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	The Brooklyn Knights received the team trophy for their 2004 tournament victory

2005 Classic Opens in Borough of Staten Island

In truth, the announcer's barbs were appreciated by participants and fans. It wasn't as though the play on the field was going to make any highlight films, although timely hitting by George Esposito and Peter Trivelas enabled the Republicans came out on top 4-1 in five inning game.

After the match, the Brooklyn Knights and some of the pols took their shots in the longball competition. With a strong wind blowing towards the west, many of the hits went the distance only to curve foul. Nick C. a member of the Brooklyn Knights, not known for his power, lofted several fair drives and looked as though he would carry the day with a 290 foot shot, but Andre Liberato, previous longball champ smashed a 300 foot blast to take the prize.

There was supposed to be another full game after the longball competition. Perhaps it was the heat, other commitments or the realization of their slim chances in the upcoming match, but the Republican team decided to forfeit rather than take on last year's City Champs. In 2005 Brooklyn Knights will once again represent the borough of Staten Island for the Citywide Stickball Classic.

SI Dems and Republicans pose after stickball exhibition game.

Andre Liberato and Nick C. pose with Curtis Sliwa after their long ball blasts

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Thanks to the Daily News
for its continued support of this legendary NYC street game.