August 27, 2018
NOTE: This story was originally written for and published on August 20, 2018.
Their names will never be forgotten.
Shortstop-pitcher Todd Frazier. Pitcher Casey Gaynor. Pitcher-first
baseman Scott Fisher. Second baseman Joey Franceschini Jr. Third baseman
Gabe Gardner. Catcher Brad Frank. Outfielder Chris Cardone. Outfielder
R.J. Johansen. Outfielder Chris Crawford. Outfielder Mike Belostock.
Outfielder Eric Campesi. Outfielder Tom Gannon. Manager Mike Gaynor.
Coach Ken Kondek. Coach Joe Franceschini Sr.
And what the group – the Toms River East American Little League
All-Star team – accomplished 20 years ago will also never be forgotten.
The club captured the 1998 Little League World Series title, besting
Kashima, Ibarak, Japan, 12-9, on Aug. 29 in front of some 40,000 fans
and an ABC Television audience at Howard J. Lamade Stadium in South
Williamsport, Pa.