Bell 3-Run Homer Captures Men’s Softball Championship

This spring and summer was the third season of the Bernards Township Men’s 40 and Over softball league, and once again the same two teams battled for the championship on July 19.

The PT Joes led The Board 1-0 on the strength of pitcher George Lopez’ third inning RBI ground out, which plated Dave Cimaglia, who had singled. The Board got their offense going in the bottom of the fourth as Fred Corcoran walked, and after two fly outs, Bill DeVries singled, Mike Calderone doubled to score Corcoran and DeVries, Doug Falduto singled home Calderone and after a Chris Bell walk, Bill Conkling’s triple cleared the bases.

The Board turned the lead over to pitcher Chuck Albanese who stymied PT Joes offense until the seventh inning. During the past three seasons, games between the teams have been tight and usually high scoring so it was surprising the game went to the last inning 5-1. After a fly out to center, Paul Shawah, Anthony Jurist and Bob Ehret stroked successive singles which brought Rob Travaglini as the tying run to the plate.

Travaglini launched a fly to deep right that was carrying over the fence. Right fielder Scott Commer was able to catch the potential game tying home run against the fence and PT Joes were down to their last out. Mike Triolo, the next batter proceeded to crush a ball way over the left field fence and dramatically tie the game. The next batter lined out to short stop and The Board had three outs to try to push a run across to clinch the championship.

Victor Hatala and DeVries drew successive walks to lead off the inning. After two fly outs it was up to Bell to knock in the winning run. He did more than that, smacking a deep home run to left to win the game 8-5. In the semi-final round 17-16 win versus PT Joes, Rob Moldovan and Pete Matarazzo were 3-for-4, Dave Johnson and Rich Sarnie were 2-for-3 to power the victors. Ken Schmalz was 4-for-4 to lead the way in the Board’s 18-3 quarter-final win over the Ridge Rebels.

The fall season is scheduled to start in mid-September.  Look for sign up information on the township website or in municipal offices.