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!