The Fall FIRE 2004 team. Front row: Patrick Murphy, Dan Sparacino, Sean Kiley, Kyle Ritchie, Alex Passaretti. Second Row: Joe Reilly, Nick Cento, Drew Simone, Michael Mirabella, Michael Borges, Joe Gulmi, Darryl Tan, (Richard D'Angelo not pictured) Third Row: Coach Passaretti, Coach Kiley, Coach Sparacino, Coach Simone not pictured) The FIRE recently completed a successful Fall season that concluded in November. Competing in the NCYAA league required the team to adjust to longer bases and a longer pitching mound. The new dimensions were a challenge for the kids in the first few weeks and it took the team a few games to get adjusted to these new field dimensions. But after starting out at 2 wins and 4 losses, the FIRE made the adjustment and turned it around completely. They played solid baseball thereafter both offensively and defensively and closed the season on a 6-3-1 streak to finish at 8-7-1 for the year. Manager Scott Kiley said the boys came together nicely and made great progress...it was really a team effort and that special thanks needed to go out to to all the assistant coaches (Tony Passaretti, Michael Sparacino and John Simone) who help the kids adjust, learn and take their own personal game to a new level all while having fun.

Darryl Tan throws out a would be bunter as pitcher Kyle Ritchie backs him up Season highlights included the Labor day tournament, a win and a tie against the first place team, several complete game pitching efforts, a doubleheader sweep to end the season and countless exciting plays and memories. At the conclusion of the season the team had a great pizza party that featured season ending awards earned by the boys:

Darryl Tan, Sean Kiley, Joey Reilly,& Nick Cento are all smiles as they prepare to take their swings in the season finale against the Angels. Michael Borges - Cy Young Award - Best Pitcher

Drew Simone makes a diving catch Nick Cento - Most Improved Hitter

Richard D'Angelo - Best Bunter & Team Sparkplug

Joe Gulmi - Best Outfield Diving Catch of the Year

Sean Kiley - Best Pitched Game of The Year

Michael Mirabella - Most Outfield Assists

Patrick Murphy - Biggest Clutch Hit Of The Year

Joe Reilly - Most Improved Pitcher

Michael Mirabella warming up in the on deck circle Dan Sparacino - Infield Gold Glove

Alex Passaretti - Best All Around Single Game of the Year

Kyle Ritchie - Gold Bat Award - Best Hitter

Drew Simone - Most Versatile Player

Darryl Tan - Golden Backstop Award - Most runners thrown out by a catcher

As always a great time was had by all. GO FIRE!

Alex Passaretti looking for another big hit. The FIRE enjoy some donuts and hot chocolate between games of a double header Kyle Richie ready to crush the next pitch