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Press Release
Rockland OTB Pirates Baseball
4-Time American Legion World Series Participant
9-Time New York State Champion
***2010 Connie Mack Baseball League Member***
For Immediate Release (09-18-09)
Historic OTB Pirates Baseball Program Announces Big Move
After 22 years of being affiliated with American Legion Baseball, the historic OTB Pirates baseball program is heading in a different direction. The program that saw, four American Legion World Series appearances, nine New York State titles and over a dozen former players drafted by professional baseball clubs will now play in a CONNIE MACK (15U,17U,19U) Baseball league in 2010. The announced move comes just one month after the team bowed to Jurek Post (Rochester) in this year's New York State Tournament semi-finals in Utica.
The switch to Connie Mack means the OTB Pirates will not be regulated by any school district or geographic boundary. The team can now select players from any school district or town in the lower Hudson Valley. To be eligible for the 2010 summer season, a player must be born on or after May 1, 1991. The team will play between 18-24 league games with all games using wooden bats. In addition to the new league, the team will continue its relationship with the Super 17 and Blue Chip Baseball Showcases at Diamond Nation in Flemington, New Jersey. With new coaches joining the already experienced staff, plans are underway to enter more showcases or travel-related tournaments.
Former Saunders High coach Chuck Alben will enter his first year on the staff. Alben, a former St. John’s University pitcher, was the 2009 Section I “Coach-of-the-Year” after leading the Blue Devils to a 15-win season. Joining Alben on the staff will be former North Rockland High and St. John’s standout, Mike Rooney. A Stony Point native, Rooney played for the AAA minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks and is currently the pitching coach at Rockland Community College. Chris Dwyer, a former Bryant College product, along with North Rockland native Lou Welsh will round out the new additions to the coaching staff.
Although the team is expected to draw interest from players and parents across the Hudson Valley, the philosophy of the program will remain. The OTB Pirates baseball team is for the serious baseball player. A strong commitment and passion to play a demanding schedule are a must. Players will learn from a variety of well-regarded coaches and trainers and are expected to improve their skills on the field and become well-rounded citizens off the field.
If you have any questions, please visit the OTB Pirates' website at http://www.otbpirates.com. Click the "contact us" tab and enter your information if you are interested in playing.
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