CLOSE
Authors Posts by TBR Staff

TBR Staff

4895 POSTS 0 COMMENTS
TBR News Media covers everything happening on the North Shore of Suffolk County from Cold Spring Harbor to Wading River.

by -
0 476

We are proud to present our second Times Beacon Record News Media Artist Coloring Book contest winners. Our intentions for the coloring book and contest was to offer our local art community grand exposure by fostering appreciation for the arts, as well as providing an enriching cultural experience for our audience.

We are grateful to Bank of America as our Coloring Book partner, to all the artists who contributed a beautiful gallery of sketches and to our coloring contest participants who submitted beautifully colored drawings, as well as our voters. Look for the winner’s colored masterpieces in select Bank of America financial centers.  To see the rest of the contestant’s entries, visit our TBR Facebook page: facebook.com/tbrbewsmedia and check out the photo galleries.

Congratulations to all our winners!

Category 1: Ages 5-12

Winner

 

Mia Radi

COLORIST 

Mia Radi, 5, Suffolk County
‘Nova’ by Marlene Bezich

1. What did you think of the coloring book?

 “It Looked Beautiful.”

2. Why did you select this drawing to color?

“I chose to color the doggie because my Nanny and Poppy have a doggie. Her name is Cali.”

3. What are your other hobbies?

“I like to play with Anthony. I love to play with my Mommy. I like to do Art.”

Marlene Bezich with her dog Nova

ARTIST 

Marlene Bezich, Port Jefferson

‘Nova’

1. What did you like about the winning colorist’s submission?

“First of all for a five year old her color understanding is amazing!!!  Color is very important to me in my artwork, I love Mia’s color choices!  She has successfully juxtapositioned complimentary colors to create a delight to the eye!!!!  Under further examination I feel that wrapping Nova in an orange background gives Nova’s spirit a feeling of love and warmth.  Her blue face indications “true blue” loyalty, and her green chest a sign of rebirth!  I noticed she stayed well between the lines displaying a very organized personality!!! Her family should be truly proud of her!!!!”

2. What was your inspiration for the drawing?

“Nova is my sister’s dog who they rescued from the Brookhaven Town Shelter.  She is the sweetest most loyal companion anyone could want.  Her markings are stunning, so as an animal lover I just had to capture her!  Hopefully this should be an example of the many wonderful dogs and cats available for adoption!  They deserve a chance too!!”

3. What did you think of the coloring book?

“I loved the coloring book!!! So many different subjects and styles!!! I’m so proud to be among the many talented artists who participated.  A Big THANK YOU for including us!!!!!!!”

4. What are your other hobbies?

“I love gardening and cooking!”

Runner Up

 

Junior Rivas

COLORIST 

Junior Rivas, 11, Central Islip
‘KAMAHAMEHA!!!’ by Clara Heller

Why did you select this drawing to color?

“Out of all the pictures to choose from, this was my favorite because I like Dragon Ball Z and Goku.”

ARTIST

Clara Heller, Port Jefferson

‘KAMAHAMEHA!!!’

What was your inspiration for the drawing?

“I grew up drawing, and I grew up watching Toonami, especially Dragon Ball Z. I stopped drawing regularly as I got older, but when the pandemic hit and I suddenly had all this free time, I thought I’d give it another try. And what better subject than that of my favorite childhood anime! I’m just happy other people appreciate Goku as much as I do!”

Category 2: Ages 13-19

Winner
Rebecca Fear

COLORIST 

Rebecca Fear, 19, South Setauket
‘Nature’s Healing Spirit’ by Iris Rosenhagen

1. What did you think of the coloring book?

“ I loved this coloring book because it included some beautiful pieces from different talented artists that brought a lot of positivity to me during this past year.”

2. Why did you select this drawing to color?

“I chose the piece Nature’s Healing Spirit because during this past year it’s important for everyone to find something to heal themselves during these difficult times. Through this coloring page I was able to use many vibrant colors and intricate detail. Coloring is relaxing for me and helped me heal during a stressful time. While coloring this page I had my newly adopted dog on my lap, which was also calming for me.”

3. What are your other hobbies?

“My other hobbies are singing, dancing, coloring, drawing, acting and volunteering.”

Iris Rosenhagen

ARTIST 

Iris Rosenhagen, Selden

‘Nature’s Healing Spirit’

1. What did you like about the winning colorist’s submission?

“I love Rebecca’s use of jewel tones. The colors that she used and her out of the box thinking for how to apply them are very much how I envisioned it had I colored it.”

2. What was your inspiration for the drawing?

“The subject of my drawing was inspired by this past year. Everyone has faced many challenges and fortunately nature has been an incredibly therapeutic outlet for healing.”

3. What did you think of the coloring book?

“Everyone’s art is just so beautiful, and I’m honored to be a part of it. In addition to Mother Nature being one of the best healers, so is art, and it’s wonderful that the community had this opportunity to experience and create art together.”

4. What are your other hobbies?

“Some of my other hobbies include yoga, holistic healing, vegan cooking, eco-activism, birding, and hiking.”

Runner Up

COLORIST 

Ella Psaltos, 16, Port Washington
‘Let’s Clean Up!’ by Bina Firestone

Why did you select this drawing to color?

“I chose that image because it reminded me of an old cartoon.”

ARTIST 

Bina Firestone, Port Jefferson Station

‘Let’s Clean Up!’

What was your inspiration for the drawing?

“The drawing was from a watercolor I had recently completed. I had wanted to create a winter scene, but something different than a pristine and peaceful landscape. I started out with the idea of sending a snowplow through a residential neighborhood. Then I remembered how, after a snow, all the neighbors would emerge from their homes, and the street would become a hive of activity, so I added the people to the scene.”

Category 3: Ages 20+

Winner

COLORIST 

Hedi Flickstein, Coram
‘Lily’ by Christopher Reisman

1. What did you think of the coloring book?

“It was very good. I wish more of the drawings had white space to color.”

2. Why did you select this drawing to color?

“It was a very beautiful rendition of the picture. I wanted to add things like eyeshadow, lipstick and nail polish. She needed some beautification.”

3. What are your other hobbies?

“Senior groups, school related groups, Legislative groups, groups that help the handicapped.”

Christopher Reisman

ARTIST 

Christopher Reisman, Shoreham

‘Lily’

1. What did you like about the winning colorist’s submission?

“I love the  way the artist took Lily to a new look and dressed her up a bit. Fabulous!”

2. What was your inspiration for the drawing?

“My inspiration for the drawing came from a picture in the New York Times Magazine section several years ago. I fell in love with the pose and the mystique of the lady. I added the flowers and Lily was born.” 

3. What did you think of the coloring book?

“I think the coloring  book gives a wonderful view of fine art by Long Island artists. I think this should be very inspiring to a lot of people. What a great way to add more beauty into the world, which the world really needs.”

4. What are your other hobbies?

“My other hobbies are making music, sewing and gardening and taking care of our wonderful magic sanctuary every day. Actually my sewing is more than a hobby. It is a great creative  joyful experience for me to design and make one of a kind wearable art. I love it.”

Runner Up

COLORIST 

Evelyn Rose, 78, Smithtown
‘Nature’s Healing Spirit’ by Iris Rosenhagen

Why did you select this drawing to color?

“She was very whimsical!”

ARTIST 

Iris Rosenhagen

‘Nature’s Healing Spirit’

What was your inspiration for the drawing?

“In addition to being inspired by nature, I was inspired by the future colorists.  I love the idea of someone interacting with my art.  The opportunity of two creative energies coming together is so motivating to me.”

And there’s more! Six Long Island nonprofits, chosen by the winners & artists, will share $10,000 in community funding from Bank of America.

 

by -
0 770
The incomparable Sophia Bica of Northport. Photo by Steven Zaitz

Recently, three student-athletes from Northport High School shared their experiences with playing sports during the pandemic.

Emma Blanco

Emma Blanco, senior

Four weeks and only eight games — that is all the Northport Lady Tigers got this season.

Compared to the four months that we usually get for a basketball season, you can definitely say that this year was something different. The Covid-19 pandemic was something that no one saw coming, and it hit everyone hard. Last year, our season was cut short right before we were about to play the Long Island Girls Championship game. This year we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to get on the court again after so much uncertainty about resuming high school sports. COVID-19 was something that no high school sport had ever experienced, and as the winter season was the first that could play, we were the guinea pigs. The masks, social distancing, weekly testing and contact tracing was new territory for everyone.

In the past, we would have been practicing and playing in both summer and fall leagues. These programs not only help us grow as a team skills wise, but give us more time to bond as teammates. 

Luckily, all the girls who returned this year had played on the varsity team last year or had been pulled up from the junior varsity team for playoffs in 2020. I knew from the first practice that all the girls were excited, motivated, and ready to get on the court again, and we were determined to make the best of the short season that we were given.

The uncertainty that surrounded the season was definitely stressful. Hearing about other teams that could not play because they were in quarantine after a teammate tested positive — we knew that the season could be taken away just as fast as it started.  The optimistic and positive attitude that our team had from the beginning was so crucial to our team’s success. We all knew how important it was to follow the guidelines so that everyone stayed healthy during the season.

Due to COVID restrictions, fans were not allowed at any of our games. We ran a fundraiser that allowed all of our families and fans to purchase cardboard cutouts that would be placed in the stands during all of our home games.  It was nice to look out into the stands and see familiar faces, but it did not come close to comparing to the roaring crowds that were in the stands the previous year. Our team filled the void by keeping a positive attitude on and off the court. Although this was not the season that everyone had hoped for, it was an unforgettable experience that will go down in Northport Lady Tiger history.

I am so grateful that I had the chance to lead the team as co-captain and to play as a Northport Lady Tiger one last time before graduating in both basketball and field hockey. I will always look back on my years as a Lady Tiger with the fondest of memories.

Emma Blanco plays girls basketball and was captain in 2021 and was part of the 2020 Suffolk County Championship team. She was named All League II in 2021 and Suffolk County All-Academic team with an average over 100.

She also plays field hockey and was part of the Suffolk County and Long Island Championship team in 2021.

Sophia Yearwood

Sophia Yearwood, junior

Having an opportunity to play in the 2021 season gave us hope and relief. As a team we all began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I was proud to be on the court with teammates who demonstrated such resilience and determination. We had to accept a new reality which was having less time to sharpen our skills, prepare, and bond as a team for this season.

We did face some adversity, as we had injuries, quarantines and losses that could have and should have been wins. However, we relied on one another to keep us strong and focused, while continuing to develop as a team. Our coaches emphasize the importance of teamwork and encouraged us to inspire and motivate each other.

I remember the day of our first game this season. I think we were all so excited that it was in fact happening when there had been so much doubt. I remember proudly putting on my uniform and walking into the gym.  It was such a great feeling to see all my teammates dressed in their uniforms as well ready to play! I could feel the energy, anticipation and emotion that filled the room. It actually felt like we were all returning home after being away for way too long.

Sophia Yearwood plays on the girls basketball team and was part of the 2020 Suffolk County Championship team and a three-year starter, All County in 2020 and 2021 and on Newsday’s Top 100 players on Long Island. She is also a starter for the varsity volleyball team.

Sophia Bica

Sophia Bica, junior

The best word I could use to describe playing sports during the pandemic is ‘differen.t’

Every team had to adjust to the new rules made by the state such as getting tested before games and wearing masks as we played. I think the toughest thing teams had to deal with was the testing because it would take a lot of time out of the day.  Also, if the team that you played had somebody with a positive COVID-19 test, your team would get quarantined too.

I can confidently say that everybody involved was more than willing to do all of these things just so we could have a season. Although a couple of teams only played one or two games, my teams were fortunate enough to play full seasons although it was very different from what we are used to. But all of the girls, players and coaches, on every team, came together to make the most of it.

Sophia Bica plays on the girls basketball team. She is a three-year starter, All County in 2020 and 2021 and on Newsday’s Top 100 players on Long Island. She was a Suffolk County Basketball Champion in 2020. She is captain of the field hockey team that won both Suffolk County and Long Island Championships in 2021 and was this year’s Suffolk County Player of the Year for field hockey as well as First Team All Long Island and All New York State.

All photos by Steven Zaitz

by -
0 382
Stock photo

In observance of Memorial Day,  the office of TBR News Media will be closed today, Monday, May 31. Thank you to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it.

It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”

– Unknown

by -
0 537
Photo by Kimberly Brown

By Kimberly Brown

Town of Brookhaven residents gathered on Tuesday morning to honor Glen “Doc” Moody Jr., an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran who passed away April 8, 2020 at just 39 years old.

The town renamed Groveland Park Boulevard and 7th Street in Sound Beach after the heroic Marine. 

The Moody family embraced each other as the street sign — which read “HM2 Glen ‘Doc’ Moody” — was revealed to the community. They were also presented with a proclamation by Councilwoman, Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point) stating May 25 will be declared as “Glen ‘Doc’ Moody Day” in the Town of Brookhaven. 

The new sign is located adjacent to the Moody household.

“Growing up, Glen was really into GI Joes and guns,” said Glen’s brother George Moody. “So, there’s a lot of memories growing up in this home with him.”

Photo by Kimberly Brown

Joined by Navy personnel, veterans, police officers and firefighters, Moody was largely recognized by fellow war heroes and the community for the sacrifices he had made for his country.

After serving as an FMF Corpsman with the United States Marines for six years, Moody, of Miller Place, returned home unaware he was about to face one of his toughest battles yet, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

Although Moody suffered from his disorder, Moody’s family highlighted the positive influence he created by being an active member of the community. 

“He started working with the Lt. Michael Murphy Sea Cadets. He would dress in fatigues and pack up all his equipment,” George said. “Something about it just lit him up to get out there and help these kids, teach them what he knows, and instill confidence and pride in them.” 

In efforts to aid Moody with his disorder, his family reached out to the Patriotic Service Dog Foundation in California, which trains service dogs for veterans and first responders. With the support of the community, the Moody family was able to fundraise for a service dog named Independence.

Moody had also been involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and led the Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Team.  

“This is what Glen always wanted to do, to help others and back our country up. That’s really what he was all about,” George added.

Bonner said the late veteran was a tremendous advocate in speaking about PTSD. 

“Even though Glen is gone from this Earth, his legacy and advocacy continue to live on and bring awareness and help to those suffering with PTSD,” she said. 

TBR News Media talked to Moody in 2015 about a fundraiser he hosted at Napper Tandy’s in Miller Place. The event was aimed to raise PTSD awareness and raise money to help veterans afford and obtain a PTSD service dog. 

“I’m not the only guy [suffering] — I know I’m not,” Moody said at the time. “When I talk to veterans, they say the same thing. We need more awareness and that’s what I’m doing.”

by -
0 320
State Sen. Mario Mattera speaks at the May 21 press conference. Photo by Julianne Mosher

Last week, May 21, dozens of people from all walks of life gathered in front of the state office in Hauppauge to talk about how New York needs to fix its roadways.

Spearheaded by county Legislator Nick Caracappa (R-Selden), he had a bipartisan group of local and state representatives, as well as advocates for the safety of drivers, riders and walkers. 

The idea behind the press conference was to demand that Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) fund more money toward fixing our roadways.

Ironically enough, that morning, a $30.6 million investment for resurface and repair projects was granted for Long Island state roads. 

But the meeting was still relevant. 

We heard the stories of motorcyclists, bike riders and people who choose to walk alongside state-run roads. They said how terrifying it is to navigate through the craters within the streets that are otherwise called potholes.

They are dangerous, and we applaud the legislator for standing his ground demanding more. We all complain that the roads are terrible around here — some towns are better than others because they have jurisdiction over their lanes. But when it comes to state roads — roads like Route 25 which drives completely through our newspapers’ coverage area, the Long Island Expressway and the Northern State Parkway — not only is it scary when you unintentionally hit a pothole, but it can be damaging to our vehicles.

Is New York State going to pay us back for the blown-out tires we’ve gotten driving to work? Are they going to repair our dented rims? 

No, they won’t. But the least the state can do is continuously fix up the large holes that sink into the blacktop. 

We know that it’s hard to keep up with. We know a lot of work goes into it. But after Friday’s conference, we know that there are many of us who want our major roadways to be safe.

by -
0 296
Photo from Pexels

While many are hoping to return to normal after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, we’re hoping for a return to civility.

Last week a woman we know was attending an outdoor event. Like many, she made sure she put her mask on in the car so she wouldn’t have to fiddle with it at the gate. While walking along the street, with a couple of people in front of her and a few behind, a man in a pickup truck yelled, “Take off your masks.”

Why was this necessary?

On a national level a video, showing actor Ricky Schroder harassing a Costco employee because he asked the actor to wear a mask, has gone viral. Even though the actor later apologized for his behavior, why did he get in the face of someone who was just doing their job?

Why did he feel it was important for him to force his belief system on someone who was just being cautious during a major health crisis?

Yes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing themselves, except in certain crowded settings and venues, such as when taking public transportation. There is also another caveat, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal or territorial laws, rules and regulations apply. This exception also includes local business and workplace guidance.

The new CDC guidelines were adopted by New York State May 19. However, people who are not vaccinated still need to wear masks. Unfortunately, not everyone has the integrity to be honest about not being vaccinated.

As we move forward, there also will be people who, even though they are vaccinated, are still anxious, especially since there is a small chance they can still come down with COVID-19 to some degree. Let them wear their masks without being harassed.

Listen, we understand: No one was prepared to be enlisted to fight in a war against an invisible enemy — a virus that spreads without warning. But we American soldiers this time around weren’t asked to give up our everyday lives to risk those same lives on a battlefield. We were asked to hunker down to decrease the chances of people getting seriously ill, even die, from a new virus. We were asked to live life differently so our hospitals wouldn’t be overcrowded, where patients would have to wait for care, or health care professionals would be put in a position where they would need to decide who to treat.

While many feared our rights would be taken away from us, Americans still have all of their rights intact more than a year later after we were asked to stay home as much as possible and mask up when we left our homes.

It’s a shame that a health crisis had to be made political, making our country even more divisive. It’s time to realize that everyone’s journey has been different during the pandemic, and everyone’s fears during this pandemic varied. Some were fortunate that the virus didn’t touch their lives while others lost loved ones.

Every once in a while it pays to take a step back and consider how others feel, maybe even respectfully ask them where they are coming from in the situation.

We still need to practice patience as we slowly but surely come out of this pandemic, although we may be subject to a new, unsuspected virulent strain. Showing a little respect for others and being a bit kinder never hurts to make things a little more bearable.

by -
0 317
1 of 25
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.

The Smithtown Historical Society hosted a Spring Farm Festival on Sunday, May 16.

Families were able to enjoy all the historical society’s farm has to offer with children’s games and crafts, pony rides, a petting zoo, sheep shearing, blacksmithing, wool dyeing, food trucks, local vendors and more.

by -
0 1532
1 of 25
Bay Shore's Jason Ambos get back to bag safely before Joe Gonzales can slap a tag on him. By Steven Zaitz
Starting Pitcher Liam Fodor celebrates Northport's 8-6 victory over Bay Shore with his dad. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport outfielder Dan Thomson celebrates Northport's come from behind win. Photo by Steve Zaitz
Catcher Richard Kershow, Pitcher Liam Fodor and Coach Sean Lynch. Photo by Steve Zaitz
Outfielder Tom Tini celebrates with his Tiger teammates. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Outfielder Rocco Stola celebrates Northport Tigers' victory over Bay Shore. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Pitcher Jason Schwartz (middle) after he threw the final pitch. William Deriso (30) hit a three run homer in the 7th inning. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Pitcher Jason Schwartz. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Outfielder Rocco Stola after his two-RBI double in the 8th inning against Bay Shore. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Outfielder Tom Tini scores in the 8th inning vs. Bay Shore. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Outfielder Tom Tini scores in the 8th inning vs. Bay Shore. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Pitcher Jason Schwartz in the 8th inning. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Pitcher Jason Schwartz in the 8th inning. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Third baseman William Deriso put the Tigers in front by hitting a three run home run. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Third baseman William Deriso launches a huge home run in the 7th inning. It gave the Tigers a 6-5 lead. They would win 8-6. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Bay Shore lefty reliever Hayden Preston. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Bay Shore starting pitcher Christopher Rouleau. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Bay Shore starting pitcher Christopher Rouleau. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Bay Shore's Christopher Rouleau and catcher Owen Price. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Outfielder Rocco Stola on the basepaths. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport Tiger Starting Pitcher Liam Fodor. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport Tiger Starting Pitcher Liam Fodor. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Rocco Stola checks the signs from his third base coach. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport Tiger Starting Pitcher Liam Fodor. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Bay Shore starting pitcher Christopher Rouleau. Photo by Steven Zaitz

By Steven Zaitz

In the first inning against Bay Shore, the Northport Tigers baseball team looked more like Bears — The Bad News Bears, that is.

With their ace pitcher Liam Fodor on the hill, the Tigers kicked the ball around the infield to start the game, making three errors and giving up four unearned runs in the first inning to the undefeated Marauders.

Not a good start — at all.

Tack on a very earned run in the form of a 340-foot solo homer to left by left fielder and cleanup hitter Darnell Guerrero in the third inning and Bay Shore had itself an early five-run lead.

Making Northport’s situation extra bleak was the sight of Marauder pitcher Christopher Rouleau, who stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and was cruising through a Tiger lineup that mustered only two baserunners and a lonely run in the first four innings. Rouleau was dominant during that stretch, racking up six strikeouts and pitching to very soft contact.

“The first part of that game was rough and giving up four runs in the first inning was deflating,” said Northport Associate Head Coach Sean Lynch. “But our guys don’t quit.”

Entering the seventh inning down by three, Northport sprang to life. Rouleau walked the leadoff batter Fodor.  Left fielder Tom Tini also drew a walk and Bay Shore replaced the tiring Rouleau with lefty reliever Hayden Preston. He promptly hit right fielder Rocco Stola with a pitch, putting the potential tying runs on base.

Designated hitter Mike Catrone hit a comebacker that drove in a run and centerfielder Dan Thomson grounded out to third to drive in another. But now the Tigers were down to their last out.

Senior third baseman William Deriso stepped into the batter’s box with Northport down by a run with an eager Stola itching to score from third. With two strikes, Deriso, who had been 0-3 with two strikeouts against Rouleau, hit a towering fly ball to left field. Guererro turned his back to home plate and gave chase. He would run out of room.

The ball clanked off the billboard-sized, metallic scoreboard that is situated behind the left field fence for a two run home run. The blast put the Tigers ahead 6-5 and their bench exploded with joy.

“As soon as Will hit that ball, I knew it was gone,” Lynch said. “The wind was blowing out and he put a great swing on it.  He is a huge part of our offense and he showed why today.”

There was still a matter of the bottom of the seventh. Clinging to this newly found one run lead, Fodor, who had been brilliant in his two previous starts, retired the first two batters.  In a game that started on shaky ground for the senior right-hander, he was one out away from a complete game victory.

“Liam is a true leader,” Lynch said. “He threw a one hit shutout against Smithtown East, but I think he was even better in this game because of the way he dealt with the adversity. He kept us in the game”

But before Fodor could close the books on this one, he needed one more out. Right fielder Coltrane Calloway refused to cooperate, lining a single to center. Guerrero followed with a single of his own and suddenly the tying run was in scoring position for the Marauders. Guerrero was 3-4 with a homer and three runs batted in on the day.

After a long discussion between the umpiring crew and both coaches about the starter’s pitch count, it was determined that Fodor had to come out of the game. So, in came Jason Schwartz to try and finish it.

Schwartz induced a weak grounder to third. Deriso, a hero just moments before, threw the ball past first baseman Joe Gonzales and Calloway scored the tying run. Schwartz got the next batter, but this hard-fought game was now going to extra innings.

With two outs and nobody on for Northport, Schwartz walked and Tini dumped a single into left. Leadoff hitter Stola stepped in against the lefty.  After fouling off a hittable pitch on 3-1, Stola, the multi-sport superstar, knocked himself in the helmet with his bat in frustration.

“I should have put a better swing on the 3-1 pitch,” Stola said. “He threw it up and in and I was a little early on it and fouled it off. After that pitch, I reminded myself to wait on the ball against this guy.”

Stola’s mental note paid off. He laced the 3-2 pitch into the right center field gap for a double. Schwartz scored rather easily and Tini raced around all the way from first, giving the Tigers an 8-6 lead. Once again there was pandemonium in the Northport dugout.

“That was awesome,” Stola said. “I knew I had to come through in that clutch moment. I appreciate that my coaches trust me by putting me high up in the order and I feel like I’ve got to deliver in that spot.”

After allowing a leadoff single in the bottom of the inning, Schwartz got the next three batter, all on strikes, to preserve the win.

“Jason came in and was outstanding,” Lynch said. “He got the grounder in the seventh inning that should have ended the game, but instead of letting it bother him, he got out of the inning and struck out the last three batters of the game. That was a tremendous job by Jason.”

With the win, Northport is 5-2 and stays within the top tier of teams in League II, along with Bay Shore (6-1), Connetquot (5-1) and Huntington (4-2).  Bay Shore travels to North Babylon on Thursday while Northport is at Half Hollow Hills East.

For more photos, visit tbrnewsmedia.com.

Prev1...153154155...490Next Page 154 of 490
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©