By Mitch Abramson
Sheikowitz said the Bayside Yankees, coached by Chris Duffy, may be suspended for the entire season next year for violating NABF rule No. 12.08, which states that no club has the right to “sign, dicker with, or in any manner approach a player” associated to the NABF and under contract with a team.
The offense, according to Bob Holden, president of the Midville Dodgers baseball organization, was that the Yankees failure to notify the Dodgers through a phone call that the Yankees were using three of its players.
“He (Chris Duffy) needed permission,” Holden said. “It was unsportsmanlike what he did. They called players directly. In 20 years of baseball, I've never seen something like this.”
According to Midville's Under-16 coach Bill Schindler, Joe Silvestri and Sandy Sussman both knowingly deceived the Dodger organization, lying about where they were the week the Bayside Nationals were in Michigan. Schnidler said Silvestri told him that he was at a Florida State baseball clinic. Sussman, while he was in Michigan, told Schindler the morning of a game that he would be there to pitch later that afternoon, according to the coach.
Silvestri and Sussman face indefinite suspensions from the Dodgers next season for missing a week of baseball while under contract with the Dodgers.
Andrew Kapela, the third player taken from Midville, played his games with the Yankees during Dodger off-days and will not be suspended. He was in Delaware with his mother during the Yankees failed World Series bid in Michigan and is currently back with the Dodgers trying to help them reach the playoffs in the Connie Mack division.
Marc Cuseta, president of the Bayside Yankees organization, when notified of his team's actions by Holden, responded in an e-mail that: “We don't need your permission to do anything! Get a grip on yourself and your “little league” local, yokel program.”
“I don't apologize for anything Coach Duffy did,” he went on. “He picked up good players from a “losing team,” and gave them the opportunity to play in a World Series, an experience they would, nor will they ever have playing for a 'little league' outfit like the 'Mudville Dodgers.'”
Reach reporter Mitch Abramson by e-mail at TimesLedger@aol.com or call 718-229-0300 Ext. 130.
