Front Row, L to R: Billy Clark, Rob Sorge, Will Lucano, Nick Sampogne, Tommy Mage, and Rob Vani. Standing, L to R: Brian Shulman, Joey Trapasso, Alex Ostermann, Chris Stamm, Coach Rob Sampogne, Peter Fasano, Chris DeSimone, Coaches Robert DeSimone and Joe Vani. Missing from photo: Dan Smith The G.C.A.A. Junior League Mets season-long march to capture the league championship crown finally ended in victory for the 13 & 14 year old sqaud on Saturday June 20th at the Garden City Pool Field. The Mets not only faced strong teams throughout the entire playoffs, but also had to contend with the rainy weather for what seemed like the entire spring. Each and every playoff game was a hard fought contest. All were 1-run victories, as the Mets battled back hard to secure the come from behind wins.

The Mets beat the Red Sox by a score of 6-5 in playoff game #1 behind the complete game pitching of Alex Ostermann. The game featured several outstanding defensive plays and timely hitting from Brian Shulman, Chris Stamm, and Joey Trapasso. The Mets were an undermanned team but determined to win the game. Catcher Rob Vani threw out a runner trying to steal third base for the last out of the game.

In game #2, the Mets beat the Dodgers by a score of 9-8 in extra innings (8) on a steal of home by Rob Vani. The Mets had trailed 7-0 early in the game, but stellar defensive plays from Dan Smith, Will Lucano, and Rob Sorge prevented the Dodgers from padding their lead. Chris DeSimone, Thomas Mage and Nick Sampogne each pitched and kept it close until the Mets were able to tie the score late in the game and finally score the go-ahead run in the 8th inning. Thomas Mage, Joey Trapasso, Bill Clarke, Peter Fasano, Danny Smith, Chris Stamm and Brian Shulman all contributed with either timely hits or key defensive plays. Most of these boys played more than one defensive position in the victory.

The Championship game was no different from any of the previous playoff games. After trailing by scores of 4-0 and 5-1 earlier in the game, the Mets beat the Rays by a score of 7-6. Great baserunning and long at bats from Will Lucano, Rob Sorge, and Pete Fasano helped start the amazing comeback. The big hit of the game was a two out bases loaded 2-run single by Billy Clarke with the Mets trailing 6-5 in the bottom of the 6th inning, it put the Mets ahead for good. The game also featured the defensive gem of the season. With one out in the top of the seventh inning, 3rd baseman Alex Ostermann caught a foul ball against the fence near the 3rd base dugout to get the 2nd out. Chris DeSimone, Alex Ostermann, and Nick Sampogne each pitched 2 innings. Rob Vani retired the Rays' last 3 batters in succession to secure the victory.