by Jennifer M. Rodriguez
The United Spinal Association Mets, a Division I wheelchair softball team co-sponsored by the New York Mets and United Spinal Association, placed second against the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) Cubs, after losing 8-0 in the championship game of the Fourth Major League Wheelchair Softball Tournament. The event took place September 26-27 in a special area adjacent to Shea Stadium prior to games between the major league Chicago Cubs and New York Mets. A softball field was created for the tournament , complete with metal bleachers.
The game proved to be a battleground for the RIC Cubs, who were determined to settle the score from last year’s tournament when they came up short for first place against the United Spinal Mets, who have won two championship titles—one in 1999 and another in 2003.
In the championship game, the RIC Cubs (cosponsored by the Chicago Cubs) jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Their bats remained hot throughout the rest of the game as they scored runs in each inning except the last. Down by five runs, the United Spinal Mets attempted to rally back, loading the bases with two outs in the fourth inning, but second baseman Victor Calise struck out to end the inning. “Losing to the Cubs is disappointing,” said Calise, the Mets team captain. “The bats didn’t come through, but we’re just going to suck it up and come back next year. ”
In preliminary games, the United Spinal Mets had a strong start by defeating the Magee Phillies, (co-sponsored by the Philadelphia Phillies) 8-1, and the Vaughn White Sox (cosponsored by the Chicago White Sox) 9-3. Their winning streak, however, was broken by the RIC Cubs who came out victorious on Friday in a 10-6 slugfest. On the morning of the championship, the United Spinal Mets could not pick up the pace, losing to the NEPVA Red Sox, co-sponsored by the Boston Red Sox, 8-4.
Although the United Spinal Mets fell short of first place at this year’s tournament, they still played some amazing softball. Bringing home the Tournament MVP Award was outfielder Jim Leatherman; the Sportsmanship Award went to catcher Darrin Kinnes; Best Quad Award went to catcher George Taborsky; and third baseman Dave White received the Third Base Award. Honored with two awards, outfielder Fernando Garcia received the Long Ball Competition Aw a rd and the Centerfield Aw a rd.
A clinic for youngsters also provided an opportunity for team members to share their expertise with future wheelchair athletes. “It was most of the students’ first opportunity to see a wheelchair sport in action,” said Dee Lewis, director of the Office of Adaptive Physical Education for the NYC Department of Education, which, along with United Spinal, coordinated the effort to get the students and support staff of 77 to the clinic. The children received goodie bags containing a Mets jersey and hat, and a tournament T-shirt. “This event provided the best way to introduce our students who themselves have a variety of physical disabilities,” Lewis said.
United Spinal Mets first baseman, Edwin (a.k.a. Edy) Lopez has volunteered in Kids Clinics for over 10 years. Along with other team members, Lopez introduced 75 elementary and junior high school students to the specific skills needed for the adaptive sport. These included throwing , catching, fielding, and batting. “Volunteering gives me a sense of accomplishment that I am passing on something I have learned to make everyday life more enjoyable and bringing something new to the young,” Lopez said.
For 9-year-old Keyonna Jackson this was an amazing experience that helped her realize that she is capable of playing sports in her wheelchair. “Batting was my favorite and the most exciting part,” said Jackson.
Sponsors of the event include the New York Mets, Mets Chase Alumni Association, New York City Parks and Recreation and the Association. Along with the Mets team mascot “Mr. Met,” making special appearances were Sid Fernandez, Howard Johnson, and Tim Teufel of the Mets Alumni Association. Fernandez and Johnson, members of the 1986 World Series Champion Mets, threw out the first pitch of the Wheelchair Championship game on Saturday.
Jennifer M. Rodriguez is an Assistant Public Affairs Officer.
