Grays Vs. Nesconset Panthers: The forecasted rain never showed up as the skies were quite sunny for another perfect day for baseball. The first game was dominated by another superb pitching performance by the Grays' Jack D. The Grays' bats were quite alive as well as they recorded another "W." The second game was quite a contest as the Panthers took the lead and never gave up. A strong comeback by the Grays left them one run short. Thus far this season, the Grays have split every weekend. These have all been very well contested matchups. Go Grays!!
Sayville Grays Vs. Bayport - Blue Point Phantoms: Yet another stunning performance by our Grays as they went up against the undefeated Phantoms. In the first game, the Grays' Jack D. came through with some lights-out pitching to secure a win. The second game was equally lights-out for Kevin H. of the Phantoms as he held the Grays scoreless through 5. The Grays came back in the bottom of the 6th to score 4 runs to tie the game. In the top of the 7th, Anthony B. stroked a solid RBI double to put the Phantoms up by one. The Grays final at bat was just as exciting as they got the tying and winning runs into scoring position before it was all over. Both teams should be incredibly proud of their offensive and defensive play. These two teams will meet again in a couple of weeks. Should be another thriller!
Sayville Grays Vs. LI Sharks: The Grays team was up to the challenge of playing the talented LI Sharks of Commack. In the first game, the Sharks pitcher Tom Andrews was very sharp as he held the Grays scoreless through 5. The Grays came back strong in the 6th, but that wasn't quite enough for the "W" as the Sharks defense held them to 3 runs. In the second game, the Grays continued that momentum and came away with a well earned victory. It was a true TEAM win as so many players contributed on offense and defense. Overall, another great double-header for the players, coaches, and spectators! GO GRAYS!
Sayville Grays vs. Elwood Storm: On September 11, 2001 these boys were infants. They have been exposed to, but certainly don't "remember" the events of that terrible day. We, their loving parents certainly remember that day in every detail. I remember tucking my son into his crib on that night and praying to God to keep him safe! Now, ten years later we thank God and those in this country that have managed to keep him safe thus far.
What a joy is was to watch all of these 10 and 11 year old boys play a terrific double header of baseball. Both teams came away with a victory, and begin this short fall season at 1-1. We're already looking forward to the games next Sunday. Go Grays!
Williamsport Tournament: Majors Division - Sayville All Stars Vs. Smithtown - St. James Americans: Great evening for baseball and what an evening it was for the Sayville All Stars! The Americans came to play, but could not keep up with the All Stars. The Sayville players were solid on the mound, in the field, and at bat. Joey Z threw a no hitter, and Jake S crushed one over the left-center field fence. This team is totally focused! These guys and gal are true contenders, and lots of fun to watch. A visit to Williamsport just might be in their very near futures!!!
Williamsport Tournament: "AAA" Division - Sayville All Stars Vs. Islip Americans: This was a terrific game played by some talented boys! Once again, the level of competition was elevated to real playoff caliber baseball. Both teams were determined to win to continue on in the tournament. Islip prevailed with a 8-6 victory over the Sayville team. It was a very exciting finish as Sayville loaded the bases in the last inning and threatened to score again before Islip managed to record the final out. Great sportsmanship and talent were on display for all of the fans to enjoy. We wish the Islip Americans lots of luck as they advance to the next bracket.
Williamsport Tournament: "AAA" Division - Sayville All Stars Vs. Smithtown Nationals: These players gave a great demonstration of why they were chosen to participate in this tournament. The infield play of both teams was very solid. Most ground balls were turned into outs at first! Sayville managed to turn one into a nifty double play. The final outcome was Smithtown 4, and Sayville 1. Both teams played excellent games! Congrats to all!!
Sayville Little League "AAA" division playoff finals - Phillies Vs. Yankees - Game #3: THIS is what Little League baseball is all about! After being forced to a final "game 3" in the best of 3 series versus the Phillies, the Yankees came back strong. The elevated level of play by both teams on both offensive and defense was astounding. The sense of sportsmanship, fair play, and willingness to simply enjoy the game was pervasive.
This was a terrific ending to a terrific season. Congratulations to all players, coaches, and families who made this playoff series so wonderfully enjoyable!
The darkness and rain didn't dampen the level of play, but stressed the capabilities of the camera. Some of the photos are grainy and a bit out of focus, but had to be included to tell the story of this marvelous final game of the 2011 season.
We're already looking forward to next year!!
Sayville Little League "AAA" division playoff finals - Phillies Vs. Yankees - Game #2: WOW!! This was real championship level baseball. Both teams brought their "A" games and demonstrated why they should be playing for the championship. Several clutch hits and a number of outstanding plays in the field made this the most exciting game of the season. Very few walks were handed out as every pitcher gave it his all. A split second on a brilliant play by the Yankees' first baseman Joey was the difference between an inning ending triple play and what ended up being the winning run - it can't be more thrilling than that! This was only the first loss of the season for the powerful Yankees team as the Phillies won 5-4 forcing a deciding game 3.
Sayville Little League "AAA" division playoff finals: Phillies Vs. Yankees - Game #1: A rain cancellation on Friday forced a Father's Day treat as these two teams met in game 1 of this best of 3 series. The Yankees prevailed in each of the regular season games on their way to an undefeated season. The Phillies gave them a fight in each of those games and did the same on this day. The final result was that the Yankees came away with yet another "W" in a 7-0 victory. Both teams played very well and should be very proud of their performances.
Sayville Little League "AAA" Playoff semifinals: Phillies Vs. Mets: Everyone stepped it up for the playoffs just like in the pros. Great hitting, fielding, and coaching produced an action packed game. In the end, the Phillies were victorious and will be heading to the finals vs. the winner of tomorrow's Yankees Vs. Rangers game! Much excitement to follow!
What a great double-header to end another great season. Despite an overnight rain, the field was brought into decent playing condition for these two teams to face each other in the final match-up of the 2011 spring season. The Miller Place team prevailed in both games, but the valiant Grays were worthy opponents. The photos will show that some pretty good hitting and excellent fielding kept up the excitement. A few great plays at the plate had the fans on the edges of their seats. Congratulations to both teams - coaches and players, as well as to the parents and siblings who cheer them on week after week. We're looking forward to seeing everyone again in the fall. GO GRAYS!!
The final game of the regular season. These two teams have been evenly matched in every contest. Some exciting plays in the field and some solid hitting were in abundance this day. Jacob's home run shot over the left center field fence capped off the day. Congratulations, Jacob!! Overall it was simply a terrific game to watch. I'm certain that it was just as terrific to play in. It was a great season. Good luck to all in the upcoming playoffs!
The Phillies and the Mets went at it again and provided a thrilling contest. The Mets came back strong in their final inning, but the Phillies manages to hold on for a well earned victory. Congrats to all players and coaches for making all of these games fun and interesting.
Finally, a beautiful summery day for baseball. Both the Grays and the Sharks gave it their all and made some really great plays in the field and hit the ball hard. It was a very good contest and was a pleasure to watch - no matter who you were rooting for...
Another chilly evening for spring baseball. I think that we're heading straight into summer (or at least hope so). Both teams were having fun, and that's what it's all about. These kids are playing better and better every day!
Another very chilly spring evening in May kept the fans huddled in their jackets. It was a great comeback win for the Dodgers as both teams refused to give up and played hard right to the very end. We're very proud of all of the players. Good game, guys!
We saw some great fielding, some great hitting, and some cute siblings all on a beautiful, sunny spring day! Sure beats the end of the world scenario!
Had to leave in the middle of the 3rd inning, but these photos show some stellar plays by both teams.
Week 2: Weather getting warmer... not quite warm enough yet. It looked like we had 2 evenly matched teams out there, but ended up with some uneven results. The Grays were making solid contact at the plate, and the Baymen were making solid plays in the field. These boys are showing that they can hit, play the field, and are starting to understand some of the intricacies of the game - all making it very interesting to watch! We're also just loving the team spirit! Go GRAYS!!
First game of the season played on Opening Day. What a way to start! The lead changed hands several times and at the end of 6 it was all tied. The Rangers came through in the 7th to squeak out a well earned win. Both teams played exceptionally well and provided the spectators with plenty to cheer about. It's going to be an interesting season! BTW - Kudos to the Town of Islip for getting the Gillette fields into terrific shape! Thanks!!
Sayville Little League Opening Day Parade and Ceremonies: Opening Day is always a great day rain or shine! Luckily, this day was mostly sunny and warmed up nicely. Thanks to the Little League Board of Directors for organizing this annual event. Play ball!!!
Opening day for our 10U Grays! The Roslyn Sharks showed up with their "A" games leaving our Grays with a pair of "L"s on the ledger. Can we blame the chill in the air? I was certainly quite cold despite the fact that some kids were walking around in shorts and T-shirts. The Grays will warm up along with the weather and display their true capabilities real soon. A great new season is underway!
Grays Vs. LI Greyhounds: A Google Maps view showed a well-worn field, and the Weather Channel promised a chilly day. So much for Internet information... The field was immaculate and the weather was a perfect 66 degrees with bright sun - a perfect setting and day for the finale of the 2010 fall season. The Grays pitching and hitting were superb for Game 1, and the Greyhounds came back with the same for Game 2. Another split between two well matched teams. The Grays end their season with an 8-6 record. So much to be proud of!!! Thanks to the boys, coaches, and supportive parents for a terrific season!
Grays Vs. Islip Cougars: It wasn't really terribly cold, but the wind made it feel like the middle of January! That didn't chill the spirits of our Grays team as they came away with another double header victory. The Islip Cougars played well themselves as both games were very close. The photos only capture the game 1 highlights, but game 2 required a walk off base hit by "Special K" to squeak out the victory. Sorry that I couldn't stay around to catch those photos as well. The Grays now have a 7 - 5 record and stand alone in third place. Go Grays!!
Grays Vs. LI Astros: Yet another warm summer day in mid-October. Great day for some fall ball! The LI Astros presented a serious challenge for the Grays team. This was the first time that the Grays found themselves on the downside for both games. Both teams played very well however, and everyone should be very proud of all of the players efforts. Two more weeks to go for some exciting play!
Grays Vs. LI Mudcats: Game 1 The intense rain on Friday left the fields too wet to play on Saturday morning. The games were quickly rescheduled for Sunday morning - a very chilly and damp day. These photos are an abbreviated set since I couldn't stay beyond the 4th inning. What is here shows some great plays on the part of both teams. The final split leaves the Grays with a 5-3 record after week #4. More to come in this exciting fall season!
Grays Vs. Roslyn Sharks: Another summer day in autumn - simply perfect for baseball. In game 1 the Grays remained close until the final inning when the Sharks went on a hitting streak. Game 2 was another story for our Grays as they seemed to be able to add a run or two in every inning. Excellent play on the part of both teams made this a most enjoyable contest. Players, coaches, and spectators all had fun!
Grays Vs. Nesconset Panthers
On a beautiful day (all too reminicent of the beautiful day in 2001) the Sayville Grays scored a double-header victory over the Panthers. The bats were a bit quiet during the first game, but certainly came alive in the second. Great start to the new fall season. Great things are expected of this team! Go Sayville! Go Grays!!
