Franchise clinched its fourth Robert Kelly Memorial Fall Hartop League title in the last six years by defeating Alexa Rose, 12-2 and 12-4, last Sunday in the best-of-three finals held at PS 50 in Oakwood. Franchise established dominance early as the champions received key contributions from Rob Esposito, Christian Rupp, and Jared Delmar, providing pitcher […]
Franchise clinched its fourth Robert Kelly Memorial Fall Hartop League title in the last six years by defeating Alexa Rose, 12-2 and 12-4, last Sunday in the best-of-three finals held at PS 50 in Oakwood.
Franchise established dominance early as the champions received key contributions from Rob Esposito, Christian Rupp, and Jared Delmar, providing pitcher Steve Stiller with a comfortable lead. Stiller excelled on the mound throughout the championship series, securing two victories while surrendering only five earned runs to a highly competitive rival.
Esposito, honored as the championship MVP, recorded 6 hits in 8 at-bats, scoring three runs and driving in three more.
Regarding the 2024 league honors, Jeremy Claudio was awarded the Tommy Bracco MVP Award, Chris Larkin took home the Mydo Award as the league’s premier pitcher, and Steve Murphy was declared the home run champion.
Six of the eight Robert Kelly Hardtop League inductees gathered for this photo. Pictured from left are Charlie Donohue, Pete Destefano, Nick Cianciarusso, Jon Manualien, Joey D’Angelo, and Anthony Noto. (Photo courtesy of Phil Bracco)Phil Bracco
Robert Kelly League announces 2024 HOF inductees
The third cohort of inductees entered the Robert Kelly Hall of Fame just before the league’s championship series last week.
The induction welcomed Charlie Donohue, Pete Destefano, Jon “Boomer” Manuelian, Vinny Mazza, Anthony Noto, Joey D’Angelo, Joe Tronolone, and Nick Cianciarusso, all of whom were outstanding players within the league at various times.
“We had an excellent mix of Hall of Famers, individuals who honed their skills through the years,” said Phil Bracco, president of the Robert Kelly League. “They significantly contributed to the league’s rich legacy, which started in 1987.”
