2007Fall

Nine Claim Pool at WWBA/Perfect Game Northeast Qualifier

The New York Nine Fall team more than held their own at the World Wood Bat Association (WWBA)/Perfect Game Northeast Qualifier at Baseball Heaven in Yaphank, Long Island on September 15th and 16th. Going 3-0 in their pool, the Nine scored 25 runs while allowing just 4.

In game one of the tournament versus Frozen Ropes, Ethan Liederman and Will Falco powered the Nine offense with long home runs. Jose Rivera chipped in with a 2-run double as the offense pounded out 14 hits en route to a 9-1 victory. Robert Federico earned the win fanning five in three no-hit innings.

Game two saw the Nine take on the Syracuse Sports Zone Athletics under the lights. Syracuse jumped out in front early before the Nine plated four runs in the third, two in the fourth and four more in the fifth. Daniel Sorine paced the offense launching a grand slam to right field. Dean Ginsberg was 2-2 with a pair of runs scored and Danny Rosario plated two with an Rbi double. Donny Pitasi threw two innings, fanning four, for the win.

The final game in pool play pitted the Nine against the New York Gothams, with the winner going into the playoff round. The game was knotted at 1 going into the fifth inning behind the quality pitching of Mike DiLorenzo who allowed one run on two hits in 3 2/3 innings. Mike Giordano earned the win in relief with 3 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing one hit, while fanning 6. Dan Sorine paced the offense going 2-2 with two doubles. Raymond Frias was 2-2 with two walks and a run scored. Joe Lombardi and Zack Small added hits for the Nine.

In their only playoff game, the Nine fell behind in the top of the first inning, behind 6 walks, a hit batter and two hits, trailing 6-0 by the bottom of the inning. The Nine would go on to lose to the Super 17 Red squad by the final tally of 11-1. Dan Sorine was the lone bright spot on offense, homering to right field.

Futures' Isaac honored by Nobel family for Academic Excellence

New York Nine Futures standout catcher Evio Isaac was honored nationally by being offered membership into the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). The NSHSS invites only those students who have achieved superior academic excellence. The announcement was made by Chairman Claes Nobel, a member of the famed Nobel family.

Nobel calls Isaac "a member of the community that represents our very best hope for the future". The NSHSS consists of 150,000 members worldwide, and the New York Nine are proud of all of the academic success Evio Isaac has achieved.

Velazquez named New York City's 2007 PSAL Iron Horse Winner

New York Nine RHP Anthony Velazquez capped a stellar high school career by picking up the city's highest individual honor in 2007 - the PSAL Iron Horse award, naming him New York City's top player. The Queens native, and Bayside HS standout gained national attention by throwing back to back perfect games in 2006 (first time in NYS high school history) and was named 1010 WINS and NY Times sportsperson of the year. Velazquez is the second New York Nine player in as many years (Esterlin Perozo, George Washington HS) to win the prestigious award.