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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2008

MARK IS A GRANDFATHER

At 7:15 pm on Tuesday, September 16th, 2008 Brooks Timothy Van Overloop was born, making Mark a grandfather. The proud new parents are Timothy Mark Van Overloop and Cristen McKenna, residing in Suffern, NY. Brooks weighs 9 lbs. 2 oz and is 21".

Tim, a Forham graduate (as was Mark) is a F.D.N.Y. Firefighter in the Bronx, besides having 2 other jobs in water purification/filtration - one company (NMP) he owns and the other (Proflow) he works for. Cristen will obtain her Master's Degree in Physical Education and begin her teaching career in 2009.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2008

BERGEN A'S ARE SUNDAY LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

After playing in another 30/40 League for 18 years, the Bergen A's moved over to our League for 2008. After winning 9 championships in the other league, the A's goal was to win their first one in our League. The A's dedicated their season to Walt Andreas, who they lost this past Spring.

'In the new league (ours) we found that the games were very competitive' said A's manager Tony Craparo. With the good starting pitching of Bob Khalil (8 wins in the season and all 3 wins in the playoffs), good defense and timely hitting, the A's went 12-4 (2nd place in the AAA division) and swept the 3 rounds of the playoffs, 3-0. Two of the original A's, Bucky Rehain and Marty Cornetto, who helped Craparo start the team in 1990, were still playing and contributing in 2008 - Cornetto's outfield defense and Rehain's pitching. The 65 year-old Rehain even pitched a complete game victory against the Blue Jay in 90 degree heat. It took a team effort to win, led by the Veterans.

'I would like to thank my players, our opposing teams and the League' says Craparo.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 22, 2008

ORIOLES WIN 2008 COOPERSTOWN TOURNAMENT

The Orioles won the Cooperstown Tournament for the 5th time (1998, 1999, 2004, 2006, 2008), finishing with a 6-2 mark in the five team tourney.

The Orioles mound staff was led by manager Mark Van Overloop, who went 4-0 with 3 complete games in 26 innings pitched. Mark pitched and won a game in each of the event's 4 days. Tom Durkin and Matt Bosshart also won games for the O's.

The Orioles offense was once again led by Al Bracuti, who led the team in batting (.593), hits (16), runs (10), RBI (8), slugging % (1.074), besides hitting a tournament best 3 home runs. The Orioles other top slugger, Al Rodriguez, led the team in on base (.619%), runs (10) and doubles (5), while batting .529, slugging 1.000 and blasting a home run. Other top Orioles hitters included Durkin (.571 batting avg. and 2 hits in each game), Ray Tomczyk (.500) and Dan Spector (.500 batting plus a team-leading 7 steals). John Caruso (.357) and Joe Apgar (.333) also bested .300. The tournament's senior palyer, 73 year old Flacco Martinez, hit .250 and belted a long double.

The Buffalo Nights finished second at 6-2 (losing out on a tie-breaker to the Orioles) and the Rockland Katz were third at 5-3.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 13, 2008

ORIOLES WIN FIRST NIGHT LEAGUE PLAYOFF CHAMPIONSHIP

In the semi-final game, the Orioles held on to beat the Cardinals 7-6 (The Orioles 3rd one-run victory, in 2008, over the tenacious Passaic Cardinals). Frank Barbara started, went 5 2/3 innings, while yielding 2 earned runs and gained the victory. Manager Mark Van Overloop earned the save by retiring the last two Cards batters. Tom Dixon had 2 hits, while John Caruso and Nate Santacroce each had 2 RBI to lead the Oriole attack.

In the final playoff championship game, the Orioles prevailed 8-4 over their arch-rivals, the Indians. Frank Barbara pitched a 9-inning complete game, allowing 3 earned runs, in earning his third win over the Indians this year and his seventh overall victory of the season. Al Bracuti spearheaded the Orioles offense with 3 hits, including a home run, and 4 RBI. Tay Tomczyk and Nate Santacroce each chipped in with 3 hits, while Greg Picher and Tom Mergola added 2 base hits a piece.

The Orioles regular season and playoff championships were a true team effort, with all 13 players contributing to the team's success, an overall 16-1 record.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JULY 31, 2008

2008 ORIOLES GO 14-1 TO WIN 1ST PLACE IN WEEKNIGHT LEAGUE

The 2008 Orioles captured their 5th night league title (1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2008) dethroning the 4-time defending regular season champion Indians ( 2004-07). These Orioles set a night league record with their 14 wins, again besting the Indians (who won 13 in 2004 and 2006).

The '08 Orioles became the 1st night league team and the 4th team in league history to go 10-0 (or better). The '08 Orioles started this season 14-0. In the Sunday League, the 2000 Rockies started off 11-0 and the 2003 Diamondbacks began 12-0. The 18-0, 2005 Giants finished undefeated in the regular season. The 1999 Fall League Orioles were the League's first undefeated team.

The '08 Orioles pitching staff compiled a sparkling 2.47 team E.R.A. and was led by manager Mark Van Overloop's 9-0 record and career best 2.66 E.R.A. in 61 2/3 innings. Frank Barbara went 5-1 with a 2.20 E.R.A. The O's had 9 quality starts - 6 by Mark and 3 by Frank.

The '08 O's batting attack was led by Greg Picher's 3 team-leading averages: batting -.630, on base-.706, slugging-1.037 and league leading 3 homers. Al Bracuti led the team in runs (24), hits (25), and steals (16) while batting .446. Al Rodriquez led with 8 doubles and 25 RBI while hitting .415. Ray Tomczyk (.409), Tom Dixon (.396), Nate Santacroce (.343), Tom Mergola (.325), John Caruso (.305) and Bob Adler (.300) all bested the .300 mark.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 25, 2008

MARK'S ORIOLES/BRAVES/ASTROS WIN MEMORIAL DAY TOURNAMENT

On a picture perfect day, A League of Our Own returned to play at Yogi Berra Stadium, for the first time since 2000. Using wood bats, we had the most teams ever (4) and the most competitive tournament in League history, with 5 runs being the most scored by any team and all games hotly contested and decided by 2 runs or less.

Game #1: Passaic Cardinals-3, Ken Fried's Mets Plus-3
Game #2: Mark's O.B.A.s-5, Ken Fried's Mets Plus-4

Mark Van Overloop was the winning pitcher, going 5 2/3 innings. Jaimie Rivera was the hitting star with 2 hits and 2 RBI. Our 3 Astros combined for 4 out of the 5 RBI.

Game #3: Passaic Cardinals-4, Mel's Rockies-2

Roger Lope had a shutout for 6 2/3 innings but had to hold on to narrowly escape a bases loaded jam to gain the win.

Game #4: Mark's O.B.A.s-3, Mel's Rockies-2

Braves Manager Rich Durso picked up the win in relief. Jaimie Rivera again had 2 hits. John Caruso had 2 hits and made the diving, defensive play of the day at third base. Ben Pagaono added 2 RBI, with 3 on the day.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 30, 2007

2007 ORIOLES ARE CHAMPS OF FALL NIGHT LEAGUE FOR 2ND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

The Orioles again captured 1st place in the Fall Night League with another 7-1 mark, this year plating 17 plus runs a game. The O's pitching staff was once again anchored by manager Mark Van Overloop, who was 6-0 with 5 quality starts. Craig Felixson was 1-0 with a 3.16 E.R.A. in relief.

The team's attack was paced by Victor Nieves' team leading, .600 batting and .714 on base averages. Al Brucati led with 16 RBI , while posting averages of .522 (batting), .621 (on base), and .739 (slugging). Bob Adler had averages of .524 (batting) and .697 (on base). Harry Litchfield batted .500, while his 3 doubles and 2 triples contributed to his team leading .792 slugging %. Tom Dixon (.480 batting and .649) and Roger Lope (.400 batting average) both hit .400. Other team leaders included Frank Barbara (5 doubles), Van Overloop (14 runs and 18 walks) and Bill Giaimo (14 runs and 10 stolen bases).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 30, 2007

2006 ORIOLES FINISH FIRST IN INAUGURAL FALL NIGHT LEAGUE SEASON

In 2006, the Fall Night League's first year, the Orioles captured 1st place with a 7-1 mark, while scoring over 18 runs per game. The birds pitching corps was led by manager Mark Van Overloop's 6-1 record, which included 6 complete games. Craig Felixson chipped in with a 1-0 record.

The potent O's offense was spearheaded by Roger Lope, who led the club in batting (.581), on base, (.640) slugging (.837), hits (25), doubles (11), and RBI (24). Jeff Steiner hit .512, with a team-leading 21 runs scored. Van Overloop batted .457 and led with 12 walks, Dave Rosenthal (.423), Mario Castro (.444) and Doug McGuire (.400) all batted over 400, as the team batted .462 as a unit.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 31, 2007

ORIOLES AND INDIANS CROWNED 2007 NIGHT LEAGUE PLAYOFF CO-CHAMPIONS

The 1st place Indians 11-3-2 (finishing first in the regular season for the 4th year in a row) played a 9-inning 10-10 tie with the 2nd place Orioles 11-5, as both teams were crowned 2007 Playoff Co-Champions, for the night league.

The Orioles advanced to the playoff final game, by defeating the 3rd place Nationals, 10-9 in 12 innings, only 2 nights earlier in the latest game (ending after 12:30 am) in league history. Orioles Manager, Mark Van Overloop, won his 11th game of the Night League Season, by pitching the last 4 innings with scoreless relief. Tom Dixon's third hit of the game drove in Van Overloop with the winning run in the bottom of the 12th. Greg Picher also had a trio of base hits.

For the season, the Orioles were led by the 'Unofficial' Thursday Night League Cy Young Winner Mark Van Overloop's 10 wins and 77 2/3 innings pitched (as he pitched in all 17 of the 12-5-1 Orioles Games) and the 'Unofficial' Most Valuable Player Al Brucati's 8 home runs and 40 RBI. Bob Adler (.500), Mario Castro (.485), Al Brucati (.467), Doug Van Horn (.452) and John McCann (.415) were the top Orioles hitters.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 31, 2007

ORIOLES/BRAVES WIN 5TH ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY TOURNAMENT

The Braves (Marlins) won the 2007 Memorial Day Tournament at beautiful (Hudson County) Dutchess County Stadium. In the first game, the Braves tomahawked the R.Yankees 18-6 behind Mark Van Overloop's complete game pitching victory. The Brave's offensive explosion was led by Rocky Panetta (4 hits & 3 runs), Van Overloop (2 RBI double, 2 runs, 3 walks), Ken Fried (2 runs, 3 RBI, single, triple), Jaimie Rivera (3 runs, 2 hits, 2 RBI), Chris Velazquez (3 runs, 2 hits, 3 RBI), Scott Weinstein (2 hits & 3 RBI), Joe Niego's 2 RBI and Tom Durkin's 2 hits.

In their second game, the Braves edged the Phillies (Ex-Orioles) 9-7 as John Ross starred, by picking up the win in relief, as well as scoring 3 runs on 3 hits (including a long triple) with 2 RBI. Rocky Panetta (the day's hitting star) added 2 more hits and 2 more RBI. Ken Fried had 2 RBI and 2 hits (including a double) while defensive whiz short stop Rich Durso scored 2 runs and doubled.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 16, 2007

ED VAN OVERLOOP

Ed Van Overloop, Mark's father passed away on April 6th. Ed was Mark's #1 fan, the Orioles #1 fan and our League's #1 fan. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Published in The Record and Herald News from 4/13/2007 - 4/14/2007.

VAN OVERLOOP Edward, age 79, of Park Ridge, NJ, passed away on Good Friday, April 6, 2007. Beloved husband of wife Gloria (nee Henninger) of fifty-six years. Devoted father of Mark, Christian and Lori. Cherished grandfather of Timothy and Amy and loving brother Donald. Edward an eighteen-year cancer survivor was founder and leader of New Jersey largest Alternative Cancer Support Group C.A.R.E. He worked tirelessly providing information and hope to so many cancer suffers. Not only to his CARE group but to all that called him around the country. He was a life-long motorcycle and Ham radio enthusiast. The Memorial Service for Edward will be held Sunday, April 15, 2007, 4 PM at the Montvale Ev. Free Church on the corner of Grand and Ackers Ave., Montvale. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Hospice at Bergen Community Health Care, 400 Old Hook Road, Westwood, NJ 07675 or RBARI Animal Shelter, 2 Shelter Lane, Oakland, NJ 07436.

OTHER NEWS

Timothy Van Overloop, Mark's son, is named Vice President of the League.
2007 may be our last tournament in Cooperstown on historic, gorgeous Double-Day Field. The village of Cooperstown may be adding new restrictions on the field usage for 2008. Any players who have not played there yet or not played there in a while should seriously consider playing in our Cooperstown Tournament this year.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 15, 2006

OUR NJ TEAM WINS COOPERSTOWN TOURNAMENT!

A team comprised of players from our league went 6-1 and won The Cooperstown Tournament for the 2nd time in the last 3 years. The pitching staff was led by Mark Van Overloop's (3-0, 2.00 ERA) 3 consecutive 7-inning complete game victories on the 1st three days of the Tournament. Craig Felixson (1-1) pitched complete games 2 days in a row. Tim Kenny gave up no earned runs in a complete game win over 2005's Champ Buffalo. Tom Durkin won the 6th and deciding game.

NJ Offense was led by Steve Carlo (.625 + 10 hits), John McCann (.467 + 6 rbi), Mark Van Overloop (.421, 9 runs, 3 steals), Pete Biagotti (.421 + 5 rbi), Jerry Ungar (3 doubles), Mario Castro (.467 + 5 rbi), Rich Durso (.444 and our only homerun), A.J. Gerbino (.444 and some great catches in the outfield) and Felixson (.357). Also contributing were Evan Ertrachter (.556 + 6 rbi), Frank Higgins (4-4), Tom Cooke (3-3), Durkin (2-4) and Mike Dittamo (2-4).

NJ Players received trophies for the 3rd time in the last 4 years. Why not join the fun in 2007?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 31, 2006

2006 MEMORIAL DAY TOURNAMENT

A team managed by Mark Van Overloop won both games versus a team managed by Steve Hanks. Van Overloop pitched a complete game victory, 11-1, in game one. The offense was led by Tony Visiglia (3 hits, double, 4 rbi), Rocky Panetta - Marlins (4 hits), Rich Durso - Marlins (3 hits, double), and Chris Velazquez - Brewers (3 runs).

In game two, Mark's team prevailed in a tightly fought contest, 14-11. Tony Visiglia picked up the win in relief of starter Tom Durkin. The attack was spearheaded by Durkin's 3 hits, Panetta's 3 rbi, Velazquez's 4 runs and 3 hits, and Van Overloop's 3 walks.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 4, 2005

ORIOLE/BREWERS WIN 6TH ANNUAL 2005 LABOR DAY TOURNAMENT

The Oriole/Brewers won their first game blasting the Mets 26-7 as Mark Van Overloop pitched the 9-inning complete game, allowing one earned run. The hit parade was led by Jaime Rivera (B)-5 hits, 3 doubles, 3 rbi and 3 runs; Ed Sopko (O)-4 runs, 4 rbi and a home run; Steve Carlo (O)-4 walks and 3 runs, Jack Deveraux (O)-5 runs and 3 hits; and Elvis Rosado (O)-3 runs, 3 hits and 3 rbi. Also contributing were Chris Velazquez (B)-4 hits, A.J. Gerbino (O)-5 runs, plus Dave Weiner (O) and Marty Neyen with 3 rbi each.

In their second game, the Oriole/Brewers held on for a 12-11 victory over the Marlins. Dave Weiner (O) picked kup the win and Ed Sopko (O) got the save. The hitting stars were Ed Sopko (O)-4 rbi, 3 hits and a triple; Dave Weiner (O)-3 runs, 3 hits and a home run; and Jack Deveraux with 4 hits.

The weather was perfect, the minor league stadium in fine shape and a good time was had by all. Why not come up next Memorial Day and/or Labor Day and join in the fun.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 8, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 27, 2004

THE NEW BABE

In 2003, Mark 'Babe' Cieslak broke/set the regular season (Our League) home run record with 8 homers. Counting/adding together his Regular Season-8, Playoffs-6, Fall League-3, and a Thursday Night League Game-2, he hit 19 homers in 32 games!

In 2004, Cieslak outdid himself by blasting 16 home runs in just 16 regular season contests, thus doubling his own league homer record, set just last year.

In 1919, Babe Ruth set a new Major League Home Run Record by belting 29, besting the previous mark of 27. In 1920, his first year as a N.Y. Yankee he obliterated his own record, by blasting 54. In 1921 he upped the record to 59 and then in 1927, hit his infamous total of 60 homers. That record lasted 34 years, until Roger Maris hit 61 in 1961.

Both 'Babes', started out as pitchers, with Ruth winning 94 games in the majors.

for immediate release: JULY 31, 2004

OUR UNDEFEATED TEAM WINS JULY COOPERSTOWN TOURNAMENT!

For the second year in a row, a team comprised of our League's players won the Cooperstown Tourney. Leading the team's charge to a 4-0 victory were Rich Durso (Marlins) - .769 average with 8 runs, 10 hits, 6 RBI and a homer, John Ross (Marlins) - .571, 5 runs, 8 hits, 7 RBI, and 3 homers, and Mark Van Overloop (Orioles) - .500, 5 hits and a homerun (his 2nd on Doubleday Field and 3rd in his career).

The pitching staff was led by Van Overloop's 2 complete game wins and 2.25 E.R.A., Craig Felixson's (Thursday Night Orioles) complete game victory and Ross's relief win. Highlighting the team's final win was Van Overloop hurling a 3-hit 9-0 shutout (his 2nd at Doubleday and 5th of his career) and blasting a home run in the last inning. This marked Van Overloop's 20th pitching win on Doubleday Field.

Also contributing to our team's success were Steve Carlo (Orioles) - .417 and 5 hits, Evan Etrachter (Angels) - .429, Fran Kamon (Penn. Phillies) - .400, Bill Delaney (Marlins) - .400 and Joe Niego (Marlins) - .300, 6 RBI and a walk-off bases loaded double against the tough Baltimore Baseball Club.

Want to join us next time - August 23rd→26th? Or next year? Call Mark 201-391-2548.

for immediate release: October 1, 2003

3rd Annual September Cooperstown II Tournament

Four teams participated (Most for September, as 6 teams in August was the most for August)
Larry Flack (Black Sox) hits Grand Slam Home Run
Bill 'Doc' Pollack pitches 988th Career Win
Mark VanOverloop pitches 4-hit 12-0 Shutout (4th 40+ Career Shutout)

7th Annual Cooperstown Tournament

'A LEAGUE OF OUR OWN' STARS TEAM WON our 2003 7th Annual Cooperstown Tournament with a 5-1 Record. It was our largest tourney to date, consisting of 6 teams and players from 12 states, competing on 3 fields, including historic Doubleday Field.

Our team consisted of 10-.300+ hitters: John Ross (Marlins)-.500, Craig Felixson (Orioles)-.500, Bill Delaney (Marlins)-.471, Chip Hiltz (Pirates)-.429, Joe Niego (Marlins)-.385, Joe Glorioso (LI)-.364, Mark Van Overloop (Orioles)-.333, Steve Carlo (White Sox)-.333, Rich Durso (Marlins)-.313, and Carl Anderson (New Yorkers-Thursday)-.300. Rich Durso had 3 doubles and 2 homers, while Bob McGarry (Angels) and Bill Delaney each belted homers.

Our pitching staff was led by Bob McGarry's 2 wins and 2.95 era, including an opening game shutout. Mark Van Overloop, Craig Felixson, and Joe Niego each posted a pitching victory.

We scored at least a dozen runs in all our games but one, while totaling 74 runs for an average of 12.3 per game.

Maybe you would like to join us in September (22nd-25th) as 5 teams are coming up, or in 2004?

(To view pictures from the Tournament Click Here)