2019 Mudville Tournaments History
Subscribe to our NewsletterHISTORY OF THE MORABITO TOURNAMENT
The James "Ace" Morabito Memorial Invitational Softball Tournament was founded, at Port Chester High School (Section 1) back in 1981 by former Port Chester HS Athletic Director, the late Tony Zimbalatti, along with former Port Chester HS Softball Coaches Bill Shaw (New York State High School Hall of Fame Inductee - Class of 2012) and Kathy Federici. This tournament, considered to be the "Grand-Daddy" of all "In Season" High School Softball Tournaments in the Eastern United States, has showcased some of the top elite players ever to come out of New York State. In 2003, the tournament moved to the Binghamton, New York area, where multiple State Coach Of The Year Selection and 2014 New York State High School Softball Hall of Fame Inductee, Coach Dale Cook along with BAGSAI Complex Director, Lou Bishop, continued the excellence in competition, with the tournament being held at Schnurbush Park in Conklin, NY, and then at the famous BAGSAI Softball Complex in Binghamton, New York. In 2012, the tournament moved to the Mudville sports complex in Herkimer, New York and is now under the direction of Perry L. Novak, President of NYSSCOGS. The tournament is named after and dedicated to the memory of James "Ace" Morabito, who was a former Port Chester High School Baseball Player, whose life on this earth was cut well too short. In the days where Boys Athlethics were considered "KING" ACE Morabito pushed for equal rights for GIRLS SOFTBALL, pressing the school to ensure that the Girls Softball Team received just as much support from the school and community as the Baseball Team did. With this drive and passion for Girls Softball, when he passed, the Tournament was created and dedicated to his memory. Below is a complete listing of the long history of this outstanding event:
Thru The Years:
1981 thru 1983 – The Beginning:
Back when the tournament was first started, the tournament was a simple “Local Area” 4 game tournament, which featured in addition to host Port Chester High School, neighboring Rye High School, Harrison High School and Mamaroneck High School. Port Chester High School 4 Year Varsity All Section Standout, Dayna DeCarlo was the individual who made her mark on the early days of the Morabito Tournament. Unfortunately, the tournament did not hand out Tournament Most Valuable Player Awards, but if there ever was one to hand out Dayna would have been a lock. She was that dominant.
1984 thru 1988 – The Formative Years:
It was during these years that the tournament became a true battle between Host Port Chester High School and neighboring Mamaroneck High School. The Lady Tigers captured the 1984 and 1986 Tournaments, while the host Lady Rams of Port Chester captured the 1985, 1987, and 1988 Tournaments. Port Chester Marie Bellatoni and Tracy Snidack both had strong tournaments for PCHS in 1985. Port Chester Pitcher Pamela Francella had an outstanding tournament in 1987, where she help her team capture the tournament that season. But it was the bat and fielding of Port Chester 3rd Baseman, Kelly Anderson that earned her the very first Tournament MVP Award. The Iona College signee had 3 home runs in the 2 games played that year and made a diving catch in the hole between 3rd and Shortstop on a line drive hit by Rye High Schools, Susan Hughes to preserve the no hitter pitched that day.
1989 – The First Expansion:
It was in 1989, when the tournament went from a 4 Team Tournament to an 8 Team Tournament, played over a Friday Afternoon and the following Saturday . It was the intent of the Tournament Directors to utilize the tournament as a ‘Showcase’ event for some of the strongest pitchers in Westchester County (Section 1). Irvington High School proved to be the best that year with former Concordia College Standout Pitcher, Cathy Toolan, leading her team to victory over the 3 games played.
1990 thru 1993 – The Second Expansion:
It was in 1990, where the Tournament Director took a major step in the development of the event, and expanded it once again to a 16 Team – 4 Game Tournament, that was played over 2 days. It was during this time that the tournament utilized both the 2 fields at Lyons Park as well as its New Middle School Softball Complex, that allowed games to be played at night. It was also during this time that that the field of 16 expanded outside of Section 1, with teams from neighboring Section 9 being included. Finally, these were the years that the tournament champion went on to win a State Softball Championship within its respective enrollment classification, with Eastchester High School (Section 1), led by MVP’s Jennifer Satriale (1990) and future NYS HS Softball Hall of Fame Inductee Bonnie Bell (1991), winning it in 1990 and 1991 and Minisink Valley High School (Section 9) led by MVP and Future NYS HS Softball Hall of Fame Inductee Carolyn Copcutt (1992) and MVP Cindy Hartman (1993) winning the tournament in 1992 and 1993.
1994 thru 2002 – The Final Expansion:
It was in 1994, that the Tournament Committee made its boldest move to date. In addition to the 16 Team Morabito Tournament, to which the field of 16 team invited expanded to High Schools throughout the entire State of New York, making it “The Grand-Daddy” of all High School Softball Tournaments in the State of New York, the Committee formed a “Sister” 8 Team Tournament, called the Charles Bambace Memorial Invitational Softball Tournament, names after one of Port Chester High School’s former Athletic Directors. This ‘Sister Tournament’ was meant to allow 8 locally based teams to the Port Chester Area, to participate in a competitive event, while being able to watch some of the elite teams in the state play right next to them. These were the years that Section 4 (Southern Tier Area) dominated the event. Binghamton Seton Catholic High School led by Future NYS HS Softball Hall of Fame and LSU Standout Pitcher, Julie Stashko, Horseheads High School led by Future NYS HS Softball Hall of Fame and St. Joseph’s University Pitcher, Christina Kowalski, and Susquehanna Valley High School. Led by Future NYS HS Softball Hall of Famers, Pitcher and UCONN Standout Barb Cook along with her dad, Coach Dale Cook, were among the schools that dominated during this period of time
2003 thru 2006 – The Move – Part 1:
It was in 2003, that due to Port Chester High School no longer being able to host the event, that the Morabito Tournament moved to the Southern Tier Area of New York State. Susquehanna Valley High School and Coach Dale Cook, agreed to become the New Host School for the tournament. The tournament was held at both Susquehanna Valley High School and Schnurbusch Park in Conklin, New York. Susquehanna Valley High School ended up being the winner of the tournament in 2003 and again in 2005, led by future NYS HS Softball Hall of Fame and Fordham University Pitcher, Rachael Wiggins and former Seton Hall University Standout, Shannon Pease in 2003 and 2005 respectfully. In 2004, Cicero North Syracuse High School, led by All State Catcher and future NYS HS Softball Hall of Famer, Jessica Phillips, took the title. In 2006, Brewster High School, led by Tournament MVP and former University of Buffalo standout, Kristen Gallipani won the event. It was in 2005, that after a torrential downpour of rain, that the Tournament Committee utilized a “Helicopter” contracted from the Nearby Airport to hover over the fields to help dry them out. This was a spectacle that amazed everyone who was in attendance that year and is still talked about today (See Photo Below)
2007 thru 2011 – The Move – Part 2:
It was in 2007, that the tournament was moved from Conklin, New York to the BAGSAI Softball Complex in Binghamton, New York. This would be the last year that Founding Tournament Director, Bill Shaw, would be Co-Chairman of the event, as he announced his retirement following the 2007 Tournament. Tappan Zee High School from Section 1 won the event, with Julie Pacino winning the MVP Award, hitting 4 amazing homeruns during the tournament. The side story of that year’s tournament was the presence of a very large tour bus with the windows all shaded, located beyond the Right-Center Field Fence at BAGSAI. No one, other than the Tournament Directors knew why this bus was parked there. It was a mystery all weekend long, until the tournament was completed, Tappan Zee High School won and Julie Pacino was named MVP. The individual who was inside that tour bus watching the event all weekend long was Julie Pacino’s father, the famed Academy Award Winning Actor, Al Pacino. In later years, Victor High School (Section 5), Chenango Valley High School (Section 4), Bethlehem High School (Section 2) and Cicero North Syracuse High School (Section 3) went on to capture the tournament championship.
2012 thru Present – The Move – Part 3:
It was in 2012, upon the announcement by Tournament Director Dale Cook that he was stepping down, that Mr. Perry Novak, Owner of the Mudville Softball Complex and President of NYSSCOGS (New York State Sportswriters and Coaches Organization for Girls Sports) stepped up and offered to take on and host the Morabito Tournament in Herkimer, New York. Corning High School from Section 4 won in '12, Cicero North Syracuse High School from Section 3 won in '13, Brockport High School from Section 5 won in '14, Valhalla High School from Section 1 won in '15, the tourney rained out in '16, North Rockland won in '17 and Corning and Deposit won after that. We look forward to many great years to come from the Largest and Oldest In Season High School Softball Tournament in the Eastern United States.
TOURNAMENT CHAIRMEN:
1981-1984:
TONY ZIMBALATTI
KATHY FEDERICI
BILL SHAW
1985-1994:
TONY ZIMBALATTI
BILL SHAW
1995-2002:
BILL SHAW
JERRY FEDERICI
2003-2006:
BILL SHAW
DALE COOK
2007:
BILL SHAW
DALE COOK
LOU BISHOP
JIM TESTA
2008 - 2011:
DALE COOK
LOU BISHOP
2012 - Present
PERRY NOVAK
OVER THE YEARS, THE JAMES "ACE" MORABITO MEMORIAL INVITATIONAL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT HAS SHOWCASED SOME OF THE FINEST HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL TEAMS IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK. SINCE 1990, A PARTICIPANT OF THE MORABITO TOURNAMENT HAS GONE ON TO CAPTURE THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE ENROLLMENT CLASSIFICATION. SOME OF THOSE GREAT TEAMS HAVE BEEN:
1. JOHN JAY (EAST FISHKILL) HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 1
2. HORSEHEADS HIGH SCHOOL – SECTION 4
3. CHENANGO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 4
4. MINISINK VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 9
5. SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 4
6. WINDSOR HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 4
7. BAY SHORE HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 11
8. EASTCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 1
9. ORCHARD PARK HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 6
10. BINGHAMTON SETON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 4
11. CICERO NORTH-SYRACUSE HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 3
12. SOUTH GLENS FALLS HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 2
13. AFTON HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 4
14. FALCONER HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 6
15. MECHANICVILLE HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 2
16. WILLIAMSVILLE SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 6
17. PEARL RIVER HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 1
HERE IS THE LISTING OF THE MORABITO TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS OF THE PAST YEARS
1. 2019 - Deposit
2018 - Corning
2017 - rained out
2016 - North Rockland
2015 - VALHALLA HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 1
2. 2014 - BROCKPORT HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 5
3. 2013 - CICERO NORTH SYRACUSE HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 3
4. 2012 - CORNING HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 4
5. 2011 - CICERO NORTH SYRACUSE HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 3
6. 2010 - BETHLEHEM HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 2
7. 2009 - CHENANGO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 4
8. 2008 - VICTOR HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 5
9. 2007 - TAPPAN ZEE HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 1
10. 2006 - BREWSTER HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 1
11. 2005 - SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 4
12. 2004 - CICERO NORTH SYRACUSE HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 3
13. 2003 - SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 4
14. 2002 - NO CHAMPION CROWNED DUE TO RAIN
15. 2001 - NORTH ROCKLAND HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 1
16. 2000 - NO CHAMPION CROWNED DUE TO RAIN
17. 1999 - HORSEHEADS HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 4
18. 1998 - NO CHAMPION CROWNED DUE TO RAIN
19. 1997 - SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 4
20. 1996 - HORSEHEADS HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 4
21. 1995 - BINGHAMTON SETON CATHOLIC H.S. - SECTION 4
22. 1994 - BINGHAMTON SETON CATHOLIC H.S. - SECTION 4
23. 1993 - MINISINK VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 9
24. 1992 - MINISINK VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 9
25. 1991 - EASTCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 1
26. 1990 - EASTCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 1
27. 1989 - IRVINGTON HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 1
28. 1988 - PORT CHESTER HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 1
29. 1987 - PORT CHESTER HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 1
30. 1986 - MAMARONECK HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 1
31. 1985 - PORT CHESTER HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 1
32. 1984 - MAMORONECK HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 1
33. 1983 - PORT CHESTER HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 1
34. 1982 - PORT CHESTER HIGH SCHOOL - SECTION 1
35. 1981 – PORT CHESTER HIGH SCHOOL – SECTION 1
OVER THE YEARS, THIS TOURNAMENT HAS SHOW-CASED SOME OF THE TOP HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL ATHLETES THAT THE STATE OF NEW YORK HAS EVER PRODUCED. HERE IS A LISTING OF THE PAST MVP RECEIPANTS OF THE TOURNAMENT:
2015 - KAYLIE DYMEK - VALHALLA HIGH SCHOOL - CURRENT SENIOR AT VHS
2014 - JULIA DiMARTINO - BROCKPORT HIGH SCHOOL (LIBERTY UNIVERSITY)
2013 - KALET LENART - CICERO NORTH SYRACUSE HIGH SCHOOL (EDINBORO UNIVERSITY)
2012 - QUINCY LEWIS - CORNING HIGH SCHOOL (SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY)
2011 - SYDNEY O'HARA - CICERO NORTH SYRACUSE HIGH SCHOOL (SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY)
2010 - MARY BETH DOMBROWSKI - BETHLEHEM HIGH SCHOOL (SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY)
2009 - DANI KOLTZ - CHENANGO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL (MARIST COLLEGE)
2008 - ERIN NARGI - VICTOR HIGH SCHOOL (ST. BONAVENTURE UNIVERSITY)
2007 - JULIE PACINO - TAPPAN ZEE HIGH SCHOOL (UNIVESITY OF CALIFORNIA - UCLA)
2006 - KRISTEN GALLIPANI - BREWSTER HIGH SCHOOL (UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO)
2005 - SHANNON PEASE - SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL (SETON HALL UNIVERSITY)
2004 - JESSICA PHILLIPS - CICERO NORTH SYRACUSE HIGH SCHOOL (BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY) *
2003 - RACHAEL WIGGINS - SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL (FORDHAM UNIVERSITY) *
2002 - NO M.V.P. CROWNED DUE TO RAIN (NO COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY APPLICABLE)
2001 - MEGAN DeLALLA - NORTH ROCKLAND HIGH SCHOOL (ST. THOMAS AQUINAS COLLEGE)
2000 - NO M.V.P. CROWNED DUE TO RAIN (NO COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY APPLICABLE)
1999 - AMANDA KENT - HORSEHEADS HIGH SCHOOL (ST. JOHN'S FISHER COLLEGE)
1998 - NO M.V.P. CROWNED DUE TO RAIN (NO COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY APPLICABLE)
1997 - BARB COOK - SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL (UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT) *
1996 - CHRISTINA KOWALSKI - HORSEHEADS HIGH SCHOOL (ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY) *
1995 - JULIE STASHKO - BINGHAMTON SETON CATHOLIC HS (LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY) *
1994 - JOY JUDSKI - BINGHAMTON SETON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (CANISIUS COLLEGE)
1993 - CINDY HARTMAN - MINISINK VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL (NO COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY ATTENDED)
1992 - CAROLYN COPCUTT - MINISINK VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL (US MILITARY ACADMEMY - WEST POINT) *
1991 - BONNIE BELL - EASTCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL (UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA-CHARLOTTE) *
1990 - JENNIFER SATRIALE - EASTCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL (FORDHAM UNIVERSITY)
1989 - CATHY TOOLAN - IRVINGTON HIGH SCHOOL (CONCORDIA COLLEGE)
1988 - CHRIS MOODY - PORT CHESTER HIGH SCHOOL (BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY)
1987 - KELLY ANDERSON - PORT CHESTER HIGH SCHOOL (IONA COLLEGE)
1986 - NO MVP CROWNED
1985 - NO MVP CROWNED
1984 - NO MVP CROWNED
1983 - NO MVP CROWNED
1982 - NO MVP CROWNED
1981 - NO MVP CROWNED
* INDUCTED INTO THE NEW YORK STATE HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME
HISTORY OF SITE LOCATIONS:
1981 thru 1989:
PORT CHESTER HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL FIELDS # 1 & # 2
1989 thru 2003:
PORT CHESTER HIGH SCHOOL (FIELDS # 1 & # 2 - SEE PHOTO ABOVE)
LYONS PARK - PORT CHESTER (FIELDS # 1 & # 2 - SEE PHOTO BELOW)
PORT CHESTER MIDDLE SCHOOL SOFTBALL COMPLEX (SEE PHOTO BELOW)
2003 thru 2005:
SCHNURBUSCH PARK - FIELDS # 1, # 2 & # 3 (SEE PHOTO BELOW) *
* IN 2005 IN ORDER TO GET THE SCHNURBUSCH PARK FIELDS PLAYABLE, THE MORABITO TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE USED A HELICOPTER TO DRY OUT THE FIELDS. BELOW IS A PHOTO OF THE HELICOPTER HOVERING OVER FIELD # 2 AT SCHNURBUSCH PARK
SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL (SEE PHOTO BELOW)
2006 thru 2011:
BAGSAI SOFTBALL COMPLEX - BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK (SEE PHOTO BELOW)
2012 to PRESENT:
MUDVILLE SOFTBALL COMPLEX, HERKIMER, NEW YORK
LONGEST HOME RUNS HIT IN TOURNAMENT HISTORY:
JULIE PACINO - TAPPAN ZEE H.S. - AT BAGSAI FIELD # 3
EMILY ACQUAVIVA - NEW HARTFORD H.S. - AT MUDVILLE FIELD # 5
MADDIE SHUFELT - TROY H.S. - AT MUDVILLE FIELD 3
BRANDI COON - VALHALLA H.S - AT MUDVILLE FIELD 5
LISA BUCKLEY - HORSEHEADS H.S. - AT LYONS PARK #1
CHRISTINA KOWALSKI - HORSEHEADS H.S. - AT LYONS PARK #1
CINDY HARTMAN - MINISINK VALLEY H.S. - AT LYONS PARK #2
LEAH TRUNCALE - NEWBURGH F.A. - AT LYONS PARK #2
BONNIE BELL - EASTCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL - P.C.MIDDLE SCHOOL
JOY JUDSKI - SETON CATHOLIC - P.C. HIGH SCHOOL #1
AMANDA KENT - HORSEHEADS H.S. - LYONS PARK # 1
SUE MAYO - VALLEY CENTRAL H.S. - P.C MIDDLE SCHOOL
CHRIS MOODY - PORT CHESTER H.S. - P.C. HIGH SCHOOL #1
ALI DEETER - SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY - MUDVILLE FIELD #3 in '19
MEMORABLE NO HIT GAMES PITCHED:
1987: PAMELA FRANCELLA - PORT CHESTER (vs. RYE HS)
1989: CATHY TOOLAN - IRVINGTON (vs. HARRISON HS)
1990: JENNIFER SATRIALE - EASTCHESTER (vs. NORTH SALEM HS)
1992: CAROLYN COPCUTT - MINISINK VALLEY (vs. PORT CHESTER)
1994: JULIE STASHKO - SETON CATHOLIC (vs. CORNWALL)
1995: JULIE STASHKO - SETON CATHOLIC (vs. BREWSTER)
1995: KATE HANSEN - MINSINK VALLEY (vs. WARRENSBURG)
1996: CHRISTINA KOWALSKI - HORSEHEADS (vs. FORT ANN)
1996: SARAH. MAIDA - NEWBURGH FREE ACADEMY (vs. AFTON)
1996: AMANDA NOYES - AFTON (vs. SUFFERN)
1997: BARB COOK - SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY (vs. AUSABLE VALLEY)
1999: SARA DeANGELIS - CICERO NORTH SYRACUSE (vs. HARRISON)
2002: R.WIGGINS – SUS. VALLEY & K.HALVORSEN - CORNWALL (2 - 10 INN. IN SAME GAME)
2003: A. BUCHANAN - WINDSOR (vs. IRONDEQUOIT)
2006: CHELSEA PLIMPTON - WILLIAMSVILLE SOUTH (vs. SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY)*
2007: BECCA WIGGINS - SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY (vs. WILLIAMSVILLE SOUTH - 11 INNING LOSS)
2008: ERIN NARGI - VICTOR (vs JOHN JAY [East Fishkill])*
2010: JULIE PINCKNEY - VALLEY CENTRAL (vs VESTAL)*
* PERFECT GAME
HISTORY OF SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING BY SECTION OR STATE:
SECTION 12 (PSAL):
CURTIS HIGH SCHOOL
PORT RICHMOND HIGH SCHOOL
SECTION 11:
BAY SHORE HIGH SCHOOL
SECTION 10:
FRANKLIN ACADEMY (MALONE)
SECTION 9:
MINSINK VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
CORNWALL HIGH SCHOOL
PORT JERVIS HIGH SCHOOL
NEWBURGH FREE ACADEMY
MONROE WOODBURY HIGH SCHOOL
VALLEY CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
MARLBORO HIGH SCHOOL
PINE BUSH HIGH SCHOOL
JAMES I. O'NEILL HIGH SCHOOL
KINGSTON HIGH SCHOOL
WALLKILL HIGH SCHOOL
SECTION 8:
NO TEAMS EVER PARTICIPATED
SECTION 7:
AUSABLE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
SECTION 6:
WILLIAMSVILLE SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
MARYVALE HIGH SCHOOL
KENMORE WEST HIGH SCHOOL
IROQUOIS HIGH SCHOOL
KENMORE EAST HIGH SCHOOL
NIAGARA WHEATFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
WILLIAMSVILLE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
FALCONER HIGH SCHOOL
HAMBURG HIGH SCHOOL
ORCHARD PARK HIGH SCHOOL
SECTION 5:
BATH HAVERLING HIGH SCHOOL
IRONDEQUOIT HIGH SCHOOL
VICTOR HIGH SCHOOL
WATERLOO HIGH SCHOOL
GREECE ATHENA HIGH SCHOOL
WEBSTER SCHROEDER HIGH SCHOOL
PEMBROKE HIGH SCHOOL
GENEVA HIGH SCHOOL
OUR LADY OF MERCY HIGH SCHOOL
MYNDERSE ACADEMY - SENECA FALLS
BROCKPORT HIGH SCHOOL
SECTION 4:
HORSEHEADS HIGH SCHOOL
SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
AFTON HIGH SCHOOL
WINDSOR HIGH SCHOOL
MAINE ENDWELL HIGH SCHOOL
VESTAL HIGH SCHOOOL
CHENANGO FORKS HIGH SCHOOL
LANSING HIGH SCHOOL
BINGHAMTON SETON CATHOLIC H.S.
UNION ENDICOTT HIGH SCHOOL
CHENANGO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
BINGHAMTON HIGH SCHOOL
CORNING WEST HIGH SCHOOL
CORNING HIGH SCHOOL
JOHNSON CITY HIGH SCHOOL
SECTION 3:
CICERO NORTH SYRACUSE HIGH SCHOOL
WESTHILL HIGH SCHOOL
SANDY CREEK HIGH SCHOOL
ONEIDA HIGH SCHOOL
BALDWINSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
JAMESVILLE DEWITT HIGH SCHOOL
NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL (UTICA)
LIVERPOOL HIGH SCHOOL
EAST SYRACUSE MINOA HIGH SCHOOL
NEW HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL
HERKIMER HIGH SCHOOL
SECTION 2:
BROADALBIN-PERTH HIGH SCHOOL
COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL
HOOSIC VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
BETHLEHEM HIGH SCHOOL
SARATOGA SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL
DUANESBURG HIGH SCHOOL
VOOHEESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
GUILDERLAND HIGH SCHOOL
FORT ANN HIGH SCHOOL
TROY HIGH SCHOOL
NISKAYUNA HIGH SCHOOL
SOUTH GLENS FALLS HIGH SCHOOL
MECHANICVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
NOTRE DAME-BISHOP GIBBONS HIGH SCHOOL
WARRENSBURGH HIGH SCHOOL
SHAKER HIGH SCHOOL
AMSTERDAM HIGH SCHOOL
COLONIE HIGH SCHOOL
ICHABOD CRANE HIGH SCHOOL
SECTION 1:
PORT CHESTER HIGH SCHOOL
JOHN JAY (EAST FISHKILL) H.S.
JOHN JAY (CROSS RIVER) H.S.
SCARSDALE HIGH SCHOOL
ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
OUR LADY OF LOURDES HIGH SCHOOL
SUFFERN HIGH SCHOOL
CLARKSTOWN SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
CLARKSTOWN NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
NORTH ROCKLAND HIGH SCHOOL
TAPPAN ZEE HIGH SCHOOL
RC KETCHAM HIGH SCHOOL
PEARL RIVER HIGH SCHOOL
RYE HIGH SCHOOL
RYE NECK HIGH SCHOOL
SCARSDALE HIGH SCHOOL
MAMARONECK HIGH SCHOOL
HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL
ALBERTUS MAGNUS HIGH SCHOOL
WHITE PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL
WOODLANDS HIGH SCHOOL
NEW ROCHELLE HIGH SCHOOL
ROOSEVELT (YONKERS) HIGH SCHOOL
MOUNT VERNON HIGH SCHOOL
DOBBS FERRY HIGH SCHOOL
ARDSLEY HIGH SCHOOL
PELHAM HIGH SCHOOL
VALHALLA HIGH SCHOOL
YORKTOWN HIGH SCHOOL
HASTINGS HIGH SCHOOL
ALEXANDER HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL
NORTH SALEM HIGH SCHOOL
KEIO ACADEMY
HORACE GREELEY HIGH SCHOOL
BRONXVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
IRVINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
SLEEPY HOLLOW HIGH SCHOOL
BLIND BROOK HIGH SCHOOL
OSSINING HIGH SCHOOL
PINE PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL
CHSAA:
GOOD COUNCEL (WHITE PLAINS)
OUR LADY OF VICTORY (DOBBS FERRY)
MARIA REGINA HIGH SCHOOL (HARTSDALE)
ST. JOSEPH BY THE SEA HIGH SCHOOL (STATEN ISLAND, NY)
MSGR. PRESTON ACADEMY (BRONX)
MOORE (STATEN ISLAND)
SACRED HEART ACADEMY (BUFFALO)
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA:
BLUE RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL (NEW MILFORD, PENNSYLVANIA)
HISTORY OF OUTSTANDING COACHING IN THE HISTORY OF THE TOURNAMENT (BY SECTION):
SECTION 1
JOHN JAY (EAST FISHKILL) HIGH SCHOOL:
BONNIE SCHILLING
JOHN JAY (CROSS RIVER) HIGH SCHOOL:
GEOFF LOVEDAY
PEARL RIVER HIGH SCHOOL:
MICHAEL CARLACCI
NORTH ROCKLAND HIGH SCHOOL:
TONY TORONTO
MICHELLE SHAW
JACKIE DiNUZZO
ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL (YONKERS):
TONY CALIENDO
ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL:
DICK BEAMS
PORT CHESTER HIGH SCHOOL:
KATHY FEDERICI
BILL SHAW
DON MILLS
EASTCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL:
SKIP WALSH
SUFFERN HIGH SCHOOL:
RAY BUTEUX
SECTION 2:
COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL:
HELENE PIEL
GARY HOLTZ
SARATOGA SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL:
BRENDA ADAMS
WARRENSBURG HIGH SCHOOL:
CARRIE ANNE BUMP
MECHANICVILLE HIGH SCHOOL:
DON ARCENEAUX
SECTION 3:
LIVERPOOL HIGH SCHOOL:
NICK SPATARO
SANDY CREEK HIGH SCHOOL:
PAT McDOUGAL
SECTION 4:
CHENANGO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL:
ERIC COLEMAN
BINGHAMTON SETON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL:
DAVE LIGEIKIS
SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL & BINGHAMTON HIGH SCHOOL:
DALE COOK
HORSEHEADS HIGH SCHOOL:
WARREN CONKLIN
AFTON HIGH SCHOOL:
CINDY BOSTLEMAN
SECTION 5:
VICTOR HIGH SCHOOL:
SHELLY COLLINS
SECTION 6:
WILLIAMSVILLE SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL:
GERRY GENTNER
SECTION 9:
MINISINK VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL:
BRUCE GUYETTE
NEWBURGH FREE ACADEMY:
LOU "THE PROFESSOR" BUCCI
VALLEY CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL:
SANDY STRAUSS
FRANK JORDAN
MARLBORO HIGH SCHOOL:
JONNAH O'DONNELL
CORNWALL HIGH SCHOOL:
RICK MILLER
SECTION 11:
BAY SHORE HIGH SCHOOL:
JIM McGOWAN
IN MEMORIUM - ANTHONY "ZIMBO" ZIMBALATTI - FOUNDING CO-DIRECTOR OF THE MORABITO TOURNAMENT AND FORMER ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AT PORT CHESTER HIGH SCHOOOL
May 27, 2006
Anthony F. Zimbalatti, age 79, passed away in his sleep peacefully on Thursday, May 25, 2006 at his home in West Harrison, NY. One of the most gifted athletes to grace the playing fields of Westchester County, Mr Zimbalatti was an outstanding physical education teacher and coach, serving as Athletic Director in the Port Chester Public Schools for over thirty five years. He started the James "Ace" Morabito Memorial Invitational Softball Tournament, and served as one of the Tournament Directors from 1981 to 1994. The Morabito Tournament has become the largest "In Season" High School Softball Tournaments in the Eastern United States. Born in Port Chester, NY, where he resided for most of his life, Mr. Zimbalatti graduated from Port Chester High School in 1944. He pursued his post secondary education, first at the Sol-Vogel-American Mitchell School of Design, where he received a degree in Art. He later attended St. Bonaventure University, Olean, NY, where he starred in football and served as the captain of the varsity baseball team. Upon receiving his Baccalaureate degree from St. Bonaventure in 1952, he continued his education, securing a Masters degree in Educational Administration from Columbia University in 1962 and the Director's Certificate in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from New York University in 1963. Mr. Zimbalatti's long and illustrious career in coaching and community service spoke to the altruism of his character. A lifelong coach of baseball, football, and basketball, Mr. Zimbalatti's prowness and accompanying accolades as an athlete were demonstrated as a high school coach at St. Mary's School, Elmira, NY, Blessed Sacrament High School, New Rochelle, NY, Pawling High School, Pawling, NY and from 1952 to 1992 in the Port Chester Public Schools. As a young athlete, Mr. Zimbalatti's prowness was evident in the many accolades he accrued. Selected to the AllCounty Football Team in 1944 and holder of numerous track records at Port Chester High School, he played semipro football for the Port Chester 90's. Also a superb baseball player, Mr. Zimbalatti signed a professional baseball contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers and played in their minor league organization. As a gifted athlete in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Zimbalatti participated on the Naval Track and Baseball teams and competed in servicemen's meets in the Milrose Games, Madison Square Garden and Philadelphia's John F. Kennedy Stadium. He also served as President of the Baseball Coaches' Association of Westchester County, the Baseball Umpires' Association of Westchester County and the Port Chester High School Dad's Club. In April, he was elected to serve as President of the Port Chester Old Timers Organization, He also served as Vice President of the Port Chester Carl Schmehl Babe Ruth League, Vice Chairperson of the Park's Commission of the Village of Port Chester, and as a member of the James “Ace“ Morabito Softball Tournament Committee. Mr. Zimbalatti's service to the Port Chester-Rye Brook Communities is evident by the many organizations he founded or in which he played a significant role. He served as the Director of the Special Citizen's Camp for over forty years. This work brought him special joy and attests to the quality of his character. In 1988 he organized the Special Olympics Competition for the Port Chester-Rye Brook Community. Mr. Zimbalatti served as Program Director for the White Plains YMCA Family Swim Club and was the founder of the Hi-Lo Indian Day Camp in Port Chester, NY. Since 1997, he has been affiliated with Keio Academy, Purchase, NY, where he served as Girls' softball coach. In 2003 for both the tenure and impact of his community service, Mr. Zimbalatti was inducted into the Westchester County Hall of Fame for Outstanding Volunteerism in the Village of Port Chester. He is survived by his two children, Carleen and Edward Zimbalatti, children of the late Ann Penabare, and a granddaughter Chiara Blue. He is also survived by two sisters: Marie Zimbalatti and Rina Numme, and a brother Pat Zimbalatti.
