By: Rich Fisher
Monroe Post 519 made township history with its first Senior American Legion win on June 13, but the players did not feel the need to go overboard.
It’s not like they haven’t won before, in other venues.
"They acted like it was just another win, nobody was overly excited, because these kids are already winners," Manager Mike Quaglietta said. "They know how to in. It was just a matter of us getting the right match-ups."
Monroe matched up well with New Brunswick, taking a 6-3 victory. Ryan Clark started and allowed just one hit in three innings while striking out five. Johnny Schieda finished up, allowing two runs in the sixth and then escaping an bases-loaded, one-out jam to preserve the victory.
Offensively, Joe Williams stroked a two-run single, Garrett Beyer had an RBI single and Jeff LaPollo drew a bases loaded walk to give Monroe a 4-1 lead. Post 519 padded the advantage on LaPollo’s sacrifice fly and Matt Lezzo’s RBI single.
"It was a very good feeling," Quaglietta said of the victory. "This is a fun group, everybody knows it’s our first year, so just to get the first win was exciting."
It was the first win, but not the last.
Post 519 raised its record to 2-7 this past Wednesday with a 5-2 victory over North Brunswick. Rich Feldhan had a huge game, hitting a two-run homer and driving in three runs. Danny Palisay hit a solo homer, and Angelo Trento doubled and eventually scored on a Ryan Cushman walk.
Starting pitcher Lenny Bergen fanned five and allowed one run in four innings to notch the win.
One game earlier, Trento distinguished himself on the mound in defeat, as he threw five solid innings in a 1-0 loss to Old Bridge. Trento threw just 62 pitches, striking out two and allowing one run on a fielder’s choice. Bergen pitched a 1-2-3 sixth inning. Monroe had a chance to tie the game in the sixth when Mitchel Litt reached second base, but was doubled off when Cushman ripped a line drive back to the pitcher.
Despite the losing record, Quaglietta said "This team is not getting down, they’re still enjoying the game. It’s just nice to see them get chance to play.
"That’s what this team is all about, to give these kids an opportunity to play and prove themselves."
Lit, a Matawan High product, has been proving himself at shortstop.
"He’s been making some web-gem type of plays," Quaglietta said. "He has really stuck out defensively. He’s made some spectacular plays."
Offensively, Cushman, Feldhan, Williams, Lezzo, LaPollo and John Schieda are leading the way, all hitting between .350 to over .400. Anthony Modugno, who was DH’d for much of the high school season, is hitting .500 in limited time.
Quaglietta is especially impressed with Cushman’s contribution, considering he is not considering a future in baseball.
"He’s playing football at East Stroudsburg, so I love the fact Ryan is supporting this team," the manager said. "The commitment from Ryan is appreciated by me and the team, because we knew this is his last year of playing baseball. The fact he made a commitment, that he’s showing up to all the games and is leading the team in hitting says something about him."
Monroe hosts St. Joe’s tonight (5:45), visits Middlesex Monday (6:30), hosts Iselin Wednesday and visits Perth Amboy Thursday.

