Game 19 Reading 2 Hingham 1 In the first round of the Reading Baseball Alumni Tournament held at Morton Field, Reading rallied with two runs in the bottom of the 6th inning to defeat a strong Hingham team, 2-1. Garrett Colantino pitched brilliantly, limiting Hingham to six hits and no earned runs. He was aided by a couple of big defensive plays: with Hingham ahead 1-0 with a runner on 3rd, first baseman Sean O'Neill fielded a ground ball and fired to catcher Derek Galante who tagged out the runner. In the next inning, Hingham had a runner on first when a batter launched a deep drive to right center. Right fielder Ryan Wynns chased it down and made a running catch. Then he made a throw to the infield to double off the runner. So Reading still trailed, 1-0, in the bottom of the sixth when, with one out, Liam Kenneally walked and advanced to 3rd on a wild pickoff attempt. Galante doubled to center to tie the game. Two successive passed balls allowed Galante to score the go ahead run. In the 7th, Colantino retired the first two hitters, but then a batter reached by error. Scott Tully came in a got the next batter to fly out to center field to end the game. Game 20 Reading 2 BC High 7 In the championship game, BC High was just too much for Reading and it handed the Rockets a 7-2 loss. Reading pitchers Steve Roesler, Nathan Terry, and Rob DiLoreto battled, but a 2-run first inning and 5-run 4th inning was too much to overcome. Reading's runs were driven home by Liam Kenneally (2 hits) and Chris Polleys. Reading finished the regular season with a 12-8 record and Middlesex League Liberty Co-Championship (11-5). The Reading Baseball Alumni Tournament was a huge success, thanks to many, many people who made the event very special. The weather was spectacular and Morton Field was in pristine condition (thanks to coaching staff who worked on the field for a few days and then re-groomed the field after each game). There was a big crowd who enjoyed good baseball and refreshments at the concession stand (thanks to many Reading Baseball parents who did all the work to set up the tent, purchase and sell food, create a schedule of workers, and much, much more. Special thanks to Sheila Tully who spearheaded the whole operation and did an amazing job). Sydney Thayer (RMHS 2012 grad) created the program and Ted Bryson and Steve Palladino did a great job as PA announcers. Thanks to John Halsey for providing the PA equipment and Reading Babe Ruth League President Jeff Pierce who coordinated the set up and operation. RMHS Athletic Director Tom Zaya was active and supportive throughout, and ensured that the tournament was a great experience for everyone. Thanks to Troy Tully who operated the scoreboard for all four games. There were four JV games played at Washington Park, which was only playable (after 3 days of rain) because of parents who worked all day Sunday to get the field ready. On a personal note, I must express my gratitude for the recognition of my upcoming retirement and the playing of my last games at Morton Field. Thank you to former RMHS AD and current MIAA representative Phil Vaccaro, who made a heartfelt presentation and, as always, showed his love and support. RMHS Alumnus Joe Picano '81 gave a wonderful speech, on behalf of all alumni players, for which I am very thankful.Then having scores of former players, from the 70's to the '10's in attendance and recognized for their constant support and friendship, was the highlight of the event, for me. Many more thank yous will be forthcoming when the season ends, but also must thank my coaching staff of Scott Farris, Jason Zerfas, and Tom White for doing a great job and for their tremendous commitment and loyalty.