The Hilton Cardinals won the Monroe County Babe Ruth 14-15 year old league championship for the first time in their 11 year history. They clinched the title July 20 with a 3-1 victory over the second place Chili Cubs. Hilton finished their year with a 13-3 record and head into the playoffs on a seven game winning streak. The 15 players on the roster represent four different levels of teams at Hilton Central Schools - Modified B, Freshmen, JV, and Varsity. The players were picked and blended together by manager Charlie Hutton with help from coaches Craig Michaloski, Dan Schwind and Tom O'Sullivan. Six of the players were chosen to represent Monroe County at the Babe Ruth All Star tournament. The 14 year old team included Brian Combs, Nick Pappas and Jon Schwind. On the 15 year old squad were Alex Coffey, Joe Michaloski and Kevin Sullivan. Several other players worthy of selection but unable to participate were Marc Liotta (14) and Rob Cocilova, Joe Hutton and Vinnie VanAucker (15). Other players contributing to the Cardinals' success are Rocky Billotti, Andrew Delgatti, Jarod Greene, Eric Gutman and Patrick O'Sullivan. Coach Hutton summed up the season by saying, "All year they played like the champions that they are." |
