The Orioles entered 2006 aiming to regain the regular season title it surrendered with a third-lace finish in 2005. Pitching depth, normally a mainstay, was depleted with ace Dan Trubia unable to pitch.

The Orioles started 6-0 and followed consecutive losses with another six-game win streak, which put them atop the standings. But, due to rainouts, 13 games remained to be decided over the last 17 days of the season. The Orioles dropped to 12-5 after 3  straight losses, but, rebounded to win three in a row, and, after salvaging a split at Avon, stood at 16-6 with 5 games remaining in four days, needing to run the table to take the title. Erik Nord pitched the “O’s” to a victory over Peoples. Then the offense busted loose on the final Saturday, as Shawn Barry won the suspended game and the ensuing seven inning game in Meriden, and Sean Conlin earned the day’s third victory in Manchester. Vernon hosted Meriden the next day, looking to win the title outright, but came up short and had to settle for a three-way tie for first with Bristol and Meriden.

An opening game loss landed the Orioles in the playoffloser’s bracket. But, after winning in the next four days, the Orioles came within one pitch of reaching the finals before falling. Vernon fielded its deepest lineup in years. Perennial all-stars Trubia and Jack Champagne were backed by table-setter Billy Rankin, clean up hitter Joe Litke, and league home run leader Tom Righi. The bottom half of the order excelled, as Jim Shannon led the team in RBI’s, Shawn Barry led in batting average, and all-league catcher Todd Napolitano had his finest season. Barry anchored the pitching staff, winning seven games and saving three without a loss. Conlin rebounded with a 6-0 campaign, and Nord and Brendan McGinn were outstanding as they gave the Orioles a chance to win every time out.

The Orioles have been Frank McCoy’s team for 45 years, and, while Frank no longer serves as Manager, the team in grateful for the inspiration and support he continues to provide as the team’s biggest fan. The financial support provided by the McCoy family, particularly Frank McCoy Jr. of McCoy & McCoy LLC is tremendously appreciated, as are the efforts and support of Steve Krajewski of the Vernon Orioles Baseball Association.