I will do my best to keep this as short as possible.

As you all know this is my second time through the Little League process, my first time obviously was with my older son Michael. Although I have some great memories from his playing days, I did make one huge mistake, I thought it would last forever and never really stopped to enjoy it.
So now I am at it again with a new group of boys, a special group of boys ………………
When we first started this team I use to tell people how different they were, that they were not like other Little League teams, with one or two good pitches and a few good hitters. I find now that I don’t need to tell people anymore, somehow they all already know.
Some might say that I am just lucky to have such a great talent pool in my age group, I don’t consider it lucky at all. I believe we have gotten to this point as a result of the dedication these boys have been taught from there parents and coaches, and to all of you I say thank you. Thank You for teaching them well and allowing me to be there coach.

Coach Sam

North Bellmore, NY – The North Bellmore North Merrick Rebels swept the Garden City Fire today in the final two games of their NJBL fall season, 8 – 0 and 11 – 3. The victories raised the Rebels record in the league to a perfect 14 – 0 and their overal record for Fall 2010 to 19 – 0. The 19-game winning streak is a new high mark for this group through their three seasons of existence, eclipsing their 17-game run in ’09.

Game one highlights included a very strong pitching performance by Mike Proios and a line drive two-run home run by Brian Porricelli that got out of Gunther Field in a hurry. Solid defense and timely hitting assured the Rebels victory that was never in doubt.

In game two, the teams exchanged runs early. The Fire then took the lead in the second inning, 3 – 1. The Rebels soon settled into a groove, though, and with more good defense, including a diving grab in center field by Proios, hitting, including a two-base knock by Kevin Weber that burned the Garden City center fielder, and execution, including a suicide squeeze bunt by Jack Delaney that scored Weber, the Rebels had moved out to a 5 – 3 lead in the fourth inning from which they didn’t look back, posting crooked numbers and blanking the Fire the rest of the way.

In a post-game address to his players, Coach Sam noted the great success this Rebels club has achieved in 2010, acknowledged that his team provided him all he could ask for and more, and stated this is the best ten-year-old baseball team this town has fielded in years. Thank-yous were shared by all, and another year of Rebels baseball was put in the book.

As the off-season begins, it’s apparent that Rebels coaches, players, families, and fans have plenty to look forward to in 2011 and beyond.

Smithtown, NY – The NBNM Rebels remained undefeated in their Fall 2010 campaign yesterday when they defeated the Smithtown Bulls 6 – 1 in a 9-inning game that counts as two wins in the standings. This equates to a 17-game winning-streak and ties a record high for the Rebels.

Rebels starting pitcher Jack Delaney controlled the early going with four innings of shut-out ball. The Rebels’ offense, though, could not string hits together and the game was scoreless through the fourth.

In the top of the fifth, the Rebels finally manufactured a run and led 1 – 0.

Brian Porricelli came on in relief for the bottom of the fifth. Battling the pain of being hit by a pitch in his upper back in the top of the inning, Porricelli cruised through two Ks and a 1-2-3 inning. As his back and neck continued to stiffen up, though, it became apparent that Porky could not continue in this game and the Rebels would have to go the rest of the way without the hard-throwing, long-ball-hitting lefty.

Starting with a lead-off double by Tyler McPartland, the Rebels offense began to click in the sixth, plating two more for a 3 – 0 lead.

In the bottom of the sixth, Matt Conry was called upon to fill the pitching gap in Porricelli’s absense. Having gotten very little work this fall, last appearing for an inning in September at Ripken, Conry showed little rust with excellent control of both his fastball and off-speed pitch. After getting touched up for a lead-off triple, the Rebels defense held, cutting down the Bulls’ baserunner at the plate, and Conry got out of the inning without a run.

Including hits by Alec Acri, Billy McAdam and Eric Solomon, the Rebels scored one in their half of the seventh and two more in the eighth to extend their lead to 6 – 0.

Conry finished strongly yielding just an unearned run in the Bulls’ eighth and throwing a 1-2-3 ninth.

Having clinched the division title yesterday, the Rebels, knowing every team they play is vying to break up their bid for an undefeated season, played for pride and for achieving their previous high win streak of 17 games last year. They will attempt to best their record next Saturday November 6, 10:00am at Gunther Field when they face the Garden City Fire in the final double-header of the season.

North Bellmore, NY – The North Bellmore North Merrick Rebels continued to be perfect today when they defeated the Three Village Yankees in both games of a double-header, 5 – 0 and 10 – 0. The Rebels are now 15 – 0 in the fall season.

Nick Valeriano started game one in impressive fashion for the Rebels shutting down the Yankees as he tossed a no-hit, no-run complete game while striking out 13 Three Village batters.

In game two, NBNM pitchers Mike Proios and Alec Acri combined for another shut-out.

Meanwhile, the Rebels offense was plenty productive, as well, out-hitting their opponent by the wide margin of 19 – 2.

North Bellmore North Merrick have now clinched the 10-75 National Division title in the NJBL Fall league.

Tomorrow the Rebels will look to continue their winning streak when they face the Smithtown Bulls at Moriches Road Field in a 9-inning game that will count as two in the standings.

Commack, NY – The NBNM Rebels remained unbeaten in the fall taking both games of a double-header against Long Island Inferno White today, 3 – 0 and 8 – 2. The Rebels are now 8 – 0 in the NJBL 10-75 National division.

Game one starting pitcher Nick Valeriano stymied the Inferno offense. Combined wih Jack Delaney in two innings of relief and solid defense throughout, the Rebels no-hit the Inferno while scattering enough of their own hits — including an absolute bomb by Brian Porricelli that short-hopped the woods beyond the open field — and productive outs to secure the victory.

In game two, starter Mike Proios continued the domination of Inferno hitters. Some timely Rebels hits and some sloppy play by the Inferno gave NBNM an early lead that they built upon throughout the game. Porricelli closed it out with two impressive no-hit innings.

All in all, both games, while not flashy, were workman-like efforts for the Rebels that kept them the only undefeated team in their division.