NJ Hitmen Hit A Home Run for their Fathers on Father's Day!

Three Baseball Teams! Three Baseball Championships!  Lots of Happy Dads on Dad's Day! 

The first game, the 10U USABL division championship, was the closest game of the day. The youngest Hitmen boys won 4-3 on a walk-off, two run, home run by Griffin Falco in the bottom of the last inning. That was Griffin's second home run of the weekend. Frankie Salesi also hit his first over-the-fence home run in this game.  Jackson Baillargeon and Ryan DiPede both did excellent jobs pitching the team to the victory. Congratulations to Pat Egan and LJ Baillargeon for a great season.

The second game, another division championship, featured the 12U Hitmen versus the Toms River Bullets. The Hitmen won this game handily. The boys hit with their usual power all weekend, with 8 home runs, five in the semi's and three in the championship game. The final score was 11-6. CJ Shekian, Julian Greco, Justin Steuerer, Spencer Margolis, Sal Salesi, and Aurelio Licata each had home runs. Congratulations boys and Coaches Pat Caragliano and Mike DiPede. They are now getting ready for a once in a lifetime trip to Cooperstown.

The final game of this incredible Father’s Day Hitfest for the Hitmen was the USABL 13U American League Elite Division Championship. Of course, with the two younger teams securing victories, all the pressure was now building up for the oldest Hitmen to complete the sweep. It was a very tough game against a scrappy team from Hamilton that just wouldn't quit. Our powerful offense was held in check for most of the game. Thankfully, Austin Nappi battled on the mound for 6 1/3 innings and only gave up 3 runs. Sal Monticciolo then came in to get the final two outs to nail down the 7-5 victory over the Hamilton A’s and complete the sweep. The left side of the infield for the 13U Hitmen played absolutely amazing, assisting in more than half of the 21 outs recorded in the game. Jake Burlew and Sal Salesi played outstanding at short stop and third base respectively.  Another highlight of this playoff weekend: Jake Burlew hit his first 60/90 home run and Matt Fanelli his second with back-to-back jacks! Sal Monticciolo also hit one out, solidifying his power-hitter status!  

Frank Salesi of Middletown, NJ and Mike Di Pede of Marlboro, NJ started the original NJ Hitmen baseball team just two and a half years ago.  The following Fall they added a team for younger players which are now the 10U players. This past fall they added a 12U team. What started out as a one little team has grown into something special. Working with them now are coaches Pat Caragliano, LJ Baillageon, Kevin Kenny and Pat Egan.

All three teams have become very competitive since that first season. While they have made it to the championship games before, they have never before won their USABL division.  All that changed this past Fathers Day weekend, with all three teams winning in one day.  

“Yesterday was absolutely mind-boggling,” said Salesi.  “It's incredible. No one would have been surprised if any single team won. But all three, are you kidding? I still can't believe it, I cannot believe how far we have come in two and half years.” He added, “The boys played great all day and I am so proud of each and every one of them. I am very grateful that I was able to be at all of the games to watch.” 

What an absolute amazing Father's Day gift. None of the boys (or their families) will forget this day for a very long time, if ever.

The 13U NJ Hitmen will be playing in the Old Bridge League finals this Wednesday, June 19 at the Cheesequake Fields on 29 Schulmeister Road, Old Bridge at 5:45, where they hope to lock down one more championship. Following this game, the 13U team will also be playing in the first ever 13/14U USABL Tournament of Champions. This will be this coming weekend June 22-23, with the final game being played at the Lakewood Blue Claws field Monday night.