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! 

Split Weekend of College Basketball

Photo courtesy of the Associated Press

We've talked about my interesting sports interests before here. This weekend was a split decision weekend. 

On Saturday night, Duke men's basketball fell to Houston 70-67 in the Final Four. On Sunday, the UConn women's basketball team defeated South Carolina 82-59 to win the National Championship. 

Let's start with Duke on Saturday. The Blue Devils led for a majority of the game, approximately 35 of 40 minutes, including by as many as 14 as one point. 

They held a seven-point lead 64-57 with 1:27 to play and 67-61 with thirty-three seconds left. However, mistakes and strong Houston defense left them down three with three with one last chance. With 3.7 seconds left, the Blue Devils got the ball back and had a prayer to tie that was off the mark. 

It's an extremely disappointing loss, but credit to Houston. They made the plays down the stretch and Duke did not. 

Duke Head Coach Jon Scheyer has done a great job in the first three years at his alma mater, taking over for the legendary Coach K. It's a bright future for the young coach. 

Cooper Flagg was a well deserving Player of the Year and Kon Knueppel hit some big shots during the run in the tournament. 

Tough ending to a great season. 

Best of luck to Houston and Florida, who defeated Auburn in the first semifinal, in the National Championship on Monday night. 

I'll be rooting for Florida as I know a number of Gator basketball fans, including but not limited to, Tyler Geriak, Trip Keyes, Cole Stotler, and Joe Bossio. I don't mean to leave anyone out, I just know those are who I have talked to about Florida during this NCAA tournament. 

As for my Duke fandom, I was a front runner when they had JJ Redick in the mid-to-late 2000's. Then, I stayed following them through the Scheyer and Kyle Singler years, where whey won a championship. I didn't follow them as much on a constant basis after that but there were still the Austin Rivers and Grayson Allen years to name a few. 

I know, unless you are a Duke fan, most of America hates Duke. 

As for Sunday's UConn game, the Huskies and South Carolina traded buckets early on before the two-seed UConn was able to get some breathing room on way to the victory over the number one seeded Gamecocks. 

UConn star Paige Bueckers struggled early on but Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, who had 24 points apiece, came up with big shots and Paige, who finished with 17, was able to come up clutch when it mattered. 

South Carolina is a great program, having won two championships in the past four years, but UConn was better on this day, and that's all that matters. 

It's the twelfth championship for Head Coach Geno Auriemma and the UConn women's basketball program, which is the most all-time for any program, men's or women's. 

The title is also the first for the Lady Huskies since 2016, which is an eternity for that program. For most teams, it's not that long, but we just get spoiled by how dominant the program has been. UConn has still had terrific years, just have not been able to finish the deal. 

There are people that don't like women's basketball or have an issue with UConn because of their dominance, and I don't get that. 

UConn just plays basketball the right way which makes them so much fun to watch. Without a professional sports team in the state of Connecticut, this is as close as it gets. And while the UConn men have had some great seasons, including the back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024, the women have been successful almost every year. 

The women's season is over. 

The men's season will be over on Monday night (or early Tuesday morning). 

Baseball (and hockey) will get the spotlight. 

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I saw a discussion on Twitter about the start time of the Women's National Championship game. 

The game on Sunday started at 3pm where the men's championship on Monday begins at 8:50pm. 

People complain that a lot of games start too late. However, the complaint here is that the women's game doesn't get the primetime slot like the men do. I actually thought the game was somewhat later than it was, like 6pm. 

The NCAA and the Networks, ESPN/ABC and CBS have their reasons based on ratings and conflicts that go up against one another. 

It also used to be up until a few years ago the women's championship was on the Tuesday after the men's championship on Monday. This got changed because the women's game was sort of forgotten about/overlooked after the men were done. The hope with moving it to Sunday is that there would be more viewers still in the college basketball mindset. 

Lots of things to think about from a media perspective with the championships. The less I say, the better. 

FCIAC Freshman All-Star Games

The FCIAC freshman boys' teams

The FCIAC Freshman All-Star games were held Friday night at Norwalk High School. 

There was a girls' game and a boys' game. 

There were one or two representatives per gender from each FCIAC school. They were split into East and West teams based on the school they play for. 

It's a terrific event as part of the culmination of the season. The event is created and led by Glen Colello and the local board referees. 

Great job by Glen and his team to organize and pull off the event year after year. 

Every year I say I'm going to go, and for one reason or another, I don't make it. 

This year, I decided to go down. 

I went as a supporter and fan. A paying fan. 

I could not only watch the players I know from Ludlowe and Warde, but I would be able to hang with Rob Adams and Chris Kaelin, who were broadcasting on the BirdeyeSports YouTube Channel (Ben Talbott) and Rob's outlet, Robcasting Radio

It's nice to have events like this broadcast. Not only to get these kids and programs the coverage, but it gives a big time feel. 

I know I'm bias as Rob is one of my closest friends, but that's what's so great about him. He will call anything, from youth, to high school, to college, minor league and the pros. Any sport or event. He cares about the athletes' families and coaches and wants to give them coverage. He's also terrific at what he does. Professional 

I also ended up talking to some coaches and parents who were their watching and supporting their athletes and children, respectively. 

I get to know these people through many avenues in life. From living in town, to covering games as a reporter and broadcaster, to coaching and working. And really just as a sports person, I am around so much and go to so many games. 

In terms of coaches, that's Dave Goldshore from Staples, Joel Geriak from Wilton, Rob Coloney from Ridgefield, and Buddy Bray from Trumbull, just to name some. 

It was good basketball to watch. Players who we are likely to see at the varsity level in the next few years, if we have not already. 

Freshman who we saw last night like Sofia Hardiman and Julia Fekete from Warde, Claire Holt from Ludlowe and Zuri Faison from Greenwich have already been a part of the varsity team as freshman. 

It was fun to watch the guys at Ludlowe who I have gotten to know from helping out the boys' basketball program in Hudson Kofoed and Brooks Fonseca. It was also great watching James Cavanagh and Kieran Coyne from Warde. That's not to say there wasn't a lot of good basketball from many around the league, because there was. 

On the girls' side, it was the aforementioned Hardiman, Fekete and Holt as well as Peyton Guth from Ludlowe. 

Just a lot of great play all around. 

There was also a DJ playing music and doing some public address. 

So much about this is about the play on the court. However, it's also about making it a big-time feel and making it fun. That's what sports are supposed to be. No matter how competitive or lack thereof, it should always be fun, in some way. 

It's about the kids, always. 

Games/Moments of 2024 (Local Sports)

Please note, this is my personal blog and has no work affiliation. These are games that I was at as either a fan, coach or worked in some capacity that has nothing to do with my regular job. 

Every year, when we look back on the year, we look at the games and moments that stand out. Here are 10 of MY top games or moments in games from the year. There could be many different reasons that a game makes my list, some may be around the game, some may be more personal reasons. 

Obviously, there is a lot of Ludlowe in here. 

Remember, these are only games I was in attendance for. Also, these are in order by date, no other reason. 

Let's go. 

1) John Dailey's 100th career victory

Ludlowe boys' basketball head coach John Dailey picked up his 100th career victory on January 19 in a 49-29 victory at home vs Westhill. The win was also the eighth of the season for the Falcons, clinching them a state tournament berth. 

2) Tate Mahoney sets the Ludlowe single-game points and three-points record

On February 14 at home vs Darien, Ludlowe's Tate Mahoney set both the Ludlowe record for points in a game and three-pointers made in a game. Mahoney scored 39 points, passing Cooper Dailey, who scored 38 in February of 2022. 

Mahoney also hit eight three-pointers which passed Kevin Bentivegna and Brian Tharp's record of seven, set in 2011 and 2007, respectively.  

3) Ludlowe boys' basketball win over No. 3 Wilby 

After defeating Killingly at home in the first round of the state tournament, the Ludlowe boys' basketball team went on the road and took down Wilby, who was the three seed in Division 3, by a 44-42 score. 

4) Ludlowe/Waterford State boys basketball quarterfinal 

While this was not a great game on the scoreboard, Ludlowe came away with a 70-48 victory, there were a lot of other factors that had this game make my list. 

It's about friendships. Waterford featured Matt Shampine and Colby Sheehan, who Rob Adams and I had seen in prior summers broadcasting Babe Ruth baseball. 

That led Rob to broadcast the game and have Mike Buswell, who coaches Trumbull Babe Ruth, to join Rob for the call. Trumbull and Waterford Babe Ruth have a great relationship and have had many terrific battles over the years. 

Give it a listen here. 

5) Ludlowe Baseball's Ben Crawford HR vs Southington

This one is very similar to when I wrote about the Ludlowe baseball playoff game against Hamden a year ago. 

In this case, Ben Crawford came up in the fifth inning of a second-round state tournament game vs Southington, who was the number one seed in Class LL. There were two men on base, with Ludlowe trailing 2-0. 

Crawford proceeded to hit the first pitch he saw over the left-center field wall for a go-ahead three run home run. 

It was a great moment in the game, and a special moment for so many reasons. 

Unfortunately, Southington would come back and come away with a 7-3 victory. 

But that doesn't take away from what an awesome moment the home run was.  

An awesome moment during Wednesday’s game as Ben Crawford goes deep to give us a 3-2 lead in the fifth inning. #ctbase pic.twitter.com/UlGeLVmp4l

— Fairfield Ludlowe Baseball (@LudloweBase) May 30, 2024

6) Stamford wins the CT 13U Babe Ruth Baseball Championship

What has been an annual tradition, Rob Adama and I broadcasted a Babe Ruth baseball tournament in Trumbull. This year it was the 13U tournament won by Stamford. Stamford defeated Easton in the Championship in a back-and-forth game. Honestly, there were many options of games from this tournament I could have picked, but the championship being a comeback was an easy choice. 

7) Cole Gibson no-hitter for Barnums

Cole Gibson, pitching for the Bridgeport Barnums of the CCBL, threw a no-hitter on July 27 in a 5-0 victory over Wallingford. Gibson walked just one and struck out 10. You can read more here.

8) Warde/Ludlowe Girls Volleyball 

The two teams split the first two sets before Warde took the third. In the third set, Warde's Lalia Henry notched her 1,000th assist of her career and was recognized for that. 

Ludlowe took the fourth set to force a decisive fifth set. 

In the fifth set, Warde came out on top with a 15-11 set and to win the match three sets to two. 

9) Ludlowe Football win over Wilton

In a game that propelled Ludlowe football to their first state tournament berth in school history, Ludlowe defeated Wilton 21-14, including getting a late defensive stop to seal the victory. Ryan Tompkins had two rushing touchdowns, and Ryan Menozzi had a TD catch from Grant Stupak.  

10) Ludlowe girls' basketball edges Warde to win the Todd Burger Memorial Tournament

In a game in which Ludlowe had to come from behind to take the lead, Warde had a chance to tie the game late, but Ludlowe came away with a close 46-43 victory to capture the Todd Burger Tournament. 

I realize I did not include any Ludlowe boys' soccer. A team I watched a lot of that had success. There just did not seem to be any game or moments that truly stood out to me. I could have gone with one of Charlie Jones' hat tricks, I guess. Let's give that an honorable mention. 

I'm sure there are other teams and games I should have included also. Maybe I missed something. But again, it's my thoughts. 

Looking forward to what 2025 has to bring!  

Historic Season for Ludlowe Football

The Ludlowe football season came to an end tonight in the Class L State Quarterfinals. 

That said, the players and coaches have nothing to hang their heads about. 

It was a tremendous season. A historic one. 

An 8-2 regular season record and a playoff appearance, the first official playoff appearance by a Fairfield public high school*. 

*Ludlowe had made championships in the late 50's and 60's but that was before a true playoff format. 

Either way, it's been a LONG time, if not the first time. 

The only Ludlowe losses came New Canaan and Darien (twice, including the playoff game). Those are two perennial powers in the league and the state. 

From where this program was for so many years to where is has been the last handful to where it is now, is something extremely impressive. 

It's a credit to the entire team, but especially this season class. 

Cooper Seek, Ryan Menozzi, Ryan Tompkins, Justin Toothaker, Ryan Torello, Grant Stupak, Jackson Frame, Ramzee Atta, Lleyton DeThomas, Jonathan Stekloff, Cole Mylen, Owen Sparks, Shane Walters, Will Dunn, Alec Mertz, John Napolitani, Sebastian Guzman, Justin Ann, Mac DeAddio and Dylan Gray. 

After that, it's non-seniors like Liam Bond, Brady Morison, Timmy O'Neill, Jake Palladino, Tucker Seek, Miko Marano and so many others. 

I'm just thinking of guys off the top of my head. 

Credit as well to Head Coach Mitch Ross and his entire coaching staff. 

It's also about all the support staff and the parents. A lot goes into making high school sports, especially football, a special experience. 

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The season was even more impressive considering where Ludlowe football was at years ago. 

So many years of winless seasons or one- or two-win seasons. Ludlowe suffered 14-game losing streaks on two separate occasions, 2011-2012 and 2016-2017. 

Even if it wasn't to that degree, Ludlowe football had struggled for a number of years 

What Ross has done since his arrival in 2017 is extremely impressive. In his first year in 2017, they only won a single game. However, things changed in his second year, setting a then record with seven wins. 

They have won seven games twice in Ross' tenure and never had a losing season. 

This season was a culmination of many seasons leading up to this one. Everyone knew this was a talented class and it's great to see the hard work combined with the talent pay off. 

You made not only the Ludlowe football community proud, but the school community and the town. 

You have people talking about this program. In a positive way. 

Proud of this group. 

Hopefully this is just another step for the program's success. 

Ludlowe/Warde Football - Thanksgiving 2024

Thanksgiving was once again the annual Ludlowe vs Warde football game. 

The weather forecast was calling for rain so there was much discussion in the days prior about moving the game to Wednesday. 

This was done in 2018 due to freezing temperatures predicted for Thanksgiving, but the game is normally on Thanksgiving Day. 

Normally, I am totally against moving it. I'm a traditionalist and like Thanksgiving football. 

However, this year, I would have been okay with-it being Wednesday. With no disrespect intended to the teams', Thanksgiving football is as much about the game as it is a community event. 

That said, I have no say. 

The game stayed on Thanksgiving Day, and it did in fact rain. In fact, all the games in the FCIAC that were scheduled for Thanksgiving Day stayed on that day. The weather definitely kept the crowd down, which is unfortunate. I am okay with the game staying on Thanksgiving though. 

Okay, I've buried the lede. 

Ludlowe came out with a 38-16 victory. The win clinches Ludlowe a spot in the Class L playoffs, where they will face Darien on Tuesday. Time to be determined. 

It's the first playoff appearance for Ludlowe football in school history in the post Fairfield High School era. 

The Falcons also finish the regular season, with an 8-2 record, the best in program history. 

Liam Bond, who had four rushing touchdowns, was named the Ludlowe MVP. Quinn Russo was the Warde MVP of the game. 

The MVPs are presented with a trophy and receive a scholarship from the Fairfield Rotary Club. Thanks to Bill Llewllyn and Bruce Carter from the Fairfield Rotary Club for recognizing our student-athletes. 

I also have to say, personally, I am a fan of formal post-game ceremonies, which I don't feel like always get done. This year, however, it was done well. 

First, the MVPs were brought together with Carter and a cheerleading from each team. It was Gabby DiGiacomo from Warde and Susana Charron from Ludlowe. The cheerleaders then handed the MVP's their trophy with Carter nearby. Both teams were also surrounding all of them at mid-field.

Then, with both teams still near mid-field, Ludlowe Athletic Director Todd Parness presented the Gallagher-Baynas Trophy to the Ludlowe captains, Cooper Seek, Ryan Menozzi, Ryan Tompkins and Ramzee Atta. 

Now it's on to Tuesday for Ludlowe football and then winter sports will be here soon.