Glen Oaks teams battle it out for bragging rights

By the TimesLedger

On Wednesday, July 25. the Park Dodge All Stars squared off against the Vitality Drugs All Stars.

Thanks to Glen Oaks Business and Corporate sponsors this year, the Glen Oaks Little League was able to have two separate all-star teams in the 9- and 10-year division travel summer tournament. The two teams went head to head in the battle of the league bragging rights late last month.

The Park Dodge All Stars were the favorites, but the Vitality Drug All Stars enjoyed being the underdog and played knowing the pressure would be on the ‘A’ team. This held true as the ‘B’ team hit the ball hard in the first inning, but the ‘A team made some sparkling plays to get out of the inning giving up only one run. The ‘B’ team’s defense looked solid in the first. retiring the first three ‘A’ team batters.

Dave Pabon, the ‘A’ team manager, inspired his team, which continued to make play after play as the “B” team continued to stroke the ball. Defense was the key in this big rivalry, as the ‘B’ team struggled in the field in the second and fourth innings, allowing 10 unearned runs. Even with the score now lopsided, the ‘B’ team kept their heads high and played hard going down in defeat by the final score of 15-1.

A wonderful barbecue and festivities were enjoyed by all after the game, with parents and players setting aside their rivalries in exchange for a good time. Hamburgers and hot dogs were donated by Waldbaum’s Supermarket and Marcella’s Pizza provided pies for a hungry bunch of ball players. Thanks to all who helped make this evening a great time, especially, Terri Chu, who flipped burgers, Mark Gandasegui, who used his new truck to haul over grills, and to Dan Keyes and Joe Parrino, who towed the night game lights to the ball field all the way from Bayside Abby Rental Center.

A-Team Roster

Joey Bobrow

Scott Gandasegui

Anthony Meo

John Rubinau

Justin Ramos

Jonathan Dupuy

Michael Kaplan

Justin Dilan

Patrick Florian

Joey Caraballo

Sean Pabon