2017 Newington Caps Advance to Championship Series in Connecticut North MSBL

Connecticut North MSBL, 35+ Division

‘Caps Advance to Championship Series’

Submitted by Dave Sacco, Newington Caps manager

Most of our team has been together for a number of years, many over ten. Until two years ago the CNMSBL was divided into an A and B division. We began in 2002 and were in the A division until 2015 when it became a 25 and 35 division. We have always competed in the A, despite our team being older. We only have three players under 40, with over half of our team over 50 and several over 60.

Since moving to the 35 division we immediately improved. This year we had our most successful regular season, going 16-4 and capturing the North Division crown. Our team was already solid and adding three quality players this year made us even stronger. Pitcher and center fielder Greg White returned after missing the previous year while we added league veteran outfielder Mike Moulin and pitcher-first basemen Josh Cattier. In 2016 we added outfielder Joe Carrier. All of these players have been solid additions to our team, and all fit in as great guys as well.

With these additions to our core we were able to take a big step forward. We are one of the very fortunate teams in that we all get along and have a great time playing baseball together regardless of won/loss record. We typically have 14 or 15 players show up per week, sometimes more.

In the playoffs we were the number two seed behind the Hebron Nor-Easters. In the first round we were able to sweep a game Portland Pirate team 5-2 and 8-5. The second round we swept the always tough Clinton Brewers 9-1 and 3-2.

The Championship Series versus the Hebron team was hard fought all the way. In the first game we beat them 7-3 behind Dave Busch’s complete game win, his third win in the playoffs. This was Dave’s tenth victory of the season. We received some strong hitting by our team MVP Ken Britina, who went 3-3, and Jon Beady and Steve Morin had two hits apiece.

Games two and three were both 5-1 losses, ending our season. In game two Glenn Klarehad two hits and our only rbi and Greg White, Beady and Matt Ryan had our other hits. Drew Clarke threw four great innings giving up one run and was the hard luck loser.

In game three Greg White was the starter and pitched well but took the loss. Greg also had two hits.

2017 was a great overall season, our best to date. The Caps are a great group of guys and ones I am proud to call my teammates. On a personal note, it is great to play alongside our league President Greg Schienda. I have participated in the MSBL World Series in Arizona with Greg for 20 straight years and we have become great friends. It has also been wonderful to play together during the regular season for the last three years.