Just Remembering

We all have dates on the calendar that impact us. 

Good dates. 

Bad dates. 

And everything in between. 

Dates where we remember people we have lost. 

I know I've written about this date multiple times. 

It's a date that always brings up memories and reflection. 

We remember Uncle David who passed away on this day in 2005 and my Grandma Bea who passed away on this day in 2011. 

Top: Me, Grandma, Michael
Bottom: Dad, Uncle Bobby, Uncle Dave (top), Uncle Tommy (bottom), Uncle Gary

Memories of the day. How we found out. What happened after. 

Memories of the prior days. Memories of the days following, including the services. 

Memories of holidays, family parties, vacations and special events that they were a part of. And ones since where we are missing them. 

Memories of bad days, good days and great days. 

Memories of average days.

We think about them every day, but especially on significant days like today, the anniversary of their deaths, their birthdays, and on holidays where they are deeply missed. 

We think about the other family members who are impacted by these loses. 

We all have different stories from different perspectives. As family, extended family and friends. 

I know I am generalizing, which I don't always like. I could tell stories, but for several reasons, I won't. We still have the stories and the memories. 

It's how you honor them in the way in which you live your life. 

Miss you both. Always in our hearts. 

My Ornament on Uncle David's tree (written Christmas Eve 2005)

Holidays and Games

Happy New Year. With the flip of the calendar, changes don't happen automatically. Actions cause change. All the best to everyone in 2026. 

Speaking of change....

I've written before about how traditions change. I lot of that happens during holidays or other special events, as well as everyday life. 

The changes happen as a result of families and life changing. People move, others have families and extended family and unfortunately sometimes family issues or family members passing away change traditions. It's also just a fact that people get older. New traditions get created. 

I've noticed this with holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, to name a few. The groups get smaller, the activities change. The days become more low-key. 

It's still about spending time with family and friends and those who matter. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Every year, while we celebrate great moments of the year, we also look back as tough moments. We think about those going through difficult times, and we remember those who we lost in the past year. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I write about often in regard to my sports life but it's not so much about the wins and losses when it comes to the sports, it's about the relationships both built and strengthened. It's about caring for and supporting one another in good times and bad. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's been a tradition to do top games of the year. With a few obvious exceptions, I felt like there were less games or moments that stood out to choose from. 

There was a lot of high school basketball and baseball, but there wasn't as much summer baseball as there has been in the past. I hope that changes in 2026. 

Before we get going with the list, please note a couple of things. This is my list and has nothing to do with my work or coaching affiliation and does not represent those entities. In addition, this list only encompasses games I was in attendance for. 

Here we go with my top games or moments of 2025 locally. 

FCIAC Baseball Championship

Ludlowe vs Norwalk. This is an easy one. My favorite moment of the year. A tremendous game in which Ludlowe took a 2-0 lead before Norwalk tied the game in the sixth and then Ludlowe re-took the lead for good in the seventh. 

You can read more here and listen to Rob Adams' broadcast below. 

2025 FCIAC CHAMPIONS! pic.twitter.com/Ws3Z3fU0Y4

— Fairfield Ludlowe Baseball (@LudloweBase) May 30, 2025

Photo Credit: Stacey Scruggs

FCIAC Baseball Quarterfinal - Ludlowe vs Warde

Two games prior to the FCIAC Championship, Ludlowe and Warde squared off for the third time in the season, this time in the FCIAC quarterfinals at Warde. Warde held a 3-1 lead through five innings and a 3-2 lead through six innings. 

In the top of the seventh with two on and two outs, Ian Moore singled down the right field line to bring home two runs and give the Falcons a 4-3 lead. Tyler Geriak got the save, stranding the tying and winning runs on base in the bottom half of the inning. 

Kieran Scruggs Walk-Off Playoff Hit for Barnums

In a Connecticut College Baseball League playoff elimination game, Kieran Scruggs came up with a pinch-hit game winning single. 

Read my game story on the Bridgeport Barnums Blogger site. Also included is video of the hit. 

Ludlowe football win over Norwalk on Miko Marano's PAT in OT

Ludlowe and Norwalk have a tendency to play exciting, close football games over the years, and this year was no exception. 

Ludlowe had to come from behind late to tie the game and send it to overtime, before Miko Marano's PAT following a Ludlowe touchdown in OT tied the game again, gave the Falcons the victory. 

Video of Miko Marano’s game-winning extra point. Video via @coachkeyes. #cthsfb https://t.co/31CFwrZktp pic.twitter.com/LZbd2mYrN2

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) October 11, 2025

Ludlowe Basketball FCIAC Quarterfinal OT win over New Canaan

On Super Saturday in the FCIAC Quarterfinals at Fairfield Warde, Ludlowe defeated 61-50 behind 26 points from Ryan Torello and 10 points apiece from Gavin Mertz and Carlo Noecker. 

Ryan Torello breaks the Ludlowe single season scoring record in the FCIAC semifinal game vs Staples

In the latter part of a tremendous season for Ludlowe's Ryan Torello, he broke the school's single season scoring record in the Falcons FCIAC semifinal game vs Staples at Wilton High School. Ryan broke Brian Spring's record of 474 points, which he set in 2006. 

Ryan finished his tremendous senior season with 542 points for the season and 749 points for his career, which puts him second all-time in career points, behind Spring. 

*All this information is public in that it is on the Ludlowe Athletics social media and/or on the record board outside the gym at FLHS for anyone to see when they come to the gym. 

Warde's Jack Cramer scores 1,000th point in FCIAC semifinal game vs Ridgefield 

Like talking about Torello above, I love talking about records and milestones. On the same night that Torello broke the Ludlowe scoring record, Warde's Jack Cramer scored his 1,000th career point in the Mustangs FCIAC semifinal game vs Ridgefield. The accomplishment happened in the fourth quarter of the game and was acknowledged during the next stoppage in play. I always enjoy when these records and milestones are acknowledged. It's important for the people to get the recognition they deserve. 

Ludlowe/Trumbull Football

This one has zero to do with the game. This is a favorite game of the year due to the relationships I have made with people in Trumbull. As I wrote about at the time, it's people like Mike Buswell, Brayden Jagoe, Luke McDermott and their families and many others. It's always fun to watch them play and to talk and support them. 

I wrote more about this when it took place.

Ludlowe/Trumbull Baseball 

This was a big for us at Ludlowe as we unofficially clinched a berth in the FCIAC tournament with the win. It was a crazy game. We built up a 10-4 lead before Trumbull made a comeback and cut the deficit to 10-8 and had a chance to do more. A cool moment in the game was Jagoe, mentioned above, hitting a home run for the Eagles. Obviously mixed emotions for me as it happened as I'm coaching in the Ludlowe dugout. 

----------------------------------------------------------------

On to 2026! 

Fun Night in Trumbull

We've talked on here before about the friendships and people we get to know through being involved in sports in many different ways. It extends to the friendships that develop because of sports but last forever. 

I've also written about all of the summer baseball coverage I've been involved with over the years. Whether that be Little League, American Legion, College Summer League or Babe Ruth. 

A lot of that over the last several years has been Trumbull Babe Ruth. Trumbull has become a town I've really enjoyed dealing with, and most of that is because of the great people. 

It's all the staff, coaches, players and families that we have interacted with. 

That leads me to Friday night where Ludlowe was playing Trumbull in football at Trumbull High School. I love when we get Fairfield vs Trumbull games in any sport. As I wrote on Instagram, it's "my guys" vs "my other guys." 

Its people involved with Trumbull like Mike Buswell, Brayden Jagoe and Luke McDermott to name a few, and the families. 

It was good to chat with Mike during the game and to watch Jagoe play* (McDermott is hurt, speedy recovery to Luke) and talk to him for a quick second afterwards. 

Ludlowe came away with a 35-7 victory behind four touchdowns (three passing, one rushing) from Ryan Love. Peyton Sparacino also had a passing touchdown. Jake Palladino had two touchdown receptions, and Jack Danylko and Timmy O'Neill each had a touchdown catch. 

*Brayden had the lone Eagles touchdown, a 56-yard run. Happy to see these guys having success. When Ludlowe played Trumbull in baseball this past spring, Jagoe homered. Obviously, I'm rooting for Ludlowe, but I also want these other guys to do well. 

There were other people, including former Ludlowe and Trumbull coach and Trumbull football player, Mat Lena, who it was nice to catch up with. There were also people who I wish I would have gotten to see. 

I root for good people and good stories, and these are all great people! 

On to next week where I get to see more friends and great people. 

Editor's Note: Once again, this blog post, or any of my blog posts or social media posts, have no affiliation with my job. The thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are mine and mine alone. 

An Impressive Run for FNLL

At the gazebo at the Sherman Green in Fairfield

Fairfield National's Little League World Series run is over. 

While they did not win it all, they won in a lot of ways, both on and off the field. 

They won districts, sectionals, the State of Connecticut and the Metro Region to advance to the Little League World Series. In the LLWS, they advanced all the way to the United States Championship. In the Championship on Saturday, they fell to Nevada, representing the Mountain Region, 8-2. 

Fairfield defeated Aruba on Sunday in the "third place game" to finish as the third best team in the World. A tremendous accomplishment! 

Most importantly, the boys of FNLL, as well as the coaches, represented Fairfield and captivated the Town of Fairfield and the State of Connecticut in an amazing way. 

They created memories for themselves that will last a lifetime. 

Fairfield was so impressive to watch. This is a team that won by playing well in all facets of the game, Hitting, pitching, defense and smart baserunning. A roster that consisted of: 

Logan Gryga
Ben Herbst
Charlie McCullough
Luca Pellegrini
Dante Madera
Joe Sorrentino
Brian Palazzolo
SJ Taxiltaridis
Tommy D'Amura
Colin Curley
Jimmy Taxiltaridis
Boden Dunlap

Some standout performances were the pitching and defense of Pellegrini. The pitching and hitting of SJ Taxiltaridis. The defense and hitting and leadership behind the plate of Jimmy Taxiltaridis. The hitting and pitching of Tommy D'Amura. And the defense of Dante Madera in center field and Brian Palazzolo at third base. 

There are so many others I could have named. That is the issue with sometimes trying to give shoutouts. No offense intended to anyone not mentioned. It is a tremendous TEAM! 

Congrats to Manager Brian Palazzolo and Coaches Dave Gryga and Tom Curley as well 

They were the third Connecticut team to make the United States Championship, joining Trumbull in 1989, who won it all, and Westport in 2013. 

They were just the fourth team from Fairfield to make the Little League World Series. Fairfield American made it in 2010, 2012 and 2017. 

The Town of Fairfield will honor the team on Monday at the Sherman Green. Come out and show them your support! 

While I'm not going to say I really know anyone on the team that well, I know family and friends of the players and coaches and my passion for sports, and especially baseball, in this town make it a pleasure to watch and follow. 

It was great to see all fans who went down to Williamsport to support, those who attended watch parties at local establishments and those who supported in other ways. There was also a lot of support on social media and in other ways around town. This just goes to show what a great community this town is. It does not matter which side of town you live on, which little league you are a part of, or which schools you attend or attended, it's about being a part of "One Town." 

These kids are not only great players but seem like great young men who we are all excited to watch and see what they do in the future, in all sports and life. 

For now, congratulations and thank you, Fairfield National! 

Find Your Fun - A Day at The Ballpark

Rob Adams has been trying to get me to come to a Hudson Valley Renegades game since 2021. 

Well, today, he finally got me there. 

The Renegades have a slogan, "Find Your Fun." Well, this was definitely my fun. 

I met Rob (and Sean Adams) in Greenwich and went with them up to the Hudson Valley. 

On our way up, I got to see a few places that Rob has talked about, so it was good to see them in person. 

The Renegades were set to play the Aberdeen IronBirds 

When we got into the stadium, Rob took me on a tour.  I've been to minor league ballparks before, but it's cool seeing different parks. We walked the concourse, went into the gift shop and the lounge. I was tempted to buy a hat (or something else) but then decided not to.

Rob would be doing public address and Sean would be on the high-home camera. When we walked to the upper level where the suites and booths were, we passed the visiting radio booth (which is where Sean run the camera from, the home radio booth, the press box and then finally to the PA booth. 

Prior to, during and after the game, there were plenty of activities going on. That is a major part of minor league baseball. There was multiple first pitches, dances from a couple groups, between inning games and more. Following the game, kids were able to run the bases and there was a tennis ball toss game. 

During the game, I hung out in the PA booth with Rob and three others who were in there as the booth producer, stadium audio producer and graphic director for the scoreboard. I don't know if those are their actual roles and titles, but that is what they are doing. 

Different people came in and out of the booth throughout the game. From Renegades game personnel to some fans as well as a couple young PA announcers who did a half inning each. 

The game was a really great game by both teams. It was a scoreless game through the first five innings. 

The Renegades got on the board in the sixth on a Josh Moylan RBI single. That would be all the 'Gades pitchers would need as four pitchers combined on a one-hitter. 

Following the game, after wrapping up with the others in the booth, Rob, Sean and I walked to the field so Rob could catch up with Greg Jones, who was the on-field host. He is the one who Rob works with in-game and who handles the between inning game. It was fun to stand on the field for a few minutes and just take in the atmosphere as the tennis ball toss was finishing up. 

After that, it was time to go home. 

Thank you to Rob, Sean and everyone else for a fun time. 

A great day.  

Summer Ball 2025

Another summer of baseball has come to an end for me. 

It was different, a lot lighter than in summers past, but still enjoyable. 

There was no Trumbull Babe Ruth tournament, or any Babe Ruth tournament coverage that I joined Rob Adams for. 

Rob did do a lot of Cal Ripken baseball, both in Oxford and New Canaan. I did go hang out for one day of the Oxford tournament and listened to a lot of the rest of both tournaments. 

My baseball summer consisted of my role with the Bridgeport Barnums of the Connecticut College Baseball League once again. 

My role is basically scorekeeper, but I will do whatever. 

It's enjoyable to be a part of the staff and the team in whatever role. 

As I've said before whether it's coaching, broadcasting, scorekeeping, writing, etc, you are always part of a "team" in some capacity. Just not always part of THE team. This could (and may) be a separate blog post. 

As for the Barnums, they had another terrific season. 

They finished with an overall record of 23-4-2 winning the regular season CCBL championship. 

In the double-elimination playoffs, they won their first game, lost their second, won two straight before falling in what was called the elimination finals which was basically the semifinals. 

We saw some great performances on the mound from guys like Zach Broderick, Jimmy Mutherbaugh, Will Gregor and Hayden Lee. *

*It's always risky to shout out people, because you know you are going to accidentally forget people and it's hard to mention everyone. 

I enjoyed hanging with and helping out the coaches and players. Many players who I knew from either past Barnums seasons or from Ludlowe and Warde baseball. Then, there were players who I had just met this summer. 

It's a different role and relationship during the summer than it is when I am coaching at Ludlowe in the spring. I enjoyed getting to talk to and watch players like Kieran Scruggs (Ludlowe grad headed to Eastern Connecticut), Luke Stasko (Ludlowe grad headed to Virginia Wesleyan) and Meyer Stransky (Warde grad headed to Gettysburg), among others. 

Those are just a few of the Fairfield players that are a part of the Barnums. Besides the Fairfield players, it's guys from plenty of other surrounding areas including Trumbull, Easton and Bethel, to name a few. And obviously Bridgeport. 

It's a tremendous coaching staff led by Manager Chris Bugyi and Coaches Jim Chaves and Mark Keeney. The whole operation is led by General Manager Sars Ford. It's impressive what they have built in just a few short years in existence. 

It's also about the support staff of Blake Benway on social media and Jake Calabro on public address, among others. 

Then it's about the fans and the sponsors. 

Everyone plays a role. 

It's over as quick as it starts. 

But it was fun. 

2025 FCIAC Baseball Champions!

**Note: This blog post is from my perspective as a Ludlowe baseball assistant coach and has no affiliation with my job in the Fairfield Public Schools athletic departments. Additionally, while we may echo similar thoughts, this does not necessarily represent the thoughts and opinions of Ludlowe Baseball Head Coach Ken Geriak or anyone else on the baseball staff.  **

On Friday afternoon in Stamford, the Fairfield Ludlowe Falcons baseball team captured the 2025 FCIAC Championship. 

The Falcons defeated Norwalk 4-2 to win the title. It's the second FCIAC Championship for Ludlowe baseball, the previous one coming in 2010, when the Falcons defeated Greenwich. The Falcons lost to Staples in their only other appearance in 2019. 

Ludlowe came into the FCIAC tournament as the number seven seed. Norwalk was the top seed. 

In the quarterfinals, Ludlowe defeated cross-town rival Warde, 4-3. Ian Moore's two run single in the top of the seventh was the difference in that game. 

In the semifinals, the Falcons took down St. Joseph 3-0 behind a complete-game three hitter from Tyler Geriak. 

In the championship, Luke Stasko threw four scoreless innings, and Mason Holcomb got the win in relief with three innings allowing two runs. 

Kenny Luczaj had two hits, and a run scored. Dylan Davis and Ian Moore, who was named FCIAC Championship game MVP, each had a hit and run scored. 

All three teams that Ludlowe defeated in the FCIAC tournament were teams they lost to during the regular season, including losing to Warde twice. 

This was a total team effort. The players, first and foremost, and the coaching staff, as well as the support staff. It's also so much about the parents who help out and support their children. 

The players are the ones who perform on the field. So much of the credit goes to them and deservedly so. 

Those players include Jack Adwin, Ian Moore, Cristian Negron, Joe Calabro, Luke Stasko, Kenny Luczaj, Kieran Scruggs, Jackson Frame, Leo Hood, Aiden Goodson, Mason Holcomb, Jake Palladino, Eliot Kwan, Brennan Davis, Chris Wolf, Jackson Foldeak, Tyler Geriak, Cole Stotler, Dylan Davis, Ryan Frame, Mason Dennett, Ryan Love, Cooper Hein, Cam Colin and Hudson Kofoed (with a shout out to Mikey Clear and Trip Keyes who were a part of the bench crew for the semis and final.) 

It's also about the alum who have built the foundation. And so many others. 

Shout out to head coach Ken Geriak as the leader of the pack. 

So proud of everyone. 

There's so much coverage out there to read, watch and listen to, and you know I've been paying attention to it all. Head to the Ludlowe Baseball Instagram and Twitter accounts for links to most, if not all of it. 

One job done, now it's on to the state tournament beginning on Monday. 

Falcon Pride!