Weston Ulbrich

roberto clemente colt park hartford connecticut

Sun. 11/18/18Mon. 04/19/21 by Weston Ulbrich

Roberto Clemente Mural at Hartford’s Colt Park

On November 1, 2018, a new mural commemorating the legendary Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder, Roberto Clemente. was completed at Hartford’s Colt Park. Artist, Corey Payne of West Hartford, painted the mural to resemble Clemente’s 1968 Topps baseball card. The project was sponsored by RiseUP, a community support and wellness organization who partnered with the Friends of Colt Park and their Roberto Clemente Celebration Committee. As an important figure in Puerto Rican history, the community in Hartford has also named the Colt Park’s main softball field after Clemente.

While in Pittsburgh for the entirety of his career, Clemente’s baseball career ranks among the best of all time. He was a 5-tool player who dominated his era. In addition to the Most Valuable Player Award, Clemente received 12 Gold Glove Awards, 4 National League batting titles, 12 All-Star Game selections and 2 World Series Championships,. He also achieved the rare feat of recording 3,000 hits. Perhaps the highlight of his career came in 1971, when he earned the World Series MVP Award for his performance against the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles. Clemente batted .414, hit two home runs, and turned in several standout defensive plays to lead the Pirates to one of the most surprising results in World Series history.

There’s also the record of Roberto Clemente the humanitarian. It is written in cornerstones of schools, hospitals, and other public buildings, inscribed on monuments and statues, struck on coins, imprinted on collectibles and book covers — it is simply his name, Roberto Clemente — evidence of his impact beyond baseball. Clemente became known for his philanthropy and his fierce pride in his Puerto Rican heritage. He had unusual capacity to bear a much larger identity—not just for Puerto Rico but for all of Latin America. It was a responsibility he embraced with dignity and admirable grace. He saw his career in baseball as a way to help Latin Americans, especially underprivileged Puerto Ricans, make their lives better.

“Always, they said Babe Ruth was the best there was. They said you’d really have to be something to be like Babe Ruth. But Babe Ruth was an American player. What we needed was a Puerto Rican player they could say that about, someone to look up to and try to equal.”
– Roberto Clemente

1970 Roberto Clemente With Family — Clemente with his family, 1970.

Clemente’s philanthropy was not calculated to gain public or private recognition. He simply wanted to help people in need. For some, his generosity was financial; with others he freely shared his chiropractic knowledge — learned as a result of his own back injury in 1954; and for many others, particularly children, Clemente’s kindness came as free lessons in the game of baseball. Clemente always cared about children. Despite his busy schedule, he made time to hold baseball clinics for kids, especially for those from low-income families. He dreamed of building a “Sports City” where Puerto Rican youth would have access to baseball facilities, coaching, and teaching. It was another way of working towards a healthier, happier, Puerto Rico.

“Everyone knows I’ve been struggling all my life. I believe that every human being is equal, but one has to fight hard all the time to maintain that equality.”
– Roberto Clemente

1972 Roberto Clemente 3000 Hits — Clemente tips his cap after hitting his 3000th career hit, 1972.

Roberto Clemente Statue Bat — One of three exquisite statues erected outside of PNC Park, Roberto Clemente stands between the Center Field entrance and the Roberto Clemente Bridge.

Along with being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973, Clemente earned the following awards from Major League Baseball:

1960 Player of the Month Award

1961 Gold Glove Award, National League Outfielders

1961 Silver Bat Award (Bud Hillerich Award)

1962 Gold Glove Award, National League Outfielders

1963 Gold Glove Award, National League Outfielders

1964 Gold Glove Award, National League Outfielders

1964 Silver Bat Award (Bud Hillerich Award)

1965 Gold Glove Award, National League Outfielders

1965 Silver Bat Award (Bud Hillerich Award)

1966 Gold Glove Award, National League Outfielders

1966 Most Valuable Player Award

1966 Sporting News Player of the Year Award

1967 Gold Glove Award, National League Outfielders

1967 Player of the Month Award

1967 Silver Bat Award (Bud Hillerich Award)

1968 Gold Glove Award, National League Outfielders

1969 Gold Glove Award, National League Outfielders

1969 Player of the Month Award

1970 Gold Glove Award, National League Outfielders

1971 Gold Glove Award, National League Outfielders

1971 The Babe Ruth Award (World Series MVP)

1971 World Series Most Valuable Player Award

1972 Gold Glove Award, National League Outfielders

2002 Frank Slocum Big B.A.T. Award

2003 Presidential Medal of Freedom

2006 Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award

Source: Beyond Baseball: The Life of Roberto Clemente

2018 Hartford Public Hall of Fame Twilight League

Thu. 11/15/18Wed. 03/31/21 by Weston Ulbrich

GHTBL Alumni Enter Hartford Public Hall of Fame

Among the inductees: Ed Skehan, 100 year old World War II Veteran.

On Sunday, November 4, 2018, a select group of former Hartford Twilight ballplayers were inducted into the Hartford Public High School Hall of Fame. Three of the four inductees are members of the GHTBL Hall of Fame joining three other GHTBL/HPHS Hall of Fame crossovers: MLB-alum Pete Naktenis, Johnny Dione, and Pete Sala.:

Ed Skehan’s Amateur Baseball Career
– 1935 to 1937, Hartford Public High School.
– 1936, Lincoln Dairy, Hartford Twilight League.
– 1936, Prospect Tavern, East Hartford Twilight League.
– 1937 to 1941, St. Lawrence O’Toole, Catholic League.
– 1937, East Hartford Red Sox, East Hartford Twilight League.
– 1938, Pope Park Drug, Keene Senior Twilight League.
– 1941, Conrose All-Stars, East Hartford Twilight League.
– 1942, Finasts, East Hartford Twilight League.
– 1943, Owen’s All-Stars, East Hartford Twilight League.
– 1944, Joe Laing’s Spartans, a Hartford Twilight team turned semi-pro club based in Colt Park.
– 1948 to 1950, Hartford Fire Department.
– 1985, Inducted to GHTBL Hall of Fame (Gold Glove Division).

Edward Skehan (100 years old), class of 1937, was an outfielder on conference championship baseball teams at Hartford Public High School. In a game against LaSalette, Skehan led off with a home run and contributed two hits in the 8 to 4 win over the crosstown team. He would have many other multi-hit games and he played any position where HPHS Hall of Fame Coach Jimmy Woodworth needed him. Skehan became a utility player but would later find his niche at first base.

2018 Ed Skehan 100th Birthday — Ed Skehan turns 100 years old, 2018.

After high school, Skehan attended Hartford State Technical College, graduating in 1939. Skehan played amateur baseball for over 20 years in multiple local leagues. Most notable were the Greater Hartford Twilight League and the East Hartford Twilight League. He was a perennial all-star, a .300 hitter, and an outstanding defensive first baseman.

Life was disrupted with the onset of World War II and soon Skehan was in the U.S. Army. He served from 1943 to 1946 as a Combat Engineer and spent two years in the European Theater. He is a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, a key turning point to facilitating the end of the war in Europe.

In 1946, Skehan became a full-time employee at the City of Hartford Fire Department after working as a part-time firefighter in previous years. He would serve as a Hartford firefighter for 25 years. While in the department he played on their highly competitive baseball and bowling teams.

In 2017, at the age of 99, Ed Skehan was the guest of honor at the GHTBL’s Camp Courant Kids Day at Dunkin’ Donuts Park. The entire Skehan family celebrated their patriarch that day as Ed threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

2017 Ed Skehan First Pitch Dunkin Donuts Park — Ed Skehan throws out first pitch at Camp Courant Kids Day at Dunkin’ Donuts Park, 2017.

Jack Hines
– On the 1958 Robinson Builders team in the GHTBL.
– Played for the Riley Redlegs in the GHTBL from 1959 to 1961.
– 1962 Ames Construction team in the GHTBL.
– Manager of the 1963 Herb’s Sports Shop team in the GHTBL.
– Manager of the Hartford entry into the Connecticut Summer Collegiate Baseball League.
– Manager of the 1965 Royal McBee team in the GHTBL.
– Inducted to GHTBL Hall of Fame in 1988.

Jack Hines, Hartford Public High School class of 1956, played on the varsity baseball and basketball teams. In baseball, he was catcher and team captain. He caught HPHS Hall of Fame pitcher and minor leaguer, Pete Sala. Jack was behind the plate in Sala’s 10 inning 1-0 shutout and win over New Britain and their flamethrower Steve Dalkowski. His leadership helped the Owls to the City championship in 1956. In basketball he was on solid teams that were City Champs his junior and senior years.

1959 Twilight League Winner Jack Hines — Jack Hines, Riley Redlegs accepts Hartford Twilight League trophy, 1959.

Jack played basketball at Central Connecticut State University after high school. He began a long career in the Greater Hartford Twilight League, most notably as a manager. In 1988 he was inducted into the GHTBL Hall of Fame.

Jack was involved in amateur athletics in Bristol for many years. He also currently serves as the President of the Bristol Sports Hall of Fame after serving as executive director and a board member. He authored the Bristol Sports Hall of Fame scholar–athlete ceremony that is named in his honor. In 2017 Jack Hines was inducted into the Bristol Sports Hall of Fame. Jack was also a founding Board member of the Hartford Public High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Jack has received the Bristol Boys & Girls Club Humanitarian award and the Bristol Tramps Chuck McCarthy award in 2008. Jack Hines also received an honorary degree from Tunxis Community College, the first the school ever granted.

2018 Jack Hines HPHS Inductee — Jack Hines of Bristol, Connecticut.

Bill Wishinsky
– Hartford Insurance Group from 1969 to 1974
– Herb’s Sports Shop player-manager from 1975 to 1992.
– Inducted to GHTBL Hall of Fame in 1995.

Bill Wishinsky, class of 1967, was multi sport star, playing baseball and football. In baseball he was one of Hartford Public’s greatest baseball players ever. He was an outstanding pitcher, but also a great hitter on strong teams in the mid 1960’s.

In baseball, he lettered all four years. He was the winning pitcher in 19 games which is believed to be a school record. As a freshman he beat East Hartford 1-0 and struck out 8 batters for his first career win. Highlights of his sophomore year were beating Hall for his 5th win of the season and against Bulkeley, in a 7-2 win, he drove in 5 runs.

His junior year was the winning pitcher in eight games. In a game against East Hartford he was the winning pitcher, had three hits, including a home run. In a win over New London he had 5 hits, 2 of which were triples.

GHTBL Bill Wishinsky HPHS Hall of Fame — Bill Wishinksy

Some highlights of his senior year were five more wins as a pitcher. He pitched 12 shutout innings against Norwich in a 0-0 tie. Bill was the winning pitcher in a 3-1 besting of Bulkeley and had 3 hits and a rbi. In another win over Fitch he collected three hits and drove in five runs. He was the winning pitcher over Bulkeley (4-3) to clinch the city title and tie for the CDC crown. He hit .438 as a senior.

Wishinsky also played football and was a solid fullback and outstanding punter. His punting was key in an 8-6 win over rival Bulkeley in 1965.

Bill Wishinsky served in the military as a Marine. He had a short stint in the minor leagues before returning home and embarking on a long career in the Greater Hartford Twilight League. He was a fixture playing and managing for Herbs Sports Shop. He won the league batting title in 1974. He was inducted in the Twilight League Hall of Fame in 1995.

Bill Wishinsky (born: 1949 – passed away: 2017).

1990 Bill Wishinsky Herbs Sports Shop GHTBL — Hartford Courant article on Bill Wishinsky, 1990.

Jake Fournier

– On the Society for Savings team in the GHTBL from 1991 to 1992
– On the Newman Lincoln-Mercury team in the GHTBL from 1993 to 1996 led by manager, Gene Johnson.
– Player for KGA in the GHTBL from 1999 to 2002 and later player-manager from 2003 to 2004.
– Player-manager of Bill’s Sport Shop in the GHTBL from 2005 to 2007.
– Player-manager of RMR Construction in the GHTBL from 2008 to 2010.
– Played part-time for the Ferguson Waterworks team in the GHTBL from 2012 to 2013.
– Fournier made his final appearance in 2015 in a GHTBL game with the Ulbrich Clippers.

Jake Fournier, class of 1990, was a versatile athlete playing multiple positions and competing in four sports during his time at Hartford Public. He earned at total of seven varsity letters.

In football, as a senior, Fournier played tight end and led the team in receiving and was also the punter, averaging over 40 yards per kick. He also threw an 82-yard option for a TD to tie South Windsor. Fournier was part of the group that helped transition Hartford Public football from the tough years in the 1980’s back to being a state power in the 1990’s. Fournier lettered two years in basketball on strong teams that were city and conference champions in 1990 with an 18-4 record.

In baseball, Fournier earned a varsity letter three times and was team captain twice. He was named All-CCC after his Junior and Senior season. The HPHS baseball team made the state tournament his Sophomore year.

1994 Newman Ousts East Hartford Jake Fournier Grand Slam GHTBL 1 — Jake Fournier hit a grand slam for Newman Lincoln Mercury of the GHTBL, 1994.

Fournier was the valedictorian of his class and was accepted at Yale University. While at Yale he played baseball as a walk on for two years. In his Senior year, he earned the starting catcher spot and had an outstanding season. He hit .301 and led the team in walks as Yale won the Ivy League championship.

After college Fournier explored professional baseball opportunities but decided to move to Portland, Oregon. While there he met his future wife and played in very competitive amateur baseball leagues while on the west coast. He moved home to Connecticut in 1998 and continued his amateur baseball career as a key player for manager and leader in the the GHTBL.

Fournier has coached his son’s team in Mayor Mike’s Little League in Hartford for the past five years. He has also has coached basketball locally in a travel league. Congratulations to Jake and the entire Fournier family!

Jake Fournier GHTBL Hartford Public Hall of Fame 1 — Jake Fournier of Hartford, Connecticut.

Tue. 11/06/18Tue. 02/24/26 by Weston Ulbrich

When Babe Ruth Barnstormed Greater Hartford

A young George Herman “Babe” Ruth visited the Connecticut Greater Hartford regions on multiple occasions. Like many big leaguers of his day, Ruth barnstormed the nation to earn additional pay. When he came to the Constitution State in the fall of 1918, Ruth was a 23 year old starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox.

Ruth had won more games than any left-handed pitcher in the previous four seasons. He compiled a 2.28 earned run average and a .650 winning percentage during that stretch. His phenomenal achievements and large physical traits gave him instant appeal.

1918 Babe Ruth Red Sox Pitching — Ruth warming up, 1918 World Series.

Ruth’s first appearance in Connecticut came after the 1918 World Series, wherein the Boston defeated the Chicago Cubs. A victorious Ruth pitched 29 ⅔ scoreless innings (a mark not broken until Whitey Ford recorded 33 ⅔ innings in 1961).

Attending the World Series was James H. Clarkin, sole proprietor of the Hartford Senators of the Eastern League, who tried to recruit both teams to play an exhibition game in Hartford benefiting American soldiers of World War I. When his offer was declined, Clarkin landed Babe Ruth instead.

1918 Babe Ruth Boston Red Sox World Series scaled — Ruth and Boston Red Sox win 1918 World Series.

When Hartford’s rabid baseball fans received reports of Ruth’s arrival, they were clamoring to see him in action. Days after winning his second World Series, he appeared in several exhibition games throughout the state.

His initial stop was in New Haven at Lighthouse Point Baseball Park. He played first base for the semi-pro New Haven Colonials. Ruth slugged a home run in a 5-1 loss against the Cuban Stars made up of players from the Negro Leagues.

1918 Sep 15 Babe Ruth Arrives For Todays Game 2 — Hartford Courant, September, 15, 1918.

The next evening, on Saturday, September 14, 1918, Ruth departed from New Haven and arrived in Hartford. He attracted large crowds of people hoping to meet the budding superstar. He was driven into the city by Manager Curtis Gillette of the semi-pro Hartford Poli’s baseball club to lavish accommodations at Hotel Bond on Asylum Street. The Hartford Poli’s were known as one of the “fastest” clubs in New England.

The following day Ruth joined the Poli’s on the Hartford’s top-notch diamond at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds. They opposed the Fisk Red Tops of Chicopee, Massachusetts. While pitching and batting third, he recorded two hits including a double off the “Bull Durham” tobacco sign on the center field wall. Then he threw a complete game shutout, allowed four hits and led the Poli’s to a 1-0 victory.

Ruth beat his Red Sox teammate, Dutch Leonard, who guest starred on the mound for the Fisk Red Tops. Another Red Sox counterpart, Sam Agnew, played catcher for the Poli’s and drove in the game’s only run. Ruth and the gang entertained a Hartford crowd of more than 5,000, earning $350 for his appearance.

1918 Babe Ruth World Series Red — Babe Ruth, Boston Red Sox, 1918.

A week later, Ruth appeared at the Wethersfield Avenue Grounds for the Hartford Poli’s in a doubleheader. In the opening game, the Poli’s went head to head with the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft company nine. Five Major Leaguers including Ruth appeared that day. He was the starting pitcher and hit third in the lineup. Even though Ruth threw a quality start, he was outdueled by his Red Sox teammate and Pratt & Whitney guest star, “Bullet” Joe Bush, who won the pitcher’s affair 1-0.

1918 Babe Ruth and Joe Bush Boston Red — Babe Ruth and “Bullet” Joe Bush, Boston Red Sox, 1918.

In the second game of the doubleheader, Ruth and the Poli’s faced an army base nine from Fort Slocum near New Rochelle, New York. Ray Fisher, former Hartford Senator turned New York Yankees ace, mowed down Poli batters and Fort Slocum put down the Poli’s 4-1. Ruth played first base, hit a single and scored Hartford’s lone run. A crowd of about 3,000 people were in attendance for this rare occasion; the only doubleheader featuring Babe Ruth in Hartford.

1916 Ray Fisher New York Yankees 1 — Ray Fisher, New York Yankees, 1916.

The Babe came back in autumn of the following year. This time he brought most the Boston Red Sox to Muzzy Field in Bristol, Connecticut, where Ruth would set a new record. On September 21, 1919, he played first base and hit fourth for the Boston versus Bristol’s semi-pro juggernaut, the New Departure Endees. The team was sponsored by New Departure, a division of General Motors, and a manufacturer of ball bearings for automobiles, planes, ships and military equipment.

1919 Babe Ruth and Eddie Goodridge of New Departure — Babe Ruth & Eddie Goodridge of New Departure, Muzzy Field, 1919.

Also on the field for the Red Sox was Hall of Fame outfielder, Harry Hooper who had two hits and a run on the day. Though it was Babe Ruth who stole the show. “All eyes were pointed at the famous baseball mauler,” according to the Hartford Courant when he blasted the first ever home run at Muzzy Field.

1919 Babe Ruth and New Departure Manager Lester Sigourney at Muzzy Field — Babe Ruth and Lester Sigourney, New Departure Manager, Muzzy Field, 1919.

1919 Babe Ruth at Muzzy Field DeWitt Page left and Judge William J. Malone right — L to R: DeWitt Page, Babe Ruth and Judge William J. Malone, Muzzy Field, 1919.

Hooper was on first base when Ruth connected with a pitch thrown by New Departure’s Freddie Rieger, a star pitcher for the Pittsfield team in the Eastern League. His homer sailed over the right field fence before 5,000 adulated onlookers. The Red Sox won 6-2 over New Departure and the game was remembered as Connecticut’s most thrilling sporting event of the year.

1919 New Departure Baseball Club 1 — New Departure Baseball Club, 1919.

Babe Ruth 1st Muzzy Field Home Run — Babe Ruth marker at Muzzy Field, 2014.

While the rest of the Red Sox went home, Ruth manned first base for with the Hartford Poli’s on September 28, 1919 at Poli Field in East Hartford. The Poli’s were met by the New Britain Pioneers, the Hardware City’s top ball club. Mayor of Hartford, Richard J. Kinsella threw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch and posed for a photograph with Ruth.

1919 Babe Ruth and Mayor Richard J. Kinsella Hartford Connecticut — Babe Ruth and Mayor Richard J. Kinsella, Hartford, Connecticut, 1919.

The Babe hit two balls over the right field fence but was only allowed one base for each long ball due to a “short porch” ground rule. Earlier that day he had hit a batting practice homer said to be struck over 500 feet. A crowd of more than 6,000 witnessed the Poli’s shutout the Pioneers 3-0,

1919 Sep 30 Babe Ruth Poli Field East Hartford Connecticut 1 — Spectators at Poli Field, East Hartford, Connecticut, 1919.

A few months later, on January 5, 1920, Babe Ruth was purchased by the New York Yankees from the Red Sox for $125,000 cash and $300,000 in loans. His services were sold after Ruth refused to return to the Red Sox at a salary of $10,000 per year. The Yankees struck the deal of the century.

Ruth went on to smash his own home run record with an astounding 54 dingers in the 1920 season, while batting at .376 clip. New York only made Ruth bigger, better and in higher demand to fans across the country. Fortunately for cranks in Connecticut, the Babe kept coming back to play for the Poli’s.

1920 Jan 6 22Babe22 Ruth Purchased By Yankees — Hartford Courant, January 6, 1920.

By the end of 1920, the New York Yankees were runner-ups in the American League behind the Cleveland Indians. As the season came to a close, Manager Gillette of Hartford persuaded Ruth to join the Poli’s once more. Again they faced the New Departure squad at Muzzy Field.

1920 Babe Ruth To Play for Polis scaled — Babe Ruth coming to Muzzy Field, Bristol, Connecticut, 1920.

On October 2, 1920, The Babe hit clean up for the Poli’s, played every position except pitcher and went 4 for 4 with 3 singles and a double. Nonetheless, New Departure shutout the Poli’s 7 to 0 thanks to crafty pitching from Gus Helfrich, a minor league spitball hurler from the New York State League. Extra trains and trolleys were scheduled to Bristol that Saturday afternoon, allowing 10,000 fans a chance to see Babe Ruth one last time at Muzzy Field.

1920 Babe Ruth Muzzy Field Not So Fast — Babe Ruth at Muzzy Field, Bristol, Connecticut, 1920.

1920 Babe Ruth Muzzy Field Gift — Babe Ruth at Muzzy Field, Bristol, Connecticut, 1920.

Connecticut’s amateur and semi-pro baseball clubs regularly hosted Babe Ruth and in return, he left a long-lasting impression. In Greater Hartford and beyond, Ruth earned baseball thousands of new fans. He barnstormed throughout the East Coast in grand fashion, ushering in the home run era and baseball’s Golden Age (1920 to 1960).

1920 Babe Ruth Muzzy Field Lifts One a Mile High — Babe Ruth at Muzzy Field, Bristol, Connecticut, 1920.

1920 Babe Ruth Muzzy Field — Babe Ruth at Muzzy Field, Bristol, Connecticut, 1920.

Ruth retired in 1935 after leading the New York Yankees to their first four World Series wins. Ten years later, he took the final at bat of his career for the Savitt Gems at Hartford’s Bulkeley Stadium in an exhibition game.

1945 Savitt Gems Babe Ruth — Babe Ruth on the Savitt Gems, Hartford, Connecticut, 1945.

Sources

Hartford Courant Database on Newspapers.com

The “Babe Comes to Hartford by Ronald Bolin

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Tue. 11/06/18Wed. 03/31/21 by Weston Ulbrich

New Management in the Twilight League

3 new managers assume roles in East Hartford, Meriden and Middletown.

Record-Journal Expos – Charlie Hesseltine, Manager
– Drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 42nd round of the 2003 MLB June Amateur Draft as a left-handed pitcher.
– In 2006, he signed with the Atlantic City Surf of the Atlantic League.
– He pitched for 3 more Atlantic League teams including the Bridgeport Bluefish in 2008.
– Meriden, CT, resident and member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.

East Hartford Jets – Taylor Kosakowski, Manager
– Right-handed relief pitcher at Central Connecticut State University (’06-’08) with 72 K’s and 35 walks over 96 innings.
– Veteran of GHTBL and player-manager of the Ulbrich Clippers in 2018.
– Public school psychologist in Hebron, CT.

Middletown Outlaws – Christian Budzik, Manager
– Shortstop at Eastern Connecticut State University (’14-’17) with a .354 OBP and 77 hits in 121 games.
– He was part of the Cromwell High School baseball team who won the 2012 CIAC Class S championship.
– Special education teacher in Cromwell, CT.

2018 Jon Walter Hartford Twilight League Baseball

Fri. 09/28/18Mon. 01/11/21 by Weston Ulbrich

2018 GHTBL Annual Award Winners Announced

Twilight players honored for their standout seasons.

The top GHTBL players and the best team, the Vernon Orioles separated themselves from the competition this season.

Here are the 2018 GHTBL Award Winners:

Frank McCoy Award – Most Valuable Player – Mark DiTommaso, OF, Rainbow Graphics

Mike Liappes Award – Most Valuable Pitcher – Charlie Hessletine, P, Record-Journal Expos

Ray McKenna Award – Player of the Year – Jonathan Walter, OF, Record-Journal Expos

Rev. Thomas Campion Award – Outstanding Playoffs Hitter – Dan Trubia, 3B, Vernon Orioles

Mike Abbruzzese Award – Outstanding Playoffs Pitcher – Paul Dougan, P, Vernon Orioles

Hal Lewis Award – Most Versatile Player – A.J. Hendrickson, P/OF, Record-Journal Expos

Gene Johnson Award – Regular Season Batting Title – Jonathan Walter, OF, Record-Journal Expos

Ralph Giansanti Sr. Award – Stolen Base Winner – Jonathan Walter, OF, Record-Journal Expos

Jack Repass Award – Gold Glove – Jeff Criscuolo, INF, Ulbrich Clippers

James Gallagher Award – Rookie of the Year – Jake Petrozza, OF, South Windsor Phillies

Jake Banks Trophy – Regular Season Champion – Vernon Orioles, Jack Ceppetelli, Manager

Jack Rose Trophy – Playoff Champion – Vernon Orioles, Jack Ceppetelli, Manager

President’s Note:

Our successful 2018 season was a great milestone for the GHTBL. This past summer marked the 90th year of the league as the premier amateur league in Connecticut. The league hosted games at some of the best fields and stadiums in state and matriculated 3 players into the professional ranks. The running tally of GHTBL players who have played professional baseball is now 320.

Next season, the GHTBL will seek to strengthen its current franchises and will explore opportunities for expansion. The league most recently had an Executive Committee meeting and has scheduled another meeting for November 4th at 5 PM in East Hartford.

– Bill Holowaty, President

Visit our Instagram account @GHTBL for the latest updates and follow our blog “The Bat and Ball” on GHTBL.org for Greater Hartford’s historic baseball stories and tidbits.

1990 Bat and Ball Hartford Connecticut State Library

Wed. 09/19/18Sat. 02/08/25 by Weston Ulbrich

The Bat and Ball, Discovered at State Library

In 1990, at the Connecticut State Library in Hartford, a local historian named Linda Gradofsky discovered an original copy of the world’s first known baseball periodical, The Bat and Ball. The May 1, 1867 publication “Devoted to our National Game” was the “Second Season” of the series. Published without photographs or advertisements, the paper was written for Hartford’s earliest baseball fans. Columns included season previews of clubs from around the nation as well as scores from recent games played.

In 1990, Linda Gradofsky, a local historian, unearthed an original copy of “The Bat and Ball,” the world’s first known baseball periodical, at the Connecticut State Library in Hartford. Dated May 1, 1867, this discovered issue was part of the “Second Season” series and was dedicated to “Our National Game.” The publication was tailored for Hartford’s early baseball enthusiasts. It featured columns with season previews of various national clubs and scores of recent games.

1990 Bat and Ball GHTBL Hartford Courant — Hartford Courant, August 21, 1990.

“The Bat and Ball” was available on Hartford’s streets for five cents per copy, with an annual subscription of fourteen issues costing fifty cents. The publication covered “base ball” events across the nation during the post-Civil War period, including a section on cricket. At this time, baseball was still a burgeoning sport, rapidly gaining popularity. The demand for detailed sports coverage was growing, and Hartford was at the forefront of sports journalism.

And yet, somehow, the author(s) are unknown to this day. “The Bat and Ball” is still somewhat of a mystery. Here’s the full publication of the Second Season—No. 1:

1867 May 1 The Bat and Ball Page 1 — The Bat and Ball, page 1, May 1, 1867.

1867 May 1 The Bat and Ball Page 2 — The Bat and Ball, page 2, May 1, 1867.

1867 May 1 The Bat and Ball Page 3 — The Bat and Ball, page 3, May 1, 1867.

1867 May 1 The Bat and Ball Page 4 — The Bat and Ball, page 4, May 1, 1867.

Mon. 08/13/18Mon. 01/11/21 by Weston Ulbrich

Vernon Wins 3rd Straight Playoff Championship

THE O’S DYNASTY CONTINUES.

Jack Ceppetelli and his Vernon Orioles have done it again. For the third consecutive year, Vernon has won the GHTBL Playoff Tournament. At Trinity College on Sunday, August 12th, Vernon toppled Rainbow Graphics in the final championship round with two wins: 3-1 and 7-1. Strong pitching by Seth Sypniak and Matt Purnell overmatched the opposition while a barrage of hits came from the Dan Trubia and Tony Trubia.

Earlier this year, Vernon also captured their sixth straight Regular Season title by finishing first in the standings. The franchise has transformed into a veritable dynasty in recent years. Solid defense and tough pitching have greatly contributed to the O’s success. Congratulations to the Vernon Orioles on their superior ball playing and their long run of success!

Many thanks go to our friends at Trinity College for hosting the league, Dan Saccu, our PA Announcer, and to Bill Holowaty, GHTBL President, Andy Baylock GHTBL Vice President, Tom Abbruzzese, Manager, People’s United Bank and Chris Kehoe, GHTBL Treasurer, for organizing and facilitating the playoff tournament.

Thu. 07/19/18Sat. 02/08/25 by Weston Ulbrich

“The Bat and Ball” Debuts in Hartford

During the post-Civil War era, base ball was helping to unify the United States. With increasing popularity, fans demanded closer coverage. In 1866, The Bat and Ball became the first known baseball periodical. The publication sold for 5 cents a copy on the streets of Hartford, Connecticut. For subscribers, 14 issues were delivered throughout the year for 50 cents. The publication enlightened readers about local and national matches and a few columns on the game of cricket.

1866 A New Paper Bat and Ball — The Bat and Ball mentioned in the Hartford Courant, 1866.

A rare copy of The Bat and Ball was uncovered in 1990 at the Connecticut State Library. Linda Grodofsky, the reference and government documents librarian, said she found the issue on a shelf in a reading room among old newspapers. This rare copy of The Bat and Ball is preserved and stored in a secure area and available for visitors to view.

1866 Aug 25 The Bat and Ball — Hartford Courant excerpt, August 25, 1866.

Before the discovery of The Bat and Ball, historians acknowledged The Sporting News as the first periodical to feature baseball – debuting March 17, 1886. However Hartford’s The Bat and Ball preceded The Sporting News by twenty years. Authorship of The Bat and Ball is unknown because the periodical was written anonymously, though a possible author may have been Gershom B. Hubbell, President of the Hartford Base Ball Club and a telegraph operator for Western Union.

1866 Oct 16 The Bat and Ball — Hartford Courant excerpt, October 16, 1866.

The issue at the Connecticut State Library, dated May 1, 1867, was the paper’s Second Season—No. 1:.

May 1, 1867 Issue of The Bat and BallDownload

”This season, which is now opening, bids fair to be one of the most exciting that our National Game is likely ever to know,” a story on page one of the four-page paper said, nine years before the first major league was formed. ”And it is well that it should be so, for there is no more worthy object of public attention now before the American people than this same national game.”

The Bat and Ball issue also outlined rules agreed upon by local base ball dignitaries:

Rules of the Connecticut Base Ball Player’s Association.

1. All match games for the championship shall be played in accordance with the rules adopted by the National Convention.

2. The season for play shall commence on the first day of May, and continue until the first day of November.

3. All challenges shall be sent to the secretary of the club at the time holding the emblem.

4. The champion club must be prepared to play within fifteen days after receipt of a challenge, provided that they be not required to play a game oftener than once in ten days, and shall play clubs in the order of the dates of their challenges, the champions being allowed choice of time, ground and ball for the first game, the challenging that for the second game; and the third game, if such game be necessary, shall be played upon neutral ground in the State, with a ball furnished by the cham pion club. In case of any dispute relative to grounds or rules, the difficulty shall be referred to the committee on rules and regulations, and their decision when given shall be final.

5. The expenses of every champion game must be defrayed by the challenging club.

7. No challenging club, being defeated, shall challenge again the same champions during the same season.

8. The champions, being defeated, may challenge immediately after the defeat, and be allowed a match in the order of their challenge.

9. In case the champions shall change bands during the season, all outstanding challenges shall be assumed by the new champions.

President – John A. Sterry of Norwich.

Vice President – lst, Gersbom B. Hubbell of Hartford; 2d, S. M. Knevals of New Haven.

Recording Secretary – R. E. Crane of Agallian Club, Middletown.

Corresponding Secretary – Thomas M. Haven of Pequot Club, New London.

Treasurer – Alexander Hawley of Bridgeport Club, Bridgeport.“

At the time, baseball rules varied widely. This included clubs who used a different number of balls and strikes allowed to a ”striker” (batter). “The Bat and Ball” called for ”a uniform manner of playing.” Another column urged umpires to be more diligent to ensure that pitchers (who threw underhanded from a distance of 45 feet) tossed pitches where the striker, or batsman, wanted the pitched – a rule during the vintage days of ”base ball.”

1869 Hartford From Across Connecticut River 1 — View of Hartford, Connecticut, 1869.

Game rules of early base ball often resulted in high scores. A column in The Bat and Ball headed ”Match Games” reported on a game in San Francisco played on ”the birthday of the father of his country” (Feb. 22, 1867) in which the Eagles routed the Pacifics, 70-32.

1990 Aug 21 The Bat and Ball Hartford Connecticut — Hartford Courant featurette on “The Bat and Ball”, August 21, 1990.

Wed. 07/18/18Fri. 09/02/22 by Weston Ulbrich

When Jimmie Foxx & the Philadelphia Athletics Came to Hartford

In 1933 and 1935 the American League powerhouse Philadelphia Athletics visited Hartford, Connecticut. The A’s were 2-time World Series champions, nicknamed the “Mackmen” after their manager Connie Mack. They came north to play exhibition games against Hartford’s semi-pro team, the Savitt Gems, comprised of guest starring professionals like Rabbit Maranville of the Boston Braves and local players such as Johnny Roser, Bob Cronin and Jigger Farrell. Jewelry store owner and philanthropist Bill Savitt organized the games. His Gems hosted the A’s before thousands of fans at Hartford’s Bulkeley Stadium. Leading the Mackmen was their slugging first baseman and Most Valuable Player, Jimmie Foxx.

1933 Jimmy Foxx at Bulkeley Stadium 1 — Jimmie Foxx, First Baseman, Philadelphia Athletics, 1933.

1933 Connie Mack Brings Athletics — Connie Mack, Manager, Philadelphia Athletics, 1933.

1932 Bulkeley Stadium Hartford Twilight — Bulkeley Stadium, Hartford, 1932.

When the Athletics first came to Hartford, James “Jimmie” Emory Foxx, nicknamed “Double X” and “The Beast” was baseball’s most coveted young star. Foxx led the majors in home runs during the 1932 and 1933 seasons. His power-hitting prowess made the A’s visit a highly anticipated event throughout Connecticut. The first exhibition game was scheduled when Connie Mack, who began his professional career in Hartford, accepted an invitation from Bill Savitt. Even though Mack was unable to attend the game, he telegraphed a lineup to the Hartford Courant in advance.

1933 Jimmie Foxx Baseball Philadelphia Athletics — Jimmie Foxx, Philadelphia Athletics, 1933.

1933 Connie Macks Stars scaled — L to R: Max Bishop, Jimmie Foxx, Lefty Grove and Dib Williams, 1933.

On Thursday, June 15, 1933, Foxx and the Philadelphia Athletics arrived in Hartford on their day off. The A’s traveled by train but without their ace, Lefty Grove who had recently pitched. Connie Mack’s train was delayed, so he decided not to make the trip. Nevertheless, the Mackmen nearly shutout the Gems behind the pitching of “Big” Jim Peterson who threw a complete game. Jimmie Foxx was held to a single base hit on the day, but the A’s easily defeated the Gems by a score of 6 to 1. At summer’s end Foxx was baseball’s Triple Crown winner with 48 home runs, 163 RBI and a .356 batting average.

1933 May 31 Connie Mack Athletics Jimmie Foxx Hartford Connecticut — Hartford Courant excerpt, June 15, 1933.

1933 Jimmy Foxx Conects For Four Home Runs 2 — Jimmie Foxx, Philadelphia Athletics, 1933.

A rematch at Bulkeley Stadium in Hartford occurred on September 23, 1935. Because Connie Mack was absent due to an illness, Jimmie Foxx assumed the role of A’s manager that evening. Foxx’s teammate Pinky Higgins went 2 for 4 at plate with a towering home run. A’s catcher and former Hartford Senators farm hand, Paul Richards smashed another homer. On the mound for the Gems was the former Red Sox lefty hurler Johnny Micheals who allowed 10 hits and 4 runs in 9 innings of work. Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s starting pitcher Bill Dietrich struggled against the Gems.

1935 Jimmy Foxx Bulkeley Stadium Hartford — Jimmie Foxx, 1935.

1935 Coming Here with the Athletics — Pinky Higgins and Eric McNain, Philadelphia Athletics, 1935.

1935 Connie Mack Philadelphia Athletics vs. Savitt Gems 1 — A’s vs. Gems, Bulkeley Stadium, 1935.

1935 Pinky Higgins Philadelphia Athletics Visit Hartford Connecticut 1 — Pinky Higgins, 1935.

By the end of two innings the Savitt Gems scored 5 runs on triples from Jigger Farrell and Johnny Michaels. To the everyone’s surprise, the Gems held the lead throughout the game. Michaels earned the win, mustered 3 hits at the plate and scored the deciding run. Hartford’s brotherly duo, Jigger and Tommy Farrell shined for the Gems, each collecting two hits. Hartford’s team upset Philadelphia’s world champions by a final tally of 6 runs to 4. The well-attended contest ended under the lights as Jimmie Foxx, who was held hitless on the night, made a rare two-inning appearance on the mound.

1935 Philadelphia Athletics Jimmie Foxx Connie Mack — 1935 Philadelphia Athletics

1935 Johnny Michaels Pitches Savitt Gems To Victory — Hartford Courant excerpt, September 24, 1935.

1936 Johnny Michaels — Johnny Michaels, 1936.

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Wed. 07/18/18Thu. 03/25/21 by Weston Ulbrich

GHTBL Seeks 4th Win Versus CTL at New Britain Stadium

All Star Game to be held on Sunday, August 19, 2018.

The 2018 GHTBL vs. CTL All Star Game will be played at New Britain Stadium on Sunday, August 19th at 8 PM under the lights.

The game will take place immediately following the New Britain Bees vs. Long Island Ducks matchup at 5 PM.

The GHTBL All Star team will be selected at the end of the Regular Season. Representing players will seek to claim victory over the Connecticut Twilight League All Star team for the 4th straight game (4 of 4). The first All Star matchup between the two leagues was in 2015 and since then the game has showcased some of the best local ballplayers in the state of Connecticut.

We look forward to your attendance!
– Tickets will be $10 per person
– Free for kids 14 and under

Trinity College Baseball Twilight League

Wed. 07/11/18Thu. 03/25/21 by Weston Ulbrich

August 3-11: Playoffs at Trinity College

Double-elimination tournament to be hosted at Trinity’s turf baseball facility in Hartford.

Games to be played on August 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, & 11 (if needed) at Trinity College, 300 Summit St, Hartford, CT 06106

– Tickets will be $10 per person at the gate for all fans.
– Players, Managers, League Officials, and Volunteers are free.
– A food truck will be in attendance to serve as concessions.

Note to players and managers:
To be eligible for playoffs, players need 5 total appearances in 5 separate/individual games as either a position player or a pitcher. For example, 3 pitching appearances in 3 games and 2 appearances at First Base in 2 games equals a total of 5 appearances.

2018 GHTBL Charity Series Hartford Twilight League

Thu. 06/28/18Thu. 03/25/21 by Weston Ulbrich

GHTBL Raises $4,500 for CT Children’s Medical Center

The Hartford Yard Goats and Dunkin’ Donuts Park hosted the Twi-loop’s Charity Series.

The Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League achieved the 2nd Annual Charity Series at Dunkin’ Donuts Park on Thursday, June 21 and Friday, June 22.

8 teams made up of current and former college ballplayers as well as several ex-professionals competed under the lights.

Adult fans paid $10 at the Main Gate and helped us raise $4,500 to be donated to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford.

(Pictured above – L to R: Wes Ulbrich, GHTBL Secretary and Bill Holowaty, GHTBL President present a check to Nicholas Giampetruzzi of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.)

Thank you to all of the friends, family, and fans who came out to the ballpark and we hope to see you again throughout the 2018 season and for next year’s Charity Series.

All the best,

Bill Holowaty
GHTBL President

Mon. 06/11/18Thu. 03/25/21 by Weston Ulbrich

Charity Series at Dunkin’ Donuts Park

4 GHTBL games to benefit Connecticut Children’s Medical Center to be held June 21 and 22.

June 21st and June 22nd – first pitch at 6:10 PM each night.

The GHTBL Charity Series will feature a pair of doubleheaders on back-to-back nights to raise funds for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

South Windsor Phillies East Hartford Jets	6:10 PM EDT 06/21/18
Rainbow Graphics Vernon Orioles	8:00 PM EDT 06/21/18
People’s United Bank Middletown Outlaws	6:10 PM EDT 06/22/18
Record-Journal Expos Ulbrich Clippers	8:00 PM EDT 06/22/18

Tickets are $10.00 per person; free entry for kids 14 and under.
Reserve tickets or pay at the Main Gate – 1214 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103. Event open to the public; tickets valid for any and all games.

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE TICKETS

Thank you to the Hartford Yard Goats for facilitating our stadium rental.

We’ll see you at the ballpark for this great cause!

Sat. 06/09/18Wed. 03/31/21 by Weston Ulbrich

Jack Patterson & Zac Susi Selected in MLB Draft

GHTBL Alumni matriculate to professional baseball.

Jack Patterson (Suffield, Conn.) – currently pitching for the Vernon Orioles selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 32nd round (968th overall)

High School: Suffield Academy
College: Bryant –After going 3-0 with a 3.41 ERA as a true freshman in 2014, Patterson missed most of 2015 and all of 2016 before returning to the diamond in 2016. What has followed is one of the most impressive two-year runs for a left-handed pitcher in program history.

Patterson went 4-0 with three saves and a 2.90 ERA as a redshirt junior before cementing himself as the best left-handed power pitcher in program history this spring. He became just the second pitcher in program history to strikeout 100+ batters in a single season and allowed just 75 hits in 82 innings on his way to Northeast Conference Pitcher of the Year honors. This spring, he recorded six quality starts, threw Bryant’s first nine-inning complete-game shutout since 2014 and struck out 10+ batters on four occasions.

Screen Shot 2021 01 11 at 6.35.08 PM — Jack Patterson, Bryant Baseball, 2018.

Zac Susi (Southington, Conn.) – former catcher for Rainbow Graphics franchise selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 12th round (354th overall).

High School: Southington High
College: University of Connecticut – Susi, 21, has been a three-year starter at UConn since graduating Southington High in 2015, where the left-handed slugger was a two-time All-State backstop. He has been UConn’s primary catcher the last three seasons. He started 41 games as a freshman. As a sophomore, he hit .286 and started 56 games and was named to the Johnny Bench Award Watch List.

In 2017, Zac played 57 games and started 56 behind the plate as the Huskies primary catcher. He hit .286 on the year and was second on the team with 61 hits, nine doubles, two triples, two home runs and was second on the team with 40 RBI. Susi led the team with 27 walks and had a .362 on base percentage. He also had a team-leading 15 RBIs in the seventh inning or later. Behind the plate, he threw out 15 base runners attempting to steal.

Susi earned All-Star status with the Bourne Braves in the Cape Cod Baseball League. He played in 23 games and hit .276 with 20 hits, three doubles, three home runs, 10 RBIs and scored 12 runs. Zac is the son of John Susi, Head Baseball Coach at Western Connecticut State University and

2018 Zac Susi Catcher UConn Baseball GHTBL — Zac Susi (right), UConn Baseball, 2018.

2017 New Britain Stadium Baseball Twilight

Sat. 05/19/18Sun. 02/07/21 by Weston Ulbrich

Season to Feature the Top Venues in Connecticut

GHTBL’s 90th anniversary year to open on Tuesday, May 29, 2018.

President’s Note – Season Preview:

The GHTBL is set to open at 6 PM, Tuesday, May 29th in Vernon, CT at Frank McCoy Stadium at Henry Park in a matchup between 2017 champs, the Vernon Orioles versus the Playoff Tournament runner-ups, the Record-Journal Expos. An Opening Day ceremony with take place before first pitch.

2018 marks the 90th year of the GHTBL and to celebrate this milestone, 8 franchises will enter the league to play a pure and fast brand of baseball that our league has been known for. GHTBL plays the game of baseball as it was intended to be played; hitting nine batters, using wood bats, and no video replays or pitch clocks.

Current and former college ballplayers as well as a several future and former professional players will take to the field to compete in 24 Regular Season games followed by our annual double elimination Playoff Tournament.

Throughout the 2018 Regular Season and Playoff Tournament our league has scheduled games to be played at best baseball fields in the Greater Hartford area. On Thursday, July 21 and 22 each GHTBL franchise will play a game at Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford for a special Charity Series fundraiser for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Then the Ulbrich Clippers will host People’s United Bank at New Britain Stadium on Wednesday, July 25th.

From August 2-11, our Playoff Tournament will be held once again at Trinity College on their new turf ballpark. On Sunday, August 18th, we will host Connecticut Twilight League at New Britain Stadium for an All-Star game between our two leagues.

Our 90th anniversary is turning out to be a highly anticipated year for the GHTBL and we’re pleased to have you be a part of it as a fan, players, parents, family and friends.

All the best,

Bill Holowaty
GHTBL President

Mon. 04/02/18Mon. 01/11/21 by Weston Ulbrich

Rainbow Graphics to Sponsor Oldest Twi Team

The franchise traces back to 1935, joining GHTBL in 1956.

Manchester, Connecticut – Rainbow Graphics of 118 Adams Street in Manchester owned by Fred Kask has become the sponsor of the former Marlborough Braves team who played their 2017 home games at West Road Memorial Field in Marlborough under the direction of their Player-Manager, Mark DiTommaso. Mark will lead the newly named Rainbow Graphics ball club into the 2018 GHTBL Regular Season, carrying on an long held tradition.

Not only is the GHTBL in its 90th year of play this season, but this Manchester-based franchise also has its own extensive history:

Before Rainbow Graphics, Marlborough Braves, and Foss Insurance, heavy-hitting player-manager, Gene Johnson led the Newman Lincoln-Mercury squad of the same franchise during the 90’s winning multiple championships. Gene Johnson’s legendary amateur and pro career, however he began his GHTBL career on a team that preceded Newman Lincoln-Mercury called Moriarty Brothers.

In 1933, two local businessmen and brothers, Matthew and Maurice Moriarty established a gasoline/service station in Manchester on the northeast corner of Center and Broad streets. The family was especially interested in the game of baseball and Matthew was known around town as an avid sportsman and fan of the game. In the summer of 1935, Matt sponsored his own team under the name of his business, “Moriarty Brothers” and entered them into the Manchester Twilight League. His club was the fastest, and had the best hitting lineup, therefore earning the nickname the “Comets” to local fans. The franchise then became a semi-pro team during the 1940’s and the roster was comprised of the best ballplayers in the Manchester area during that time.

Eventually, Moriarty Brothers evolved into a car dealership and service center and their baseball club joined the GHTBL in 1956. The club was a formidable contender for championship titles year after year thanks to some top talent like former minor leaguers Pete Sala, Leo Veleas, Lev Spencer, and of course the one and only “Godfather of the GHTBL” Gene Johnson. The franchise is now the GHTBL’s longest running after 62 years but it’s also the winningest franchise in league history with a combined total of 35 regular season and playoff championships.

Best of luck to the new Rainbow Graphics team who will now carry the banner for this historic twilight franchise!

Thu. 03/01/18Thu. 03/25/21 by Weston Ulbrich

World Series Club Features Bobby Valentine

Bobby V reminiscences about baseball in West Hartford.

Stamford, Connecticut, native Bobby Valentine has not been following baseball as much this past couple of months due to his nonstop busy schedule, however, he made time to visit West Hartford to speak to the World Series Club about the common passion everyone in the room shares: baseball.

“This is the baseball time of the year. Some people here love the sport of baseball and they asked if I can come up and I said absolutely. For a free meal I’d do anything,” Valentine said with a grin. “I just wanted to get into the game with the crowd and answer their questions about what we all love and it’s the game of baseball.”

Valentine, 67, was introduced by his former player, Gary Burnham Jr., who played under Valentine in 2009 in Japan. To this day, both men remain close and, for Burnham, it was a no-brainer to introduce his former manager.

“I built a great relationship with him and now he’s just really a great friend,” Burnham said. “I am just super happy to be here and it’s an honor for me to introduce such a great guy.”

This is not the first time Valentine has spoken to the organization; he has made two prior visits in the 1970s and ’80s. However, baseball was different then and he is intrigued to see the new direction MLB is taking with the implementation rules to speed up place.

“I think the game should be quicker,” Valentine said. “You know all these mound visits are probably going to be the things of the past and all we have to do is have the younger generation understand the competition.”

Valentine says during his managing career, he did not believe in mound visits and had his pitching coach go to the mound to speak to his pitchers. If Valentine had to count, he says he probably made 10 mound visits during his professional managerial career.

Valentine, like other baseball junkies, is also looking forward to the new Yankees slugging tandem of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton and the potential of what the two sluggers can produce. The Connecticut native also expects the new Yankee skipper Aaron Boone, who he worked with for two years at ESPN, to excel under pressure in New York.

On the other side of the Boston/New York rivalry, Valentine expressed mixed feelings on the Red Sox signing J.D. Martinez.

“Well, I think if he is healthy, he is the necessary piece to that puzzle. I think if he was left-handed he’d fit a lot better than him being right-handed,” Valentine said.

For Len Montanari, who has been a member of the World Series Club for 15 years, said it was a treat for people like Valentine to come to their meetings and reveal the insights of the shenanigans that happened behind the closed doors.

“For a baseball fan in the winter, it is like going through withdrawal,” Montanari said. “(Valentine) is a very colorful guy and he has an extraordinary history. He was fired by George Bush while at Texas, its fun to hear the backstory about things like that.”

Although Valentine’s passion for baseball continues, he remains focused on his tenure as Athletic Director at Sacred Heart University.

– Written by Kimberly Pena, Hartford Courant

League Notes

– Gary Burnham Jr. is now the GM of the newest team in the GHTBL, the South Windsor Phillies and the league is ecstatic to have him involved. Gary owns a property management business and has a family of five of his own who live in South Windsor.

– Special thanks from the GHTBL goes out to the Worlds Series Club, especially to Tim Brennan, his family and the Montanari Family.

2018 South Windsor Phillies Greater Hartford Twilight League

Fri. 01/26/18Mon. 01/11/21 by Weston Ulbrich

Expansion Announced: South Windsor Phillies

South Windsor Phillies to be 8th GHTBL franchise.

On behalf of the GHTBL, I am pleased to announce the addition of another franchise into our historic baseball league. The league is excited to welcome a South Windsor franchise back to the GHTBL. A team called Mr. G’s of South Windsor last played twilight baseball in 2006.

Now the league an eighth team in the South Windsor Phillies and will be led by a former professional player and longtime GHTBL player and contributor, Gary Burnham Jr. Gary’s hails from South Windsor, and is one of the best hitters to ever come out of the Greater Hartford area.

Burnham is a minor league Hall of Fame inductee (Reading Phillies) and will be general manager of the South Windsor franchise. Gary played AAA baseball in four different organizations before signing to play Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. His brother Brett Burnham also played GHTBL and minor league baseball with the San Diego Padres after an outstanding collegiate career at Auburn University and the University of Connecticut.

Gary Burnham Jr. Reading Phillies, Eastern League (AA).

Manager of the South Windsor Phillies will be Ron Pizzanello. He is a GHTBL alumnus and a former catcher who played professional baseball in Italy. Pizzanello will bring his experience and his passion (big Red Sox fan) for the game to the league. We are lucky to have him.

1977 Mar 21 Pizzanello Now Headed for Italy — Ron Pizzanello featured in Hartford Courant, 1971.

League Notes:

1st Annual GHTBL Golf Tournament & Awards Banquet on Sunday, May 6, 2018.

Fri. 01/19/18Fri. 11/12/21 by Weston Ulbrich

Pete Naktenis, Hartford’s Major League Southpaw

Peter “Lefty” Naktenis was the first Hartford Twilight League player to advance to Major League Baseball. Naktenis was born in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1914. Soon after his birth, the Naktenis family moved to Manchester, Connecticut. He grew up to be a talented pitcher at Hartford Public High School, and set the state record for strikeouts in a season. As a young pitching phenom, he dominated the Hartford Twilight League during the summer months. At 18 years old, Naktenis pitched well for the Frederick Raff team in the summer of 1932.

1932 Pete Naktenis To Face Gems — Peter “Lefty” Naktenis, 1932.

The following summer he hurled for the Mayflower Sales team, who became champions of Hartford Twilight League. Naktenis pitched a no-hitter in the 1933 championship series against Charlie Repass of the Home Circle team, winning 4 to 0. In his second game of the day, Naktenis took the mound again and beat crosstown rival, Johnny “Schoolboy” Taylor, a hard-throwing right hander from Bulkeley High School. Taylor, who later became a Negro League star and Naktenis would become two of Hartford’s greatest pitchers.

1933 Sep 4 Naktenis No Hitter — Pete Naktenis toss no-hitter in Hartford Twilight League, September 3, 1933.

The 6’1” Pete Naktenis was highly sought after by professional teams, but he would take the advice of a Philadelphia Athletics scout and attend college instead. After graduating from Duke University in 1936, he signed his first professional contract to pitch for Connie Mack and the Philadelphia Athletics. Naktenis made his major league debut for the Athletics that same year at age 22. He played in seven games and compiled an 0-1 record, allowing 24 hits and 26 runs with 18 strikeouts.

1936 Jun 13 Pete Naktenis Joins Athletics — Philadelphia Athletics sign Pete Naktenis, June 13, 1936.

However, Naktenis ended up spending most of his time in the minor leagues. In 1937, he competed in the New York-Pennsylvania League, pitching for the Binghamton Triplets of the New York Yankees organization. The following year he was signed by the Cincinnati Reds and pitched well for their minor league team, the Albany Senators of the Eastern League . Naktenis didn’t compile eye-popping numbers, but he many memories.

I remember one time in 1936 when I was with the A’s, I had my hair parted by a line shot off the bat of Joe Vosmik of the (Cleveland) Indians. The drive hit the button of my cap and the centerfielder picked up the ball on one short hop. A little lower and it would have parted me in half. That was what you would call a narrow escape.”
Pete Naktenis

1936 Pete Naktenis Hartford Twilight Baseball 1 rotated — Pete Naktenis, Pitcher, Philadelphia Athletics, 1936.

When his professional seasons were complete, Naktenis often returned to Hartford during the off-season and signed with the Savitt Gems. The Gems were a semi-pro team led by their owner, Bill Savitt and player-Manager, Jigger Farrell. Throughout the 1930’s and 1940’s Naktenis drew great crowds to Bulkeley Stadium for the Gems. “Lefty” made his first appearance for the Gems in Hartford on September 25, 1938. He delivered a complete game performance versus the Philadelphia Colored Giants, allowing just 3 hits and one unearned and leading the Savitt Gems to victory.

1935 Aug 20 Savitt Throws a Natural Naktenis — Naktenis pitches for the Savitt Gems, 1935.

In 1939, the southpaw from Connecticut logged three games in the big leagues with the Cincinnati Reds. While property of the Reds, Naktenis found more competitive opportunities with the Savitt Gems. On September 24, 1939, he took the mound for the Gems against the Scranton Red Sox (previously known as the Scranton Miners) of the Eastern League. He out-pitched Mickey Harris and the Gems trounced Scranton by a score of 11 to 3.

1939 Pete Naktenis Hartford Twilight — Pete Naktenis, Pitcher, Cincinnati Reds, 1939.

In 1940 and 1941, Naktenis was a starter in the Reds organization with the Birmingham Barons of the Southern Association. His next minor league stop was with the 1942 Milwaukee Brewers led by Bill Veeck and Charlie Grimm, former big leaguers turned owners. During World War II, Naktenis returned home and gained employment at Colt Manufacturing to support the Am erican war effort. He continued to pitch on a part-time basis for the Hartford Senators, choosing to throw solely in home games. In 1944, he led Hartford to an Eastern League pennant title.

1943 Pete Naktenis Hartford Senators scaled — Pete Naktenis, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1943.

1944 Pete Naktenis Hartford Senators — Naktenis scores for Hartford, 1944.

1944 Pete Naktenis Hartford Senators Baseball — Pete Naktenis, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1944.

Naktenis retired after the 1945 season. He and his wife Kathleen became residents of Newington, Connecticut, where they raised three daughters. He continued to work in manufacturing and became president of Dean Machine Products in Manchester, Connecticut. Later in his life, Naktenis was inducted into the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League Hall of Fame and the Hartford Public High School Hall of Fame. He eventually moved south to Singer Island, Florida, in the 1980s. Peter “Lefty” Naktenis went to rest in eternal peace on August 1, 2007.

1958 Johnny Taylor Walter Elliot and Pete Naktenis — L to R: Johnny Taylor, Walter Elliot and Pete Naktenis, 1958.

1976 Aug 22 Naktenis Lost His Cap On Vosmiks Line Drive — Hartford Courant features Naktenis, August 22, 1976.

Sources:

1. Hartford Courant
2. Reading Times

Tue. 08/22/17Thu. 04/18/24 by Weston Ulbrich

GHTBL All-Stars Top CTL 4-1 at Muzzy Field

GHTBL wins 3 of 3 matchups versus Connecticut Twilight League.

The GHTBL All-Stars shined bright on Monday night, defeating the Connecticut Twilight League All Stars 4-1 in 9 innings. Even though the game was tied 1-1 until the top of the ninth inning, the GHTBL boys of summer eventually claimed victory.

Chris Anselmo (Clippers) drove in the game winning run after Tyler Pina (People’s) was hit by a pitch and stole a base. Then Jeff Criscuolo (Clippers) hit a booming triple off the right field wall scoring Anselmo. Thad Zentek (People’s) had an RBI plating Criscuolo.

Dan Trubia (Vernon) had two hits, starting pitcher Brendan Smith (People’s), relievers James Davitt (Clippers), Travis Salois (Marlborough), and John Martin (Middletown) threw scoreless innings while Tyler Pogmore (Vernon) earned the save.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS FROM THE GAME

2017 Vernon Baseball Twilight Greater Hartford

Mon. 08/14/17Wed. 04/17/24 by Weston Ulbrich

Orioles Win Championship, Continue Dominance

Jack Ceppetelli manages O’s to Second Straight Playoff Title.

The defending champion Vernon Orioles capped their playoff run on Saturday night at Trinity College with a 4-0 win over the Record-Journal Expos to take home another trophy. Jared Hyde threw 5 no-hit innings with 4 walks and 2 strikeouts to earn the victory before giving way to Tyler Pogmore, who allowed 2 hits with 1 strikeout in recording the final 6 outs to preserve the shutout.

Vernon took the lead in the bottom of the second inning as Alex Zachary stroked a leadoff ground-rule double to center field, stole third, and came home on a one out sacrifice fly by Wes Hurty. The Orioles added three more runs in the fifth. After a leadoff single by Zach Donahue, a walk to Dan Trubia and a wild pitch put runners at second and third with one out, Jack Halpin lined a single to left scoring two. Paul Dougan followed with a single to left to drive in Halpin.

The win was Vernon’s 5th in 5 days and second straight win over the Expos. The O’s avenged a 2-0 opening round loss, after which the Orioles outscored their opponents 32-2 in their run through the loser’s bracket. The Orioles, who finished the season with a combined record of 28-2. It addition to another Playoff Championship, Vernon won their fifth consecutive Regular Season Title.

Congratulations to the O’s!

2017 Middletown Outlaws Twilight Baseball League

Wed. 08/09/17Wed. 04/17/24 by Weston Ulbrich

Expos, Outlaws Face Off in Winner’s Bracket

Both teams are 2-0 in the GHTBL Playoff Tournament.

The Record-Journal Expos and the Middletown Outlaws have each won two straight playoff games to advance to the Winner’s Bracket. The Expos, led by Charlie Hesseltine and the Outlaws, managed by Tony Franco will match up for the fifth time this season.

Meanwhile, the Vernon Orioles and the Marlborough Braves will decide the winner of the Loser’s Bracket.

Best of luck to all remaining teams!

Tue. 08/01/17Wed. 04/17/24 by Weston Ulbrich

Orioles Win 5th Straight Regular Season Title

The Vernon Orioles had a near perfect season.

The Vernon Orioles won their fifth consecutive Regular Season Title. 2017 was one of Vernon’s best years ever and one of the most dominating in GHTBL history. Stellar pitching and plenty of slugging led this Orioles team. Many congratulations to their longtime Manager, Jack Ceppetelli and veterans such as Nick Roy and Dan Trubia – both near the top of several batting categories this season. The Orioles enter the 2017 Playoff Tournament with a bye as the #1 seed. They will face the winner of the #4 seed Ulbrich Clippers vs. #5 seed Record-Journal Expos on 8 PM, Friday, August 4th at Trinity College.

2015 Trubia Brothers Baseball Twilight 1 — Tony Trubia and Dan Trubia of the Vernon Orioles

Tue. 07/25/17Wed. 04/17/24 by Weston Ulbrich

New Dates Announced for GHTBL Playoffs

August 3-11: 7-team double-elimination tournament.

Due to plenty of rainouts this summer, the 2017 GHTBL Playoff Tournament has been pushed back a few days to begin at 6 PM, Thursday, August 3.

The new turf ballpark at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, will be the perfect central location. It provides lights, seating for fans, as well as other modern amenities. The Fuego Picante food truck will serve as concessions.

This is the first time our postseason will be played in Hartford since the 70’s when the GHTBL playoffs were hosted at Dillon Stadium. As is tradition, the team who finishes first in the Regular Season will receive a First Round “bye” and will face the winner of the 4 vs. 5 seed (Game #1 of the Tournament).

We hope to see you at the ballpark!

2017 Hartford Twilight League Playoffs — Murren Family Field at DiBenedetto Stadium at Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut, 2017.

Mon. 06/26/17Wed. 04/17/24 by Weston Ulbrich

Playoffs at Trinity College Sponsored by Brialee

Brialee Family Campground is operated by former minor leaguer and GHTBL player, Brian Specyalski.

The GHTBL is proud to announce a special donation from our new 2017 Playoff Tournament Sponsor, Brialee Family Camping & Cabin Rentals, Inc.

Brialee is a family owned and operated business in Ashford, Connecticut. Former Hartford Twilight outfielder, Eastern Connecticut graduate and Minor Leaguer in the California Angels organization, Brian Specyalski is the managing family member of Brialee. Brian gave generously to the league that helped him to develop as a young man.

The GHTBL is grateful to the entire Specyalski family for their generous contribution. The league will proudly represent the wonderful place that is Brialee Family Camping & Cabin Rentals!

Visit www.Brialee.com to learn more.

GHTBL Brialee Small Business Sponsor — Brialee Campgrounds

As previously announced, Trinity College’s new baseball facility will be the venue for the 2017 GHTBL Playoff Tournament. Trinity has erected a spectacular turf field with a clay pitcher’s mound, stadium lighting and large dugouts. The venue will be great place to watch a playoff game.

President Holowaty and the entire GHTBL Executive Committee is ecstatic about this opportunity to showcase the league. The Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League is going back to its roots in the City of Hartford.

We’ll see you at the ballpark for our double-elimination playoff tournament from August 3-13 (final date subject to change based on tournament outcomes).

Thu. 06/15/17Wed. 04/17/24 by Weston Ulbrich

Morhardt Drafted in 22nd Round by Atlanta Braves

Justin Morhardt is the 25th GHTBL player to turn pro since 2010.

People’s United Bank slugger and Bryan College catcher, Justin Morhardt was drafted in the 22nd round of the 2017 MLB Draft (650th pick overall) by the Atlanta Braves.

Morhardt, who hails from Winsted, Connecticut, was a 2017 NAIA second-team All-America baseball player. In his junior year, Morhardt set Bryan College baseball records with 86 hits and a .439 batting average.

Those inflated totals went along with 12 home runs, 20 doubles, 47 walks (second most in Lions history) and 51 runs batted in this season. As the Appalachian Athletic Conference player of the year, Morhardt had an on-base percentage of .551 and a slugging percentage of .724 for the most prolific Bryan offense in school history.

Justin, like his father Greg Morhardt, his uncle, Darryl Morhardt and his grandfather, Moe Morhardt, is the fourth member of his family to go from the GHTBL to professional baseball. Moe Morhardt broke into the majors as pitcher with the Chicago Cubs in the 1960s.

Congratulations to the entire Morhardt family and we wish Justin all the best in his new job and pro baseball career!

Sun. 06/11/17Wed. 04/17/24 by Weston Ulbrich

Pros Playing Hartford Twilight Ball This Season

These GHTBL players have professional baseball experience.

Matt Purnell

Team: Vernon Orioles
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-2, 210lb (188cm, 95kg)
Born: April 8, 1991 (Age: 26-064d)
School: Eastern Connecticut State University (Willimantic, CT

Kevin Rival

Team: Ulbrich Clippers
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-2, 220lb (188cm, 95kg)
Born: November 27, 1979 (Age: 37-196d) in New Britain, CT
School: Central Connecticut State University (New Britain, CT)

Tyler McIntyre

Team: Ulbrich Clippers
Positions: First Baseman and Rightfielder
Bats: Left • Throws: Right
6-4, 220lb (193cm, 99kg)
Born: April 10, 1990 (Age: 27-062d)
School: Central Connecticut State University (New Britain, CT)

James Kukucka

Team: Ulbrich Clippers
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
5-11, 225lb (180cm, 97kg)
Born: January 23, 1987 (Age: 30-139d)
School: Eastern Connecticut State University (Willimantic, CT)

John Kubachka

Team: People’s United Bank
Position: First Baseman
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-5, 240lb (196cm, 113kg)
Born: May 25, 1979 (Age: 38-017d)
School: Eastern Connecticut State University (Willimantic, CT)

Kevin Jefferis

Team: Marlborough Braves
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-1, 195lb (185cm, 88kg)
Born: April 23, 1991 (Age: 26-049d)
School: Western New England College (Springfield, MA)

Charlie Hesseltine

Team: Record-Journal Expos
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Left • Throws: Left
5-11, 180lb (180cm, 81kg)
Born: January 19, 1985 (Age: 32-143d) in Meriden, CT
Draft: Drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 42nd round of the 2003 MLB June Amateur Draft from Francis T Maloney HS (Meriden, CT).
High School: Francis T Maloney HS (Meriden, CT)

Kevin Putkonen

Team: East Hartford Jets
Bats: Left • Throws: Left
6-0, 205lb (183cm, 92kg)
Born: April 4, 1988 (Age: 29-068d)
High School: South Windsor High School

Sun. 06/04/17Wed. 04/17/24 by Weston Ulbrich

Remembering Buzzy Levin, GHTBL Hall of Famer

Jerome “Buzzy” Levin, 90, passed away in the early hours of June 2, 2017. His last days were spent in his hometown of Middletown, Connecticut, surrounded by his loving family, friends and the wonderful staff on the 7th floor of Middlesex Hospital. Buzzy was born on September 24, 1926, in Middletown where he lived alongside his beautiful wife of nearly 60 years, Harriet Levin. Buzzy believed in family and community above all from the very beginning.

After enduring the loss of his father, Max Levin, at the young age of 13 and passing up the opportunity to play professional baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Buzzy took over the family business, Malloves Jewelers, from his mother, Beatrice Levin and his uncle, Joseph Levine, in 1957. Buzzy served as President of the business until 1992, when he handed over the reins to his son, Marc Levin. During his years of retirement in Florida, the Malloves staff, whom Buzzy thought of as family, welcomed him back with open arms to work in the store throughout the summer and Christmas holidays.

Whether Buzzy was volunteering as the bat boy for the Wesleyan baseball team under Jack Blott, playing semi-pro ball in the starting lineup for the Middletown Giants from 1941 until 1951, or earning himself one of three lifetime hole-in-ones on the golf course, Buzzy was happiest when a ball, bat and club were within reach. In 1948, alongside Bernie O’Rourke, Buzzy founded the Middletown Chapter of Little League baseball. Within 2 years of starting the first chapter in New England, they had 160 chapters up and running throughout the area.

Marc Levin and Buzzy Levin — Marc Levin & Buzzy Levin (right)

Buzzy served as the President of the Middletown Chapter for 7 years and the Little League District 9 Commissioner for 33 years, instituting a rule at both the local and national level which stated that every player on a team had to bat once and complete a full inning on the field, ensuring that all kids were given a fair chance to play the game he loved most. Buzzy was a lifetime member of the Middletown Little League Association.

After sponsoring a Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League from 1980 until 1993, Buzzy went on to help college players in the New England area compete on the same level as the players in the Cape Cod League by organizing the first New England Collegiate Baseball League and establishing a franchise in Middletown, for which he served as the General Manager for 8 years. Buzzy was the driving force behind the installation of lights at Palmer Field.

Buzzy proudly served on the Middletown Common Council from 1964 until 1975, playing a vocal role in every commission and committee during his 6 terms in office. He was a lifelong member of Congregation Adath Israel Synagogue, the same synagogue his father rebuilt in 1929, where he followed in his father’s footsteps by assuming the role of President from 1969 to 1971.

1990 May 20 Malloves Jewelers Buzzy and Marc Levin — Malloves Jewelers, 1990.

He was also a member of the Middletown Elks, the Kiwanis Club, the B’Nai B’rith, the Middletown Jaycees, the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, the Connecticut Retail Jewelers Association (Vice President), the Middletown Transit Authority, the Middletown Park and Recreation Board (Chairman for 9 years), the Russell Library Building Committee and the Middletown High School Building Committee. In addition, he served as Corporator of both Middlesex Hospital and Liberty Bank, and sat on the Board of Home Bank. As someone who valued the importance of old friendships, Buzzy was instrumental in coordinating the Woodrow Wilson High School Class of 1944 reunions for over 65 years.

He was inducted into the Greater Hartford Twilight League Hall of Fame in 1987 for his contributions as a generous sponsor of the Malloves Jewelers franchise for 14 years. Buzzy was also inducted into the Xavier Hall of Honors in 1994, and the Middletown Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. He received the Connecticut Sports Writers Good Guy Award in 1988, the Middlesex County Chamber Distinguished Citizen Award in 1996, and the NECBL Executive of the Year Award in 2001.

Malloves Jewelers Twilight Baseball League — Malloves Jewelers baseball team, GHTBL

Upon retiring to Florida in 1992, Buzzy served as President of the Foxhollow Condominium Association and was elected to a seat on the Foxfire Country Club Board. Buzzy will be forever missed and his legacy carried on by his wife, Harriet, his children, Marc (Judith) Levin and Faith (Craig) Irwin, his grandchildren, Marissa and Billy Irwin, his three grand dogs, Maggie, Daisy and Willow, and his beloved Malloves family.

https://middlesexcountycf.org/ways-to-give/become-a-donor/fund-catalog/donor-advised/buzzy-harriet-levin-fund

Source: Jerome Levin Obituary (1926 – 2017) – Middletown, CT

Mon. 04/17/17Wed. 04/17/24 by Weston Ulbrich

GHTBL All-Stars Stung by New Britain Bees, 18-6

After leading in the 6th inning, the amateurs eventually lose to the professionals.

The GHTBL All-Stars led by a handful of former professional ballplayers and several former NCAA athletes matched up against the New Britain Bees of the Atlantic League on April 15th at New Britain Stadium. This pre-season exhibition served as an early start and a fun day for local fans. The final score was 18-6 in favor of the Bees, though the GHTBL All-Stars led 6-5 through six innings of play.

2017 Bees Game Hartford Twilight — Wes Hurty, Catcher, GHTBL All Stars, 2017.

Vernon Orioles catcher, Wes Hurty had a good day with a run-scoring double. Ulbrich Clippers hurler, James Kukucka threw a perfect inning in relief and Manchester Braves pitcher and outfielder, Mark DiTommaso chipped in with an RBI single and a solid inning on the mound. Jack Ceppetelli, Manager of the 2016 Playoff and Regular Season Champions Vernon Orioles managed the GHTBL All-Stars.

A special thanks goes out to the Bees GM, Gerry Berthiaume and their Legal Counsel, Jamie Goldman for organizing the day.

2005 Andy Baylock Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League

Wed. 03/08/17Wed. 04/17/24 by Weston Ulbrich

Andy Baylock Named GHTBL Vice President

Baylock returns to the Twilight League to lead by example.

Former UConn Baseball Head Coach, Andy Baylock has been named to the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League Executive Committee as Vice President. Baylock’s appointment adds another legendary coach to the league. He will work with President Bill Holowaty and the GHTBL Executive Committee to recruit and develop local ballplayers. “Andy Baseball” as he is known in some circles, was a catcher in the Hartford Twilight for the 1960 and 1961 Hamilton Standard teams. Baylock’s vast baseball experience and established reputation will add another invaluable guiding hand for the GHTBL in 2017.

1961 Hamilton Standard Hartford Twilight League — 1961 Hamilton Standard, GHTBL

Baylock is best known for his 24 year reign as Head Coach of UConn Huskies Baseball. There he moulded major league pitchers: Charles Nagy, Roberto Hernandez, and Pete Walker. He began his Huskies career as an assistant baseball coach in 1964 and became head coach in 1980. By 1987, Baylock won the Jack Butterfield Award bestowed by the New England Association of College Baseball Coaches for his unwavering dedication to college baseball.

He guided the Huskies to Big East Championships in 1990 and 1994 along with a trio of College World Series berths. Baylock retired from coaching in May of 2003 after posting a 556-492-8 career record. At the time of his retirement, he had personally coached 1,447 of the 2,327 games (62.2%) in UConn baseball history.

1983 Walt Dropo Andy Baylock and Larry Panciera scaled — L to R: Walt Dropo, Andy Baylock and Larry Panciera, 1983.

As a lifelong son of Connecticut, Baylock grew up in New Britain as a talented baseball and football player. A 1960 graduate of Central Connecticut State University, he captained the baseball and football teams and received the Gladstone Award: CCSU’s highest scholar-athlete award. He was later inducted into the Central Connecticut Hall of Fame in 1981.

After graduating from CCSU, he traveled to the University of Michigan where Baylock earned his master’s degree while serving as a graduate assistant football and baseball coach. In 1962, he returned home to accept the head football coach for East Catholic High School in Manchester, Connecticut. He also had a successful stint as a professional football player with the Springfield Acorns of the Atlantic Coast Professional Football League from 1963 to 1965. He was later honored with induction into the East Catholic High School Hall of Fame.

In 1997, Baylock was inducted into the Connecticut High School Coaches Hall of Fame. In the spring of 2008, he received recognitions for his outstanding contribution from both the Connecticut High School Coaches Association and the National Football Foundation’s Southeastern Connecticut Chapter.

1998 Andy Baylock UConn Huskies Baseball Head Coach edited — Andy Baylock, 1986.

Nowadays, Baylock is in his 14th year as the UConn football program’s Director of Football Alumni and Community Affairs. He serves as the team’s liaison both to professional scouts and the Connecticut high school coaches. He has been honored by several athletic organizations including an induction into the American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame (1996) – one of the seven Hall of Fames in which he has been enshrined. Baylock was also selected as the 2011 recipient of the ABCA/Wilson Lefty Gomez Award, the highest honor bestowed by the ABCA.

He has also been active on the international baseball scene as a distinguished pitching clinician, including serving as pitching coach for the 1985, 1988 and 1989 USA national teams and the Dutch national team in 1999. During this time, Coach Baylock led players such as Matt Williams, Mike McFarland, Jack McDowell, Kevin Brown, Alex Fernandez, Chuck Knoblauch, Mo Vaughn, Jeremy Burnitz and Joe Girardi. Throughout the 90’s, Baylock spent five summers a veteran pitching coach in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League.

In 1991, he was awarded the Baseball Service Award by the New York Professional Baseball Committee. He has also been recognized by the University of Connecticut with the Albert Jorgensen Athletic Award given by the Alumni Association and the UConn Club Outstanding Contribution Award. He was awarded the 1985 Gold Key from the Connecticut Sportswriters’ Alliance for his years of service to Connecticut athletics. In 2002, sportswriters presented the veteran skipper with the Outstanding Contribution to New England Baseball Award.

Brian Specyalski and Andy Baylock 1 — USA Baseball, 1990.

Adding to his accolades, Baylock served as chairman of the Division I Baseball Committee for the ABCA and chaired the Division I All-America Selection Committee. He is a past member of the NCAA Pro-Sport Liaison Committee. Baylock was the President of the BIG EAST Baseball Coaches’ Association and a member of the Executive Council of the New England Baseball Coaches’ Association.

Baylock’s knowledge of baseball traces back to a truly unique experience, as a state championship catcher with the New Britain High School Hurricanes in 1955. There he caught the mythical left-hander Steve Dalkowski, who in baseball lore, is believed by many to have thrown harder than anyone who ever lived.

Today, Baylock serves in an advisory capacity as batting practice pitcher for the Connecticut Tigers of the Atlantic League. Baylock has been a fixture at Dodd Stadium for the last two decades. He has thrown batting practice to some of the best who ever played for the Norwich Navigators, Connecticut Defenders, and Connecticut Tigers.

2016 Andy Baylock Connecticut Tigers — Andy Baylock, 2016.

Baylock has said that Nick Johnson was the best hitter he ever saw come through, but 2014 World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner was his favorite. “I love that kid,” Baylock once said of Baumgarner. “And he could hit, because he was always sneaking in the batting cage asking for another 50 or 60 swings when nobody was looking.”

Coach Baylock knows baseball better than most. His coaching philosophy has fostered the development of hundreds of great players on and off the field. “You have to be fun to be around,” Baylock has said about ballplayers. “It’s one of my basic things. Be good people, be dependable, be accountable, be responsible, be caring, be loyal, be self-disciplined, be respectful.” The GHTBL is grateful and honored to have Coach Baylock back in the league.

Here’s to YOU and many more years of success.

Sources:
1. University of Connecticut, Andy Baylock, Director of UConn Football Alumni/Community Affairs, https://uconnhuskies.com/staff-directory/andy-baylock/352.

2. Andy Baylock and His Gift, MLB.com, by Randy Brochu, August 31, 2015, https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-146517702.

3. Wikipedia contributors. (2023, July 26). Andy Baylock. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18:49, April 17, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Andy_Baylock&oldid=1167238711.

Sat. 03/04/17Wed. 04/17/24 by Weston Ulbrich

Holowaty Named GHTBL President

“Attitude and effort are the keys to a successful life.”
Bill Holowaty

The Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League is proud to announce the appointment of former Eastern Connecticut State University Head Baseball Coach, and 2015 National College Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee, Bill Holowaty of Columbia, Connecticut, to role of League President. Holowaty, a resident of Columbia, Connecticut, is a baseball luminary and a veteran educator of the game.

As the winningest coach in the history of New England athletics, Holowaty earned the 11th most wins by a college baseball coach. In 45 years at ECSU, he compiled a 1404-525-7 record. He led Eastern to four NCAA Division III National Championships and was honored four times as the National Coach of the Year. In addition to winning four national championships, ECSU posted 11 straight 30-win seasons from 2001 to 2011. He took the Warriors to the postseason 39 out of 45 seasons which amounted to 14 Division III College World Series appearances.

1986 Coach Bill Holowaty Eastern Connecticut State University — Bill Holowaty, former Eastern Connecticut State University Head Baseball Coach, 1986.

Holowaty created a new standard for college programs. He was an advocate in establishing the NCAA Division III Baseball College World Series in the mid-1970s. He coached in the Cape Cod Baseball League for the Chatham Anglers in 1973. He’s a past president of the American Baseball Coaches’ Association (ABCA), and a longtime member of the ABCA All-America committee. Holowaty was a founder of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) and of the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association (NEIBA). He is a member of both the NEIBA Hall of Fame and the ABCA Hall of Fame.

Though he retired from coaching in 2013, he has continued to teach baseball fundamentals at Holowaty Baseball Camp for 5-12 year old boys and girls in the spring and summer. His values are that of pure brand of baseball. He believes in hard work, hustle and a no-nonsense approach to the game; traits that translate into success on the field, in school, and in life.

2015 Bill Holowaty National College Baseball Hall of Fame — Bill Holowaty, National College Baseball Hall of Fame, 2015.

The GHTBL is grateful to the Holowaty family for stepping up to the plate and taking on this leadership role. Over the years, Bill has been involved with the league in various capacities. In 1966 and 1967, a young Bill Holowaty played basketball for the Connecticut Huskies and then suited up in the Hartford Twilight during the summer. He was a first baseman for the Hamilton Standard team under player-manager Wally Widholm – a Former minor leaguer and GHTBL Hall of Fame Inductee. Holowaty attributes much of his success to what he learned from his two summers in the GHTBL with mentors like Widholm.

2017 Bill Holowaty GHTBL Meeting — GHTBL Meeting at the Holowaty residence, 2017.

Holowaty would go on to a historic coaching career, but he continued to recruit from and send players to the GHTBL for more than 45 years. He coached several current GHTBL players at ESCU and in his baseball camps. As the new League President, Bill Holowaty brings invaluable connections, experience, new ideas, tradition, organization, a highly motivating spirit as we enter our 88th season in May of 2017.