Tag: palmer field

Jets Soar to Four Straight Playoff Championships

The East Hartford Jets are GHTBL’s 2023 Playoff Champion and have now won their fourth consecutive postseason. Jim Schult was once again the ace on the mound for East Hartford. His pitching performances were unmatched. In two complete games against M&T Bank, he gave up just 7 hits over 14 innings while striking out 24 opposing batters. Schult has been a key two-way player (also an outfielder and DH) for this Jets dynasty.

As for other major contributors, East Hartford’s shortstop, Jeff Criscuolo, earned his sixth career playoff title and his first as player-manager. Additional leadership was provided by General Manager Chris Kehoe who served as Third Base Coach. Kehoe is the longest contributing member of the Jets (since 1991). Corey Plasky had an amazing postseason to match his torrid hitting pace during the Regular Season. At one point Plasky made a diving play at second base to save two runs in their semi-final game against M&T Bank.

Manny Alejandro, the player with the most seasons as a Jet, was a very reliable starting pitcher. First year player Darrion Williams was just as impressive with several complete game appearances on the mound. Relief pitcher and Twi-loop veteran, Taylor Kosakowski has now won seven GHTBL Playoff Championships, a league-high among active players. A balanced mix of older and younger members of the team has been a winning formula.

Congratulations to this year‘s championship team as well as the other clubs who competed deep into the playoffs. Until next year, GHTBL extends sincere gratitude to all of our fans, players, managers and umpires for their commitment and dedication to amateur baseball.

(Featured image photograph by Phil Ledwith.)

Jets Soar, Earn 3rd Straight Pennant

Schult leads East Hartford Jets to third straight Twilight League playoff title
By Adam Betz, Journal Inquirer

MIDDLETOWN — Jim Schult is no stranger to success on the baseball diamond.

He had a standout career at Eastern Connecticut State University, including being named the 2011 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Division III National Player of the Year.

Since joining the East Hartford Jets of the Greater Hartford Twilight League in 2019 “after being on the couch for a few years,” that success has remained.

And it gained another example Tuesday.

Schult finished with two hits, two RBIs, a run scored, and was the winning pitcher as No. 2 East Hartford rallied to beat the third-seeded Vernon Orioles 5-4 to win their third straight GHTBL playoff championship at Palmer Field.

“It was hard to win the first one. It was really hard to repeat,” the 32-year-old Fishkill, New York native said. “We had a special group of guys that were able to battle through the adversity. … I’m not sure I have the best words to describe how I’m feeling right now, but it means a lot.”

Schult pitched 4 1/3 innings of relief. He allowed two runs on four hits, struck out seven, and walked one. At the plate, he was the only Jet with multiple hits.

Jim Schult, Pitcher/Outfielder, East Hartford Jets

“He leads us by example and he makes everyone around him better,” East Hartford player/manager Taylor Kosakowski said of Schult. “He’s the guy you want on the mound or at the plate in a big spot. He’s the guy you want to see up there.”

The Jets, who were co-regular season champions, finish 24-7. They lost their first game of the double-elimination tournament [to the Hartford Colts] before rattling off six straight wins, including a 5-1 win over the Orioles on Monday to force Tuesday’s winner-take-all game.

“It says a lot about who we are,” designated hitter Andy Pelc said. “I feel like that first game, even though it didn’t go our way, put a chip back on our shoulder. I think that’s the reason we’re here today.”

The Orioles were making their seventh straight championship game appearance Tuesday night. They finish 20-9.

“I’m really proud of how we played a much better game tonight,” manager Jack Ceppetelli said. “We swung the bats well against a couple of the premier pitchers in the league. We just ran into one bad inning.”

Jack Ceppetelli, Manager, Vernon Orioles

Vernon held a 2-0 lead and threatened to break the game open with the bases loaded and two down in the top of the third.

But Schult came in from right field and needed only one pitch to end the inning.

Manny Alejandro led off the bottom of the frame with a single, the first Jets’ baserunner.

East Hartford would load the bases, with the help of a two-out error, to set the stage for Schult. He sent the first pitch from starter Bill Riggieri to center for a two-run single to tie the game.

“I was just looking for a good pitch to hit,” Schult said. “I worked the count in my prior at-bat, so I got to see some pitches from him. It just so happened that I got a mistake with the first one.”

Janiel Ramirez drew a bases-loaded walk to break the tie and Pelc added a two-run single as East Hartford brought 10 batters to the plate in the inning to make it 5-2.

Janiel Ramirez, Outfielder, East Hartford Jets

The Orioles trimmed the deficit to one in the top of the sixth when Ian Halpin sent a two-run double to the right-field fence.

He finished with three hits Tuesday.

“That’s a huge hit to get us close in the sixth,” Ceppetelli said. “We just couldn’t quite get there.”

Schult regrouped and struck out the next batter looking to end the inning.

“I’ve got a whole bunch of guys in the dugout that are counting on me to get out of the inning,” Schult said. “We’re all hurting, we’re all tired at this point in the year. You just want to push through it. Like Bryan (Albee) threw 20-something innings for us during the playoffs, I wasn’t going to let him down. I wasn’t going to let anyone down. Just concentrating and finishing the job.”

Vernon jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first when Nick Roy scored on an error and Tyler Pogmore brought home Halpin with an RBI single.

Peter Kelley finished with two hits for Vernon. Riggieri took the loss. He allowed five unearned runs on five hits while striking out two and walking two over four innings.

East Hartford starter Albee, a member of Eastern’s National Championship team this year, allowed two runs — one of them earned — and struck out two in 2 2/3 innings.

2022 Playoff Championship winners, East Hartford Jets with Bill Holowaty, GHTBL President (right) and Andy Baylock, GHTBL Vice President (left).

Tuesday’s win was a bittersweet one for Kosakowski, who has managed the team since it re-formed in 2019 after folding a year prior. The Berlin native said he’s stepping down to devote more time to his family.

“Obviously, it’s very emotional,” he said. “Sixteen years playing in this league, it’s hard to come by a championship, let alone be a part of something this special. So, I hope I can continue to help out and contribute to the team as much as I can. I’m a school psychologist, and they always teach you to leave them better than you found them. For me, that’s what I’ve aimed to do with this team and I hope that I did that.”

Taylor Kosakowski, Player-manager, East Hartford Jets

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!

2021 Season to Feature Top Ballparks

The GHTBL is pleased to announce a full schedule for the 2021 Regular Season.

The first games of the year will take place at Muzzy Field on May 25th. Three teams will get a head start on the season in a doubleheader; the Bristol Greeners will host the Hartford Colts at 6 PM and then the South Windsor Phillies at 8 PM.

Nick Hock, starting pitcher of the expansion Hartford Colts will look to mow down batters while the Greeners, led by player-manager AJ Lorenzetti, will seek to defend their home turf.

Manager Ron Pizzanello of the 2020 Regular Season title winning South Windsor Phillies are hoping for continued success in 2021. Returning Phillies like Jake Petrozza, Trevor Moulton and Dorian Tanasi are eager for another title.

Last year’s Playoff Championship matchup will rematch on June 2nd at McKenna Field. The East Hartford jets in the Vernon orioles will do battle for early-season bragging rights. Both teams have a significant number of new players who will be sure to make an impact on the league in 2021.

Games will also be held at Palmer Field in Middletown for the second edition of Hardball For Heroes. The league will host five matchups on June 13th, four of which at Palmer. $10 tickets will be available at the main gate (free for kids 14 and under).

Then, on July 8th another charity series is planned at Hartford’s Dunkin’ Donuts Park. The event is being dubbed Crush Cancer Night, raising funds for Connecticut Cancer foundation. $10 tickets will be available at the main gate (free for kids 14 and under).

This year‘s playoff tournament will take place beginning August 3rd at Palmer Field in Middletown and McKenna Field in East Hartford. $10 tickets for the entire tournament will be available at the main gate (free for kids 14 and under).

See this years full schedule at GHTBL.org/schedule.

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.

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.

2019 GHTBL Regular Season Preview

Twilight League to reap benefits of developmental off season work.

The GHTBL, Connecticut’s premier amateur baseball league has made preparations for its 91st season.  Our 2019 Regular Season begins May 28th – Opening Day at Henry Park in Vernon at 6 PM, featuring defending champions, the Vernon Orioles vs. Rainbow Graphics.

As the season nears, we’d like to recognize Bill Holowaty and Andy Baylock, two of Connecticut’s greatest baseball dignitaries who sit atop the GHTBL Executive Committee.  Holowaty, a 4-time National Champion with ECSU enters his third season as President while Baylock, the former head baseball coach at UConn and 2-time Big East Champion serves as Vice President.  Holowaty and Baylock are GHTBL alumni themselves and aim to revive the prestige of the league.  They’ve led fundraising efforts, acquired top-notch baseball venues, and challenged league managers to recruit and compete at a higher level than in recent years.

This season, 8 revamped franchises will field a mix of collegiate ballplayers and several ex-professionals.  A new (and old) Middletown-based franchise, Malloves Jewelers has returned to the Twi-loop after a 25-year hiatus.  Malloves contended in the league from 1980 to 1993 under then owner, Jerome “Buzzy” Levin who passed away in 2017.  His son and proprietor of Malloves, Marc Levin, has stepped up as team sponsor and General Manager.  Levin  tapped former ECSU baseball captain and Cromwell High School head coach, Christian Budzik to be Manager.  The team will play home games at Palmer Field and at the newly constructed, Buzzy Levin Field in Middletown.

Other GHTBL franchises will return this summer vying for a league title.  In the West Division, People’s United Bank will sponsor a franchise yet again, backing Manager Tom Abbruzzese in his 43rd GHTBL season.  People’s will call Trinity College home and will feature Justin Morhardt, fresh off a professional stint in the Atlanta Braves organization.  A rebranded Ulbrich Steel team will test its metal with a revamped roster, including Will Musson, former UConn standout and 7-year veteran of professional baseball in France and Australia.  Charlie Hesseltine, Meriden native and former Atlantic League pitcher will step in as first-year Manager of the Record-Journal Expos

The East Division is also expected to provide parity.  The Vernon Orioles, behind Manager Jack Ceppetelli will seek their seventh straight Regular Season title.  The South Windsor Phillies franchise led by their General Manager and Reading Phillies Hall of Fame inductee, Gary Burnham Jr. will field a few pro-caliber players; Mike Hepple formerly in the New York Mets farm system and Kyle Richards, who made it to double-A with in the Kansas City Royals organization.

Almost an entirely new group of ballplayers have joined the East Hartford Jets franchise, led by their new Manager, Taylor Kosakowski, former closer at CCSU and Jimmy Schult, center fielder and 2011 D-III Player of the Year at ECSU.  Rainbow Graphics, a printing and embroidery business based in Manchester sponsors the same franchise that traces back to the 1960’s when Gene Johnson and his Moriarty Brothers club reigned supreme at Mount Nebo ParkRyan Pandolfi and Tyler Repoli will co-manage the Rainbow Graphics squad. 

2019 GHTBL Schedule of Events

July 14th – Hardball for Heroes Series at Palmer Field in Middletown – 4 ball games benefiting American Legion Post 75.

July 21st – #spreadingORANGE Series for MS at Dunkin’ Donuts Park – 4 ball games benefiting MS4MS, a national organization founded in Connecticut who fund Multiple Sclerosis research through Johns Hopkins Medicine.

August 2-11 ­– Playoff Tournament at Trinity College and Palmer Field – an 8 team, double-elimination tournament.


Did you know?
More than 350 professional ballplayers have competed in the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League since the league was founded.  MLB All-stars Jeff BagwellBernie WilliamsRob Dibble and Ricky Bottalico played in the GHTBL.  Most recently in 2018, left-handed pitcher for the Vernon Orioles and graduate of University of Bryant, Jack Patterson, was drafted in the 32nd round by the Chicago Cubs and now pitches for the South Bend Cubs of the Midwest League (single-A).

For more information about the league visit: GHTBL.org/history

For the full 2019 GHTBL Regular Season schedule: GHTBL.org/schedule

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.