2017
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The American Legion
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American Legion Meetings are held 7 p.m. the last Wednesday of the month
In the meeting room of the Loyal Order of Moose #180
2524 Grand Island Blvd. Grand Island, NY 14072
Commander Ray DeGlopper
1st Vice Commander Joseph Mesmer, 2nd Vice Commander Patrick Soos
Adjudant George DeGlopper, Finance Officer Peter Kuszczak,
Judge Advocate Joe Synakowski, Sgt-at-Arms Garry Duetschlander
3rd Vice commander Judy Snyder, Chaplain Joe Mesmer
Service Officer Bo Pikas
Mission: Service to veterans. Information for various benefits due veterans of all services, national and community affairs
Help: Help in recruiting recently discharged veterans and those veterans who do not belong to at least one veterans organization
Strengths: Largest veterans organization in the world.
Ideas: The many veterans living on Grand Island are a great untapped source of community involvement. They should be encouraged to help the various programs in the town.
VFW Hosts Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony - December 2017
American Legion Color Guard.
VFW Honor Guard.
The VFW Post 9429 hosted a Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony on Thursday, December 7th at noon. "In memory of the men and women who perished during the attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States territories". VFW Commander Dan McMahon welcomed the attendees and Supervisor Nathan McMurray spoke of the attack that occurred 76 years ago. More than 2400 Americans were killed that day and over 1000 injured.
American Legion & VFW Recognize Local Media - November 2017
From left Alan Lee, Patrick Soos, Larry Austin (Dispatch) and Ray DeGlopper.
From left Alan Lee, Patrick Soos, Jodi Robinson (Isledegrande) and Ray DeGlopper
At the Wednesday, November 29th American Legion meeting, certificates of appreciation were presented to Dispatch editor Larry Austin and Isledegrande editor Jodi Robinson. They were "recognized for outstanding support of Grand Island American Legion Post 1246 and VFW Post 9249".
To All Veterans and Members - November 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.
To All Veterans and Members - October 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.
To All Veterans and Members - September 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.
To All Veterans and Members - September 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.
To All Veterans and Members - September 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.
American Legion 2017 Poppy Drive - September 2017
On behalf of all the members of the Grand Island American Legion Post #1346, I would like to thank all the people that donated money to our annual Poppy Drive Fundraiser. It was an overwhelming success for our post. The money we raise goes to support various projects on Grand Island and Western New York.
Project Chairman Richard Bonarek did a great job organizing and overseeing all aspects of the two day event. We would also like to thank Al Prame for his design and construction of the donation receptacles which enhanced our visibility to the public. Another special thanks is extended to all the Legion members who took time from their busy schedules to man the donation sites. Most importantly, we again want to thank the people who donated to this worthwhile endeavor.
Raymond DeGlopper, Commander American Legion Post #1346
Patriot Day Poppy Drive - September 2017
From left: Rick Bonarek, Peter Kuszczak, Garry Deutschlander, Joe Mesmer & Ray DeGlopper.
The annual American Legion Poppy Drive is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 8th and 9th at Top's, 7-11, Keybank, M&T and Northwest Savings Banks. Members of the American Legion will be asking for your donations with new collection containers designed by member Al Prame. Inspired by the World War I poem "In Flanders Fields", the National American Legion adopted it as their official symbol of remembrance. The poem is featured on the new containers.
To All Veterans and Members - August 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.
American Legion Loses in Final - July 2017
Click photo for larger view.
Buffalo News Story
Grand Island Post took it as far as it could Saturday before running out of gas and fresh pitching arms against defending champion Rockland County Pirates in the championship round of the New York State American Legion Baseball Championship at Murnane Field in Utica. Grand Island finished the season with a 24-6 record.
Needing to win both games to win the championship, Grand Island extended its playoff life with a 5-2 victory over Rockland in the first game Saturday. It was the only loss of the tournament for the Pirates. Lou Destino started and went six innings for GI, allowing just two hits. Bryce Jellinick took over and pitched three hitless innings. A tired Jellinick had to start the second game, however, and was not nearly as effective. Manny Montez and Matt Grace had two hits and two RBIs for Grand Island, which never trailed in the opener.
Rockland rebounded with an 18-2 rout in Saturday's final game to claim its third straight state title. The Pirates were helped by seven Grand Island errors, including three in their eight-run fifth inning. Rockland County owned a 10-0 lead after four innings and pitcher Ivan Rodriguez had no problem coasting until he gave up two runs in the seventh inning. Ryan Weiss had four hits of the winners' 13 hits.
Mark Weigel Recap (7-30-17):
Grand Island Post went as hard and as far as they could this week, but for the second consecutive year Rockland edged out District VIII for the state title.
Having to beat the deepest team in the state twice on Saturday, GI completed the first half of that task. Lou Destino and Bryce Jellinick, the same pair that spun a shutout to begin the week, combined on a two hitter in a 5-2 win to force the decisive game. Manny Montez and Matt Grace had two hits each and drove in key runs.
But then our boys ran out of magic, gas, and arms all at the same time. Talk about hitting a wall! Coach Pufpaff only had a couple of available pitchers left including a spent Jellinick who had to start the last game out of necessity. The result was predictable against a team the caliber of Rockland. The wheels came off early and the three-time state champs turned into circling sharks and were relentless. 18-2 was the final, which was not indicative of the difference between the two teams. But Rockland is decisively deeper (18 guys that play for one team only and don't miss a game) which ultimately resulted in better. They now travel on to Purcellville, VA for the Mid-Atlantic Regional.
Join me in congratulating Grand Island Post which raised a lot of eyebrows in only their second year of competing. But these results are also a tribute to the depth of talent in our league. With the exception of Rockland, GI faced it's toughest competition all year long right within its own division. I'm 100% certain that any one of our final-four teams would have pushed the competition to the limit this week. Lets reload and do that again. Recruiting starts now!
Mark Weigel Recap (7-28-17):
I don't think anyone around the state would have blamed Grand Island for folding their tent and hitting the thruway today after having their hearts ripped out at 2:00 in the morning. Most people around the tournament were predicting just that. But they had other plans, including sticking around for tomorrow's finals!
Instead of rolling over they rolled! GI turned in the most dominating performance of the week and sent a very good Binghamton Post packing, 13-1. Chris Ewing out of Niagara Falls HS turned in a HUGE complete game performance to pump life into a strapped pitching staff. Brendan Sheehan and Art Meaney drove in 3 each to lead an offense that jumped on Binghamton for 5 in the first frame, leaving no doubt that they had put the nightmare from just 14 hours before out of their heads.
Now it's another shot at Rockland tomorrow at 1:00. The defending champs are still undefeated so GI will have to beat them twice. Tuesday's winning pitcher Lou Destino and several others (thanks to Ewing) will be ready to go in the first one. Coach Pufpaff says he can't/won't worry about game two until they earn the chance to play it. BTW, if there has been an unsung hero down there, Frank DePalma has caught all 38 innings in four days. Best of luck fellas! You have already made us proud but don't stop now!
Boys won first game 5-2.
American Legion Baseball in Winners Bracket Final - July 2017
Mark Weigel Recap (7-28-17).
Our boys had Rockland, the defending state champs and this year's odds-on favorite, by the throat after seven innings last night. Matt Grace gave seven excellent innings against an excellent team before turning over a 10-3 lead to the bullpen. But it was not to be. They lost in 11 innings, 12-10.
The game started at 10:30 p.m. due to rain delays and ran well into this morning sometime. They now play Binghamton in an elimination game tonight at 7:00 p.m. It's an uphill climb now as available pitching leaves Rockland with a huge advantage over the other three teams left with one loss. Those three teams will be passing out leaflets at the stadium today to see if anyone would like to throw a few innings.
Patrick Soos Recap & photo (7-27-17).
Grand Island will play Rockland County in winners bracket Thursday, July 27th at 7:00 p.m.
The boys from the big island are getting it done in Utica. They scored four times in the 4th inning to erase a 2-1 deficit and rolled to a 10-3 victory over Sherrill Post, the District V champions on Wednesday. The win advances Coach Pufpaff's squad into the Winners Bracket Final Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. Sherrill lost only one game during the regular season and one more in their playoffs. They started a D1 prospect on the mound who came into the game undefeated with a 0.28 ERA. GI hit up and down the lineup with Matt Grace getting the big hit in that decisive rally, a two-out, two-run double to the wall.
Casey Gruarin pitched in and out of trouble and battled his way through 7 innings to pick up the win. He is now done down there due to the pitch count rule. Jordan Kowalski pitched the final two innings and only threw 27 so he is available tomorrow. Grace, coming off two impressive performances in the playoffs including the clincher on Saturday, will get the ball tomorrow. His likely opponent will be Rockland Post from Long Island, the defending state champ and the popular pick to repeat.
Games are being streamed online. Just google ALB State Tournament NY and you will get to the link.
American Legion Baseball in Second Round - July 2017
Patrick Soos Recap (7-25-17): Grand Island advanced to the winners bracket today by grabbing that all important first game in Utica. Lou Destino & Bryce Jellinick combined on a 3-0 shutout over Schenectady, a team that has made multiple visits to the State Tournament in the past. Coach Puffpaff was able to wiggle around the pitch count rule so that both of those guys will be available later on this week. Manny Montez banged out two hits and scored a run to lead the offense.
They now await the winner of Sherrill Post from the Mohawk Valley area and Binghamton Post, two teams that will play later this evening. Tomorrow's game starts at 5:00 p.m. and will see Casey Gruarin, GI's crafty lefty, take the hill. Matt Grace, who notched the complete game win to clinch the District Championship, is lined up to go Thursday. I like our boys' chances!!
Games are being streamed online. Just google ALB State Tournament NY and you will get to the link.
Buffalo News Story...Lou Destino (Lew-Port) and Bryce Jellinick (Grand Island) combined on a three-hit shutout as Grand Island Post (American Legion #1346) opened the New York State American Legion Baseball Tournament with a 3-0 victory over Schenectady on Tuesday at Murnane Field in Utica. Destino pitched five innings before Jellinick took over.
Grand Island (21-4) will face Sherrill at 5 p.m. today in the second round of the double-elimination tournament. The loss dropped Schenectady to 21-9-1 and sent it on to a loser's bracket game against Binghamton at 9 a.m. today. Players from Grand Island High, Niagara Wheatfield, Niagara Falls and Canisius comprise the Grand Island roster. Manny Montes (Grand Island, Niagara CCC) had two hits, including a double, and Jordan Kowalski (Canisius High) had a double and an RBI for coach Scott Pufpaff's team. The eight-team field includes defending champion Rockland, which defeated West Seneca, 4-2, in last year's state championship game.
To All Veterans and Members - July 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.
To All Veterans and Members - June 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.
Thank You to Boy Scouts - June 2017
Many "Thank You's" to Boy Scout Troops 510 and 630 for placing the American Flags on the graves of the Veterans, in all six cemeteries on Grand Island. As we remember our fallen, while serving their country, on Memorial Day the practice of placing flags on the graves of all Veterans is a show of a sign of respect for those who served in the Armed Forces of the Unites States of America. Many Communities across the country have taken the practice in various ways, but the proper method is to gather the flags as soon as possible after Memorial Day, according to The American Legion.
Anyone who would like a flag for their loved ones grave, can request one from the local American Legion Post. The Grand Island Post #1346 meets on the last Wednesday of the Month, at the Loyal Order of the Moose, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. Grand Island, NY at 7:00 p.m. We are always looking to sign up eligible Veterans to join with us to make our community a greater place to live. Veterans, you will like what we are doing for Veterans and the Grand Island Community. Come to a meeting and check us out. Have a wonderful and safe Summer.
Joe Synakowski
Judge Advocate - The American Legion
To All Veterans and Members - May 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.
American Legion Baseball - May 2017
Grand Island Post 1346 American Legion is again sponsoring a baseball team, comprised mostly of Grand Island High School members. Come out and see the team in action, admission is free, bring a lawn chair. See you at the ball park & bring a friend.
The following is a schedule of home games:
Saturday, June 3 - 2pm - Grand Island HS Varsity Field
Monday, June 5 - 6:15 pm - Grand Island HS Varsity Field
Saturday, June 17 - Noon - Grand Island HS Varsity Field
Monday, June 19 - 6:15 pm - Grand Island HS Varsity Field
Wednesday, June 21 - 6:15 pm - Grand Island HS Varsity Field
Monday, June 26 - 6:15 pm - Grand Island HS Varsity Field
Saturday, July 1 (DH) - 10am and 12:30 - Grand Island HS Varsity Field
Saturday, July 8 - Noon - Grand Island HS Varsity Field
American Legion Mothers Day Plant Fundraiser - May 2017
Members of the American Legion and volunteers man the desk and unload flower trucks.
Winner of the barrel raffle was Greg Barker.
The members and officers of the Grand Island Post 1346 American Legion wish to thank all who gave support to the "Mother’s Day Flower Fund Raiser" on May 12th and 13th. The winners of the ½ Barrel Floral Raffle were Liz & Greg Barker of North Colony Road. Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the DeGlopper Park Expansion Project.
Work is progressing at the corner of GI Blvd. and Baseline Road as the former Mobil/Exxon Gas Station becomes part of the park. Pavers and Veteran Wall Name Spaces can be purchased at Chris Taylor's Certified Auto Brokers, 1693 Grand Island Blvd. or at the VFW Post, 2121 GI Blvd. You may donate online at degloppermemorial.org/donations.
The Flower Fundraiser enables the Post to support various Veteran and Community Projects including work at Buffalo and Batavia Veterans Hospitals, American Legion Boys State, GI Neighbors Foundation, Boy Scouts and two scholarships at GI High School. Last year, for the first time, GI Post 1346 American Legion sponsored a Baseball Team of high school juniors and seniors playing hardball. It was a great success with the team making the playoffs. Again this year, the Post is sponsoring a Grand Island team that will play at both Veterans Park and GI High School. Watch the Dispatch and Isledegrande for the schedule and come out to see a game!
If you need additional hanging baskets, a few remain for sale for $13.50 each from George DeGlopper at GI Truck and Tractor, 2449 Whitehaven Road.
Thanks again for your support! As always, the American Legion is looking for new members to help with these important projects. Veterans, the American Legion needs YOU! Get membership information from American Legion Judge Advocate Joe Synakowski at 773-4180 or Membership Chair George DeGlopper at 773-3555.
American Legion Mothers Day Plant Fundraiser - May 2017
American Legion Post 1346 is hosting its annual flower fundraiser on Friday & Saturday, May 12 & 13, from 7:00 a.m. to sold out, at Charles N. DeGlopper VFW Post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. Hanging baskets are $13.50 and come in a variety of flowers and colors. See flyer.
To All Veterans and Members - April 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.
To All Veterans and Members - March 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.
Save the date...American Legion Flower Sale will be held on May 12 & 13 at the VFW Post. American Legion Baseball is coming back this year. Games are played at Veterans Park.
To All Veterans and Members - February 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.
To All Veterans and Members - January 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.
From left Alan Lee, Patrick Soos, Jodi Robinson (Isledegrande) and Ray DeGlopper
At the Wednesday, November 29th American Legion meeting, certificates of appreciation were presented to Dispatch editor Larry Austin and Isledegrande editor Jodi Robinson. They were "recognized for outstanding support of Grand Island American Legion Post 1246 and VFW Post 9249".To All Veterans and Members - November 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.To All Veterans and Members - October 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.To All Veterans and Members - September 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.To All Veterans and Members - September 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.To All Veterans and Members - September 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.American Legion 2017 Poppy Drive - September 2017
On behalf of all the members of the Grand Island American Legion Post #1346, I would like to thank all the people that donated money to our annual Poppy Drive Fundraiser. It was an overwhelming success for our post. The money we raise goes to support various projects on Grand Island and Western New York.Project Chairman Richard Bonarek did a great job organizing and overseeing all aspects of the two day event. We would also like to thank Al Prame for his design and construction of the donation receptacles which enhanced our visibility to the public. Another special thanks is extended to all the Legion members who took time from their busy schedules to man the donation sites. Most importantly, we again want to thank the people who donated to this worthwhile endeavor.
Raymond DeGlopper, Commander American Legion Post #1346
Patriot Day Poppy Drive - September 2017
From left: Rick Bonarek, Peter Kuszczak, Garry Deutschlander, Joe Mesmer & Ray DeGlopper.
The annual American Legion Poppy Drive is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 8th and 9th at Top's, 7-11, Keybank, M&T and Northwest Savings Banks. Members of the American Legion will be asking for your donations with new collection containers designed by member Al Prame. Inspired by the World War I poem "In Flanders Fields", the National American Legion adopted it as their official symbol of remembrance. The poem is featured on the new containers.To All Veterans and Members - August 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.American Legion Loses in Final - July 2017
Click photo for larger view.
Buffalo News StoryGrand Island Post took it as far as it could Saturday before running out of gas and fresh pitching arms against defending champion Rockland County Pirates in the championship round of the New York State American Legion Baseball Championship at Murnane Field in Utica. Grand Island finished the season with a 24-6 record.
Needing to win both games to win the championship, Grand Island extended its playoff life with a 5-2 victory over Rockland in the first game Saturday. It was the only loss of the tournament for the Pirates. Lou Destino started and went six innings for GI, allowing just two hits. Bryce Jellinick took over and pitched three hitless innings. A tired Jellinick had to start the second game, however, and was not nearly as effective. Manny Montez and Matt Grace had two hits and two RBIs for Grand Island, which never trailed in the opener.
Rockland rebounded with an 18-2 rout in Saturday's final game to claim its third straight state title. The Pirates were helped by seven Grand Island errors, including three in their eight-run fifth inning. Rockland County owned a 10-0 lead after four innings and pitcher Ivan Rodriguez had no problem coasting until he gave up two runs in the seventh inning. Ryan Weiss had four hits of the winners' 13 hits.
Mark Weigel Recap (7-30-17):
Grand Island Post went as hard and as far as they could this week, but for the second consecutive year Rockland edged out District VIII for the state title.
Having to beat the deepest team in the state twice on Saturday, GI completed the first half of that task. Lou Destino and Bryce Jellinick, the same pair that spun a shutout to begin the week, combined on a two hitter in a 5-2 win to force the decisive game. Manny Montez and Matt Grace had two hits each and drove in key runs.
But then our boys ran out of magic, gas, and arms all at the same time. Talk about hitting a wall! Coach Pufpaff only had a couple of available pitchers left including a spent Jellinick who had to start the last game out of necessity. The result was predictable against a team the caliber of Rockland. The wheels came off early and the three-time state champs turned into circling sharks and were relentless. 18-2 was the final, which was not indicative of the difference between the two teams. But Rockland is decisively deeper (18 guys that play for one team only and don't miss a game) which ultimately resulted in better. They now travel on to Purcellville, VA for the Mid-Atlantic Regional.
Join me in congratulating Grand Island Post which raised a lot of eyebrows in only their second year of competing. But these results are also a tribute to the depth of talent in our league. With the exception of Rockland, GI faced it's toughest competition all year long right within its own division. I'm 100% certain that any one of our final-four teams would have pushed the competition to the limit this week. Lets reload and do that again. Recruiting starts now!
Mark Weigel Recap (7-28-17):
I don't think anyone around the state would have blamed Grand Island for folding their tent and hitting the thruway today after having their hearts ripped out at 2:00 in the morning. Most people around the tournament were predicting just that. But they had other plans, including sticking around for tomorrow's finals!
Instead of rolling over they rolled! GI turned in the most dominating performance of the week and sent a very good Binghamton Post packing, 13-1. Chris Ewing out of Niagara Falls HS turned in a HUGE complete game performance to pump life into a strapped pitching staff. Brendan Sheehan and Art Meaney drove in 3 each to lead an offense that jumped on Binghamton for 5 in the first frame, leaving no doubt that they had put the nightmare from just 14 hours before out of their heads.
Now it's another shot at Rockland tomorrow at 1:00. The defending champs are still undefeated so GI will have to beat them twice. Tuesday's winning pitcher Lou Destino and several others (thanks to Ewing) will be ready to go in the first one. Coach Pufpaff says he can't/won't worry about game two until they earn the chance to play it. BTW, if there has been an unsung hero down there, Frank DePalma has caught all 38 innings in four days. Best of luck fellas! You have already made us proud but don't stop now!
Boys won first game 5-2.
American Legion Baseball in Winners Bracket Final - July 2017
Mark Weigel Recap (7-28-17).
Our boys had Rockland, the defending state champs and this year's odds-on favorite, by the throat after seven innings last night. Matt Grace gave seven excellent innings against an excellent team before turning over a 10-3 lead to the bullpen. But it was not to be. They lost in 11 innings, 12-10.
The game started at 10:30 p.m. due to rain delays and ran well into this morning sometime. They now play Binghamton in an elimination game tonight at 7:00 p.m. It's an uphill climb now as available pitching leaves Rockland with a huge advantage over the other three teams left with one loss. Those three teams will be passing out leaflets at the stadium today to see if anyone would like to throw a few innings.
Patrick Soos Recap & photo (7-27-17).
Grand Island will play Rockland County in winners bracket Thursday, July 27th at 7:00 p.m.
The boys from the big island are getting it done in Utica. They scored four times in the 4th inning to erase a 2-1 deficit and rolled to a 10-3 victory over Sherrill Post, the District V champions on Wednesday. The win advances Coach Pufpaff's squad into the Winners Bracket Final Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. Sherrill lost only one game during the regular season and one more in their playoffs. They started a D1 prospect on the mound who came into the game undefeated with a 0.28 ERA. GI hit up and down the lineup with Matt Grace getting the big hit in that decisive rally, a two-out, two-run double to the wall.
Casey Gruarin pitched in and out of trouble and battled his way through 7 innings to pick up the win. He is now done down there due to the pitch count rule. Jordan Kowalski pitched the final two innings and only threw 27 so he is available tomorrow. Grace, coming off two impressive performances in the playoffs including the clincher on Saturday, will get the ball tomorrow. His likely opponent will be Rockland Post from Long Island, the defending state champ and the popular pick to repeat.
Games are being streamed online. Just google ALB State Tournament NY and you will get to the link.
American Legion Baseball in Second Round - July 2017
Patrick Soos Recap (7-25-17): Grand Island advanced to the winners bracket today by grabbing that all important first game in Utica. Lou Destino & Bryce Jellinick combined on a 3-0 shutout over Schenectady, a team that has made multiple visits to the State Tournament in the past. Coach Puffpaff was able to wiggle around the pitch count rule so that both of those guys will be available later on this week. Manny Montez banged out two hits and scored a run to lead the offense.They now await the winner of Sherrill Post from the Mohawk Valley area and Binghamton Post, two teams that will play later this evening. Tomorrow's game starts at 5:00 p.m. and will see Casey Gruarin, GI's crafty lefty, take the hill. Matt Grace, who notched the complete game win to clinch the District Championship, is lined up to go Thursday. I like our boys' chances!!
Games are being streamed online. Just google ALB State Tournament NY and you will get to the link.
Buffalo News Story...Lou Destino (Lew-Port) and Bryce Jellinick (Grand Island) combined on a three-hit shutout as Grand Island Post (American Legion #1346) opened the New York State American Legion Baseball Tournament with a 3-0 victory over Schenectady on Tuesday at Murnane Field in Utica. Destino pitched five innings before Jellinick took over.
Grand Island (21-4) will face Sherrill at 5 p.m. today in the second round of the double-elimination tournament. The loss dropped Schenectady to 21-9-1 and sent it on to a loser's bracket game against Binghamton at 9 a.m. today. Players from Grand Island High, Niagara Wheatfield, Niagara Falls and Canisius comprise the Grand Island roster. Manny Montes (Grand Island, Niagara CCC) had two hits, including a double, and Jordan Kowalski (Canisius High) had a double and an RBI for coach Scott Pufpaff's team. The eight-team field includes defending champion Rockland, which defeated West Seneca, 4-2, in last year's state championship game.
To All Veterans and Members - July 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.To All Veterans and Members - June 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.Thank You to Boy Scouts - June 2017
Many "Thank You's" to Boy Scout Troops 510 and 630 for placing the American Flags on the graves of the Veterans, in all six cemeteries on Grand Island. As we remember our fallen, while serving their country, on Memorial Day the practice of placing flags on the graves of all Veterans is a show of a sign of respect for those who served in the Armed Forces of the Unites States of America. Many Communities across the country have taken the practice in various ways, but the proper method is to gather the flags as soon as possible after Memorial Day, according to The American Legion.Anyone who would like a flag for their loved ones grave, can request one from the local American Legion Post. The Grand Island Post #1346 meets on the last Wednesday of the Month, at the Loyal Order of the Moose, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. Grand Island, NY at 7:00 p.m. We are always looking to sign up eligible Veterans to join with us to make our community a greater place to live. Veterans, you will like what we are doing for Veterans and the Grand Island Community. Come to a meeting and check us out. Have a wonderful and safe Summer.
Joe Synakowski
Judge Advocate - The American Legion
To All Veterans and Members - May 2017
The American Legion, Grand Island Post #1346 general meeting is Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. All members are requested and urged to attend, you are an important part of the American Legion.American Legion Baseball - May 2017
Grand Island Post 1346 American Legion is again sponsoring a baseball team, comprised mostly of Grand Island High School members. Come out and see the team in action, admission is free, bring a lawn chair. See you at the ball park & bring a friend.The following is a schedule of home games:
Saturday, June 3 - 2pm - Grand Island HS Varsity Field
Monday, June 5 - 6:15 pm - Grand Island HS Varsity Field
Saturday, June 17 - Noon - Grand Island HS Varsity Field
Monday, June 19 - 6:15 pm - Grand Island HS Varsity Field
Wednesday, June 21 - 6:15 pm - Grand Island HS Varsity Field
Monday, June 26 - 6:15 pm - Grand Island HS Varsity Field
Saturday, July 1 (DH) - 10am and 12:30 - Grand Island HS Varsity Field
Saturday, July 8 - Noon - Grand Island HS Varsity Field
American Legion Mothers Day Plant Fundraiser - May 2017
