The Swingers Team Bio

Manager:
Virgil Quijano (2009 Coach of The Year)
Last Seasons Record:
8-2 (Wednesday Division Champs)
Key Roster Additions:
Anthony Aquilino, Mike Morro, Cory Sullivan
Key Roster Losses:
Steve McCann, Nick Curran, Tom Lawson, Jojo Ruopoli

The Swingers

(l-r: front row Andrew Valenti, Virgil Quijano, Vincent D’Amato)

(l-r: back row Dave Berenbaum, Steve McCann, Steve Cams, Tom Lawson, Richie Willis, Nick Curran)

 The Swingers are one of the original six teams in the first ever 5th Boro Softball league.  The Swingers, first began as The Meat and has had a name change every year including seasonal runs as The Guzzlers and The Usual Suspects.  Coming off two consecutive Wednesday Division championships, The Swingers are no strangers to championship runs with two appearances in the 5th Boro Championship in five seasons.

Top Players
Dave Berenbaum, Shortstop 
Berenbaum, is one of the premier shortstops in 5th Boro and one of the original members of The Swingers.   "He has a great passion for the game and will do whatever is best for his team," said Swingers Manager Virgil Quijano."  He is found at the middle of The Swingers lineup and his combination of power and speed makes him any pitcher's nightmare.  However, what makes Berenbaum standout is his defensive prowess at shortstop.  "He has a strong arm, high leaping ability and quick reflexes," said Quijano.  "He had turned numerous 6-3 double plays in his 5th Boro career."

Dave Berenbaum, Shortstop

 Vincent D'Amato, Left Field
D'Amato, a two-time gold glove winner and two-time all-star, is best known for his defensive skills from the outfield.  "His gold gloves are no flukes," said Quijano.  "He has made numerous Sportscenter worth plays in the outfield.  He's practically a venus fly trap out in left." As the lead-off batter, D'Amato has been amongst the league leaders in runs scored the past two seasons.  According to Quijano, he is one of the fastest players in the league.  
Memorable Moment:
In the 2010 playoffs against Gang Green, D'Amato got up with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh down three runs.  After falling behind 0-2, D'Amato sent the next pitch soaring over the left fielder hitting a walk-off grand slam.

Vincent D'Amato, Left Field

 Richie Willis, Pitcher/ Third Base/ First Base/ Outfield
Willis is the mot versatile player on The Swingers roster as he can play basically anywhere on the field defensively.  "He has quick reflexes and a strong arm," said Quijano.  At the ripe age of 25, Willis is a savy softball veteran and brings a big bat to the middle of The Swingers order.

Richie Willis, Pitcher/Third Base/ First Base/ Outfield

   


Team Formation:

Quijano went to St. John’s with Commissioner Ostrow.  When Ostrow approached Quijano about the league in 2008, Quijano knew that his group of friends would make a great team.  Virgil assembled a team that was the perfect mix.  Many of the original members are still on the team.

Expectations:

Despite losing three original members of the team, The Swingers come back and have replaced them with a few great ball players.  "We hope to win the Wednesday Division for the third consecutive year but our main goal is to win the championship," said Quijano.  "We've done everything is this league except win it outright."  The Swingers have its goals in place and are aiming to finally get over the hump.  "Two division championships and two championship appearances definitely isn't a sign of a weak team," said Quijano. 

Rival Teams:

Rugged and DCS

2010 The Usual Suspects

2009 The Guzzlers

2008 Semi-Finals The Meat vs DCS.  Results: Meat 2-1, Meat 3-2