Men’s League opens new season

THG/Dan Russoman. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. Team captains of the Hammonton Men’s Basketball League were joined by town councilman Thomas Gribbin between games on March 9. From left, Bobby Barbieri (Marinella Funeral Home), Kelvin Rivera (Plagido’s Winery), Anthony Barone (DiDonato’s Family Fun Center), Councilman Thomas Gribbin, Tony Quigley (Ben Castone Landscaping) and Joey Umosella (West End Bar and Grille).

HAMMONTON—The Hammonton Men’s Basketball League opened its 84th season last week with a pair of games at Hammonton High School.

The league sports five teams this season, and games are played each Tuesday and Thursday night.

“We have five teams this year. Last year we had six, but we wanted to keep the roster a similar size and not spread it out too much. It’s pretty good for a league that’s 84-years old,” Ben Castone, who oversees the league, said.

“We’ve been very lucky that so many guys want to play. The games are competitive and everyone has a lot of fun,” Castone said.

Sponsors this season include Plagido’s Winery, West End Bar and Grille, The Alley restaurant, Marinella’s Funeral Home and Ben Castone Landscaping.

“We’re fortunate to have some great sponsors who help keep the league going,” Castone said.

Hammonton Town Councilman Thomas Gribbin attended the season-opener last week and was part of an opening-night ceremony between the two games “Ben [Castone] and Tony Quigley do a great job of running the league and the town is very proud of it. We have one of the oldest rec leagues in the state, and it’s great to see it succeed,” Gribbin said.

For more on the Men’s League, see Page 55.