In just its first year of existence, the Sayreville Post 211 13- and 14-year-old team had a tremendous summer season.
The team, comprised of one 12-year-old, 11 13-year-olds and six 14-year-olds, compiled a record of 13-7-1 during regular county legion play, putting the team in fourth place. They qualified to move on to the playoffs, where in a best-of-three series, they squared off against a tough third-place North Edison team.
In the first game, Chris Bielak pitched a complete game for the 11-4 win. He displayed a variety of pitches and was supported by an outstanding defense. Nick Ruzala, Joe Petosa, Rhett Fischer, Carlos Vargas, Jake Campbell and Alex Dzioba provided nonstop hitting on the offensive side.
In game two, Nick Brown pitched four solid innings in a suspense-filled game. Sayreville was trailing after five innings by a score of 3-2, but scored three in the bottom of the sixth to take a 5-3 lead. Timely hitting and great base-running by James DeMild, Mike McLafferty, Nick Underwood, Nick Ruzala, Chris Bielak, Alex Dzioba, Kevin Brander and Nick Brown combined for three runs in the sixth. Alex Dzioba and Jake Campbell each pitched one inning of relief for the save for winner Nick Brown. Post 211 made the sweep, which sent them to the state playoffs.
With great enthusiasm and teamwork, the team headed to Tabernacle to face Cape May County. Chris Bielak started on the mound for Sayreville. After three innings of play, Sayreville was trailing 5-2. Some mishaps in the field gave Cape May the lead. Jake Campbell came in to pitch in the fourth and fifth innings. In the seventh, Sayreville was trailing 12-3, but this team wouldn’t quit. With one out, 11 hitters went to the plate to bring the score to 12-9. Nick Ruzala, Sayreville’s most consistent hitter, hit a 300-foot blast to lead the attack. A great effort by the whole team was displayed. Unfortunately, Sayreville’s run for the state title ended there.
Throughout the season, pitcher/first baseman/third baseman Tom Berardi provided unbelievable talent for the team. Due to a prior commitment, he was unable to attend the state playoff game. Sharing catching duties were Carlos Vargas, Rhett Fischer and Nick Underwood. Pitchers included Nick Brown, Tom Berardi, Chris Bielak, Jake Campbell, Nick Ruzala and Alex Dzioba.
In the outfield, Nick Ruzala was the team’s center fielder, who also batted .475. James DeMild, Kevin Brander, Kevin O’Connor, Chris Bielak, Rhett Fischer and Mike McLafferty also displayed solid outfield performances. Around the infield, Alex Dzioba, who batted .375, and Joe Petosa (.420) shared the shortstop spot. Pat Kamfolt, Wally Kamfolt, Nick Brown, Nick Corvino, Chris Bielak, Mike McLafferty and Tom Berardi held various positions whenever and wherever required on the field.
The players were Tom Berardi, Chris Bielak, Kevin Brander, Nick Brown, Jake Campbell, Nick Corvino, James DeMild, Alex Dzioba, Rhett Fischer, Pat Kamfolt, Wally Kamfolt, Mike McLafferty, Kevin O’Connor, Joe Petosa, Nick Ruzala, Nick Underwood and Carlos Vargas. The manager was Brian Bielak and the coaching staff consisted of Jeff Campbell, John DeMild and Bob Petosa.