SEASON IN REVIEW
TOUGH BEGINNING FOR THE SOX LED TO A STRONG AND MEMORABLE ENDING...
The Sox began their recruitment process with former shortstop Jeff DiGiulio. DiGiulio was a proven athlete excelling in all aspects of the game, but left the team after 2004 to play Minor League Football for a few years. DiGiulio played solid at shortstop and hit very well, especially late in the season, batting out of the three spot. DiGiulio was appointed as the team's Captain during the season, because of his leadership and desire to make the Black Sox a winning ball club. Jeff brought along with him his younger brother "Iron" Mike DiGiulio, who was a dominant force on the mound, at the plate and in the outfield. Mike finished the season with some of the best offensive numbers on the team. Jeff also brought his friend "Pistol" Pete Negron, who at forty years old, proved that age isn't nothing but a number. Pete carried the pitching staff on his shoulders early in the year when the Sox's stud catcher/pitcher Jaime Feliz left the team because of an arm injury.
The Black Sox made more important acquisitions by finding the Jabbar Brothers. JJ Jabbar and Zo "Don't Ya Know" Jabbar, were awesome additions to the team and the Sox were very proud to have played with such classy individuals. The Jabbar Bros became the Sox's 1-2 punch late in the year with the speedy JJ leading off and the best hitter on the team Zo batting right behind him. Zo put on a show defensively, playing third base most of the season at a pro level. Meanwhile JJ wore opposing teams down with his contact at the plate and speed on the basepads. Joel "The Iron Horse" Gonzalez was the backbone of the team, starting almost every game behind the plate while putting up impressive numbers on offense. Joel's personality and dedication to winning made him one of the most important and well-liked players on the roster. Jose "Loco" Ovalle was one of the first players that joined the team in the offseason through his friend Franklin Zelaya. Ovalle's best attribute to the team was his athletic ability and versatility in the field, playing well in both the infield and outfield...and also his funny sense of humor which helped bring a team chemistry in the dugout.
Possibly the Sox's biggest addition to the team was pitcher Diego "Dominicano" Santos. Santos made his team debut on the mound in late April. But with arm troubles, Santos was at a point where he thought his season was at an end. However, Santos developed a "submarine"-style pitching delivery instead of his usual "overhand" or "three-quarter" delivery, which helped him remain on the mound and ultimately helped the Sox become one of the most competitive teams in the league. The team felt very fortunate to have such a hardworking and courteous player like Santos on the team this year.
Then of course there were the loyal and true "Black Sox" that remained on the team thru the thick and thin...Josh "Oz" Osband, Frank "The Tank" Zelaya and Scottie "Doesn't Know" Vaccaro. All three players were the foundation of the team's rebuilding process and success in 2008, and all played very well late in the season offensively and defensively which helped the teams with their late season success. Osband was appointed to Assistant Manager because of his tenure on the team and knowledge of the game. Zelaya was given an opportunity to pitch this year and the Sox anticipate that he will be a very solid pitcher in future seasons. Vaccaro brought a combination of speed and power at the plate while playing well defensively in centerfield.
With a new team in a very competitive league the Sox didn't know what was to come in the 2008 Spring Season but anticipated success because of the fine team they have formed.
The Sox started the season playing like the team they expected to be by winning the first two games in a landslide. However they fell into a bad slump on offense and injuries to two starting pitchers early in the year put them in a bad spot early to mid-season. The Sox were able to fight at one point to a 5-5 record, but lost four straight in four tough and well played games. The Black Sox were at their season's worst 5-9 record, but were optimistic after their ninth loss when they played the New Milford Yellow Jackets. In an effort to try new things and prepare for the postseason the Sox started Jeff DiGiulio on the mound. This was Jeff's first time on the mound in five years and the Sox trailed quickly 10-1 by the second inning. With heroics at the plate and solid bullpen relief, the Sox were able to fight back and tie the game at ten before ultimately losing the game 20-16. This game was definitely the team's turning point in the season, and from there the team pitched, fielded and especially hit much better...which eventually led to them winning five of the last six games. Despite the highs and lows, the team finished eighth in the league out of fourteen with a modest 10-10 record which was also tied for third in their division. With a bond and team chemistry that was developed all around the dugout, the team went into the playoffs on a high and with confidence of winning.
The Black Sox started the playoffs as the eighth seeded team in the league. They played in their first round versus the Elmwood Park Yankees who were the fifth seed and a team they defeated early in the year. The Sox won this game right from the start playing like the team they played like the last month of the season. The Sox won the game 15-6 behind Diego Santos' brilliance on the mound that day and advanced to the second round the next day to play the team that turned their season around, the New Milford Yellow Jackets. The Sox once again took an early lead and kept it most of the way. The Sox played like the better team that day but in one inning would lose the game. The Black Sox finished the day and the season with surprise and disappointment from the loss, but with content and satisfaction with the team they became.
With the position the Sox were left in in the offseason...having to recruit a brand new team...and with all the injuries and ups and downs during the course of the regular season, the Black Sox finished the year feeling successful....because they played with pride....because they played with class....because all the players that filled the roster on this team made a difference...on and off the field. The Sox showed to every practice and game with integrity and grace. Every player on the team played with everything they had. They never gave up, and through thick and thin, stood by and supported one another. Although the Paterson Black Sox felt disgraced because of what happened in the offseason....in the end it proved to be a blessing. The Sox feel very fortunate that the new and improved players made this year a happy one and definitely a season to remember...because of the friendships that were formed.....and are ambitious and delighted about future seasons to come with a group of fine players. The Paterson Black Sox have proven in their team's six year history that they are a baseball dynasty...that are proud and play with pride and professionalism.....and are looking forward to another successful and memorable season when they return to play in the Fall of 2008.