Local men’s softball team wins big in Las Vegas

The 2004 New Jersey NSA Class E State Champions, Boneyard/Olde Queens Tavern, a men’s softball team comprised of players from the local area, competed in the National Softball Association Men’s Class E Super World Series in Las Vegas over the Columbus Day weekend (Oct. 8-10).

The NSA World Series Tournament honored the outstanding play of 58 teams who were invited to Las Vegas after winning major qualifying tournaments in leagues around the country. The Boneyard/Olde Queen’s Tavern team finished a distinguished fourth place, with impressive victories over top teams from California, Wisconsin, Nevada, North Carolina and Utah. The tournament’s director and many of the competitors were surprised by the success of the New Jersey team, since many of the teams, including the top three, compete year-round in warm weather climates, seemingly giving those teams an advantage.

The Boneyard/Olde Queen’s Tavern team was formed earlier this year by merging two longtime rivals. Many of the players have competed together for years and have won several league championships and tournaments, including the South Brunswick Men’s League, New Jersey NSA Class E State Championship, and the Sayreville Men’s Class A League. Taking their success on the road to “Sin City” was a major step for a team that had won the Sayreville Men’s Independent Brunswick Softball League and the Mercer County Trentonian Softball Tournament, having never played outside the Eastern Seaboard.

A solid defensive assault combined with impressive offensive performances contributed to the team’s success. Pitcher Adriano Soares (South River) pitched the distance over the two-day tournament. Dennis Pinkowitz (Old Bridge) and Brian Geduldig (North Brunswick) completed the battery. The infield, which turned a total of 13 double plays, was comprised of first baseman Lenny Siroki (Monmouth Junction), second baseman Jon Vetter (North Brunswick), short stop Jeff Szatkowski (Spotswood), and third baseman Mark Cichowski (North Brunswick).

The outfield, which threw out five runners on the base path, were left fielder Tony Giacona (Woodbridge), left-center fielder Lenny Florek (South River), right-center fielder David Bell (South River), and right fielder Brian Lasko (Lakewood).

Designated hitters Mike Miller (North Brunswick) and Gary Knoblock (South River) both contributed key hits to the team’s offense, which was led by Jeff Szatkowski, who batted .708. Seven players batted over .500, including Brian Geduldig (.667) and David Bell (.591).

Jeff Szatkowski and Tony Giacona were selected to the All-Tournament Team for their valuable all-around efforts.

Player/coach David Bell was extremely proud of the team’s performance, saying, “The team played very well offensively and defensively. Most importantly, we had fun. This is a great bunch of guys, and we look forward to continued success in future.”

He also thanked the families of the players for their support throughout the year.

“We have the best fans. They are a dedicated group of family and friends, many of whom traveled with us to Vegas and sat in 90-plus-degree temperatures, cheering us on. The team is extremely fortunate.” Bell said.

The team looks forward to competing again next year, and will take the winter months off to rest their bones.