Just making it to the championship game was a dream for the Toms River East players, too. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Toms River Council Vice President Matt Lotano said a street in downtown Toms River would be closed for a broadcast of the game. DiMeo crushed a grand slam to center field for a commanding 8-4 lead. MASSAPEQUA, Long Island (WABC) -- Massapequa Coast Little League defeated Toms River East for a spot in the Little League World Series. Updated on: August 12, 2022 / 11:24 PM The Little League World Series is once again placing emphasis on "world" in its 2022 tournament. Can believe they did it because it's a no-quit team," resident Debbie O'Fee said. You go through that experience at such a young age, its going to be a life changing experience. In the Section 3 tournament, Toms River East won its first two games, before losing to Milltown in the semifinals and rebounding to beat Milltown for the championship. Two years after River Ridge won Louisiana's first LLWS title, Lafayette LL earned the opportunity to represent the state, kicking off their tournament with an 11-0 victory against North Boulder . What he did after 1998: Franceschini, 32, went on to play for Toms River East High School, which won the baseball state championship his freshman year. [official site], First Row: Scott Fisher, Todd Frazier, Eric Campesi, Brad Frank, R. J. Johansen, Chris Cardone, Joe Franceschini, Second Row: Coach Joe Franceschini, Coach Ken Kondek, Gabe Gardner, Casey Gaynor, Tom Gannon, Chris Crawford, Mike Belostock, Mgr. Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, four seasons pitching for the Scarlet Knights. In Toms River, thousands of supporters cheered the team when they returned home, and other honors included a pre-game appearance on the field at Yankee Stadium. For the first time since 1975, there will only be American teams competing to win the Little League World Series. But with a 6-1 loss . I grabbed [DiMeo] when bases were loaded and I said, Theres no one better I want in this position than you. Mascaro got out of the inning, but his pitch count rose to 76, just nine below the 85-pitch limit. How it shaped him: Todd Frazier was not only the star of the Toms River East Little League team, he was and still is, according to his Mets teammates a natural leader with an infectious taste for fun who could lift his team with his sense of humor and his performance under pressure. Little League World Series teams, ages, pitch count & more to know for 2021 tournament, 15 sports stars who played in the Little League World Series, full 2021 Little League World Series bracket here. 2023 Little League World Series Schedule. District 18 Champs. Older brother Jeff Frazier paved the way for Todd, having played on the 1995 Toms River East that went to the Little League World Series, then was a standout at Toms River High School South and at . Joey Lionetti pitched a no-hitter in the 4-0 win. When it was over, the Toms River East squad gathered in the outfield for a final time, seven weeks after beginning their run to district, section and state titles. Craig Garland, president of Massapequa Coast Little League, spoke with CBS2 before he left for the big game in Bristol. It was a good ride, he said of his playing days. We dont give up. Toms River Easts defense had been excellent throughout the tournament, and that continued the first time they took the field. I work on a shipboard network system that manages all aircraft launch and recovery data on aircraft carriers, he said. This year, Louisiana will be represented by the Lafayette Little League team. He knew that going in and he gave that to us. It's great for the town. LLWS live on WatchESPN. The 2015 season was his last with the Cincinnati Reds, which had made him a first-round draft pick eight years earlier, after a stellar college career at Rutgers that included a Big East Player of the Year award, and where he was reunited with his old TRE teammate Casey Gaynor. Williamsport, Pa., is about to be filled again with the best Little League teams in the nation. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) The Wylie Little League baseball team is going to the Little League World Series. A two-out rally allowed Massapequa to extend its lead to 2-0. In fact, I embrace pressure and perform better when things are on the line, and I know winning that championship is the biggest part of developing that.. How it shaped him: Like his teammates, Campesi said winning the series gave him confidence to compete on the soccer field, in graduate school, or in any endeavor. Go out, relax and hit the ball. One reason the win was so widely celebrated was that a U.S. team had not won the series since 1993, and it had been even longer since a Northeastern team were world champions. The kids from Hawaii took home their fourth Little League World Series title with a 13-3 win over Curacao in Sunday's championship game. . After homering in the Little League World Series, it . Little League (@LittleLeague) August 21, 2021. Im proud of all of them. What he's doing now: Toms River East infielder Joey Franceschini still lives in town, now with his wife, Leah, and his young daughter, Sofia, and works as a quality engineer for Johnson & Johnson in Skillman. . The boys, only 12 years old, are already making their mark. The enthusiasm they were putting forth was just amazing. The 1999 Little League World Series (LLWS) took place between August 22 and August 28 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1999_Little_League_World_Series&oldid=1113238691, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 30 September 2022, at 13:48. Toms River won the title in 1998, defeating Japan 12-9. The former has been hosting games since 1959, while the latter was added in 2001 to help provide more space for games. Mika and fans boarded a bus on Friday afternoon to support the team in person. It aint over til the Jerseys Boys sing. After Alex Pagano singled and Mikey Castellano was hit by a pitch, Macchia got a strike out. There were local celebrations, too. We faced some tremendous players throughout our run, but nobody had a TEAM like ours, and that was the deciding factor a lot of the times.. We dont quit, Toms River East manager Paul Mika, whose team already had a loss in the double-elimination tournament, told The Post. Watch on. I can't believe Massapequa is in the Little League World Series," resident Anthony Cimino said. He had not given up a run in 5.1 innings at the region coming into the game. The team was 3-0 in winning the District 18 championship. Sixteen of the best U.S. teams will start competing on Aug. 19 for the first Little League World Series action in nearly two years as the 2020 edition was called off due to the coronavirus pandemic. "And to beat a legendary team like Toms River is just amazing," resident Mike Kirwan said. Toms River Little League PO Box 1353, 181 Mapletree Rd Toms River, New Jersey 08754 Phone: 732-244-5005 Email: [email protected] Site Links. 1999: CONGRATS EASTERN REGIONAL CHAMPS! And also, once you get into Williamsport, it teaches you a lot, playing in front of large crowds, ESPN, doing interviews, Brent Musburger, he said, referring to the veteran sportscaster. Toms River East came within a game of going to the Little League World Series, coming up just short, losing to Massapequa . About half the players still live in Toms River, including Frazier. On this stage, to step up like that, he deserves every accolade he gets., "In the beginning I didn't realize it, but then I looked up at the scoreboard in the fourth inning and realized he was throwing a no-hitter," said Massapequa shortstop Christian Bekiers. As CBS2's Jenna DeAngelis reports, cheers erupted at Burns Park, where many gathered to watch their team on the big screen. A total of 4.03 inches was logged, which is 0.31 inches or 8.3% above normal for the first month of the year for Mount Airy, which averages 3.72 inches. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. "It was pretty amazing to watch our team, like We didn't know they were gonna get this far and then they won," resident Sarah Smith said. The Connecticut squad went up 1-0 in the first inning against Toms River East starter Carson Frazier when Jacob Budarz hit an RBI single. The team leaves for Bristol, Connecticut, on Friday morning, Toms River East league officials said. He works as an area sales manager for Pester Marketing-Alta Convenience, a chain of gas station/convenience store outlets in the Mid-West and Rocky Mountains. Toms River, New Jersey, defeated Kashima, Ibaraki, Japan in the championship game of the 52nd Little League World Series. Toms River East was trying to reach the Little League World Series for the fifth time, including in 1995, 1998, 1999 and winning it all in 1998. Everywhere we went people knew who we were, so we were kind of mini local celebrities, said outfielder Eric Campesi. MLB pitchers that face a starter's workload are often rested four to five days, though some pitchers, when called on, will go on shorter rest. In one game against Maryland, Bellinger went 3-for-3 with a home run and two singles up the middle. "), who will turn 4 in September, and their 2-year-old daughter, Chloe. "Toms River Little League: 20 Years Later", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1998_Little_League_World_Series&oldid=1113238106, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 30 September 2022, at 13:44. TOMS RIVER, NJ East" The Beast of the East "TOMS RIVER EAST AMERICAN ALL-STARS First Row: Scott Fisher, Todd Frazier, Eric Campesi, Brad Frank, R. J. Johansen, Chris Cardone, Joe Franceschini For the first time this season, the Manchester U-12 Little League All-Star team is in the midst of a losing streak. How it shaped him: Gaynor said the bond that spirit helped to forge let him and his teammates shut out the distractions and pressures of playing before crowds numbering in the thousands, with millions more viewers watching on television. 2021 Little League World Series bracket He was unbelievable," Mendes said. "They have the whole town behind them and we just wanna cheer them on," said Paul Mika, president of Toms River East Little League. I belong on this field.. having already beat the Toms River East squad on Saturday, 6 . The Intermediate 50/70 league is 13 . How it shaped him: Did winning the Little League World Series make Gannon a better soccer player? Older brother Jeff Frazier paved the way for Todd, having played on the 1995 Toms River East that went to the Little League World Series, then was a standout at Toms River High School South and at Rutgers, before playing several pro seasons in the minor leagues and one in the majors with the Detroit Tigers. Almost a quarter-century later, Frazier's nephew Carson is trying to do . The Little League World Series will be back in Williamsport, Pa., with the games split between Howard J. Lamade Stadium and Little League Volunteer Stadium. His family: Chris Cardone, who played outfield for Toms River East, lives in Toms River with his wife, Kaelin, their son, Robinson ("Like Jackie Robinson," he said. All Rights Reserved. After defeating the Central East Maui Little League team from Hawaii in the United States bracket, Eastbank advanced to the championship and beat Pabao 8-0 in Howard J. Lamade Stadium. It would have been the eighth team from Ocean County to reach the World Series, with Lakewood, which won the title in 1975, Toms River National (2010) and Jackson-Holbrook (2017) also making it. Toms River, N.J. was one of the first U.S. teams on the map in the LLWS. After Lionetti delivered a one-out single, Pagano hit a sharp grounder to second. But two really stick out, he wrote. All my support systems are there, Gannon said of his home town. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. . I thank them all for letting me be a part of their lives. In the 73rd Little League World Series, Eastbank Little League from Louisiana won the title overPabao Little Little ofCuracao. Toms River East is scheduled to play New York representative Massapequa Little League on Saturday. 1999 Little League World Series; Tournament details; Dates: August 22-August 28: Teams: 8: Final positions; Champions: Hirakata Little League Osaka, Japan: Runners-up: . And these kids, they are loose, they're excited," Massapequa Coast Assistant Coach Brian Bekiers said before the game. Youre due. He certainly did and he made me proud, Mika said. After four seasons pitching for the Scarlet Knights, setting school career marks for starts and innings pitched, Gaynor signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Indians organization and pitched with the Class-A Mahoning Valley Scrappers of the New York Penn League. In addition, based on Little League regulations, 11 and 12 year olds cannot throw more than 85 pitches in an appearance. His family: Fisher, 32, is engaged to be married next month to Meagan Hennessy, an All-American softball player at Moravian College, where she pitched, before going on to play pro softball with the Philadelphia Force. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. In 1998, Todd Frazier was one of the players who helped the New Jersey team beat Japan 12-9 in a championship game slugfest. Toms River's 10-year old All-Stars are playing in the state tournament in Secaucus. "It was amazing. Toms River, NJ 08754, [Error Creating Counter File -- Click for more info]. Toms River Carson Frazier is greeted at plate after hitting a three run homerun. After two years of not being able to hold its events in full capacity due to the coronavirus pandemic, Little League International is excited to announce the return of all seven World Series events, and their respective Region Tournaments, with the anticipation of international participation and full fan and visitor opportunities in 2022. He finished his career with 2,705 hits, hitting over .300 in eight different . We like to say we finished top 20 in the country, a finalist in the region. And as the team prepared for today's Little League World . For the second straight Little League World Series, the only players that will be competing are those aged 11 or 12. Barry Intintola (Coach) Paddy Matera (Coach) Paul Mika (Manager) Adrian Bilotti: Cailen Cimorelli: Joey DiMeo . Many of the Romantic century's leading composers cared littleif at allfor composing chamber music. Find complete coverage of the 2021 LLWS -- including scores, top stories and web gems -- here. That isn't the case in Little League. Toms River, N.J. 1999: Hirakata, Osaka, Japan: . Toms River East scored three more runs in the inning, then shut down Connecticut in the top of the sixth to close out the win. He also made sure that all 12 players on the roster got up at least once and played at least a couple of innings in the field, every game. The next closest is Japan, which has won nine. "We weren't nervous," Frazier told MLBPlayers.com in a 2012 interview. Edward Sutelan is a content producer at The Sporting News. For Toms River East Little League, World Series glory within reach - here's why, Toms River East looks to build on rich tradition, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Toms River East Little League still has a lifeline to get to the 2021 Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. More:For Toms River East Little League, World Series glory within reach - here's why. What he did after 1998: Though Cardone was a utility player for Toms River East, he hit two home runs in the final game to clinch the series victory, and his subsequent baseball career lasted longer and reached a higher level than those of all but a tiny fraction of adolescents who sleep with their mitt and dream of the major league stardom. Team correspondence & tax-free donations go to: Hastings will begin World Series play on ESPN at 4 p.m. against New Jersey champion Toms River, the runner-up of the Mid-Atlantic Regional. Toms River, N.J. is back in the Little League World Series in 2021. Toms River East American Little League Toms River, New Jersey. What he's doing now: Toms River East outfielder Richard "R.J." Johansen is a husband and dad who works as vice president for sales at Fuel Management Services, a laboratory and consulting firm based in Toms River. Texas Rangers pitcher Lance Lynn was a member of the 1999 Brownsburg, Indiana squad that appeared in that year's Little League World Series. the expectant father wrote in an email. We just knew by their demeanor today, they were ready and hungry. He relished the interaction with Japanese and Saudi Arabian players and the "rich cultural environment" of Williamsport, an out-of-the way former mill town that in the heat of August and friendly competition becomes an international melting pot. Massapequa beats Toms River, advances to Little League World Series, Toms River, Massapequa Little League teams vying for World Series spot. The state of Louisiana took home its first Little League World Series championship in 2019 when the Eastbank Little Leaugue team from River Ridge defeated Pabao Little Little of Willemstad, Curacao. Regardless of the loss today, we made it to the Metro Region final. He didnt allow a hit in the outing. (N.Y.) with a trip to the Little League World Series on the line. Casey Gaynor credited his dad with working the 1998 championship team hard, but also keeping in mind that they were kids. Before he was the 2017 NL Rookie of the Year and an All-Star, Bellinger was an 11-year-old fan of Manny Ramirez in the 2007 LLWS. That is a step up from the 75 pitches for 9 and 10 year olds, and 10 pitches under the 95 limit for 13-16 year olds. Toms River East defeats Hillsdale 8-4 in the 2021 NJ Little League State Tournament Championship. They fought hard.". How it shaped him:"I think just spending that time with your friends growing up, being able to hang out, and being on a field with 40,000 people and millions of people on TV at such a young age is pretty cool," he said. After losing 5-2 in their opener versus Hastings, Neb., on Thursday, the Toms River East coaches let the boys hit the pool Friday to release pressure. Toms River, N.J . With no international teams this year, an American team will be named champion for the third straight edition. How it shaped him: Playing for Toms River East taught Gardner several life lessons. Toms River, NJ vs Georgetown, DE Softball Game Highlights, Little League Regional 7 24 2022. If the other kid doesnt throw a no-hitter this is a tight game.. Please enter valid email address to continue. On Aug. 29, 1998, Toms River East beat a team from Kashima, Japan, 12-9. His family: He lives in Virginia with his wife of just three months, Caroline, and their cat, Rock Star. MASSAPEQUA, Long Island (WABC) -- Massapequa Coast Little League defeated Toms River East for a spot in the Little League World Series. 2020: Canceled due to COVID-19: "And Robinson Cano. I moved things around, and I think it worked, he said. There is the oft-told but no less remarkable story of Fraziers leading off TREs final game against Japan with a home run, and later, after he had started the game at shortstop, closed out the game from the mound with a strikeout. 2022 Little League World Series results and highlights. Toms River, New Jersey is going to play in the 2021 Little League World Series after a win over Delaware Friday night. Instead of having one U.S. bracket and another international side, there will be the Hank Aaron championship and the Tom Seaver championship, named for the two Hall of Famer players who passed away overthe past year. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The tournament starts August 17 in Williamsport. We knew we were going to get to this pitcher. Here's a look at the sets of teams from the U.S. that will be vying for the 2021 Little League World Series title. I know they are going to. Registration Info; Board of Directors; Calendar; Photo Gallery; Field Locations; TRLL Store; Contact Us; Little League; All team players for New Jersey - Toms River East LL in the 2015 Little League World Series on GameChanger. The logo for the 2022 Little League Baseball World Series. Toms River East Little . I know they are going to remember this forever. NJ Advance Media reached out to all 12 Toms River East players, and to the three coaches, Manager Mike Gaynor and assistants Joe Franceschini Sr. and Ken Dondek, to see what they were up to these days. Enjoy the Best of Toms River Restaurants and Local Dining. Four teams from Toms River have made it to the Little League World Series in the last 24 years, according to Toms River Mayor Maurice Hill. More:Toms River East looks to build on rich tradition. They were just so happy, excited and ready to go, Mika said. . The Toms River East American LL lost five games before reaching the LLWS, losing once each in district, section, and state tournaments and twice in the East Region tournament.[1][2]. MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. -- Teams from New York and New Jersey faced off Friday for a spot in the Little League World Series. It was 20 years ago that 12-year-old Todd Frazier led off the 1998 Little League World Series championship game with a home run for his Toms River East team, then ended the game on the mound by striking out Japan's final batter. The Upper Providence Little League team advanced to the 2021 Little League World Series on Thursday after a 6-1 win over the team from Toms River, Ocean County. Then Lionetti got Macchia, who belted a two-run homer in the first inning of Wednesdays win, to strike out on a high fastball to end the threat. I think we have a large majority of the team coming back," McClintock said before the event, of Toms River East's 12-boy, now man, roster. "It should be great reunion.. Aug 21, 2021. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. Toms River East Little League: Toms River, N.J. Florida: Martin County North Little League: Palm City, Fla. Texas: Wylie Little League: . He then played soccer at Rowan University, where TREs Tom Gannon also played on the team, and where Joey Franceschini played baseball. And most have kept in touch over the years, through high school and college, varied careers, and budding families, sharing a unique bond they forged through an exceptionally rare and triumphal experience at a critical time in their young lives. Please check out our social media channels. LLBWS History Search by Player; Search by League; Historical Info; Past Results; Complete Records; Championship Game Results . And then when Todd threw that last pitch, and I went sprinting toward the dog pile, I felt like I was going to take off, he said. His reflections on life as a 12-year-old world champion are similar to those of his teammates, and the humble eloquence that MLB officials recognized in 2015 is plain. the name of Franz Anton Hoffmeister was added to the roster.9 Of particular interest . "So excited, can't believe these boys did it. But after the runners advanced on a wild pitch, Michael Clark got a run home on a sacrifice fly to make it 3-0. ", "As a coach you're trying to stay cool and calm and positive. ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream, What to know about invasion of spotted lanternfly, Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts. Section 3 Champs. Funeral services held for NJ councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, Tesla recalls almost 3,500 Model Y cars for loose bolts, Tom Sizemore dead at 61 after suffering brain aneurysm. He then went on to Rowan University, where he no longer played baseball, but played on the soccer team. Staff: Manager Mike Mendes, Coaches Ed Todaro and George Gallagher. The Little League World Series is back this year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation in 2020, but things aren't completely back to normal in Williamsport, Penn. His dad, also named Joe Francischini, was a Toms River East Little League coach, and Joey, as the son was often called, coached in town until his daughter was born. The coaches and teammates whove kept in touch say Frazier is thesame as he was 20 years ago, when he loved team pool parties at the Gaynors house. After Mascaro struck out the first two batters of the inning, second baseman Anthony Badagliacca reached on a single, before going to second on a wild pitch. The Metro Region Championship Game was held in Bristol, Connecticut, withMassapequa Coasttaking onToms River East, ending with a 4-0 victory. 1998 Little League World Series Share This. Frazier has been popular among fans, fellow players and Major League Baseball, which named him a spokesman for the 2015 MLB All-Star game. She joined CBS2 News as a general assignment reporter in March 2018. Both Howard J. Lamade Stadium and Little League Volunteer Stadium feature the same dimensions, with the mound being 46 feet from home plate, the basepaths being 60 feet in length and any point in the outfield checking in at 225 feet away from home plate. The team is following in the footsteps of the 2021 Toms River East team that won the Mid-Atlantic Region title and reached the Little League World Series in Williamsport. "It would be great to go to the Little League World . LLBWS History Search by Player; Search by League; Historical Info; Past Results; Complete Records; Championship Game Results . Toms River East American Little League Toms River, New Jersey. What he's doing now: Cardone works for the Department of Defense as a civilian mechanical engineer at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station a few miles from his home. How it shaped him:"He was clutch," Fisher said of his old teammate's positive response to pressure, which was contagious. The title game was punctuated by a standout performance by future MLB Home Run Derby champion Todd Frazier, who went 4-for-4 with a lead-off home run, and was also the winning . Toms River Little League PO Box 1353, 181 Mapletree Rd Toms River, New Jersey 08754 Phone: 732-244-5005 Email: [email protected] Hes just rich and famous now, with contracts that have totaled $34 million over his career. Then Bekiers, the leadoff hitter, stroked an opposite-field single down the leftfield line, scoring Badagliacca from second. Its helped me with pretty much anything in life. But Mascaro was able to limit the damage to just one run by striking out the next three batters. His family: Gardner, 32, who likes to fish, is starting a family. Everyone got to play, everyone got to contribute," Casey said, pointing out that Chris Cardone, a utility player whose bat had been ice cold during the tournament, hit two home runs in the championship game against Japan. I remember when I was 12 and played in Bristol. BRISTOL, Conn. After rising up to win a pair of elimination games to reach the Metro Region championship game, Toms River Easts magical run ended a win short of reaching the Little League World Series Friday night. CHERRY HILL - It has been 23 years since Todd Frazier led the Toms River East Little League 12-year-old All-Stars to the Little League World Series championship and 22 since the program has won the New Jersey State Little League championship at the 12-year-old level. He also recalled the final game against Japan, standing in right field and, in between pitches, scanning the 40,000 fans crowding the remarkably professional but scaled-down stadium and the grassy hillside overlooking the outfield. Taiwan has dominated the Little League World Series stage as it has taken home 17 titles. Even now, its funny how many times that gets brought up., Steve Strunsky may be reached atsstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. Castellano then scored on a throwing error by Mascaro on a grounder. A lot of emotion. Toms River Ramstein Air Base Europe Ramstein American Phenix City, AL South National Hirakata, Osaka Far East Hirakata Boise, ID West South Central Boise Yabucoa Massapequa beat the New Jersey . High Park Little League Toms River, New Jersey East Region American Little League Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Europe Region Arabian American Little League Spring, Texas His family: He still lives in Toms River, with his wife, Kristin, their 3-year-old daughter, Skyler, and 4-month-old son, Thomas Gannon III, known as Tripp. He then attended Rowan University, where he continued his baseball career at second base, and where his Little League teammates Tom Gannon and Eric Campesi were also students and played on the soccer team. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Casey is the son of TRE manager Mike Gaynor. Hes looking forward to the easy camaraderie that the players have always had since that magical time 20 summers ago. It's an inspiration for the younger kids, inspiration for the whole town," Massapequa resident Bill Martin said. I just walked out there and told them I loved them and I was proud of them," Mendes said. " But Lionetti settled down and got Brady Gillen to strike out looking, before Jayce Capello grounded out to second. What he's doing now: Officer Tom Gannon is a married father of two who's been with Port Authority Police Department for the past five years, and now patrols Newark Liberty International Airport. N.J. Little League Baseball team Toms River East advanced to the 2022 Metro Region championship game on Wednesday night. After earning his doctorate at the University of St. Augustine in Florida, Campesi landed a job in Virginia six years ago, and has loved the area ever since. His family: He is married to his longtime sweetheart and fellow Rutgers alum, Jackie Verdon, and the couple have a 4-year-old son, Blake, and a 2-year-old daughter, Kylie Kimberly.