Hammonton Men’s Basketball League begins 85th season

Dan Russoman/THG. Hammonton Councilman Thomas Gribbin (holding ball) joined team captains to help celebrate the opening of the Hammonton Men’s Basketball League’s 85th season on March 12. Pictured from left: Joey Umosella, Bobby Barbieri, Kelvin Rivera, Gribbin, Tony Quigley and Ian Brown.

HAMMONTON—The Hammonton Men’s Basketball League opened its 85th season on March 12 with a pair of games at Hammonton High School.

One of the oldest leagues of its kind in the country, the Men’s League will feature five teams this season.

Ben Castone, who directs the league and played in it for several seasons,’ was pleased to see another season-opener.

“The league started in 1939 and there aren’t too many that have been around that long. It’s special to me because In played in it and so did my father and my grandfather,” Castone said.

Castone presented a plaque to town councilman Thomas Gribbin, thanking him for the town’ support.

“This is a great league. Ben and the other guys do an excellent job and it’s something to be proud of,” Gribbin said.

The league features five teams this season and games are played every Tuesday and Thursday evening at Hammonton High School.