Amazing Amanda Aces Akron, 2-0 on Kellie Klout, Venus Rip.

Posted on August 25, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR PRESS BOX. Special to WPCNR from Jen Carlo, Akron, Ohio. (Edited) August 25, 2004, UPDATED 8/26, 9 :00 A.M. E.D.T.: The first ever National Pro Fastpitch Championship kicked off its inaugural season’s semifinal series today at Firestone Stadium at Akron, Ohio. In the first contest of the night, the second place Akron Racers (37-23) faced off against the NY/NJ Juggernaut (37-23). Both teams finished with identical records, but the Racers edged out the Juggernaut in head-to-head record during regular season play which awarded them second place.

The Nauts won, 2-0 on a sacrifice fly by Kellie Wilkerson in the fourth that narrowly missed being a three-run homer, and a rip up the middle by Venus Taylor in the sixth for an insurance run. It was a game that had everything a big ball game has: great defensive plays. Timely hitting, and masterful clutch pitching by the A- Arm, Amanda Scott. The Blonde Who Rules the World pitched a 3-hitter.

In the nightcap Playoff, Texas defeated New England, 4-1. For the story on the Thunder win, go to http://profastpitch.com/news/?id=6093

The Amazing A: Number 36 had the bigtime fastball crackling at 65 Miles Per hour, backed by a change-up of 47 miles an hour measured in the 6th inning on the JUGS Gun that kept the Racers idling the entire game in Wednesday night’s opener. Photo, Courtesy, NY-NJ Juggernaut.

The game started out as a pitching duel between the Juggernaut’s Amanda Scott (1-0), the league leader in regular season wins with 15, and the Racer’s Brandee McArthur (12-7) (0-1). The game remained scoreless until the Nauts bats came alive in the fourth inning behind Scott’s 9 strikeout performance.

Lauren Bauer (3-for-4) led the Juggernaut offense on their way to take the lead in the series.

The Kel Kills ‘Em: Kellie Wilkerson beat the Racers with her bat on a blast to deep right in the fourth (after a bunt attempt) that Trina Peel robbed her of a home run on, and the hustling, heady Lyndsey Klein tagged up and scored from second on the catch for a 1-ZIP lead. Then Kellie robbed Dena Degan of tying single in the last of the fourth by a shoestring catch “snow-cone” in the bottom of the inning. Akron Manager Judy Martino argued vehemently the ball was trapped. Sportscasters on the scene agreed it was a catch. File Photo, Courtesy, NY-NJ Juggernaut.

The Juggernaut’s first run came off a sacrifice fly by Kellie Wilkerson (0 for 0) as she sent the Racer’s right fielder Peel through the outfield fence to bring the ball back into the park. A two-base tag up on the play by Lyndsey Klein (1-for-3) put the Juggernaut up 1-0 in the top of the fourth. An incredible piece of baserunning. According to the play-by-play, Klein was able to score because Peel having fallen through the fence was unable to get up to make a relay. Judy Martino, Akron manager argued vehemently on the play that Klein should have been held to third.

The Juggernaut put the pressure on the Racers once again in the top of the sixth inning. Wilkerson drew a walk to lead off the inning. Pinch hitter Lisa Iancin, with a perfectly executed sacrifice bunt, advanced the runner into scoring position. Venus Taylor (1-for-3) pushed across the second run for the Juggernaut with a single up the middle, plenty of insurance for Scott, the Nauts ace.

The Racer’s final threat (only the second of the game) came in the bottom of the seventh inning after a
single by Peel (2-for-3). Akron looked to Heather Wright (0 for 2) to keep the rally alive. But the Juggernaut quickly quieted the Racers by ending the inning, and the game, with a double play.

The Nauts played flawless defense in the game, including a diving catch by right fielder Kellie Wilkerson with two outs and two runners on base to prevent the game being tied or possibly had Kellie missed the ball, gone ahead.

There was also strong game catching by Amanda’s sister, Courtney Scott, who strategized against Iyhia McMichael, the league’s leading hitter beautifully.

The Juggernaut will look to eliminate the possibility of a Game 3 tomorrow against the Racers, which would allow them to advance directly to the Championship Series. The game will be played at Firestone Stadium in Akron , Ohio . The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Probable starters are Kaci Clark for the Nauts and Nikki Myers for the Racers. The game will be netcast worldwide on www.npf.prosportsradio.com. beginning at 5:45 P.M. E.D.T.

The Graceful Grandstand of Historic Firestone Stadium, Akron, Ohio, built 1925: Site of the NPF Playoff & Championship Series. The Stadium recalls ball from a bygone era with warm cozy concrete, jury box bleachers and a churchlike atmpsphere. The Juggernauts need a win Thursday to go to the Championship Series. Photo Capture from The Charles E. Phipps Company website, Renovators of the Stadium.

Elena Sassower Spends Day 59 in DC Jail for Contempt of Congress.

Posted on August 25, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR BELTWAY INSIDER. From Miles Ehrenkranz. August 25, 2004: A spokesman for Elena Sassower, the local activist and chairperson of the Center for Judicial Accountability in White Plains, reports this is the 59th day of Ms. Sassower’s sentence to six months in prison for contempt of congress in which she was jailed after asking to be recognized in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee sixteen months ago. Here is where her case stands:

Elena Sassower of White Plains. Photo from Center for Judicial Accountabilty website.

Elena Ruth Sassower remains in prison.

Today is day 59, obviously one day short on 33% of her sentence served.

Elena submitted a motion for reargument, reconsideration, and renewal of her June 29, 2004, motion for a stay of sentence pending appeal.

They have stalled her with ridiculous tactics; they returned her first motion papers simply because she only submitted the original, and didn’t provide photo copies … the catch is … there is no photocopying machine in prison. Elena hopes to be out in time for her mother’s birthday, a day from today, should her papers submitted today not fall on deaf ears.

Connors: Board of Education to hold talks with Mario Scarano.

Posted on August 25, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. August 25, 2004: With the Athletic Director situation at White Plains High School unresolved at the present time, former Athletic Director, Mario Scarano continues to handle those duties on a consulting basis. WPCNR asked Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors whether the Board of Education has made a decision on whether to rescind Mr. Scarano’s retirement and perhaps bring him back.

Still Working the Phones Free Lance: The Athletic Director for six years at White Plains High School, Mr. Scarano will be talking about his future with the district shortly according to Superintendent Timothy Connors. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

Today, Mr. Connors indicated that the Board of Education has not made up its mind and will hold a dialogue with Mr. Scarano on his future.

WPCNR asked the results of Monday evening’s Executive Session of the Board of Education when Mr. Scarano’s future was reportedly going to be discussed. Connors said, “First of all it’s not a resignation from Mario, it’s a retirement. That (the retirement) still stands.”

Asked if the Board was considering rescinding that retirment, Connors said, “I think the Board is looking at having some dialogue with Mr. Scarano. In terms of your question, his retirement was accepted and it stands.”

WPCNR asked if Connors was ruling out the possibility you might rescind it, and the answer was, “It stands. I know the Board intends to have some dialogue with Mr. Scarano.”

WPCNR asked what was expected to come out of that Scarano- Board of Education dialogue, Connors said he had “no further comment, but I know certainly Mario is going to express his desire to not retire.”

NPF Playoffs & Championship Series Begins Tonight: Juggernaut Plays

Posted on August 25, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR Press Box. By Fast Pitch Johnny. August 25, 2004: After a weekend of workouts, the New York New Jersey Juggernaut flew to Akron, Ohio Tuesday to open the first-ever National Pro Fastpitch Playoffs and Championship Series at Firestone Stadium this evening. The Juggernaut with Amanda Scott the most likely starter face the second place Akron Racers at 6 P.M. The game can be heard worldwide on internet radio at www.npf.prosportsradio.com with Aaron Moore and Bob Ehrens at the worldwide mike. In the second game at 8 P.M., the first place Texas Thunder play the always dangerous New England Riptide.

JUGGERNAUTS PREPARE IN BOONTON: Paul Plemenos, in yellow shirt, working out the Juggernaut Monday afternoon in Boonton, New Jersey. Photo by WPCNR Sports

The Juggernauts were taking live batting practice Monday afternoon, contemplating facing Akron’s Niki Meyers who has beaten them three times this season. In order to advance to the Championship series (best 2 out of 3 on Saturday and Sunday in Akron), the Juggernaut have to overcome the Racers who will have home crowd advantage and presumably, with the redoubtable Meyers on the hill. Though starting pitchers for both teams have not been named.

Nauts have that Winning Feeling.

The Juggernaut come into tonight’s opening best of three series riding a seven-game winning streak with the ability to throw Amanda Scott (tied with the Thunder’s Crista Williams for most wins in the league at 15-7) in 2 of the 3 contests. A well-rested Amanda Scott, we might add. The Juggernaut hit the ball well in their last seven games after failing in their bids to overtake Akron and Texas for the league regular season championship.

The key to this series will be of course who hits better and who fields better. Juggernaut defense let them down in the two key series with Akron and Texas two weeks ago, and the hitters were handcuffed by Meyers in the Akron series and Christa Williams and Lindsay Chouinard in the Texas series.

Softball’s Connie Mack Speaks.

Paul Plemenos , Juggernaut manager and owner, says that is in the past: “We’re just going to go out there and play good ball. In our last seven games, we’ve hit the ball very very well. Our bats have really come alive with double-digit hits in two of those games. We’re hopeful we’ll keep the bats alive.”

The Juggernauts were facing the crafty offerings of Bob Wasilak, a men’s fastpitch specialist who has coached fastpitch on the high school level in New Jersey for twenty years. W. is so impressed with the dedication, and professionalism of the Juggernaut, that he has volunteered to pitch live hitting practice for them. Lauren Bauer, Juggernaut centerfielder loved that concept when WPCNR spoke to her two weeks ago, saying live pitching was much better than machine propelled balls.

Bob Wasilak Throwing BP to Germaine Fairchild Monday afternoon. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

“We’re fortunate enough to have Bob Wasilak come out and pitch to us again so we can hit against live pitching without burning our pitchers’ arms,” Plemenos said as he watched Kelly Wilkerson hit one about 300 feet into the Delaware Water Gap. “He’s a pitcher for a men’s fastpitch league that has competed in nationals the last couple of years, and he’s their starting pitcher. He’s been gracious enough to come out here and donate his time along with his buddy who’s his catcher to work us out today. It’s great.”

The Connie Mack of Softball: Paul Plemenos, Manager-Owner of the NY-NJ Juggernaut Monday. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

” We’re not doing anything heavy, Just all light workouts just to keep the girls in hitting shape, keep their arms throwing and not doing anything very physically strenous. We’re doing what we can just to keep these girls in shape and get them mentally prepared. A lot of its more mental practice than it is a physical process.”

A World Series Atmosphere.

Plemenos said he was looking forward to the first NPF series in Akron: “There’s a lot of preparation on their part, I’m sure they’re going through. Akron’s got a nice tradition of having pro softball there in Firestone Stadium. I’m sure they are going to have the place nicely dressed and ready for all the teams and fans.”

“I’m very satisfied with where we are, “ he said. “Coming in third place, people look at us as the underdog. I like being in that spot. Having people underestimate us.”

Amazing Amanda Has to Remain Amazing for 5 More Days.

The key to this series for the Juggernaut is of course, Amanda Scott shutting down Akron, and of course, who the Juggernaut pitch in game two. If the Juggernaut go with the 1-2 of Scott and Kaci Clark, who has a history of being at her best in championship games (pitching the Stratford Brakettes to two ASA Championships with 1-0 victories), it gives the Juggernauts an edge, in this reporter’s opinion. Oaks, the most versatile Juggernaut and the pitcher who shored up the rotation in June, got two key starts down the stretch and did not fare well in either one.

Key D.

Akron presents a solid defensive team: Akron’s shortstop, Kristin Johnson, firstbaser Nicole Trimboli , league-leading hitter Iyhia McMichael at second base and centerfield, and Brandi Stuart at third are a very tight defensive combination.

Their outfield defense is perhaps the best outfield in the league. Besides Myers, the Racers can throw Danielle Henderson at the Juggernaut, who has also beaten the Nauts twice and Brandee McArthur.

The other two ballclubs, Texas and New England who play in the second game this evening, are an intriguing matchup. The Riptide will most likely go with Jocelyn Forrest, Cal-Berkely’s championship pitcher in 2002. Jocelyn is a glamorous pitcher who challenges hitters and when her stuff is moving and if she avoids a mistake, the Thunder could be in trouble. However, New England has to hit better. They simply have not been able to touch Thunder pitching in their matchups during the regular season. But, New England has perhaps lost more close games than any other team in the league. And in a short series, anything can happen. In a close game, you’re only one bad pitch and one great timely swing from a win.

For a closer look at the Akron Racers, go to the Akron Beacon Journal story at http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/9489136.htm?1c

The Playoff Scene.

Leigh Greenfelder, spokesperson for the Akron Racers, speaking to WPCNR from Akron today said the interest is really lively in Akron at this hour. She says a lot of fans from the New York area are coming out for the playoffs, and has also had a lot of calls from Juggernaut followers looking to come on out.

She reports the four teams on are the field practicing. The hospitality tents are up and there is a good advance sale. She reports that the Akron Beacon-Journal did a story on the league playoffs today and plans extensive coverage of the action. She says the field looks great and there is quite a buzz around the playoffs.

Greenfelder also gave details that ESPN is planning an NPF Game of the Week telecast all ten weeks of the season in 2005, with the thinking that a Thursday or Friday game would be taped and telecast in a regular time slot early Saturday afternoons. At least that is the current thinking, Greenfelder told WPCNR today.

Who Will Replace Mayor Delfino on the Republican Ticket? Nobody.

Posted on August 25, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR NEWS COMMENT. By John F. Bailey. August 25, 2004: It’s political season. As the Democrat scramble for who will run for Mayor begins this fall, depending of course, on who will run for the Republicans, they have to decide what issues to run on.

Should Mr. Delfino run again, and that is what is most likely, because the Republicans have no one else of equal stature to carry on the Delfino charisma. Delfino has also told confidentes privately that he is running next year. He has also held two highly private fundraisers.

But, if he does not run, considering the pressure he’s been facing since the loss of George Gretsas, the Republicans are in trouble.

The Usual Suspects Have Unimpressive Rap Sheets.

Think of it: who could they run: Frank Cantatore, a big-time 2 to 1 loser to Bill Ryan in the County Legislator race last fall, so forget him.

Jeffrey Binder, Tim Sheehan are personable but proven not to be able to galvanize the electorate of White Plains even for a council position, allowing the inexperienced political unknown, Arnold Bernstein to beat both of them.

And now, Mr. Sheehan has the additional albatross around his neck of being the man who presided over the demise of the Parking Authority, as well as spearheading the new parking hours and rates for the Mayor which White Plains hates.

Could Larry Delgado make a run for Mayor? Unlikely, because Delgado has not been politically active on the issues the city has decided since Glen Hockley usurped his seat. But Delgado’s inactivity is a strength.

There is the Delgado possibility. He can come off as the man untarnished by the actions of the last three years. He can stake out the voice of the majority Hispanic population in White Plains.

Could Mike Graessle, former Commissioner of Planning run? I thought so when he appeared in a public discussion about the need to revisit the Master Plan at a town meeting this spring. However, his message stopped short of actually attacking the Mayor’s policies and galvanizing his candidacy.

Hockley Party Switch?

Beyond Delgado, The Republican Party is bankrupt of public figures who could command voter respect in the numbers necessary. Unless – unless Glen Hockley changes parties and becomes a Republican. Hockley is probably going to be shut out by the Democratic Party of any future council runs. Who is Mr. Hockley going to replace?

Rita Malmud? Robert Greer? Tom Roach? If Roacb does not run for County Legislator). Perhaps Hockley might run for Mr. Roach’s seat.

A Hockley Switch

But, if Hockley changed parties, he would be instantly the most credible candidate the Republicans could run against Mr. Ryan, with strong touchy feely Democrat credentials, and crossover voter potential. The Mayor could even campaign for Mr. Hockley. However Hockley has to change parties relatively quickly to run with credibility in 2005.

Think of how Hockley could campaign for Mayor. Mr. Hockley could say:

1.) I supported Mayor Joe’s initiatives.

2.) I helped build the Renaissance.

3.) I know White Plains. I walk the city.

Not only that but he has intimate knowledge of the vacillations his possible Democrat opponents: Ryan, Greer, Malmud, Roach knowingly engaged in over the last three years and went along with.

The prospect of a Republican Glen Hockley has this reporter salivating…Ouy! The Angles! The rhetoric! The irony!

Place the chips on Joseph Delfino. He’s the only bet.

All right, how do you beat “America’s Favorite Mayor,” as he is dubbed by Paul Wood, the Acting Executive Officer heir-apparent to George What’s-His-Name. The AEO who cannot return phone calls. That looks very likely. The Mayor has told confidentes just before leaving for Israel that Wood will be appointed in the very near future and ascend to the $130,000 position.

We’ll have more on how you beat Joseph Delfino tomorrow.

Swinging on a Summer Night

Posted on August 24, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR MAIN STREET JIVE. From Cappelli Enterprises. August 24, 2004: “A Summer Night’s Swing” recently marked its first appearance at Renaissance Fountain Plaza at City Center in downtown White Plains.

Robert Royston and his partner, Nicola Royston, dazzle the audience with a swing dance exhibition. Photo, Courtesy, Cappelli Enterprises.

The free event drew almost 500 people who enjoyed beverages and snacks, and danced to the sounds of the Benson Scott 20-piece Big Band. The event also featured professional dancers from the Arthur Murray dance studio and a special appearance by Robert Royston, choreographer of the Broadway show, “Swing.” A four-time U.S. Open Swing Dance Champion, Mr. Royston has been featured on the “Today Show,” “The View,” “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” and others. He is also an instructor at Dance Manhattan.

Sponsors included Cappelli Enterprises, the City of White Plains, Applebee’s restaurant, Barnes & Noble, Legal Sea Foods, Zanaro’s Italian restaurant, the White Plains Performing Arts Center and Arthur Murray White Plains Dance Studio.

Bustos Busts Aussies, 5-1 to lead USA Fastpitchers to Gold.

Posted on August 23, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR PRESS BOX. August 23, 2004: Crystl Bustos blasted a 2-run homer into the right to leftfield wind over the right centerfield fence to the scoreboard in the very first inning off Australia’s Tanya Harding to get Team USA into the driver’s seat quickly. Bustos added a second solo shot which went even farther later in the game, about 400 feet over the left field fence, as Lisa Fernandez handcuffed the Aussies, 5-1 in a regulation game. It was the third straight Olympic Gold for Team USA for the Team “In a League By Itself.” The only ballclub in Greece that gave them any competition was Japan, and Australia knocked them out yesterday. The only club to have a lead on them was the National Pro Fastpitch West All Stars back in July.

Bradley Objects to Governor Pataki’s Vetos

Posted on August 23, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. From 89th District Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. August 23, 2004: The following is a statement from Assemblyman Bradley on the Governor’s veto of capital project funding for SUNY Purchase:

In vetoing the Legislature’s capital project funding for SUNY Purchase, the governor needlessly jeopardized quality higher education, good jobs, and needed investments in the college campus, Assemblyman Adam Bradley (D-White Plains) said.

“Simply put, a veto was a slap in the face to our universities,” Bradley said. “The governor is threatening the hard work the bipartisan Legislature did this year to provide funding for crucial projects.”

The governor’s veto will deny SUNY Purchase $8,752,000 to be used for the Campus Central Plaza Improvements project.

“SUNY Purchase is a vital part of our economy,” Bradley said. “Any one who has been to the campus knows that the Plaza needs the work. We have a great campus here and the governor should be ashamed of the obvious disregard he has shown for this university and other colleges throughout the state. The governor callously vetoed this important funding for SUNY Purchase. It’s time for him to end his assault on higher education.”

USA Fastpitchers Advance to Gold Medal Game, Fernandez Blanks Aussies, 5-0

Posted on August 22, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR PRESS BOX. August 22, 2004: Lisa Fernandez drove in the first run with a double and continued her mound mastery by shutting out Australia, 5-0 this afternoon in the semi-final softball game. Crystl Bustos drove in 2 runs with a long single to left center to make it 3-0, and Kelly Kretchmann blasted a solo homer for the icing on the cake. U.S.A. will meet the winner of Australia-Japan later today in the Gold Game at 9 A.M. Monday morning on the U.S.A. Network.

Kathleen Gunn to Leave BID for Deputy City Manager of Fort Lauderdale Job

Posted on August 21, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey August 21, 2004: Jeffrey Stillman of the White Plains Downtown Improvement Association told WPCNR today that Kathleen Gunn, Executive Director of the BID had resigned Wednesday from her position to take the job of Deputy City Manager of Fort Lauderdale to George Gretsas, the former Executive Officer of the City of White Plains who started as City Manager of “The Venice of the South” on August 2.

COMING ON DOWN: Kathleen Gunn, Executive Director of the BID, left, with Acting Executive Officer Paul Wood of the Mayor’s Office on the balcony at Zanaro’s Restaurant Monday at the Trump-Cappelli affair. Photo by WPCNR News.

JEFFREY STILLMAN, Chairman of the BID at the City Center Movies Opening,December, 2003. Photo, WPCNR News Archive.

Stillman said Ms. Gunn’s resignation came as a complete surprise, but that “Mr. Gretsas made her an offer she could not refuse.” (That offer, according to the Sun-Sentinel in an article appearing on their website Sunday by Brittany Wallman was $124,000 and she will be starting in October. Gretsas is reported by Brittany Wallman, the Sun-Sentinel city hall reporter as about to announce a third hire Monday.)

Gretsas, a guest at Ms. Gunn’s wedding last May, hired Ms. Gunn as a receptionist. He describes her in the Sun-Sentinel as a “Policy Specialist,” when she was hired in the Mayor’s Office about four years ago from which she moved to her position as Executive Director of the BID.

Gretsas terminated the Assistant City Manager of Fort Lauderdale Tuesday of this week. The next day, according to Stillman, Ms. Gunn announced her resignation. Stillman said he expected her to start her assignment in Fort Lauderdale “soon.” He said Ms. Gunn had assimilated an excellent staff at the BID during her tenure there, and he had looked forward to her being there for years to come.

Ms. Gunn was a liaison with merchants, landlords, and members of the downtown businesses who comprise the BID, handling complaints, working for improvements and sampling their opinions and turning their suggestions into accomplishments. During her tenure the Downtown Ambassadors program was begun, the street cleaning crews were implemented, and she also helped plan and implement public events to draw persons to the downtown, and was responsible for creating a new BID newsletter.

Stillman reports he will convene the Board of Directors of the BID this week to determine how to conduct a search for Ms. Gunn’s successor. Ms. Gunn could not be reached for comment.

Ms. Gunn was appointed Executive Director of the BID in April, 2002. Prior to this she worked on grants for the Mayor’s Office, in addition to her other duties in the Mayor’s office, and was a community liaison in Congresswoman Nita Lowey’s office.