News and Announcements

SOMERSET PATRIOTS RE-SIGN PITCHER GREG MODICA The Somerset Patriots have announced the re-signing of right-handed pitcher Greg Modica. Modica finished the 2004 season with the Somerset Patriots, starting two games at the end of the season. Modica was 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 12 innings pitched for Somerset. Modica began the 2004 season with the River City Rascals of the Frontier League, starting 19 games and posting an 11-3 record over 129.1 innings pitched. The Glendale, NY, native also struck out 91 batters. Modica has two years of experience in the San Diego Padres organization and spent the 2003 season with River City. In 2003 he notched a career-high 101 strikeouts in 110.2 innings pitched. He has a career 21-16 record with a 3.97 ERA and 247 strikeouts in 303.2 innings pitch in 82 games. “We were all very impressed with Greg’s performances at the end of last season. He joined the team very late in the year and pitched extremely well. We feel he is the type of pitcher who can be a strong presence on our team and throughout the league,” said Patrick McVerry, President/ General Manager of the Somerset Patriots Baseball Club.

 

Former professional RGMVM Star Player is currently giving pitching lessons.  Greg also has a new web site: www.modicapitching.com 

 Here is a short bio and information on Greg: 

He started the year in Spring Training with the Milwaukee Brewers. Although he was released at the end of camp he went back to play with the River City Rascals of the Independent Frontier League. In his second campaign with River City, Modica posted an 11-3 record while being selected to the league all-star game for the second straight season. Not ready to shut it down, Modica was signed for the final ten days of the season by the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League.

In his Patriot debut, Modica shined carrying a no-hitter into the seventh inning against the first place Nashua Pride. He finished the game with seven scoreless innings, one hit, one walk, and nine strikeouts. Modica would get one more start on the final day of the season. He won again giving him a 2-0 record in the Atlantic League and a 13-3 overall record for the year.

In Somerset Modica had the chance to play for former Yankee standout and 1977 Cy Young Sparkey Lyle. Modica originally signed by the San Diego Padres in 2001, spent two seasons in their organization. After getting released following the 2002 season, Modica went to the Independent Leagues and landed in River City. He was an all-star there in his first season. Greg finished his pro career with the Long Island Ducks. 

For more information and

to sign up for pitching lessons please

call 917 495-5862. 

 

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Little League East Region Website

Posted by Patrick Piteo at Nov 30, 2004 4:00PM PST ( 0 Comments )
The newly designed, revised and updated Little League Baseball and Softball East Region Website has been completed and is now available at www.eteamz.com/llbeast Important information regarding Little League Baseball's East Region is now available at the site which is concentrated on providing East Region District Administrators, League Officials, League Members, League Managers/Coaches, League Volunteers and League Players with the most beneficial news, documents, regional calendar of events and tips/training for all to utilize. image
Victory Is Declared As Revamp Of Forest Park Field Is Finished ! A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the renovation of the ballfield at the Victory Field recreational complex in Forest Park on Tuesday. The $1.9 million project included the installation of artificial turf and new fencing, seating and surrounding landscape at one of Queens’ most popular baseball fields. In addition to the new synthetic turf field, the NYC Parks Department replaced the aging concrete seating area with steel bleachers that give spectators a more comfortable space to watch games. In top photo, Mayor Michael Bloomberg tries on a baseball cap during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated ballfield in Forest Park. The $1.9 million project included the installation of artificial turf and new fencing, seating and surrounding landscape. In bottom, right photo, RGMVM Little League players try out the new diamond. The new dugouts, backstop and a portable pitchers mound give the look of a professional baseball field, and the new picket fencing and landscaping has improved the area’s overall appearance. The renovation was funded with $1.4 million in the Mayor’s capital budget and $500,000 allocated by City Council Member Dennis Gallagher. Other Queens parks to receive this new generation of artificial turf fields include Juniper Valley and Linden parks. In the past three years, the Parks Department has installed 40 new synthetic turf fields. Also, 17 artificial fields are currently under construction and there are 20 projects in design. Thanks to technological advances in material and design, the new generation of artificial turf fields play and feel like real grass. A layer of grass-like blades sits on a base of crushed rubber pebbles that makes for an extremely durable playing field. They offer excellent drainage, are easy to maintain, and are ideal for multi-use recreation fields. The Parks Department’s first artificial turf field opened at Manhattan’s Chelsea Park in 1998. “We are committed to creating and improving parks and recreational space throughout the five boroughs,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “By adding to and improving our more than 1,700 city parks and open spaces, we continue to make our city more livable for all New Yorkers. Using state-of-the-art synthetic turf to convert asphalt ballfields was one of my campaign promises, and we have expanded the initiative to also improve grass fields with poor drainage. This is the 40th new field the Parks Department has installed in the past three years, and currently has another 17 under construction. The renovated ballfield at Victory Field is another great park improvement for Queens and will provide enjoyment for ballplayers and residents of Woodhaven for years to come.” “Forest Park is one of the great recreation resources in New York City. The renovation of this baseball field will greatly improve the experience of residents who play team sports here,” said Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “Not only has the new fencing and landscaping made the ballfield more attractive, but the new turf will allow us to keep the ballfield open more. I’d like to thank Forest Park Administrator Debbie Kuha for all she has done for this renovation and other recent improvements to the park.” “I would like to thank Mayor Bloomberg, Parks Commissioner Benepe and Queens Parks Commissioner Richard Murphy for assisting in making this project a reality,” said Council Member Gallagher. “This new state-of-the-art ballfield is the wave of the future and will allow our children to play in a safe environment for years to come. Within the next few years, we will see substantial improvements to Forest Park, which will further enhance one of Queens County’s most vital parklands.” The above was written and appeared in the Ridgewood Times.imageimage
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FALL BASEBALL 2004

Posted by Patrick Piteo at Sep 13, 2004 5:00PM PDT ( 0 Comments )
The Fall Baseball Season Will Start September 18. You Can Still Sign Up At The Field Then...