Long Island Takes Another Bite Out of the Big Apple

Long Island's best senior baseball players had plenty to celebrate this week after Team Long Island once again showed it can hold its own against New York City's best.

The sixth annual Mike Leiderman Cup was held at Mitchel Field in Nassau County, bringing together top senior baseball talent from across Long Island and New York City for an annual showdown that has quickly become a summer tradition.

This year, Long Island came out on top, defeating New York City 3-1.

The victory continued a remarkable run for Team Long Island. After New York City won the first two meetings, Long Island has now captured four consecutive games under legendary head coach Tom Abruscato and his coaching staff.

Justin Olivo was named the Player of the Game, while Mineola's Fred Klauck earned Pitcher of the Game honors. Andrew Noe was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Game.

Riverhead's Matt Zambriski also played an important role for Team Long Island, pitching a scoreless inning to help preserve the victory.

The Long Island pitching staff was dominant throughout the contest, allowing just three hits, two walks and one hit batsman while striking out 13 New York City hitters.

Several Suffolk County players were also part of the Long Island roster, including Longwood's Jagger Franco, Stony Brook's Joey Karpowicz and Manorville's Mason Gatchalian.

While the players were competing for bragging rights, the event's purpose extends far beyond the baseball field.

All proceeds from the Mike Leiderman Cup are donated to the ALS Foundation, making the annual game an opportunity for the baseball community to come together for an important cause.

The event is named in honor of the late founder of the Long Island Storm, a prominent travel baseball organization. Leiderman passed away from ALS in November 2018, and the annual game serves as a way to keep his memory and passion for baseball alive.

For the players taking part, the Mike Leiderman Cup is a chance to share the field with some of the best players from their area before heading off to the next chapter of their baseball careers.

For the community, it's an opportunity to watch talented local seniors compete while supporting a cause that has touched countless families.

And for Team Long Island, there's now another trophy — and another win — to add to a four-game winning streak against New York City.

The Mike Leiderman Cup continues to honor its founder while giving Long Island baseball players a meaningful stage, with the annual game’s proceeds supporting ALS research and awareness.