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	Curtis Sliwa looks like he's ready to experience a bit of heaven, collecting his prize, a Junior's Cheese Cake, from Borough President Marty Markowitz

Brooklyn Stickball Events Bring Out New Teams

Brooklyn came up big in this year's stickball classic, taking honors as the most political stickball event we've seen in years and as the most well attended (see photos p1 & p2)

The Stickball Challenge
Regarding politics - Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz decided not to join the Mayor for the MetroTech based stickball classic kickoff back in August, but instead signed up for a grudge match with Curtis Sliwa, stickball's self proclaimed "commissioner" and most vocal advocate. Harking back to the inter-borough rivalries of the Yankee, Dodger era, Curtis agreed to bring in a team representing the Bronx against the Borough President's Brooklyn players. If Curtis' team lost, he'd have to offer up his beret and jacket, to hang upside down in Borough Hall, an embarrassing reminder of his defeat. A win instead and the boro prez would be obligated to reward all Curtis' players with a hearty dose of Junior's Cheese cake, a well known Brooklyn tradition.

The game was a quick one, only 4 innings in length. The Bronx team took an early two run lead on Guardian Angel Frank Lee's massive two run homer in the first. In the last of the fourth, the Brooklyn team staged a rally, scoring one run, but were stopped with runners left on 2nd and 3rd. Advocating a philosophical view that would have been easily understood by his predecessors, Markowitz said, "We have nothing to be ashamed of and we leave with our heads held high. Wait till next year."

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	The Brooklyn Stickball Classic was held in front of KeySpan Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones in historic Coney Island.

The Stickball Classic
The challenge game between Bronx and Brooklyn took place on Thurs Sept 18, under darkening skies and gusty winds marking Hurricane Isabel's close approach. In contrast, two days later, the Brooklyn Stickball Classic was held in Coney Island on a beautifully warm day under clear blue skies touched by a gentle breeze. Eleven teams came to play, marking what might have been the single largest field for a borough competition since the competition began a decade ago.

The teams seemed to be composed of two groups, some made of top-notch players, who get together regularly, others composed of friends or co-workers who decided this would be fun event to attend. Curtis tried to pair off the opponents so the games would be competitive and a number of exciting matches ensued.

Peggy O'Neill's, a local establishment located at KeySpan park fielded several teams as did Park Slope Films. The Ozone Park Warriors, a Queens based team came, as did teams from New Jersey and the Bronx. The Brooklyn Knights, the borough's preeminent team was also on hand to compete for the borough title.

Three fields were commissioned for play and the games began. Despite an occasional blowout, the matchups proved to be relatively even and a number of exciting games ensued, with several teams advancing by winning by one or two run margins in seven innings of action.

After the Ozone Park Warriors defeated the Plug-Uglies (a Park Slope based team) 12-5, for their third win of the day, they were matched against the Brooklyn Knights. While the Warriors had the heart and showed some real talent for the game, they were clearly over matched by Knights who went ahead to win the game and take the Brooklyn Crown. However, the Ozone Park Warriors will participate in the finals since the Brooklyn Knights had already taken the SI and can only represent one borough in the competitions.

If you are interested in seeing the 2003 finals or if you want to help publicize the tournament for 2004, contact us.

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Peggy O'Neill's, one of the event's sponsors.

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