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9 Year old National Team Roster:

Record: 16-3

Montville 9 year old National team proudly displaying their 1st place trophies from their victories against Verona in the Suburban League finals, their 2nd place trophies from the District Cal Ripkin Tournament and their good luck moccasins worn during their 11 consecutive victories to end the season by pitching Coach Phil (also used to warm up the bats when needed). Pictured left to right: Ali Maqsudi, Jimmy Picinich, Eric Schenk, Adam Kornbluh, Jerry Elsing, Robert Geers, Paul Whitman, Paul Bello Chris Lacy, Travis Warech, Matt Kaiser, (not pictured Dan Falk). Coaches left to right: Coach Picinich, Coach Kornbluh, Coach Whitman, Coach Phil Whitman.

Game Recaps

Montville National 9 year olds sweep Verona for Suburban League Championship  4-2

After a 12-8 win against Verona in game 1 Tuesday, the National squad got rained out Wednesday and Thursday. Verona opted to start some off speed pitchers to try to slow down the Montville hitting attack from Tuesday. Montville started off loading the bases but unfortunately couldn't break through in the 1st. Verona scratched out a run in the first and another in the 2nd to go up 2-0. Following the pattern of the 11 consecutive wins racked up to end the season, Montville came right back in the 3rd. Jimmy Picinich lead off with a single. That was the only hit of the inning but drawing 3 walks and putting the ball in play Montville evened the score at 2-2. With Eric Schenk on the mound, the outfield made 2 dazzling (and I mean dazzling....) catches. Travis Warech in LF going back over his shoulder; Jimmy Picinich in RF coming in on a hard line drive and Paul Whitman in CF diving flat out to his left. Montville threatened again in the 4th as Chris Lacy hit a double up against the LF fence just missing a fence clearing HR. The scored remained 2-2 until to top of the 5th. With the Verona closer in the game throwing hard, Montville reeled off 4 consecutive singles by Paul Bello, Matt Kaiser, Paul Whitman and Travis Warech to take a 4-2 lead. Montville loaded the bases again in the 6th but Verona came up with 2 big strike outs to end the inning. After pitching out of trouble in the 5th, Paul Whitman struck out the #3 batter to start the 6th. After an another dazzling play this time by Paul Bello SS to Jerry Elsing 1B for the 2nd out, the next batter poked a double down the RF line. Not to make it too exciting the next batter struck out to end the game and season. Verona for sure doesn't ever want to see another change up........Congratulations to a fantastic 9 year old team! We finished 1st in the Suburban with the best record at 14-1 and 2nd in the Cal Ripkin District Tournament. Our overall record was 16-3. Best of all was to see the enthusiasm and commitment on the part of the players not only when things were going good but when we had 5 games in a row and the schedule was changing by the hour. The future in Montville is very bright not only from a baseball perspective but from the quality of all the players, coaches and parents associated with this fine team. A special thanks to the coaching staff of Arnold Picinich, Lee Kornbluh, Phil Whitman, Rob Schenk and Paull Bello who did whatever was needed to support the team.....

Montville 12 Verona 8 (Championship Series Game #1, July 25th)
With the best 2 out of 3 for the championship, the National squad got started right. Verona went up 2-0 in the 1st by drawing 2 walks, 1 HP and 1 error. Montville answered right back with 3 in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by Paul Whitman and a 2 RBI double by Dan Falk. Montville ran in up to 9-2 in the bottom of the 2nd. Robert Geers had a double, Paul Whitman a bases loaded 3 RBI triple and Travis Warech a RBI single. With the game seemingly in hand, the top of the 3rd saw 4 Montville errors lead to 6 runs by Verona. Ali Maqsudi caught the last out in deep RCF to keep Montville in the lead 9-8. Montville added 3 additional runs in the 4th on hits by Matt Kaiser, Travis Warech and a 2RBI double by Dan Falk. Ali Maqsudi's RBI ground out set the score at 12-8. Eric Schenk held Verona scoreless in the 4th (2 K's) and Paul Whitman in the 5th and 6th (3 K's) for the save. Dan Falk and Paul Whitman received game balls. Overall record now 15-3. Looking for 1 more win in Verona on Wed. or back in Montville Thursday!

Montville 5 Glen Ridge 1 Playoff Game (July 22nd)
After getting a bye in the first round, the National squad was in a must win situation against Glen Ridge to get to the championship round in the Cedar Grove League. We had previously beat Glen Ridge 3-2 and Glen Ridge upset East Hanover Friday to advance to this semifinal game. Once again the first inning set the tone. Glen Ridge lead off with 2 singles only to be shut down as their 3-4-5 batters made outs. In the bottom of the first after a single by Matt Kaiser, Travis Warech hit a triple down the right field line knocking in the 1st run of the game. The game stayed 1-0 as Travis pitched 3 scoreless innings until the bottom of the 3rd. After a lead off double by Jimmy Picinich, Matt Kaiser, Paul Whitman, Travis Warech and Dan Falk all had singles to make the score 3-0. After a scoreless 4th with Paul Bello pitching, Glenn Ridge scored their only run in the 5th.. After 2 walks, a hit went up the middle scoring 1 run but Eric Schenk put the tag on the next runner trying to score for the 3rd out. Montville added 2 insurance runs in the bottom of the 5th. The big hit was a single by Dan Falk (Baltimore chop). Paul Whitman pitched a 1-2-3 6th inning. Defensive play of the game was by Paul Whitman who back handed a ball in the hole at SS and then threw out the runner going into 2nd. Game balls went to Matt Kaiser 2 for 3 and threw out a runner trying to score; and Dan Falk; 2 for 3 and a catch in RCF. Overall record now 14-3. Will play the winner of the Verona-Cedar Grove game in a best 2 out of 3 series.

Montville 7 East Hanover 6 (July 19th)
Our last regular season game and what a game it was! With second place locked up the only way the National team could finish first was to win and have Cedar Grove beat Verona........The East Hanover bats came roaring to life at the start scoring 3 in the first and 1 in the second. Montvile answered right back in the 2nd with 4 runs. The big hit was a 2 out 2 RBI single by Paul Bello who proceeded to pitch 2 scoreless innings in the 3rd and 4th.. The score remained 4- 4 until the bottom of the 5th. With 2 outs Paul Bello and Adam Kornbluh drew walks which brought up Travis Warech. Remembering his triples from the last time we played, EH didn't want anything to do with Travis walking him on pitches way out of the zone. This brought up Paul Whitman who delivered a line drive single to right field to bring in 2 runs for a 6-4 lead. The top of the 5th saw the lead off bat deliver a single only to be thrown out at 2nd trying to get there on an over throw. After 2 consecutive hits EH brought both runs in on additional overthrows in the field (not one of our brighter moments.....). In the bottom of the inning with the score tied 6-6, Matt Kaiser delivered a double to right center with one out. After another strike out, Eric Schenk came to the plate. Putting a ground ball between SS and 3rd gave him enough time to beat it out for a hit and Matt Kaiser who was running hard flew home scoring the winning run! Paul Bello and Eric Schenk received game balls and Paul Whitman picked up the win.........The icing on the cake was CG did beat Verona again to place us first with a 11-1 league record!!

Montville 20 North Caldwell 4 (July 18th)
Needing 1 more win to lock up 1st or 2nd place in league action, the National squad came to play tonight. After Robert Geers pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the first which included a very nice play by Adam Kornbluh at SS, Montville scored 3 runs in the bottom of the inning. After Paul Bello walked, Paul Whitman and Travis Warech singled. Then Jerry Elsing walked to bring in the 1st run, Matt Kaiser hit a rocket to right center for a single and 2 RBI's. Montville never looked back scoring 9 runs in the 2nd. How did we do that?? given that there is a 8 run/inning limit. Well Chris Lacy came up with 7 runs already in and runners on 2nd and 3rd. He promptly singled to RCF and both runners scored on the continuos play. Paul Whitman and Dan Falk had doubles in the 2nd inning. Game balls went to Matt Kaiser for his 3 for 3 performance (4 RBI's) and Jimmy Picinich who went home sick (he was chucking more than fast balls............) during monday's game but came back to pitch 2 strong innings and scored 2 runs in today's game. Jerry Elsing closed the game pitching 2 strong innings striking out 3.

Montville 6 West Caldwell 5 (July 17th)
Demonstrating that never give up attitude for a 2nd game in a row, the National squad battled back from a 4-0 deficit to pull this one out in the bottom of the 6th! The West Caldwell starting pitcher was one of the best we've seen, tonight striking out 5 in the first 3 innings. Paul Whitman got the scoring started with a double in the 4th. He ended up scoring on a ground out by Jerry Elsing. The bats really started lighting up in the 5th. After a walk to Eric Schenk, Chris Lacy drove another double up against the fence in center field. There was no doubt about this one. Chris later scored on a single by Paul Bello. After Paul Whitman held West Caldwell to just 1 run over 2 1/3 innings, Paul Bello pitched a scoreless 6th. Excellent catches in the outfield by Jerry Elsing and Dan Falk contributed to keeping the score close. After 5 walks in the bottom of the 6th tied the score, Chris Lacy hit a shot to the 3rd basemen. Fielding it cleanly the 3rd baseman threw home.........the ball popped out of the catchers mitt as Travis Warech slide in with the winning run!

Montville 8 East Hanover 6 (7 innings) (July 14th)
With both teams with only 1 loss in league play this game was not to disappoint. Montville broke on top early with 2 runs in the first on a SAC fly by Travis Warech scoring Adam Kornbluh and error on a Matt Kaiser ground ball scoring Paul Whitman who had singled. After giving 1 run back on 2 errors in the bottom of the first, Montvile went up 5 to 1 on a 2 RBI triple by Travis Warech. The bottom of the 3rd was real shaky as East Hanover scored 5 on 3 hits, 4 walks and 1 error. That was all EH was to get though. Paul Bello pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the 4th and then Paul Whitman came him to pitch 3 scoreless innings to get the win allowing no runners past 1st. Montville tied the score in the 5th on a RBI double by Travis who in the 7th also knocked in the winning run with a triple. Travis received a game ball for his 5 RBI performance and Paul Whitman received one for his pitching. This was our 10th win of the season against only 3 losses!!

Montville 16 West Caldwell 8 (July 12th)
Dan Falk wanted to make sure he wrapped up the game ball early. After delivering a Home Run up against the right field fence in the first, he almost hit for the cycle with a triple in the 4th and a single in the 3rd. The first 6 batters of the game for Montville all had hits. Robert Geers also received a game ball for gutting out 3 innings which saved other pitchers for the games later in the week. Travis Warech pitched 2 scoreless innings to start the game and earn the win.

Montville 10 Montclair 2 (July 11th)
Showing pitching depth that few other teams can come close to, winning pitcher Robert Geers held Montclair scoreless for the first 2 innings to enable Montville to get up 8-0 to pick up the win. Ali Maqsudi and Jerry Elsing for the second day each pitched 2 innings a piece holding Montclair to just 2 hits. Each received game balls. Ali also had 3 hits to lead the Montville hitting attack. Other offense was generated by Dan Falk - 2 doubles, Adam Kornbluh 2 singles, Paul Whitman - 2 singles, Eric Schenk RBI double, Travis Warech - Triple and a single.

Montville National 21 Montville American 1 (July 10th)
One thing for sure today; Montville would win. The national squad played a near perfect game with no errors in the field and scoring some runs in each inning. Jimmy Picinich started the game and got the win with 2 scoreless innings. With 6 games on the schedule this week we needed pitching and Jimmy, Ali Maqsudi and Jerry Elsing delivered with 2 innings apiece. The Hitting attack was lead by Paul Whitman (5), Matt Kaiser (4), Eric Schenk (2) and Adam Kornbluh (2). Clearly to most majestic hit of the game was by Chris Lacy who stoked a double to the left center field fence with the bases loaded in the 5th inning. Chris received the game ball for this accomplishment under the watchful eye of the opposing coach (better known as his Dad)!

Mt. Olive 7 Montville 6 (July 8th) * Cal Ripken Tournament Finals
After a short nights rest it was back to Mt. Olive for the championship game! If Montville were to win this game we would have to play a second game immediately following the first to win the Tournament. The tone of this game was set early by both teams who came to play their A++ game. After giving up 2 runs in the first to Mt. Olive on a walk, double and a passed ball; Montville came right back to tie on a Home Run by Matt Kaiser with Jerry Elsing on first. There was nothing cheap about this one as it went all the way to the fence in right center. With the score tied 4-4 after 4; Paul Whitman lead off with a single followed by a triple by Travis Warech. He later scored on an RBI ground out by Jerry Elsing give Montville a 6-4 lead which held to the last inning. The Mt Olive defense really was the key as they shut down rallies in the 5th and 6th innings with runners on base. With both teams putting everything on the line, Mt. Olive dropped a clean single into right field to score the go ahead run from second. Game balls went to Matt Kaiser (2 RBI HR) and Travis Warech (2/3 - triple).

This was a great game to remember that even when you play your very best some times it still isn't enough for the win. If you always do your best, have fun and practice good sportsmanship; you can always be proud of what you accomplished. This was recognized by the Cal Ripkin Tournament as they presented us with a huge team trophy and individual trophies for our second place finish. This was also quite an accomplishment given that it was our first ever and also the first time we ever played with bunting and stealing. Congratulations! Overall record now stands at 6-3.

Montville 13 Somerset Hills 9 (July 7th)
Getting back to our winning ways this one was never in doubt in this losers bracket game in the district Cal Ripkin Tournament. With a lot a stake (the winner goes to the championship game vs Mt. Olive), Montville broke on top with 3 runs in the first. Paul Bello lead off with a single, followed by a double by Adam Kornbluh. After RBI ground outs by Paul Whitman and Jerry Elsing; Robert Geers was hit by a pitch. He later scored on an RBI single by Eric Schenk. Montville went on to score 2 in the 2nd, 5 in the 3rd, 1 in the 4th and 2 in the 6th behind the hitting of Paul Bello 3 for 4, Paul Whitman 4 for 5, Jerry Elsing 3 for 5 and Eric Schenk 3 for 4. Paul Bello got the win holding Somerset Hills scoreless in the first 2 innings and Paul Whitman got the save. For never playing with bunting and stealing, the Montville squad sure looks good! On to the championship game!

Verona 16 Montville 8 (July 6th)
After scoring 7 runs in the first inning the Montville bats went quit in this high scoring affair. Leading off with a single Paul Bello later scored on a RBI single by Matt Kaiser. Eric Schenk and Robert added RBI singles later in the inning to make the score Montville 7 Verona 1 after 1. Clearly showing fatigue from the previous days set back, the defense just wasn't there as Montville racked up 7 errors in the field in the next 4 innings letting Verona pull ahead for good in the 3rd.

Mount Olive 8 Montville 4 (July 5th)
Round 2 of the District Cal Ripkin Tournament, started off with Mount Olive scoring 3 runs before one out was recorded and lead 5-0 after 1 inning. Paul Whitman came in to Pitch 4 innings, giving up just one additional run to allow the Montville squad to battle back which they did. After scoring one in the 3rd, Jerry Elsing, Ali Maqsudi and Paul Bello each had singles following walks to Matt Kaiser and Jimmy Picinich to bring the score to 5-4 in the 4th inning. Mount Olive added insurance runs in the 5th to put the game away for good but Montville demonstrated their never ever give up spirit. Jerry Elsing was 2 for 3 and Paul Bello 2 for 3 to lead the Montville offense. Next Game in the Tournament Friday night vs Somerset Hills.

Montville 11 Blairstown 5 (July 2, 2000)
After a by in the first round of the district Cal Ripken Tournament,
Montville played their first game ever with stealing and bunting against
Blairstown who beat Somerset Hills the day before. The bats delivered again with 15 hits total and 4 runs in each of the first 2 innings. Jerry Elsing
delivered the big hit in the first inning with a 2 RBI double with 2 outs.
Chris Lacy connected with a 2 out double over the center fielder's head in
the 4 th inning. Paul Whitman went 3 for 4 and picked up his 3rd save of
the week. Eric Schenk pitched scoreless innings in the 4th and 5th. Game
balls went to Travis Warech for pitching the first 3 innings holding
Blairstown to 4 runs in spite of several errors in the field and Paul Bello
who caught the first 5 innings throwing out 1 base runner stealing and
holding various runners in check.

Montville 1 Cedar Grove 0 (July 1, 2000)
Although the Montville bats were making good contact (only 6 K's), this game
was a pitching and defensive battle from the first inning. Paul Bello
started for Montville pitching 3 scoreless innings and striking out 5. No
Cedar Grove runners went past 1st base. The only Montville run came in the top of the 4th: Jimmy Picinich lead off with a line drive single to RF. He
advanced to 3rd base on 2 productive ground outs by Bello and Adam Kornbluh.  He then scored on Paul Whitman's RBI single up the middle. They were the only 2 hits Montville was to get the whole game. Robert Geers pitched a scoreless 4th inning and then Paul Whitman picked up his 2nd save of the week pitching a scoreless 5th and 6th striking out 4. Game balls went to Adam Kornbluh and Robert Geers for their sparking defense at SS and 3B (2 key put outs apiece)! Final box score Montville 1 run 2 hits !!!0!!!ERRORS Cedar Grove 0 runs 3 hits !!!0!!! ERRORS. A great game byboth teams!

Montville 23 Montclair 1 (June 29, 2000)
The bats were back! 22 hits in a rained shortened 4 inning affair. Jimmy Picinich and Eric Schenk each pitched 2 innings and went 2 for 3 to receive game balls. The only challenge here was could we get 4 innings in before
the rain came which arrived within 5 minutes of the completion of the 4 th inning. Robert Geers went 3 for 3, Travis Warech 4 for 4, Adam Kornbluh 3
for 4 and Paul Whitman 3 for 4 to lead the Montville hitting attack.

Montville 3 Glenn Ridge 2 (June 28, 2000)
Must of left the bats home! After the impressive offensive show Saturday, 3
runs in the first inning was all Montville was to get....but it proved to be
enough. After a lead off hit (Paul Bello) and walk to Adam Kornbluh, Paul
Whitman singled to load the bases. Travis Warech singled in the first run
and then Robert Geers crushed a double over the left fielders head for 2
RBI's and a 3 run lead in the top of the first. Travis Warech then took the
mound and held Glenn Ridge scoreless for the first 3 innings and was the
winning pitcher. Paul Whitman picked up his first save holding Glenn Ridge
scoreless in the last 2 innings. Travis and Paul received game balls since
the story today was all about pitching (in spite of a pitchers mound that
was about 3 feet tall)!

Montville 17 North Caldwell 1 (June 24, 200)
After a scoreless first inning the Montville bats exploded for 16 runs in
the next 3 innings in their opening game of the traveling season at North
Caldwell. Paul Bello had 3 hits, 5 RBI's hitting in the lead off spot, was
the winning pitcher after starting with 2 scoreless innings and received the
game ball. 3 other Montville Pitchers were used; Robert Geers, Jerry Elsing
and Ali Maqsudi, all holding the North Caldwell bats idle for the remaining
4 innings. Dan Falk and Travis Warech flashed some impressive leather
grabbing 2 line drives at SS and 1B respectively.