2022 New York Grizzlies Go ‘Back-to-Back’ in 35+ AA Division of Long Island MSBL

The 2022 weekend season for the defending champion Grizzlies did not get off to the start that long-time manager Benny Caliendo was looking for. Going into the season. the team lost three long-time starters and the team was in need of some new players. With the additions of Will Wiand, Pete Memoli, Jose Galvez, and Jamie Mezey, the Grizzlies were able to repeat as Champions.

The Grizzlies had a 2021 playoff rematch in the first round against the NY Tigers. Led by the stellar pitching of Benny Caliendo and Jamie Mezey, the Grizzlies swept the semi-final series and moved on to the Finals against the Suffolk Orioles, who beat the top-seeded Twins.

Mezey pitched a solid eight innings in game one to give the Grizzlies the win, 6-2. The scrappy Orioles team won game two behind their ace 3-2, setting up the pivotal game three.

Benny Caliendo got the ball for game three and pitched his final gem of the season. The Grizzlies jumped out to a 5-0 lead after four innings, but the Orioles fought back and tied it at five apiece after six innings. Led by a 6-RBI game by Trevor Williams, including a mammoth home run, the Grizzlies scored one in the sixth, four in the seventh, and nine in the eighth to complete the championship win.

It was a great team win battling through injuries and adversity to repeat. See you all next season for a 3PEAT!