NYC Metros

NYC Metros Take a HUGE Step Forward at Florida World Series

Jupiter, FL -The NYC Metros participated in NABA's Florida World Series over Veteran's Day Weekend, and perhaps had their best showing in any tournament ever.  The Florida World Series, in it's 2nd year, featured some of the best teams from other NABA leagues around the country, that would prove to be the biggest challenge yet for the Metros.

Unlike 2006, where the team was banged up, and could barely keep their head above water, this year's team was ready to go from the start, and it showed in the way they came out and played the very first game of the tournament against the New Jersey Clippers. The Clippers, a first place team in NABA's Raritan (NJ) League, was no easy first game draw for the Metros, and an indication of what was to come. The Metros not phased by the tough schedule, came right out of the game to take and hold a 3-0 lead for the majority of the game.  But a little bit of bad luck bit the Metros when starting pitcher, Avram Doomchin, suffered a pulled calf muscle in the bottom of the 9th.  This appeared to be the deciding factor in this now 3-2 game, as the momentum had now shifted in the Clippers favor. With 2 men on base, the Clippers hit a short single barely clearing the infield which proved to be the winning hit as 2 runs scored, giving the Clippers the 4 to 3 victory.  The Metros were dejected after having the game in their hands, but they also knew there was more baseball to play, and that they did.

Their next game was against Rey's Pizza Miami, who would eventually go on to win the tournament. Rey's Pizza featured a roster of current pros playing the minor leagues at many levels, and former pros as well. The Metros had the daunting task of facing Rey's Pizza starting pitcher, Eddie Oropesa (who was later voted tournament MVP,) who has pitched for the Phillies, D-Backs, and Padres most recently in 2004, and with the AAA Iowa Cubs (Chicago Cubs) in 2005. Rey's Pizza also featured first baseman, Jorge Toca, who played with the Mets from 1999-2001, and most recently played for the AAA Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox.)  The Metros proved to be over matched in this game and took the opportunity to play on the field with pros as an experience they will never forget. After the game, the Metros also had the chance to talk to, and take pictures with Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez who was on hand watching the game, as many of his personal friends played for Rey's Pizza.

Again, proving how tough of a schedule the Metros had, their next game was again the 2006 champions, the Caribbean Tigres.  Pitcher Johnathan Velasquez kept the Metros in the game against this team that also featured current and past minor leaguers. A couple costly errors would prove to be the difference as the Metros went down 7-0 in this game. This was the toughest game for the Tigres at this point in the tournament as they had won their first 2 games by an average of over 10 runs each game. Although without a victory at this point, the Metros still proved that they will not go down without a fight.

In game 4, the Metros took on a team from Northern Florida called the Texas Rangers.  This was a hard faught game that see-sawed back and forth the whole game. Both teams saw leads evaporate, especially the Metros who had a 4 run lead going into the top of the 9th. But in the bottom of the 9th, the Metros refused to take another loss, and battled to take their first World Series Tournament victory 12-11.  Metros players George Collazo, Bobby Meyers, and Rich Rivera all played a pivotal role in securing this victory.

Going into Game 5, the Metros believe it or  not were not entirely out of the playoff race, as 1 other team was 1 and 3, and the Nassau Yankees, their next opponent were 2 and 2. Rey's Pizza, the Tigres, and the Clippers had already secured playoff births, but there was still one spot left which the Yankees would've been able to secure with a victory over the Metros. The Metros only chance was to win this game, but they also needed to win 15 runs in order to overtake the Yankees and Bandits in the runs against column, should there be a 3 way tie, with all the teams at 2 and 3.  The Metros, fresh off their first victory, showed the Yankees that they were there to play.  The Metros quickly took a 4 run lead in the first inning and they did not let up the rest of the game, scoring a minumum of 3 runs per innings.  The Metros would eventually go on to a win this game 14-1, falling just short of securing a playoff birth.

After a slow start, the Metros showed that they would not give up and play this tournament to end.  Playing against current and former pros, the odds were against this team from the start, but they valiantly stepped up to the challenge, and proved that they could play with any other team there, just missing the playoffs by a matter of 2 runs.  The Metros also await the final NABA National team rankings for 2007, as their performance in Florida, may have assured the Metros a spot in the national top 10 for the first time in Metros history.

The Metros now look to build and continue their success in future tournaments in 2008, in Atlantic City, New York City (NYCMBL/NABA Firecracker Tournament), Washington and Florida, poised to bring home their first of many tournament titles.  But the next stop on this Metros ride, Las Vegas, Feb 16th-18th.

Metro's in NABA Florida 2007 World Series Tournament November 13, 2007  --   It is the second year the NYCMBL Metro’s attended the World Series in Florida. This year was a blast and definitely better than last year. 20 players from the league was selected to take part in this 4 day tournament. Many have never had this type of opportunity before and the league provided them this chance to play baseball in a different city and state. Scouts, minor leaguers, former major leaguers, and even current major leaguers (El Duque!) were on hand to watch and play in this NABA year end tournament. The Metro’s showcase was better than last year, but still came up short of the playoffs finishing with a 2-3 record. However, this was a proud performance as the team was just 3 runs short of making the playoffs, and more importantly, displayed they can compete in a World Series. Two of the games the Metro’s lost was to former major leaguers and current minor leaguers – both teams which made the championship game. Not a bad performance at all from the Metro’s. This is something they will look at improving and become a better team for next tournaments. Another tournament year is in the books. Stay tuned for future journey’s the Metro’s will be taking!! Metro's fall short yet again... September 4, 2007  --   Do you remember the Atlanta Braves of the 90's? Always in the World Series but never a title? Well the NYCMBL Metro's feel the same way as they had played really well in yet another tournament but fall short again of the Tournament title in the Championship game.   However, this was by far the Metro's best tournament they have ever played in their existence and with this core group of guys attempting to stick together, this can be the makings of a solid team to eventually winning it all.   Things also looked meek at first when the Metro's went 0-1-1 after day one. No one would have figured playoffs, but with great pitching limiting runs against and a must win on day 2, the Metro's entered the playoffs by winning tie-breakers and came out as the third seed. They won the playoff game and played for the Championship where they lost 7-5.   This year's tournament showed great pitching by Avram Doomchin and Tobin Whitman from the Clippers and Jose (BJ) Rodriguez from the Latin Flavor who won the playoff game for the Metro's with a complete game and pitching 12 innings in one day. This coming from a closer! Also, Matt Ortiz from the Latin Flavor and Carlos "Big Papi" Mendez from the Red Sox showed clutch hitting.   The Metro's now gear up for the Florida World Series. Stay tuned for updates as roster spot tryouts will be upcoming!! Announcing NYCMBL Metro's D.C. Tournament Roster August 22, 2007  --   Here is the NYCMBL Metro's official roster for the 2007 D.C./Virginia Tournament!!   Rafael Galan - Manager (Latin Flavor) Joel Marcano - Manager (Brooklyn Knights) Kenric Tom - Coach (Brooklyn Knights) Avram Doomchin - (College Point Clippers) Tobin Whitman - (College Point Clippers) Fernando Oliviero - (Latin Flavor) George Collazo - (Latin Flavor) Shamel Ramos - (Latin Flavor) Matt Ortiz - (Latin Flavor) Will Agosto - (Latin Flavor) Jose Rodriguez - (Latin Flavor) Edwin Hernandez - (Williamsburg Warriors) Jeremy White - (Williamsburg Warriors) Brian Bigler - (New York Pirates) Miguel Sandoval - (New York Knights) Jonathan Baez - (New York Skyline) Ronny Jimenez - (ElmJack Blue Jays) Christian De Leon - (Mahattan Brewers) Carlos Mendez - (Bronx Red Sox)   Thank you to the rest of the NYCMBL players who tried out with the Metro's. Your support is truely appreciated! We apologize for the inability to take any more players as you are all great talent in this league!   However, we do not want to lose your interest. Please look out for upcoming postings for future tournaments - particularly the World Series in Florida as the roster is expected to increase in size!!   All participants in previous workouts are welcome to play with the Metro's in the Fall season and further promote their opportunity to play in future tournaments. Please contact a league official to inquire about the Fall team.   Metro's fall in Atlantic City Tournament Championship Game May 29, 2007  --   For the second time in three tournaments, the Metro's advance to the Championship game. But also for the second time, they fall short. Despite this disappointment, the Metro's represented themselves and the NYCMBL proudly. They have also shown the amazing ability to come from a second year league to competiting with top teams from all over the country in NABA tournaments. The Metro's will look forward to playing in their next tournament. Will third time be the charm?? Congratulations to all the participants!! Team MVP's: Avram Doomchin - game 1 winner and great hits in game 2. Tobin Whitman - game 2 winner, saved game 1, and pitched in Championship game. Ronny Jimenez - clutch pinch hit double in game 1 to give Metro's lead. NOTES: Metro's swept their divisional bracket and went to the playoffs 3-0. They defeated the Bucks County, New Jersey Brewers in game 1, the Wantagh Warriors in game 2, and the Clifton Park Road Dogs in game 3. The semi-finals games showed the Metro's beating the Warriors again to advance to the Championship. Metro's lose to Bridgeport Conn. All-Stars. The league will also like to thank the Latin Flavor for representing their team and the NYCMBL in the NABA tournament as well. They played in a tough division and really proudly proved that the NYCMBL will leave a mark with NABA for years to come. Metro's gear up for Atlantic City 2007 Tournament!! May 25, 2007  --   As the NYCMBL regular season takes a weekend off for the Memorial Weekend Holiday, The Metro's NABA Tournament team is heading to Atlantic City. With a new core group this year, the Metro's look to take home the Championship!! The Official Atlantic City Tournament Metro's roster: General Manager - Erik Ferreira - Brooklyn Knights Jonathan Baez - New York Skyline Cristian De Leon - Manhattan Brewers Avram Doomchin - College Point Clippers Jon-Erik Hutt - College Point Clippers Justin Hutt - College Point Clippers Ronny Jimenez - Elmjack Blue Jays Angelo Manniello - College Point Clippers Joel Marcano - Brooklyn Knights Raymond Medero - Manhattan Brewers Roy Moncada - Williamsburg Warriors Glenn Mulero - Brooklyn Knights Jason Mulero - Brooklyn Knights Manny Nunez - Brooklyn Knights Eric Petersen - College Point Clippers Kenric Tom - Brooklyn Knights George Vagianderis - New York Empire Estevez Victoriano - Manhattan Brewers Tobin Whitman - College Point Clippers NABA Tournament link will be updated with results soon!! The Metro's prepare for Atlantic City Tournament April 5, 2007  --   Memorial Day Weekend is the NABA Atlantic City Tournament and the Metro's are ready to enter for the first time!   With new General Manager Erik Ferrera rebuilding the squad, the Metro's look to make a lasting impression in this regional tournament. New NYCMBL stars will be recruited to play alongside the veteran tournament players. It should be a great experience to come as even better baseball will be played.   Stay tuned for further updates! NYCMBL are represented in NABA Florida World Series November 14, 2006  --   In a grueling 4 days of baseball, the shorthanded New York City Metro's represented the league well. They played hard despite the small roster and the numerous injuries encountered. The overall experience was also positive despite the team donning a 1-4 record in the tournament. It was a first time experience for the league and its participants as the Metro's represented New York City proudly. The Metro's look forward to putting forth a better outing next year! The pictures (soon to come) show the overall great experience! Now the Metro's prepare for The Caribbean tournament - The Boricua Tournament in Puerto Rico!! Stay tuned!! New York City Metro's Roster for NABA Florida World Series! November 3, 2006  --   The participants for the upcoming World Series!   Joel Marcano (Manager) - Brooklyn Knights Kenric Tom (Coach) - Brooklyn Knights Glenn Mulero - Brooklyn Knights Manny Nunez - Brooklyn Knights Erik Fererra - Brooklyn Knights Jermaine Wilson - Brooklyn Knights Anthony Lohr - Queens Red Sox Justin Hutt - College Point Clippers Avram Doomchin - College Point Clippers Jeremy White - Williamsburg Warriors Roy Moncada - Williamsburg Warriors   NYCMBL and NABA in 2007 April 8, 2007  --   Let the Partnership and Affiliation continue to prosper in 2007! Liberty Bell Tournament Player Statistics September 4, 2006  --   Name games at bats average runs singles doubles triples HR RBI K BB HBP SB CS total bases OBP Jon Bezares 4 12 0.250 0 3 0 0 0 1 6 0 1 1 0 3 0.250 Avram Doomchin 4 14 0.214 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0.214 Edwin Hernandez 4 10 0.100 2 0 0 1 0 0 5 0 0 0 1 3 0.100 Norberto Jorge 4 11 0.182 4 1 0 1 0 2 6 3 0 0 0 4 0.455 Joel Marcano 1 1 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.000 Roy Moncada 4 10 0.300 1 2 1 0 0 0 7 4 2 0 0 4 0.700 Glenn Mulero 4 9 0.000 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0.000 Jason Mulero 4 12 0.500 4 6 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 3 1 6 0.500 Manny Nunez 4 6 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0.167 Joey Povlovski 2 1 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.000 Joey Rivera 3 4 0.000 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.000 Kenric Tom 4 14 0.286 0 3 0 1 0 2 6 2 0 1 0 6 0.429 Jeremy White 4 9 0.111 1 1 0 0 0 0 5 3 1 1 0 1 0.444 Eric Witthohn 3 6 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0.000 Runner-Ups at 2006 NABA Liberty Bell Tournament! September 4, 2006  --   The NYCMBL sent 14 players from different teams in the league to play as the New York City Metros in their first appearance at the NABA Liberty Bell Tournament. What a showing it was! The Metros advanced to the Championship game and became runner ups in the 18A division! The Metro's look forward to their next tournament (NABA Florida World Series) with a championship in mind!! Thanks to all the participants in the tournament: Avram Doomchin - College Point Clippers Roy Moncada - Williamsburg Warriors Edwin Hernandez - Williamsburg Warriors Norberto Jorge - Williamsburg Warriors Jeremy White - Williamsburg Warriors Joey Rivera - Williamsburg Warriors Joel Marcano - Brooklyn Knights Eric Witthohn - Brooklyn Knights Kenric Tom - Brooklyn Knights Jason Mulero - Brooklyn Knights Glenn Mulero - Brooklyn Knights Jon Bezares - Brooklyn Knights Manny Nunez - Brooklyn Knights Joey Povlovsky - Brooklyn Knights November 9th is coming soon and the Metros are ready to showcase in the World Series tournament!