It’s All Good for the Entire RBVL
By Joe McGivney
8/20/10
The Ocean division produced one of the bigger surprises of the day when the Flip
Cup All Stars beat longtime powerhouse, Freedhand’s, 3-1 in their first round
battle. Sica and Co. picked up
every ball and played a near-perfect match with nary an unforced error.
Even old man John had a couple of blocks at the net.
Unfortunately, they could not keep up the pace and lost in the finals to
the Sugar Bowl. That gave the
Bowlers back-to-back titles in the league’s top division.
This time they did it without star hitter, Frank Ganun, who was in
California attending a family wedding.
At least that’s what he thought.
An investigation has disclosed that Mike Martin had a bogus invitation
printed up just to get Frank out of NYC.
It’s not that the team couldn’t use Frank’s playing ability but they
could not take another year of Frank boasting that his blocking won them the
title in 2009. The Ocean Breeze
Division was won by top seed, Fillmore Insurance, in convincing fashion.
Andre and Jenna led the team to victory and it promises to be the first
of many for the youngsters.
JG Electric moved up to the Wave and won it just like they won the Beach last
year. They are on a two year roll
and promise to be a threat if they move to the Ocean Breeze next season.
Ocean’s 12 won the regular season title and took the playoffs as well in
the Beach division. The Land Sharks
made the playoffs but exited very quickly.
That doesn’t mean they exited Riis Park quickly.
Once again, they were among the last revelers to go home.
Congratulations to the Moroney’s who saw their first grandchild born
during the playoffs. Spike Moroney?
The Average Joes and Miley Home Improvement Posse battled for the top
spot all season in the Boardwalk and Saturday was no different.
This time the Posse emerged victorious to claim the title.
The Sun division was one of the only divisions to be a runaway with the
Beach Bums torching all of their opponents.
There was more of the same at the big dance as they claimed the
championship. Look for them to make
some noise at a higher level next summer.
Sal’s Auto Sandstorm and the Comeback Cats won the Moon and Star
divisions respectively, rounding out the eight new champions. Six #1 seeds and
two #2 seeds ended up taking titles, making 2010 the year of the favorites.
The Volley Warriors want to thank the RBVL for having them as guests again this
year. They all had a great time and will continue to work on their skills over
the winter months. Thanks to Jay Butler and Noah Nicholson for their
dedication and commitment. They were there every week teaching, helping,
and encouraging the kids. Kerry Hills are very grateful to Carmel O'Sullivan
for her support. Unfortunately, the Kerry Hills crew cannot attend the
party this year. Fortunately, it is
because the team will be attending the wedding of one of their teammates.
Congratulations to Rob LaPrice and Jen Mazzio!
Keith Green had a lovely day interrupted by a semi-psychotic homeless man
screaming “Cracker” at him for no apparent reason.
Keith may have to drop him from his roster next year.
The chicken cutlet hero’s seemed to be a big hit with everyone including
the gypsies who stuffed their bags with as many slices as they could fit.
After all, isn’t that what gypsies do? Bobby
Fash wore his original league uniform, dislocated his left big toe, drove
himself to the hospital and then returned to the beach for the rest of the day.
That is the stuff of an MVP.
Fed Ex Dan and his friend Susan had their coldest beer of the summer,
compliments of Commissioner Patty and they both spoke glowingly of the wonderful
things the RBVL does for the local community.
Patty and Denise and the men of the RBVL committee would like to say, “Thank
you” to all the well-wishers for their kind words, hugs and kisses on Saturday
and all along the way. And thanks
to all who helped out on "Playoff Saturday", reffing, tracking scores, updating
the scoreboard and basically doing whatever was necessary to make the day run
smoothly. And a special thanks goes
to two young ladies who worked all year with their moms and did an amazing
amount of work, Caroline Brunner and Lauren Moule.
Well done! Everyone in
Rockaway is getting a bit verklempt just thinking about the season coming to
end.
Alice’s daughter EJ spoke eloquently last year when she said, “What
the RBVL does for Rockaway is magical."
Just
because the league is officially over doesn’t mean that the volleyball games
must stop. It looks like the weekly
Monday night pick-up games at Steve’s 127th St. stadium will continue
for several more weeks. We hope to see many of you on the beach if you are
available.
This year’s annual RBVL awards party extravaganza will return to Jameson’s,
which did a great job in hosting last year’s affair.
And our very own Tommy Tunes will be spinning the music to insure you
will hear the songs you love. In
the past, many people have asked that the awards dinner be held right after the
season and this year that’s the way it’s going to be.
August 20th is the big day.
That’s the Friday after the playoffs.
Mark it down on your calendars and make your plans accordingly.
$50 will get you food, music and 4 ½ hours open bar.
Space is limited so the party is “First come – first served.”
Dress casual and wear your best Hawaiian shirt.
Just because the RBVL season is over doesn’t mean the fun and volleyball are
done. You can have some fun this
Tuesday (8-11 PM) if you take a trip into Bay Ridge
to see your old friend Joe McGivney’s band, Gearth, Wind & Fireman at the Kettle
Black. The singing party animals of
the Rockaway Breakers are making their 2nd trip in for the show after
having so much fun that it hurt the first time around.
You might see your executive board members out, letting their down, too.
And volleyball is not done either.
You can play ball and help out a
worthy cause at
Peyton's FUN Raiser: Beach Volleyball Tournament, which will be held on
Saturday, August 28th, from 10 AM - 3 PM, Rain or Shine, at Bay 9 in Riis Park
Beach (Beach 155th Street and the Boardwalk). The
Benefit is for the son of Pat and Jacqueline Tansey from Robin Shapiro Island
and it will be a fun, family-oriented event for all levels of play- competitive
4's and recreational 6's. Prepaid $50 donation (or $300 for team of 6) includes
participation in the games, tank top, food and entertainment. $60 Donation on
the day of the event and it's based on openings. Players MUST be age 14 and up.
Teams will be divided by their requested level of play. There may be separate
divisions for the FDNY and NYPD, depending on demand. Raffles
and 50/50 tickets will be sold and prizes awarded at the tournament. A Small
Volleyball Clinic for Children will be provided along with other favorite
activities. Children (under 12) are FREE (with a participating adult).
Therefore, please be sure to register your children as well. The donation is $20
for Non-Player Attendees. Bring your coolers, beach chairs, and sunscreen
and have fun as you help raise money for a very worthy cause!
DJ Tommy Tunes will provide the music.
Flyers and entry forms will be available the next two weeks on the
boardwalk. Check
www.pathwaysforpeyton.org
for forms and details.
As always, if you have any questions please call Patty at
917-613-0908. (Be sure to call
between 10 AM and 9 PM. Remember,
Patty has a life outside of VB, too.)
Or just check our website at www.rbvl.com.
You'll find the answers to most of your questions there, not to mention
pretty pictures and funny stories.
Kirby!
See you on the dance floor!