Seminoles Storm to First Title
NYC, September 1998.

"Thunder and lightening" proved a colloquial metephore for describing the 1998 NY Seminoles. Led by a powerful lineup that included 1998 NABA All-Star's Gary Harris, Brian Mejias, Ray Arias and first year players Arthur Johnson, Frank Giglio, Mark Simmelkaje and Jose Ferreira Jr.. Together they provided the final components to a now formidable nine. Looking to prove their tenacious 10 - 0 mark to start the season was no fluke, the Seminoles ran through the playoffs in mirror fashion (5-0), sweeping the Middle Village Mariners two games to nil to capture the New York City Title. The championship crown is the first in Seminoles history.

In riding an offense that produced 37 homeruns in 22 regular season games, the Noles continued to provide the complimenting "thunder" to it's "lightening" pitching staff. Led by right-hander Drew Ianni and left-hander Arthur Johnson, the mound crew gave little hope that any resistance would be futile. Ianni, matching his 7-0 mark on the season, began the playoffs with a dominating two hit performance versus the Manhattan Knights. Not to be outdone, Johnson followed with victories in both the semi-finals and game one of the Championship series. In the closing game, the bats again gave the staff run support that proved to be insurmountable. Scoring ten runs in the first three innings, Harris (2 for 3, 2 triples), Mejias (2 for 4, double), Arias (4 for 4, 3 doubles) and Johnson (3 for 4, Double, 2 triples) staked Ianni to a lead that would look to complete his and the Seminoles perfect title trek. The games hi-lite, however, proved to be neither offense or pitching, but rather a defensive gem. Closing in on the 10 run mercy rule, the Mariners attempted to stave off elimination by attempting to score a run from third on a sacrifice fly. Standing some 370 feet away, LF Gary Harris, unleashed a perfect throw from the light extantions in leftfield to home plate and the awaiting glove of Nole's catcher Ray Arias. Ball Game Over, Season Over, Noles Win, Noles Win !!


For more information about the New York Seminoles, please visit: http://www.nyseminoles.com/

Noles' Win Title No.II
NYC, August 2000.

The New York Seminoles defeated the Harlem Shasky`s for their second city title in three years. Struggling to finish the season in a positive fashion, the Seminoles regrouped to creep past the Bronx Yankees in a single game playoff qualifier. Backed by the pitching of right-hander Drew Ianni, the Seminoles rode Drew`s stellar two hitter in route to a 3-0 victory. In the league semifinals, The Seminoles again found an unexpected roadblock, the Puerto Rican Hurricanes’. After falling behind one game to zero in a best of three with the Hurricanes, the Seminoles bounced back behind the pitching of Ianni and the hitting of 'Snoop' Ferreira and Felix Deleon to take the next two and enter the N.Y.C. Championship Series against the Harlem Shaskys. Once again, veteran savvy and playoff experience proved to be the difference. Ianni, followed by the dominance of closer Joe Alvarez and the bats of playoff MVP 2nd baseman Tim Peguero, catcher Ray Arias and 1st baseman Paul Lulaj, the Seminoles took a one game to nothing series lead. This fast start proved insurmountable against a Seminole team that was eager for a second title. After giving way to an early lead in game two to the young upstarts from Harlem, the Seminoles again proved worthy of their game. They fought to the deciding game’s lead with a 7 run outburst in inning No. 5, to capture the game 10 - 7 and their goal, title No. 2

For more information about the New York Seminoles, please visit: http://www.nyseminoles.com/

Seminoles at Shea
Clockwise: Joe Alvarez, Brian Mejias, Vic Catano, Joe Alvarez, Nephty Cruz
Photo courtesy of Ken Jacobson Photography

2004 All-Star Gala, A Field of Dreams
NYC, July 2004.

The numbers on the outfield wall speak of baseball legends, Seaver, Stengal, Robinson. The players on this day are not of baseball pedigree. They are not of million dollar contracts or endorsements. They are, however, men living a moment only few can imagine to capture. Tuesday, July 27th , the Long Island City (Queens) Y.M.C.A and the Long Island Stan Musial baseball leagues staged their first annual All-Star Gala at Shea Stadium. It’s excitement and enthusiasm exceeded all hopes any one person could have perceived. The day was a celebration not solely of the year’s achievements of the men who put uniforms on this day. But, for many it served a fulfillment of ageless dreams and thoughts.

The New York Seminoles, Harlem Shaskys, Corona Sharks, Astoria Giants and many other branded teams were represented on this day. During a year by which they called themselves opponents, for this game they were teammates, for many, friends. The Seminoles on this day would have four selected All-Stars, 1B/DH Nephty Cruz, SS Joseph Alvarez and P Vic Catano and team manager Brian Mejias. Their accomplishments on the diamond this year were second to none. Their thoughts however were equal to many. “I can’t believe I’m living my biggest dream. I’m going to play a game at Shea, in front of my parents, friends and with teammates. How great is that!” Matt McCarthy of the Harlem Shakys and lifelong N.Y. Mets fan shared. McCarthy, who walked out to the mound to deliver his team's first pitch and live his dream, glanced toward the outfield, looked at the retired numbers on the left field wall, exhaled and turned to face the first batter. The first pitch, a fastball for a strike. His dream like many on this day is realized. He’s playing at Shea Stadium.

New York Seminoles manager Brian Mejias, lent a different perspective. For him, this was a moment to reflect upon the many years he has been involved with amateur baseball and it’s importance. “Many of the players I sit around today, I’ve done so for the last 10 years. Many of which, I call friends. But, honestly I can’t give an adjective that could describe the feeling. I am just happy, knowing that for many of these guys who endure poor fields, rainouts, forfeits, scheduling isssues and everything else associated with trying to play the game they love. There are times that make it all seem worth it.” For Mr. Mejias, this day provided a moment for him absent of the game. His three year old daughter was in attendance. During pre-game introductions, as he stood with his players, his daughter could be heard calling “Daddy” from behind home plate. On this day, everything was worth it.


Gala Photographs on the ARCHIVE page.

For more information about the New York Seminoles, please visit: http://www.nyseminoles.com/

Carribean Pleasures, Diamonds in the Sand
Puerto Rico, February 2005.

In a game, who's past time is cherished from the skyscrapers of NY to the dunes of Arizona. Baseball opened its majesty to the fields surrounded by gentle breeze and the blue and hazel waters of the Puerto Rico. Gone were the flakes of December's winter frost and the holiday cheer of "Seasons Greetings"; replaced by the powdered white sands of the Caribbean and a cry of "Let's play ball!" The NY Seminoles, in addition to teams participating from accompanying areas, descended under the sunlit skies of Puerto Rico in mid-February upon the MSBL/MSBLTravel and its 10th Annual Caribbean Baseball Championships (2/17 – 2/21). The setting provided a welcomed backdrop for a myriad of fun in the sun.

The tournament, held over a four day period, scheduled 16 teams in a guaranteed five (5) game round robin schedule. With select invitations extended to ballclubs in New York, Florida, California, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, the teams prepared for a competition that would far exceed the experiences of many. The games themselves, beset amongst their beaches and island palm trees, were played upon Puerto Rico's finest fields (Roberto Clemente Stadium, Fajardo Stadium and Caguas Stadium). These venues alone, lent a value of play not enriched by many north of the islands.

Marked with impressive performances versus two perennial Puerto Rican strongholds, the PR Royals and PR Giants and a pair of victories against the 2004 MSBL World Series Champion Fedlock Falcons, the Seminoles marched to the tournament finals posting a 5-1 record. Buoyed by a solid pitching staff, led by righthanders Dave Jiminian (1 Win, 1 Save and a 0.00 ERA in 12 innings) and Joel Arroyo (2 Wins and a 1.80 ERA), the Seminoles offense left little doubt, the team from New York would match talents on both sides of the plate. Dave Jiminian (.760 Slg.), 1B Paul Lulaj and C Ken Jacobson combined to hit .452 (33 for 73) with 20 RBI's in the tournament. While Nephty Cruz (.357 Avg., .714 Slg.), Joe Alvarez (.348 Avg., 500 OBA.) and Lou Pantajo (9 Runs) tapped homeplate with a total of 26 runs combined. Their contributions, in addition to those of Vic Catano (.385 Avg.), Sal Nicosia (.350 Avg., .519 OBA.), Gary Harris (10 Runs) and the defense of OF Juan Ortiz, gave the Seminoles a tournamnet performance second to one.

Although the result of the championship game was marred with a 15-8 loss to the Daytona Beach Rangers. The Noles showed the island of Puerto Rico that they are contenders and a force not to be overlooked. Congratulations to the Seminoles, their staff and it's players. The promise of a title in the 2006 Caribbean Championships is a goal that is certainly within reach in a not so distant future.


Tournament Photographs on the ARCHIVE page.

For more information about the New York Seminoles, please visit: http://www.nyseminoles.com/

Three Times A Champ
Central Park, August 2005.

The New York Seminoles began the 2005 season with one thought in mind, winning a championship. And today their mission was finally accomplished. The Noles who walked into the 2005 playoffs as a Wilcard qualifier, showed their regular season effort was simply a glimpse into their championship resolve.

The Seminoles entered game three in the best of five championship series with a 2-0 lead. Their early effort would continue, the Noles pushed all the right buttons as they sent out playoff and championship series MVP Wil Ortiz to the hill to finish the series. But Ortiz quickly discoved the Manhatten McAleers weren't about to relinquish hopes of their 2004 title defense. The Noles jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead, but those Macs answered right back with 3 of their own and at one point taking the lead 5-3. There was sloppy play involved in the early going that led to these runs. The Noles rallied back yet again to take a 8-5 lead, and all was looking really good for the finale. But again, those McAleers refused to die. After an exhausted Ortiz stepped on the mound in the 7th, Seminoles coach Snoop Ferreira knew Ortiz had done his job, but wanted to give him one more inning. However, the Macs came out with another rally that would eventually end Ortiz's day on the mound. Noles called on reliever Joe Alvarez to complete the title run. But again, the resilient Macs forged a comeback and series life. The Macs came up big tying the game at 8. The Noles never panicked, riding an deep offensive lineup featured 5 hitters with a .400 Avg. The Noles came through yet again, scoring 4 times in the 8th inning. The big blow, a Wil Ortiz's 2 run scoring triple. The Macs tried once more to make another comeback by scoring a single run of their own in th 8th, cutting the lead to 12-9. But the Noles added a run in the ninth and Joe Alvarez had a 1,2,3 inning to the team's first Coimbre title.

"This is the greatest moment I've ever had in my history of playing at Central Park, and my history playing in the Pancho Coimbre League." These were the words spoken by the Seminoles manager Snoop Ferreira. As well as, "My hat goes off to the McAleers, they not only proved why they were champions last season, but they also proved why they finished on top in the standings.

They just never give up, no matter the score, situation or opponent, they just never give up."

Key Stat: The Noles moved their record in championship contests to 7-0.




For more information about the New York Seminoles, please visit: http://www.nyseminoles.com/

SI Yankee Stadium Crowns Seminoles' Champs
Staten Island, November 2005.

The New York Seminoles captured their fourth New York City Championship in their inaugural La Milagrosa Baseball League campaign. The Noles raced to an impressive 11-0 start on the year and showed their balance of offense and pitching was unrivaled. The Seminoles which led all teams with a .356 batting average including the MVP efforts of Nephty Cruz (.473 Avg., 17 RBI) and infielders Jayson Tenorio and Joe Alvarez (.415 and .400 Avg.) respectively, an overall staff ERA of 2.52 and a 20-4 regualr season.

The playoffs proved familiar in fashion. Sparked by the efforts of Playoff MVP P/3B Juan Rodriguez (.400 Avg., 2HR, 9 RBI)and C Ray Arias (.421 Avg., 6 RBI), the first year participants took to the finals at Staten Island Yankee Stadium with a 2-0 best of five series lead over a young New York City Mets squad. In game 3, the Noles and LHP Chris Berretta (2-0) completed their 7 month season with a 12-1 victory and a series sweep. The Seminoles reign with Championship #4 and a stadium of memories.

Key Stat: The Noles moved their record in championship contests to 10-0.




For more information about the New York Seminoles, please visit: http://www.nyseminoles.com/

Seminole Rising, Capture Fifth Title
Central Park, September 2006.

The New York Seminoles captured their fifth championship and first of this year in the 2006 Pancho Coimbre Baseball League. The Noles, faced with defending their 2005 title, took on a combination of upstarts that ranged from the Bronx Angels and grizzeled veterans, the Manhattan Knights . The Noles used a combination of timely hitting, pitching and sharp defense to solidify their reputation as league and city best.

Sparked by the MVP efforts of P Erik Estrada and SS Joe Alvarez, key additions in C Dan Mercado and 2B Jayson Tenorio and the inspired presence of Lou Colon, each equally gave the team a solid foundation in every stride toward their aspiration for this year. Their combined efforts, as well as their fellow teammates, left little doubt this years championship journey would glorify the Noles and each player's respective grit and determination. A mark unrivaled on the EVERYDAY grind within New York City's baseball fields.

Congratulations to the Seminoles and Manager Jose Ferreira Jr. on their 5th crown and second consectuive Pancho Coimbre Championship.

Key Stat: The Noles moved their record in championship contests to 12-0.




For more information about the New York Seminoles, please visit: http://www.nyseminoles.com/

Noles Dealt Poor Hand in AC
Atlantic city, NJ May 2007

Sand dunes, ocean breezes and the boardwalk provided a picturesque setting for the 2007 NABA Atlantic City Tournament. The 18+ open division featured 10 teams with a combined 18 league or tournament championships. The New York Seminoles, a five time NYC Champion, began the tournament with aspirations of adding another title to their bucket of shells.

The first game, Saturday afternoon, featured a match up between with the 2006 RVNABA League Champion Paterson Phillies. Led by 2005 NABA World Series MVP 1B Rich Aleman, the Phillies looked for a return to the Atlantic City championship game they reached in last year’s event. But, the Seminoles, countered with crafty veteran RHP Jose DeJesus. DeJesus (9 Inn., CG, 2 ER, 8K) using a mixture of pitch selections and varied deliveries reminiscent of Satchel Paige, stymied a Phillies offense that entered pool play with .314 team batting average in 2007 RVNABA league play. Energized by the stellar mound performance, the Seminole offense quickly raced to a 6-2 3rd inning advantage on a Nephty Cruz (2-5, 2 RBI, 2 Runs) two run scoring single and Mitchell Pena's (2-4, 3 Runs) RBI single to rightfield. Three runs respectively by the Noles, courtesy of 3B Chris Aguilera (3-4, 3 RBI) and 1B Carlos Cruz (2-4, 2 RBI), and Phillies in the remaining four innings gave the Seminoles an eventual 9-5 opening game win and a 1-0 record.

Sunday morning had a scheduled meeting with the 2005 NABA National Champion Irvington Cardinals. Defensive miscues left the Seminole squad with an early 5-1 deficit. But the Noles offense, led by a bases loaded single off the bat of Pena, erased all notions of a walk over with a 5 run fourth inning and 5-5 score. A three run 5th following consecutive errors provided the Cardinals with an 8-5 edge. After a matching two run 6th inning for each squad moved the score to 10-7, single RBI's by LF Nathan Moffie and Nephty Cruz sent a slugfest that saw every Seminole score a run into the 8th with the Noles trailing by one. All hopes for a comeback were thwarted, however, when the 3 hour time restriction was applied. Thus, ending the game in the 8th and handing the Cardinals a 10-9 shortened victory. The loss, which evened the Seminoles pool play record at 1-1, set the stage for an elimination bout with the New City Outlaws

Margate Park fielded the backdrop for an afternoon pairing between the Seminoles and the 2004, 05', 06' defending tournament and 2003 WRWBL League Champion New City Outlaws. Staked to an early 1-0 lead in the first frame, compliments of LF Nathan Moffie's first homerun, the Noles provided an early glimpse into their quick strike abilities. An action that would be repeated on this day. Following a game tying run in the Outlaw third and a single posting in the 4th, the Noles again quickly pushed ahead 4-2 with a three run fifth in large part to a Joe Capogna (2-5, 3 RBI) two run double to the left centerfield wall. Single runs in the 7th an 8th inning, including Pena's first pool homerun, pushed the lead to 6-4 heading into the ninth. Looking to damper Nole's RHP Manny Reyes (9 Inn., 3 ER, 9K) impressive outing and prevent his first tournament win, the Outlaws staged one more fight in defense of their crown. Following two walks and infield single, a defensive miscue with 2 outs created the break needed. The Outlaws plated two runs and forced a 6-6 tie. But the Seminoles, on this day, proved one frame better. Leading off the 10th, a single by SS Joe Alvarez (2-4, 3 SB, Run) proved costly. Consecutive steals of both 2nd and 3rd by Alvarez and subsequent walk to Moffie (1-4, 2 runs) brought C Nepthy Cruz to the plate. Cruz answered with a double into the left centerfield gap which plated two runs and solidified an 8-6 victory and an end to the three year Atlantic City Championship reign of the Outlaws.

The Seminoles, standing at 2-1 in pool play, looked toward a deserved advancement into the playoff round scheduled for Monday. But within an absurd NABA tie breaking rule, the Noles, were inexplicably eliminated from contention when tournament rules failed to recognize "head to head" play. In contradiction to logic and basic rules in all competition, the NABA ruled that "runs allowed" would determine the elimination process, not "head to head" results. As a consequence, the Seminoles and New Jersey Clippers were listed as “eliminated" in favor of the advancement of three teams (Paterson Phillies, NJ White Sox and TriState Titans) that were each defeated in pool play by either the Seminoles or Clippers. Protests filed were nullified when it was determined there was not enough time to review stated arguments. Each of the three teams were assured advancement and would not be reversed. A black mark for the NABA and bitter end in a tournament that would have been labeled a success prior to the unjust playoff selections.

Key Stat:
Phillies/Titans/White Sox runs allowed each based vs. opponents that held a collective 7-27 pool record.
Seminoles/Clippers runs allowed each based vs. opponents that held a collective 11-7 pool record.

For more information, tournament standings and game summaries about the New York Seminoles, please visit the TOURNAMENT page at http://www.nyseminoles.com