5/7/2008 |
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5/6/2008 |
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Orlando Has Arrived......
9/17/2007 |
Spikes Trophies has finished 2nd in the World Series of Softball Class E.
Congratulations goes to : TEDDY WESTERVELT, SEAN LENAHAN, JOE VECCHIONE, JOE MARSEGLIA, BILLY GILL, GREG MANGIN, JEFF MORELAND, ALBERT PEREZ, BRIAN NAU, KEVIN QUINN, JON MARION, JIMMY BERNARD, JAMIE LOVE, MARK FOLEY AND BERNIE SAUER.
What a 2007 Season! Spikes Trophies has a lot to be proud of this year. Spikes played in many tournaments and everyone with heart, determination and class. They started off by winning their first tournament of the year and never looked back. Almost every tournament played was a 1st or 2nd finish. And finally finishing 2nd in Worlds was outstanding. This team set goals in February to go out this summer and try and be the best in the State and show what they were capable of doing in other states as well and thats exactly what they did.
Spikes Trophies won the 2007 PA State Title in Newville, Finished 2nd at Nationals in Lakewood and finished their year coming in 2nd at Worlds in Disney.
Playing in the beautiful Wide World of Sports Complex in Disney was this teams best ever accomplishment. Spikes went 8-2 over the weekend and played as a team with a lot of heart. It wasn't the best offensive display but everyone stepped up and played awesome defense. Spike's defense carried them through the tournament with one great play after another. Jamie DOC Love (Defensive MVP) pitched probably the tournament of his career. Inning after inning Doc shut the door up the middle saving Spikes to battle from behind to win. There were so many great plays and double plays that it would take 2 pages to write. This team was extremly focused on D. But the Spikes team came up a little short. Spikes lost to a great RTD Softball Club from Northern New Jersey in the Championship. RTD finished the World Series undefeated 9-0. Our hats are off to RTD.
Special Congratulations goes to these players who were chosen to the All Tournament Team: TEDDY WESTERVELT, MARK FOLEY, ALBERT PEREZ, BERNIE SAUER. DEFENSIVE MVP: JAME LOVE.
Nobody knows the future for this talented Spikes Team in 2008. For some Spikes players this may be their last tournament and some may just move on but what is certain, the 2007 Spikes Team will never forget this season and the relationships that grew on this team will last a long time.
CONGRATULATIONS SPIKES!!!
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The road to Orlando.....
5/10/2007 |
| After coming off a heartbreaking loss in the NSA Championship game a few weeks ago, Spikes Trophies redeemed themselves by winning their next tournamnet in Newville. Spikes went 5-1 led by co-mvp's Greg "Woody" Mangin and Jamie" Doc" Love. Spikes again batted over .650 in the tournament and once again played solid defense. Also Trevor Foraker made his first appearance of the season and put together a solid performance. There are some new faces with this Spikes team and the team seems to be coming together game after game making them a tough team to beat down the road. Next up for Spikes Trophies is Glen Burnie May 19th. |
Time to make plans for Orlando........
4/9/2007 |
Spikes Trophies started the year off in grand style. On a cold, windy and sometimes snowy day Spikes played great softball in Mercer County Park, NJ. Led by tournamnet MVP Joe Vecchione, Spikes batted above .670.
The 1st game was won by Spikes 17-6 against a good Storm team. The 2nd game was won by a 18-3 margin against the Stingrays. The third game was a big test for Spikes who managed to come from behind and win by a narrow 14-11 victory who played a very talented Gamecoks team. Along with Spikes, the Gamecocks will also be making the trip to Orlando.
For the first time out in tournament play it looks like the Spikes team is going to be tough to beat. With a great offense and solid D this team could win a lot of tournaments this summer.
Congratulations to all! |
If you can't be with the ones you love...
8/14/2006 |
This weekend saw some of the SMSC boys spread their wings and get some AB's before Montgomery Alabama.
A group of players led by Greg Mangin, Albert Perez and Bobby Jordan took 4th out of 18 teams in the ASA Over 35. Also, Bernie Sauer, Ted W. Mark Foley and Jeff Moreland placed 2nd place in NSA States with the Cookstown / gamecocks Squad losing in the "IF" game to Six Feet Deep.
Next up is the Big Event in Montgomery Alabama. We will keep you posted! |
Trentonian Super E
8/7/2006 |
This weekend a shorthanded but solid Spike's/Morrisiville squad placed a respectable second place in one of the summers' traditional tourney's, The Trentonian @ Mercer County Park. SMSC played in the "Super "E" bracket (read: ASA D+ or C).
Although only 8 teams in this bracket, Super E was full of quality competition. Lietka Trucking/Dirtyboys , a team that plays with SMSC in the Mercer County Americian League, added a few players and were the best team in the bracket. Liedka went 4 - 0 and defeated SMSC in the Winners Bracket final and in the elimination game in bracket play to win the title.
Spike's Defeated a very good Avion Softball out of NJ in the opener and finished Saturday night with victory over Century Homes of Bristol.
After getting defeated by Lietka in the WBF, SMSC faced a familiar foe in Lake Mohawk Bagel. The Bagel boys are heading to USSSA E Worlds this year and are always a good match-up for Spike's. SMSC played a bit tired but outlasted Lake Mohawk in the bottom of the 7th to win the Losers Bracket Final.
Lietka and Spiles played the final close until the 4th and 5th innings when the wheels fell of the cart and the long day was over. Congratuations to Lietka for a great run on the weekend!
SMSC played an average tournament but managed to get key hits and make big plays when needed. Tommy D. (P) and John "Roddy" Rodriguez (2B) filled in very well this weekend.
TOURNEY NOTES: Tournament MVP to Greg Mangin, Mark Foley, Bernie Sauer and Ted Westervelt...Homeruns were hit by Denny Carroll, Jeff Moreland, Tom Lyden Greg Mangin (inside) and Bernie Sauer (inside)...Liedka and Morrisville made it an All-Mercer County final...Norristown was represented in the Trentonian with the "Northhampton Tennis" entry featuring a few Norristown A and B players they ran into the Liedka buzzsaw early and went 2 - 0...This was an ASA rules event... missing SMSC players this weekend were Joe Marseglia and Tom Flint...Albert Perez 2b was suspended for the event for violating team rules(abnormal LOW levels of testosterone)...SMSC continues the month of August with three nights a week in league play as rainouts leaves their schedule full all month...this is was the last tourney event for SMSC before Montgomery Alabama ASA East Nationals... |
Sweet Virginia
6/26/2006 |
SMSC ventured out of the tri state area to Richmond, Virgina to play in a Central Virginia ASA "D" National Qualifier. The sqaud earned a first place finish after a marathon day of 8 games! The tournament was a 4 game guarantee with bracket play then double elimination. All games were played on Saturday.
The field of competition was far superior then then that of any of the "D" tourneys the squad has played in this year. It included the 7th place finisher in last years ASA East Nationals and 3 of the top 10 ASA ranked teams in Virgina
Spike's went to the tournament without their full compliment of players with Jim Martell, Tom Lyden and Joe Vecchione not making the trip. they day began a little bit slow as the they squad went 0 - 2 in bracket play. This put Spike's in a tough spot as they would have to play an extra game in the hot and humid Virginia afternoon.
Once double elimination began the boys really showed what they are made of. After a win in the first double elim game, Spike's faced an impressive team from Charlottesville, VA Total Performance. Spikes was sent to the losers bracket by this impressive squad which defeated them for the second time in the day. Looking at the long road ahead of them went on a hitting spree and knocked off 3 consecutive opponemts to make it to the finals of the tournament against Total Performance which had defeated them soundly. Spike's dug in a smoked this talented team in 5 innings to go to the "if" game. Unfortunately, the weather that was ominous all day finally came to life as the tournamwnt director and coaches agreed that the lightning and thunderstorms was too risky to continue and the teams were named co-champions. Both teams have berth's to ASA nationals
This was an impressive,gutty, and character building performance by a Spike's team that hasn't really lived up to their potential this season. Tom Flint and Jeff Moreland were named co_MVPs. Joe Marseglia also had an .800 OBP and pitched a few games basically on one leg as he is recovering form a groin injury. Mark Foley again managed a great game and utilized all players. Jay Davis and Ray Falchek made solid contributions and stablized the line-up.
Watch out for some good things in States and in Alabama from Spike's as they seem to be putting the pieces together for a run at a title.
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Injured Warrior Update
6/2/2006 |
#17 Bobby Jordan is recovering after getting hit in the face with a ball on Wednesday nite in Mercer v. Lietka trucking. Bobby has some serious injuries to his jaw and cheekbone and has some missing teeth and will require surgery after an inadvertant throw hit Bob in the face as he was going to second base in the top of the 6th.
Bobby's spirits seem well despite the trying circumstances.
Bob, we wish you well and have you or Tara need anything please let us know.
SMSC won the game in the 7th and is near the top the standings in Mercer American. |
Sweet Home Alabama
5/21/2006 |
This weekend SMSC played in a ASA D NIT National Qualifier in sunny and breezy York PA. Spike's took advantage of a small field of teams and won the one- day tournament convincingly with a 4 - 0 record and captured a berth to the ASA East Nationals in Montgomery Alabama.
Spikes finally showed signs of coming out of their 2006 tournament doldrums with 4 players hitting over .700 for the first time this year. Greg Mangin kept his hot hitting alive and hit .812 on the tourney. Spike's finally decided to bring their gloves as they were clearly the best defensive team in the tournamnt (although there were a few minor hiccups). Joe Marseglia pitched 4 games and fielded a confident middle and along with SS Jeff Moreland and 2B Albert Perez turned 5 double plays on the day.
With an ASA National Berth now secure, Spike's will look to re-vamp their schedule and concentrate on an NSA "D" berth.
TOURNEY NOTES...Mark Foley manged the lineup for the 2nd straight week and did a fantastic job...EH/OF Tom Lyden made is 2006 tournament debut and contributed some big hits...This is the 6th consecutive year the core players of Spike's will attend one of the BIG 4 ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA National/World Tournaments...the overall play of Joe Vecchione has been stellar; confident at the plate and playing a solid outfield...Red Cross Award to Tom Flint as he came off the bench in the 5th inning in game 4 and sparked the team with a pinch hit lead- off double; Spikes scored 5 that inning to regain the lead and take the title...Bernie Sauer pulled a hamstring in his 37th consecutive tournament an unofficial record...Spikes is looking at the NSA Cape May Tourney as their next event.
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Getting Back on Track
5/15/2006 |
After a bumpy start this year SMSC finally performed well at a competitive tournament. STSC place a solid fourth in a stacked ASA NY "D" qualifier in Long Island this weekend.
The boys had to overcome a few barriers as they were shorthanded again missing Tom Flint and Jim Martell.
They day did not begin to well but sometimes you need to hit rock bottom before you get better. SMSC was embarassed by Winnie Ranegans of Ny 29 - 8. SMSC actually held the lead courtesy of a 360 ft BOMB by Greg Mangin. SMSC actually had Winnie Ranegans on the ropes a bit but shot themselves in the foot by killing rallies in two consecutive innings with double plays. Winnie Ranegans put up a 21 spot in the 4th in one of the longest innings this reporter has ever seen. Solid hits, misplays, mental errors, and bases on balls are the ingredients for such an inning.
After a long break complimented by pizza, beer and few laughs, the team pulled together to defeat VP Electric 13 - 5 to save face and get the tournament monkey off their backs.
As the weather stated getting colder and the hammies were as tight as guitar strings, SMCS faced JE-Mar Mechanical after giving up 7 in the top of the first, SMSc answered with a 7 spot of their own and held on to a 15-13 victory.
With thoughts of a top five finish in sight, next up came Don DeBias Dugout Softball, one of the best and most experienced NJ ASA/NSA teams. Spike's jumped out early and often and cruised to an 18 - 9 victory and was one game away from clinching a berth to nationals.
JNK Securties of NY was in their way and a combination of JNK knocking the ball like no other team did all day and Spike's running out of Gas (which was 3.35 a gallon on L.I.) the day ended with a 19-5 defeat and 4th place finish in a very competitive tournament.
Spike's look forward to playing in an NIT this weekend, site to be determined. |
Week in Review - Consistantly Inconstistent
5/1/2006 |
Consistantly inconsistent is the best way to describe SMSC this week.
In Norristown, SMSC defeated the Bonecrushers 24 - 13 in five innings as Rob Pickles Bickleman went Big Fly with a walk off grand Slam to give Spike's its second consecutive win and even its record at 2 - 2. Greg Mangin and John Kazimer also went yard. Spike's hit and caught the ball very well and was able to answer a big inning by the Bonecrushers by ending the game with a 7 spot in the 5th.
In Mercer American the boys faced a tough Liedka Trucking Squad in the season opener. This year's Mercer League will definately not be the same cakewalk as last year with many more quality teams and Leidka is one of them. Spike's got off to an early lead but with some defensive lapses couldn't keep liedka from tying the game in the 7th and winning the game in the 8th. Impressive opening day performance by Tom Lyden 3 - 3 as well as Jim Martell's 3 HR were highlights. Bob Jordan pitched a nice game also.
Tournamnent woes continued as SMSC got thumped in the NSA Hooters TOC. Dropping three games in not so nice fashion. Although Spike's was without Three tournament regulars including both pitchers and shortstop the squad should have fared a bit better.
A slow start with the bats in game one against Six Feet Deep led to a 14 - 5 defeat. Jeff Huggins pithed game one but could not get the offensive and defensive support behind him. The game was typical of the mental and physical errors that have plagued SMSC all year in tournament play.
Game two was versus Team Hetrich out of MD/DE. Spikes rolled up an 18 -2 lead but couldnt hold for Joe Vecchione pitching in his first tournament ever. Joe deserved a better fate as Team Hetrich took advantage of a small strike zone and turnded walsk hits and errors into a ton of runs.
Game three was played against R Rubin Painting a "C" quad out of NJ. The game was lackluster from the beginning and R Rubin used theit power to dominate Spike's
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NEXT WEEK!!!
4/21/2006 |
MERCER OPENING DAY 4/24 Field #2 7:30 v. Blue Giraffe
NORRISTOWN - 4/25 - 8:00 Bonecrushers
MERCER - 4/26 - Field #2 v. Liedka Trucking
Weekend - Hooters TOC |
BACK ON TRACK
4/19/2006 |
After dropping the first two games in Norristown, the Spike's boys dropped 33 runs in 4 innings last nite on a solid Tribe/Merryl Lynch squad to give Spike's their long awaited first win on the 2006 season.
The Miller Lite 30 Pack boys, John Kazimer, Denny Carroll (2 bombs) and Jimmy Martell combined for 4 HR with Joe Vecchione adding a 5th to lead the way. Rob Bickleman picked up his first career win in Norristown "A". Hitting is contagious as Spike's batted aournd in the first, second and third innings as the bats finally came alive.
Next up in Norristown - 4/25 8PM Bonecrushers. Mercer League begins on the 24th...Time to be determined. This weekend Spike's is off due to SS Jeff Moreland's Wedding.
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BOO!!!!!!!!
4/16/2006 |
The Lakewood Tourney for the SMSC was one the squad would like to but shouldn't forget. The team went 0- 3 and was home in time to catch the third period of the Flyers game at the Tavern. Not much good came out of the first real tournament of the year except the fact that the team realizes that a good line-up on paper will only win if there is a focused effort on the field.
Silver Linings: Tommy Flint - welcome back. Mark Foley and Joe Vecchione had a nice tournament in the field and at the plate. SMCS saw Lounge 2028 and 4-Way Lock for the first time. Solid teams...Next tournamnents is the TOC NSA in Mercer on the 29th and Drifton on the 13th |
Lakewood Tourney!
4/13/2006 |
STMT will be playing in the Decker NSA Earlybird on Sat 4/15. NSA "D" teams Gashouse, Lounge, Dugout, 4Way, J&B and Boneyard should make for a great day!
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APRIL UPDATE
4/9/2006 |
Norristown "A" league has begun. Out to its usual slow start, Spike's Trophies lost the opener 21-9 to the Peanut Gallery. Things don't get easier on Tuesday vs. Mel's Pub. Newcomer John Kazimer, Joe Vecchione and Greg Mangin, homered in the opener that was marred by a slow start offensively and some sloppiness in the field.
Tournament opener is in Lakewood, NJ in a one day NSA "D" 3 game guarantee. I will be in touch.
Mercer League begins the week of the 24th. I will post the schedule as soon as it is released. PS - it won't be the same cakewalk as last year...teams have improved and quality teams from Hamilton have moved over so get ready to defend last year's championship.
Uniforms and hats will be ready this Friday. Sorry for the delay. |
EARLY BIRD 3/25 - Hittin Pills
3/26/2006 |
Spike's Trophies Softball Club began the 2006 Tournament season by playing in an exhibition early bird tourney sponsored by RTD Reloaded of NJ.
Spike's hit the ball very well scoring 71 runs in 4 games. After trouncing a local E level team, Spikes defeated Ricigliano Law Firm (Edison NJ) 15-13 and then dropped Team Ox (Neptune NJ) 27-7. Spike's played Ricigliano again in what seemed to be the Winners Bracket finals (some confusion)and were defeated 11-5 in a time limit game. Spike's decided to call it a day as daylight was dwindling and the tourney was running a bit behind. The Morrisville Tavern had cold beer and hot bartenders waiting.
Finally playing against real competition in tournament play, the team was able to pick up where they leftoff at the end of 2005. New full time tournament additions Joe Vecchione, Joe Marseglia & Denny Carroll along with veterans Bernie Sauer, Mark Foley, Ted Westervelt, Sean Lenahan, Greg Mangin and Jeff Moreland show that Spike's tournament team is poised to make some noise in ASA and NSA in 2006.
News and Notes from the Early Bird....The event was a fund-raiser for RTD Reloaded out of NJ...Greg Mangin and Denny Carroll each hit two of the farthest/hardest balls i have ever seen;Denny's ball had to land in a neighbors living room while Mangin's was 350 ft missle that would have a destroyed a car windsheild if not for a tree...A slimmed down Jeff Moreland made some great plays at short...Joe Vecchione began his pitching career in game one, look for him to see more time in league and tournament play...Rob Bickleman, our new pitcher in Norristown pitched two games and fared very well, thanks Pickles... Dick Moody played well and hit line drives all day after off season shoulder surgery, Jay Davis hit the ball well in an EH role, Albert Perez played at third but had to leave early to pick up his hot wife at the airport, Albert was solid as usual... Jim Martell and Tom Flint missed the trip..
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2006 Season Is Here!!!
2/21/2006 |
Welcome to the 2006 Spike's Trophies / Morrisville Tavern Web Page.
With our core group of players from the Bucks County & Philadelphia area, Spike's Trophies/Morrisville Tavern Softball Club (SMSC) has been competing nationally and locally in men’s softball tournaments and leagues since 2001. For many years we were also known as Hulmeville Inn. The 2006 version of SMSC will play its league ball in the prestigious Norristown (PA) Men’s “A” Division (www.norristionsoftball.com) and Mercer County Park League (NJ). The tournament team will play an NSA D and an ASA D sanctioned schedule.
SMSC's 2005 campaign took many twists and turns. Although there was some significant personnel turnover, the squad won the Mercer League Championship, finished 2nd in the NSA E Regional Worlds and lost a heartbreaker in the "if" game in the rain soaked NSA Super Worlds in Raleigh, NC.
2006 brings us new sponsors,new goals as well as some new faces. We welcome, softball veterans Joe Marseglia, Jim Martell and Denny Carroll to boost an already solid tournament team. SMSC looks to continue the tradition of quality softball since its inception.
SMSC is managed by Ted Westervelt (twestervelt@gospikes.com), and Bernie Sauer (bcs08@msn.com). Please email us with any questions or concerns you have regarding SMSC
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