Township's Little League program off to a great start

Brick Township again has a new link with Little League. An 18-team program with 300 kids from ages 5 to 13 played games as a franchise with the national headquarters in Williamsport, Pa., including four teams in the Little League Majors for 10-12-year-olds, four teams in the Minor League, and 10 in a coach-pitch program. The league plans to enter All-Star teams in the 10-year-old bracket that begins play on July 5 with a game against host Beachwood and the 9- year-old bracket on July 12 in the Barnegat Tournament

League President Domenick Brando said, "The numbers are growing for next season" with registration already under way. For information, call Brando at 732-684-9252.

The Hammerheads, which won the league championship under manager Tom Finelli, lost in the opening round of the District 18 Tournament of Champions, 9-3, to the champion from Toms River East. Ian Ambrose lined a two-run double and pitcher Dan Finelli drove in the other run as the Hammerheads pulled to 3-1 and 5-2 before falling behind by 8-3.

The league plans a July 12 party at the Adamston VFW hall starting at 1 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children and can be purchased by calling Dorothy Scott at 732-262-2730.

The Hammerheads won the championship, 7-2, over the River Rats, who finished first in the regular season under manager Tom Jachim. The other two teams were the Lugnuts, managed by Rich Soldo, and the Thunder, managed by Brando. Teams were named after minor league baseball mascots. All games were played at Birchwood Park.

Young Finelli pitched the championship victory and aided his own cause with two hits. Raj Patel made a spectacular catch in the outfield for the final out of the third inning with the bases loaded. Patel also poked a two-run single over the first baseman's head in the fourth inning for a 4-2 lead. Anthony Costanza batted in two runs, and Tom Costanza had two hits and one RBI for the Hammerheads. Ryan Jachim and Alex Santos shared the pitching for the River Rats, who also received fine play throughout the season from Tom Jachim. Jack Finelli, Pat Bottazzi and John Prato kept the Hammerheads' offense well fueled throughout the season, along with the Costanzas. Eric Boher and Rob Roettger helped with their pitching.

Jake and Drew Scott and Shane Leonard played well for the Lugnuts throughout the season, while Chris Kimbez and pitchers AnthonyBrando, Alec Merrit and Bill Walsh excelled for the Thunder.

"We all played for Little League growing up, and giving the kids a chance to play in it like we did is why we brought it back," said Finelli, who was assisted by coaches John Prato and Keith Roettger. "Everything went well."

Brando also is coaching and running the Brick Titans teams in a travel league. His 10- year-old Titans Green All-Stars play for the U.S. Amateur Baseball League state title on Sunday after pulling out a 2-1 victory over West Long Branch behind Dan Finelli's pitching. The 9-year-old Titans Green also advanced to the state finals after a 7-4 victory over the Jackson Bulldogs.

The Titans have teams in the 13-, 12- and 11-year-old divisiaons, two in the 10s, three in the 9s and two in the 8s.