Tag: middletown

Eight Twi-Loop Clubs to Return This Year

With summer around the corner, the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League is gearing up for our next Opening Day. Though an exact date has yet to be determined, you can expect more announcements as the schedule unfolds. Eight GHTBL franchises will return to action around late May of this year. The 2024 Regular Season should include another charity series at Dunkin’ Park. Each team will fundraise for a different food bank around the state. Read more about this effort called Stadium Series 4 Food Banks at Dunkin’ Park: Givebutter.com/ss4fb (more to come on this).

The twilight league continues to present a uniquely competitive experience for players of all ages. A mix of young and old teammates – local amateurs, college players, high school prospects, and ex-professionals – have developed talent, camaraderie and lifelong friendships. Deep into each season, teams seem to melt together in one way or another in pursuit of a common goal. To describe the GHTBL, one might say we’re a meritocracy operated by a large group of friends with help from umpires.

Peter Kelley, 1B, Vernon Orioles
GHTBL’s switch-hitting home run king of 2023.

Maybe that’s why GHTBL has staying power? For the last 95 years, the league has clung to a classic style of the game. Baseball purists seem to appreciate that the league requires nine players to a lineup while disallowing leniencies like metal bats, courtesy pinch-runners, and free-for-all substitutions. Whatever the reason, the tradition continues. After all, traditions are important, and they don’t go unrecognized. When a sport as beloved as baseball is played and witnessed in a pure form, virtually unchanged from years gone by, that’s something people can appreciate.

On behalf of President Holowaty and the Executive Committee, enjoy the rest of your off-season and here’s to another summer!

To apply for a roster spot, players are asked to fill out a Player Application found at GHTBL.org/join. Here’s a list of our current teams and managers:

League Management









GHTBL Executive Committee

Jack Ceppetelli
Treasurer
Wes Ulbrich Secretary
Wes Ulbrich
Secretary
Ryan Ruggiero GHTBL Assistant Secretary
Ryan Ruggiero
Assistant Secretary




Back in 1979, Gene Johnson of Moriarty Brothers in Manchester was bestowed with the “Player of the Half Century Award” by the GHTBL Hall of Fame. Here’s Gene (right) accepting the award from his teammate, Peter Sala (left).



GREATER
HARTFORD
TWILIGHT
BASEBALL
LEAGUE


2020 Pat Barnett Vernon Orioles Pitcher GHTBL

Preview: Opening Day & GHTBL’s 2023 Season

On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, the GHTBL will open its 94th season for local amateurs, student-athletes, ex-professionals and prospects. Wood bats will start cracking on Opening Day with a 6 PM matchup at Frank J. McCoy Field in Vernon between the veteran Vernon Orioles and the Manchester-based Rainbow Graphics. Jason Valliere, a longtime contributor to the Tri-County Legion program will assume in-game duties as Head Coach for Rainbow Graphics this season.

It will be anyone’s guess as to which players, new or old, will make an impact on Opening Day. One might think it would be the players fresh off their college season, but it would be a mistake to overlook experience. Dan Trubia and Tony Trubia of the O’s and Evan Chamberlain of Graphics have nearly 60 years of combined experience of twilight ball. At the same time, it will be interesting to see how rookie players will fare for both teams and throughout the league.

The second game of Opening Day will begin at 7 PM at Rotary Field in South Windsor. The Meriden-based Record-Journal Expos will play the South Windsor Phillies under the lights at one of Greater Hartford’s most unsung baseball diamonds. You’d be hard-pressed to find any player who doesn’t enjoy playing at Rotary Field.

A core group for Manager Ron Pizzanello and the South Windsor Phillies since forming in 2018 has included Aedin Wadja, Jake Petrozza, Patrick McMahon and a few others returning in 2023. AJ Hendrickson, 2022 GHTBL MVP, has stepped into the Expos manager role in place of Charlie Hesseltine, who had served as manager since 2017. Hesseltine has been a dominant pitcher for Meriden since 2004 and will continue to pitch for the team this year.

Over in East Hartford, the 3X Playoff Champion Jets will take flight on Thursday, May 25 at home against their main foe, the Vernon Orioles. O’s Manager Jack Ceppetelli will square off against the Jets and their newly re-appointed Manager Chris Kehoe. Both Ceppetelli and Kehoe are the most tenured GHTBL contributors behind Tom Abbruzzese – who is going into his 48th year as manager of the “Bankers” franchise – now named M&T Bank.

There is however, a newcomer in charge of the recently consolidated Middletown Mets. A sixteen year old named Ryan Ruggiero of Xavier High School will become the youngest manager to lead a GHTBL team. As an Assistant Coach for the Hartford Colts in 2022, Ruggiero welcomed the opportunity and the idea of moving the franchise to Middletown – a closer location for its players and an upgraded home field with Palmer Field and Buzzy Levin Field. Fixtures for the Mets are expected to be Albertus Magnus standout Sean Jefferson and former Keene State right-hander Alex Koletar on the mound.

The Bristol Greeners are entering their third GHTBL season and have managed to book one of Connecticut’s best ballparks, Muzzy Field, for a majority of their home games. They return under the direction of another young manager, Trevor Mays, in his second year at the helm. New additions to the Greeners will include Gabe Zamorano Jr., a freshman at University of St. Joseph and Robert Bibisi, a graduate of Utica University.

Last but not least, M&T Bank are once again expected to have the league’s best left side of the infield: former professional Willy Yahn at shortstop and Eastern Connecticut’s Brendan Lynch at third base. Along with a contingency of players from Elms College, Tom Abbruzzese seeks to regain his title-winning ways in a new sublimated, double-sided, M&T Bank uniform.

Note: a new uniform rule will take effect this season as voted on by GHTBL managers. Any player out of uniform (wrong jersey, wrong hat, different color pants, etc.) will earn their team a $50 league fine.

On behalf of President Holowaty, thank you to all of our league sponsors, fans, families, spouses and friends who support the twilight league!

Leo Bravakis Umpire GHTBL

The Passing of Hall of Famer Leo Bravakis Jr.

Leo James Bravakis, Jr., 79, of Windsor Locks, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 4, 2023. He was born on July 26, 1943, in Middletown, CT, to Doris (Ahern) and Leo J. Bravakis, Sr.

Leo attended Middletown High School (1961), completed undergraduate studies at the University of Connecticut (1965), and received his Master of Education from the University of Hartford (1970). Leo earned varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball in high school. In 1960, he was awarded the Thom McAn football MVP Trophy and as quarterback, led his team to a 7-2-1 record. Leo was also a two-year starter in hoops. Baseball was where Leo excelled. He was co-captain of the 1961 Middletown High Tigers who were the Connecticut Valley Conference Co-Champions and ranked #1 in the Class M CIAC Tournament with a 19-1 record. Leo recorded 121 strikeouts in 76 innings of work. He received the prestigious Sal Mazzotta Award given annually to the best all-around senior athlete who has demonstrated proficiency in scholarship and citizenship. Leo was inducted into the Middletown Hall of Fame in 2002.

1961 Central Valley Conference All Star Team Connecticut
Central Valley Conference All Star Team, Connecticut, 1961.

Leo pitched four years for the UConn Huskies, tossed a no-hitter as a freshman and was a key pitcher on the 1965 College World Series squad that only gave up 66 hits in 254 innings. During the deciding series versus Holy Cross at Fenway Park, Leo hit a double off the famous Green Monster. At the CWS, Leo pitched in relief and got a hit in UConn’s victory over Lafayette. His senior year, Leo received the “C’ Ring, an award for excellence in athletics, scholarship, citizenship, and leadership. As a proud Husky alum, Leo was a member of the UConn Dugout Club.

1962 UConns Leo Bravakis Pitches No Hitter
UConn’s Leo Bravakis Pitches No-Hitter, 1962.

After college, Leo pitched in the Middlesex County and Hartford Twilight Leagues before an arm injury ended his career. Leo finished with a 27-9 record in the Hartford Twilight League and was inducted into the GHTBL Hall of Fame in 1997 as pitcher.

After his athletic playing career ended, Leo turned to officiating soccer and umpiring baseball. Leo was considered to be one of the state’s best in both sports. Leo worked 15 state soccer tournament title games – 8 girls and 7 boys finals-and worked 18 state baseball tournament title games. He served on the soccer officials and baseball umpires committee boards. He was President of the soccer association from 1983-1985 and was President of the Connecticut Board of Approved Umpires twice. He served as the Commissioner for the Hartford Chapter of the Connecticut Board of Approved Umpires. Leo received the 1981 Central Connecticut Soccer Officials Association Bernard O’Rourke Distinguished Service Award and also was conferred lifetime membership for his years of dedicated service. Leo was inducted as a charter member into the Connecticut Girls Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame in 2003 for officiating.

1964 Leo Bravakis Jr. UConn Baseball
Leo Bravakis Jr. UConn, 1964.

Leo was a math teacher for East Windsor Public Schools from 1965-2001. He coached girls’ basketball and baseball at East Windsor High School. His baseball teams had a record of 89-69 winning league titles twice. He coached his son Sean’s Windsor Locks American Legion baseball team for three summers.

When he retired from coaching, Leo served as the athletic director at East Windsor High School for ten years. During his tenure, Leo was instrumental in bringing about changes that have made girls’ basketball one of the most respected and valued sports in Connecticut.

He served as the President of the East Windsor Education Association and was on the East Windsor Athletic Club Hall of Fame nominating committee. He was a member of the Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors Executive Board and a member of the CIAC Girls’ Basketball Committee for five years. In 2000, Leo received Central Connecticut Board No. 6 of Approved Basketball Officials Commissioner’s Award. Leo was inducted into the East Windsor Athletic Club Hall of Fame in 2006.

1965 Carolyn M. MacCarthy Bravakis Wedding Photo
Carolyn (MacCarthy) Bravakis, 1965.

Leo and his wife Carolyn enjoyed visiting various North American cities plus venturing abroad to Prague, Paris, Rome, London (2012 Olympics), Barcelona and taking the Rhine Cruise and Baltic Tour.

Leo, a devoted fan of UConn’s basketball programs, held season tickets for games both in Storrs and Hartford. He enjoyed watching sports on TV. An avid golfer, Leo was a member of Tallwood Country Club in Hebron, CT, for decades and won numerous club championships. He loved his visits with his three grandchildren and enjoyed following their pursuits.

Leo enjoyed raising many a glass of adult beverages with his numerous friends. With Leo you always knew where you stood; he loved a spirited debate about anything. He once proudly stated “I am not politically correct, I am Leo correct.” Leo was a one-of-a-kind character who made an impression on everyone he met.

1975 Bristol American Legion vs. Middletown Legion Leo Bravakis Sr. Umpire
Bristol American Legion vs. Middletown Legion with Umpire Leo Bravakis Jr, 1975.

He leaves behind his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 57 years, Carolyn McCarthy Bravakis; his son Sean Emmett Bravakis and his wife Rebecca; grandchildren Emmett, Isabelle, and Timothy Bravakis. He is survived by his sister, Alice Hodge and her husband Richard; niece Leigh Hodge Fischer and her husband Sean; nephew James Hodge and his wife Dawn; and Christopher Hodge and his wife Heather; his brother-in-law Dr. Robert E. McCarthy; nieces Katharine, Christine, and Coreen McCarthy. Leo was predeceased by his parents and sister-in-law Sandra McCarthy. Leo’s family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to the ICU Team at St. Francis Hospital for making his last days comfortable. Special recognition to Doctors Sudhanshu Mulay, Paul B. Murray and Alan Soroka for their extraordinary care, compassion, and kindness to Leo over the year

Leo Bravakis Jr.

A time of visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, March 13, 2023, from 4-7 p.m. at the Carmon Windsor Funeral Home, 807 Bloomfield Ave., Windsor. His funeral service will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Leo’s name to the East Windsor Athletic Club, c/o Ted Szymanski, 166 Rockville Road, Windsorville, CT 06016 and the UConn Baseball Stadium Enhancement Fund, c/o Jim Penders, Head Baseball Coach, 2095 Hillside Road, Unit 1173, Storrs, CT 06269. To leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.

Published by Hartford Courant on Mar. 9, 2023.

Jets Top Orioles, Snagging Second Straight Playoff Championship

On August 15, 2021, the East Hartford Jets only needed a single game to tame the Vernon Orioles in the Playoff Championship round of GHTBL’s 2021 Playoff Tournament. Player-manager Taylor Kosakowski fielded his best-hitting lineup, although Jeff Criscuolo had to come out of the game in the early stages due to a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Manager Jack Ceppetelli of the O’s played his trusted group of veterans, who had already earned the 2021 Regular Season title. On average, both the Orioles and the Jets are comprised of some of the most experienced twilight league players, but the Jets are the younger team when compared to the O’s.

Age would not be much of factor, however, since quality performances came from players young and old. Jets starting pitcher Bryan Albee (21) and Orioles starter Matt Curtis (19) showed stamina and strength amidst long, hard-fought outings. Albee earned a 6-inning win while allowing only 2 runs.

Former independent leaguers and veteran players like Orioles shortstop, Tony Trubia and Jets outfielder/pitcher, Jimmy Schult have led their clubs by example during the summer and throughout the playoffs.Trubia and Schult each had impactful RBIs in the first O’s vs. Jets matchup at the semi-final stage of the playoffs. Schult would again come through with a timely base hit in the championship game leading to a 2-run double by Jets first baseman, Jack Blake.

Although Matt Curtis pitched a complete game, his strong effort would fall short of the Jets 6th inning rally. Schult came into the game for the save in the bottom of the 7th inning. Despite a base hit by Tony Trubia, he would be the only O’s baserunner during the game’s last frame. Schult struck out Ian Halpin on an inside pitch and then made Tyler Pogmore swing and miss for the final out.

Congratulations to Taylor Kosakowski, Chris Kehoe and all of the East Hartford Jets on their second consecutive playoff championship. Can’t wait until next year!

GHTBL East Hartford Jets 2020 Playoff Champions

August 7 to 16 – 2021 Playoff Tournament

On August 7, 2021, the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League will begin our postseason at Palmer Field in Middletown, Connecticut. Consolation bracket games will start August 8, 2021 at McKenna Field in East Hartford, Connecticut. Our annual double-elimination playoff tournament will conclude at McKenna Field as shown below:



Admission: $10 per person for a ticket to the entire tournament. Free for kids 14 and under.

Stay tuned for weather-related postponements and announcements at www.GHTBL.org.

Hardball For Heroes at Palmer Field

4 games to benefit the American Legion on Sunday, June 13, 2021.

  • 8 GHTBL teams* will play 4 games in a single day at Palmer Field to benefit the American Legion. 
     
  • $10 tickets are being sold at Malloves Jewelers at 404 Main Street Middletown, CT and will be available at the main gate on the day of the event.
     
  • Free for all veterans, military service members and kids 14 and under.

RECAP: Fans and donors allowed the GHTBL to donate $750 to the American Legion of Middletown Post 75.

*On the same day, the Vernon Orioles will take on the South Windsor Phillies at Henry Park in Vernon at 5 PM, where fans will be asked to donate to the cause.

Vernon Orioles Win 5th Consecutive Championship

Manager Jack Ceppetelli’s franchise is a cut above the rest.

The 2019 GHTBL Playoff Tournament finale featured Tom Abbruzzese’s People’s United Bank club versus the Vernon Orioles at Palmer Field in Middletown, Connecticut.  Abbruzzese as well as Orioles third baseman Dan Trubia were honored before the game by GHTBL President Bill Holowaty with a plaque of appreciation for their service to the Twilight League.  Afterwards, a near no-hitter thrown by lefty pitcher Paul Dougan led the O’s to a 10-1 victory. Celebrations in the parking lot ensued. 

Many Orioles players are veterans of the league, and experience has worked Vernon’s favor in recent years. The franchise has always been a mix of veterans who mentor and motivate younger players to improve. Veteran players like Matt Purnell, Dan and Tony Trubia, Tyler Pogmore, Peter Kelley and Jordan English made significant contributions this season.

As important were efforts made by more junior players. Brothers Ian and Jack Halpin, Zach Donahue and Alex Hoss stepped up in key spots throughout the season. Ian Halpin took home this year’s Ray McKenna Award (Player of the Year) and posted a .424 batting average, hit 4 home runs (2 in the playoffs), drove in 19 RBI and finished with a 1.112 OPS in the regular season.

This marks 5 years in row that Manager Jack Ceppetelli and the Vernon Orioles have captured the GHTBL Playoff Championships. The 2019 Season Title winner of the GHTBL was the Record-Journal Expos led by their manager and man on the mound, Charlie Hesseltine. Congratulations to all championship and award-winning players and managers.

Thank you sponsors and fans who supported the GHTBL this year – our 91st year in action.

A Baseball Pioneer from Connecticut, Benjamin Douglas Jr.

This article was written by David Arcidiacono

Benjamin Douglas Jr. of Middletown, Connecticut is a forgotten pioneer of early baseball. Of the six New England cities which have had major league baseball teams, Douglas started the original team in half of them. In 1848, Ben became the third of four sons born to a wealthy industrialist, Benjamin Douglas Sr. and his wife Mary. Douglas Sr. was owner of the Douglas Pump Factory, a prosperous business that had produced hydraulic pumps in Middletown for forty years. Douglas Sr. was a powerful man who once held several political offices including mayor of Middletown and Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut. Meanwhile, Douglas Jr. worked as clerk and timekeeper at the factory but found baseball much more interesting.

Ben Douglas Sr., father to Ben Douglas Jr.
Benjamin Douglas Jr., 1868.

At the age of sixteen, Ben, of whom it was later said “would go ten miles on foot, over any obstacles, rather than miss seeing a good game,” organized the Douglas factory’s ballclub. He originally designated the baseball nine the “Douglas Club”, but quickly changed the name to the “Mansfields” in honor of General Joseph Mansfield, a Civil War hero killed at the Battle of Antietam as well as young Ben’s great uncle.

Col. Joseph K. F, Mansfield, 1870.

Douglas played on the Mansfields for five seasons and he was largely responsible for the administrative duties. As the Mansfields began to take on a more professional character, the extent of these tasks grew to include scheduling games (a huge job in the days before pre-set schedules and telephones), making travel arrangements, signing players, and overseeing ticket sales and the club’s treasury. The burden became so large that Ben, who played only sparingly in 1870 when the Mansfields were voted amateur champions of the state, and was listed as a substitute for 1871, then never saw playing action for an organized team again.

Boston Base Ball Club vs. Mansfield Base Ball Club, 1872.

As the 1872 season approached, everything appeared to be in place for the Mansfields’ continued operation as amateurs. While arranging playing dates for the upcoming season, Ben contacted Harry Wright, manager of the Boston club, in hopes of enticing the popular Red Stockings back to Middletown for a game. Wright advised Douglas that the Red Stockings would only come back if the receipts were better than the previous year, when the gate money “did not come up to the expectations we were led to indulge in.”

Mansfields of Middletown taking part in a parade, 1872.

When negotiations failed, Wright suggested that if the Mansfields were truly interested in playing professional clubs then they should pay the $10 entry fee and join the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players. If they did, the professional clubs would then have no choice but to play them. Inspired by Wright’s novel idea, Douglas gathered the Mansfields’ officers together and laid out his proposal to join the professional ranks. The idea was approved and Douglas sent the $10 entry fee, fulfilling the league’s sole requirement for entry.

Mansfields of Middletown schedule and results, 1872.

Despite Douglas’ hard work, the Mansfields folded in August 1872, beset by a lack of paying customers. The Middletown Constitution noted the passing of the team by saying, “Mr Benjamin Douglas Junior….has shown considerable pluck and ingenuity in bringing the club up to rank among the best in the country. He now retires with the best wishes of all concerned.”

Once the Mansfields ceased operations, most people felt there would never be another professional ballclub in Connecticut. Despite this, Douglas knew that the National Association still wanted a club located between New York and Boston but he was also painfully aware that a larger market than Middletown was required.

1875 Hartford Dark Blues

Convinced that Hartford was the answer, he became the driving force in returning professional baseball to Connecticut. A few months before the 1874 season, Douglas gathered Hartford’s prominent businessmen to an informational meeting regarding starting a professional team in Hartford. During the meeting Douglas convinced the men to open their wallets, explaining that professional baseball was not only good for the host city but also profitable to investors. His efforts resulted in over $5000 worth of pledges for a new Connecticut team.

Hartford Courant Courant excerpt, 1877.

Douglas was elected traveling secretary of the new Hartford Dark Blues and held that post for two years. During that span the Hartford club had some success, finishing second in 1875 after placing seventh their first season. Prior to the 1876 season when the Dark Blues became a charter members of the National League, Douglas declined reelection due to “business engagements.” The Hartford Times reported, “Mr. Douglas has worked hard for the interest of the Hartford club, and had it not been for him the Hartfords would not have attained the celebrity they have. It might be said that he laid the foundation stone of the club.” Douglas did remain peripherally connected with the team however, serving as one of the club’s directors.

Hartford Courant excerpt, March 5, 1878.

By 1877, Hartford’s National League entry had moved to Brooklyn. With the new vacancy in Hartford, Douglas began plans to return a team to Hartford. He again succeeded in raising over $4000. Unfortunately the new National League rule requiring cities to have a population of 75,000 people forced Douglas to move to Providence, Rhode Island to keep his baseball dreams alive. As he tended to the business of getting a new National League team up and running in that city, he had suspicions that somebody on the Providence team wanted to run him out of the manager’s position and was planting false stories about him. His fears were realized before the season began as the board of directors voted to relieve him of his duties as manager.

Harry Wright, Player-Manager, Boston Red Stockings.

Douglas refused to resign however, leading the directors to threaten to withhold the $1000 he had invested in the club unless he resigned. Douglas contacted Harry Wright hoping for some help:

“You know me Harry for many seasons. You know I have spent a large sum of money from [18]66 to [18]78 trying my level best to build up the Dear Old Game and now after my hard hard work here to be disgraced…It is not on account of drink for I do not drink. It is not on account of dishonesty for God knows I am honest. It is not on account of bad women for I care nothing for them. I have always tried to act the part of a gentleman and square man by all.”

“Did I not run the Champions of Conn 6 seasons, the Dear Old Mansfields of Middletown. Did I not break into the World of Manager 2 seasons the celebrated Hartfords, 2nd only to the Champion Bostons season of 75 and yet these greenhorns say my past record is good for nothing…I have lost 6 month’s time from business at home where I had steady salary of $1500/yr. I have spent money like water. First for Hartford where I raised $4000 this last season and only for action of League would have been there…Drew good clean money out of bk [bank] at home. My hard earnings paid Mesr [sp], Carey, York, Hines, Higham, Hague, Allison, Nichols, $700 – advance money last winter or I would lost them. Providence would have had no League team only for me, and this is my reward…Can you do anything for me Friend Harry. I don’t ask money Oh know for that I have enough only I do ask my friends in the game to protect against this outrage.”

Ben Douglas Jr. to Harry Wright, 1877.

Douglas received a flattering letter from Wright but it was too late to save his position. Douglas replied to Wright:

“Your kind communication of the 10th came duly to hand & I can assure you it gave me great comfort. These people know more about base ball then I do, in their minds. After making a dupe of me they threw me one side….I had to resign my place or be kicked out. I had my whole heart in it sure, but I won’t bother you further…I retire with the consciousness of having done my whole duty and in return have been snubbed. No more Rhode Island for me.”

Harry Wright to Ben Douglas Jr., 1877.

It was later reported that Providence forced Douglas’ out because he was arranging games with non-League clubs. This had been a common practice to gain more money. As Douglas told Harry Wright, “It’s a long jump from Providence to Chicago without getting one cent.” After leaving Providence, the Providence Dispatch reported that Douglas still held the support of many in the city who were “greatly in favor of Mr. Douglas, and, to speak the truth, he has been shamelessly used.” The team that Douglas assembled finished third in the six-team National League.

Within two weeks of leaving Providence, Douglas organized a team in New Haven and joined the International Association. Attendance was sparse and in a desperate attempt to keep his dream alive, Douglas moved the club to Hartford. Two months later the club was expelled from the league for nonpayment to a visiting club. The 1878 season spelled the end of Douglas’ baseball dream.

Hartford Courant excerpt, June 5, 1878.

He returned to Middletown and rejoined the family pump factory. In 1893, he married Nellie Sault, daughter of a Brooklyn foundry owner. This came as a surprise to Douglas’ friends who apparently were unaware of the 44-year-old Douglas’ relationship with the 20-year-old woman. In 1905, Ben Douglas died in Connecticut Hospital for the Insane where he had lived for five years.

Ben Douglas summed up his love of the game when he told Harry Wright, “You know Harry that my whole soul is in base ball.”

1879 Providence Grays captured the National League title after Ben Douglas Jr. departed the club.


Sources

Major League Baseball in Gilded Age Connecticut, by David Arcidiacono (McFarland, 2010)

Harry Wright Correspondence

Hartford Courant

Hartford Post

Hartford Times

Middletown Constitution

Middletown Penny Press

Middletown Tribune

2019 Playoff Tournament: August 5th to 14th

Postseason at Trinity College and Palmer Field.

The Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League is excited to announce the 2019 Playoff Tournament schedule and bracket. This year, the majority of the double-elimination tournament will be hosted at Trinity College in Hartford, from August 5th until the 12th. 

Then, the final two games of the playoffs will determine a champion at Palmer Field in Middletown on August 13th and 14th. The Record-Journal Expos and Vernon Orioles are the top seeds entering the GHTBL postseason.  Seeding has yet to be determined.

Twilight League Raises Funds for U.S. Veterans

Hardball for Heroes a success at Palmer Field.

On Sunday, July 14th at Palmer Field in Middletown, Connecticut, the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League hosted four benefit games at an event dubbed Hardball for Heroes.  A ceremonial first pitch was thrown from the pitcher’s mound by Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, Ken McClellan, a combat veteran of the Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

In Game #1, the Vernon Orioles pulled off a comeback win over the East Hartford Jets by score of 7-6. Zach Donahue earned the complete game win for the O’s while the Halpin brothers, Jack and Ian stood out at the plate by bating home key RBI.

Game #2 featured the first place Record-Journal Expos and Tom Abbruzzese’s People’s United Bank club.  Justin Morhardt held the Expos at bay with a strong performance on the mound. Though the Expos proved to be victorious with a score of 2-1 thanks to a complete game effort by A.J. Hendrickson a game-tying home run blasted by Kyle Hartenstein and a walk-off single by Hector Gonzalez. 

The results of Game #3 were again decided by one run when Ulbrich Steel managed to tame Rainbow Graphics by a final of 3 to 2.  Matt Goldman earned the complete game win for Steel but was touched by an Evan Chamberlain homer to left. Late in the contest, Pete Barrows narrowly crossed the plate after a Rainbow passed ball. 

Game #4 witnessed a much improved Malloves Jewelers handling the South Windsor Phillies by a final score of 7-3.  Marvin Gorgas drilled a home run off of Phillies starting pitcher Shane Bogli in the 3rd inning.  Jared Pflaumer smacked two doubles in the contest and Malloves starter Johnny Martin earned the win.

The games were close, well-played and for a good cause. We were proud to support those men and women of the American Legion who have honorably served our nation. By the end of the day, $750 was raised for the American Legion Post 75. The GHTBL looks forward to hosting another Hardball for Heroes charity event once again in 2020.

For a full photo album from this event, CLICK HERE.

Hardball for Heroes at Palmer Field

4 games to benefit American Legion Post 75 on Sunday, July 14, 2019.

  • All 8 GHTBL teams will play 4 Regular Season games in a single day at Palmer Field to benefit the American Legion. 
     
  • $10 tickets are being sold at Malloves Jewelers at 404 Main Street Middletown, CT and will be available at the main gate on the day of the event.
     
  • Free for all veterans, military service members and kids 14 and under.

Malloves Jewelers Returning to Sponsor Middletown Team

Malloves previously sponsored a franchise from 1980 to 1993.

The Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League is pleased to welcome back a longtime team sponsor next season. Malloves Jewelers will once again support our Middletown-based franchise.   

From 1980 to 1993, Malloves Jewelers and their owner, Jerome “Buzzy” Levin were a vital part of the GHTBL. Buzzy would later be named to the GHTBL Hall of Fame (Sponsor Division) recognizing his generous support of the league. His son Marc Levin, current owner and President of Malloves Jewelers, graciously agreed to fund the existing Middletown team for their 2019 campaign. Marc is a GHTBL alumni himself who was part of the original Malloves team.

Marc Levin, Malloves Jewelers of Middletown.

Back then, Malloves featured pro-caliber players such as Middletown’s Bob Bruzik who became a shortstop in the Seattle Mariners farm system, John Giudice, outfielder at Eastern Connecticut State University who played in the Colorado Rockies system, Dave Guild of the University of Connecticut, and Chris Thomas, a Stetson University graduate and minor league catcher in the Milwaukee Brewers organization.  Other standout players were pitcher, Todd Mogren, outfielder, Carl Vazquez, third basemen, Pete Daniels and catcher Jay Hickey

Pete Daniels, Dave Guild and Bill Kiley of Malloves Jewelers

In 1988, Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, Jeff Bagwell played a handful of games for Malloves before turning pro. That same year Bill Denehy, who was famously traded from the New York Mets to the Washington Senators for manager Gil Hodges in 1967, pitched for Malloves Jewelers at the age of 42.

1986 Malloves Jewelers, GHTBL Champions.

After 25 years, the Middletown-based franchise previously known as the Middletown Outlaws will be once again known as Malloves Jewelers. The team will be led by first-time manager and former ECSU baseball captain, Christian Budzik.  The roster will be composed of current and former collegiate players from in and around Middlesex County. The GHTBL Executive Committee is searching for a General Manager to help with the team’s administrative tasks. 

Jeff Bagwell (right) played for Malloves Jewelers in 1987.

About Malloves Jewelers
In 1928, Malloves originally had 5 stores in Middletown, Danbury, Norwich, New London and Fitchburg, MA. The Malloves’ family sold their business to their in-laws, the Levin’s in 1938. When owner Max Levin passed away in the year 1940, he left the store to his brother Joseph Levin, wife Beatrice Levin and their son, Jerome “Buzzy” Levin. Then just 13 years old, Buzzy had begun to work at the family business. 

During Buzzy’s senior year at Woodrow Wilson High School (Class of 1944), his Uncle Joe decided to take a break from the business. It was then that Buzzy decided to commit himself to the family business, even though he was a promising baseball player, who had a tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Buzzy pursued business instead of baseball but would not let go of his love for the game.

Buzzy Levin (1926-2017)

Buzzy prided himself on building a business based on hard-work and hand-shakes. Buzzy ran Malloves Jewelers through times of great success as well as great struggle including a fire on December 20, 1972 which completely destroyed the store. Malloves desperately wanted to remain on Main Street so Buzzy moved to a temporary, smaller store for two years before permanently relocating to the current location at 404 Main Street Middletown, Connecticut in 1974.

Marc Levin joined the business side of things in 1983 after graduating from University of Tampa.  In 1992, Marc decided he could be very happy in the jewelry business and took over in 1992.  Marc is entering his 28th year as President of Malloves Jewelers. 

Staff members at Malloves Jewelers of Middletown, Connecticut.

Buzzy Levin passed away in 2017, but the family tradition and his charitable legacy lives on.  The jewelry store is one of the most successful in the region.  Most of the staff has worked at Malloves for over 15 years and the business is now 90 years old. The store’s longevity is a tribute to the fortitude of the Levin family. 

Most recently, the Middletown Town Council named a new 90-ft diamond baseball field at the Pat Kidney Sports Complex in honor of Jerome “Buzzy” Levin. The GHTBL will be hosting the 2nd Annual Buzzy Levin Golf Tournament & Awards Banquet on Sunday, April 28, 2019 at Blackledge Country Club in memory of Buzzy Levin.

Buzzy Levin Field at Pat Kidney Sports Complex in Middletown, Connecticut.

Click here to attend the 2nd Annual Buzzy Levin Golf Tournament & Awards Banquet.

New Management in the Twilight League

3 new managers assume roles in East Hartford, Meriden and Middletown.

Record-Journal Expos – Charlie Hesseltine, Manager
– Drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 42nd round of the 2003 MLB June Amateur Draft as a left-handed pitcher.
– In 2006, he signed with the Atlantic City Surf of the Atlantic League.
– He pitched for 3 more Atlantic League teams including the Bridgeport Bluefish in 2008.
– Meriden, CT, resident and member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.

East Hartford Jets – Taylor Kosakowski, Manager
– Right-handed relief pitcher at Central Connecticut State University (’06-’08) with 72 K’s and 35 walks over 96 innings.
– Veteran of GHTBL and player-manager of the Ulbrich Clippers in 2018.
– Public school psychologist in Hebron, CT.

Middletown Outlaws – Christian Budzik, Manager
– Shortstop at Eastern Connecticut State University (’14-’17) with a .354 OBP and 77 hits in 121 games.
– He was part of the Cromwell High School baseball team who won the 2012 CIAC Class S championship.
– Special education teacher in Cromwell, CT.

GHTBL Tops CTL 4-1 at Muzzy Field

GHTBL wins 3 out of 3 matchups versus Connecticut Twilight League.

The GHTBL All Stars shined bright on Monday night, defeating the Connecticut Twilight League All Stars 4-1 in 9 innings. Even though the game was tied 1-1 until the top of the ninth inning, the GHTBL boys of summer eventually claimed victory.

Chris Anselmo (Clippers) drove in the game winning run after Tyler Pina (People’s) was hit by a pitch and stole a base. Then Jeff Criscuolo (Clippers) hit a booming triple off the right field wall scoring Anselmo. Thad Zentek (People’s) had an RBI plating Criscuolo.

Dan Trubia (Vernon) had two hits, starting pitcher Brendan Smith (People’s), relievers James Davitt (Clippers), Travis Salois (Marlborough), and John Martin (Middletown) threw scoreless innings while Tyler Pogmore (Vernon) earned the save.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS FROM THE GAME

Expos, Outlaws Face Off in Winner’s Bracket

Both teams are 2-0 in the GHTBL Playoff Tournament.

The Record-Journal Expos and the Middletown Outlaws have each won two straight playoff games to advance to the Winner’s Bracket. The Expos, led by Charlie Hesseltine and the Outlaws, managed by Tony Franco will match up for the fifth time this season.

Meanwhile, the Vernon Orioles and the Marlborough Braves will play each other as they vie for the winner of the Loser’s Bracket.

Best of luck to all remaining teams!

Remembering Buzzy Levin, GHTBL Hall of Famer

Buzzy Levin, Malloves Jewelers of Middletown owner, was a generous GHTBL sponsor.

Jerome “Buzzy” Levin, 90, passed away in the early hours of June 2, 2017. His last days were spent in his hometown of Middletown, Connecticut, surrounded by his loving family, friends and the wonderful staff on the 7th floor of Middlesex Hospital. Buzzy was born on September 24, 1926, in Middletown where he lived alongside his beautiful wife of nearly 60 years, Harriet Levin. Buzzy believed in family and community above all from the very beginning.

Buzzy Levin

After enduring the loss of his father, Max Levin, at the young age of 13 and passing up the opportunity to play professional baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Buzzy took over the family business, Malloves Jewelers, from his mother, Beatrice Levin and his uncle, Joseph Levine, in 1957. Buzzy served as President of the business until 1992, when he handed over the reins to his son, Marc Levin. During his years of retirement in Florida, the Malloves staff, whom Buzzy thought of as family, welcomed him back with open arms to work in the store throughout the summer and Christmas holidays.

Whether Buzzy was volunteering as the bat boy for the Wesleyan baseball team under Jack Blott, playing semi-pro ball in the starting lineup for the Middletown Giants from 1941 until 1951, or earning himself one of three lifetime hole-in-ones on the golf course, Buzzy was happiest when a ball, bat and club were within reach. In 1948, alongside Bernie O’Rourke, Buzzy founded the Middletown Chapter of Little League baseball. Within 2 years of starting the first chapter in New England, they had 160 chapters up and running throughout the area.

Marc Levin and Buzzy Levin (right)

Buzzy served as the President of the Middletown Chapter for 7 years and the Little League District 9 Commissioner for 33 years, instituting a rule at both the local and national level which stated that every player on a team had to bat once and complete a full inning on the field, ensuring that all kids were given a fair chance to play the game he loved most. Buzzy was a lifetime member of the Middletown Little League Association.

After sponsoring a Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League from 1980 until 1993, Buzzy went on to help college players in the New England area compete on the same level as the players in the Cape Cod League by organizing the first New England Collegiate Baseball League and establishing a franchise in Middletown, for which he served as the General Manager for 8 years. Buzzy was the driving force behind the installation of lights at Palmer Field.

Buzzy proudly served on the Middletown Common Council from 1964 until 1975, playing a vocal role in every commission and committee during his 6 terms in office. He was a lifelong member of Congregation Adath Israel Synagogue, the same synagogue his father rebuilt in 1929, where he followed in his father’s footsteps by assuming the role of President from 1969 to 1971.

Malloves Jewelers, 1990.

He was also a member of the Middletown Elks, the Kiwanis Club, the B’Nai B’rith, the Middletown Jaycees, the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, the Connecticut Retail Jewelers Association (Vice President), the Middletown Transit Authority, the Middletown Park and Recreation Board (Chairman for 9 years), the Russell Library Building Committee and the Middletown High School Building Committee. In addition, he served as Corporator of both Middlesex Hospital and Liberty Bank, and sat on the Board of Home Bank. As someone who valued the importance of old friendships, Buzzy was instrumental in coordinating the Woodrow Wilson High School Class of 1944 reunions for over 65 years.

He was inducted into the Greater Hartford Twilight League Hall of Fame in 1987 for his contributions as a generous sponsor of the Malloves Jewelers franchise for 14 years. Buzzy was also inducted into the Xavier Hall of Honors in 1994, and the Middletown Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. He received the Connecticut Sports Writers Good Guy Award in 1988, the Middlesex County Chamber Distinguished Citizen Award in 1996, and the NECBL Executive of the Year Award in 2001.

Malloves Jewelers baseball team, GHTBL

Upon retiring to Florida in 1992, Buzzy served as President of the Foxhollow Condominium Association and was elected to a seat on the Foxfire Country Club Board. Buzzy will be forever missed and his legacy carried on by his wife, Harriet, his children, Marc (Judith) Levin and Faith (Craig) Irwin, his grandchildren, Marissa and Billy Irwin, his three grand dogs, Maggie, Daisy and Willow, and his beloved Malloves family.

Source: Jerome Levin Obituary (1926 – 2017) – Middletown, CT