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NY Daily News Stickball Classic begins in Staten Island
Veranzanno provides great backdrop for SI Stickball ClassicYou couldn't ask for a better day. The weather was warm, bright and clear and with the Veranzanno bridge providing a majestic background, the borough competitions of the Daily News Stickball Classic commenced in Staten Island. South Beach's Dolphin Plaza provided the perfect field, the high spirits of the people in attendance made it a great day (see photos of the event).Curtis Sliwa, the "Commissioner of Stickball" explained "This year we wanted to have the first event here in Staten Island, the 'forgotten borough' which too often get's passed over. We had a great day, terrific location and a respectable turnout of players and fans. I think we have a lot of potential for future events." As is customary, prior to the team competition, contestants can register for the longball eventwith the money collected going to support the Police Athletic League. Mickey Olivero edged out fellow teammate Albert Colon Jr. with a 285+ foot blast to take the longball honors. With a slight breeze blowing in from the outfield, longball contestants were challenged to get the full distance on their shots. However stickball Hall of Famer Nunzi Esposito put on a clinic of consistency, hitting shot after shot 225-250 feet deep, not far enough to win, but good enough to to earn plenty of oohs and ahhs from the fans. The Brooklyn Knights, one of the City's most respected teams were matched against pickup squad led by Guardian Angel Danny Carrique, called the Staten Island Pretty Boys. Danny's antics before his at bats and his colorful nick names for the players created a consistent source of humor, an important ingredient for the pickup squad which was seriously outmatched by the established team. The final score of 7-5 did not reflect a close game, merely the fact that the Knights were taking it easy. Still, the Pretty Boys, though creaking with rust, improved each inning and were playing a respectable level of ball by the end of the game.Folks had so much fun that they stayed around to continue playing a pickup game after the competitions were over. On a day as perfect as this one, why let it end? If you are interested in fielding a team for the 2003 competition or if you want to help publicize the tournament, Contact us.
Click for bigger picture A special thanks to the Daily News |
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