July 24, 2009 vs. FDNY at Keyspan Park Pre-Game Photos

July 24, 2009 - New York's Finest Baseball Club (32-13-1) took on FDNY Bravest at Keyspan Park in the 10nth Annual Charity Game in front of approximately 4,800 fans, which was the most ever in the 10 year history of the event. NY Finest Starting pitcher Steve Phelan gave up a seem to be innocent two out walk in the bottom of the second to his former teammate Joe Resnick (played for Finest in 2001). The next batter, SS Dan Quin doubled down the left field line that allowed Resnick to score from first and give FDNY a 1-0 lead. That would be all the scoring in the game through 8 innings. Mel Ariola led off the top of the ninth  with a pinch hit double to left center. Julio Michelli Followed with a Double past the thirdbasemen , down the leftfield line scoring Ariola and tying the score at 1-1. Ruben Cardona would later single to put the Finest up 2-1. Lee Jones doubled in 2 more and would score on a single by Dave Mischo. The Finest scored 5 times in the 9nth inning to take the lead 5-1. Relief pitcher Julio LaSalle shut down the Bravest bats in order in the bottom of the 9 inning, securing the 5-1 win. Mel Ariola was awarded the game MVP for igniting the Finest in that memorable 9th inning. Julio LaSalle picks up the win improving to 4-2 on the year. There was a live webcast of the game that was broadcasted by Shawn Wood. The taped version will be available at a later date.