By Frank Ettinger  (photos by Bob Buchalski)

LAKEWOOD, NJ (July 31, 2011) – The NJ State Troopers and players of the Atlantic Baseball Confederation Collegiate League (ABCCL), hosted a smash hit of a fundraiser for the benefit of Camp Quality New Jersey. The annual charity game raised a record $16,000 dollars for the non-profit organization, money which will allow volunteers to fulfill its mission to care for the emotional needs of children afflicted with cancer and their families. The game, played at First Energy Park in Lakewood, helped to raise awareness for the exceptional work done by Camp Quality and also to show appreciation for the State Trooper players who dedicated their weekend for the game.

While the players of the ABCCL team deserved equal thanks for taking time away from their vacations to play an exhibition game, they we’re also ready to get down to business on the field. Nobody expected to get their parking tickets waived, but the ABCCL players certainly did not curry favor by taking it easy on the opposition. Scoring three runs in the top of the first, the ABCCL squad put the pressure on at the start.

The State Troopers, though, came prepared for the contest. After last year’s lopsided score in the annual face-off, the Trooper Team put extra effort. Trooper Dan Coia, helped to spearhead a two-run comeback in the bottom of the second that drew the troopers within a run of the lead. The score remained at 3-2 until the eighth inning. A six-run hit parade by the ABCCL put the game away, but in the hot sun of a glorious day the college-age stars may have had some advantages.

After the game, Tom Porricelli, General Manager for the ABCCL’s Freehold Clippers, led an awards ceremony to thank both teams for their inspired performances and for their dedication in helping out with the fundraiser. After noting the ABCCL-State Trooper Game record $16,000 donation, Porricelli handed signature wooden bat awards to game MVPs Dan Coia of the State Troopers and Ryan Phelan (Fordham University; hometown West Windsor, NJ) for their efforts.

Porricelli thanked the ABCCL players saying, “Guys, it says alot about your character to dedicate your time like this. The money donated today will send a lot of kids to Camp Quality and you can congratulate yourselves for the great things you guys have done.” And to the State Troopers he said, “We have to hand it to the troopers, we couldn’t put on events like this without the safety you guys provide putting your lives on the line every day.”

Porricelli and ABCCL League President Monique Koehler were more than satisfied with the day’s events, but were hopeful that even more could be done to help in future. “We’d like to raise $32,000 next year if we can,” said Porricelli. With young children running the field and fans streaming from the stadium the curtain closed on a great day for baseball and for cancer-stricken children of New Jersey.

All fans are encouraged to attend the ABCCL All-Star Game, tomorrow afternoon at 3:00PM at Kean University. F eaturing the Yogi Berra All-Stars vs the Larry Doby All-Stars, this game will showcase the top players from the ABCCL. Performing in front of major league scouts, this will be a chance for the best of the ABCCL talent to really show you what they have in an exciting exhibition format. And, beyond simply demonstrating their skills and energy to succeed, these players will also be playing to support the league charity – Camp Quality. Proceeds from the game ($5 suggested donation) will go to support the camp, which every year offers children suffering from cancer (either with or recovering from the disease) a chance to have a wonderful summer experience by offering a free camp that lets them have fun and simply be kids. The pre-game showcase talent demonstration starts at 1 pm with the game following immediately after at 3pm.