It's a Family Affair
Family roots have been a large factor for the current Gardnertown Team. The Ruggerio trio may well become the heir apparent to the Coleman Trio. Jim Ruggerio put together a magical season in 1999 by hitting .526 with every one of his 140 hits being a doubles. This was just the first batting title for Jim Sr. who hit .527 in 2006 this time shooting primarily the single. His son Jim Jr. also has a batting title to his credit with a .511 mark the following year. Last year Chris Ruggerio was the recipient of a special "Silver Dart Award" for 17 consecutive hits during a 19 for 21 night last year.
The Gardnertown team is part of a franchise that was previously known as the Moose Lodge which was established for the 1981-82 season. Current captain Mel Tweed (a member of the league's Hall of Fame) founded the team and Dave Garzione was also an original member of the Moose club. Garzione in his prime was one of the best home run hitters in the league and often topped the 20 mark during the season.
Veteran shooter Arnie Griffin Jr. recently pointed out the Gardnertown team finally got to host a playoff game for the first time in 2008-09 which means they have been unable to capture a top four finish in their history. This did not stop the Gardnertown team from winning the league championship in 1998-99 when they won the title their first year playing at Gardnertown United Methodist. Mel Tweed, a member of the Gardnertown Church, was responsible for finding the team their new home when the Moose Lodge closed its doors.
Gardnertown has brought some new blood into the fold with players like Kenny Hand, Jake Milite, Mark Dulick and Phil Casey all joining the team over the last 2 years. Hall of Famer, Dave Garzione is one of the all time favorites players in league history and his long - storied - career came to a close this year. He will be missed, but never forgotten.