LI Astros 2008 19-22 Team

Manager: Al D'Elia

For the 4th year in a row, the Astros College age team made it to the FABL College World Series. Please see below for details.

Our team will be comprised of college ball players under 22 years of age. We will play in the FABL wood bat league this summer.

For League Information (standings, schedules, etc.) please click here.

Interested players, please click here -->

Full Team Picture

LONG ISLAND ASTROS 2008 WORLD SERIES RUNNER-UP CHAMPIONS

After an exciting and successful summer season, the Long Island Astros returned to the NABF College Wood Bat World Series for the fourth consecutive year. The Astros were the 2007 defending champions and the only team to be undefeated going into the championship game of the 2008 World Series tournament held in Toledo, Ohio August 7 th though 11 th . Despite a dynamic effort and a tied game, the Astros were unable to hold the Ohio Monarchs Gold who, in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs, managed to score the game-winning run for a final score of 4-3. In the past three World Series tournaments, the Astros have gone 15-3 with a ten game winning streak. This year, the Astros returned to Long Island as the 2008 World Series runner up champions with a large trophy and a determination to reclaim their title in 2009.

“I would just like to thank all the players, trainer Mike Tullo, and assistant coach Les Steinberger, for their hard work and dedication which has made the Astros a winning team,” said Al D'Elia, manager and coach of the Long Island Astros. “The team did a terrific job and it speaks volumes of the talent of these players when you look at our record and the number of Astros who took home an All Tournament award,” said D'Elia. The awards for World Series All Tournament Team included the following Astros players: Rob LaRusso (1 st base), Adam Chilelli (right field), Jovan Santos (center field), Chris Chiarappa (catcher), Ryan Calabrese (pitcher) and Mike Sporton (3 rd Base and overall batting champ with a .452 BA).

The members who represented The Astros at the 2008 World Series are: Chris Chiarappa, Adam Chilelli, Mark Czerniawski, Nolan Kucich, Rob LaRusso, Joe Marrano, John Matteo, Bryan Offerman, Jake Potters, Mike Renzo, Jovan Santos, Pat Schreck, Joe Silva, Mike Sporton, Brandon Steinberger, Justin McKay, Ryan Calabrese and Mike Bartlett. Assistant Coach: Les Steinberger

Astros members who did not accompany the team to Ohio but who share in the team's success are: Joe Cesarini, Peter Kirby, Tom Marino, Bill Melillo and Danny Rodriguez. Team Trainer: Mike Tullo.

For more details of the World Series games, read the game highlights below.

WORLD SERIES GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Game 1 – the Astros played the Chillicothe Capitals. With Mark Czerniawski on the mound and Jake Potters & Bryan Offerman closing out the game. The pitchers held the team to 5 runs while the offense put 7 runs on the board for the win. Key hits by Brandon Steinberger; Mike Sporton; Jovan Santos and Justin McKay led the way offensively.

Game 2 – the team played the Canton Terriers. Behind the pitching of Joe Marrano, the bats continued their hot pace scoring 17 runs in a mercy game 17-3. Brandon Steinberger went 5 for 5 along with Mike Sporton; Chris Chiarappa; Jovan Santos; Rob LaRusso; Nolan Kucich; Adam Chilelli; Joe Silva and Justin McKay all getting key hits.

Game 3 – concluded pool play and saw the Astros play the Illinois Jayhawks, with Pat Schreck in control for a tight 5-3 win.

Key hits by Nolan Kucich; and Justin McKay drove in the runs needed to keep the team advancing forward, beyond pool play.

Game 4 – quarterfinals saw the Astros meet the Ohio Monarchs Blue, where Mike Renzo pitched a complete game and the bats providing the support necessary for a 11-6 victory. The bats remained hot with the key hits coming from Mike Sporton; Jovan Santos; Rob LaRusso; Chris Chiarappa and Adam Chilelli.

Game 5 – the semifinal game pitted the Astros against the team from Missouri, the Alton Indians. With Ryan Calabrese on the mound, pitching a complete game, the team scratched out a 3-1 victory in a very close game. With Mike Sporton and Chris Chiarappa setting the table, Jovan Santos and Rob LaRusso provided the key hits to put the team in front.

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