A quarter-century has passed since 14 youngsters authored the most memorable chapter in Oneonta Little League history.
Darren Gaisford supplied the signature moment, delivering the biggest hit in what was the most important game in the 55 years that Little League baseball has been played in the City of the Hills.
Twenty-five summers ago at Nick Raftis Little League Field in Owego, Gaisford's two-run homer with two outs in the sixth inning provided the winning margin in a 5-4 victory over Colonie that gave Oneonta its first and only state championship.
It's the kind of at-bat a 12-year-old could never forget, right?
So, Darren ... what was the count?
"I think it was 1-2," said Gaisford, an Oneonta resident. "No, it was 2-2."
Jim Hone covered that Aug. 10, 1985 game for The Daily Star. He described Gaisford's winning homer thusly:
"Darren Gaisford _ Oneonta's catcher and number nine hitter _ stepped to the plate and watched Newcomb's first two deliveries sail by, wide of the plate. The next pitch was a strike, and Gaisford dug in, awaiting Newcomb's fourth toss.
"He swung and connected, and the Oneonta fans along the first base side erupted in jubilation as the ball landed over the 200-foot center field fence."
OK, so it was a 2-1 pitch.
Other than some good-natured ribbing Gaisford might receive from his former teammates this weekend for not recalling the particulars of his homer, the count hardly matters.
Many of the boys who played that summer are getting together this weekend for a 25th anniversary reunion of that '85 season. They'll arrive as grown men _ all in their mid- to late-30s _ and most with families.
Ten plan to return to Doc Knapp Field on Saturday _ 12 if you include head coach Dick Cavanagh and manager Dave Rivino.
The longest trips were made by Mat Colone, who traveled from Wake Forest, N.C., and Tim Brown, who came from Richmond, Va. Others attending are Gaisford, Pete Tavarone, Brad Amadon, Darrell Fisher, Chris Puylara, Greg Microni, Mike Pirone and Paul Obidinski.
Festivities started Friday night with a "meet and greet" at My Father's Place.
Several events are planned for Saturday, starting with a commemoration ceremony for the 1985 All-Star team from 1:30-2 p.m. at Doc Knapp Field.
Then the '85 squad will watch the current Oneonta Little Leaguers play Cooperstown from 2-4 p.m. That will be followed by a 1985 Stickball Classic at Doc Knapp Field _ a six-inning exhibition between the '85 team and the 2010 squad from 4-6 p.m.
The reunion celebration main event will be held from 6-10 p.m. at The Depot.
"After all of our games were over, I remember the barbecue in Wilber Park at which Chris Mullin (future U.S. Olympic basketball dream-teamer) showed up and spoke about our achievement," Amadon, the team's third baseman, wrote in an e-mail. "That is hard to forget. Lastly, I remember the snowcones and the Big League Chew!"
Amadon homered to lead off Oneonta's sixth against Colonie, cutting his team's deficit to 4-3. Gaisford didn't hesitate when asked where Amadon's shot went.
"It was to left," he said.
For all the success the boys had in '85, they seem to have enjoyed even more as adults.
Twelve of them earned college degrees.
Four went into teaching _ Gaisford, Puylara, Mat Rivino and Joey Pecora. Gaisford left the Unatego School District a few years ago to work in his family's business, Better Home Improvement Company, in Oneonta.
Obidinski is an ethics officer for Fannie Mae; Colone is a geologist in Raleigh, N.C.; Barnes is a judicial assistant to Federal District Court Judge Lawrence E. Kahn in Albany; Mark Mahler does explosives detection work for the military; and Pirone has been in the Navy the past 15 years.
Area residents Tavarone and Amadon started businesses, the former owning Tavarone Chiropractic on Center Street and the latter running a landscaping firm in Davenport.
"This is where I feel most strongly," said Obidinski, the architect of the reunion. "When you look back, we were decent players. We came together, but there were three important lessons we learned playing that summer: No. 1 _ Hard work; No. 2 _ Teamwork; and No. 3 _ Learning how to set goals.
"All of us embraced those three things," he continued. "All of those lessons we learned translated into success in other facets of life."
The team played nine games.
Mat Rivino threw a one-hitter with 14 strikeouts in an 11-1 rout of Vestal East on July 13 at Doc Knapp Field to open things in the District Seven Tournament. First baseman Obidinski had three of Oneonta's 14 hits.
Microni followed with a four-hitter that included 12 strikeouts in a 15-0 home victory over Norwich four days later. Right fielder Puylara contributed two doubles and three RBIs.
Oneonta's sixth District Seven title came July 20, when Microni's sacrifice fly scored the winning run in a 3-2, eight-inning victory over Vestal West at Doc Knapp Field. Rivino again got the victory, striking out 14 in a two-hitter.
A week later, Rivino threw another one-hitter _ this one with 12 strikeouts _ as host Oneonta defeated Painted Post, 6-0, to advance to the District One semifinals. Amadon homered and scored twice to lead the offense.
Second baseman Barnes had three hits and four RBIs, and Microni threw a three-hitter with 12 strikeouts as Oneonta advanced to the final with a 19-2 coast past Wayland at Lou Gehrig Little League field in Buffalo.
Newspaper accounts had between 500 to 1,000 fans at many of Oneonta's games.
"I remember the great support we received from our families on all of our road trips, particularly the trips to Buffalo and the Eastern Regionals in Newburgh," second baseman Colone wrote in an e-mail. "Staying in dorm rooms at Mt. St. Mary's College was very memorable as well."
Against Geneva the following day in the District One final, Oneonta scored five times in the sixth inning for an 8-5 victory. Shortstop and eventual Davenport graduate Tavarone hit a two-run double that snapped a 4-all tie in the sixth.
Following the victory over Colonie in the state final, Cavanagh said: "It'll take 20 years for these kids to realize what this means. They are representing every kid who ever played Little League baseball in Oneonta."
Added Obidinski on Tuesday: "It may have taken 25 instead of 20. Oneonta Little League has been around for 55 years, so it's a big accomplishment. For a town that size playing against a lot of teams from bigger towns throughout the state, it was probably a bigger accomplishment than we realized at the time."
The last of Oneonta's victories came in its opener of the Eastern Regional tournament, a 13-3 triumph over St. Johnsbury, Vt., on Aug. 14 at Newburgh. Microni threw a three-hitter with 11 strikeouts and Rivino went 4-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs.
The next day brought an end to Oneonta's run, a 12-4 setback to Westfield, Mass.
"There's only one thing you can say," coach Rivino told The Daily Star after that loss. "Oneonta is the 1985 New York State champion and they'll never be able to take that away from us."
Other tidbits in The Daily Star that summer included Al Leiter pitching for the Oneonta Yankees, the average major-league salary was $363,000 and cigarette ads regularly running in the paper.
Times have changed, but some things haven't.
"I really missed the sense of community after we left Oneonta," said Brown, a first baseman who moved to Richmond shortly after the 1985 season. "Richmond was a bigger place and I never felt like I knew everyone as well as I did in Oneonta."
Rob Centorani can be reached at rcentorani@thedailystar.com or 607-432-1000, ext. 209.
1985 ONEONTA LITTLE LEAGUE STATE CHAMPIONS AT A GLANCE
Darren Gaisford
Little League notes: Started at catcher and hit a two-run homer to give Oneonta a 5-4 lead that held up against Colonie in state final. ... No. 9 hittter was among the team leaders in hits, batting average and RBIs.
Bio: Graduated from Oneonta High School in 1990 and has remained in the Oneonta area. ... Graduated from Oneonta State in 1995 with a degree in secondary education with an emphasis in biology and a minor in chemistry. ... In 2000, earned masters from O-State in secondary education. ... Taught high school biology at Unatego from 1995-2007. ... Also coached JV football and modified baseball for Spartans. ... In 2007, left teaching and began working for his family's business, Better Home Improvement Company, with his father and brother.
Resides in Oneonta with his wife, Tracy, and daughters Jordan (11) and Jenna (6). ... Coaches Pee-Wee Football, his daughters' softball teams, and youth basketball through the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club. ... Enjoys playing softball and golf during the summer, volleyball during the winter and traveling with his family.
Paul Obidinski
Little League notes: Started at first base and batted clean-up. ... Hit key RBI single in the state final and was among the team leaders in batting average, runs scored, and RBIs.
Bio: Graduated from Oneonta High in 1990. ... Went to college at Penn State University, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1994 with a bachelors degree in psychology and a minor in business. ... Earned law degree at the University at Buffalo, graduating in 1998.
Practiced in New York and Washington, D.C. ... Worked as a litigation attorney at law firms in Buffalo and Washington for five years before accepting a role with the Office of Business Ethics at MCI, Inc. in Ashburn, Va. ... Held several positions at MCI (later Verizon Business) including roles as an Ethics Investigator and Director of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Compliance. ... In 2006, accepted a position as an Ethics Officer at Fannie Mae in Washington, D.C., and currently serves in such capacity. ... In addition to his role at Fannie Mae, annually serves as a guest lecturer on business ethics at the University of Notre Dame.
Lives in Arlington, Va., and is an active member of the D.C. chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association softball and flag football teams. ... Is an avid runner and enjoys traveling.
Mat Colone
Little League notes: Played primarily second base and occasionally filled in at catcher.
Bio: Graduated from Oneonta High School in 1990 and Cortland State in 1995 with a degree in geology. ... Moved to North Carolina following graduation. ... Works as a geologist for CDM in Raleigh, N.C., and resides in Wake Forest with his wife, Carol Anne, and his son, James.
Tim Brown
Little League notes: Played first base.
Bio: Moved with his family moved to Richmond, Va., shortly after the summer of 1985. ... Graduated from high school in Richmond in 1991 and from the University of Mary Washington in Fredricksburg, Va., in 1995. ... While in college, Tim played rugby and enjoyed success at a national level.
Worked for a number of medical start-up companies, most of which focused on diabetic treatment. ... Currently works for Tethys Bio, which makes a unique diagnostic test for the pre-diagnosis of T2 diabetes.
Resides in Richmond, Va., with his wife, Diane, son, Owen, and daughter, Leah. ... Still actively involved in rugby, serving as a coach for the University of Mary Washington.
Chris Puylara
Little League notes: Starting right fielder and occasional pitcher.
Bio: Moved with his family moved to Seneca Falls shortly after the summer of 1985. ... Graduated from high school in Seneca Falls and later graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva.
Teaches high school social studies at Romulus Central School. ... Also coaches varsity girls soccer.
Lives in Seneca Falls with his wife, Sheryl, and two sons, Jackson (10) and Carter (7). ... Coaches several youth sports teams, including soccer, basketball and little league.
Brad Amadon
Little League notes: Started at third base. ... Led off top of the sixth against Colonie in the state final with a homer to left that cut Oneonta's deficit to 4-3.
Bio: Graduated from Daveport in 1991 and SUNY Delhi in 1993. ... Owns Landscape Solutions in Davenport Center.
Lives in Davenport with his wife, Tatiana, son Nathan and daughter Natalie. ... Remains an avid sports fan and outdoorsman.
Mat Rivino
Little League notes: Starting pitcher and left fielder. ... Threw two one-hitters during Oneonta's run to the state championship.
Bio: Graduated from Oneonta High in 1991. ... Throughout high school, played soccer, football, basketball and baseball. ... Played baseball at Monroe Community College and Southern Arkansas University. ... Served as closer for Southern Arkansas and had a 1.70 ERA. ... Played minor league baseball for the Springfield, Ill., Capitals of the Frontier League. ... In 1995, Springfield won the Frontier League Championship team, helped by Rivino's 2.10 ERA.
Earned an associates degree in criminal justice from MCC, a bachelors degree in sociology from Southern Arkansas and a masters degree in teaching from the University of Memphis. ... Worked as an Internal Affairs Investigator for Corrections Corporation of America before becoming a high school teacher. ... Teaches and serves as athletic director at Raleigh Egypt High School in Memphis, Tenn.
Lives in Olive Branch, Miss., with his wife, Cila, and children Dominic (6) and Isabella (3).
Pete Tavarone
Little League notes: Starting shortstop and leadoff hitter.
Bio: Graduated from Davenport in 1991. ... Attended and played baseball at Ocean County (N.J.) Community College and Oneonta State. ... In April 2001, graduated from New York Chiropractic College and became a licensed chiropractor.
Moved back to the Oneonta area in 2003 and started his own business, Tavarone Chiropractic.
Lives in Oneonta with his wife, Kacy and has three children _ Cameron (16), Emma (11), and Kyler (6).
Scott Barnes
Little League notes: Starting second baseman. ... Turned key double play in state final.
Bio: Graduated from OHS in 1991 and continued to play baseball throughout high school. ... Works as Judicial Assistant to Federal District Court Judge Lawrence E. Kahn in Albany.
Lives in the Albany area with his wife Beth and his children.
Greg Microni
Little League notes: Starting pitcher and left fielder. ... Struck out final three batters in the bottom of the sixth to preserve Oneonta's 5-4 win over Colonie in the state final.
Bio: Graduated from OHS in 1990. ... Excelled in football and baseball in high school. ... Played college baseball at Monroe Community College.
Works as a state security official since mid-1990s and lives in the Oneonta area.
Darrell Fisher
Little League notes: Starting center fielder.
Bio: Graduated from OHS in 1991. ... Standout basketball player for the Yellowjackets.
Employed by Liberty Mutual Insurance for the last 15 years.
Lives in Newark, Del., with his wife and children.
Mark Mahler
Little League notes: Played third base, outfield and served as team's third-base coach.
Bio: Graduated from OHS in 1991 and Babson College in 1995. ... In 2003, started a company doing explosives detection work for the military. ... Lives in Orlando.
Mike Pirone
Little League notes: Played outfield.
Bio: Graduated from OHS in 1991. ... Served in the Navy for the last 15 years and recently completed a tour of duty with a small boat security unit in the Middle East. Received his bachelors degree in health services from the University of Maryland and is pursuing a master's degree in human resources at Villanova.
Will get married July 10 in the Berkshires. ... Lives in Quantico, Va.
Joey Pecora
Little League notes: Played outfield, pitched on occasion and coached first base.
Bio: Graduated from OHS in 1991. ... Played golf throughout high school. ... Received bachelors degree from Le Moyne in 1995. Works as an elementary school teacher in Dallas.
Dave Rivino
Little League notes: Served as team's manager.
Bio: Father of Mat Rivino. ... Retired and lives in Otego.
Dick Cavanagh
Little League notes: Served as team's head coach.
Bio: Co-owns and operates Cavanagh Wright Real Estate in Oneonta.
