2021 Hopewell Tigers Post Second Championship in Three Years in 45+ Division of Hudson Valley (NY) MSBL
Hudson Valley (NY) MSBL, 45+ Division
Hopewell Tigers 12, Sharks 1
Both the Hopewell Tigers and Sharks finished with identical records at 13-4. Because of the head-to-head battle between the two teams, the Sharks were the # 1 seed with home-field advantage.
The #1 Sharks defeated the #4 Falcons 11-5 while the Tigers defeated the #3 Isotopes 7-0.
The Tigers jumped out early on the Isotopes putting up four runs in the first inning and adding three more runs in the fourth inning. 10 Tigers all had a hit. Luciano and Sullivan logged two hits apiece. There were five doubles divided among Lyons, Gannello, Antonini, Sullivan, and Cohen. All the runs came with two outs and nobody on base. Geary and Sean Lyons combined on the 7-hit shutout. Lyons was the league leader in strikeouts in 2021.
The October 2nd Championship match-up pitted the Sharks and Tigers, both with 14-4 records. A showdown between a couple of CY Young candidates Rick Stockfield (7-0, 1.98 ERA, 1.12 WHIP) and Phil “Lefty” Geary (10-0, 2.87 ERA, 1.26 WHIP), and the 2020 rematch from the division’s semi-finals which the Sharks won 13-12.
The Tigers jumped out on top in a big way scoring nine runs in the first inning sending 13 men to the plate aided by three Sharks’ errors, two walks, a hits batsmen, and a couple of non-plays by the Sharks. The Tigers added two more runs in the second and one more in the third. The Tigers played excellent defense, played as a team, and never looked back – defeating the defending Champion Sharks 12-1. This was the Tiger’s second Championship in three years. Congratulations to the Sharks for a good season finishing 14 – 5.
David Rambo led the offense with two hits, including a huge double in the first driving in two runs. 11 different Tigers scored, while they banged out 10 Hits and stole eight bases. Lyons, Kumar, and Sansone each with two stolen bases. Geary went the distance on the mound notching his 12th victory.
Offensively the Hopewell Tigers led the league in runs scored, RBI’s, hits, doubles, walks, and stolen bases. Defensively they allowed the fewest runs.
Comments from league president Rick Stockfield – Post Season Accolades: The HVMSBL celebrates its post-season award winners selected by its players and managers. 35+ MVPs Mark Petrosino (National) and Joe Mercurio (American), 35+ Cy Youngs Jim Petrosino (National) and Ryan Ball (American), 45+ MVPs Jim Niwinski and Sean Lyons, 45+ Cy Youngs Phil Geary and Rick Stockfield. Manager of the Year Peter Johnson (Reds). Sportsmen of the Year – Cordal Johnson, George Haight, Mike Zucarro, Lee Carilli, and Ray Karst.
The League through its 3 Up 3 Down Organization raised $22,536 for youth baseball and those with developmental disabilities in 2021.
The league celebrated its 31st year and it didn’t disappoint!