2005-2007 News

The Cough Drops upset the ISC II’s #1 ranked team, The Niagara Snappers ,1-0 and their highly touted pitcher Corey Costello en route to a 2nd place finish in the Mickey Brennan Memorial Tournament in Lackawanna , NY this past weekend. The Snappers came out of the losers bracket to beat Ricola twice in the finals to win the tournament. The Snappers won seven strait games to capture the crown and both wins against Ricola in the finals were convincing.

Game recaps as follows:

Game 1: Ricola 7-Budweiser 0 Forfeit

Game 2: Ricola 1-Niagara Snappers 0 Ricola's Jeff Van Hooser had 16 K’s and the Snapper's Corey Costello had 18K’s in a classic pitchers battle. Robbie Gray scored on an infield grounder after his triple to score the game’s only run. Gray’s hit was the only hit that Costello gave up.

Game 3: Ricola 4-Dunkirk Falcon’s 0 Jamie Thompson throws a 16K gem for Ricola. Eric Hemphill homers for Ricola and Matt Foster had 2 hits and scored a run.

Game 4: Ricola 5-Ashland, Ohio 0 (Winners Bracket Finals) Jamie Thompson fans another 11 and records another shutout Sunday at noon. Eric Hemphill homers, triples and scores 3 runs for Ricola.

Game 5: Niagara Snappers 10-Ricola 2 (Finals) The Snappers put on a hitting clinic as they tore through all 3 Ricola pitchers hitting 4 home runs to avenge the earlier loss to Ricola. Jeff Van Hooser took the loss for Ricola and Byron DeMoe got the win for the Snappers.

Game 6: Niagara Snappers 7-Ricola 0 (Mercy Rule in “If Game”) The Snappers continued their offensive display as they easily handled Ricola to leave no doubt about who the class of the tournament was. Dan Duemo threw a 5 inning no hitter for the Snappers .

Tournament Comment

A good one. The Mickey Brennan Tournament Committee did a good job. The umpiring was good, and the fields were kept nice. The town of Lacka wanna was behind the tournament…..nice to see. Fans too…more that usual and that was nice. Mickey Brennan was a pitcher in the Lackawanna area and from all accounts he left an indelible mark on and off of the field. He passed away from cancer a few years ago. We will go back.



Ricola Comment: A nice outing for a sleepy little “C” Team that doesn’t travel too much any more. Jeff Van Hooser was on fire against the Snappers and Jamie Thompson threw 2 very nice games. To win the tournaments, though, Ricola needs both Thompson and J. Van Hooser to have more gas in the tank as the day goes on….until then, we’re bridesmaids at best unless the field is real weak. On the offensive side, it was par for the course…..2.4 runs per game.average and only Costello was overpowering. If the pitching is off, the Cough Drops are in trouble against the above average to good teams. Against the good teams, you gotta bunt and we can’t. Against the good teams you gotta put the ball in play and we K too much because of all of the big swings up and down the lineup.

Eric Hemphill continues to establish himself as one of, if not the best all around catcher in our part of the country…..he does it all.

The good news…..this is a scrappy group with a blue collar mentality……regardless of the score they’ll keep getting up …there is no quit in this dog and they all just want to play ball and frankly they don’t care who it’s against. If the bats come around,,,,,we’ll make some noise. Our record is 11-6……stay tuned.



Sentimental Comment: The last time Ricola was in Lackawanna , NY , was 1991 for the ASA Class A Mid –Atlantic Regional Tournament. We finished 3rd in a highly competitive field….Poughkeepsie, NY, and pitcher Billy Morse won it. I'll bet that Mickey Brennan was there and throwing for somebody that weekend.

The family wasn’t with me this weekend so I had lots of time by myself. Lots of time at the ballpark just watching games…..lots of time to think and watch. Lots of time to have sentimental flashbacks to 1991 when we played on those same fields all those years ago. I saw Norm Chadwick throwing…he carried us that weekend and I saw Chris Bolash laying on the ground after catching his 4th game of the day in 90 degree heat as we came through the loser’s bracket. Yogi and his smile was omnipresent….I saw it like it was 1991. “The Mist’s” head was cut and his eye was black…thank God he didn’t fall over the falls. The” Boom Boom Boys” , Romeo-Kral-Dellasala…..I saw them driving in run after run as I daydreamed while watching this weekends games. I saw Pete Flack in the stands with a towel on his head and “Velcro” by his side. Tommy Bay was our first baseman…Tommy had dazzling footwork at the bag that weekend in 1991 and always. …silky smooth. And of course I saw my buddy and our 2nd baseman , Bob Fedor. ….he was everywhere. Bob was our Field Boss in 1991 and he was damned good at it…. I wish Bob had been there this weekend to help me with some of the decisions that I had to make. The Spirit of Fastpitch Softball visited me….it’s been a while and it was a good visit.

The family will be with me in 2 weeks when we travel to Dunklirk , NY …..that’s a good thing for a hopeless romantic and sentimental fool like me.

2nd Place Finish in Molly Sherman Invitational Memorial Tournament

2006 News

 

 2006 Ricola Fastpitch Softball-
Appleton Wisconsin-NAFA World Series


Left to right/front row: Barry Van hooser, Rick Wright, Matt Foster, Ike Smith(batboy), Jamie Thompson, Brett Belcastro, Kevin Brink

Back row: Robbie Gray, Sammy Moore, Chris Mendell, John Dry, Doug Smith, Fred Kent, Paul Furlong

 

Kevin Brink Names 2nd Team
All World- NAFA Class A Major

Ricola’s 3rd baseman, Kevin Brink was named 2nd Team All World-Class A-Major at the 2006 NAFA World Series held at Appleton Wisconsin in August.

Brink hit over .400 and had one homerun while batting in the lead off spot for Ricola. Brink was by far Ricola’s most consistent performer at the World Series offensively and he played a stellar defensive third base as well. I

Congratulations to Kevin Brink on this well deserved recognition.
 

Saturday, August 19, 2006
Appleton, Wisconsin

August 19th, Saturday night -
Ricola 13, Roscommon, Michigan 6

Winning Pitcher Barry VanHooser

August 19th, Saturday night -
Stadium Lanes, Delooth, Minnesota 4, Ricola 2

Losing Pitcher Sammy Moore, Kevin Brink hit a homerun for Ricola.

2 wins, 2 losses for the tournament. Unfortunately Ricola did not place this year.

Overal record 23 wins , 7 losses

Action continues Labor Day weekend in Elkland, PA.

Friday, August 18, 2006
Appleton, Wisconsin

News Item from Appleton Wisconsin and the North American Fast Pitch World Series.

Friday night August 18th,
Coppens Brigade of Midland, Michigan 1, Ricola 0
Losing Pitcher Sammy Moore.

Ricola continues action Saturday night at 7:30 at Appleton Memorial Park.

Thursday, August 17, 2006
Appleton, Wisconsin

North American Fast Pitch Softball Association (NAFPSBA) World Series – Riccola wins opening game 2-1 vs. Rothchild Wisconsin. Jamie Thomspon had 13 strikeouts for Riccola.

Riccola plays tonight at 7:30 PM as winners bracket action continues.

Cough Drops GO 5-2 at NSA World Series

The Moyer Complex in Salem, Virginia was the site of this year’s NSA World Series. Ricola Men’s Fastpitch Softball Club went 5-2 for the weekend. Game recaps as follows:

Game 1/Pool Play
   Ricola 11- Buffalo Ravens 1
      Winning pitcher Jamie Thompson
      HR-Paul Furlong/Ricola

Game 2/Pool Play
   Ricola 5-Chapel Hill, North Carolina Warriors 4
      Winning pitcher Shawn Samson
      HR- Sanders/Warriors 2
      HR-Evans/Warriors

Ricola was out hit but capitalized on a few 7th inning Chapel Hill errors. Chapel Hill is reminiscent of another Warrior team from another era….The Harlem Warriors. Evans and Sanders evoked memories of Lorenzo Steele, Bobby Williams and Sammy Williams. A real nice team and gentlemen as well.

Game 3/Pool Play
   Ricola 7-Sports Club 0 Forfeit

Game 4/ Gold Division Elimination Round
   Atlanta Vipers3-Ricola 2
   LP-Jamie Thompson

The bunting,slapping, and hustling Atlanta Vipers were not going to be denied in this game. The score makes this look like a closer game than it was. Ricola was constantly digging out of a hole.

Game 5/Gold Division Elimination Round
   Ricola 10-Buffalo Ravens 3
   Winning Pitcher –Barry Van Hooser
   HR-Chris Mendell /Ricola

Van Hooser throws a strong game.


Game 6/Gold Division Elimination Round
   Ricola 11- Columbus Ohio Jack Daniels 1
   Winning Pitcher-Shawn Samson
   HR-Chris Mendell/Ricola

Ricola bats were scary hot.


Game 7/Gold Division Elimination Round
   Lancaster, Pa.8-Ricola 3
   WP-Jason McGlune
   LP-Shawn Samson

Ricola bats cool and defense boots to many to be in the game.


Comment The Cough Drops were due to have one of those weekends. For only the second time this year they just didn’t seem to be operating on all cylinders all of the time. The bats came and went and the defense was not as tight as usual …tough to win a tournament that way. The good news is that it’s out of their system. No doubt they will be back on track in earnest for their next outing …..Kimberly Appleton Wisconsin August 17-20 for the Class A-Major NAFA World Series.

Ricola’s season record stands at 21-5.

Please stay with us on a daily basis while we are at NAFA….scores will be called in from Wisconsin next week. Our website is getting almost 1,000 hits a month. Thanks for following us .

 

Ricola Wins Jersey Shore, Pa.
Firecracker Invitational:
Cough Drops GO 5-0 For Weekend
 

Ricola Men’s Fastpitch Softball Club spent the July 4th weekend in Jersey Shore Pa. and won 5 strait games to take the annual Firecracker Invitational Tournament. Game Summaries as follows:

Cough Drops come out strong. No contest as Ricola wins it going away.

The Panthers scared Ricola by going up 4-0 in the first inning on a Kevin Johnson Grand Slam. From there, Barry Van Hooser settled down and Ricola answered back with 3 HR’s, and solid defense to secure the win. Jeff Van Hooser was the Ricola closer (5 K’s in the final two innings).

Ricola pounded the ball, Elkland had trouble picking the ball up , Jeff Van Hooser was dominant for 4 innings, and Barry Van Hooser closed strong in the 5th inning in this mercy rule affair.

Any time you beat Bobby Culp it’s an accomplishment. Culp, as you may recall, led Kreider and Flick to the ASA Class B National Championship just a few years ago. Ricola’s Jamie Thomson and Culp hooked up in a pitchers duel in this semi-final game with the long ball accounting for most of the scoring.

With the score tied 2-2 in the bottom of the 6th, Ricola catcher Eric Hemphill hit his second HR of the game to give Ricola the lead. Thomson struck out the side in the 7th to nail down the win.

The Ricola bats did the job once again….11 hits. Jamie Thomson in relief of injured Jeff Van Hooser (4th inning) held the Ohio bats scoreless in 3 plus innings of work. Ricola shortstop Bett Belcastro turned a few defensive gems and Ricola’s Chris Mendell once again stepped up big hitting a meteoric 3 run HR in the 5th to about put the game away.

Comment: The Cough Drops record stands at 16-3 on the year. They have won two tournaments (Cape Vincent NY, and Jersey Shore, Pa. ), been the runner up once (Cortland, NY), and finished 3rd once (Kingston, Ontario). A much better hitting team this year…Hemphill, Wright, Mendell, Dry, Brink, Gray, Furlong……tough to pitch around everybody……Mendell and Dry have been getting pitches to hit and they’ve been cashing in. Brett Belcastro in his 3rd year for Ricola is much improved at the plate and with Mark Lazarro off of the injured list it’s one more bat that opposing pitchers have to worry about. 3rd year Ricola pitcher Jamie Thomson has stepped his game up nicely …he’s been the Ricola Workhorse…and the scouts say this youngster is going to get even better….maybe lots. The pitching Van Hooser brothers keep on keepin’ on….Jeff can be dominant and can beat anybody on a given day and Barry has some good wins and relief appearances this year while continuing to mentor Thomson.

Notes on Jersey Shore, Pa. Good umpiring, good concession stand, nice setting, a long standing tournament thanks to Tim Saar of Jersey Shore, Pa. Running a tournament is a thankless job....no matter what you do or how well you do it someone has something to say……constructively, this tournament needs to use a 2nd field so that play concludes earlier on Sunday since many have long rides home.

Things That Make You Smile:

1. Andrew Lazarro, Mark’s 16 year old son, suited up for Ricola this weekend. Pinch ran, got to hit a few times(and got a hit off of Chuck Smith), played a few innings in the field, kept the book, coached first base, was always helping out somehow. Hustled everywhere. Properly dressed….looked and acted like a ballplayer. Happy to be part of the team. Andrew made us all smile.
    
2. Mark Lazarro and Andrew Lazarro playing side by side in the outfield for a few innings…..can’t get much better. Something to smile about is an understatement.
    
3. Chuck Smith threw all 5 games for Orr Park, Ohio. Noone really knows how old Chuck is but you can bet that he’s not 25 anymore. In the finals,which was Chuck’s 5th game of the weekend he was grunting on every pitch until the game was over…giving it his all trying to beat you…....lots of guts…..no excuses. Chuck is a shoe-in for the NY ASA Hall of Fame if he ever retires (NY HOF criteria mandates that you be retired for 2 years), and he should be considered for ASA’s HOF in Oklahoma City. Chuck Smith is a fixture….been around so long, done so much, somewhere every weekend still……makes you shake your head and say how? Then of course, the light goes off and you SMILE…..thanks, Chuck.
    
4. If you have blood running through your veins, little kids should make you smile. Lots of little kids with Ricola this weekend…..running, throwing, hitting, playing, cannonballs in the pool until late at night, pizza with the ballplayers…..listening to the dads talking ball……gotta be good for them….thank God for little kids ( and for patient, supportive moms and wives). Lots of Smiling!!!

Ricola travels to Lockport, NY (Buffalo) July 20-21…..Thanks for following us as the 2006 season progresses.


 

Barry Van Hooser gets 10 K’s while pitching an excellent game.

Ricola Wins Cape Vincent , NY Tourney
4 Strait Wins Takes Single Elimination Event
 

June 10-11
           The fields were not playable on Saturday in Cape Vincent NY at the annual General Brown Memorial Tournament due to torrential rains on Friday night. This changed the tournament format from round robin to single elimination. The Cough Drops responded by winning 4 strait games on Sunday to win the tournament. Recap as follows:
 

Game 1:	Ricola 2-Northern Merchants 1
	Jamie Thomson-Winning Pitcher
	Brett Belcastro 2 RBI’s
	Paul Furlong 2 runs scored

 
A great game of fastpitch. Belcastro’s 2 hits and 2 RBI’s from the 9 hole in the batting order held up against Sammy Moore and an always tough Northern Merchants team from Utica, NY. Jamie Thomson had 9 K’s for Ricola.
 

Game 2:	Ricola 17- Mustard Club 3
	Barry Van Hooser-Winning Pitcher
	Kevin Brink/Ricola HR

The Ricola bats really come to life and win this one easily. Barry Van Hooser was in control all the way.

 

Game 3:	Ricola 14-Brownsville, NY 0
	Jeff Van Hooser-Winning Pitcher
	Robbie Gray/Ricola 3 runs on 3 hits
	John Dry/Ricola 4 RBI
	Fred Kent /Ricola 4RBI

Brownsville beat highly touted Knoxville-Ontario to reach this semi final game but just had no steam left. Jeff Van Hooser was dominating in this 5 inning mercy rule game and the Cough Drop bats hadn’t cooled at all from the last game.

 

Game 4: Finals	Ricola 8-Northen Merchants 5
	Jamie Thomson- Winning Pitcher
	Kevin Brink/Ricola HR
	John Dry/Ricola 3 hits, 2 runs
	Dennis Williams/Merchants HR

 
Ricola jumps out to an early 2 run lead . Things are all tied up at 4-4 after 5 innings in a rematch between these two teams. Ricola takes a 5-4 lead when Eric Hemphill scores on a Paul Furlong sac fly in the 6th inning. Ricola’s Kevin Brink hits his second HR of the day in the 7th  to break the Merchants hearts and Ricola scores two more insurance runs in that inning as well to put the game on ice. This game was a dogfight. Jamie Thomson was poised and effective in relief of Jeff Van Hooser and the Ricola bats were there again.

A successful weekend. While the Ricola bats were huge this weekend the pitching and defense were there as well,  Ricola’s early season record stands at 7-2 . Cortland, NY is next June  24-25.

We’ll keep you posted.
 

Ricola Opens 2006 Season With 3 Wins in Kingston, Ontario

Dave Rennie Retires
Rennie's #8 Retired

Following what was a tearful farewell speech by Dave Rennie to his teammates at the conclusion of the 2005 NAFA World Series in North Mankato, Minnesota, it is official.......Dave Rennie has retired.

Rennie played for Ricola for 9 years on a full time basis (1997-2005) and he played part time for Ricola in 1993. During that time he participated with distinction in 7 national tournaments. Rennie was named 2nd Team All World-Class A Major at the 2004 NAFA World Series in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Dave Rennie was the complete package. On the field he was an excellent third baseman and center fielder for Ricola and at one time or another he played every position except pitcher for them. He was an outstanding bunter. He hit for average(career .300), hit for power, and he was an outstanding base runner. In addition, Dave Rennie was a true gentleman. While most in our game are gentlemen generally, it is also true that most have moments when they are not gentlemen. This was never the case with Dave. Dave Rennie never had a moment where he was anything other than a gentleman and a class act. Next to the definition for "gentleman" in the Fastpitch Dictionary, there should be something that says "See Dave Rennie."

Always there on time, always dressed properly, always ready to play, always gave 110%, always contributed, always lead by example, always a team guy, always a pleasure to coach, and Dave Rennie will always be remembered and missed by those who had the pleasure to play along side him.

Ricola Men's Fastpitch Softball Club has retired Dave Rennie's uniform #8.

2006 Ricola Schedule Announced

Ricola will open the 2006 season in Kingston, Ontario May 20-21. Kingston, Ontario is the home of Barry and Jeff Van Hooser as well as Jamie Thompson and other Ricola players. In June they will be in beautiful Cape Vincent, NY on the 10th and 11th and then in Cortland NY on the 24th and 25th. Cape Vincent has become a favorite destination of Ricola’s. July 1 and 2 will be spent in Jersey Shore, Pa once again ……seems like Ricola either does very well or very poorly at Jersey Shore and then later in July, the Cough Drops will travel to Lockport, NY on the 22nd and the 23rd.. In early August(4-6), the team will travel to Salem, Virginia for the NSA World Series. From August 18-21 they will be in Kimberly/Appleton, Wisconsin for the NAFA World Series where Ricola ha been bumped up from Class A-Major to Class AA. The season finale will be in Elkland , Pa over Labor Day weekend for the prestigious Elkland Open.

Plug in to www.njfastpitch.com to keep track of how the 2006 season goes for Ricola.

Ricola Announces 2006 Roster Additions

Ricola Fastpitch Softball Club has bolstered their roster substantially for the 2006 season. The new players are as follows:

Robbie Gray: Robbie is an outfielder from Kingston, Ontario that played part time with Ricola last year and has signed on full time this year. Look for Gray’s lefty bat at the top of Ricola’s order this year.

Kevin Brink: Kevin hails from Olean, NY. Another Ricola part timer that has made the full time commitment. Plays 3rd base and is a very tough out. One time All American selection.

Eric Hemphill: A catcher from Allegheny, NY. Plays other positions as well. Hits for power and hits for average. Calls a nice game. Tough to run on.

John Dry: A veteran from Salamanca, NY. DP/first baseman. Had a brief stint with Ricola a few years back. When John gets hot with the bat he can carry a team. One time All American selection and one time All World Selection.

Mark Lazarro: A middle infielder from Oswego, NY. Hit in the middle of the order with Gary’s and the Oswego Merchants. A ton of top level experience.

Matt Kimpland: Will graduate from Oswego State in May. Infielder/Outfielder. The rumor mill says that this speedy youngster is going to be tough to keep out of the lineup.

Ricola Fastpitch will announce the 2006 schedule in the very near future. Stay tuned.

News From Down Under

Brett Hare, our favorite Kiwi of all time sends his best to all that may remember him. Brett came to Ricola from the New Jersey Windmillers and played first base for Ricola in 1994 and 1995. He follows us from New Zealand via the website. Brett was a .300 hitter for Ricola and probably will best be remembered for two game saving plays at first base against Flint, Michigan in the 1994 ASA Class "A" Nationals in Salem, Oregon.

Brett has a 4 year old son and he plays( and pitches) for the Miramar Softball Club in New Zealand in what they call the "social league." Miramar has 5 men's teams, 3 women's teams and many teams for kids according to Brett.

During his stay in the U.S. Brett, with his charming Kiwi accent and flashy style of play, was a favorite of the women and the fans.......as you can see by the photo, he still always has a pretty woman by his side.....some things never change.

Good to hear from you, Brett!

2005 NAFA Slide Show (PowerPoint file)

Ricola Finishes 5th in NAFA A-Major World Series
Van Hooser and Kent make All -World Teams

Mankato, Minnesota: August 18-21
Despite being shorthanded and hurt, Ricola finished with a 5-2 record at The NAFA World Series/Class A-Major and secured a 5th place trophy for their efforts. Jeff Van Hooser was named to the First Team All World as a pitcher and Fred Kent made the 2nd Team All World as a second baseman.

Van Hooser had 4 of Ricola's 5 wins and had 72 strikeouts. Kent had one home run , extra basehits, a sacrifice bunt and was credited with standout defensive plays to garner selection to the All World Team.

While this was not Ricola's best finish in a National Tournament, it was the first time that Ricola won 5 games in a Nationals and it was also the first time that Ricola won 4 games in one day at a National Tournament.

Notes:
Pitching---It was all about Jeff Van Hooser. He was on fire. His 3

Jeff VanHooser 2005 - 1st Team All World/NAFA A-Major

complete game wins and 52 K's on Saturday was the best single day performance by a pitcher in Ricola's 22 year history (counting predecessor sponsored teams). You simply had to be there to truly appreciate what he did.

Defense--- Pretty darned good. Other than a few miscues and one bad inning in one bad game, the plays were made. Credit must be given to Rick Wright who caught Jeff Van Hooser throughout the tournament. Wright called some very nice games and he did the job with the glove.

Fred Kent 2005 - 2nd Team All World/NAFA A-Major

Fred Kent also can be singled out for some stellar plays in key situations. It should also be noted that the defensive alignment was different than it had been for most of the year and yet the general defensive performance of the team was good.

Offense--Very disappointing. Too many K's and botched sacrifice attempts to win a tournament. Other than Fred Kent and Robbie Gray (9 hits) there was little offense as the scores on Saturday and Sunday will show (an average of 1.4 runs per game for those 5 games). When Ricola falters offensively it is usually as a result of too much reliance on the big hit, the big swing, and/or the big inning and that was the case in Minnesota. Ricola faced good pitching throughout the tournament and better than good against Bender, Yates, Ganuch and others....generally, adjustments at the plate were not made based on the count, the number of outs, the pitcher, and the game situation.

Mankato Minnesota-- Caswell Park was very nice and the grounds crews did an unbelievable job in readying the fields quickly for games on Thursday following 4 inches of rain Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Metro Mankato was very nice. Lots of eateries and a modern, new feel to things. The weather was in the 70's, and it was usually breezy. The Mankato people were friendly and those working at Caswell Park were most accommodating.

NAFA----Director Benjie Hedgecock and his cast throw a nice party. The managers meeting was brief and to the point. The opening ceremonies was a bit drawn out but all teams were there. At the opening ceremonies a quartet of Japanese ballplayers from Waseda University sang their national anthem, and a Canadian ballplayer sang a very moving solo and acapella version of "O Canada"......with all of the American teams that were there it was disappointing that our National Anthem was not sung by an American ballplayer....in that regard we were outdone by both Canada and Japan.

Rosters were scrutinized in advance in an attempt to keep the teams true to their classification.....NAFA does a much better job than the ASA at this. The souvenirs were abundant, there was the best photo availability I've ever seen and the food was good. Beer was way overpriced. Umpiring was good and there was a nice mix of American and Canadian umpires. Again this year, I felt that the NAFA World Series was ballplayer and team oriented. I never felt that it was about NAFA.....I did feel that it was about making things right and good for the teams that were there. NAFA momentum is building in this writer's opinion .....the other associations may want to take a look at how NAFA does this things.

On Team Ricola--A knee being rehabbed, a badly pulled hamstring, a backup catcher converted into a first baseman,and a hitting slump were all overcome by Ricola's Dirty Dozen in a gutsy team performance that turned into 5 wins and a 5th place finish in a field that was much better than last year's A-Major field of teams.
Everyone hung tough, everyone contributed, and everyone gave all that they could when called upon...While Jeff Van Hooser carried a huge amount of the load, it was about the team. The 4 wins on Saturday (every game a close and exciting game) was the best day of ball in Ricola's history.....it was inspiring for all, it was exciting for all, and it was a day of ball that will never be forgotten by any of the Ricola players that were there that day. The guts, tenacity, and sacrifice for the team that was demonstrated really made it something special to witness and to be a part of....it was a barroom brawl from morning 'til midnight . The cards were cut in advance...it wasn't Madam Marie on the boardwalk in Asbury Park but the dealer said that 8 or higher and Ricola wins all 4 on Saturday...it was a Jack and Ricola did win all 4......it was just one of those things that was meant to be!

Winning is often not about talent but about who wants it the most and about who can find a way to win. The Cough Drops on Saturday just kept wanting the win more and they just kept finding ways to win. Inspiring to say the least.

Winning is great and the feel of winning those 4 games and the camaraderie that went with it that Saturday in Mankato Minnesota was special. This writer and player will never forget any of it nor any of those involved.
 

News from NAFA World Series

NAFA World Series
Overall 5-2
Class A Major

NAFA World Series summary to be available August 29th.
Ricola will play in Elkland PA August 26th-27th.

News from NAFA World Series
Sunday, August 21, 2005

Duncan Indiana Outlaws 7, Ricola 0
Jamie Thompson - Losing Pitcher
 

News from NAFA World Series
Saturday, August 20th
 

Game #1
Ricola 1, HealthTech from Lincoln Nebraska 0
Jeff Van Hooser - Winning Pitcher, 15 K's
Matt Foster - Gets the winning RBI single

Game #2
Ricola 3, Denver Colorado 0
Jamie Thompson - Winning Pitcher

Game #3
Ricola 1, Anderson Indiana Lawmen 0
Jeff Van Hooser - Winning Pitcher, 16 K's

Game #4
Ricola 2, Harmon Illinois Blues 1
Jeff Van Hooser - Winning Pitcher 21 K's in eight innings
Rick Wright scored both Ricola runs, one double, one solo homerun.

News from Mankato Minnesota
Friday, Aug 19th

Hudson Wisconsin 5, Ricola 4
Losing Pitcher - Jeff Van Hooser in relief
Matt foster homers for Ricola

Ricola next plays Saturday at 1:15 opponent to be announced.

News from Mankato Minnesota
Thursday, 8/18/05

Ricola 7, Hastings Michigan 0
Winning Pitcher - Jeff Van Hooser, 14 K's
Fred Kent and Jeff Van Hooser hit home runs
Chris Mendell has an RBI single

Next game 8/19/05, 9:30a.m.

Samson Rocks-Cough Drops Roll at NSA World Series Ricola is Co-Champion of Gold Division

Cherokee, North Carolina: August 4,5,6

Led by pitcher, Shawn Samson, Ricola went 3-1 at The NSA World Series and was declared "Co-Champion" of the Gold Division along with Wabash, Indiana , in this rain shortened tournament.

Game 1: Indiana Jaybirds 1-Ricola 0: George Samons pitches a 1 hitter for Anderson Indiana and Shawn Samson throws a 3 hitter with 14 K's for Ricola. A solo HR was the difference. Two big time pitchers hooked up in a big time duel...both pitchers were clocked at better than 80 mph. One of those games that it was a shame that someone had to lose. All eyes in the park were watching this one....Samson and Samons were poppin'

Game 2: Ricola 3-Silva North Carolina 0: Jamie Thompson has 12K's and picks up the win for Ricola. Chris Mendell Homers. Dave Rennie pinch hits a 2 RBI double.

Game 3: Ricola 9- Virginians 4: Shawn Samson fans 10 and gets the Ricola win. Kevin Brink and Chris Mendell homer for Ricola. A close game for a while then Virginia made the mistake of riling a few of Ricola's barroom brawlers......game over, next!

Game 4: Ricola 5- Clearwater Florida 2: Kevin Brink and Robbie Gray lead Ricola with 2 hits a piece. Shawn Samson gets the win and another 10 K's for Ricola.

Game 5: Ricola vs Wabash, Indiana...Winners Bracket finals....Rained out....tournament over : Ricola and Wabash Indiana declared Co-Champions of The Gold Bracket

Notes:
Cherokee, NC-Wow! What a gem of a place to have a National Tournament. Just when you think you've been around some you stumble into a place like this .This little town( population 600) nestled in the Smoky Mountains is a great place to hold a National Tournament. A ton of reasonably priced, nice motels that are close to the fields. Lots of things to do and so pretty. The John Crowe Complex is a beautiful 4 field complex surrounded by The Smoky Mountains.....when I say picturesque I am not doing it justice. It was worth the challenge of getting there.

The Tournament- Rather than declare your classification, you played in a pool to Determine On The Field where you fit in this specific tournament Then, based on your pool play you were classified into championship elimination brackets. Plus, there was an incentive to win in your pool play so that there was no losing on purpose in pool play so that you would be in a more favorable championship bracket This approach works...it guarantees lots of games, it allows play to bracket the teams instead of some associations classification of a team and it eliminates the funny stuff.

Tournament Director Rob Brown made this tournament a players tournament. Travel money for lots, hats, jackets, patches, and trophies for the winners. It was nice to see a tournament that appeared to be about the players.

Suggestions.......more umpires that are used to Men's Fastpitch because it simply is faster and more challenging to umpire than the women's game. It was obvious that a number of the plate umpires weren't used to pitchers like Shawn Samson, George Samones, David Stokes and Earl Rutledge. Also, a tighter uniform code was needed.....too many "Mix and Match " Teams, or teams that were just plain sloppy. This was a National Tournament.....tuck in your damned shirt, put the hat on the right way or stay the hell home!...or If you're the umpire or tournament director don't let them on the field until they look like a ballplayer and have the proper respect for the game.

What a Shame! The rains came and most of the great games that were going to happen didn't....that's a shame. Ricola and Wabash Indiana would have been a good one. It would have been fun to see if Clearwater could have come out of the losers bracket to challenge for the gold. Could the NY Bombers have kept the winning going? What about The Indiana Jaybirds and Lancaster, Pa with Stokes and Rutledge????? So many good teams with so many good chuckers........Sorry, a coin toss just wasn't the way it was supposed to be. It's a shame.

On Ricola: The drought is over and the sticks are back....you can see in everyone's face that the confidence is back. Shawn Samson was poppin'......he's just simply a horse.....saddle him up and ride him at championship time. He wants the ball, he wants the ball, he wants the ball.....how nice. Mike Cutro, you're a lucky man.! Bonus....Ryan Sandless and Zach Scholla...two 18 year olds from NY's Southern Tier that came along for the ride....both can play and they were a pleasure. Maybe the game does have a future.

What's next: Mankato Minnesota for the NAFA World Series August 18-21 and then Elkland, Pa. August 27-28. Stay tuned....we'll leave the light on for you.
 

Later in the tournament Ricola lost 4-0 to Elkland Pa. Hughey Hillhouse got the win for Elkland and Jamie Thompson suffered the loss for Ricola.

Notes:

• This was Dunkirk's 30th Open Tournament. Fairly well organized and the grounds crews did a good job of getting the fields ready for play following torrential rains Saturday afternoon and night. Lodging was too expensive in the immediate Dunkirk area. Umpiring was average to good based on our two games.
• Kudos to Joe Cevette and his Elkland Softball Association team. Cevette has in a few years turned ESA into a formidable and respected team. They look like a team and play like a team. Their 4-0 win against Ricola was convincing. Their 2 chuckers, Hughey Hillhouse and Brad Porter are solid and durable and offensively they have a nice mix of players that both hit for power and average with some speed in the lineup as well. They will be tough to beat in their class.. Keep an eye on them in Mankato, Minnesota and the NAFA A-Major Division.
• Jeff Van Hooser had a fine outing. He stayed ahead in the count, had good stuff and more "pop" than he's shown this year. Matt Foster called a great game. Look for bigger and better things from Van Hooser.
• The Cough Drop bats stayed cold........that's OK......they'll come around with a vengeance at money time and that's coming up soon....too much talent, experience and moxy for the current slump to continue.

Ricola's record is currently 8-5. Their next appearance is in Cherokee, North Carolina August 5,6,and 7 for the NSA World Series.

 

Ricola Slips At Jersey Shore

Ricola won one and lost two at Jersey Shore Pa's Annual July 4th Tournament. Their overall record now stands at 8-3.

The Cough Drops went to the tournament willing and hopeful but they were shorthanded, and injured and it showed. Ricola played 2 local teams and the NY Bombers. The pitching that the Cough Drops faced was nothing more than "C" level in each of the 3 games but it was enough to all but silence the Ricola bats after their first game win against a very marginal local team.

Jamie Thompson got the only Ricola win. Barry Van Hooser had a 10K outing in a losing effort. Ricola next appears in Dunkirk , NY July 16-17

Ricola USA Inc. Inducted Into NJ ASA Hall of Fame
Longtime Fastpitch Sponsor Lauded for Meritorious Service

Doug Smith- NJ ASA Player Rep., Jo Ann Kisielewski- Ricola USA Inc., Charlie Peters-umpire/inductee, Bob Witkowski-player/inductee, Leo Spirito NJ ASA Commissioner

Ricola USA Inc. of Morris Plains, NJ was inducted into the NJ ASA Hall of Fame in the Meritorious Service Category on May 15th, 2005.. Ricola USA Inc has sponsored Ricola Men's Fastpitch Softball Club for the past 16 years.

Sponsors and others in the Meritorious Service Category are eligible for induction into the NJ ASA Hall of Fame after 15 years of distinguished service. Accepting the Hall of Fame Plaque and other momentos of the occasion for Ricola USA Inc.was Jo Ann Kisielewski a long time Ricola employee and liason between the company and Ricola Men's Fastpitch Softball Club.

The NJ ASA Hall of Fame exists to honor those that have truly distinguished themselves in the game of softball in the state of NJ. The NJ ASA Hall of Fame strives to recognize those that deserve more than the recognition that a local league hall of fame can provide.

The NJ ASA Hall of Fame is governed by a Selection Committee of 6 people.....4 of which must vote in favor of a nominee in order for them to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Ricola USA Inc. was unanimously voted into the Hall of Fame by the Selection Committee. In the induction address it was mentioned that while the longevity of Ricola USA Inc as a sponsor was a factor in their selection, it was much more that they have sponsored the team in a truly distinguished fashion for the duration of their sponsorship. The magnitude of the monetary support given to a traveling men's fastpitch softball team by Ricola USA Inc. has been extraordinary over a long period of time and that fact made them worthy of induction into the NJ ASA HOF.

Jo Ann Kisielewski in her acceptance speech stated that Ricola USA Inc. has been proud to sponsor the fastpitch team for all of these years and that the company sees corporate sponsorship as being vital to the continuation of amateur athletics and that they have tried to do their part.

Also inducted was Charlie Peters/umpire-Meritorious Service Category and Bob Wikowski/pitcher-fastpitch, Player category.
 

Cough Drops go 3-1 at Cape Vincent
Both Van Hooser Brothers Injured

Ricola won 3 and lost one at Cape Vincent, NY June 11-12th.   After winning 3 straight games, the Cough Drops lost an extra inning heartbreaker to Knoxville- Ontario 6-5 in the semi final round to be eliminated from the tournament. Pitchers Jeff and Barry Van Hooser both went down with injuries during the Knoxville-Ontario game and their future is in question.  On the weekend Jamie Thompson led Ricola pitchers with a 2-1 record. Jeff Van Hooser picked up the other win. Chris Mendell and Matt Foster led the way offensively for Ricola.

Ricola's record stands at 7-1 on the season . Their next appearance is July 2-3 at Jersey Shore, Pa.
 

Ricola Opens 2005 Season in Washington, NJ
Double-Doubleheader with Malcolm's A's

Ricola Men's Fastpitch Softball Club's season is under way. Ricola hosted Malcolm's A's for a doubleheader Saturday night, June 4th and a doubleheader Sunday morning, June 5th. All games were played at Boro Park in Washington, NJ.

Ricola fared well coming out on top by scores of 5-2,5-2, 3-0 and 10-1.

Barry Van Hooser, Jamie Thompson, Jeff Van Hooser, and Billy Collins all got mound time for Ricola and they were all relatively sharp. Ricola's hitting leaders were Paul Furlong and Chris Mendell. 2nd year player Brett Belcastro was called upon to be Ricola's lead off hitter and he stepped up nicely. He also made a few fine plays at shortstop.

Malcolm's A's are a NJ team. They made a good showing. Their pitchers, Al Pepe and Pete Lima, proved to be tough in 3 of the 4 games. Kurt Pakutka was dazzling at 3rd base and veteran Mike Romeo proved once again that he's still one of the tougher outs in our region.

Following the doubleheader Saturday night both teams, the umpires, and some Ricola alumni all came together for a hot buffet at a local Italian Resturant Lots of camaraderie and laughs.

Ricola travels to CapeVincent, NY June 11th and 12th.
 

The next meeting of the board will be held during the first blizzard of the winter of 2006.

Who? Hoo? Hooser? Jeff Van Hooser? Ye!
Jeff Van Hooser Joins Ricola Pitching Staff

Ontario, Canada, native and brother of current Ricola pitcher, Barry Van Hooser, pitcher Jeff Van Hooser has joined the Ricola pitching staff. Jeff is a veteran pitcher. He pitched for many of the Junior teams in the Kingson, Ontario area as a youth and has also pitched for some of the Ashland, Ohio teams in recent years. Van Hooser is coming off of some injury riddled seasons and is hoping to come back to form in the 2005 season with Ricola.

Jeff Van Hooser was a pickup with Ricola last year for the Elkland Labor Day Tournament. He commented that he really enjoyed the Ricola players and so he decided to join Ricola on a full time basis.
Ricola welcomes Jeff Van Hooser.
 

In Retrospect......A Tribute to Harlem, NY and The Lefty Long Tournament
 

Owner, Tom Cirignano, played slowpitch for the Pluckenin Inn years ago and has been a supporter of The Boy Scouts of America and amateur athletics since going into business. While tending bar at the Pluckemin Inn, in Pluckemin NJ, he was exposed to generations of fastpitch players and coaches and became familiar with the traditions and passions of those who are involved in the game.......like the rest of us, he doesn't want to see a great part of Americana die.......he was kind enough to reach into his wallet to show his support and his commitment is long term.

Ricola Men's Fastpitch Softball Club thanks Tom Cirignano and Cirignano Contracting Inc. for their help.  Tom can be reached at 609-645-3999.