Opening Day draws nearer…
Countdown to May 22, 2025
League Enters 96th Season
Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League, one of America’s longest-running leagues, is gearing up to launch another unforgettable season. In our community, the game is more than the National Pastime—it’s a pursuit of the present moment and sharing those moments with others.
This year, GHTBL is witnessing a mini resurgence. More players are extending their careers, bringing seasoned talent back to the field. Teams are seeing higher numbers of returning players than in recent seasons. This trend signals growing dedication and enthusiasm within the ranks.
As baseball fever rises, anticipation is building with Opening Day around the corner. All eight teams will complete a 24-game schedule followed by double-elimination playoffs. With fresh opportunities and fierce competition, it’s anyone’s time to shine.
Note: GHTBL’s “Stadium Series” (4 games in two-nights) at Dunkin’ Park is set for July 21st and 23rd. Playoff Tournament to begin August 7th at locations to be announced.
Opening Day Matchups
Vernon Orioles vs. South Windsor Phillies
The season kicks off at 6:00 PM on May 22, 2025, at McCoy Field in Vernon. The defending champion Vernon Orioles will host the South Windsor Phillies. The O’s soared to a Playoff Championship over M&T Bank last year and snapped East Hartford’s four-year playoff title run. Vernon leans on the offensive prowess of the ageless Nick Roy, 25-year journeyman Dan Trubia and second-year catcher Matt Falk, who batted .429 in 11 games. They have retained potent pitching with Matt Curtis and 2024 Most Valuable Pitcher, Jason Ray. The O’s experience and depth will make them a tough out.
South Windsor counters Vernon with a dynamic infield duo, Justin Oquendo and Javier Irizarry. New additions include University of Hartford infielder, Peyton West and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute pitcher, Kyle Gallo. The Phillies are in a position to challenge the champs in this opening clash. Ron Pizzanello, in his 8th season as manager, is gunning for his second Regular Season title with the Phils. Gary Burnham Jr. serves as the team’s General Manager.
Bristol Greeners vs. Rainbow Graphics
Then at 7:00 PM, the Bristol Greeners face Rainbow Graphics at Northwest Park in Manchester. The Greeners, one of the league’s youngest teams, will play half their home games at historic Muzzy Field. Player-manager Trevor Mays will lead from the mound as the team’s ace, while third baseman Matt Fusco, catcher AJ Lorenzetti, and first baseman Josh Nohilly aim to drive the offense against a tough Rainbow Graphics squad.
Rainbow Graphics, last season’s third seed, blends young talent and veteran experience. The Manchester-based team is managed by Jason Valliere, entering his 3rd year. Within the lines they’re led by 2024 Regular Season MVP Ryan Laubscher, who batted .429 in 22 games. They have an overpowering lefty in AJ Rooks and a rising star in outfielder Christian Steiner – alongside his brother Dan Steiner at catcher. Major contributions can be expected from Tyler Repoli, longtime first baseman, and Evan Chamberlain, a versatile veteran.
Sponsor: Rainbow Graphics – https://rainbowgraphicsct.com/
Other Twi’ Teams to Open 2025 Regular Season
East Hartford Jets (May 23)
On Friday, May 23, the East Hartford Jets embark on a mission to reclaim their dominance. Having ruled the league from 2020 to 2023, the Jets continue to be steered by 13-year veteran and Player-manager Jeff Criscuolo and General Manager Chris Kehoe, who’s been a Jet since 1991. Returners will likely include perennial hit leader Corey Plasky, lefty slugger Janiel Ramirez and catcher Jacob Tipton, a senior at Nichols College. One question remains: will 7-time Playoff Champion Taylor Kosakowski be part of the flight plan this season?
Record-Journal Expos (May 27)
On Tuesday, May 27, the Record-Journal Expos travel to McCoy Field in Vernon with a youthful lineup and a veteran pitching staff. Headlining the rotation are southpaws JD Tyler and Charlie Hesseltine and right hander Brendan O’Connell. Former MVP AJ Hendrickson serves as manager and starting catcher. The Expos, based in Meriden at Ceppa Field, include utilityman Kyle Hartenstein, shortstop Sebby Grignano, third baseman Javon Malone, and newcomer Dante LaRosa of Albertus Magnus College.
Sponsor: Record-Journal – https://www.ctinsider.com/recordjournal/
Middletown Mets (May 28)
The Middletown Mets open on Wednesday, May 28, at Buzzy Levin Field against the Jets at 6:30 PM. New team captain Sean Jefferson fronts a dependable lineup featuring 2024’s Most Versatile Player Nicholas Flammia, former Nichols College outfielder Will Kleinhenz, ECSU graduate Derek Allen and ex-CCSU shortstop Nick Landell. Joining the pitching staff is Division-I pitcher Leif Bigelow and Eastern Connecticut junior Daniel Lapham. Alden Halfinger and Hunter Espinosa are returning to the mound for the Mets.
M&T Bank (May 30)
Tom Abbruzzese’s reigning Regular Season title winners will welcome back most of their roster. Pitchers Camden Murphy and Nicholas Cannata are a formidable pair for the Bankers. Their offense is led by outfielder Joey Rios (six home runs in 2024), infielders Willy Yahn, and Brendan Lynch, who deliver power and defensive excellence. Their catchers certainly have impressive resumés: Gunnar Johnson is a product of Boston College, and Brandon Gaer currently catches at UMass Boston. In his 49th year as manager, Tom Abbruzzese chases his first Playoff title since 2006 with a team poised for success. The Bankers are based out of Wethersfield and use Wethersfield High School as their home field.
Sponsor: M&T Bank – https://www.mtb.com/
GHTBL would like to take a minute to commend our counterparts at Connecticut Twilight League for their dedication to men’s baseball in our state. The same must be said about Tri-State League Baseball League, Connecticut Collegiate Baseball League, New England Collegiate Baseball League and The Futures League, as well as Sunday leagues like Connecticut Adult Baseball League, Nutmeg State League, Connecticut Men’s Senior Baseball League, Connecticut North Men’s Senior Baseball League. It’s amazing how many summer leagues represent Connecticut. Here’s to another season and another!
Here are other active men’s baseball leagues in the northeast:
– George Donnelly Sunset League, Newport, RI, established 1919.
– Tri-County Baseball League, Western Mass, est. 1929.
– Hudson Valley National Adult Baseball Association, Hudson Valley, NY, est. 2007.
– Boston Park League, Boston, MA, est. 1929.
– Yawkey Baseball League, Greater Boston, MA, est. 1950s.
– Boston Metro Baseball League, Greater Boston, MA, est. 1988.
– North Shore Summer Baseball League, MA, date unknown.
– Southern Maine Men’s Baseball League, Greater Portland, ME, est. 1988.
– Granite State Baseball League, NH, est. 1992.
– Vermont Senior Baseball League, VT, est. 1984.
– Green Mountain Baseball League, VT, est. 1995.