The 1940's and 50's were golden years for baseball in the New York City area. The New York Yankees, Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers were in the pennant chase or World Series practically every year. Middle Village, Maspeth, Elmhurst, Glendale and Ridgewood also enjoyed a boom in baseball in those years. Several area teams competed on the sandlots in this area. Maspeth had teams such as the Indians, Eagles, Greys, Cavaliers, Phillies and Plateaus. Elmhurst fielded the Eagles, Pirates and Braves. The Ridgewood-Glendale area was home to the Crusaders, Shadows, Phillies, Glenridge Indians and the Ridgedale Giants.

Middle Village had the Statics, Gremlins and the Midville Dodgers.
The Dodgers were organized (in 1949) and managed by Frank Larocchia who owned a barber shop on the corner of Metropolitan Avenue and 78th Street. Larocchia's shop also served as the team's meeting place and hang out. He would offer free haircuts at the barber shop to any player who hit a homerun. "The first four guys to the meeting every Tuesday night got to sit in the revolving chairs," said Howard Schwenk, the star centerfielder and captain for the Dodgers. "Those were great years, I couldn't wait for Sunday to play baseball." Being the captain of the team, it was Schwenk's duty to send the box scores and summary every week to the Long Island Press newspaper. Howard and his wife Edna still live in Middle Village.

Howard Schwenk

The Midville Dodgers had the advantage of fielding a nucleus of players that had played together for several years. "Most of us started together when we were 10 years old playing for the Gertz (Department Store) Pie Division (in 1945), said Vito Adamo. Adamo was the Dodgers hard hitting leftfielder who consistently led the team in homeruns. Vito's teammates marvelled at his strength, "when he would connect, the ball would fly like a rocket" said one former player. Adamo also still resides in Middle Village. The Midville Dodgers played in several divisions in the late 40's and early 50's. Schwenk who kept a scrapbook of the Dodger press clippings, recalled that the team played in the P.A.L. Division (112Pct.) in 1949 and 50, and moved to the Kiwanis Division in 1951 and to the Queens-Nassau League in 1952. Johnny Larocchia, nephew of manager Frank, was the team's star pitcher. He threw two no-hitters in successive months in 1950. John recalls that although the M.V. Dodgers were a powerhouse team and always finished at the top of the league, they only won one championship (P.A.L. 1950), much like their namesakes- the Brooklyn Dodgers-who captured their only World Championship in 1955.

John's brother, Chuck Larocchia, also was part of the team serving as third base coach. It's obvious that those years and the Midville team meant a lot to John Larocchia, he still has his team jacket, a ball from his no-hitter and his jersey, #13 in honor of his boyhood idol, Brooklyn Dodger Ralph Branca. John and his wife Virginia are still Middle Village residents.

One of the MV DodgersŐ greatest thrills was playing a night game on August 17,1950 against the Queens Statics at the New Farmers Oval on Metropolitan Avenue (where Metro Mall is now located). The game was played to benefit the St. Margaret's Church (Middle Village) building fund. Both Larocchia and Schwenk recalled that game was their most thrilling, since it was their first contest under the lights and it was played before several hundred people. The Dodgers came from behind to beat the Statics 5-4 with a run in the eighth (with the speedy Howie Schwenk stealing home) and a run in the bottom of the ninth on Bob Bohner's sacrifice fly. The win was the Midville club's 20th in a row.

Another memorable day was when the Midville Dodgers faced the Richmond Hill Saxons in a twin bill during the 1951 season. With the Dodgers fighting for a playoff berth, Howie Schwenk playing under the name "Joe Gressert," came in relief to win both games of the double header. Howie who was over the age limit by two months used Gressert's name to make the team. Gressert who hadn't played for the Dodgers in over a year must have been surprised to see his name in the headlines of the Long Island Press, "Joe Gressert wins 2 games for Midville." Tom Entwistle, the Dodgers tough catcher, who also played semi-pro hockey, loved playing for the Dodgers so much that he actually slipped out of his wedding reception to play in a doubleheader.

Four Midville Dodgers were scouted or signed with Major League teams, Andy Weigert, Bob Picciano, Bobby Bohner and Cal Leone. It was extremely tough to make it in the Majors back then. The money wasn't good and players had to "pay their dues" by sitting in the minor leagues for several years. Andy Weigert wanted to play for the New York Giants. His wish looked like it might come true as he was offered a contract with the Giants but later quit to study for the Jesuit priesthood. After 13 years of study, he ultimately became a college professor.
A few years ago, the team held a reunion at the Connecticut home of former teammate John Ferrara. Nine former players showed up. M.V. Dodgers t-shirts were made and the two day event was highlighted with a softball game, barbecue picnic and several photo sessions. Most of the Midville Dodgers have remained close during the decades since the team played together back in the early 50's. Six players still live in the Middle Village area. The great majority of the players are successful and have become civic and business leaders, coaches and model citizens of the community. There is no doubt that the foundation built for these young men back then of teamwork, sacrifice and hardwork has helped them lead productive and fruitful lives. LetŐs hope that today's youth can experience a part of what the Midville Dodgers had almost 50 years ago. Some of the players for the Midville Dodgers of the late 40's and early 50's were: John Kelly, John Ferraro, Howard Schwenk, Robert Picciano, Robert Bohner, Edward French, John O'Brien,, Andrew Weigert, Vito Adamo, John Larocchia, Robert Bicknese, Joseph Gressert, Robert Zawasky, Cal Leone, Tom Entwistle, Don Coady, Pete Lopilato, Jerry Sherman, Dukey Meyers, Mike Haburay and Andy Galati.
Vito Adamo of the original Midville Dodgers throws out the first ball at the game against the Royal Cardinals at Clevland High School.

© 1997 Midville Youth Program inc. midville@tripod.net

special advertising section

LinkExchange Member