The South Shore National squad of Staten Island went down to Williamsport and certainly put up a fight in the World Series tournament, but in the end couldn't get the job done against San Antonio in a 4-1 defeat in last night's nationally televised game. Most little league double plays are prompted by careless baserunning by a kid who doesn't know how many outs there are, but San Antonio pulled off three DPs last night simply with their sharp fundamentals. The Texas tweens, who probably get to play all-year round without any real winter to deal with, were able to get themselves out of three separate innings in which South Shore National had loaded up the bases, twice with nobody out. Star lefty pitcher Angelo Navetta (pictured) got banged up and taken out early, not making it out of the 2nd inning. Manager Mike Zaccariello said after, "He just wasn't Angelo." Mayor Bloomberg saluted the Staten Island youngsters, saying he was "impressed by the spirit of the players and the devotion of the parents in the stands." After the defeat, the mayor said, "On behalf of the entire city, I congratulate them on a great season that is the stuff of dreams."
Staten Island Little Leaguers Eliminated
SI's South Shore National Heads To Little League World Series
Last night, Staten Island Little League team the South Shore National defeated a team from Somerset Hills, NJ, 4-0, to become the Mid-Atlantic Regional champions. Now the team is headed to Williamsport, Pennsylvania for the Little League World Series. Proud uncle Anthony Morisano, whose nephew James is on the team, told the Daily News, "This is a big deal for us. The whole team is good. All the kids seem to be stepping up." What's more, they're stepping up during a nationally broadcast (on ESPN2) game!
Rangers Get Two Top Free Agents
In a flash the Rangers remade their team on the first day of free agency, adding Chris Drury and Scott Gomez. Drury, grew up in Trumbull, Connecticut as a Rangers’ fan and has been one of the top centers in the game since breaking into the league with Colorado in 1998 (not to mention a Little League World Series champion). Gomez has been with the Devils since joining the league in 1999 winning two Stanley Cups and is a very good player at both ends of the ice.
2006 in New York Sports
In keeping with our lists of events from 2006, here are some of the sports stories that Gothamist found compelling in the past year. It ranges from the playoff disappointment from the Mets and the Yankees to the welcome performances of last season's Rangers, this season's Jets and Rutgers.
Extra, Extra
-- Holy schlamoli, the College Humor kids are rich, bitch! It's not Girls Gone Wild money, but still!
Monroe Wins PSAL Class A Title
Three years ago, Danny Almonte was playing in the Little League World Series and was later discovered to be above the 12 year-old age limit. Almonte is now a 17 year-old sophomore and is 5'11" and 150 lbs with a 87 m.p.h. fastball.

