For the second straight year, Axcess Baseball and Greater New York Sandlot teamed up to host the Mike Leiderman Cup – a charity game between New York City and Long Island to benefit the ALS Foundation.
Mike Leiderman was a beloved member of the Long Island baseball community that tragically passed away in 2018 at the age of 56. He had an impact on countless individuals through his philanthropic work and also his dedication to the game of baseball. He founded the Long Island Storm and under his guidance, they won dozens of national tournaments, several national championships and sent over 100 players to professional ball.
The event itself was not just a competition but a celebration of his life as his son, David, was invited to fire the ceremonial first pitch of the game to Long Island’s catcher, Sean Britt. Once the game began, it was the New York City team that had the upper hand as they scored one run in the top of the first on a double steal off Miami-comit JT Caruso.
Long Island’s best chance to score came in the 1st inning when Dom Carbone walked, stole second and third and attempted to score on the overthrow but third baseman Tim Denet fired a strike to nail him at the plate. Two innings later, they stranded the bases loaded and one out with a pair of strikeouts to keep it 1-0.
NYC broke it open in the fourth inning with a three-spot including a sac fly by Anthony Belesario to make it 4-0.
From that point on, it was the Nick Huchro show as the right-hander fired 6.2 shutout innings of relief, allowing just a bloop single to Ryan Adams in the ninth inning which was the first hit of the day for Long Island. Credit to the two NYC pitchers – along with Dylan O’Malley – for the top-notch pitching.
Rob Rispoli was named Player of the Game – as he went 1-for-2 with two walks, a HBP and a run scored.
Overall, each team struck out 12 batters and it simply came down to the dominant pitching by NYC as they grabbed their second straight W.
Special thanks to Molloy for hosting the game, all the players and parents that attended the event and made it what it was and also the BK7 Brand for providing great gear and LI Sports Network for broadcasting the game.
