We had a beautiful day for the home run derby. The parks department came early to line the fields for the event. Fred, from the Port Deli, brought plenty of food and drinks. Mike supplied the snacks. WBLI came and supplied the music. Merrie came down with her entourage to help with the pitching and score keeping and John Defalco brought down some great prizes. Now it was time for some fun!

We’ll start with the men’s competition. Bobby “dawg” Fortier led things off. Bobby blasted one late to advance to the next round.

Louis followed Bobby and brought his fans with him. He gave a great effort and he and his crew watched to the end.

Brian followed Louis and his blast advanced him, but Dave would not be out done and said he would be there again.

Paul put one down the line and Peter tried, but enjoyed some cold ones instead.

Dominic advanced and Chris wasted no time advancing, as he did last year.

John, Rob, Jim, Mike and myself went down to watch the legend of John David give it a try, but to no avail.

Tony Garziano smoked one to end the men’s first round.

Now we move to the ladies first round, which was pretty exciting.

Lesley, who retired a week earlier from many great years, started things off, with three blasts.

Chris rang the fence a bunch of times, followed by sister Debbie who put on a gutsy show.

Colleen came close, as did Michelle.

Donna was not going to let her teammate advance alone, so she smoked two. That ended the woman’s first round.

The men’s second round started a little slow. Bobby, Brian and Dave advanced with one each.

Chris Sellito rang the fence a bunch of times and came oh so close, but in the end Tony G smoked four to have the lead after two rounds.

The woman’s final featured two long time teammates. Lesley started off with one bomb. Leslie was up by two when Donna came to the plate. Donna put in a great effort only to fall one short. Lesley ended her softball career as the woman’s champ!

Now the men’s final!

The “Dawg” set the tone with eight impressive bombs. I thought that would do it.

Brian followed with quite a show. Brian hit seven more, almost forcing another round. Dave gave a great effort, but fell a little short.

Now it was time for the last batter, Tony Garziano. Tony saved his best for last with seven incredible shots to win the competition with twelve total.

It was a great competition, with a lot of generosity from everyone. Bobby showed a lot of class by donating Yankee and Met shirts. John DeFalco’s company (Sheehan and Company) supplied raffle prizes and prizes for the men’s winner. Tony in a great act of generosity donated his winning prize, to be raffled off again. Jim Dundon offered great advice for next year.

I want to thank everyone for being involved in a great cause. Thanks to Sissie and Cassandra for working the raffles. Merrie and friends for keeping score and pitching. Donna, Lesley and Chris for there all around help. Mike DeFalco for everything he did to get this thing off the ground. John DeFalco for his generosity. I especially want to thank Mr.Kudlik and his family, for having the courage to come down and participate.

We will see you on August 27th, 2005 at Flynn Park in Smithtown. Any suggestions, or help next year will be appreciated. Thanks again!