A new beginning

     2008 is going to bring in a lot of promise with a few new faces and a returning core from 2007.  Returning players from 2007 consist of Jeff Penland, Eric Vizcaya, Wilmer Vizcaya, Paul Vidro, Eric Candelario, Misael Candelario, Carlos Rivera, and Danny Latorre.

 

     New faces to the team consist of Craig Scarpa, Angel Mercano, Louis Reyes, Josh Smith, Jose Rodriguez, and Jamell Rosario.  We have also landed a quality pick up in Rick Earl as coach.  Earl has a proven winning history in his coaching career.

 

     There are many expectations for the upcoming season.  Dedication, Commitment, and team work are the front runners.  The tools are in place for a very competitive run towards the championship.

Team Practice!!!

Team practice at our home field, A. P. Shalick High School, at 9:00 AM sharp.  The address is 718 Centerton Road in Pittsgrove NJ.  We have to take advantage of our time and get together.  Call me with any questions. 856-207-9646.

Vs. Tri-State Titans

Get your game faces on.  We have our first scrimmage against the Texas Titans on April 6, 2008.  The game starts at 11:00 AM so we must ALL be there at 10 AM for pregame warmups.  We will be playing away on their turf at Green Branch Park at 299 Upper Neck Road in Pittsgrove. 

Vs. Tri-State Titans

Get your game faces on.  We are going to attempt our second scrimmage of the season on April 13, 2008 at 2:00 PM at Green Branch Park at 299 Upper Neck Road against the Tri-State Titans. 

Thursday 4/03/2008 at undetermined location

We have a team practice this coming thursday 4/03/2008 at 4:00 PM.  Make sure you make this practice.  This will be the last one before the first scrimmage.  I'll call everyone when I have an available field.

Vidro Studios defeats Bucks Baller$ 1-0 after 11 inning no-hitter.

     Vidro Studios rallied in the bottom of the 11th inning and scored the winning run after a sacrifice fly ball by Craig Scarpa to the center fielder which allowed Carlos Rivera to tag up from third base.  Rivera really turned up the burners to get home too!

 

     Jeff Penland started the game on the mound.  Penland led Vidro Studios through 10 complete innings throwing a no-hitter and striking out 13 batters.  J-Frizz was automatic!!  Josh Smith came in the 11th inning and relieved Penland.  Smith struck out the first three batters (2 looking) to get the win.

 

     The tools are there for Vidro Studios when it comes to batting.  Everyone got some swings in and looked pretty comfortable at the plate.  Vidro Studios got a lot of people on base but couldn't produce any runs.  They left a total of 16 runners on base after 10 innings.  Not to worry though.  It's just the first game and there's plenty of rust to shake off.

 

     Defense was a truly solid performance all the way around by Vidro Studios.  There was only one error due to a very cloudy and bright sky that concealed the ball.  Things happen!!  Defensively, Wilmer Vizcaya really came through and showed that he wanted to win this game.  He played a very solid third base and showed that he can get dirty and cover some ground.  Great job Milito!!

 

     The game was scoreless going into the bottom of the 11th inning after an All-Star performance by Penland and a strong follow-up by Smith.  Jamell Rosario led off the inning and was walked.  Next up to bat was Rivera who almost laid down the perfect bunt to advance Rosario but it rolled foul.  Rivera then hit a shot to the second baseman who threw Rosario out at second.  Rivera made it to first base with one out.  Paul Vidro came up to bat next.  Vidro was facing a full count and came through with a clutch hit to right center field.  Rivera ran through second and trucked to third base.  Situation is man on first and third with one out.  Scarpa came up to bat next.  Scarpa hit a deep sacrifice fly ball to left center that caused the center fielder to fall.  Rivera was able to tag up on third base and score the winning run.  There was an appeal at the end of the game, however, it was after the winning run had scored.  Umpires reached a consensus and confirmed with the league president.  THE RUN COUNTS!!  VIDRO STUDIOS WINS!!

 

     Other offensive standouts include Danny Latorre going 1 for 2 with a walk, Misael Candelario going 1 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base, Paul Vidro going 1 for 3 with 2 walks, and Wilmer Vizcaya going 1 for 4.

 

     We would like to thank Bucks Ballers for the great competetive game they played.  It was a battle all the way to the wire and time limit.  We are looking forward to a rematch.  See you guys again July 20th and good luck this season.

Vidro Studios dropped its record to 1-1 after losing 15-11 to the Camden Braves.

     Vidro Studios was upset 15-11 by the Camden Braves.  It was a dark and cloudy day with a soaked, uncared for, and almost unsafe field to play on.  The rain came down the night before and loomed overhead. 

 

     Vidro Studios came up to bat in the top of the 1st inning and quickly displayed its offensive power going up 7-0 on the scoreboard.  The offensive attack was led by singles from Misael Candelario, Paul Vidro, and a double by Louis Reyes.

 

     Josh Smith started the day on the mound for Vidro Studios.  In the bottom of the 1st, the Braves got two hits and were assisted with two errors to score 4 runs.  The game was locked 7-4 until the bottom of the 4th inning.  The braves tacked on 2 more runs and yes there were more errors.

 

     The bottom of the 5th inning was devastating for Vidro Studios.  After a walk, two hits, and 3 more errors, the Braves tacked on another 4 runs taking the lead 11-7.  Smith pitched a good game and didn't get much help from his defense.  Jeff Penland got the call to pitch in the 5th inning.

 

     Vidro Studios bats were on but couldn't produce any runs after the 1st inning.  Vidro Studios left 8 runners on base between the 2nd and 7th innings.  In the bottom of the 7th inning, the braves utilized 2 hits and 2 errors to score another 4 runs which gave them a commanding lead of 15-7 after 7 innings of play.  Vidro Studios was on the verge of getting 10 run mercy ruled.

 

     Vidro Studios was determined to stay in the game and pull out a win.  Jose Rodriguez led off the inning with a thunderous double.  Penland followed with a deep single and then stole 2nd base.  Reyes came up to bat and smacked a single to bring in two more runs.  Danny Latorre followed Reyes with a bomb down the left field line for a double and advanced Reyes to 3rd base.  Carlos Rivera came up and hit a shot to right field which the right fielder dropped.  Reyes scored and Latorre advanced to 3rd base.  Rivera and Latorre then did a double steal to 2nd base and home plate.  After a bad throw, both runner's were safe.  Vidro Studios were able to tack on 4 runs to cut the lead to 15-11.

 

     Eric Candelario was brought in to pitch in the bottom of the 8th inning and retired the side 1,2,3 with 2 K's.  Vidro Studios, on their last at bats, fell short after their batters were also retired 1,2,3.  Vidro Studios lost a difficult game to their division rival, the Camden Braves 15-11.

 

     A win is a win and a loss is a loss just in the same way you have to take the good with the bad.  We aren't here to point fingers or make excuses.  We lost period.  We all know what mistakes we made and we all know how to correct them.  I do believe errors were the major part of this loss but it was a loss as a team no matter how many errors Danny (I) made...lol!!!  So, sorry Josh for that one.  We have a huge game this weekend against the East Greenwich Dodgers who hail from the East division.  Let's show them we are here to win.  Great job everyone.  For every mistake there was also something good to show for it.  Tough loss but it's early and we'll be fine.

 

     Thanks to the Camden Braves for hosting the game and hopefully a batco will be available to take the mounds out of the infield and a rake to let it breathe.  All in all though it was a good game.

 

Notable offensive players include Misael Candelario going 3-5, Louis Reyes going 2-3 with a double and 5 RBI's, and Danny Latorre going 2-5 with a double.

     Vidro Studios couldn't put the pieces together as they dropped in the rankings after they lost to the East Greenwich Dodgers 8-4 after 8 innings of play.  The game was ended after the 3 hour time limit elapsed.

 

     Honorable offensive player for the other team is Paul Vidro for getting thrown out of the game after telling the umpire, "You suck!"  Thats $25 bucks for the NABA.

 

     Things to take out of this game include but are not limited to:

 

1.  Need to have smart base running

2.  Don't swing at every 1st pitch - make the pitcher work

3.  Get to the field on time 12:00pm sharp!! Yes, YOU need to warmup.

4.  Smart baseball means no 12 man batting lineup

5.  Dont be mad and don't cry if your not hitting...see above.

6.  The goal is to win so be a TEAM player...see 4 and 5 above.

7.  Basic rules of fundamental baseball need to be applied.

 

 

     With this said we will be having a team meeting before the game.  This of course means be there early.  I will call everyone with the time.  Next game is in two weeks and is a rematch against the Dodgers.   

 

    

Vidro Studios loses to East Greenwich Dodgers 3-0

     Vidro Studios traveled up to Clarksboro to face the East Greenwich Dodgers for a rematch after losing the first contest 8-4.

 

     The forecast called for heavy rains and thunderstorms to hit the area right around game time.  The clouds rolled in and the winds picked up as the game started.  After the first pitch, the rain began to fall.

 

     The game managed to get through 5 complete inning of play due to the field being in such good condition.  The score after 5 innings of play was 3-0 in favor of the Dodgers.  The umpires had to call the game which made it official.  Vidro Studio drops to 1-3 on the season.

 

     Notable offensive players include:

 

Danny Latorre going 1-2 with a walk

Jeff Penland going 1-2

Eric Candelario going 1-2

Jamell Rosario for hitting a foul ball bomb with a walk

 

No excuses gentlmen.  We lost!  We have to hit the ball or take walks to win.  We don't have a game on Sunday but a practice will be set up.

The selections will be decided by the team as a whole.

     The time has come, very quickly, actually too quickly for the all star game on June 15th at the Sand Castle where the Atlantic City Surf play ball.  The all star game should actually be held in July to give players time to actually prove they are all stars.  But since we only have four games in the books and the all star break fast approaching, I have to submit selections.

 

     Here is how the voting will take place.

1. Every person on the team, except for Chuck since he hasnt been here, will vote for three people and an alternate.  2. You may vote for yourself at any given order so long as you truly believe you should be there.

3. The voting will work on a point system.  For your first selection it will be worth 7 points, 2nd selection 5 points, 3rd selection 3points, and alternate 1 point. 

4. The votes will be cast secretly from the players.  I will be the only person who knows who voted for who.

 

     This is the fairest and most proper way we are able to determine who will be all stars this year.  The team is deciding as a whole so dont cry if you are not selected.  Good luck to all and remember we should have 16 all stars on this team through out the entire season.  The results will be posted later today.

 

 

THE RESULTS ARE IN!!!!!

 

1. Danny Latorre       92 points

2. Misael Candelario  56 points

3. Louis Reyes          24 points

 

Alternate Player

4. Jamell Rosario       22 points

 

Honorable Mention

5. Jeff Penland           17 points

6. Carlos Rivera          8 points

7. Wilmer Vizcaya       2 points

8. Eric Candelario       2 points

 

 

Cangratulations to all the selections for the 2008 All Star game!!

Eric Candelario led an offensive onslaught to defeat the Wood Lanes baseball team 10-3.

     Vidro Studios defeated the Wood Lanes Baseball Team 10-3 after 7 innings of play due to time limit.

 

     In the third inning, Vidro Studios scored a total of 6 runs with the assistance of 6 walks and a grand slam bomb by Eric Candelario over the left center field fence. 

 

     In the top of the 6th inning, Vidro Studios tacked on another 4 runs after an RBI single from Eric Candelario and and Sacrifice fly to center field by Caros Rivera.

 

     Wilmer Vizcaya pitched 6 complete innings to get the win.  Wilmer pitched himself out of quite a few jams that Danny Latorre placed him in after making a considerable amount of errors (3) in the field.  One, I must say, was just pretty embarassing and funny.  But anyway, Wilmer pitched a fantastic game only allowing 2 earned runs.

 

     The team played great together today and made smart plays.  Lets keep the momentum going into next week when we face the Woodbury Heights Wolfpack for a double header on their home turf.

 

     Notable offensive players include:

Eric Candelario going 3-5 (grand slam), 5 RBI's, SB, 2 runs

Danny Latorre going 2-3, 2 walks

Steve Callaghan going 1-2, 3 walks, 1 run

Erik Vizcaya going 1-3, 2 walks, 1 run

 

     We would like to extend our gratitude to the Wood Lanes baseball team for being great hosts.  It is rare to play against a team and just play the game.  Kudos to Steve for a great game behind the plate.

Vidro Studio's defeated the Woodbury Heights Wolfpack 13-5 in the first game of a double header.

     Vidro Studios was leading 2-0 after 2 innings of play.  The Wolfpack scored a run in the 3rd and another in the 5th to tie the game.

 

     Vidro Studios managed to score a run in the top of the 6th to take the lead 3-2 but the Wolfpack scored three runs in the bottom of the inning to take the lead 5-3.  Vidro Studio's with their backs against the wall opened it up in the top of the 7th inning with 10 runs batted in to take a commanding lead 13-5.

 

The Wolfpack was unable to score in the bottom of the 7th which gave Vidro Studio's the win boosting their record to 3-3.

 

Notable offensive players include:

 

Steve Callaghan going 2-3; 2B, 1B, 2 BB's

Jamell Rosario going 1-2; 2B,BB, 2 HBP's

Misael Candelario going 1-3; 1B, 2 BB's

 

Great game guys!!

 

Vidro Studio's defeated the Woodbury Heights Wolfpack 14-13.

     Vidro Studio's defeated the Woodbury Heights Wolfpack 14-13 after 6 grueling innings of play due to time limit.

 

     Vidro Studio's took a solid 6-2 lead after 3 innings of play.  The Wolfpack drove in a run in the 4th inning and 8 more in the top of the 5th inning to take a commanding 11-6 lead.

 

     Vidro Studio's again with their backs against the wall and facing the time limit rule had to come through or the game would be over.  Vidro Studio's managed to score 5 runs in the bottom of the 5th inning to tie the game and send it to the 6th inning.

 

     The Wolfpack didn't quit and tacked on another 2 runs in the inning to take the lead 13-11.  Vidro Studio's, also unwilling to lose, tacked on another 3 runs in the bottom of the 6th inning to win the game 14-13.  Vidro Studio's boosted their record to 4-3.

 

     It was an extremely difficult day due to the heat and injuries.  We pulled through as a team and kept our composure at the bats. 

 

     Again great job guys in getting the wins.  I can't make the all star game so Jamell Rosario is the alternate.  Rosario can not make the all star game son Jeff Penland will take my place.  Louis Reyes is still injured and can not play in the all star game either so Carlos Rivera is replacing him.  Eric Candelario has really stepped up these past few games and has my vote for the all star game.

 

     A special thanks to the Wolfpack for the war we just went through.  Great games and good luck this season.

 

Notable offensive players:

 

Eric Candelario going 3-4; 3 1B's, BB

Steve Callaghan going 2-3; 2B, 1B, 2 BB's

Misael Candelario going 2-3; 2 1B's, 2 BB's

 

Vidro Studio's defeated the Camden Braves 7-6 after 9 innings of play bringing their record to 5-3.

     Vidro Studio's defeated the Camden Braves 7-6 after 9 innings of play.  Josh Smith started on the mound for Vidro Studio's.  Smith was relieved by Jamell Rosario in the 1st inning.  Rosario pitched 8 2/3rd innings allowing 9 hits, giving up 2 runs, only walking 2, and striking out 7 in the winninf effort.

 

     Vidro Studio's was down 4-1 after 1 inning of play but continued chipping away.  Vidro Studio's tacked on another 2 runs in the 3rd inning. 

 

     Camden Braves followed up in the 4th inning with 1 run.  Vidro Studio's also taked on 3 runs in the 4th inning to take the lead 6-5.  The braves scored another run in the 6th to tie the game 6-6.  After 4 scoreless innings, Vidro Studio's came throughin the bottom of the 9th inning scoring the game winning run to defeat the Braves 7-6. 

 

     Key players of the game:

 

Jamell Rosario for pitching a solid game.

 

Jeff Penland with a shoot from right field to home to get the out in the top of the 9th inning.

 

 

Great game guys!!

 

Vidro Studio's loses 9-4 to the Camden Braves after 6 1/2 innings of play. 

     Vidro Studios was defeated by the Camden Braves 9-4 after 6 1/2 innings of play.  The loss drops their record to 5-4 on the season.

 

     Eric Candelario started on the mound in the second game of a double header.  After pitching 4 innings, allowing 9 hits and 6 runs, walking 1, and 1 strikeout, Candelario was relieved by Jeff Penland.  Penland pitched 2 innings allowing 3 hits, giving up 3 runs, walking 2, and striking out 2 in the loss. 

 

     Vidro Studio's was losing 6-4 after 4 innings of play but the Braves taked on a solid 3 runs in the bottom of the 6th inning to seal the deal.  The Braves defeated Vidro Studio's 9-4. 

Vidro Studios had to forfeit a game against the Camden Braves due to a shortage of players.  Vidro Studios had a total of 7 players available and a minimum of 8 players are needed to play the game.

Vidro Studios loses to Camden Punishers 16-6.

     Vidro Studios showed up to play with only 8 players.  With players playing out of position as well, it didn't seem like it would be a good start for Vidro Studios.

 

     Camden Punishers scored 8 runs in the 1st inning and didn't let up.  The Punishers took a commanding 15-0 lead through 3 innings.  Wilmer Vizcaya started on the mound for Vidro Studios before getting pulled in the 3rd inning.  Misael Candelario came in to relieve Vizcaya and held the Punishers to 1 run. 

 

     Vidro Studios started hitting the ball and tacked on 6 runs to cut the lead 16-6.  The loss dropped Vidro Studios to 5-6 in the season.

 

     Welcome back to Louis Reyes from injury.  Reyes looked like he didn't miss a game.  Reyes also caught a pretty good game to fill in. Great hustle behind the plate to keep runners on the bases.

 

Notable offensive players:

 

Louis Reyes going 1 for 2, single, walk, stolen base, 1 run

 

Wilmer Vizcaya going 1 for 3, single, stolen base (thanx to M. Candelario)

 

 

Vidro Studios defeated the Camden Punishers 8-7 to lift their record to 6-6 in the season.

     Vidro Studios defeated the Camden Punishers in the second game of the double header 8-7.  The win lifts their record to 6-6 in the season.

 

     Eric Candelario started on the mound for Vidro Studios and pitched a good game.  Candelario gave up 5 earned runs, 8 hits, 5 walks, and 5 K's.

 

     Vidro Studios started attacking first putting 3 runs on the board after Jamell Rosario smashed a triple followed by a bomb double from Misael Candelario.  The Punishers answered back by scoring 1 run after a sacrifice fly ball to center field bringing the score to 3-1 after 1 inning.

 

     The Punishers tacked on another run in the bottom of the 2nd inning after an error, passed ball, and a wild pitch.  Vidro Studios came back in the 3rd inning and tacked on another 3 runs after Danny Latorre and Carlos Rivera walked on followed by a sacrifice fly ball to center field by Jamell Rosario.  Misael Candelario followed with another double to bring in Rivera and Erik Vizcaya hit a line drive single to bring in Candelario.  The Punishers followed with 2 runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning after 2 singles, HBP batter, an error, and another single.

 

     In the top of the 5th inning, Vidro Studios came through with 2 clutch runs after a double by Rosario followed by a shot to the left fielder, who made an error, by M. Candelario.  The Punishers were held scoreless in the 5th inning bring the score to 8-4.

 

     Vidro Studios was held scoreless in the 6th inning only to be followed by a rally by the Punishers.  The Punishers scored 3 runs after a walk, wild pitch, single, walk, sacrifice fly to center, single, and a double.  Vidro Studios still held the lead 8-7 after 6 innings.

 

     The Punishers blanked Vidro Studios again in the 7th inning.  Vidro Studios brought in Angel Mercano to relieve Eric Candelario and close the deal.  Mercano closed out the side and secured the win.  

 

     Thans to the Punishers for a good Sunday of competetive baseball and great sportsmanship.  It was pleasure playing with you guys.  Good luck for the remainder of the season.

Vidro Studios earned its first playoff birth.

     Congratulations to Vidro Studios baseball team for clinching the 2nd seed in the 18A west division.  Vidro Studios posted an 11-11 record finishing .500.

 

     Vidro Studios will be playing the Camden Punishers in the first round of the playoffs.  The Camden Punishers are a formiddable opponent that boasted a 10-10 record with 1 tie.  Vidro Studios split with the Punishers one game a piece during the regular season.

 

     Playoffs are to begin on Saturday, September 6th at 1:00PM.  This will be a single 9 inning game followed by a double header, if needed, on Sunday, September 7th.  This will be a best of three series with the winner advancing to play the Camden Braves.

 

     Congratulations to all the players who finished on top of the statistic categories.  They are as follows:

 

Jamell Rosario       Batting Average              .407

Jamell Rosario       On Base Percentage        .590

Jamell Rosario       Slugging Percentage        .667

Danny Latorre       Hits                                14

Jamell Rosario       Doubles                          5

Misael Candelario  Triples                            1

Jamell Rosario       Triples                            1

Eric Candelario      Home Runs                     1

Danny Latorre       Runs                              16

Jamell Rosario       RBI'S                             9

Danny Latorre       Stolen Bases                   21

 

     Pitching stats are a bit misleading due to not always being able to track them all. 

 

     The time is here to leave all the excuses behind.  Playoffs begin this Saturday so we have to have our game faces on.  Hit the cages get on the field, whatever you have to do to be prepared.  We have to secure the first game and finish the second with a win.  Let's make sure we are supporting each other and make sure we are at the field early to be ready to play.  I'm very proud of everyone thus far and I am sure to be impressed with our performance in the playoffs.  Let's show these teams what we are really capable of.

B-B-Q and EAGLES game!!!

     The time has come for the team barbecue.  It is going to be this Sunday, 9/21/2008 at 1:00 PM, at Danny's house.  We are going to watch the Eagles game and then have a fire in the back to burn up all the broken bats this season.  You can bring your significant others and clean socks because no shoes allowed in the house.  Also if you have a special beverage that you like, bring it yourself because I might not have it. 

The 2009 Vidro Studios baseball season is about to begin.

     If you are a player from previous seasons and are planning to return to the team, please send me an email or call me to verify that.  If you have not played on the team before and are interested in participating in the upcoming 2009 season, also respond via email and provide your name, telephone number, email address, experience and position(s) of choice.  Time is running out quickly and hope to hear from you all real soon.

 

Danny Latorre

Vidro Studios backed out of their sponsorship for the 2009 season.

If anyone knows any company that wants to sponsor the team please let me know as soon as possible.  We are running out of time.