Doubleheader at Morelli, Games at Wakefield & Trum on Sunday Schedule

Intercity League action continues on Sunday highlighted by a doubleheader at Morelli Field where the Reading Bulldogs meet the Melrose Americans. First pitch for game one is slated for 5:00 PM.

At 3:00 PM the Wakefield Merchants host Alibrandis at Walsh Field and at 5:00 PM the Malden Maddogs and Somerville Royals tangle at Trum.

On Monday, the Andre Chiefs host the Maddogs at 8:00 PM at Maplewood/Malden Catholic in the only game on the ICL schedule.

 

Merchants, Chiefs & Alibrandis Take Wednesday Night Wins

Two time ICL MVP Bobby Losanno and Kevin Lucey had two RBI’s apiece when the Merchants came from behind and walked off with a 4-3 win over the Melrose Americans at Walsh Field in Wakefield. Joseph Maguire (1-0), in relief of Mike Andrews (5 innings, 8 hits, 1 K) and Robert Shaw (1 inning, 1 K), picked up the win by working the top of the seventh. Ian Libby and Nick Rath had two hits each for the Americans. Dave Center and Rath had the Melrose RBI’s.

Evan Walsh struck out ten and allowed just four hits in six innings to lead the Andre Chiefs to a 3-2 win over the Reading Bulldogs at Maplewood. Walsh (1-0) allowed a couple of runs in the top of the first inning on a two RBI double form Brendan McDonald then slammed the door over the next five frames. The Chiefs scored all of their runs in the bottom of the third against Jack Wallace (0-1) on singles from Michael Nestor, Tony Serino, Steve Passatempo and Kyle Dembrowski. David Kerns picked up his second save of the year in the seventh.

In a late game, Alibrandis knocked off the Somerville Royals 7-5 at Trum Field.

There are no ICL games now scheduled for Thursday night. The Alibrandis at Lexington game was postponed due a field conflict as Lexington High is hosting a high school tournament game at 6:00 PM.

ICL play resumes on Sunday with three games on the schedule.

Bulldogs Win Opener 6-3, Chiefs Edge Royals 2-1

Northern Essex standout Kyle Hawes (Lynnfield, MA) went 2-4 with a double and three RBI’s to lead the Reading Bulldogs to an opening night win over the Malden Maddogs 6-3 in an all canine battle at Maplewood Park in Malden. Mike Taylor and Mark DeBenedetto each chipped in with RBI’s as the Bulldogs took advantage of eight walks issued by the Malden pitching staff. Sean O’Neill (1-0) picked up the win for the Bulldogs going the final four innings in relief of Connor Root.

In Somerville, the Andre Chiefs rode the left arm of veteran Tim Dunphy, who went six innings, to turn back the Somerville Royals 2-1 at Trum Field. The Chiefs’ Matt Nuzzo and the Royals’ Brady Chant matched solo homers until the Chiefs pushed across the winning run on a doubleplay ball in the top of the fourth. Dunphy struck out seven on the way to recording his 47th career win for the Chiefs. David Kerns chalked up the save striking out two in the bottom of the seventh. Luke Gustavson (0-1) took the loss in relief of starter Paul Covelle.

Three games are on tap for Wednesday. The Merchants host the Melrose Americans at Walsh Field in Wakefield at 6:00 PM, the Bulldogs and Chiefs battle at Maplewood/Malden Catholic at 8:00 PM, and the Royals visit Alibrandis at Trum at 8:30 PM.

Chiefs & Americans Both Take 6-4 Monday Night Wins

Righty Zach Kirby (1-0) went the distance, scattering three hits and striking out eight, when the Andre Chiefs beat the Wakefield Merchants 6-4 on Monday night at Maplewood. Tony Serino had a two RBI single in the second inning and Steve Passatempo, Mike Gedman and Matt Nuzzo drove in a run each for the Chiefs. The three hits Kirby allowed were all doubles from Dillon Koster, Ryan Collins and Jake Nardone. James McNamara (0-1) worked into the sixth inning and took the loss.

In Lexington, Dave Center had two hits and three RBI’s, Elias Verinos chipped in with two RBI’s, Dennis Crowley added a couple of singles, and Austin Masel, Nick Cordeau and Nick Rath all doubled when the Melrose Americans beat the Blue Sox 6-4.  Ronnie Luke (1-0) went 5.1 innings to get the win while Anthony DeSouza picked up the save. Sean Mahan (0-1) went four innings but took the loss for Lexington.

On Tuesday, the Reading Bulldogs travel to Maplewood to meet the Malden Maddogs at 7:45 PM and the Somerville Royals host the Chiefs at Trum Field starting at 8:30 PM.

Royals, Blue Sox Take Openers, Late Game at Morelli PPD Rain

Alden Park had three hits, including a home run and two RBI’s, to lead the Somerville Royals to a 4-2 opening day win over the Americans in Melrose. John Collette with two hits and a home run and Adam Johnson with three hits paced a Royals’ 13 hit offense that picked up all of its runs in the top of the fourth inning. Dave Center had two hits and drove in both of the Melrose runs. Lefty Jonathan Richard (1-0) went six innings to get the win while Luke Gustavson picked up the save.

The Lexington Blue Sox began their title defense on a high note beating Alibrandis 8-4 at Trum Field in Somerville. The Blue Sox scored five times in the top of the fifth inning to erase a 4-2 Alibrandis lead. Richie Burgos two-run single gave Lexington the lead for good at 5-4. Alex Voitik went 4-4 with a run and RBI and Josue Feliciano scored three runs for Lexington. Jake Miller hit a solo homer to left in the third for Alibrandis. Kelvin Guzman (1-0) chalked up the win.

The Wakefield Merchants-Reading Bulldogs game was washed out due to yesterday’s late day rain.

On Monday the Merchants visit the Andre Chiefs at Maplewood and the Blue Sox host the Americans at Lexington High. Both games will start at 8:00 PM.

2019 ICL Season Opens Today

The 2019 Intercity League season will kick off on Sunday with three games on the schedule.

The Melrose Americans and Somerville Royals with get things underway at Morelli Field at 4:00 PM, the defending champion Lexington Blue Sox will travel to meet Alibrandis at 5:00 PM at Trum Field, and the Reading Bulldogs will host the Wakefield Merchants at Morelli Field at 7:30 PM.

On Monday, the Andre Chiefs open their campaign when they entertain the Merchants at Maplewood at 8:00 PM and the Blue Sox will have their home opener when they host the Americans at Lexington High at 8:00 PM.

The Malden Maddogs will open on Tuesday.  The Maddogs play Reading at Maplewood at 7:45 PM while the Royals will meet the Chiefs in the other Tuesday game at Trum Field at 8:30 PM.

2019 Intercity League Schedule Is Ready!

The 2019 Intercity League Regular Season will begin on Sunday, June 2nd. Three games kick off the 2019 season

The entire ICL Schedule has been posted on this website. View Schedule

 

ICL Hall of Famer Arthur Hartung Passes at 85

Intercity League Hall of Famer and well known hitting instructor Arthur Hartung passed away at the age of 85 on Wednesday morning surrounded by his family. Arthur was inducted into the ICL Hall of Fame in 2011.

Services for Arthur are as follows. His full obituary appears at the end of this post.
Visiting hours at the Anderson Bryant Funeral Home, 4 Common St., Stoneham on Monday, October 1st from 2-4 pm and 5-8 pm, and again on Tuesday for his Funeral Service celebrated at 10am at St. Patrick Church, 71 Central St., Stoneham. Interment will be private.

His daughter Alison posted these fitting words yesterday;
“With a heavy heart and a small amount of relief, I announce the passing of my father, Arthur, at approx 3:30 this morning at 85 years of age. His children and extended family had maintained a two day bedside vigil and he was with several of his children when he passed peacefully. He did not invent anything, make millions or become a CEO, but he was in many ways a remarkable man. Generous to a fault, playful, humorous, and supportive of not only his family but our extended family of friends. Our house was the ‘go to’ place in the neighborhood but was also a sanctuary at times for many of our friends growing up. His early days of pro baseball, love of sports and children translated into a sideline as a batting coach and he was responsible for hundreds of kids getting sports scholarships. His schedule as a teacher allowed him to attend all his childrens sporting events and he and my mom were always involved and always our biggest boosters.

He was inducted into the Intercity League and Boston Parks League Hall of Fame, played for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Cleveland Indians and would’ve made the ‘bigs’ if not for a re-injury of a jeep accident while on active duty during the Korean conflict. He would lament later in life about not getting his shot at the majors but then we would remind him that if that had occurred ,we would not be there ( I’m not always sure he felt that was a fair trade off!!) He later became a ping pong champion as well.

He was far from perfect but he was a good man, a good father, a good husband and one of his few flaws was that he sometimes measured his worth by the size of his wallet. But his children, extended family, and those who knew him or were affected by him received a wealth that knew no bounds. My mom and dad had a great love story thru all their struggles and now they are united once again but we do and we shall miss them.”

ARTHUR HARTUNG OBITUARY
Arthur Albert Hartung, resident of Stoneham for 58 years, died Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at the VA Hospital in Bedford. He was 85.

Arthur was born in Long Island, NY on April 17, 1933, only child of the late Arthur Hartung, but was raised by his mother Claire and his stepfather, William Riley. He moved to Dorchester Massachusetts when he was two. A 1951 graduate of Brighton high school, Arthur was an all scholastic selection in both baseball and basketball. One of the pre-eminent hitters of his time, not only in the Boston City League, but also in Greater Boston, Arthur first played professional baseball with the Cleveland Indians organization and later with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. Pro ball was interrupted when he was drafted and served in the United States Army serving from 1953-1955 as a corporal and medic during the Korean War. During that time he played on the Fort Sam Houston Baseball Team.

Following his military service, Arthur enrolled in and obtained his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University. He went on to get his master’s in education. He embarked on a successful teaching career in Woburn High School for 32 years. Arthur was a feared hitter in the Boston Park League, still holding several Park League records including the longest and second longest home runs and being the only player to hit a home run in every Boston Park League park. He was inducted into the Boston Park League Hall of Fame in 1987. Arthur was a mainstay for the Wakefield Merchants Baseball team and he was inducted into the Intercity League Hall of Fame in 2011.

A great player for sure, but Arthur’s lifelong pursuit was teaching hitting to junior high school, high school, and college players. Arthur worked with hundreds of students, and well over 100 of his students went on to play college baseball or softball, several went on to be All Scholastic and professional players. They came from all over to be instructed by Arthur Hartung because he was among the best teachers around.

He used his baseball skills to also become the New England Ping Pong champion in singles and doubles for at least 12 years.

Arthur and Mary were the number one fans and supporters of their family’s activities, from their children to their grandchildren, attending plays, recitals, and games. They welcomed everyone into their home, and their goal with coaching and life was to steer kids in the right direction.

Arthur’s sense of humor most of all will be greatly missed by those he touched throughout the years.

Arthur was the beloved husband of the late Mary Jean (Snow) Hartung with whom he shared 45 years of marriage. Devoted father of Ellen Faulconer and her husband Ken of Kingston, NH, Christopher Hartung and his wife Joanne of Melrose, Alison Hartung and her wife Mary of Sandown, NH, Amy Lowe and her husband Robert of Westford, and Andrew Hartung of Stoneham. Cherished grandfather of Adam Faulconer, Nick Faulconer, Janille Hartung, Katie Lowe, Rachel Hartung, and David Lowe.

Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Arthur’s life during visiting hours at the Anderson Bryant Funeral Home, 4 Common St., Stoneham on Monday, October 1st from 2-4 pm and 5-8 pm, and again on Tuesday for his Funeral Service celebrated at 10am at St. Patrick Church, 71 Central St., Stoneham. Interment will be private. Those desiring may wish to make a memorial tribute in Arthur’s name to the Wounded Warriors Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.

2018 Intercity League Awards Announced

The Intercity League has announced their award winners for the 2018 season.

Here are your winners:
Eddie Larson Most Valuable Player Award- Bobby Losanno, Wakefield Merchants
Outstanding Hitter- Bobby Losanno, Wakefield Merchants
Outstanding Pitcher- Matt Horan, Watertown Reds
Batting Champion- Bobby Losanno, Wakefield Merchants
Rookie of the Year- Jake Miller, Watertown Reds
Rookie Pitcher of the Year- Worth Walrod, Watertown Reds
Les DeMarco Sportsmanship Award- Dan Chaisson, Watertown Reds
Playoff MVP Hitter- Dominic Zaher, Lexington Blue Sox
Playoff MVP Pitcher- Manny Delcarmen, Lexington Blue Sox

Longtime ICL Follower Bertha Brickley Passes Away at 89

Bertha V. (Saari) Brickley passed away surrounded by her family at her home in Melrose on September 3, 2018. She was 89 years of age. Bertha was the beloved wife of the late John E.”Buddy” Brickley. Loving mother of John S. Brickley of Haverhill, George M. Brickley & his wife Cindy of Melrose, Matthew D. Brickley & his wife Allyson of Sandy, UT, Andrew T. Brickley & his wife Diane of Hingham, Lila R. Brickley of Woburn, Quintin E. Brickley of Melrose and Raina C. Brickley Heller & her husband Russell of Melrose. Cherished grandmother of John, Sarah, George, Hannah, Charlie, Abbie, Daniel, Sam, Jenna & Michaela. Also survived by many other family members and friends. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Friday, September 7, 2018 from 4:00-8:00PM. A funeral service will be held on Saturday September 8th at the First Lutheran Church-Malden, 62 Church St. Malden at 10:00AM. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made in Bertha’s name to Dana Farber Cancer Research Institute, 44 Binney St. #1234, Boston, MA 02115 or to Massachusetts General Hospital, 125 Nashua St. Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114.