Jack Barry LL Format: 8 teams, 2 divisions, top 2 teams from each division made playoffs.

Playoff Highlights
Final Game Score: Gowrie 3, Aresco 2
Gowrie won the final playoff game against Aresco's by a score of 3-2. It was a dramatic come from behind victory for Gowrie as they trailed Aresco's 2-1 entering the bottom of the sixth inning. With men on second and third and two outs, Gowrie's Tony DeAngles lashed a base hit off Joe Zajac (went on to play for the Yale Baseball team) to drive in both runs giving Gowrie a 3-2 victory and the League Championship. Winning pitcher for Gowrie's was Robby Beeman.

Regular season Little League games were played at Civitan Club Field, Unison Club Field, Somer Stadium, and Carter Field.

The 1980 Meriden Little League Championship was won by Silver City Manufacturing of theArt Hills Little League.

Members of the Silver City Manufacturing team were: Todd Ferrauolo, Pete Daniels, Mike Pratt, Mark Kszywanos, Ed Guzman, Brendon Beckstein, Mike VanLinter, Jeff Grodzicki, and... They were coached by Jim Frederick.

Art Hills Wins City LL Series
Todd Ferrauolo and Pete Daniels combined on a no-hitter to lift Silver City Manufacturing to a 6-0 victory over Pembek Oil and its second straight City Series championship. The pitchers allowed one base runner each as the Art Hills Little League champions rolled to victory, its 20th this year without a loss. It was also the clubs 32nd consecutive victory and 40th out of the last 41 contest over a two year span. Mike Pratt drew a second inning walk against Ferrauolo and Daniels hit the first batter he faced, Lenny Fazzino, with a pitch in the fourth inning. Ferrauolo struck out seven while Daniels struck out all nine batters he faced after hitting Fazzino. Ed Guzman, Brendon Beckstein, and Pete Daniels hit consecutive singles to load the bases and Mark Kszywanos, Mike VanLinter and Todd Ferrauolo walked to force in runs. Silver City scored its final two runs on a Jeff Grodzicki two-run blast over the left field wall.

District 5 Tournament Play
Meriden Little League sent four All-Star teams to play in the District 5 tournament.

The Art Hills All-Stars scored a 5-2 victory against the Connie Mack All-Stars Monday, July 12,1980, in the opening game of the District 5 Little League Tournament at Unison Field in Meriden. Peter Daniels pitched five innings of scoreless relief for the Art Hills team. Daniels allowed just one hit and struck out 11 batters. The Mack Stars grabbed a 2-0 lead after two innings on hits by Frank Angilillo and Ed Dahn. The Art Hills team scored a run in the third on Daniels solo home run. Todd Ferraulo's two-run homer capped a three run fourth to grab a 4-2 lead. Brendon Beckstein's RBI double rounded out the scoring for the Hills Stars.

The Jack Barry Little League All-Stars were defeated by the Forestville All-Stars on Tuesday July 15,1980, 6-0.

The Ed Walsh All-Stars took advantage of two Yalesville errors to score four unearned runs Tuesday, July 15,1980, for a 7-5 victory at Keller Memorial Field in Yalesville. Tom Barry was the winner for the locals as he settled down after a rough start and retired the final six Yalesville batters. Jim Fuda took the lose.

The Yalesville Little League All-Stars defeated the Jack Barry All-Stars, 15-8, at Carter Field in Meriden. Peter Halten was the winning pitcher who went the distance for Yalesville. He struck out three, walked three and allowed 10 hits. Jack Barry used four pitchers and Henry Santiago was tagged with the lose. Halten also hit a three-run homer, Pete DiGioria three hits, and Jim Fuda collected four hits (including a two-run homer) for the winners. Craig Durant hit a home run for the Locals.

Forestville raced to a 7-0 lead after two innings and weathered a comeback attempt by the Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars to register a 7-4 triumph, Thursday July 17,1980, at Civitan Field. Catcher Keith Bott changed the tempo of the contest by hitting a two-run homer in the third inning. Starting pitcher Keith Clancy drove in Ed Walsh's other two runs with a triple. Reliever Chuck Clinton pitched one-hit ball over the last four innings for the locals.

Todd Ferrauolo struck out nine Wallingford batters and pitched a three-hitter Thursday, July 17,1980, to lead the Art Hills All-Stars to a 3-1 win at Habershon Field. Art Hills scored all its runs in the first inning with the benefit of three Wallingford errors. Mike Kszywendo had the key hit for South Meriden, a two-run double.

A five run fifth inning rally by the Southington Southern Little League All-Stars enabled them to defeat the Ed Walsh All-Stars 8-5, Saturday July 19,1980, at Recreation Park in Southington. Andre Green went the distance for Southington allowing six hits while striking out 11. Ed Walsh scored four runs in the third to take a 4-1 lead. Jim Cusano and John David each singled to begin the rally which was capped by Keith Bott's two-out two-run single. Solo home runs by Randy Jacob and Bill Barry in the third cut the Meriden lead to 4-3. Southington scored five runs in the fifth to round out the scoring.

The Art Hills Little League All-Stars of South Meriden won their third consecutive District 5 game, Monday July 21,1980, by defeating Edgewood of Bristol, 9-2. Pete Daniels was the winning pitcher, striking out eight batters and allowing six hits. Kelly Logan (two doubles), and Gavin Sheridan a two-run double helped the locals offensively. John Hehn had a two-run homer for Edgewood.

Sparked by strong defensive play, the Art Hills All-Stars advanced to the finals of the District 5 championship by defeating Forestville, 5-2, Friday July 25,1980 at Habershon Field in South Meriden. Mark Kszywanos cracked a three-run homer for the locals to secure the win. Gavin Sheridan made the defensive play of the night by stopping a ground ball up the middle and converting the play into a n inning-ending double play. Todd Ferrauolo was the winning pitcher, as he struck out four, walked none, and allowed six hits.

The Art Hills Little League All-Stars exploded for nine runs in the third inning Wednesday, July 30,1980, to overcome a 4-1 deficit and record an eventual 12-5 victory over Forestville to win the District 5 Little League Championship. Peter Daniels pitched the distance for the Hills Stars, who won their first ever District Title. The South Meriden squad pounded three Forestville pitchers for 13 hits for the win. Eric Carlson hit a solo home run, Daniels had a team high three hits, VanLinter and Logan had two hits for the South Meriden Stars. Gary Belanger hit a three-run home run for the Forestville Stars.

State Sectionals Tournament Play
Pete Daniels cracked his fifth home run of the season, a two-run shot, and left-hander Todd Ferrauolo hurled a three-hitter to lead the Art Hills All-Stars to a 3-1 comeback victory over Guilford All-Stars at Somer Stadium, Saturday, August 9,1980. Michael VanLinter drove in the first run on a single to tie the score for the locals. Guilford's Jamie Felix allowed only three hits to take the lose.

The Pop Smith Little League All-Stars of New Haven defeated the Art Hills All-Stars, 4-2, Monday August 11,1980, eliminating Art Hills from the state title chase. The defeat ended Art Hills tournament season. The team won six straight games, captured the District 5 championship and made its first state tournament playoff appearance in the leagues 25-year history. Towering New Haven pitcher Ronald Moye, struck out 12 batters and allowed only three hits. Maurice Douglas homered for the New Haven All-Stars in the first inning. Pete Daniels took the lose, allowing seven hits, and striking out 10, including fanning the side on nine pitches in the third inning. It was his first lose of the season. Gavin Sheridan had an RBI doubled for the locals.

1980 Jack Barry All-Stars
Richard Muli, Leonard Fazzino, James Grodzicki, George DiMella, Graig Durant, Mark Blazejowski, John Baxley, Douglas Kopcza, Henry Santiago, Domingo Lopez, LeRoy Harris, Anthony Gacco, Steven Haines, Allen Doyon, Jeff Marshall, and Joe Zajac. They were coached by Jay Muli and Dave Baxley.

1980 Big Ed Walsh All-Stars
Mark Gostkowski, Rich Grondin, Brian Clancy, Peter Magi, Keith Bott, Patrick Carey, John David, Brian Delaney, Tom Barry, John Zukowski, Chuck Clinton, Brett Swiatek, Dan Sosnowski, James Cusano, John Barbera, Louie Perez, Jim Soroka, and Tim Rasted. They were coached by Gordon Hunting and Al Sweigard.

1980 Connie Mack All-Stars
Mike Lane, Edwin Gonzalez, Victor DiFranco, Joe Eroh, Joe Santillo, Joe Butler, Frank Angellio, Eric McCook, Chris Cook, Ed Dahn, Don Zegzdryn, Craig Adendroth, David Pepe, James Welch, Roger Barrier, and Billy Kilroy. They were managed by Dave Katz and backed by coach George Butler.

1980 Art Hill All-Stars, District 5 Champion
Brendon Beckstein, Jack Bulley, Peter Daniels, Todd Ferrauolo, Raymond Gradwell, Jeffrey Grodzicki, Michael Heany, Mark Kszywanos, Kelly Logan, Greg McElroy, Joseph Papacoda, Gavin Cheridan, Peter Sireno, Christopher Topper, Michael VanLinter and Jeff Wilson. Jim Frederick was the manager and was backed by coach Peter Daniels Sr.

Vice President George Bush, a former Little League coach, throws out the first pitch for the Little League World Series Championship Game. Gary Sheffield and Derek Bell, now playing in the Major Leagues, are teammates for Belmont Heights, which reached the finals only to fall to Chinese Taipei 4-3. Big League softball is started for players 16-18 years old. Connecticut's Stamford Federals Little League, Stamford CT, sent a team to Williamsport PA. to participate in World Series play.

Ed Walsh Moves to New Field - Eagles Club Wins League Championship
After 20 years at Civitan Field (located on North Wall Street next to Baldwins Pond), the Ed Walsh Little League moves to a new home off Overlook Drive behind the Thomas Hooker School. The main field is dedicated in memory of Frank Kogut. The Eagles Club defeated Indian Valley to win the League Championship. Members of the Eagles team were: Bobby Farrow, Jim Robison, Derrick "Magic" Grace, Bob Avery, Brian Clancy, Todd Stempien, John Crane, Rob Jones, Mike Albert, and Bill Rotavera. They were coached by Al Swiegart and his two sons Tim and Dan.; Valley was led by Jim Cusano and Mike Tuey. (Information courtesy Bill Rotavera)

Jack Barry LL Format: 8 teams, 2 divisions, top 2 teams from each division made playoffs.

Regular season Little League games were played at Frank Kogut Field located behind Thomas Hooker School, Unison Club Field, Somer Stadium, and Carter Field.

The 1981 Meriden Little League Championship was won by S. Meriden Volunteer Fire Department of theArt Hills Little League.

Members of the S. Meriden Volunteer Fire team were: Jeff Wilson, Christopher Sheehan, Jack Bulley, Matt Schmitt, Dan Albert, and ...... They were coached by Paul Parisi.

Art Hills Little League Wins City Series
The South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department of the Art Hills Little League were crowned City Series Champions Friday, July 10, 1981 after they beat the Eagles Club of the Ed Walsh League, 11-8, at Habershon Filed. Jack Bulley was the winning pitcher for Art Hills. Bulley also went two-for-three at the plate. Matt Schmitt went two-for-four with a single and a triple and Dan Albert was three-for-four.

District 5 Tournament Play
Meriden Little League sent four All-Star teams to play in the District 5 tournament.

The Connie Mack All-Stars opened District 5 play Monday July 12,1981 with a win over the Jack Barry Little League All-Stars, 11-5, at Unison Field. Matt Cook was the winning pitcher for the Mack Stars. Joe Butler paced the Mack offense with three hits, including a line drive home run .Mike Patterson had two home runs and Cook had two hits and two RBI's for the winners.

Buzz Harris singled with the bases loaded in the 10th inning to lift the Jack Barry Little League All-Stars to a 9-8 win over Prospect, Tuesday, July 13,1981. Eric Park and Craig Agro split pitching duties for the winners, each lasting five innings.

The Art Hills Little League All-Stars lost to Forestville in the opening round of the District 5 tournament, Tuesday July 13,1981, 4-2, at Somer Stadium.

Meriden's Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars defeated Southington West, 9-7, Tuesday July 13,1981. Dan Sosnowski pitched six innings and also hit a home run for the Walsh team. Southington's Eric Budris was the losing pitcher. Bob Avery hit a single and double, Brian Clancy tripled and Scott Breiner had two singles for the locals.

Berlin's Little League All-Stars defeated the Connie Mack All-Stars Tuesday, July 13,1981, 11-10. Greg Levasseur had three hits for the Mack Stars. Joe Butler hit a home run and Tom Mauri turned in a good pitching performance for the locals.

Five home runs were the highlight Thursday, July 16,1981, as the Yalesville Little League All-Stars blasted the Jack Barry All-Stars 23-3 in District 5 tournament play. The lose eliminated the locals from tournament play, with a 1-2 record.

The Bristol Edgewood All-Stars eliminated the Connie Mack All-Stars from District 5 play, Thursday July 16,1981, by handing the locals a 24-6 defeat at Unison Field. Joey Butler hit his third homer in three All-Star games and Mike Patterson duplicated the feat with his third home run for the locals.

The Art Hills Little League All-Stars of South Meriden blasted five home runs and 16 hits to overwhelm the Southington Western Little League All-Stars, Thursday July 16,1981, before 500+ spectators at Southington's Western's, Spring Street Field. Mark Kszywanos blasted two home runs and drove in five runs while Jeff VanLinter, Jeff Wilson, and Paul Gamber also clouted home runs. Chris Whiting and winning pitcher Jack Bulley each contributed two hits for the locals.

The Forestville Little League All-Stars knocked the Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars into the losers bracket Thursday, July 16,1981, with a 15-7 victory. First basemen Scott Greiner led the Ed Walsh team with three hits. Jim Cusano was the winning pitcher for the locals.

The Art Hills Little League All-Stars scored a 13-6 victory against the Southington Northern All-Stars, Saturday, July 18,1981, at Somer Field. Mike VanLinter and Mark Kszywanos each had three hits for the locals. Jack Bulley and Jeff Wilson added two hits each. Mark Sobolowski had a double and a single for the Southington Stars.

Dan Sosnowski pitched a two-hitter Saturday, July 18,1981, as the Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars won a 3-0 decision over Edgewood of Bristol. Kurt Niemic hit a RBI double for the winners.

Yalseville All-Stars used another power display Tuesday, July 21,1981, to pull out a 10-9 win over the Art Hills All-Stars at Parker Farms Keller Memorial Field. Keith Shook smacked two home runs and Pat Arnold had another as Yalesville added to its total of 11 home runs in four tournament games. John Starrs of Yalesville was the winning pitcher. The lose eliminated the defending District 5 champion from tournament play.

Mike Mihalek and Tom Lipka smacked three hits each Tuesday, July 21,1981, as the Wallingford All-Stars defeated the Ed Walsh All-Stars, 9-2, at Cyanamid Field. Boyde Johnson scattered 10 hits while striking out nine in going the distance for Wallingford. Stan Partyka and Tom Berube had two hits each for the Wallingford Stars. The lose eliminated the locals from District 5 play.

1981 Jack Barry All-Stars
John Hanson, Buzzy Harris, Reic Park, Craig Agro, and ...need help. They were coached by Tony Sikorsky.

1981 Big Ed Walsh All-Stars
Bob Avery, Brian Clancy, Jim Cusano, Mark Gostowski, Derrick Grace, Scott Greiner, Rick Grondin, Brian Kogut, Jason LaPua, Kurt Niemic, Tim Olschefski, Jim Robinson, Dan Sosnowski, and Mike Toohey. The team was coached by Al Swiegard and Mike Smith.

1981 Connie Mack All-Stars
Joey Butler, Kevin Molina, Scott Mansur, Kelvin Vereen, Bob Pepe, Matt Cook, Brian Benigni, Bob Dennis, Mike Patterson, Tom Mauri, Jeff Soule, Craig Hylwa, Greg Lavasseur, Terry Seppa, Mark Azzolina, Brian Pronovost, Mark Grabowski, and John Cerasale They were coached by Chris Cook and George Butler.

1981 Art Hill All-Stars
Dany Albert, Jack Bulley Jr., Robert Hillburn, Michael Mattesini, Brad Tracy, Peter Baker III, Robert Ford, William Krock II, Mathew Schmitt, Michael VanLinter, Jeff Bowen, Paul Gamber Jr. Mark Kszywanos, Gene Steneck, and Chris Whiting. They were coached by Jim Frederick and Charlie Kszywanos.

Belmont Heights of Tampa, Florida falls in the championship game for the second straight year, this time losing to Chinese Taipei 4-2.

Jack Barry LL Format: 8 teams, 2 divisions, top 2 teams from each division made playoffs.

Regular season Little League games were played at Frank Kogut Field of Overlook Drive, Unison Club Field, Somer Stadium, and Carter Field.

The 1982 Meriden Little League Championship was won by Norrie & Hurst of the Ed Walsh Little League.

Members of the Norrie & Hurst team were: Matt Sosnowski, Brian Kogut, Joe Young, Craig Drezik, Gary Breton, Jim Hackbarth, Matt Mozzer, Scott Greiner, Gary Breton, Paul Victor, Pat Goode, and Mike Sokolowski. They were coached by Bill Hackbarth.

Ed Walsh Wins City LL Series
Norrie & Hurst of the Ed Walsh Little League scored a go-ahead run in the bottom of the sixth inning Thursday July 8,1982, to defeat previously unbeaten Roman Oil of the Connie Mack League, 5-4, and win the Meriden Little League City Series Championship. The Game was played at Frank Kogut Field before a crowd of several hundred spectators. With one out in the sixth inning, Craig Drezik drew a walk, Joe Young was then safe on an overthrow of first base, and Drezik advanced to third. Matt Sosnowski, the shortstop, then hit a two-strike pitch down the first base line to knock in the winning run and give the City Championship to Norrie & Hurst. Brian Kogut was the winning pitcher pitching a complete game, giving up five hits and striking out eight. Roman Oil pitcher Scott Mansur struck out six and allowed eight hits.

District 5 Tournament Play
Meriden Little League sent four All-Star teams to play in the District 5 tournament.

The Southington North Little League sparked by the pitching and hitting of John Bertola, defeated the Ed Walsh All-Stars, 17-0, Tuesday July 13,1982. Bertola hurled a no-hitter, walking one batter, and striking out 11. Bertola also drove in seven runs with a pair of home runs and a double. Good defense by Kevin Ruoff and Brian McDonough saved the no-hitter for Southington.

The Yalesville Little League All-Stars used the long ball to beat the Jack Barry All-Stars, 6-0, at Carter Field. Although limited to six hits, the Yalesville Stars hit four home runs. Toby Body paced the attack with two home runs for the winners. Jeff Cohan and Fred Loomis had the other homers. The Barry Stars were held to three hits, all singles, by Chris Dingwell, Chuck Latham and Dan Gaffney.

Chris Whiting pitched a no-hitter for the Art Hills All-Stars in leading them to a 9-1 win over Plainville, Tuesday, July 13,1982. Mike LaBissionere also homered for the Hills team and teammate Scott Levenduski tripled and singled.

The Jack Barry All-Stars evened their post-season record at 1-1, as they clipped Southington South 13-12. Jason Lewis had two home runs, a single and six RBI's to back winning pitcher Dan Gaffney. Larry McGivney added two hits for the victors. John Lewis hit a three-run home run for the losers. Joe Wroblowski and Steve Bontz had three hits apiece for Southington.

The Art Hills All-Stars routed the Prospect All-Stars 24-1, at Somer Field, Thursday July 15,1982. Starting pitcher Frank LeMay was the winner for the locals Chris Andrews had five hits in five at bats, Paul Gamber had four hits and Chris Whiting and LeMay had three hits for the victors.

The Connie Mack All-Stars lost to Forestville, 18-3, at Peck Field in Bristol. Bob Pepe had a home run and Scott Mansur added two hits for the locals.

Saturday, July 19,1982, Chris Dingwell's two-out single in the bottom of the seventh inning lifted the Jack Barry All-Stars to a 1-0 win over Plymouth. Dingwell's two-out single scored Pat Roche with the only run of the game. Mark Outlaw allowed four hits and struck out six for the win. Todd LeFort added to the locals offense with a single and a double in three trips to the plate.

The Connie Mack All-Stars beat the Edgewood All-Stars, 7-6, Saturday July 19,1982, at Unison Field. Chris Hyde led the offense with three hits including a two-run homer. Bob Pepe also had three hits and two RBI's to support winning pitcher Matt Cook, who gave up four hits and struck out 10 batters.

A three-run home run by Jason Lewis in the top of the sixth inning carried the Jack Barry Little League All-Stars to a 6-5 decision over A.I. Stanley of New Britain, Monday July 21,1982. Chuck Latham pitched a good game for the winners, lasting 4 2/3 innings before being relieved by Dean Canalia. Latham allowed four runs on six hits, walked one and struck out five.

Meriden's Connie Mack All-Stars defeated the Yalesville All-Stars, 5-0, Monday July 19,1982. Mike Wilt pitched a complete game victory striking out eight and allowing just two hits. Mike Eroh began the game with a home run and Matt Cook blasted a three-run shot in the third for the Mack Stars. Frank Martineau and Scott Mansur played well defensively for the locals.

The Berlin All-Stars pounded the Jack Barry All-Stars 20-4, at Carter Field, Wednesday July 21,1982, to eliminate the locals from District 5 play. Berlin's Brian Mongillo earned the win in going the distance and allowing only two hits. Pat Roche hit a double and Dean Canalia a single for the only Barry hits.

McCabe-Waters of Bristol knocked out the Connie Mack All-Stars with a 6-0 decision at Unison Field, Wednesday July 21,1982. John Couture of M-W limited the Mack team to a pair of hits, a first inning double by Matt Cook and a Bob Pepe single in the fourth. Couture struck out 10 batters for M-W. Matt Cook took the lose striking out eight batters, giving him 31 strike-outs in 18 innings of All-Star play. Connie Mack finished tournament play at 3-2.

1982 Jack Barry All-Stars
Chris Dingwell, Chuck Latham, Jason Lewis, Larry McGivney, Mark Outlaw, Pat Roche, Dean Canalia, Todd LeFort, Jacob Galozza, and Dan Gaffney. They were coached by Bob Dingwell.

1982 Big Ed Walsh All-Stars
They were coached by .

1982 Connie Mack All-Stars
Mike Eroh, Bob Pepe, Scott Mansur, Matt Cook, Frank Martineau, Chris Hyde, and ...? They were coached by .

1982 Art Hill All-Stars
Chris Whiting, Paul Gamber, Bernie Chambers, Ronald Gagnon, Robert Gradwell, Danny Albert, Michael LaBissoniere, Frank LeMay, Chris Andrews, Keith Murphy, August Holzmiller, Ricky Dondero, Joseph Tiedeken, Scott Levenduski, Tony Curcio, Mike Lacase, Alex Holley, and Brian Tomko. They were coached by Paul Parisi and Steve Holzmiller.

Cody Webster pitched a two-hitter as Kirkland, Washington, defeated Chinese Taipei 6-0 before a World Series record crowd of 40,000. The Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum opens in South Williamsport on the LL Headquarters complex.

Jack Barry LL Format: 8 teams, 2 divisions, top 2 teams from each division made playoffs.

Regular season Little League games were played at Frank Kogut Field of Overlook Drive, Unison Club Field, Somer Stadium, and Carter Field.

The 1983 Meriden Little League Championship was won by Roman Oil of the Connie Mack Little League.

Members of the Roman Oil team were: They were

Roman Oil Wins City Series
Roman Oil of the Connie Mack Little League won the 1983 City Little League Championship.

District 5 Tournament Play
Meriden Little League sent three All-Star teams to play in the District 5 tournament.

The Jack Barry Little League All-Stars were defeated by the Forestville Little League All-Stars, Monday July 18,1983.

The Southington South Little League All-Stars rode the pitching of Tom Birmingham and the hitting of Dan Tycz to a 5-1 win over Ed Walsh, Monday July 18, 1983 at Frank Kogut Field. Birmingham pitched a two hitter and hit his 17th home run of the season while Tycz had two singles and a double in three at-bats.

The Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars were defeated by the Wallingford Little League All-Stars at American Cyanamid Field, Wednesday July 20,1983 to eliminate the locals from District 5 play.

Led by a strong offense, the Southington Northern Little League All-Stars defeated the Jack Barry All-Stars, 19-12, Wednesday, July 20,1983. Kevin Young and Bob Borkowski had two-run homers for Southington. The lose eliminated the locals from District 5 play.

The Connie Mack All-Stars eliminated Southington West from District 5 competition Wednesday, July 20,1983, with a 8-6 win. Jay Salerno had four hits and Dave Schneider added three hits for Southington. Tom LeBrun added a solo homer for Southington.

1983 Jack Barry All-Stars
Chris Burt, Mike Mainville, Wayne Wright, Armand Gibson, Luis Diaz, Jay Gracey, Julie Hesseltine, Don Kennedy, Steve Zajac, Michael Kroll, Chuck Latham, John Avitable, Thom Knowlton, Danny Gaffney, Rodney Latham, Donald Maleto, Jay Sikorski, Adalid Fernandez, Brent Fornal, and Ryan Falis. They were coached by Gary Burt, Arnold Burt, and John Ryan.

1983 Big Ed Walsh All-Stars
They were coached by .

1983 Connie Mack All-Stars
They were coached by .

1983 South Meriden Youth League All-Stars
They were coached by .

Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kukn throws out the first pitch for the championship game and jazz great Chuck Mangione plays the Dominican Republic national anthem. East National Little League, Marietta GA., wins the Little League World Series 3-1, over the Liquito Hernandez Little League of the Dominican Republic. Connecticut's Stamford Americans Little League, Stamford CT, sent a team to Williamsport PA. to participate in World Series play.

Jack Barry LL Format: 8 teams, 2 divisions, top 2 teams from each division made playoffs.

Regular season Little League games were played at Frank Kogut Field of Overlook Drive, Unison Club Field, Somer Stadium, and Carter Field.

The 1984 Meriden Little League Championship was won by L & M Garage of the Connie Mack Little League.
This years format involved the top two teams from each league in a single elimination tournament.

Members of the L & M Garage team were:Wilton Carroway, Carlos Abrahante, Rene Moreno, Brandon Trella, Brian Mik, Kyle Cooney, Jose Abrahante, Vinny Zavaglia, Darren Nerbonne, and Louis Alejandro.They were coached by Leroy Elbey and Joel Cooney.

Connie Mack Wins LL City Series
The Connie Mack Little League clinched the Meriden City Series title Monday July 11,1984 for the second year in a row. L & M Garage won the title by defeating Gra-Bar of the South Meriden Youth Baseball League, 8-6, at Unison Field. L & M third baseman Carlos Abrahante turned two double plays to help the Mack champs. Rene Moreno was the winning pitcher while Brett Hofer was the South Meriden pitcher.

District 5 Tournament Play
Meriden Little League sent three All-Star teams to play in the District 5 double elimination tournament.

The Jack Barry Little League All-Stars edged Plainville, 5-4 Friday July 13,1984, at Carter Field behind the strong pitching and hitting of Wayne Wright. Wright went the distance for the win allowing five hits and striking out eight batters. He also hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning, driving home Chris Burt and Steve Zajac, that supplied the margin for the Barry Stars. Marcial Rivera and Scott Panciera had key base hits in the second for the locals, and Chris Burt and Steve Zajac. Defensively, Burt made two fine plays at first base by throwing out two runners at home plate. Rivera made two key catches in right field with runners in scoring position. Don Maleto made a game-saving play at third base for the final out of the game as he cut off a potential hit between third base and shortstop and threw the runner out at first.

The Ed Walsh All Stars defeated the Connie Mack All-Stars on Friday, July 13,1984, at the Ed Walsh League field.

Winky Farrow hit two home runs and threw a three-hitter to pace the Ed Walsh All-Stars Little League District 5 All-Stars to a 20-1 victory over Wallingford Little League All-Stars, Monday July 16,1984. Ed Walsh used 17 hits - 13 of those going for extra bases. Also homering for the winners were Matt Sosnowski and Chris Hepp. Key hits included Debbie Charon's bases-loaded triple, a pair of doubles by Hepp, and doubles by Sosnowski, Steve Morse, and Joe Pierce. Ed Walsh improves to 2-0 in tournament play.

The Berlin All-Stars beat the Jack Barry All-Stars 21-3 on Monday July 16,1984. Jack Barry was led by RBI hits from Donald Maleto and Ryan DeBaise. Steve Zajac contributed two fine defensive plays and Marcial Rivera pitched well in relief. Jack Barry now stands at 1-1 in tournament play.

The Jack Barry Little League All-Stars defeated the Forestville All-Stars, 6-3, Thursday July 19,1984, at Carter Field. Wayne Wright went the distance for his second tournament win as he allowed five hits and struck out seven batters. Steve Zajac gave the Barry Stars the lead in the first inning with a solo home run. Wright hit his second three-home run of the All-Star series in the fifth driving in Chris Burt and Steve Zajac. In the last inning, John Avitable singled and Don Maleto added a two-run home run for the final Barry runs. Carey Edward's hit a two-run home run for the Forestville nine. Barry's received outstanding defense from Zajac at shortstop, catcher Scott Panciera, Burt at first, and Ryan DeBaise in left field.

The Jack Barry Little League All-Stars, paced by Steve Zajac's no-hitter, advanced in District 5 play by defeating Wallingford, 5-0, at Carter field, July 21,1984, improving their record to 3-1. Zajzc pitched all six innings allowing no-hits and striking out 10 batters. Jack Barry scored four runs in the third inning as Jim Lawson opened with a single, Chris Burt followed with a bunt-single, Wayne Wright reached on an error and John Avitable singled home two. Followed by Scott Panciera's two run double to make it 4-0.

The Jack Barry All-Stars were eliminated from District 5 Tournament play after an 11-6 loss to Edgewood of Bristol, Monday July 23,1984. Don Maleto. Steve Zajac, and Mark Hesseltine each had two hits to lead Jack Barry offensively. Marcial Rivera and Wayne Wright added RBI-singles. Wright was the losing pitcher. The Jack Barry All-Stars finished the tournament with a 3-2 record.

1984 Jack Barry All-Stars
Aaron Tabackman, Mark Hesseltine, Edward Lu, Steve Zajac, Scott Panciera, Joey Crispino, Chris Burt, Wayne Wright, Don Maleto, Marcial Rivera, Ryan BeBaise, Dean Acabhcuk, Jimmy Lawson, Troy Gonyea, Jason Rivera, Dave Reardon, and Dayton Torres. They were coached by Bob Otfanowski

1984 Big Ed Walsh All-Stars
Alan Jones, Matt Mozzer, Matt Sosnowski, Chris Mercaldi, Joe Pierce, Sean Reddington, Chris Hepp, Steve Morse, Jeff Albert, Debbie Charron, Scott Naylor, Winky Farrow, Louis Vaga, and George Jones. They were coached by Ralph Carey.

1984 Connie Mack All-Stars
>Wilton Carroway, Carlos Abrahante, Rene Moreno, Brandon Trella, Brian Mik, Kyle Cooney, Bill Whittle, Tommy Deegan, Eric St. Arnold, Mike Neubauer, Jeff Buonanni, Jerry Crawford, John DeMatteo, Dennis DeMatteo, Frank Matola, Joe Scozzari, Mark Rategan, and Ed Deschaine. They were coached by Leroy Elbey and Joel Cooney.

1984 South Meriden Youth League All-Stars
Help Needed !!

S. Korea Nationals Little League, Seoul South Korea, wins the Little League World Series 6-2, over the Altamonte Nationals Little League of the Altamonte Springs, Fla, Korea's first Little League World Championship. Peter J. McGovern, Little League Board of Director chairman for more than 30 years, dies June 30, 1984. Connecticut's McCabe-Waters Little League, Bristol CT, sent a team to Williamsport PA. to participate in World Series play.

Regular season Little League games were played at Frank Kogut Field of Overlook Drive, Unison Club Field, Somer Stadium, and Carter Field.

The Jack Barry Little League and the Ed Walsh Little League didn't participate in the 1983 city series. Reason, unknown? Connie Mack and South Meriden each sent two teams to participate in the single elimination tournament.

The 1985 Meriden Little League Championship was won by L & M Garage of the Connie Mack Little League.

Members of the L & M Garage team were: Jose Abrahante, Brian Mik, Alan Nerbonne..... They were .....

Connie Mack City LL Champs
L & M Garage used two three-run homers in the bottom of the sixth inning Sunday, July 7,1985, to rally past Katz Sports Shop 7-6, and win the Little League City Championship. Jose Abrahante and Alan Nerbonne each slammed three-run homers to lift L & M, of the Connie Mack Little League. Brian Mik was the winning pitcher. South Meriden was led by Dave Mierzevenski and Kevin Francis, who collected two hits each.

District 5 Tournament Play
Meriden Little League sent three All-Star teams to play in the District 5 tournament.

All-Stars from the Ed Walsh Little League defeated Bristol's Edgewood Little League All-Stars, 12-11, Tuesday July 16, 1985. Joey Pierce was the winning pitcher, Chris Hepp went 4-for-5 with a pair of doubles, and Eric Lloyd went 3-for-5. The Walsh Stars won the game in the ninth, Eric Finnelli opened with a single, Hepp walked and advanced on a passed ball, and with two outs Pierce hit the ball to the Edgewood third baseman who committed an error that allowed Finnelli to score.

Chris Hepp collected five hits and roped two homers to lead the Ed Walsh All-Stars to a 19-8 District 5 victory over Southington West Friday July 19,1985. Winning pitcher Joey Pierce allowed seven hits and struck out six for the locals. Ed Walsh picked up 19 hits and scored 12 runs in the first inning and added five more runs in the third. Ed Walsh's Tom Saracini went 4-for-5 with a double and three singles while teammate Eric Lloyd had three hits including a double. For Southington West, Ricky Mach went 3-for-4 while Bill Gombotz collected two hits.

Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars, behind the pitching and hitting of Eric Lloyd defeated the Terryville All-Stars 14-7 Monday July 22,1985 in Terryville. Meriden unleashed a 21-hit attack led by the 5-for-5 hitting of Lloyd. Louie Vega had four hits, while Chris Hepp and Danny Murdzek combined for six base hits. The Ed Walsh team jumped to a 12-0 lead and coasted behind the eight hit, six strikeout pitching performance of Lloyd. Jeff Atbofski blasted a two-run homer in the final inning for Terryville.

1985 Jack Barry All-Stars
Jason Costigan, Donny Maleto, Chris Burt, Eric Royle, need help?? Manager Bob Otfanowski

1985 Big Ed Walsh All-Stars
Chris Hepp, Danny Murdzek, Eric Lloyd, Joey Pierce, Louie Vega, Eric Finnelli ...... They were coached by Les Pierce.

1985 Connie Mack All-Stars
They were coached by .

1985 South Meriden Youth League All-Stars (Two Teams)
Christopher LaChance, Kelly Penwell, John Rich, Adam Holzmiller, Brian Parsani, Tom Rich, Kevin Collins, Kevin Francis, David Mierzejewski, Jesse Showerda, Kevin Baker, Jason Simmons, Jeffery Dahn, Michael Kinard, Daniel Crispino, Julian Galindez, David Levunduski, John Manning, Kevin Weber, David Carlstrom, Mark Lavalle, Mark Sears, Kyle Kofuske, Craig Vanlinter, Daniel Winferson, Daren Altieri, Eddie Cardonna, and Jay Nedinsky. They were coached by ....

ABC carries the Little League World Series championship game live for the first time on "Wide World of Sports." For the first time in baseball history, the home plate umpire wears a micro-miniature camera on his mask. S. Korea Nationals Little League, Seoul South Korea, wins its second consecutive Little League World Series 7-1, over the Mexicali Little League of the BajaCal, Mexico.

South Meriden League Affiliated with Babe Ruth
After 3 seasons as an independent league, the South Meriden Youth League becomes affiliated with the Babe Ruth Bambino League. The South Meriden League used to be a Little League, but for a variety of reasons, the most mentioned was Little League inflexibility, the South Meriden League went independent. However, as league directors stated, independence is good for only a short time, so the league decided to join a relatively new organization, the Babe Ruth Bambino League.
The Bambino League is almost independent to its more famous counterpart, but the administrators in South Meriden have more control over their league and in turn, have the ability to point their league in a new direction
The aim is to improve youth baseball in the area. South Meriden president John Penwell claims to have an excellent facility at Habershon Field. The Bambino League offers the entire city of Meriden as South Meriden's boundaries, whereas Little Leagues are intracity boundaries (smaller boundaries).
Another important reason for joining a league was insurance, as an independent insurance was almost impossible to buy.

Regular season Little League games were played at Frank Kogut Field of Overlook Drive, Unison Club Field, Somer Stadium, and Carter Field.

In City Series Tournament action, each league sends two teams to participate in the 1986 tournament.

The 1986 Meriden Little League Championship was won by Gradwell Builders of the South Meriden Youth League.

Members of the Gradwell Builders team were: Dan Crispino, ...... They were.......

South Meriden Wins City Title
South Meriden's Gradwell Builders defeated Norrie and Hurst of the Ed Walsh LL, 11-5, Wednesday, July 9,1986, to win the Little League City Series. The Builders completed a perfect season by scoring all of their runs over the first four innings, while winning pitcher Dan Crispino struck out 10 batters, including the last out of the game with runners on second and third. Meriden Mayor Joseph Marinan presented the Mayor's Trophy to the winners.

Ruth Bambino All-Star Tournament Play
South Meriden Youth League plays in it's first Babe Ruth Bambino All-Star Tournament.

South Meriden All-Stars defeated the West Norwalk All-Stars 14-7, to win the state championship in the Bambino League finals. This was South Meriden's first year in the Babe Ruth League after three years of independence from the Little League organization. Craig VanLinter, Tom Pepe, Jesse Showerda, and Dan Crispino led the locals at the plate.

District 5 Tournament Play
Meriden Little League sent three All-Star teams to play in the District 5 tournament.

T. R. Marcinczk tossed a no-hitter to lead Plainville to a 17-1 victory over the Jack Barry Little League All-Stars in District 5 play, Sunday July 13,1985, in Plainville. Angelo Manzo hit a home run and Dennis Charette contributed a double for the winners. Frank Rosa scored on an error in the top of the fourth inning for Jack Barry's only run.

The Wallingford Little League All-Stars defeated the Connie Mack All-Stars of Meriden, 5-2, at Cyanamid Field, Monday July 14,1986. Wallingford's pitcher Greg Simler held the Connie Mack Stars to two hits and struck out 12. Will Coppola hit a home run in the fifth inning to give Wallingford a 5-0 lead. Jose Torres and Jose Abrahante accounted for Connie Mack's two hits.

Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars lost to Terryville, 8-7, Monday July 14,1986. Julian Galindez hit two homers for Ed Walsh. Terryville broke a 7-7 tie in the bottom of the seventh. Brian DeAntonio and John Sousa had RBI doubles for the locals.

The Jack Barry Little League lost to the Forestville All-Stars Tuesday, July 15,1986, eliminating the locals from District 5 play.

In a game played at Unison Field, the Yalesville Little League All-Stars defeated Connie Mack, 10-2 eliminating Connie Mack from District 5 All-Star play. Yalesville was led by David Leomis who pitched a four-hitter. David Hubbard and Dan Catino each collected two hits and two RBI for Yalesville. Jose Torres drove in both Connie Mack runs.

The Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars remained alive in District 5 play with a 8-1 victory over Southington West All-Stars, Wednesday July 16,1986. Julian Galindez pitched a four-hitter and struck out 14 batters. He also starred at the plate blasting a three-run homer in the first inning to build a 3-0 Walsh lead. Aaron Murdy and Jason Currie hit doubles, while Pete Kofsuske tripled for the locals. Southington was lead by Jason Bradley, Jake Frame, Rich Mach, and Graig Panarella.

The Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars out-slugged the Edgewood All-Stars of Bristol, 18-12, Thursday July 17,1986 to stay alive in District 5 play. Ed Walsh took a 3-0 lead in the first inning when John Sousa belted a solo home run and Aaron Murdy singled and Julian Galindez hit a two-run homer. It was Galindez's fourth home run in three District 5 games for the locals. Jason Currie also homered for the Walsh Stars, a three-run shot in the third inning. Peter Kofsuske hurled three innings to notch the win while Brandon Avery picked up the save.

The Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars eliminated Yalesville, 4-1, Saturday July 19,1986, in Yalesville. Tricia Fiut pitched a two-hit complete game and Brian DeAntonio homered for the Meriden team. Brandon Avery had two RBI's and Aaron Murdy one RBI for the winners. Dave Loomis singled in Yalesville's only run.

The Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars defeated Terryville, 7-3, Monday July 21,1986 at the Ed Walsh Field. Julian Galindez hit a two-run home run in the first inning as the locals jumped to an early 4-0 lead. It was Galindez's fifth home run in five District 5 games for the locals as he also went the distance on the mound striking out seven and allowing only four hits. John Sousa hit two home runs for the Walsh nine. Terryville scored in the second on an RBI single by Greg Fortier.

Pete Kofsuske belted a two-run homer in the fifth inning Wednesday July 23,1986 to give the Ed Walsh All-Stars a 6-4 victory over Forestville. Ed Walsh was led by Aaron Murdy's three-run homer. Dave Moore had a three-run homer for the Forestville Stars. Tricia Fiut was the winning pitcher.

Julian Galindez threw a two-hitter and hit a two-run homer to lead the Ed Walsh All-Stars to a 5-2 win over homestanding Plainville. Saturday July 26,1986. Galindez also struck out 11 and walked three in going the distance. It was Galindez's sixth home run of District 5 tournament play that proved to be the difference for the locals. John Sousa also homered, his fourth of the tournament, for the Walsh Stars. Tricia Fiut tripled and had one RBI and Peter Kofsuske homered and doubled for the winners.

The Berlin All-Stars eliminated the Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars from District 5 tournament play, 8-2, at the losers field, July 28,1986. Berlin won the District 5 Title and advanced to the State Tournament in New London. Ed Walsh finished at 6-2, after losing its second game since its opening loss to Terryville. Tricia Fiut took the lose for the locals.

1986 Jack Barry All-Stars
Eric Royle, Amy Crispino, Joey Melanson, Mark Latham, Pete Wilkinson, Darren Wright, Mason Forest, Pat Owen, Mike Parenteau, Francis Rosa, Alan Tertarella, Paul Longon, Barrett McGoldrick, Robert Jachym, Dave Rooks, Sam Gordon, and Chris Coletion They were coached by .

1986 Big Ed Walsh All-Stars, District 5 Runner-up
Brandon Avery, Pete Kofsuske, Brian DeAntonio , Steve Markoja, Tom Mezey, Tricia Fiut, Dave Walker, Aaron Mudry, Chris Drezek, Jason Currie, Joe Scavone, John Sousa, Larry Abele, and Julian Galindez. They were coached by Milt Smith and Ralph Carey .

1986 Connie Mack All-Stars
Jose Torres and Jose Abrahante...... They were coached by ......

1986 South Meriden Youth League All-Stars, State Babe Ruth Bambino Champions
Jessie Showerda, John Manning, Dan Crispino, David Levenduski, Kevin Weber, Kyle Kofsuske, Dan Winterson, Craig VanLinter, Scott Woronick, Mike Kinard, Noel Guidone, Ron Pasani, Tom Pepe, and Tom Rich. They were coached by Ron Crispino, and assistant coaches Mike Showerda, John Manning, Mike Levenduski, and Steve Kinard..

Baseball commissioner Peter Ueberroth visits the Little League World Series for the first time. The first pitch is thrown by Bill Shea, president of the Little League Foundation and the namesake of New York's Shea Stadium. Tainan Park Little League, Taiwan (Chinese Taipei) wins Little League World Series 12-0 over International Little League, Tucsno, AZ.

Regular season Little League games were played at Frank Kogut Field of Overlook Drive, Unison Club Field, Somer Stadium, and Carter Field.

In City Series Tournament action, each league sends two teams to participate in the 1987 tournament.

The 1987 Meriden Little League Championship was won by South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department of the South Meriden Youth League.

South Meriden Volunteers Win league Title
Pitching flawless baseball over the first 5 innings, Kevin Weber of Gradwell is tagged for 3 home runs in the bottom of the 6th and loses the South Meriden Championship to the Vols. After the crushing defeat, Weber runs off the mound into the dugout and begins to weep uncontrollably.
In a Cal Casey stunner, Kevin Weber loses the Award to underdog Tom Pepe. Eyewitnesses say Weber tore off his sweat pants and starting crying. Information courtesy Matty P..

Members of the South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department team were: Kevin Penwell, Jason Kovach, Mark Teller, Desmond Cooper, Bill Rich, Tom Rich..... They were coached by Lenny Rich.

South Meriden Wins City LL Title
The South Meriden Volunteers capped a stirring comeback to capture the City Series Little League Championship with a 3-0 win over Kuta Builders of the Ed Walsh Little League, Friday, July 10,1987. South Meriden, which lost to Kuda's last Friday, in the double elimination tournament, claimed the trophy with five-straight victories including a 15-3 win over Kuda's Thursday, July 9,1987. The Vol's were led by the five-hit pitching of Kevin Penwell, the timely hitting of Jason Kovach, and sterling defense of Mark Teller, Desmond Cooper, and Bill and Tom Rich.

Ruth Bambino All-Star Tournament Play
South Meriden Youth League plays in it's second Babe Ruth Bambino All-Star Tournament.

The South Meriden All-Stars earned its second consecutive trip to the New England Bambino Regional Tournament Tuesday, July 21,1987, with a 15-11 Bambino State Championship victory over New Canaan at Habershon Field. Jeff Dahn yielded just three hits over three innings and helped himself by driving in three runs with a single and a double to spark South Meriden, which hasn't been beaten in the Bambino Division of the Babe Ruth Tournament in two years. New Canaan's Chip Knight, who smashed nine homers in his first five games of the tournament, added to his collection in the second inning with a solo shot over the center field fence. The next three times at bat he was intentionally walked to help kill any potential New Canaan rallies. Kevin Penwell had a double and three RBI's for the locals. Rich Brookshire took the lose for New Canaan.

District 5 Tournament Play
Meriden Little League sent three All-Star teams to play in the District 5 tournament.

The Ed Walsh All-Stars defeated Terryville 10-3, in District 5 action. Jason Currie tossed a three-hitter and struck out 12 batters for the win. The winning rally came in the second inning when Joe Scavone rapped an RBI single and Currie lofted a fly ball to left with the bases loaded that scored all three runs. Kyle Dobratz, Chico Rivera, and Ryan McNeil had hits for the Walsh Stars.

1987 Jack Barry All-Stars
They were coached by...

1987 Big Ed Walsh All-Stars
Chris Drezek, Jason Currie, Scott Palmer, Kyle Dobratz, Ryan McNeil, Joe Scavone, Kurt Gannon, Josh Baker, Seth Godcher,, Chico Rivera, Norbert Morin, Steve Markoja, and Jason Krystofolski. They were coached by Ralph Carey.

1987 Connie Mack All-Stars
They were coached by...

1987 South Meriden Youth League All-Stars, State Babe Ruth Bambino Champions
Jeff Dahn, Tom Rich, Kevin Penwell, and ..... They were coached by Lenny Rich.

The 1947 Little League World Series Champions from the Maynard Little League in Williamsport are reunited on the field before the championship game. Hua Lian Little League, Chinese Taipei, Taiwan, defeated Northwood Little League, Irvine, CA, 21-1.

Regular season Little League games were played at Frank Kogut Field of Overlook Drive, Unison Club Field, Somer Stadium, and Carter Field.

The 1988 Meriden Little League Championship was won by South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department of the South Meriden Youth League.

Members of the South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department team were: Kevin Penwell, Mark Teller, Jason Britney, Bill Rich, Chris Millsback, Jeff Milner, Robert Barneschi, Jason Albrycht, Sean Phostole, Mike Kaliss and Dan Rice. They were coached by Lenny Rich.

South Meriden Vol's Wins City Title
The South Meriden Vol's defeated Kuta Builders 12-2 and won their second consecutive City Championship. It was also the South Meriden Youth League's third City Championship in a row. The Vols were led by the 5-hit pitching of Kevin Penwell. The offense was led by home runs of Mark Teller and Jason Britney along with the solid hitting of Bill Rich, Chris Millsback, and Jeff Milner. The defense was anchored by Robert Barneschi, Jason Albrycht, Sean Phostole, Mike Kaliss and Dan Rice. The Kuta attack was led by Scott Palmer, Jason L'Heureux, Jamie Cyr, and Jason Feneque.

Ruth Bambino All-Star Tournament Play
South Meriden Youth League sends one team to the Babe Ruth Bambino All-Star Tournament.

The South Meriden Youth All-Star team defeated Woodridge, 12-0, Saturday July 17,1988 to advance to the state finals of the Bambino Division Tournament. Jamie Showerda hurled a one-hitter in registering the shutout and helped his own cause with three hits and three RBI. Bill Rich also contributed offensively with three hits and three RBI.

The South Meriden Youth League All-Stars captured a third straight state Bambino League Championship Wednesday July 27,1988, defeating Greenwich 9-3, at Rogers Field. South Meriden, which sailed through the double-elimination tournament unbeaten, took control of the game in the first inning when Jamie Showerda clouted a grand-slam homer. Showerda also went the distance on the mound for the win, allowing six hits and striking out seven. Bill Rich and Matt Crispino had fourth inning homers for the locals.

The third time is a charm. It took the South Meriden Bambino League All-Stars three years to win a game in the New England Regional Tournament. But once they one the first, the next three were a breeze. South Meriden, after bowing out of the last two New England Regional's in consecutive games and surviving a scare in the opening game of this year's tournament, finally found the road to the World Series.
Kevin Penwell doubled twice, homered and drove in five runs to pace the 18-hit attack, and Jamie Showerda pitched an eight-hitter as South Meriden routed Marblehead, Mass, 20-4, in the championship game Thursday of the New England Regional Tournament at Mead Memorial Park in New Canaan. The win raised South Meriden's record to 10-0 in state and regional play and advanced them into the World Series in Nashua, New Hampshire. Kevin Penwell took home the tournament MVP honors for South Meriden. Keith Guidone hit two home runs, Brian Kobus one, and Jason Canell one for the locals. Showerda was helped by some outstanding defensive plays by Mark Teller, Marcus Green and second baseman Joe Lane, who snared a hard liner for the final out of the game.
Title Trail
So. Meriden 10, Marblehead, Ma. 8
So. Meriden 22, New Hampshire 3
So. Meriden 11, New Canaan 9
So. Meriden 20, Marblehead, Ma. 4

Gary Noel's two-out, bases loaded single in the bottom of the sixth inning, Monday August 15,1988, gave Nashua a 2-1 win over South Meriden at Holman Stadium. Jamie Showerda had held Nashua to just two bunt singles until winning pitcher Oulette led off the sixth with a single, followed by two walks to load the bases before 4 foot 6, 77 pound Noel delivered his game winning hit.

District 5 Tournament Play
Meriden Little League sent three All-Star teams to play in the District 5 tournament.

The Forestville All-Stars topped Jack Barry Little League All-Stars 12-6, in opening round action of the District 5 Little League Tournament at Jack Barry LL Field, July 17,1988. Forestville built a 9-0 lead aided by two home runs by Danny Stern and a three-run blast by Steve DeFilio. Jack Barry came back with five runs in the fifth inning highlighted by a grand slam by Angel Diaz. Dave Bertuglia doubled home Jack Barry's final run of the game in the sixth inning. Bart Bonet took the lose for Meriden while Jude Hinricks went all the way to register the win for Forestville.

The Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars defeated the Edgewood All-Stars in District 5 Tournament Play.

The Jack Barry Little League All-Stars were defeated by Yalesville, 11-3 as Jon Gersz went the distance allowing two hits and striking out 14 for Yalesville. Jon Rath set the stage with a leadoff home run for Yalesville. Jack Barry's Dave Bertuglia and Luis Pabon provided the only offense with a homer and a triple, respectively.

The Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars Lost to the McCabe-Waters All-Stars of Bristol in round two action of District 5 Tournament play.

The Ed Walsh All-Stars defeated the Wallingford Little League All-Stars in District 5 Tournament play.

The Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars defeated the Yalesville Little League All-Stars in District 5 Tournament play.

The Ed Walsh All-Stars advanced to the final four of the District 5 Little League tournament by eliminating Southington West 9-7, Monday July 25,1988. Norbert Morin pitched 2 1/3 innings of hitless relief to gain the victory, Scott Palmer had a three-run homer and Mike Huntley had two key hits and three RBI to spark the Ed Walsh offense.

The Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars eliminated Berlin, 5-4, Wednesday July 27,1988, at Griswold Field School in Berlin. Ed Walsh solid defense was led by Dan Molis and Dan Gibson who had four assists apiece. Jason Krystofolski picked up the win. The offense was paced by Mike Huntley who was 2-3 with a home run. Jason Fenerque also had two hits.

Ed Walsh stayed alive in the District 5 All-Star Tournament with a 5-0 win over Plainville, Friday July 29,1988. Winning pitcher Scott Palmer tossed a no-hitter to lead the locals into the losers bracket final. Palmer struck out ten, walked four, and had four assists. Mike Michalowski was 3-3, and Dave Gryga was 2-3 to lead the offense.

The Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars were defeated by Forestville, Saturday July 30,1988, in the losers bracket final. The lose eliminated the locals (6-2 record) from District 5 play.

1988 Jack Barry All-Stars
Angel Diaz, Ryan Aldrich, Brian Bacote, David Bertuglia, Bartalome Bonet, Tim Devost, Peter Dow, Mike Esposito, Patrick Gaffney, Ryan Kerelajza, Mark Longo, Luis Pabon, Edgar Vasquez, and Matt Wilkinson. They were coached by .....

1988 Big Ed Walsh All-Stars
Norbert Morin, Scott Palmer, Mike Huntley, Dan Molis, Dan Gibson, Jason Krystofolski, Jason Fenerque, Mike Michalowski, and Dave Gryga. They were coached by Ralph Carey.

1988 Connie Mack All-Stars
They were coached by .

1988 South Meriden Youth League All-Stars, State & New England Babe Ruth Bambino Champions
Jamie Showerda, Bill Rich, Brian Sokolowski, Matt Crispino, Kevin Penwell, Mark Teller, Jason Canell, Keith Guidone, Jeff Boudreau, Kevin Sullivan, Joe Lane, Joe Dinda, Joe Modica, Marcus Green and Brian Kobus. Bob Sokolowski was the manager and Ron Crispino, Mike Showerda, and Les Rich were the coaches.

Tom Seaver becomes the first enshrinee of the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum Hall of Excellence. Seaver is a graduate of the Spartan Little League in Fresno, California. The press selection of Howard J. Lamade is named in honor of Ray Keyes, the only sportswriter to cover every Little League World Series from 1947-1988. Tai Ping Little League, Chinese Taipei, Taiwan, defeated Pearl City Little League, Pearl City, Hawaii, 10-0.

Regular season Little League games were played at Frank Kogut Field of Overlook Drive, Unison Club Field, Somer Stadium, and Carter Field.

The 1989 Meriden Little League Championship was won by Canberra of the South Meriden Youth League.

Members of the Canberra team were: Aaron Hunter, Tim Dileo, Tony Shourds, Blake Marcantiono, Gary Maratea, John Rosa, Joey Annion, Charles Balant, Mike Curtis, Aaron Hunter, Gary Maratea, Blake Marcantonio, Greg Wall, Jamie Van Hennick and Ryan Van Hennick. They were coached by Marc Marcantonio, Joe Read, and Joe Annion.

South Meriden Wins City LL Championship
Canberra (20-0) defeated Kuta Builders of the Ed Walsh Little League, 7-4, to take the City Series Championship for the South Meriden Youth League. Kuta took a 3-0 lead highlighted by Jason Feneque's triple. Canberra came back in the second inning with back-to-back doubles by Aaron Hunter and Tim Dileo. Canberra scored three more in the fourth inning when Tony Shourds leadoff with a single followed by Blake Marcantiono's triple and Gary Maratea's single. John Rosa also tripled in the fifth. Feneque went the distance for Kuta. Tony Shourds pitched six innings and struck out 12 batters for Canberra to get the win.

Ruth Bambino All-Star Tournament Play
South Meriden Youth League sends one team to the Babe Ruth Bambino All-Star Tournament.

Once again, the South Meriden Youth League All-Stars were State Babe Ruth Bambino Champions.

District 5 Tournament Play
Meriden Little League sent three All-Star teams to play in the District 5 tournament.

The Ed Walsh Little League opened its District 5 All-Star competition with a 20-0 win over the Yalesville All-Stars. Mike Michalowski went the distance scattering four hits while striking out 15 . Ed Walsh pounded out 22 hits. Jeff Simeone hit for the cycle, while Jason Feneque was 3-for-4 including a pair of home runs. Kevin Kofsuske, 4-for-4, and Todd McNeil 3-for-3 had perfect nights for the Walsh Stars.

Mike Michalowski singled in the bottom of the sixth inning to lead the Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars over Edgewood of Bristol, 7-6 Friday July 21,1989. Edgewood scored three runs in the top of the sixth inning to knot the score at 6-6 but Michalowski delivered a single to left that scored John Fiderio with the game winner. Fiderio walked to lead off the sixth inning and advanced to third on a single by Jeff Simeone. Ed Walsh scored four runs in the third inning as Fiderio, Michalowski, Jason Feneque and Kevin Kofsuske chipped in with hits.

Ed Walsh suffered its first lose of the District 5 tournament, 3-1, to Berlin, Saturday July 22,1989 despite a three-hit, seven strikeout performance on the mound by Mike Michalowski. Todd McNeil doubled in the lone Walsh run.

The Ed Walsh Little League All-Stars remained alive in District 5 play with a 5-2 win over McCabe-Waters of Bristol. Jason Feneque scattered six hits and struck out eight to pick up the win for Ed Walsh. Mike Michalowski went 3-for-3 and Jeff Simeone blasted a home run to lead the offense. Kevin Kofsuske and Allan Tremblay also provide key hits for the locals.

The Ed Walsh All Stars were defeated by the Edgewood All-Stars Wednesday, July 26,1989, eliminating the locals from Distric 5 play. The Walsh Stars finished tournament play with a 3-2 record.

1989 Jack Barry All-Stars
They were coached by N.

1989 Big Ed Walsh All-Stars
Mike Michalowski, Jeff Simeone, Jason Feneque, Kevin Kofsuske, Todd McNeil, John Fidero, and Allan Tremblay. They were coached by Ralph Carey.

1989 Connie Mack All-Stars
They were coached by .

1989 South Meriden Youth League All-Stars, State Babe Ruth Bambino Champions
They were coached by .

Little League Baseball celebrates its 50th Anniversary. Poland receives Certificates of Charter for the first four Little League programs in Eastern-Bloc countries. Carl Yastrzemski becomes the first Little League graduate to be inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame. Trumbull National Little League of Trumbull Connecticut becomes the first team from the United States to win the World Series since 1983.

City Championships 1949~1989
1949....The Moose Club..............Meriden LL
1950....The Moose Club............Ed Walsh LL
1951....Pembek Oil..................Jack Barry LL
1952....Pembek Oil..................Jack Barry LL
1953....The Moose Club............Ed Walsh LL
1954....No City Series
1955....Gilmartin Rams.......Connie Mack LL
1956....C.I.O............................Jack Barry LL
1957....The Moose Club............Ed Walsh LL
1958....Eagles Club...................Ed Walsh LL
1959....Meriden Roofing......Connie Mack LL
1960....Pembek Oil...................Jack Barry LL
1961....Kiwanis Club.................Ed Walsh LL
1962....Wonder Bread................Ed Walsh LL
1963....Meriden Roofing......Connie Mack LL
1964....Hamrah Rug Co........Connie Mack LL
1965....Biestek Insurance...........Ed Walsh LL
1966....Home Meat Center....Connie Mack LL
1967....Hancock Pharmacy.........Ed Walsh LL
1968....Hancock Pharmacy.........Ed Walsh LL
1969....Somers Club......................Art Hills LL
1970....Hancock Pharmacy.........Ed Walsh LL
1971....Meriden Roofing.......Connie Mack LL
1972....Hancock Pharmacy.........Ed Walsh LL
1973....Hancock Pharmacy.........Ed Walsh LL
1974....S. Meriden Volunteer Fire..Art Hills LL
1975....Meriden Roofing.......Connie Mack LL
1976....Silver City Manufacturing..Art Hills LL
1977....Dairy Queen................Connie Mack LL
1978....Hancock Pharmacy.........Ed Walsh LL
1979....Silver City Manufacturing..Art Hills LL
1980....Silver City Manufacturing..Art Hills LL
1981....S. Meriden Volunteers........Art Hills LL
1982....Norrie & Hurst..................Ed Walsh LL
1983....Roman Oil...................Connie Mack LL
1984....L & M Garage.............Connie Mack LL
1985....L & M Garage.............Connie Mack LL
1986....Gradwell Builders....S. Meriden Youth L
1987....S. Meriden Volunteers..S. Meriden Youth L
1988....S. Meriden Volunteers..S. Meriden Youth L
1989....Canberra.......................S. Meriden Youth L

Meriden Little League District Championships 1949-1989