The Alibrandi dynasty

By Jack Nicas

The name Alibrandi has come to mean many things in Somerville over the years, but most often it's attributed to long-lasting success. Alibrandi's Barber Shop has stood on Holland Street for 70 years, with Tony Alibrandi manning the clippers for the past 50. The Alibrandis baseball team has won the last nine Yawkey Baseball League titles, and 10 of the last 11.

However, a lesser-known Alibrandis has been making a name for itself at Trum Field for the past three years. The first-place Alibrandis softball team in the Somerville Recreation Commission Men's Softball League defeated On the Hill Tavern 17-8 Sunday night to clinch their third consecutive appearance in the finals. They swept the three-game series after routing the Tavern team 16-4 on Thursday. Alibrandis coach Eddie Vallery Sr. said, “We got our hitting shoes on.”

Alibrandis found themselves down 4-1 by the second inning on Sunday, but charged back with four runs in the top of the third, capped off by Eddie Vallery Jr.'s two-run double. They squandered their lead again in the bottom of the inning, giving up three runs on errors to make it 7-5. But then Alibrandis blew it open in the fifth and never looked back. They scored 12 combined runs in the final three innings, highlighted by two RBI singles by second baseman Jarrett Baker and three by left fielder Tommy Kirraney. Catcher Shawn Thornton, St. Clement's athletic director, proved outside-the-park home runs were impossible in the sixth after settling for a ground-rule double on a towering shot that landed in the netting deep in center field.

Following Alibrandis' win, the Coyotes and Powder House Pub took the field to determine Alibrandis' finals opponent. The Coyotes prevailed to move on to the championship series, which started on Monday.

Alibrandi's captain and starting pitcher Joe Oliveto, a 43-year-old laborer, said the team's strength resides in their hitting and late-inning defense, which would “absolutely” carry them to another league title. He said the league presents a unique opportunity to older men looking to stay active. “It's a good part of my life; I love it. It's like oxygen to me.”

In the first game of the finals, Alibrandis fell to the Coyotes 8-7 Monday night. The Coyotes jumped out to a quick lead, scoring four in the top of the first. Thornton responded with a bases-empty triple in the bottom of the inning and was later brought in for Alibrandis' first run.

Alibrandis faced a five-run deficit by the bottom of the fifth and charged back with four runs to make it 8-7. It proved to be one run short, as the Coyotes blanked Alibrandis in the final two innings.

League Supervisor Elaine Pieroni said the Coyotes benefited from the strong winds Monday night. “The Coyotes are a singles and doubles team, and that's how they were scoring their runs.” She said the wind knocked down Alibrandis' customary long flies.

Game two of the three-game series is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. tonight at Trum Field. If Alibrandis manages to tie the series up, the deciding match will be played at 8:15 p.m. Thursday at Trum Field. If not, Alibrandi's championship run will be put to an end and the team will begin looking forward to the Fall Frost-Bite League, starting in September.

Tony Alibrandi shuffled between diamonds, softball and baseball, at Trum Field Sunday night, trying to catch glimpses of each of his championship-aspiring teams. “I watch every game, that's my life,” he said.

He was at Trum again Monday night as the Alibrandis softball team fell behind in the championship series. Fortunately, Alibrandi was absent from the devastating loss across the Charles River. The Alibrandis baseball team failed to reach the Yawkey Baseball League semifinals for the first time in 12 years, as they lost 3-2 to the East Boston Bluefish in West Roxbury, putting an end to their nine-straight league titles. Alibrandis softball now stands as the last chance to keep the dynasty running.

Comments

[somebody]

I have to say that I'm impressed with the improvements to Trum Field. Lately, when I drive by in the evenings, I see the field (and basketball courts behind the field) active and well lit. I hope the same improvements can come to Foss Park and Dilboy Field.

[Jack]

Alibrandi's is really something in that they will try to win at all costs. Interesting that there is no mention of the illegal bats they were caught using several times this season.

[Sorfball]

Alibrandi is a good man, but his softball team takes things too far. These guys act like they're are playing for a big league contract. Eddie, Joey, and the boys need to take it easy, because at the end of the day softball means nothing. Hope you guys enjoy the meaningless moment. But hay at least you got your name in the paper right!

[AttaBoy]

Glad someone mentioned the illegal bats. This team was busted several times with illegal bats during the season. Hard to imagine a "dynasty" not knowing the rules of its own league.

[giacomo]

attaboy and whoever ; did you know that the rec has changed the rules on what type bat you can use quite a few times over the past couple of years sometimes during the season,bats are expensive and you cant keep up with all the changes, all the time.you must be from one of the teams we beat.happy to see your such a good sport.I think the dynasty comment was for yawkey baseball not softball.maybe you can wipe those tears from your eyes so you can read properly.

[AttaBoy]

Wow...that's just not true. Not surprising considering it is coming from an Alibrandi's player. I've been in the league for years. The rules have been the same all of the last three years. No double wall bats...as well as no bats from the list shared at the beginning of the year. Yet, the team with it's own manager can't seem to stick to the rules---let alone the rumors of "other bat behaviors".

Doesn't matter though...you have to win the game you are playing---regardless if your opponent cheats and/or the league supervisor won't really enforce rules against the Cobra Kai dojo of Somerville softball.

[Shawn Thornton]

Ae you people serious. Illegal bats. We have won the championship 3 years in a row and we haven't bought a new bat once. Our bats are made for little league. Every year the league changes it's view on illegal bats. If we had an illegal bat we would've beaten ur team by 60 instead of 30 in game 2. Grow up. Your even lucky we let you win the first game.

Signed,

16 for 19 with a broken knee!!!!!!!