1/27/09 From John Nichols
I am happy to report that all the teams that finished the 2008 season will be returning for the 2009 season.

The KAA 70’S team was the last team to verify that they would be returning to the 70’s league. However, they have lost some of their players from last season and are trying to enlist some new players who are 70 and older. I have talked with Joe McCann and he has pretty much committed to managing the KAA 70’S this season. So if you know of any 70’s players who wish to play but are not committed to a team, have them contact Joe or Jack Kennedy.

Joe's email address is jcmccann51@yahoo.com and his phone number is (607)724-7040. Jack Kennedy's phone number is (607)775-1027.

1/15/09 From Bob Fox on the passing of Bob Hunt.
As we approach another season , I hope we will also remember Bob Hunt, a Leftover and former Cyclone. Bob was an amazing athlete. While most of us have seen our skills diminish over the years, his skills seem to defy Father Time. The last game he played (at the age of 79) he hit four line drives, and, before his illness, ran the bases better than a lot players 10 years younger. Although Bob's legacy is filled with many superlatives, he also gave us laughter, always telling stories of his life experiences. A gentleman in every respect who will be dearly missed by our softball fraternity.

1/12/09
Sentiments from teammates and opponents on the passing of Tony Maiurino.
12/30/08 From Bill Lane:
Tony will be missed. May he rest in peace. He probably slid into Heaven and GOD said......'safe'!!
1/11/09 From Bob Fox:
The unexpected death of Tony Maiurino has left a void on the Cyclones we can't fill, but we will cherish his memory as a "Special" player who achieved a standard of excellence that few will ever attain. While it is heartbreaking to lose Tony, it is comforting to know that he touched the lives of many senior softballers and gave them the gift of many joyful memories. A fierce competitor, but always respectful of his opponents, whose dedication to the game was something to be admired. Tony was always there with a kind word and warm smile. His outgoingness will be missed by everyone who knew him.
12/30/08 Our league was greatly saddened by news that long-time softballer from Syracuse, Tony Maiurino, passed away yesterday as the result of a heart attack. Tony most recently was a member of the Syracuse Cyclones 70's team that won the 70's World Championship in Phoenix. He will be greatly missed by his many friends throughout the league.
9/26/08
Bill Lane has passed on to us the sad news that BOB HUNT, a Syracuse softballer, that many of us played against or with as a teammate passed away this past weekend. His health had not been the best this past year. There will be no furnal service. A memorial service will be held at a later date. An OBIT should be posted in the Syracuse Herald Journal.

THE LEAGUE'S 2008 FALL MEETING will be held at the Dryden Hotel in Dryden, N.Y. on Wednesday, October 8th at 9:00 A.M.

The league playoffs were played at the Holding Point Complex in Horseheads on Tuesday, August 26,2008.

The playoffs started with two play-in games. In Game 1 third place Lane's KK played sixth place Meineke. Lane's defeated Meineke by a 28 to 2 score. Leading Lane's offense were A. Sheridan with 4 for 4 including two home runs, D. Poliquin 4 for 4 including a home run and a triple and Lefty with 4 for 4. Dreska and Sylvester chipped with 3 hits each. Meineke's was led by Neal and Dick with 2 hits each. The win advanced Lane's to Game 3 against third place Syracuse.

In Game 2, fourth place KAA played fifth place Mario's Pizza. KAA won this game by a 13 to 8 margin. KAA's batting leaders were Barry, Kennedy and White with 2 hits each. The win advanced KAA to Game 4 against first place Cortland.

Never has that old tag line of "The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat" been more profound than in Game 3 where the Syracuse LO's came back in the last inning to defeat Lane's KK. The anatomy of that inning is described by the chief agonizer Bill Lane as follows:

"Entering the bottom of the 7th inning KK led 16-12 then Dorsey singled, Maurino singled, Lowenberg flied out, MacCarrick reached first on an error and 2 runs scored, D. Hill singled, Sniffen walked loading the bases, Fox walked scoring 1 run, Ochampaugh sinles to right-center driving in 2 runs and the LO's win 17-16."

Lane's offense was led by A. Sheridan, O. Hennman, Lefty, and Dreska with 3 hits each. Dreska also homered. L. Clow, B. Pasquale, P Sylvester and S. Green with 2 hits each. The LO's were led by Dorsey, Maurino, Lowenberg, MacCarrick, Sniffen, Fox, Ochampaugh and Pike had 2 hits each. With the victory the LO's advanced to the championship game.

In Game 4, Cortland defeated KAA 9-3 to advance to the championship game. Vern Wagar went 3 for 3 including two doubles to lead the Cortland hitters. Jack Kennedy led KAA with a 3 for 3 effort.

In the championship game , the Cyclones pounded 26 hits in its 20-9 win over Syracuse LO's. Cortland held on to a slim 10-7 lead after three innings, but exploded for 10 runs in the fifth and sixth innings to put the game out of reach. A tight defense, which produced three double plays, played a large part in this victory. Gary Contri 4-4 with a homer, 2 doubles and 2 RBI's, Rocky Labosette, 4-4 with 3 RBI's and Dick Brown,4-4 with a double led the way for Cortland. Ben Dorsey, Dick Lowenberg and Dave Hill had 2 hits each to lead Syracuse.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CORTLAND CYCLONES ON WINNING THE PLAYOFF CHAMPIONSHIP!

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