NJ Hitmen are the USABL 13/14U State Champions!

These boys have heart! 

Monday night, under the lights at First Energy Park in Lakewood, the NJ Hitmen added another championship to their list claiming the first ever USABL 13/14U State Championship.

The NJ Hitmen organization certainly has a great deal to smile about these days. In the past week, the 10U,12U and 13U Hitmen swept the USABL American League Division Championships, and the 13U Hitmen won the Cheesequake Travel Championship. As if that wasn’t enough for four days work, this past weekend, the 13U Hitmen also won the right to compete in the USABL State Championships by going undefeated in a state playoff weekend.  

The Hitmen were challenged by a formidable Old Bridge Lightning team. These two teams first squared off back in the Cheesequake Pre-Season Tournament Final which ended in the Hitmen winning their first tournament of the year 4-2.  This past Saturday, these teams faced off again- this time the Hitmen won handily in a 7-1 victory in the winner's bracket of the state tourny. Monday night they met up again in the final. This time the Hitmen squeaked by with a 5-4 victory in the State Championship, sweeping Old Bridge 3-0 this season.  

The hitting attack was led by Sal Monticciolo and Matt Fanelli who picked up two hits each.  Jake Burlew also chipped in with a scorching triple which turned into a run when the Lightning misplayed the relay. On the mound, Big Sal battled, turning in a gritty performance, allowing just two hits and two runs over 4 2/3 innings.  Austin Nappi came in after getting the win in Game 1, to close out a nail biter 5-4.

Winning this game in dramatic fashion is a huge accomplishment for these boys, who have shown nothing but the heart of champions, battling through a grueling schedule of nine games in ten days.  "State Champions" is indeed a well earned accolade for these boys, and a testament to the their hard work and commitment, and that of their coaches and families.

Manager and founder Frank Salesi had this to say: "This has been a tremendous season for the Hitmen organization so far. We still have plenty of baseball to play in the coming weeks, including a weeklong trip to Cal Ripken next week, and the PONY/AABC State Tournaments in July. We have to continue to pitch well, and if we do we'll have an excellent chance to succeed in these tournaments."

The Hitmen are looking for elite ball players for the Fall Season who would like to be a part of this winning organization. Tryouts will be in July for 10U-14U (Spring Age). If you or someone you know is interested in trying out, please send an email to njhitmenbaseball@gmail.com. Include your son's name, DOB, and current team.  All Hitmen teams compete in USABL's Elite divisions and also participate in holiday tournaments. Our 12U team will be playing at Cooperstown Dreams Park on Aug 10.  We have limited roster space available for the 11U 50/70 team. This team will also be playing at Cooperstown in 2014.

Team Picture L.-R top row: Salvatore Salesi (Middletown), Austin Nappi (Matawan), Jake Burlew (Matawan), Salvatore Monticciolo (Holmdel), Matt Fanelli (Holmdel), Derek Ball (Marlboro), Logan Marter (Manalapan)

L.-R. bottom row: Patrick Caragliano (Matawan), Jack Kenny, (Middletown), Dominic Tutrone (Matawan), Mike Trapani (Matawan), James "Jimbo" Guilbert (Marlboro), Joe Chiusano (Middletown), Michael DiPede (Marlboro) 

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