NEW SYSTEM.

Okay, it’s the bottom of the ninth. The pitcher is throwing a no-hitter. A routine fly ball is hit to right. The right fielder misjudges the ball, and it falls in for a hit -- end of no-hitter.

Same situation -- a blooper between first and second; the two fielders run into each other. The ball drops – end of no-hitter.

Somehow, we should have a designation for a TE ( team error). This will solve some of the situations but certainly not all.

Can you think of any other situations where the scoring is unfair? Let me know.

REGAN EXCELS

Hamden native Kristina Regan excels both on the ice and in the classroom at Boston College.

Regan is a freshman hockey player. She had the highest plus/minus rating on the team of
+10. Regan was honored by the Hockey East on its All-Academic Team. She also was given the Boston College Athletic Directors award for academic excellence.

GIRLS’ SWIMMING.

The high school pool has been re-lighted with new energy efficient lighting. One more important fixture in the pool has been changed. Nina Lujack, who has been girls’ swimming coach for 32 years has retired. She will be replaced by Nate Hill (HHS' 87). the current boys’ coach . Hill was captain of his high school swim team.

In college he swam at CCSU and transferred to Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He coach for the North Haven, Hamden USS team in 1993. He also coached at Wilbur Cross.

Hamden High will be led by captains Nancy Presnick and Samantha Griggs. Coach Hill is evaluating talent but he expects strong senior leadership to come from MacKenzie Givens, Emily Lynn, Kaitlyn Capone and Aubry Marino.

BECK’S THE MAN

Win or lose, Hamden just made a great choice in hiring Jared Beck as its head boys basketball coach. Beck is a Hamden High graduate and graduated from Lafayette College. He has coached both football and basketball at Hamden.

He is a skilled technician in both sports and has a wonderful rapport with his players. Although he teaches in New Haven, he bleeds green and gold. Win or lose, Hamden players will benefit from his enthusiasm and skill.

FUN IN THE SUN.

In 1959 I was a freshman at Notre Dame High School, and "dressing" with the varsity football team. That year we played West Haven High at Quigley Field.. Notre Dame won and as we got on the team bus (the Green Hornet) some people from West Haven stoned the bus. We were furious because they wouldn't let us off the bus to confront our attackers. Ever since that day I harbored ill will against anything West Haven.

As a coach at Hamden high, I always used this story to motivate our players. But as I got older, I realized that West Haven was very similar to Hamden and was a tough group of kids, whose athletes and town I have learned to respect

In the last 20 years I have assisted in running the Little League Regional Softball Tournament at the West Haven Little League complex. Besides the softball, the site is pleasant. No matter how hot the weather there is a beautiful breeze which blows off the Sound. The Parks and Recreation Department of West Haven does a wonderful job on field maintenance. I realize the pride they take in hosting an athletic competition. I can't wait to go back next year.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Eileen Flanagan (HHS' 96), played basketball and softball. She graduated from Providence College and settled in Washington DC. She still plays softball in a mixed league in DC.

Her brother Kevin (HHS ‘02) played soccer in Hamden. He still lives in Hamden and is a web designer. He recently received his real estate license

YANKEES

I am a Yankees fan. My father was a Yankees fan, my wife is a Yankee fan, my brother and my two sons are Yankee fans. I will probably always be a Yankees fan, but let me tell you this-- They are getting on my nerves.

They build a new stadium and charge so much for game seats that the "average Joe" can't afford to go. They shut down the Cathedral of baseball and build a museum, which instead of having the games showcased, they showcase its Memorial Park, signed baseballs etc.

A friend of mine’s daughter bought four tickets for Father's Day. Without figuring in the cost of the tickets, it still cost him $158 for food and parking.

When the hitters hit, the pictures don't pitch, but the ultimate insult was that A-Rod couldn’t play for two days, because he was "fatigued." Do you have any idea how many times my father went to work fatigued? A-Rod owes it to his employers and to his fans to play in as many games as possible.

PITCHERS

Remember the good old days when you had a starting pitcher and finisher? What we have today adds at least a half hour to each game. Now, we have starters, right-handed and long relievers and also left-handed and right-handed short relievers. Then we have set up men, and finally the closer.

What is the most boring thing in sports? -- watching the pitchers warm up, let pitchers warm up in the bullpen and come out ready to pitch -- no warm-ups.

STEROIDS?

While I am on a roll, let’s start a new league -- the Steroid league against the Non Steroid league against the Combo steroid league.

Maybe this can help us once and for all show us the value of steroids. I am not a doctor or a chemist but how much strength and power do steroids give a player? He still has to catch, hit and throw the ball. What if a pitcher juiced with steroids faces a batter “juiced?” Who is going to win the battle?

PERFORMANCE -ENHANCING DRUGS

If you have a headache and you take two aspirin and the headache goes away, did you just take a performance-enhancing drug? What about Hot-Ice for muscle pains, etc., etc.?

STELLAR SEASON

Kyle Cummings (HHS' 08) turned in a stellar season at Avery Point. Cummings batted over .400, and had 44 RBIs in 38 games. On defense he alternated between second base and shortstop.

CTSN.

I have complained about this station (channel HD 168), because it shows the same games over and over again. I must admit though that I never tire of watching the high school Class LL state hockey championship. I must have seen this game 10 times already.

DIAMOND CLUB.

The Southern Connecticut Diamond Club's annual Whitey Piurek "No I in Team" awards dinner for unselfish play was held at Monticello's Restaurant on June 7 Hamden's winner this year was Kingsley Birdsall (HHS' 09).

WHAT THE HEY.

What is going on with Quinnipiac athletics? Just a few short years ago they made a pledge to have a first class Division I program. Now they are eliminating sports.

They have built two new facilities and can't seem to find a place for volleyball? Court testimony also reveals they were playing games with a number of females playing at each team dictated by the administration. They have definitely sullied their program. If you had a daughter who was an athlete would you send her to Quinnipiac?

CELEBRATION.

On a beautiful spring evening, Hamden High celebrated its 2009 baseball season on senior night. Honored for their play were seniors Ben Klein, who will attend Bentley College, Sam DeCapua, who will attend Western Connecticut and Steve Teague, who will attend SCSU. Also, Max Ginter will go to Southern Vermont; Russ DeMatties, Newberry College, Dan Cusano ,University of Massachusetts; and KingsleyBirdsall, who will go to the University of New Hampshire. Dave Findley will attend Bridgeton Academy, a prep school in Maine.

Also honored was the 1989 Post 150 American Legion team that won the state title. This team is known as the "Iron 11.", even though they actually had 12 players, but one of them didn’t make the trip to the regional tournament. The team was coached by Bill Meinson, who now lives in Florida and Gus Melillo. The players on this team included Scott Burrell, who later signed a pro contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, who pitched and played the outfield. Also on the team were John Sullivan, left field, who is now a Hamden police officer; Ken Klee, a first baseman and pitcher who starred at the University of New Haven; Ted Blanchard, who was the catcher with the current. Hamden High baseball coach Tony DeAngelo who pitched and played the outfield.

Also, Eric Lichfield pitched and played the outfield; Joe Funaro, who played several years in the minor leagues was a second baseman; Tyson Case was the catcher and Chris Piscitelli.played third. University of New Haven star Mike Fiedler was the shortstop and left-hander Bill Farrell played first base and pitched; also Dave Kingsley was another pitcher.

Also honored that evening was Frank DeLucia, who coached Hamden Fathers Babe Ruth League and American Legion Post 88 for many years. The first base dugout was named in Frank's honor.

HARRIS - ALL AREA.

Chelsea Harris has been named to the All Area New Haven Register girls track team Harris is a 600 m specialist, having finished in the State Open, the class LL. championship and the SCC championship.

She is also a member of the 4 x 400 relay team, which finished fifth in the class LL championship and eighth in the State Open..

DUGOUTS

Finally, we have roofs on the dugouts at Hamden High baseball field. This was a co-operative effort of the Board of Education, the Public Works Department, the baseball Booster Club and American Legion coach and building contractor Frank DeLucia. Great job everyone!!

CARBERRY TO STAY CLOSE TO HOME.

Hamden’s Tobin Carberry will continue his basketball career at SCSU. At SCSU, Carberry will be united with his brother Toby, who is an assistant coach.

Tobin Carberry led the Hamden Green dragons to a 19-7 record. He was named by the New Haven Register as the best player in the area and was named to the All-State team. Carberry led the area with 21.5 points per game. And 6.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

In the SCC tournament, Carberry averaged 25.5 points per game. He had 34 against Xavier and 33 against Sheehan.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI.

Former Hamden high baseball captain Ned Burt was honored this year at the Hamden High School alumni dinner. Burt is a local attorney with his wife, Christine, and has participated in many youth sports activities. He has lived in Hamden all his life and has three children who all intended Hamden High.

Also honored was Chris Wilson, coach of the Hamden High cheerleaders. She has been instrumental in many charitable events led by the cheerleaders. The dinner was held May 6 at Laurel View Country Club.

HOCKEY HONOREES

Hamden High fared well in the selection of the New Haven Register's All-State hockey team. Mike Pierne, Anthony Avitable, and Coach Bill Verneris were named.

Avitable, Hamden's outstanding goalie was named as the MVP in the state tournament. Avitable made 27 saves in the championship game against Glastonbury. In the first round of the tournament he shut out New Canaan in double overtime. He is presently undecided about his future plans.

Pierne, a senior forward, never stopped hustling. His "rushes" down the ice were inspirational to his teammates. He finished the season with 16 goals and 18 assists.

Verneris, in his ninth year as Hamden's head coach, won his first state championship. He has been involved in Hamden hockey his entire life, playing on the high school team and as an assistant coach for many years.
Verneris told a local reporter, after the championship game,. "Now I can die." Let's not, coach, because we see a co

CIAC.

This stands for.Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Committee. This group is the committee that sets rules and regulations for all high school athletics under the auspices of the National Federation.

The committee is comprised of all member schools with the principal as the representative. Each sport has a separate committee headed by school administrators, athletic directors and coaches. There is also an officials section.

MOHEGAN SUN.

All the state championship basketball games were played at the Mohegan Sun. I think it is a magnificent venue for high school sports. Others are upset that the games were played in a gambling institution. I personally don't have a problem with it. The tribal nations run a legitimate business, which is draws millions of tax dollars to our state government, and even more to various charitable groups. What do you think,? Let me know.

MIDDLE SCHOOL FIELD

What the hell is going on? This is the third year the middle school has been open and still no baseball field. But worse than that is there are no reasons given as to why . Did we accept a building that was flawed? Would we accept the building with no roof on one room?

WHERE ARE THEY NOW ?

Bob DeLauro played hockey at Hamden High in the late 60’s. After his high school days, he played minor-league hockey for a short time Before his retirement, he was a supervisor of Dahill Roofing.,

DeLauro is married to Pamk Perrelli (HHS' 71) and has three children. He cares for his mother was is 90 years old and resides in Hamden

BYE

When you walk into the Hamden High gym next year you will notice that someone is missing. Hamden High boys’ basketball coach, Clem Batchelder, is retiring after 26 years on the sidelines. Batchelder spent two years as assistant coach and has been head coach for 24 years. He finished the season with a 19-7 record. He also spent two years as head soccer coach.

Batchelder has always put his players first and is very shy about talking about his own records. Although he has never won the state title. his teams were always competitive. Opponents tried to avoid playing him. Many of his players have gone on to coach, including NBA player Scott Burrell who is presently an assistant coach at Quinnipiac University.

BASEBALL QUIZ

This rule applies to all divisions – Pro, college, high school and Little League.

Batter lifts high fly ball along the foul line in left field. The fielder touches the ball in fair territory in flight. The ball bounces off his glove and goes over the fence in foul territory. What is the call?

Answer: double.


ALL CONFERENCE PLAYERS

Hamden High placed several players on the league's All-Star teams. In boys basketball Tobin Carberry was selected, while twin sisters Molly and Cara DeRoy were selected for girls’ basketball.

Boys ice hockey captain Anthony Avitable was selected. In boys indoor track, Tevin Moye was selected for the 300 m honors, while Chris Fitzsimons was named for the 600 meter and relay. In boys’ swimming Peter Cyr was selected as a diver.

THANK YOU.

I am a high school sports FANatic. Over the last several years. I have been limited in the games I attend because of a condition called diabetic retinopathy, which is slowly robbing me of my eyesight.

I lot of my sports appetite is satisfied due to local sportscaster "Coach” George DeMaio.. DeMaio, also a high school sports FANatic has taken it upon himself to broadcast both football and hockey games. DeMaio produces, directs, and solicits funds to bring these games to the public.

The coach was born and raised in West Haven where he lettered in both basketball and baseball. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees SCSU. "Coach” resides in North Branford with his wife Brenda, and in 2008 he retired as a middle school teacher at the East Haven Middle School.

His Friday night football broadcasts have become legendary. You feel like you are at the game with a friend discussing the various plays and strategies. His good-natured criticism spares no one - not coaches, nor players nor referees nor the school administration, nor the CIAC or even the band and cheerleaders.

DeMaio’s recent broadcast of the high school hockey and the CIAC tournament was awesome. I would sit back, closed my damaged eyes and feel like I was at the game. His enthusiasm made me feel like I was part of the action. I'm not sure if you even realize it, Coach, that you provided a valuable service to those of us with low vision.

REUNION

Several former Hamden Fathers Baseball Association coaches have contacted me about a reunion of coaches. A committee will be forming soon. If you are interested please contact me.

BASEBALL QUIZ

Runner on first, one out. The batter hits a long fly ball to left. The left fielder goes back to the fence but the ball goes over his head into the stands for a home run.

The runner is holding up to see if the left fielder is going to catch the ball. The batter/runner passes the runner. What is the disposition of the play and how is it scored?

Answer: the runner scores and the batter/runner is declared out for passing the runner but is credited with an RBI single. The put out is given to the fielder closest to the play when the batter/runner passed the runner.

WHAT A SEASON!

The Hamden High winter season has been one of the most successful seasons athletically in sometime.

Boys indoor track -- under the leadership of New Haven register Coach of the Year John Sudusky. They finished first in the SCC Quinnipiac Division. The Dragons were second in the SCC championship meet, fifth in the CIAC state meet and seventh in the state open.

Chris Fitzsimons, a middle-distance specialist, was named to the all area track team.

Girls’ hockey --Hamden has always been synonymous with hockey. The girls have followed this tradition. Led by Coach Val Chamberlain and assistant coach Joe Weber, the Lady dragons finished with a record of 14-7-1h.

Hamden had only three seniors who provided the leadership to keep the team cohesive Kaily Smith was stellar in the goal with Lyndsay Stackwell providing offensive punch. Kim Murray scored her first varsity goal on senior night and brought down the house.

In the CCGHL playoffs, they won their first game against Hand and then lost an epic battle in over time, 8-2, losing to eventual champion Guilford.

The team was comprised of three seniors, seven sophomores and four freshmen. The team was led by sophomore Shannon Gallant (10-11-21), Jenny Morgan (6-15-21), Colleen Murphy (11-5-16), and Jenna Giulietti (9-6-15). Freshman Savanna Reilly was third with (13-6-19).

Boys basketball -- this team was an over achiever. Under the direction of retiring head coach Clem Batchelder, and assistant coaches, Jared Beck and John Hanna the Dragons reached the finals of the Premier league in the state, the SCC. Although they lost in the finals they were tenacious and impressed many people.

In the first round of the state tournament, Hamden beat East Catholic East Catholic tried to slow down the pace. They held the ball for the first two minutes and 20 seconds, but the pressuring Hamden defense and the shooting of Tobin Carberry led Hamden to prevail..

Carberry led the team all year. In the game against East Catholic, he had 26 points with 12 straight foul shots in the final period.

Girls’ basketball -- the most important news about this team is that there are no seniors on the team. Despite that, . Despite that, Coach John Ceneri and assistant coaches Tiffany DeRosa and Jill Feldman had a successful season with the Lady dragons.

They qualified for both the SCC tournament and the state tournament. Led by the DeRoy sisters, Hamden was eventually being by powerful Laurelton Hall.

Boy’s ice hockey -- state champs. That's all that needs to be said

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS

After 20 years of frustration, Hamden High is once again, the division I state CIAC high school hockey champions. Under the direction of head coach Bill Verneris, associate coach Todd Hall, and assistant coach George Jerolman, the Green Dragons swept through the state playoffs.

Hamden, known as a hockey power since high school hockey started, is back on top for the first time since 1989. The Green Dragons have made the playoffs every year except one, but just couldn't seem to climb to the top until this 2009 edition.

The Green Dragons just kept coming at you. The closest Hamden had to a superstar was goalie Anthony Avitable who has to be rated with some of Hamden's best. When it came time to pick the player of the final game, dummy WAVZ play-by-play announcer George “Coach” DeMaio picked the entire Hamden team. DeMeo said,. "There was no way Glastonbury could skate with only two lines and keep up with the hard-hitting multiple line attack." Hamden just wore them down, DeMaio said.

Let's not kid ourselves. Hamden has not been a patsy for 20 years, but just couldn't seem to grab the golden ring. But this year, led by nine year coach Bill Verneris and nine seniors – Dave Cusano, John Teulings, Anthony Avitable, Dan Wheeler, Pat Morgan, Scott Walsh, Dave Findley, John Berezecky and Mike Pierce, Hamden was determined.

Let's not worry about next year, though. The Dragons have a core of returning sophomores and juniors and promises to have another superior team

YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING.

Last week, number three ranked Hamden High boys hockey played number one-ranked Fairfield Prep. Hamden won the game in one of the most exciting games many had ever seen.

The local news media never covered the game. They have to understand there are other things going on besides UConn.

While we are talking about it, send me a note telling me what you think was the best game you ever saw at Hamden's Lou Astorino Rink. Include the year and some highlights of the game.

HAMDEN =HOCKEY.

While most have been following the boys’ hockey team, let's not forget the girls.

The girls’ hockey team, with a lot of young kids, has had a great season.

In the semi finals of the CCGHL, the Central Connecticut Girls Hockey League, Hamden was beaten by eventual champion Guilford 3-2 in overtime. As I said before, the Lady Dragons are a young team and this bodes well for the future.

Hamden is truly the high school hockey capital of the state.

CTSN

Connecticut Sports Network is a great idea and I enjoy watching it. I just wish they could have more live events on. Some games are classics and I don't mind watching them. But how many times can you watch the same game, especially when you already know the outcome?

BASEBALL PREVIEW

Hamden High School's baseball team has an abundance of players, but it is very short on experience. Coach Tony DeAngelo says that only two positions are secure. Capt. Russ DeMatteis will play short and junior Will Hindinger will nail down center field. Co-captain Max Ginter will play at either second or third base or on the mound. All the other positions are wide open.

Coaching DeAngelo likes to use a three man pitching rotation. Nothing is set yet, but vying for the three spots are senior Ginter and left-hander Dan Cusano. Juniors. Pete Baranski, and southpaw Hal Hansen are strong contenders, along with sophomore P.J. Scott.

Behind the plate there will be a three-way battle among David DiCosimo, hard-hitting Matt Bundy and sophomore C.J. Carignan.

The infield can have many possible combinations. Besides DeMatteis at shortstop, Dave Findley, Ginter, Cusano and Sam DeCapua will vie for the other infield positions.

All conference center fielder Hindinger has a secure spot in center but left and right fields are wide open. Steve Teague,Findley, Cusano, sophomore sensations Jordan Teague and Carignan are all candidates.

Replacing last year's leading hitters Kyle Cummings, Dante Blackmon and Rob Davis will be a major task. Hoping to fill in the DH spot will be Matt Spilka and Kingsley Birdsall.

The Dragons play one of the toughest leagues in the state. They open on Wednesday, April 8 at Wall field against Lyman Hall.

FIELD OF NIGHTMARES.

When Hamden Middle School was built, the athletic community was promised athletic fields to help with the shortage of fields in town.

Here we are going into the third year, and we still don't have a baseball field on line. There is a baseball field at the middle school that is so bad it can't be used. The grade is uneven and there is a drain in center field. The middle school baseball team must be bused to Rochford Field to play their home games.

I have asked a number of people what the problem is. Frankly I am tired of the excuses and the reasons given as to whose fault it is. etc. etc. It's time to figure out how to get a field that is playable. Excuses and placing blame just doesn't do it at this point. Where is the field that we were promised?

OOPS!!

Last week I reported that Dave Findley had been declared medically ineligible for the rest of the hockey season. Fortunately, we were given the wrong information. Findley was declared ineligible, but has returned for the end of the hockey season.

Billy plays for the love of the game and his school and deserves any break he can get.

AGAIN.

Many of the long-time “rink rats” tell me it was one of the best games they've ever seen at the Lou Astorino Rink. For the second time this year, the Hamden boys’ hockey team defeated number one ranked Fairfield Prep.

Hamden stuffed the puck in the net with one minute remaining in the game to clinch the 3-2 victory. I purposely have not used any names, because it was just a brilliant game by many players on both teams.

GIRLS BASKETBALL.

Hamden girls basketball under coach John Ceneri qualified for the SCC tournament.In the first game in the tournament, Hamden beat Cheshire High to advance to the next round. Eventual finalist career High School dumped Hamden.

The Lady Dragons have no seniors on the team, but they could be a tough out in the state tournament.

WHERE ARE THEY?

A reader would like to know what happened to former Hamden High hockey players Jeff Lombardi and Bobby DeLauro. If you know, let us know.

DÉJÀ VU

Just a year ago at this time, the Hamden High Green Dragons boys’ hockey team traveled north to Simsbury High School and knocked Simsbury out of first place in the state hockey poll by the score of 5-1. Hamden went on to stay in this position until they eventually lost in the state tournament.

This year, Hamden, seeded number two, travel downstate to play number one Fairfield Prep and beat them 5-4 in overtime. Since then, they have been in first place.

Hamden is led by senior co-captain net minder Anthony Avitable along with senior defenseman Mike Pierne (eight goals and 13 assists). One of the top sophomores in the state is Jim Burt (nine goals, 10 assists). Senior Scott Walsh has 10 goals and five assists, while Junior PJ Vakos has five goals and 12 assists.

The Dragons will play in the state tournament and I invite you to attend one of the match ups.

GREEN DRAGONS NAME NEW COACH

Peter Zoppi. has been named the softball coach at Hamden High Zoppi is an All-American softball player. He is a former head coach at the University of New Haven and at Lyman Hall High School where he was named Coach of the Year. He was also an assistant coach at Hamden High for several years.

Zoppi has received many commendations as a fast pitch softball player. He is looking forward to taking over the helm at Hamden High.

RIDICULOUS

I have read several times that Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes was fined $10,000 for too much celebrating after the catch that won the Super Bowl. This is the league of end zone dances and finger pointing in faces. How can they fine a guy for celebrating the catch of his life to win the Super Bowl?

BEST WISHES

Best wishes to Dave Findley who has been declared medically ineligible to finish off his hockey career. Findley is one of the finest kids I've ever been associated with. He plays with a passion like you’re supposed to have. Hopefully, he will be able to continue playing baseball in the spring

NEW LEAGUE?

Should the private schools form their own high school hockey league? It is a question that is being asked again with the emergence of Trinity Catholic and Xavier as hockey powers. Obviously they can pick from any region they want to. Most parochial teams have players from several different communities, thus creating mini All-Star teams in different areas. Not only does this strengthen the parochial teams, but weakens the public school teams by taking players away.

In the past 10 years, the only public school that has been able to keep pace with the privates on a consistent basis is Hamden High School.

There is no question in my mind that the private schools have an advantage.

Let me know if you think there should be a separate parochial school hockey league.


I LOVE SAYING I TOLD YOU SO.

Several weeks ago I suggested that A.D. Tom Marcucci would be back as Notre Dame of West Haven's head football coach. This past week, the announcement was officially made.

Marcucci left the coaching ranks ten years ago to become an assistant principal at Notre Dame. Later he became the school’s athletic director. While he is coaching, he will retain the Athletic director’s position.

Hamden High head football coach Scott Benoit said it is great for the league to have Marcucci back. Benoit goes on to say, "He is one of the best guys around, a true gentleman with old-school rules. I wish him well.”

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Ahna Johnson (HHS' 06) has just returned from the National Soccer Coaches Convention, where she was named All-American Scholar- Athlete first team.

Johnson, a Fairfield University standout, was named the Offensive Player of the Year in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and was picked third team All-America.

SAY IT AIN'T SO JOE

What the hell is Joe Torre trying to do? In a “tell all” book with Sports Illustrated writer Tom Verducci, Torre reveals some of the foibles of the Yankee players and management.

Torre had a great run as Yankees manager. He was always considered a players’ manager. One of his strengths was handling the many star players on the roster. It seems he broke the trust of many of these players.

The only thing I can think of is that Torre was so angry with the Yankees that they released him and showed him no respect.

THREE CHEERS.

The Hamden High cheerleaders finished second in the Southern Connecticut Cheerleading competition. Derby finished number one in the 14 and under competition. The number 14 represents the number of cheerleaders competing, not their age.

SUPER BOWL

It was really a boring game until the last eight minutes except for the 100 yard interception return at the end of the first half. Then it became one of the classics. Speaking of the interception it amazes me that a well-conditioned athlete cannot run 100 yards without collapsing

HOSPITAL 2

If you remember, in August, I passed out and was taken to the hospital with a low heartbeat. I was told that my potassium level was too high. On Friday January 19th, I passed out again, and they told me I passed out while urinating (you understand why this is important later). And I was told by hospital personnel that my potassium was too low, which made my heartbeat go to 160 beats a minute.

Now I am not a doctor or a chemist. However, it seems to me it's pretty simple to figure it out. Solution -- one potassium pill equals no pass out; try two potassium pills -- no pass out; try three potassium pills, no pass out. Try four potassium pills - pass out. The answer would be to take three potassium a day.

Okay, now, let's start from the beginning, rapid heartbeat. Rapid heartbeats at 160- pass out. Fire department and ambulance show up. They are all great guys and were very compassionate and caring but also very competent. I am not a small person, and besides passing out, I had a terrible case of the gout. If you have never had it, you are missing one of the things that make good days worth living. Just a little pressure on the area brings you excruciating pain. Then four gentlemen- two from AMR and two from the Hamden Fire Department moved this almost 300 pound body down four stairs; down two outside steps; up the walkway and driveway with nary a wiggle on the stretcher.

When we get to the hospital I was taken immediately into a small room with five cubicles. Well. not really cubicles. Let me try to explain the room had too many people. I don't think the doctors or the patients knew who they were talking to.

Within the first hour I saw at least four doctors who examined me and asked the same questions over and over. They agreed that my potassium was too low; my heart rate was too high. After that it was a tossup. The most interesting diagnose is what I call the “pee syndrome.” That is, you pass out while you are urinating. I had never heard of it, but they told me it was fairly common. Now every time I go to a public bathroom I’ll look for bodies. It explains why I thought my friend was drunk when he passed out in the bathroom all the time.

The rest of my stay was a bit uneventful as they worked on balancing my medications to prevent me from fainting. Again I repeat over and over again how wonderful the personnel were. They put up with a lot of crap, both figuratively and literally.

There were a couple of highlights as there always are. Like, why do they wake you up to take your vital signs when you are on a heart monitor?

Then there was a lady who took my blood, who told me to look at something. When I told her I had low vision from diabetic retinopathy, she told me her eyes were also bad. She said she wore contacts and glasses. I understand now why I had all the black and blue marks on my arms.

And lastly, many of the help leave the room with “good luck.” Good luck is what I want at the casino or racetrack, not at the hospital

REUNION

Anyone interested in getting involved in a Hamden Father's Baseball/Softball coaches’ reunion should contact Tony Mentone at tonymentone@yahoo.com.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Samantha Bertini (HHS' 91) played basketball and softball at Hamden High. After leaving Hamden she went on to Washington University. She is presently a graphic artist and still lives in Hamden.

PAUL CARR

As a young kid I read "Lou Gehrig -- A Quiet Hero," over and over again. I was fascinated because we seemed to have similar backgrounds. Gehrig played first base, so did I. He was good-looking and had pretty good grades. So did I. Gehrig went to Columbia University and played baseball at Yale Field. This I could only dream about. There is one thing I hated about him. He had this terrible, debilitating disease, ALS, named after him. The disease robbed him of his strength, his muscle control, and his body functions.

Paul Carr, a local youth baseball, softball and basketball coach, was diagnosed with ALS several years ago. Just as he did as a coach, no challenge was too large for him. He gathered his family and friends around him and started a fund to be used for ALS research. He sponsored a massive walkathon in which he personally participated. On December 23, 2008, Carr’s body succumbed to the ravages of this horrible disease. But his indomitable spirit will always remain in his battle against ALS. Carr had raised over $150,000. Right now someone is using the funds he raised to find a cure for ALS, as Carr peers over his shoulder coaching him on.

DRAGON DANDIES

Hamden High first-year football coach Scott Benoit was named the New Haven Register's All Area 2008 Coach of the Year. Benoit led the Dragons to a 9-3 record and a place in the state class LL. playoffs. He turned around a Hamden program that had been down for the last three years.

Also named to the team was defensive lineman Joe-Von Ladson (HHS' 10), a 6'1", 265 pounder, who helped lead Hamden to its resurgence. Joining him on the All-Area team was punter Carmine Baldino (HHS' 09), who averaged 40 yards a punt. He also led the team in tackles and punt returns, averaging over 20 yards.

HOCKEY HIGHLIGHTS.

The Hamden High boys hockey team was ranked third in the state in last week’s state rankings. Over the holidays they lost two games to powerful Maine teams. They remain undefeated in Connecticut by beating East Haven 4-1 and Notre Dame of Fairfield 4-3.

Kudos to Hamden athletic director Jeanne Cooper for moving the Notre Dame of Fairfield game to 12 noon to avoid the snowstorm on Saturday.

MISSING COACHES

Several people mentioned that I left off my list for great coaches John Wooden and Bobby Knight. I agree, they were great coaches but I disagree with their style.

Wooden sat on the bench with his legs crossed, and sometimes seemed to be sleeping. His style just didn't "do it” for me.

Knight is a bully who loves to hear himself talk. He was always in someone’s face, including game officials. When a grown man throws a chair across the court in international competition, there’s a problem. He should have been thrown out of basketball forever.

BASEBALL SOON...

Pitchers and catchers report to spring training on February 14, 2009.

MORE COACHES.

A couple weeks ago we talked about coaches on the local level. Now let's look at prominent coaches on the national level.

Some of my favorite basketball coaches are John Thompson of Georgetown, Thompson was a tough task master but he loved his players and treated his players like his own kids. Another of my favorites was Rollie Massimino of Villanova. Massimino started a game perfectly coiffed and dressed. By the end of the game Massimino looked like he had walked through a carwash. His jacket was off; his shirt, sweat- stained was pulled out of his pants and his tie was askew. . He was in on every dribble of the ball. And let’s not forget Jim Valvano from North Carolina State. The man was just intense. Who could ever forget the video of when he won the NCAA title and was walking around looking for somebody to hug?

Although I am not a big fan of pro basketball, they have a few great coaches in my estimation.

Red Holtzman, former New York Knicks coach was also a favorite along with Phil Jackson, former Chicago Bulls coach and now coaching the LA Lakers. Red Aurbach, Boston Celtics, has more achievements of any coach and general manager. If Reggie Lewis and Len Bias didn't meet untimely deaths, the dynasty would have never ended. I wonder if modern society would have let him light his victory cigar at the end of each game.

In college football, I loved Bear Bryant from Alabama. When all these end zone celebrations started Bryant told his players. "When you score, act like you have been there before." Although I seem a bit provincial the Yale. coaching staff of Carmen Cozza and defensive coordinators. Bill Narducci and Buddy Amendola were my favorites. Cozza was always a perfect gentleman but he somehow got the most out of his players. Remember 95 percent of the Ivy League players are playing for the love of the game, because very few go on to the pros. Narducci and Amendola were exactly opposite from Cozza. They were fiery, but they were in my estimation defensive geniuses.

My favorite local baseball coach in the area with Porky Vieira of the University of New Haven. Where do you start with him? He won, he turned college players into pros and he was a certified "nut.” I could do a whole column on his one-liners. If you were one of his players you did it his way or the highway.

Locally, there are two guys I admire as coaches. More than anyone else -- Lou Astorino and Vin Virgulto.. There's nobody that wanted to win more than these two, but they were high school coaches and although they wanted wins, they built productive citizens.

Astorino, Hamden High boys’ hockey coach, was a tough task master. He won numerous titles including one of his teams being rated number one in the country. His strength was in teaching and discipline. He gave his players curfews and called their homes to see if they were following curfews.

Virgulto coached Hamden High baseball, football, and badminton. All players had rules to follow, whether they were stars or not, he believed that sports are the last bastion of discipline. He once cut a freshman baseball player, because his grades were not up to par, Later, the player signed with a major league team. He thanked the coach for teaching him a lesson. Virgulto never blamed the kids for losing, but rather took the blame himself.

Now that I have rambled on about my favorite coaches let me give you my top five.

# 1 – Geno Auriemma, girls’ basketball coach at UConn. He’s brash, cocky, sarcastic, but he is a winner. He is refreshing in his own way. He doesn't give you a lot of bull. When asked why he thought he was going to win a certain game, he responded "because I have Diana Taurausi, they don't."

I am told that his practices are relentless, but I have never heard one of his players complain. In fact many of his former players have become coaches themselves.

# 2 - Joe Paterno, football Penn State. He is 82 years old and is presently negotiating a three-year contract. That says it all - he would rather talk about his players than himself.

#3 - Bill Parcells, New York football Giants among several others. “Big Tuna”, as he is nicknamed, has no peer when it comes to taking a mediocre team and making it a winner. He respects his players and they respect him.

Quarterback Phil Simms and Parcells would go nose to nose on the sidelines. After Simms had his say, he always seemed to perform better.

#4 - Vince Lombardi, Green Bay Packers. He is credited with helping and putting pro football where it is today. His players hated him while they were playing for him, but many later admitted he was the best thing that ever happened to them. He was a strict disciplinarian, and many of his players were actually scared of him.

# 5 - Billy Martin and Joe Torre, managers of the New York Yankees. I'm not sure why I put these two together accept that they were both winners and loved being Yankee managers. There, the similarities end.

Martin was fiery, combative type. He argued with management, umpires, and even with his own players. His ideas of a rally was a walk, steal second, bunt the runner to third and scored on a passed ball.

Torre was exactly opposite. He sat calmly on the bench, sometimes it looked like he was sleeping. If the leadoff batter got on he would rather look for the long ball to move the runner over.

Coaches come in all sizes and shapes; all strategies and temperaments. A little ways back I read a book by Phil Jackson about the triangle offense. The plays are built on the defensive reaction. I really think it is too complicated for high school or college. I sat for hours diagramming plays in trying to understand.

Many years ago a friend told me that when you read a book you should read the last chapter first. As I read the last page of the book. Here is what Coach Jackson said. "The first time he ran the offense with the Chicago Bulls, he had Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. The second time was with the LA Lakers and he had Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal. As I've always said, good players make good coaches