2026 Tides Sweep Yankees in Championship Series for 55+ Crown in Long Island MSBL/MABL
Long Island MSBL/MABL, 55+ Division
Long Island Tides 10, North Shore Yankees 4 (Game two in best-of-three championship series sweep)
Submitted by Jim Forde, manager
‘Tides Roll up 30 Runs in Two Championship Series Contests’
The 55+ Long Island Tides capped off a tremendous 2026 season by sweeping through the playoffs and defeating a tough and talented North Shore Yankees team, led by Pete Munda. This was the second Championship for the perennial playoff team, with the Tides having bested the East Islip Angels in 2023.
The Tides relied upon strong starting pitching from Howard Gully and Kirk Johnson in the two Championship Games, with both hurlers going the distance under hot and humid conditions.
In Game One, Johnson struck out six in nine innings at Eisenhower Park and kept the Yankees at bay through the middle innings, allowing a relentless and balanced Tides offense to build a substantial lead.
The strong top-to-bottom Tides lineup was paced by a fifth-inning grand slam by Tony Luparello over the center field fence, then an almost identical 2-run blast from Kirk Johnson in the eighth that closed out the scoring.
There was no quit in the North Shore Yankees, who scored five late runs to narrow the gap, but Johnson pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning, striking out the last batter to seal the victory.
Game Two shifted to the Yankees’ home field in Glen Cove, with the visiting Tides striking for three runs in the top of the first to take a lead they would not relinquish. Seasoned veteran Howard Gully was in control on the mound throughout the game, striking out six and limiting the Yankees to single runs in the second and fourth innings. Howard helped his own cause with a clutch hit in the first and fifth innings, with timely Tides hitting in the five-run fifth putting the game out of reach.
The Yankees battled back for two runs in the ninth, but the Tides snuffed out the late rally with solid pitching and defense.
In 16 games played, the Tides finished the 2026 Summer Season with a sparkling record of 15-1. Every eligible Tides player appeared in the playoffs, and throughout the entire season, every single player on the versatile roster contributed to this great Championship Season, both on the field and off, fostering a solid foundation of unselfish teamwork and camaraderie that is truly the strength of the team.
The Tides express their appreciation to the other teams in the division for sharing the field and providing tough competition. Also, recognition must be given to the “Third Team on the Field” – – – our hard-working umpires who tirelessly provide their skill and keep us in line.
Most importantly, the Tides wish to thank Steve and Brian Sigler and all the staff at the Long Island MSBL/MABL for their tireless efforts on our behalf, and for allowing all of us to play the game we love and become kids again, even if it’s only for a couple of hours per week!