Last Sunday, the Gozo Tornadoes started off their 2003 adventure with a double header against the Gzira Mustangs.  For the two-game series, manager Dennis Roberts had to field a Gozo team without key players Marlon Mercieca, Chuckie Tabone, rookie Pierre Farrugia and hot prospect Mario Hili.  Making his national league debut was Angelo Buttigieg, who played both games in right field.

The first game was a war as Gozo star Jeff Tabone and veteran all-star Pat Pace faced each other in a hot pitching duel.  The last time these pitchers met was last summer in game 3 of the NLCS, where Jeff Tabone pitched his way through a 3-2 victory.  This time, it was Pace who pitched his way through.  Pace did not strike out a lot of batters, but was single-handedly responsible for more than half the outs, thanks to his fine pitching control and his incredible fielding skills.  Gzira’s center fielder Mark Magro also performed well, making some good plays in the outfield.  Jeff Tabone on the other hand, retired most of the Mustangs, thanks to his hot fastball, which only allowed the Mustangs to get 3 hits.  Gzira won the game on a narrow 4-3 score, and also achieved a moral victory for being the first Maltese team to beat Jeff Tabone in the last three seasons.

Gozo’s offensive production broke through in the second game of the series, as they crushed Gzira 15-2.  Gozo hit the ball hard off 2002 Rookie of the Year, Andrew Bajo, to achieve their first win of the season.  Charles Attard, starting his first game on the mound since game 2 of the NLCS, pitched flawless baseball in the first three innings, thanks to his fastball and his hot sidearm sinking fastball.  Catcher Steven Galea also performed brilliantly behind the plate.  Newcomer Angelo Buttigieg hit a line-drive three-run triple to left-centerfield in only his second National League game since joining the club.  In the top of the fourth, Galea was very unlucky to see his long fly to left sail over the wall, going foul by a few feet.  With a 15-0 score in the bottom of the fourth, Gzira needed to score six runs to avoid a mercy rule loss to the rampant Gozo squad.  Leading off that inning, Pat Pace hit a homerun to deep left center, breaking Attard’s no-hitter.  John Bugeja then muscled an inside pitched, and drove it to leftfield.  Attard then walked a couple of batters, forcing Bugeja to score from third.  Attard then retired the last two batters with the bases loaded, to earn his first victory since April 2002.

During the two-game series, Gozo struggled offensively in the first game, but got their stroke back in the second game.  The team as a whole played well defensively though.  The pitching must definitely be given credit for such a solid performance during the series, as Jeff Tabone and Attard allowed only four earned runs over eleven innings, posting a team ERA of 2.55.  Gozo’s next double header will be next Sunday against the undefeated Mellieha Northenders.

(Official GT Report)

The Gozo Tornadoes will be facing rivals Gzira Mustangs next Sunday at Marsa.  This will be Gozo's first game of the season, due to the rained out doubleheader last week against Pembroke.  

Gozo will be playing a doubleheader against the team which they faced in the last two National League Championship Series.  Although Gzira are struggling at the moment, coach Dennis Roberts is expecting a very hot doubleheader.  With Joseph Gatt and Steve Ellis recovering from minor injuries, Roberts is expected to field the best Gozo team possible.  New player Angelo Buttigieg is also expected to make his debut in the big leagues.

Gzira, being the only team to play three games so far in the league, have allowed a lot of runs cross the plate in the last three games.  In these three games, both Pat Pace and Andrew Bajo have shown some impressive hitting, and are expected to maintain this performance for the doubleheader against Gozo.  

Game one starts at 12pm while game two starts at 3pm.

(Official GT Report)

Due to bad weather, this week's games had to be cancelled.  

(GT Official Report)

Gozo, trying to forget their Winter Tournament final against the same Pembroke, will start their top guns on the mound.  Jeff Tabone is likely to start game 1 while Charles Attard will probably start game 2 next Sunday.  Gozo also hope that Mark Buttigieg maintains his offensive and defensive hot streak .  The guy to be aware of on the Pembroke team is new acquisition George Hlodan, who pitched his way to victory in the last tournament.  

Game reports will be posted right after the game.

(GT Official Report)

The Opening Day double-header between the Gzira Mustangs and Pembroke Torpedoes kicked off the 2003 Maltese National Baseball League in style as the two teams each won 1 game.

            Game 1 was very close early, the score was 4-3 in favour of Pembroke until the 6^th inning as pitchers George Hlodan and Patrick Pace dueled.  Unfortunately for the Mustangs Pace appeared to tire and Pembroke’s offense exploded for 7 runs on five hits in the 6^th.  They further ran away with the result in the 7^th and final inning scoring 5 more runs to finish the game with a 16-4 win.  It was the most emphatic win in Pembroke’s history.  Hlodan pitched spectacularly striking out 16 and walking none.  Vuk Trajkovic added two doubles and 2 rbi’s for Pembroke.

Winning Pitcher – George Hlodan 

Losing Pitcher – Patrick Pace                          Umpire: Chris Hickey

GAME 1

            In Game 2 the Gzira Mustangs were out for revenge and pummeled Pembroke pitching for 18 runs on 19 hits.  Gzira’s first five batters combined for 15 of the hits and all of their rbi’s .  Veteran John Bugeja led the way with 4 hits and 5 rbi’s.  Rookie pitcher Matthew DeGiorgio showed great composure in getting the win.  George Hlodan led the way for Pembroke with a double, a triple and 3 rbi’s.  The game finished in an 18-13 victory for the Mustangs.

Winning Pitcher – Matthew DeGiorgio

Losing Pitcher – Antione Debono                        Umpire: Chris Hickey

GAME 2

(MABS PR)

The 2003 Maltese Baseball League will soon be getting under way for the 10^th consecutive year and this season promises to be the highest quality and most competitive adult baseball season the Maltese Islands has ever seen.  All four teams are contenders to finish the season in a position which will make them contenders for the National Championship.

Gozo Tornadoes

The two time defending Maltese National Champions look to be the odds on favourites coming into the season although they lost some key players in the off season.  Even though they had their shaky periods during the 2002 season they proved they were deserving champions as they won when in counted most, in the finals.  Pitching and defence look to be Gozo’s strong points as they have 5 possible pitchers to choose from.  Some key players look to be reigning league MVP and Team Captain Jeff Tabone, and the four other National Team Members Charles Attard, Mark Buttigieg, Steve Ellis and Steven Galea.  With coach Dennis Roberts at the helm of the Gozo squad they should be consistent winners.

Mellieha Northenders

Mellieha boasts one of the leagues youngest and potentially most explosive teams.  Mellieha was brilliant at times last year and struggled at others.  Part of the problem for the Northenders last year was Keith and Nicky Bartolo’s inability to be present at all games, but when the dynamic duo got together the Northenders could beat anyone on any given day.  Keith Bartolo’s experience playing with San Giorgio is extremely valuable to the club and he will be an important factor in this seasons league.  Nicky Bartolo who has two Maltese National Cy Young awards (given to the top pitcher) is another important asset and youngsters Marlon and David Borg bring youth and athletic ability to the squad.

Gzira Mustangs

Gzira was the most consistent team over the course of last season and came within a few runs of taking the Maltese National Championship away from Gozo.  It has been 3 long seasons since the Mustangs, traditionally the country’s top offensive team has won a championship and you can bet the Runners Up for the past 3 years are hungry.  Gzira is led by arguably Malta’s best hitter ever Patrick Pace.  Pace is also the workhorse of the teams pitching staff and leads this team with his heart, determination and strong desire to win.  Other key players include Trevor Shaw who is well known around the league for his defensive prowess and his blinding speed.  Veterans Dan Swift and Victor Calleja provide steady gloves and bats and youngster Andrew Bajo looks ready to set the league on fire after an outstanding under 19 campaign.

Pembroke Torpedoes

Until the 2002 season Pembroke had a combined record of 1 win and 33 losses in their previous 3 seasons taking part in Maltese Baseball.  Last season with the addition of coach Mario Debono and his brother Antoine, success came much more frequently for the Torpedoes who were competitive and finished one game behind the Mellieha Northenders.  Debono is optimistic that Pembroke can improve on last seasons showing… and few would disagree with the managerial maestro.  Some key players for the Torpedoes are George Hlodan who is a former professional pitcher from the United States, Mario Debono himself, catcher Antoine Debono who is amongst the league’s best hitters, centre fielder Jon Nery who has blinding speed and a quick bat to match and Borce Gvozdic who was extremely impressive defensively last season.

Opening day is this Sunday the 9^th of March at 11:00am as the Gzira Mustangs take on the Pembroke Torpedoes in a double header at Marsa, game 2 starts at 14:00.  For more info log on to www.maltabaseball.org.

(MABS PR)

A selection of players from Malta and Gozo took on the reigning winter champion Pembroke Torpedoes in a friendly last Saturday at Marsa.  The game lived up to expectations as the All-Stars barely edged out the Torpedoes in an extremely close 13-12 final.  The All-Stars used 9 different pitchers throughout the game and struggled to score runs early on.  Pembroke pitcher George Hlodan was mainly responsible for Pembroke’s early success on as he blew away hitters with his overpowering fastball. He also hit a Grand Slam over the left field fence in the 5^th inning to provide some offence for the Torpedoes.  The All-Stars surely but steadily began chipping away at the lead and were down by 2 runs entering the bottom of the ninth.  The All-Stars showed their poise as they strung together 4 hits in the ninth to score 3 runs.  Gozo centre fielder Mark Buttigieg drove in the winning run with an infield single.

Winning Pitcher: Steven Galea

Losing Pitcher: George Hlodan

(MABS PR)

Pembroke 8 Gozo 5

The Pembroke Torpedoes made history as they won their first official trophy since the teams first season in 1998.  The Torpedoes defeated the defending champion Gozo Tornadoes 8-5 in a well pitched, well played final.  No doubt that George Hlodan was the star for the Torpedoes as his fastball was often too hot for the Gozo players to handle.  Hlodan pitched the complete game for his second win of the tournament and was undoubtedly Pembroke’s most valuable player over the course of the Winter Tournament.  Mark Buttigieg played well for Gozo and made a number of good catches in centre field and deserves to be commended for his fine glove work. 

Mellieha 26 Gzira 3

In one of the most lopsided game in the history of Maltese baseball the Mellieha Northenders ran rampant on the Gzira Mustangs and demolished them 26-3.  Mellieha shocked an undermanned Gzira squad and sent a message out to the rest of the teams in Malta to be on the lookout.  Keith Bartolo struck out a number of Mustangs and Nicky Bartolo nearly missed hitting the only homerun of the winter tournament by inches.  Andrew Bajo performed admirably for the Mustangs.  Last year’s top newcomer to the Maltese league gained some valuable experience that will serve him well in years to come.

Final Standing of Winter Tournament

1^st Pembroke Torpedoes

2^nd Gozo Tornadoes

3^rd Mellieha Northenders

4^th Gzira Mustangs

Next Saturday at 2pm a selection of all-star players will face the Torpedoes in a friendly at Marsa.

(MABS PR)

Several defensive errors in the first two innings decided the Winter Tournament's final, as Gozo gave up their first-ever final to a new Pembroke Torpedoes.  

The infield destroyed Steve Ellis' morale, as the starting pitcher conceded six unearned runs due to errors.  Gozo's offense was handled by new pitcher, George Hlodan, pitching his second consecutive complete game.  Jeff Tabone, Steve Ellis and Steven Galea were the only Gozitans to get a hit.  Jeff Tabone took control over the first-time finalists, pitching five shutout innings.  Gozo came back little by little, but unfortunately, couldn't rally back into the game.  After nine innings, Pembroke won 8 - 5.

In the previous game, the Mellieha Northenders beat the Gzira Mustangs to earn a 3rd place spot in the tournament.

The Pembroke Torpedoes will now face the Maltese National Team next Saturday at 2pm.  Charles Attard, Mark Buttigieg, Steve Ellis, Steven Galea and Jeff Tabone are the Gozitan representatives for this game.

Photos of the game will be posted along with Jeff Tabone's weekly report, later this week.  

(Official GT News)

Charles Attard and Steven Galea definitely remember that day when they were invited to be part of the first-ever Gozitan baseball team.  Along with Jeff Tabone and Josef "Reeshu" Vella, they are the remaining players from the original team of 1998.  But 1998 wasn't the first time that Charles and Steven have played ball together.  The story goes way back to 1987.

Born in New York, the two cousins grew up in Queens.  Their love to baseball has probably grown from the fact that the Major League team in Queens was very big, I mean REALLY BIG.  I'm talking about the New York Mets, who under the hands of Davey Johnson, made five consecutive 90 win seasons.  A bigger factor of why the cousins fell in love with this game was the World Series' victory in 1986.  Both Charles and Steven dreamt of being a hero someday, just like Gary Carter, Keith Hernandez, Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry and Jesse Orosco.

In 1987, the parents of Charles and Steven decided to register  their kids to a baseball school.  That's when Charles and Steven joined the Astoria Youths.  Unfortunately, their baseball experience didn't last long, because both of them moved to Malta in the early 90's.  It took a while for both to settle down in Gozo, as baseball didn't exist on the island.  With no baseball around, they had to settle down playing soccer, and that is when they joined the Xaghra United Nursery Team.  But thanks to Mario Debono and Jason Muscat, baseball was introduced in Gozo, which gave Charles and Steven a chance to feel back home.  Ever since playing for the Tornadoes, they have won two national championships and a Winter Tournament.  In the summer of 2002, Steven Galea joined the Maltese National Team.  That enabled the cousins to be teammates on the national team as well, as Charles Attard also played for the national team.  

In 2003, the cousins experienced a different type of being a teammate.  Both of them were part of the same team, but the older cousin was coaching while the younger cousin was playing for the team.  Yep, I'm talking about the Gozo Astros.  The introduction of the Under 19 league enabled Steven Galea to play in the Minor Leagues.  Thanks to Charles, Steven was given a lot of pitching practice, and today, Steven is a relief pitcher in the Majors.

I suppose you're still asking why am I writing this report.  Well, I just want to show everybody how much we love the sport, and also how much we cared about each other while developing our baseball skills.  Winning is all about loving the sport and helping out your teammates in difficult situations.  And we should all look upon Charles and Steven as a good example.

(Picture: July 1989 - Charles and Steven on their way to one of their games)

(Official GT News)

The torrents of rain poured down and the ball players waited, but Malta Baseball Association officials decided it was in the best interests of all to postpone the final weekend of the 2003 Winter Baseball Tournament until Sunday the 23^rd of February.  The games are scheduled as follows at the Marsa Baseball field:

3rd Placing Game - Gzira Mustangs vs Mellieha Northenders at 11:00am.

Final - Pembroke Torpedoes vs Gozo Tornadoes at 2:00pm.

Both games promise to be competitive as long time rivals the Mustangs and Northenders face off in the first game vying for third place and Gozo tries to defend it’s Winter Tournament title against the much improved Pembroke Torpedoes.  Be sure to come down to Marsa and check it out.

(Jeff Tabone - MABS PR)

WINTER TOURNAMENT FINAL POSTPONED (16-02-03)

Due to bad weather, the last phase of the 2003 Winter Tournament was postponed.  The 3rd place playoff and the final of the tournament is now scheduled for the 23rd of February. 

(Official GT News)

Today, right after practice, the Gozo Tornadoes went to Faces Bar in Sannat, to celebrate Dennis Roberts' sixty first birthday. 

Chicago-born Dennis Roberts has been part of this baseball club for almost two years.  In his first season as General Manager of the club, Roberts won the National Championship, by beating the Gzira Mustangs in the National League Championship Series.  Dennis not only won the championship, but also won the hearts of many baseball players around the two islands through his cheerful character.

We thank Dennis Roberts for his hard work in making this ball club the best of Malta, and we wish him HAPPY BIRTHDAY.  BOTTOM'S UP DENNIS!!!

(Official GT News)

The Gozo Tornadoes and the Pembroke Torpedoes will face each other in the final of the Winter Tournament next week. Gozo beat the Mellieha Northenders 14-7 after an impressive comeback.  Mellieha dominated the game early on and were leading 6-0 after 3 innings.  Marlon Borg was particularly impressive by only facing 9 batters through the first 3 innings as was the Mellieha infield in turning two double plays.  The Gozo bats came alive in the fourth inning, long doubles off the bats of Jeff Tabone and Steve Ellis highlighted the inning.  The turning point came in the sixth when Steven Galea put Gozo in the lead with a clutch 2 rbi single.  The Gozo bats and defense then took over the game.  Mellieha’s performance was still impressive though, as most of their players were under the age of 21. This shows the wonderful job Keith Bartolo has done in developing this young team.

In what was undoubtedly the biggest surprise of the weekend the Pembroke Torpedoes defeated the Gzira Mustangs 11-2. George Hlodan pitched a one-hitter over 9 innings in which he struck out 26 batters.  This stands as a record in Maltese Baseball which is going to be difficult to approach again.  Hlodan looks to be an important cog in Mario Debono’s much improved Pembroke side.  Gzira’s Trevor Shaw got the Mustangs only hit breaking up the no-hitter in the eighth inning with a single up the middle.  This result has led Pembroke to advance to their first ever final in any Malta Baseball Association competition.

The Winter Tournament continues with the final games being played next weekend at the Marsa baseball field.

3rd Placing Game - Gzira Mustangs vs Mellieha Northenders at 11:00am.

Final - Pembroke Torpedoes vs Gozo Tornadoes at 2:00pm.

For more information log onto www.maltabaseball.org  

(Jeff Tabone - MABS PR)

Last Sunday, the Gozo Tornadoes eliminated the Mellieha Northenders, by beating them 14 - 7 in the semi-finals of the Winter Tournament.  An impressive pitching performance by Marlon Borg kept Gozo's bats silent for the first third of the game.  The rally started off in the fourth inning, as both Jeff Tabone and Steve Ellis hit two long doubles into the outfield.  Shortstop Steven Galea then gave the lead to Gozo, as his single drove in two runs.  

The Gozo Tornadoes will now face the Pembroke Torpedoes tomorrow at the Marsa Baseball Field.  Pembroke won the other semi-final against the Gzira Mustangs, 11-2.  New pitcher George Hlodan pitched a one-hitter, striking out 26 batters in nine innings.

The schedule for tomorrow is:

3rd Placing Game: Gzira Mustangs vs Mellieha Northenders

Final: Pembroke Torpedoes vs Gozo Tornadoes

(Picture: the Gozitan heroes last Sunday, Jeff Tabone, Steven Galea and Steve Ellis)

(Official GT News)

Next Sunday, Joseph Gatt and Joe Portelli will be making their official debut as members of the Gozo Tornadoes.  Both players have performed well in the 2003 All-Star Game, and are looking forward to earn their first National Title.

We wish both Joes good luck for next Sunday's debut game.

(Official GT News)

After last year's successful tournament, MABS is set to organize another Winter Tournament.  Gozo will be trying its best to defend the title as winter champions.  The semi-finals will be played next Sunday.  The Gozo Tornadoes will be facing the Mellieha Northenders at 2pm.  All games will be held at the Marsa Baseball Field.  

Those who wish to come along to watch the game next Sunday, could contact Charles Attard (mob 79603482) by next Saturday.  

(Official GT News)

Jeff Tabone has recently won the Most Valuable Award of the Maltese National League.  This is the second time Tabone has won this award, winning his first one in the year 2000.  Tabone also won the Best Pitcher Award last Saturday.

Jeff Tabone has been playing with the Gozo Tornadoes for four seasons.  He has also been the number one pitcher for Gozo throughout those four seasons.  Jeff’s 2002 season was brilliant, posting a 1.25 ERA, second best of the National League.  For the second season in the row, Tabone has led the National League in strikeouts with 65 in just 28 1/3 innings.  Tabone also finished second in wins with five.  His career wins versus losses record stands at 8 for 0, while his post-season record is 4 for 0.

Offensively, Jeff Tabone is one of the most fearsome hitters in the league.  Tabone has hit .409 throughout the 2002 season, while leading the league in doubles.  The 22 year old has one of the best career batting average for the Tornadoes, standing at .444.  Jeff also hit a home run in the 2002 play offs, but unfortunately it was not enough to win Game 2.

As a national team player, Jeff is amongst the best of Pat Pace’s squad.  Tabone has been playing for team Malta since 1999.  Last year, Jeff played for team Malta during a three game series in Reggio Calabria against San Giorgio.  Although conceding a loss in Game 1, Tabone pitched brilliantly.  As a lead-off hitter for team Malta, Tabone has batted 3 for 5, scoring four runs and stealing three bases.

So, after four successful seasons, Jeff Tabone is looking forward to start the 2003 season.  Pre-season for him has been promising, as he is likely to repeat the same performance that he dominated through the last two seasons.  

Gozo hosted the first Maltese All-Star Game last Sunday.  The Gozo Tornadoes faced an All-Star selection which featured Keith Bartolo, Patrick Pace, Jonathan Nery, Dan Swift, David and Marlon Borg, John Bugeja and other players.  The exciting nine inning game was still tied till the bottom of the 7th inning.  Steve Ellis was probably the best player in the All-Star Game.  While playing as Gozo's catcher, Ellis caught two runners attempting to steal.  He then pitched three innings, allowing just one run.  Ellis also connected to two hits in the game.  Keith Bartolo's game-winning three-run homer was enough for the Maltese selection to win the game. 

After the game, the players met at Faces Bar in Sannat Gozo for the Annual Award Ceremony.  The awards went to:-

Championship Trophy - Gozo Tornadoes

Most Valuable Player Award - Jeff Tabone (Gozo Tornadoes)

Best Hitter Award - Keith Bartolo (Mellieha Northenders)

Best Pitcher Award - Jeff Tabone (Gozo Tornadoes)

Best Defensive Player Award - David Borg (Mellieha Northenders)

Rookie of the Year Award - Andrew Bajo (Gzira Mustangs)

Next Saturday, 25th January, the National Champions will face an all-star selection from the other Maltese teams.  The Gozo Tornadoes will be facing stars such as Keith Bartolo and Patrick Pace, at the Kercem Field.  Game starts at 2 pm.  Everybody is invited to give their support.  LET'S GO GOZO!!!

The championship trophy will be given to the Gozo Tornadoes in this Award Night.  Trophies for the Most Valuable Player, Best Pitcher, Best Hitter, Best Defensive Player and Best Rookie will also be awarded. 

The Gozitan Under 19 team, the Astros, has played four games so far in the Seniors League, and both Mario Hili and Steven Galea have been performing brilliantly.  

Mario Hili, one of Gozitans prospective players, has been storming through, batting .500.  His batting average is amongst the leagues leaders.  He also successfully stolen eight bases, second best for the Astros.  Today, against the Marsa Knights, Hili made his pitching debut, earning the win by pitching through two innings.  He struck out three batters.

On the other hand, Steven Galea has been impressive on the mound, although earning two losses.  Galea has struck out fourteen batters and walked ten in seven innings.  He also earned his first save, coming in relief against the Knights today.  Galea leads the Astros in innings pitched, strikeouts and also runs batted in.

Gozo Astros’ captain, Steven Galea, made a fine pitching debut last Sunday, against rivals, the Mellieha Angels.  This performance might suit him well for the senior level, as Tornadoes’ coach Dennis Roberts is trying his best to develop pitchers.

Galea struck out eight batters over three innings.  The nineteen year old Gozitan also had a great offensive weekend, going 3 for 4 with three stolen bases (SB) and four runs batted in (RBI).  Galea has now at least two more starts on the mound this season, which should give him enough experience to improve his pitching.

We wish Steven all the luck for his new task in the Gozo Baseball Club.

Christopher Mercieca and Mario Hili both had a fine weekend on the field.  The two have already played on the senior level; Mercieca played in right field during Game 3 of the 2002 National League Championship Series (NLCS), while Hili leads the under eighteen year old players in games played for the Tornadoes.

Mercieca, who is Gozo’s future utility player, started off playing first base against the Angels.  Mercieca went 1 for 1 in this game, with two runs (R) scored and a run batted in (RBI).  In the second game against the Knights, Mercieca started on the mound, where he struck out five batters and walked only two during the three-inning game.  Mercieca also achieved the win.

This season, the fans had the opportunity to vote for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the Best Defensive Player.  Jeff Tabone won the MVP award, while Steve Ellis was voted as Best Defensive Player from our fans.