On November 12, 2021 The LVMSBL Held the Annual Trophy and Awards Party. This year it was at the Gin Mill Bar and Grill in Northampton, Pa. The League MVP, Lou Tita Award went to Moondog outfielder Chris Kross , flanked by Scott Pennypacker and Mike Drago who were awarded the Outstanding Pitchers Award.
A long list of memories from a most unforgetable character. He started in the LVMSBL in 1993 coaching the Mets and later the Over 55 Giants. He was always competitive. We will surely miss him and our lives were richly blessed by knowing him.
Rest in Peace, Lou Tita Jr., 1953-2021
Top: Lou Tita, Gene Vincent, Mike Weaver, Roger Tita
Rest in Peace, Lou Tita Jr., 1953-2021
Top: Lou Tita, Gene Vincent, Mike Weaver, Roger Tita
Palmer Community Days, 2021. Top: Matt and Lexi Connolly, 1095 Aw Shucks corn.
Mike Drago and Randy Fleck serves up clams, fried shrimp, fried clams, shrimp cocktail
with a huge assist from Matt Hanson.
Scott Odenwelder wins hand crafted American flag designed by an Easton artist. Winning ticket sold by Moondog Mike Vangelo. The final scene, a rainy Sunday night an end to a good weekend.
Mike Drago and Randy Fleck serves up clams, fried shrimp, fried clams, shrimp cocktail
with a huge assist from Matt Hanson.
Scott Odenwelder wins hand crafted American flag designed by an Easton artist. Winning ticket sold by Moondog Mike Vangelo. The final scene, a rainy Sunday night an end to a good weekend.
A little gathering of some of the 2021 Moondogs at Volpe's Sports Bar one week before season opener.
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Joe Galantini, Steve Alemi, Mike Drago
Hall of Fame Class of 2020. Moondog Brad Moharter and Randy Fleck and Dodgers Steve Ramer and Don Robertson
Over 55 National Division Award Winners, Mike Vangelo, League MVP, and Barry Peterman, League Outstanding Pitcher for 2020
Moondog Richard "Bubby" Howey accepts the Award for League and Playoff Champions, 2020
2020 League MVP Mike Vangelo Sam Crivellaro League Outstanding Pitcher Barry Peterman
Bubby Howey delivers a base hit down the line and Barry Peterman pitches against the Giants in a 13-1 victory on July 19th as part of a doubleheader sweep.
Scott Pennypacker on the mound with 3rd baseman Joe Galantini.
Moondog pitcher Mike Drago on the mound against the Old Prospects
Saturday, Aug 1 at Hackett Park. It was a decisive Moondog victory which brought the record to 4-0
w
Saturday, Aug 1 at Hackett Park. It was a decisive Moondog victory which brought the record to 4-0
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Mike Vangelo and Barry Peterman will be presented with the 2020 LVMSBL MVP and
Outstanding Pitcher Award . They will be presented with the awards on November 7th.
Outstanding Pitcher Award . They will be presented with the awards on November 7th.
Every year we are supported by the Moondog Ladies. Thank you.
At Palmer Days 2019,Lexi Connolly had the stage to herself as she performed songs by Judy Garland
and the Carpenters.
and the Carpenters.
Whether she's on a football field or basketball court, Casey Martyak brings energy
and spirit to The University of Notre Dame and we're sure parents Maureen and Dan
are extremely proud.
and spirit to The University of Notre Dame and we're sure parents Maureen and Dan
are extremely proud.
June 16th, 2019, Fathers' Day. A 14-0 victory and the Moondogs and family enjoy a
post game gathering.
post game gathering.
Moondog rookie Scott Anderson on the mound, first time in 6 years against the Kings. Moondogs won 12-4
Gene Vincent against the Kings, Sunday, May 19th.
School girl brushers her hair back.
Blue jeans can't hide the bare facts.
Bad boy knows where to find it.
Runs the light, sneaks up behind her.
Blue jeans can't hide the bare facts.
Bad boy knows where to find it.
Runs the light, sneaks up behind her.
Saturday, May 25, 2019, The Moondogs visit Volpe's Sports bar in Emmaus for a post game gathering. It was a 12-4 victory over the Dodgers and a complete game for pitcher Scott Pennypacker. The bill was $457 but was covered by the seafood concession at Palmer Days. Great to be a Moondogs
Front row: Andrew Panza, Bob Stocker, Tom George, Jim McRoberts, Manager Turk Starniri, Richard "Bubby" Howey,
Matt Connolly, Dan Martyak, Randy Fleck.
Back row: Kevin Reid, Scott Pennypacker, Gene Vincent, Tom Czysz, Sam Crivellaro, Mike Vangelo, Lou Falco, Rich Wescoe, Mike Zuk, Don Jean, Matt Hanson.
Matt Connolly, Dan Martyak, Randy Fleck.
Back row: Kevin Reid, Scott Pennypacker, Gene Vincent, Tom Czysz, Sam Crivellaro, Mike Vangelo, Lou Falco, Rich Wescoe, Mike Zuk, Don Jean, Matt Hanson.
To Erica, Susan, Becky, Maureen, Doreen, Terry, Kim, Judy, and Sharon. From opening day to the Championship, you were a big part of it and we are grateful.
After the game on May 6. In the field house at Hackett away from the rain.
In 1988, the Lehigh Valley Mens' Senior Baseball League was formed and I found myself playing for Dr. Charlie Brooks and the Orioles. It was a 6 team league and the first playoff game was between the Orioles and Mets.
Starting pitcher for the Mets-Rick Keppel.
The Orioles rubber-armed Ed Musselman pitched in every game including the playoff game. His sweeping curveball frustrated most hitters. His 3 year record with the Orioles was 24-7.
Among team members were Jim Goodheart, Sean Carrigan, Keith Smith, & Ron Kinek.
The following year I left the Orioles to start the Diamonds with Jim Trach, Frank Marakovits, Randy and Larry Fry, John Senay, and Del Buss. Our home field was Notre Dame High School.
In 1996, a new team entered the league in Roseto, Pa. with Dan Wittaker, Ant Casciano, Brad Decker, Scott Werner, Randy Fleck, Gary Search, Ed Bartholomew, and Charlie Angellini.
Don Jean, Jim McRoberts were added a few years later.
The name of that team...The Moondogs.
Over the following years, Rich Wescoe, Bob Thomas, Sam Crivellaro, Tom George, Dan Waelchli, Bob Fatzinger, Bruce Alpaugh, and Dennis Kinney, became Moondogs.
It has been and continues to be a great ride with many MSBL League and Playoff Championships and 6 MSBL Arizona World Championships.
We have made it our cause to give back to the community by starting 50 Hours of Baseball and Diamond Dreams Charity Marathon-two organizations who deal with special needs children. In all but 1 year, Ed Bartholomew has chaired this event and under his leadership over $240,000 was raised for Camelot for Children and Dream Come True
For the last 10 years, the Moondogs have taken an active role in supporting the Miracle League of Northampton County which provides special needs children a chance to play baseball . The facility is next to the Chrin Community Center in Palmer Twsp.
Needles to say, we are proud of our accomplishments both on and off the field. For those players past and present, this page is dedicated to you.
We couldn't have done it without you.
Starting pitcher for the Mets-Rick Keppel.
The Orioles rubber-armed Ed Musselman pitched in every game including the playoff game. His sweeping curveball frustrated most hitters. His 3 year record with the Orioles was 24-7.
Among team members were Jim Goodheart, Sean Carrigan, Keith Smith, & Ron Kinek.
The following year I left the Orioles to start the Diamonds with Jim Trach, Frank Marakovits, Randy and Larry Fry, John Senay, and Del Buss. Our home field was Notre Dame High School.
In 1996, a new team entered the league in Roseto, Pa. with Dan Wittaker, Ant Casciano, Brad Decker, Scott Werner, Randy Fleck, Gary Search, Ed Bartholomew, and Charlie Angellini.
Don Jean, Jim McRoberts were added a few years later.
The name of that team...The Moondogs.
Over the following years, Rich Wescoe, Bob Thomas, Sam Crivellaro, Tom George, Dan Waelchli, Bob Fatzinger, Bruce Alpaugh, and Dennis Kinney, became Moondogs.
It has been and continues to be a great ride with many MSBL League and Playoff Championships and 6 MSBL Arizona World Championships.
We have made it our cause to give back to the community by starting 50 Hours of Baseball and Diamond Dreams Charity Marathon-two organizations who deal with special needs children. In all but 1 year, Ed Bartholomew has chaired this event and under his leadership over $240,000 was raised for Camelot for Children and Dream Come True
For the last 10 years, the Moondogs have taken an active role in supporting the Miracle League of Northampton County which provides special needs children a chance to play baseball . The facility is next to the Chrin Community Center in Palmer Twsp.
Needles to say, we are proud of our accomplishments both on and off the field. For those players past and present, this page is dedicated to you.
We couldn't have done it without you.
A DOG'S LIFE
During the 1950's, Alan Freed became the first white DJ to play black rythym and blues to his many fans on WJM in Cleveland, Ohio.
He called his young listeners Moondoggies and his show was the Moondog Show.
He was the father of Rock and Roll and his start on the radio is why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is in Cleveland.
Eventually he moved to New York City at WINS where he hosted concerts at the famous Apollo Theater.
Unfortunately, he was caught in the Payola scandal in the early 60's and faded from view.
His contribution to the industry was unmatched as was his life style. He died from liver disease in 1965 at age 43.
So when people ask what is a Moondog, now they know.
During the 1950's, Alan Freed became the first white DJ to play black rythym and blues to his many fans on WJM in Cleveland, Ohio.
He called his young listeners Moondoggies and his show was the Moondog Show.
He was the father of Rock and Roll and his start on the radio is why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is in Cleveland.
Eventually he moved to New York City at WINS where he hosted concerts at the famous Apollo Theater.
Unfortunately, he was caught in the Payola scandal in the early 60's and faded from view.
His contribution to the industry was unmatched as was his life style. He died from liver disease in 1965 at age 43.
So when people ask what is a Moondog, now they know.
We thank team mate Randy Fleck
who found this historical poster
in the Cleveland Airport.
who found this historical poster
in the Cleveland Airport.
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The Moondog
He was what the 50's were all about. He found paradise by the dashboard lights and fathers warned their daughters about him. He taught Rockers how to rock. He was a great memory at a great time who's music will live forever. I thank good friend and the late Jeff Levan for bringing him to life. |
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It looks like the Moondogs will be headed back to the Lehigh Valley MSBL for the 2018
season to participate in the new Over 55 Baseball League.. We will be joined by the New Jersey Bucks to create a 6 (maybe 7) team league.
We enjoyed our time in the Bux-Mont MSBL Over 45 League where we won the 2016 Playoff Championship but the competition became very strong and much younger but time has come to seek other options.
Nothing is guaranteed but we are looking forward to getting on the field and, hopefully, being as competitive as we once were.
Stay tuned.
season to participate in the new Over 55 Baseball League.. We will be joined by the New Jersey Bucks to create a 6 (maybe 7) team league.
We enjoyed our time in the Bux-Mont MSBL Over 45 League where we won the 2016 Playoff Championship but the competition became very strong and much younger but time has come to seek other options.
Nothing is guaranteed but we are looking forward to getting on the field and, hopefully, being as competitive as we once were.
Stay tuned.
Opening Day, 2018, Tom Czysz and Scott Pennypacker. Moondogs 11 Dodgers 2
2016 Moondogs
Kevin Reid
Kevin Reid
Lou Falco Mike Zuk
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Lou Falco
Palmer Community Days, 2016. Little rain on Sunday but we got through it. Good weekend to be a
Moondog and great weekend to be able to donate to the Miracle League of Northampton County.
Served Aw Shucks corn, fried shrimp, fried clams and about 2000 dozen steamed clams.
Our thanks goes to Eddie for his help. We couldn't have done it without him.
A special thanks to Sam's Club, Giant Food Market and Friendly Market for their help and generosity.
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On Sunday afternoon, the rain brought a chance for Mike Zuk to start a pool to pick the exact time the rain would stop
After a length debate, we couldn't determine the exact moment the rained stopped, we decide to buy a lottery ticket with the money. We probably won't win but who knows? |
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Tony Spidale, now living in Florida, comes Norh every
year to help with the event. That's Moondog dedication! |
It's not baseball, but it does feature one of our own. Tom George, son Brett, and grandson Jaxon.
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On March 6, 2016, the Moondogs met at Shruty's Pub to receive their rings as they celebrated the Over 60 MSBL World Series Championship in Phoenix, 2015.
More photos on the "Arizona" page.
More photos on the "Arizona" page.
Team photo: Lexi Connolly Studios
In the publication of "Readers' Digest" a feature entitled "My Most Unforgetable Character" appears in every issue.
On March 1, 2015, our most unforgetable character - Gordon Santee passed away after a long illness.
He was our friend and scorekeeper. He was our teammate.
Because he always wore his trademark bowtie as a chemistry teacher at Easton High School, we wanted to honor him.
Tuesday, March 3 was the night we said goodbye to Gordon and was also the night he toasted his friendship, his life, and his humor.
Rest easy my friend. May a chorus of angels bring you home.
On March 1, 2015, our most unforgetable character - Gordon Santee passed away after a long illness.
He was our friend and scorekeeper. He was our teammate.
Because he always wore his trademark bowtie as a chemistry teacher at Easton High School, we wanted to honor him.
Tuesday, March 3 was the night we said goodbye to Gordon and was also the night he toasted his friendship, his life, and his humor.
Rest easy my friend. May a chorus of angels bring you home.
Palmer Community Days 2015
Top left: Bruce Alpaugh, Bob Stocker, Dave Palumbo & Freddy Arce
Bottom left: Randy Fleck & Lou Falco, Tom George and Bill Goldsworth
Bottom left: Randy Fleck & Lou Falco, Tom George and Bill Goldsworth
Starting pitcher Scott Pennypacker
April 6, 2014.
Shortstop is Dave Morris.
April 6, 2014.
Shortstop is Dave Morris.
OVER 65 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
On January 1, 2014, the Moondogs were awarded
Championship rings to comemmorate their victory in the
MSBL World Series, Phoenix, Az in October of 2013.
Front from left: John Bristow, Dennis Ritter,
Tournament MVP Dennis Hock.
Back: Turk Starniri, Manager Dick Prue
On January 1, 2014, the Moondogs were awarded
Championship rings to comemmorate their victory in the
MSBL World Series, Phoenix, Az in October of 2013.
Front from left: John Bristow, Dennis Ritter,
Tournament MVP Dennis Hock.
Back: Turk Starniri, Manager Dick Prue
On October 28, 2012 at Tempe Diablo Stadium, former Major Leaguers gathered to play a Charity "
Legends Game" as part of the MSBL World Series.
Pictured are Reggie Jackson, Rollie Fingers, and former San Diego Padre pitcher and present
Moondog, Dennis Kinney.
Legends Game" as part of the MSBL World Series.
Pictured are Reggie Jackson, Rollie Fingers, and former San Diego Padre pitcher and present
Moondog, Dennis Kinney.
By the way, if you happen to notice this logo and a sentence or two on this website that doesn't seem to fit, well these are the lyrics of some of my favorite songs. As a Moondog, they fit perfectly!
You see, you spend a good piece of your life
gripping a baseball.
And in the end, it was the other way around
all the time.
Jim Bouton
gripping a baseball.
And in the end, it was the other way around
all the time.
Jim Bouton
The Moondogs gratefully acknowledges Nancy Zuk Ellis, Kim Peterman, Donna Bartholomew, Adam Fleck, & Karen Prue, whose photographs and videos make this website come alive.
The Moondogs 2013, Bux-Mont MSBL
Clockwise: Dan Waelchli, Bob Fatzinger, Bob Stocker, Mike Zuk & Dave Palumbo, Ted Delong, Bruce Alpaugh
Clockwise: Jim McRoberts, Bill Goldsworth, Matt Connolly, Sam Crivellaro, Tom George, Tony Spidale, Mike Zuk
Randy Fleck
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Tony Franczak
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Miracle League President Rick Agretto
receives a check for $1,100 from
Moondog Treasurer Tony Spidale.
Team Manager Turk Starniri looks on.
Proceeds were part of the Moondogs
running the Seafood Stand during the
Palmer Community Days in August.
Committee members: are Don Jean, Matt Connolly, Mike Zuk, Spidale and
Starniri .
receives a check for $1,100 from
Moondog Treasurer Tony Spidale.
Team Manager Turk Starniri looks on.
Proceeds were part of the Moondogs
running the Seafood Stand during the
Palmer Community Days in August.
Committee members: are Don Jean, Matt Connolly, Mike Zuk, Spidale and
Starniri .
Moondogs, 2011 Bux-Mont MSBL Over 45 League and Playoff Champions
Back : Gordon Santee, Mike Zuk, Ted DeLong, Dennis Kinney, Lou Falco, Dave Palumbo, Don Jean, Ed Emery, Ron Wentz,
Turk Starniri Jr. Rick McGeehan
Front : Sam Crivellaro, Bruce Alpaugh, Jim McRoberts, Bob Thomas, Tom George, Brad Trump, Randy Fleck, Bob Stocker
Tony Spidale, Ron Deibert (Missing from photo: Bill Goldsworth , Matt Connolly, & Rich Lewis)
Wanted..young man single and free. Experienced in love preferred, but we'll accept the young trainee.
The 2010 Moondogs, Over 55 Division
Phoenix, Az.
Front row from left: Sam Crivellaro, Turk Starniri Jr., Rich Wescoe, Gordon Santee, Jim McRoberts, Ron Deibert, Randy Fleck.
Back row from left: Rick McGeehan, Dick Prue, Rich Lewis, Dennis Kinney, Barry Peterman, Frank John, Dennis Ritter, Mike Heck, Don Jean, Dave Palumbo, Tom Czycz, Ted DeLong, Gene Lietgeb, Mike Zuk, Bob Zerfass.
Phoenix, Az.
Front row from left: Sam Crivellaro, Turk Starniri Jr., Rich Wescoe, Gordon Santee, Jim McRoberts, Ron Deibert, Randy Fleck.
Back row from left: Rick McGeehan, Dick Prue, Rich Lewis, Dennis Kinney, Barry Peterman, Frank John, Dennis Ritter, Mike Heck, Don Jean, Dave Palumbo, Tom Czycz, Ted DeLong, Gene Lietgeb, Mike Zuk, Bob Zerfass.
Sweeten my coffee with a morning kiss. Soften my dreams with your sigh
Tell me you love me for a million years. If it don't work out, then you can
tell me goodbye.
Tell me you love me for a million years. If it don't work out, then you can
tell me goodbye.
In 1962, I was playing for the Phillipsburg Collegians in the Tri-County League and after a game a young child approached Carl Bethman, one of my older teammates .
" Mister," he said, " When I grow up, I want to be a baseball player ".
Fifty two year old Bethman looked the kid in the eye and replied, "Sorry kid, you can't do both".
Team Captain Mike Zuk pay a visit to pitcher Dave Cardell, Peoria, Az.
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Phil & Chet Torcivia
Whether he was
watching son Phil or just hanging around, Chet was one of the guys and a loyal fan. Chet Torcivia 1931-2010 |
Moondog pitcher, Brad Moharter, 1995-2004,
Most Outstanding Pitcher 1998 & 2003
Most Outstanding Pitcher 1998 & 2003
As I go along my lonely way,
I visualize your face.
When pass through my
doorway,
what's left for me to face?
I visualize your face.
When pass through my
doorway,
what's left for me to face?
Receiving 2009 Championship rings, from left: Don Jean, Turk Starniri Jr., Bob Thomas, Gordon Santee, Dennis Bishop, & Dennis Ritter.
We worked extremely hard for this one!
We worked extremely hard for this one!
If you really love love him and
there's nothing I can do.
Don't try to spare my feelings,
just tell me that we're through.
Barry & Kim Peterman
Dennis & Sue Kinney
Gordon and Monique by the pool at the LaQuinta.
Dennis & Sue Kinney
Gordon and Monique by the pool at the LaQuinta.
Why does everyone sing "take me out to the ballgame" when they're already there?
Larry Anderson
2006 MOONDOGS LEAGUE AND PLAYOFF CHAMPIONS
Front: Randy Fleck, Luis Rodriguez, Rick Kreig, Jim McRoberts, Scott Werner,Ron Wentz
Back: Gordon Santee, Don Jean, Ed Emery, Mike Zuk, Turk Starniri, Tony Falcinelli, Steve Brescia, Brad Moharter, Rick McGeehan
Moondogs, 2004 League Champions
From left: Brad Moharter, Turk Starniri Jr., Gordon Santee, Mike Zuk, Ed Bartholomew, Ray Ganser, Morgan Whitebread, Rich Wescoe, Rich Lewis,
Tom George, Mike Witkowski, Mike Heck, Rick Kreig, Tony Spidale, Bob Stocker, Ron Wentz
From left: Brad Moharter, Turk Starniri Jr., Gordon Santee, Mike Zuk, Ed Bartholomew, Ray Ganser, Morgan Whitebread, Rich Wescoe, Rich Lewis,
Tom George, Mike Witkowski, Mike Heck, Rick Kreig, Tony Spidale, Bob Stocker, Ron Wentz
Am I building paper castles?
Paper castles in the sky.
Could you fall for me?
Could it really be or am I
aiming much too high?
Paper castles in the sky.
Could you fall for me?
Could it really be or am I
aiming much too high?
Hardball Magazine, Fall, 2000
The MSBL League
Clambake, 2003. The Reservoir. Hellertown, Pa |
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LVMSBL 2002 Final Standings
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LVMSBL 2001, Final Standings
LVMSBL 1999
How's you life been goin' on? I got a wife and for years we've been goin' strong.
There's something I just got to say. Sometimes we make love and I still see your face.
Moondogs vs Colorado Silver Bullets, Tuesday, August 12, 1997, Bicentennial Park, Allentown, Pa
Back row: Amy Cavanuagh, Jeff Litz, Bob Thomas, Tony Falcinelli, Gordon Santee, Turk Starniri jr., Rick Miller, Bob Zerfass,
Randy Fleck, Ed Bartholomew
Front row: Tom George, Ken Wellington, Lou Hernandez, Gary Search, Trini Huertas, Mick Corpora,Joe Maguilio,
LVMSBL Final Standings, 1996
The Earl Filmore Trailer Park Moondogs receive their championship rings at a ceremony at the Widow Tavern, Stockertown, Pa.
The Filmore Trailer Park is located just outside Phillipsburg, New Jersey, on Rt 57
and is between the toxic waste dump and the sewage plant.
Downwind sites are still available.
The Filmore Trailer Park is located just outside Phillipsburg, New Jersey, on Rt 57
and is between the toxic waste dump and the sewage plant.
Downwind sites are still available.
When he's keeping score, he wants no interruptions, needs time to concentrate and has the difficult task in judging whether a ball is a hit or error. In other words, Gordon Santee works very hard at his craft. He is very good at what he does and nothing is overlooked in his scorebook.
So when he gets a chance to relax and relieve tension, he make a bee line to Hooters and the beautiful girls.
You're livin' large now, Gordon.
So when he gets a chance to relax and relieve tension, he make a bee line to Hooters and the beautiful girls.
You're livin' large now, Gordon.
Gordon Santee..A Teacher
Born September 14, 1928 in Easton, Pa, Gordon Santee graduated from Easton High School in 1945 and took a B.S. in Chemistry from Lafayette College in 1951. He earned M.S. degrees in Polymer Chemistry and Science Education from the University of New York, Syracuse, then returned to Easton where he taught high school chemistry for 28 years.
"I loved the kids but tolerated no nonsense in the classroom," says Gordon. "When I took early retirement last year, the kids gave me a standing ovation at Commencement. It was totally unexpected. I've never been so deeply moved."
"Studies and work came first in my day," he recalls. "We were not wealthy. My Dad was a milkman. It was the depression and we were expected to do our part." Gordon drove the horse drawn milkwagon after school.
"I loved sandlot ball in the summer though, and continued until I began dating my wife in 1953."
Gordon and Molly raised 3 children: Susan, and twins Steven and Sharon.
Molly was killed on September 7, 1986 in a car accident caused by a drunken driver.
"Gordon and his wife were inseparable," recalls Ed Bartholomew, Chairman of 50 Hours of Baseball.
"You'd see them,chaperoning the school dance, working on some committee. When she died, he was lost. When he found MSBL, it was the best thing to happen to him."
After reading a newspaper ad in the spring of 1988, Gordon called Joe and Rhonda Cassazza, who were organizing the league in the Lehigh Valley. At 59, he worried that he might be too old. :You'll never mistake me for an All-Star" he told them.
After watching a scrimmage with some high school players, he noticed that the older guys were dropping fly balls and kicking grounders. "I can do that," he said. At his first at bat he scratched a single and tripped over first. "I've never been particularly graceful'" he said.
"There's a ballplayer in that 66 year old body," says team mate Turk Starniri Jr., a former Pro prospect himself.
"Gordon faces each day with the enthusiasm of the Captain of the good ship Lollipop, he's the most positive person I know. But when the situation calls for it, he can be quite stern..just like a retired chemistry teacher"
Because of his teaching duties, he didn't make an Arizona World Series but since his retirement, he hasn't missed. "It is great being part of their success," he says, "but if winning is your only goal, then you're priorities are wrong"
Gordon was the MSBL League President from 1993 to 1998 and nothing got by him. His ethics served him well. Those men with whom he served will testify.
This abbreviated article appeared in Hardball Magazine in the Summer of 1994. You can access the full story online.
"I loved the kids but tolerated no nonsense in the classroom," says Gordon. "When I took early retirement last year, the kids gave me a standing ovation at Commencement. It was totally unexpected. I've never been so deeply moved."
"Studies and work came first in my day," he recalls. "We were not wealthy. My Dad was a milkman. It was the depression and we were expected to do our part." Gordon drove the horse drawn milkwagon after school.
"I loved sandlot ball in the summer though, and continued until I began dating my wife in 1953."
Gordon and Molly raised 3 children: Susan, and twins Steven and Sharon.
Molly was killed on September 7, 1986 in a car accident caused by a drunken driver.
"Gordon and his wife were inseparable," recalls Ed Bartholomew, Chairman of 50 Hours of Baseball.
"You'd see them,chaperoning the school dance, working on some committee. When she died, he was lost. When he found MSBL, it was the best thing to happen to him."
After reading a newspaper ad in the spring of 1988, Gordon called Joe and Rhonda Cassazza, who were organizing the league in the Lehigh Valley. At 59, he worried that he might be too old. :You'll never mistake me for an All-Star" he told them.
After watching a scrimmage with some high school players, he noticed that the older guys were dropping fly balls and kicking grounders. "I can do that," he said. At his first at bat he scratched a single and tripped over first. "I've never been particularly graceful'" he said.
"There's a ballplayer in that 66 year old body," says team mate Turk Starniri Jr., a former Pro prospect himself.
"Gordon faces each day with the enthusiasm of the Captain of the good ship Lollipop, he's the most positive person I know. But when the situation calls for it, he can be quite stern..just like a retired chemistry teacher"
Because of his teaching duties, he didn't make an Arizona World Series but since his retirement, he hasn't missed. "It is great being part of their success," he says, "but if winning is your only goal, then you're priorities are wrong"
Gordon was the MSBL League President from 1993 to 1998 and nothing got by him. His ethics served him well. Those men with whom he served will testify.
This abbreviated article appeared in Hardball Magazine in the Summer of 1994. You can access the full story online.
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In the dugout, 2006
A good hitter, a good fielder
and a better person.
Dennis Bressler
1954-1998
and a better person.
Dennis Bressler
1954-1998
LVMSBL 1993 Final Standings
No other dream could replace
that lonely and cold empty
space
and fill my heart with love.
For it's you I'm dreaming of.
that lonely and cold empty
space
and fill my heart with love.
For it's you I'm dreaming of.
The Moondogs, Arizona, 1993, from video
The Lehigh Valley Blasters, Arizona, 1994
Top Row: Rick Miller, Dave Povenski, Santos Martinez,
Ed Bartholomew, John Pena, Al Jones, Jack Seidwitz,
Tom Marrero, Tony Falcinelli, Bill Huston, Ken Gourley.
Bottom row: Bruce Henry, George Duffy, Jim Gerber,
Ron Greennsweig, John Martucci, Trini Huertas,
George Gibbs, Ed Musselman, Rich Rocovsky
Ed Bartholomew, John Pena, Al Jones, Jack Seidwitz,
Tom Marrero, Tony Falcinelli, Bill Huston, Ken Gourley.
Bottom row: Bruce Henry, George Duffy, Jim Gerber,
Ron Greennsweig, John Martucci, Trini Huertas,
George Gibbs, Ed Musselman, Rich Rocovsky
Scoring
Rick Kreig & Scott Werner
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Chippendales relax
after a performance. 
I want a Sunday kind of love.
A love to last past Saturday night. I'd like to know it was more than love at first sight. |
Dan Waechli, Bob Fatzinger, Mike Witkowski, Neal Eichelberger, & Tom George,
Arizona, 1993
Arizona, 1993
John Senay and
Ed Bartholomew. How'd that rattlesnake meat taste? Arizona, 1996, Rawhide Saloon |
John Senay
In this game, July 1993,
he played 9 positions in 9 innings. He was the Moondogs winning pitcher |
The Odd Couple, Dave Toth & Tom George
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From the Lehigh Valley MSBL 1990 Season Yearbook
