LibertyCricket.com

LCC and HILLSIDE Clash in EACA Div 2. Finals.

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:49:34 +0000

LibertyCricket Club will face Hillside this Sunday in the 40 over finals at the Baisley Cage.

LibertyCricket Club has the exciting Lawrence Shoy and up and new coming New York Cricketer and former Guyana player Michael Felix Noble.

Hillside all has many outstanding players the best of them being Saeed Mohammed who smashed a double century earlier in the year.

Just to refresh the memory of those who were not aware of the last match between these two evenly matched teams, LCC beat Hillside by only 2 runs at Baisley in a thrilling contest.

Arjoona Rangasammy memorial:Gobin steers Canje to victory

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:39:30 +0000

By Chinsingh

A superb innings of 74 not out by Tejpaul Gobin helped Canje to defeat Corriverton in the 1^st.Arjoona Rangasammy memorial softball cricket match that was played last Sunday at Dr.Charles drew park in Queens.

a beautiful day for cricket, Corriverton won the toss and elected to bat first in front of hundreds of cricket fans who came out to watch the game and also to pay tribute to the late Rangasammy. The idea of Corriverton taking first strike did not look so good as their opener and captain Zaman was bowled by Nizam Latif in the 1^st. over of the day. Zaman was replaced by Raja and together with Hux they kept the scoring moving until Hux went bowled by Bacchus for 7 with the score on 28 in the 7^th. Over. Jitten and Feiaz came and went in quick succession .At the end of the 13^th. Over Corriverton were 77 for the loss of 4 wickets. During the break Canje had a brief meeting led by their manager “Pokan”. Whatever he said to them seemed to really worked because Corriverton would soon find themselves all out for 131 in the 21^st.over.Raja top scored with a masterful 44,John Hussain chipped in with 19,R.Gopaul 10, Vin 10. Bowling for Canje Nizam Latif had figures of 4 wickets for 8 runs, he was well supported by Z. Bacchus with 3 for 25.

Canje started their innings disastrously as Javed Hussain was run out in the 1^st. over for a duck .Tejpaul Gobin then joined Jumadeen. They added 38 for the 2nd.wicket before Jumadeen who had earlier struck the dependable Asif Ali for 3 consecutive 4s went caught off the bowling of Ravi for 21.At the end of the half way mark Canje were in deep trouble with the score reading 62 for the loss of 4 wkts as Khemraj Narine and “rice”Jaikarran also went cheaply. After the break things went downhill for Canje as Kumar,Mahipal and Jr. Mohan were all sent back to the pavilion cheaply as the score would read 87 for 7 after 19 overs. Needing 45 off 6 overs, Gobin was joined by Bacchus and together the pair batted batted sensibly , Bacchus was getting the single ,giving most of the strike to Gobin who was seeing the ball as a football at that time. Together they brought Canje home .Gobin remained unbeaten with a glorious innings of 74 and Bacchus on 11.The fans who were had the opportunity to see some excellent stroke play to all parts of the field from Gobin. Bowling for Corriverton, Ravi had 3 for23.

After the completion of the game, there was a presentation ceremony with Gobin winning the man of the match award. He also picked up a trophy for the highest score in the game. Raja won the award for most runs for Corriverton. Nizam Latif and Ravi took home the best bowling award for their respective team.

The Arjoona`s family would like to thank both teams and also the fans for coming out and supporting this special moment with them. Also a special thank you to both umpires, Anil Jaikisson and L P Singh for rendering their services for this game. Special mention to our commentator Dave Singh.

EACA NYPL T20 CHAMPIONS

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:53:37 +0000

This is the short link.

Sam Sooppersaud

The Eastern American Cricket Association became the New York Premier League Interleague T20 Champions when they defeated the Metropolitan Cricket League on Sunday, September 5th, 2010, at Floyd Bennett Cricket Field in Brooklyn, N.Y. Although towards the end of the game there were a few moments of excitement, this was a rather “tame” contest, an atypical Twenty/20 game, lacking the vigor and “slam-bang-thankyou- ma’am” (using Brian Lara’s words) excitement of this format of our summer pasttime.

However, a large Labor Day Weekend crowd was on hand to watch the game. Needless to say, the Metropolitan Cricket League’s supporters were disappointed at the outcome because they felt that on paper they had the better team. It was a star-studded side which included numerous players who had represented their various island nations -country). in the West Indies. Any team composed of players the likes of Dixit Palmer, Richard Staple, John Sylvester, Melroy Kingstan, Miket Alexis, would be a force to reckon with. Among these star batsmen only Palmer was able to “give the EACA boys a run for their money”. Richard Staples scored a quickfie 22 runs, the rest disappointed with the bat. Their bowlers had earlier restricted EACA to a manageable total.

The EACA squad was made up of numerous youngsters, Dianand Roopnarine being only 16 year old playing alongside seasoned campaigners Zamin Amin, Marlon Kallicharran, Ramphal Bactowar, Karan Ganesh, and some new faces. They combined their efforts strategically, “clicking at the right moments”, to pull off the victory over the much stronger and experienced opponents.

Skipper Karan Ganesh had earlier won the coin toss and decided that EACA would occupy the crease first. They were in trouble immediately as opening bat, the hard-hitting Keddy Lesporis was sent back to the pavillion, caught off the bowling of Mikey Alexis. For the next six over new man in Ramphal Bactowar and Marlon Kallicharran, the other opener, played watchfully. The Metropolitan League sppedsters, buoyed by the early success of a wicket, were firing on all cylinders. With the score on 37 runs Bactowar departed having made 11 runs, but more importantly, assisted with some damage control. Michael Felix joined Kallicharra. and together they added 20 runs to the score. Kalli was well on his way to score his second, successive fifty in the playoffs, when he charged left arm spinner Shawn George, was stranded in no man’s land, and was smartly stumped by wicketkeeper Patrick Dewar. Marlon scored an invaluable 32 runs which actualyl pulled EACA from out of a proverbial vice. Felix went on to score a hard hitting 38 runs before he was caught off the bowling of Shawn George.

By the end of the 10th over EACA were 68 runs, but still had 7 wickets in hand. Their plan at this stage was to have their batsmen “milk” the bowlers for singles and doubles, preserve their wickets, and build a platform for the “death overs”. All did not go according to plans as EACA lost 3 more wickets within the succeedinbg 3 overs while scoring only 25 runs. AT 93 runs for 6 wickets, and with 13 overs already gone, there was worry in the EACA camp as their top batsmen were already in the showers. The ramaining EACA batsmen battled on and eventually were able to reach a score of 145 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Not a dominant score but one that could be defended with some good bowling, considering the strenght of the Metropolitan League batting machine .

The bowling for Met was shared by 6 bowlers: (Overs Runs Wkts): M. Alexis 3 -25-1, S. Miller 4-16-1, George 4-19-2,

J. Sylvester 4-32-1, D. Palmer 3-24-1, S. Greaves 2-22-1.

As was the case when EACA started their innings, the Metropolitan boys lost a wicket in the very first over. Patrick Dewar was caught behind off the bowling of teenage speedster, Adrian Gordon. Two more wickets fell with the score on 19 runs and a 4th wicket at 31 runs, and only 4 overs bowled. The Metropolitan League was in “bigtime” trouble. Among those out was Richard Staples. He had played back at a ball pitched outside the off stump. It was taken by the ‘keeper and there was a vociferous appeal from the fieldsman. Umpire Mark Ebanks raised his finger. Staples appeared shocked at being given out as he stood his ground with a look of bewilderment on his face. His body language was one of “come on ump, I did

not play the ball”. However, the decision was given. Staples departed.

The former Jamaica allrounder, Dixit Palmer strode to the crease at the fall of the 4th wicket. He had some work to do. He did his job but unfortunately he did not get the support from the remaining batsmen. The 5th wicket partnership of Palmer and former Guyana national player, Melroy Kingston, put on a watchful 30 runs. Just when it seems that they were on their way to repair the damage done by the EACA bowlers, Kingston attempted to drive Zamin Amin through cover. He got a thick inside edge was as caught at short mid wicket. He scored 16 runs. With the score on 61 runs, 5 wickets down, and 11 overs bowled, the Metropolitan League supporters began expressing doubts as to whether their team could bounce back and win the game. There was much skeptcisn in the ranks. As if the situation was not grave enough, Met. lost another wicket 1 run later; 62 runs, 6 wickets down, and 12 overs gone. EACA and their supporters smelt victory. Rightly so!

But Dixit Palmer decided that if EACA was to win, they have to sweat it out. He unleashed a barrage of 4′s and 6′s , giving hope, though temporarily, to the Met boys and their supporters. In the next 3 overs the score had climbed to 98 runs with no further wicket lost. Palmer by this time was hitting missiles all over the cricket field, and out of the cricket field. However, with the score on 116 runs and in the 18th over, Palmer gave a skier off the bowling of Zamin Amin .and he was out for an exciting 61 runs . The innings folded at 130 runs for 8 wickets, with 20 overs having been bowled (batted). Met. League fell short by 15 runs.

Bowling for EACA: Collin Duke 4-23-2, Adrian Gordon 4-33-2, Bactowar 4-8-1, Michael Felix 3-15-0, Zamin Amin 3-26-3, D. Roopnarine 2-32-0. EACA had defeated the Metropolitan League and i.s now the NYPL Interleague T20 champions.

Following the game the presentation was held and the following awards given for the tournament: Brooklyn Cricket League – 4th place, American Cricket League – 3rd place, both received monetary awards. The Metropolitan Cricket League – 2nd place- received both a monetary and trophy awards. Eastern American Cricket Association , of course, received the winner’s trophy in addition to a monetary award. Additional awards: Best Bowling, Shawn George; Best Batting, Dixit Palmer; M.V.P., Adrian Gordo. The Best Overall Performance Award was given to Keddy Lesporis for his excellent batting throughout the entire tournament.

It was a successful tournament and it is hoped that for the next season more sponsors will avail themselves and there would be a more extravagant” tournament.

Cornered Tigers Beat Hillside to move to the finals

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:48:46 +0000

On a bright and very hot day, Cornered Tigers was set to take on hillside cricket club in one of the 1st division semi-finals after they game last week was ended in a wash out. With two strong teams we were set for a good game. Cornered Tigers won the toss and decide to bat first opening with Andrew and Timmy they batted well to put on a partnership of 130 with Andrew playing shot’s all over the ground and hitting some lovely half-side shots for 4′s and Timmy Playing safe and putting away the bad balls until he was out. With 10 overs remaining tigers did what they do best blast the ball around and got up to 203 for 5 at the end of they 30 overs.

Hillside went in to bat and they start losing wicket from the second over they didn’t really got a good start and was struggling, At the half they were 87 for 6 coming back from half-time the captain and one of his batsman put on a good partnership for the 7th wicket taking the score to 167 for 6 needing only 36 from 5 overs the game come down to the last over where 5 runs from 6 balls with one wicket, Timmy took the ball and got the captain off the first ball and tigers win and are through to the finals.

Cornered Tigers 203 for 5
Timmy 62
Andrew 55
Shaw 20
Anthony 18

Hillside 198 all-out
I-Khan 4 for 36
Asif 2 for 30
D-Glasgow 1 for 26

Florida Gators invade College Cricket!

Danesh — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 14:37:33 +0000

It took 18 months to happen and now, out of “the Swamp” the Florida Gators are ready to invade American College Cricket ! Dynamic new leadership of the Gators Cricket Club is working with American College Cricket to get the Club ready for the national championship in March 2011, and the South East College Regionals in November 2010.

With the huge Gator Nation behind everything UF does, the Gator Cricket Club potentially has an enormous fan base !

The University of Florida (UF) has won national championships in Football in 1996,2006 and 2008, and 8 SEC Championships.It has produced 3 Heisman Trophy winners, including Tim Tebow who,statistics-wise, could be considered the greatest college football player of all time. The NFL’s all-time leading rusher, Emmet Smith, is a UF Alumni.

In basketball the Gators made the Final Four in 1994 and 2000, then in the Match Madness of 2006 won the national championship. The Gators have also won national championships in other sports such as Track & field,tennis (women), soccer and swimming.

According to the University ”Since 1986 there have been more than $100 million in capital improvements (of sports facilities).The project lists includes two major expansions of the football stadium, a multipurpose athletic fieldhouse, new facilities for tennis, track & field, soccer, baseball, golf, softball, swimming and lacrosse.”

As one of the country’s top sports program for decades, this could mean wonderful things for a strong Gator Cricket Club – it wouldn’t be surprising if they get their own cricket field within a year -after all these are the Gators !

BUDGET OF OVER $ 4 BILLION

The University of Florida is one of the top public universities in the USA and US News and World Report recently ranked it 53rd among all universities, public and private in the US. It is an elected member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization of 63 American and Canadian research universities.With an enrollment of about 50,000 the University has an annual budget of over $ 4 billion ( imagine if a tiny bit of that went to cricket !). International Students account for about 9.0% of the student body.

Founded in 1853, UF has 16 colleges which offers over 100 undergraduate majors and 200 graduate degrees. Its Reserve Officer Training Core (ROTC) was founded in 1905 and offers commissions for the Army,Navy,Marine Corps, and the Air Force.

JOHN J TIGERT

UF has a small historical connection to cricket through its 3rd President John J Tigert. Born in Nashville, Tigert went to Vanderbilt University and was chosen as a Rhodes Scholar. Whilst at Oxford University he participated in University cricket.

As UF’s President he had a long list of accomplishments including the building of the the Gators first football stadium in 1930,since known as ”the Swamp”. Also, appalled by the under the table payments to college athletes that were prevalent at the time, Tigert advocated the grant of scholarships to athletes and thereby began the current scholarships for athletes programs we have now.

After resigning in 1947 as university president, Tigert worked as an educational consultant to the government of India.

ORANGE AND BLUE vs UMIAMI and AUBURN

The school colors are orange and blue and the alligator has been the school mascot since 1911. The Gators’ traditional rivals were UMiami and Auburn, but with rearranged Conferences, they play rarely now – these rivalries will revive this November when the 3 schools meet in the SE College Cricket Regionals.

Gator trivia : Gatorade was invented at UF in 1965 for the Gators football team. In the groundbreaking hit 80′s TV show “Miami Vice” one of the stars, Sonny Crocket was a former Gator football player. Fast food chain “Wendy’s” real life Wendy Thomas is a UF Alumni.

One of the Yankees’ owners,Hal Steinbrenner, did his Master’s there.

MEETING WITH CRICKET SUPERSTAR ?

The Gator Cricket Club President is Krishnarao Dase (K.D.), Vice President and Captain is Sandeep Pillarisetty (Pictured in left) and the Faculty Advisor is Dr. Richard Hill.

The team has a long way to go in acquiring uniforms,equipment and facilities but it already has a cricket star, (Vaibhav) Ricky Nayar, who was Vice-Captain of the USA Under 15 team. Nayar was MVP in games against Bermuda & Canada and MVP of the entire 2006 ICC Americas Cup.

This October, schedule permitting, there is a possible meeting and coaching session for Gator cricket players with International Cricket Superstar Shiv Chanderpaul , welcoming the Florida Gators to American College Cricket !

Lloyd Jodah is President of American College Cricket

RAMANO REMEMBERED !

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:49:24 +0000

by
Sam Sooppersaud

Like numerous sons of cricketers, young Ramano followed his father’s footsteps unto the cricket field. Like his father, the youngster was also a wicketkeeper/batsman.

The father, Mohammed Sahid grew up at Meter-Meer-Zorg, on the West Coast of Demerara, Guyana. He developed his cricketing skills with the village club, which he represented until he left to join the Guyana Police Force in 1979.

Between the years 1979 to 1985 Mohammed played for the police force in the First Division competition in and around Georgetown. He was an excellent batsman/wicketkeeper. When not representing Police, he went back to his roots and played for his original club, Meter-Meer-Zorg.

In 1989 Mohammed Sahid along with his wife, Rufida, and their children, immigrated to the United States of America. They settled in New York City where the family still lives. Young Ramano at the time was a mere toddler, 1 year, 4 months young. The parents worked hard chasing after the “American Dream” to ensure that their children get the opportunity and life, which they , the parents, did not enjoy. Eventually they were able to own and run a family business, a laundromat, which they still operate.

Once the family was relatively settled, the father, Mohammed, joined up with some friends from West Demerara and played cricket for the namesake club, West Demerara Cricket Club, in the Nassau Cricket League.

From a very tender age, Ramano would accompany his father to his games. He was eager to learn the sport. As time went by the father realized that Ramano had a knack for batting. He spotted a potential future batting star. He encounraged and practiced young Ramano,s talent. During his games the father found time to give his son ample batting practice. Ramano learnt fast. By age twelve it was evident that a future star was on the horizon. Seeing his father, whom he admired greatly, was a wicketkeeper, young Ramano took up ‘keeping himself. He eventually played for his father’s club, West Demerara, and alternated behind the stumps with is dad.

As time went by Ramano finetuned and developed hisd batting and wicketkeeping skills. He was selected, and travelled to England where he took place in a Under-15 Tournament. It was successful tour for him, both with the bat and behind the stumps. Ramano was also an excellent fieldsman. Exciting New York stars Andre Kirton and Andy Mohammed were two of his teammates. In young Ramano the New York Cricket Region, and indeed the United States of America Cricket Association had high hopes of getting a future star.

After Elementary school Ramano attended John Adams High School. There he immediately involved himself in preparing a school team, which eventually took part in the PSAL cricket program which was started in 2008. He spent time to identify and train the aspiring cricketers at his school.

Unfortunately Ramano was not around to to witness John Adams take part in the PSAL tournament and going on to play in the finals in 2008 and 2009. They lost in both years to Newcomers High School. He was taken from us in an automobile accident in December 2007. Cricket had lost a budding star, and parents an adoring son! He was a very easy going and likeable youngman. On the cricket field he was the consumate sportsman. He was the pride and joy of parents.

Each summer since his passing, Ramano’s friends and former teammates get together and in his honor stage the Ramano Memorial Game – to celebrate his life, and his accomplishments on the cricket field. This game will take place this Labor Day weekend, on Saturday, September 4th, at Baisely xPark North (The Cage), Foch Boulevard and Long Street, Richmond Hill. N.Y. A Select Eleven of Ramano’s friends will compete against his former club, West Demerara cricket Club.

Come out and support Ramano’s family, at the same time enjoy a day of exciting cricket, good food and refreshments.

SEE YOU AT THE CAGE !

ROMANO SHAHEED MEMORIAL GAME SAT SEPT. 4

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:15:05 +0000

Come out and support the Memorial Game for Romano Shaheed being played on Septepmber 4th at the Baisley Cage. The game will start at 12 pm.

If you would like to play please contact Vickey at 347-497-0809.

The game is played in Memory of the beloved Romano Shaheed who lost his precious life three years ago in a car accident at the age of 19. Romano was a wonderful wicket-keeper batsman who loved the game and we are just trying to do our part to remember him doing what he loved the most.

Sportsman defeat Springvalley in CW Semi-Final

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 02:30:57 +0000

Sportsman batted first made 293/5 with P.Plunkett 106,T.Persaud 63no,Rudy Blackman 24 and Andre Cousin 23.

In reply Springvalley reaches 158/8 off 28 overs when bad light stop play, scoring for springvalley Freeman 38 Wilson 28 and Lavan 20.

Bowling for Sportsman A.Shakur 3/24 and T.Persaud 3/28.Sportsman won by match run rate.

This was a div1 semi final Sportsman will play the winner between Albion and Regal.

AMERICAN COLLEGE CRICKET INKS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH BIG LEAGUE USA

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 02:18:32 +0000

In beautiful sunshine, surrounded by some of the best young Cricketers in the New York area at Baisley Pond Park in Queens, New York, American College Cricket President Lloyd Jodah,Vice President Nino DiLoreto and BIG League USA CEO Salman Ahmed announced that the two organisations had signed a strategic partnership.

ACC President Lloyd Jodah stated that ” this strategic partnership offers a complete range of components which will ensure that we continue the tremendous rate of progress we have been making with cricket in USA and Canadian Universities.Every College Cricketer that is a member of ACC can now not only dream BIG, but have a realistic expectation of getting more support and resources to accomplish those dreams.”

Salman Ahmed, CEO of BIG League USA said, ” BIG League USA will support American College Cricket in the further development of College Cricket in the United States. We will provide an International platform for College Cricketers to perform and develop. Beginning with the ACC Regional Championships this Fall, a pool of talented players will be identified from which at least five will be sent to train abroad with International players in countries such as India, Australia, England, South Africa and Barbados.”

Nino DiLoreto, ACC Vice President added that ” this is a momentous occasion. BIG League USA is an organization that manages some of the world’s best and emerging Cricket players. Their expertise in Sports Marketing, Player Management and Event Production is second to none.
Among the current projects that BIG League USA is involved are events planned at the only ICC Cricket Certified Stadium in North America at the Central Broward Regional Park, an October 2010 launch of a line of Cricket Merchandise and Equipment called “American Dream of Cricket”. The flagship “BIG Cricket Store” will be located in Queens, New York. A wide range of other Cricket goods from manufacturers like Adidas, Nike, Puma, Gray Nicolls, Gun & Moore, Slazenger, Kookaboora, MB Malik, CA, SS, SF among others.”

On hand for the announcement were ACC Advisory Board Members Krish Prasad and John Aaron, NYC PSAL (High School) Cricket League Commissioner Bassett Thompson and Chairman of the USA selectors and former West Indies Test Player Sew Shivnarine.

Among the student athletes present were Adrian Gordon (NYU-Poly), Romel Somavat (Ohio State U.), Shaan Mehta (George Washington U) Ankit Pandya, Parth Shah and Sapan Sharma ( Rutgers U.), Mohammed Suleman, Hugo D’Oliveira, Yasneen Khan, Shames Rahman, and Bilal Shahid (York College), Regis Burton (SUNY) and Chad Munroe (UCONN).

American College Cricket’s growth has made the New York Times, front page of the Sunday Washington Post, NY Daily News, Voice of America, Sports Illustrated, Canada’s top newspaper the “Globe and Mail”,Sun Sentinel, Espn CRICINFO and the ICC Film “Cricket in America”.

The 2010 American College Cricket Spring Break Championship for the Chanderpaul Trophy, had 20 teams and 47 games played in 5 days – the largest cricket tournament ever in the world. The live webcast of the Semis and Finals was the first major video broadcast of any USA domestic cricket, and got a viewership of thousands.

END

For further information, please contact:
Lloyd Jodah
Phone: 646-515-0712 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 646-515-0712 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Email: dogevpr2@aim.com

The Metropolitan Cricket League – Making a difference since 1879

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 02:17:07 +0000

from ONDRIVE

A tribute to the New York Cricket Region

By Dr. Sham Samaroo

Aug 30, 2010

In a series of articles, On Drive pays tribute to the New York Cricket Region (NYCR) – its history, achievements, and challenges. Home to a very large immigrant population with a web site, On Drive, and a newspaper, Cricket International, both exclusively dedicated to the coverage of international cricket; and one of the more established cricket stores in North America, Bedessee Sports, the NYCR considers itself the epicenter of cricket in America (A claim sure to be disputed by other Regions around the country). There are seven leagues in the NYCR, and one that is on course to earning full status.

In Part I of this series, On Drive turns the spotlight on the New York Metropolitan and District Cricket Association (Metropolitan League) – one of the oldest and vibrantly successful leagues in the country. Boasting a membership of 20 clubs, the League is headed by United States Hall of Famer, and one of the most dynamic and hard-working presidents, Mascelles Bailey. Mas, as he is affectionately known, is the consummate cricket lover having been actively involved in the sport here in New York for over 30 years, first as a player and now administrator. Asked what he considers the greatest achievement of the Metropolitan League, President Bailey, proudly and unhesitatingly, lauded the fact that this year marks the 131^st anniversary of the League, founded in 1879. To put that in historical perspective, test cricket began just two years prior to that in 1877, and only two countries competed at the time – England and Australia.

The seeds of the Metropolitan League were sowed by English expatriates who brought with them to America their love and passion for the gentleman’s game. Established in 1879, the founding member clubs of the Metropolitan League were: Fairmount, General Electric CC (Philadelphia), Patterson CC (New Jersey), Brooklyn CC and Staten Island CC. The majority of the players in the Philadelphia area were immigrants from Yorkshire and Nottingham. The First President was the Reverend W.S. Rainford and with him on the first Executive Board were C.A. McNully, Jerome Flannery, Harry Manley, and Clifford Turner.

Currently enjoying his second stint as president, Bailey joined the League in 1977 – almost 100 years after its founding. And it’s a testimony to the current president’s unwavering commitment to uphold and preserve the proud legacy of the League that he unhesitatingly shared with me the League’s history dating back to the founding members.

An off-break bowler and useful middle order batsman, Bailey began his New York playing career with the Bank League of which he was a founding member, before going on to found the Lucas Cricket Club in 1977 with Armstrong and Reeves. Through his untiring efforts, Lucas CC acquired its own clubhouse in 1981 (located at 1012 Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn). The Lucas clubhouse serves as headquarters of the Metropolitan League, and the Umpires’ Training School is also housed there.

When Bailey joined the Metropolitan League, one of the challenges facing the League was the need to modernize it – to expand on the vision of the founding members. To that end, the latter part of the 20^th century saw the League grow from strength to strength under the dynamic leadership of Presidents Derrick Scott, Clement “Busta” Lawrence and Clifford Hinds. During the 80s and 90s, the Metropolitan League distinguished itself by winning the NYCR seven-team Interleague competition seven times – in 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1999 – an unprecedented accomplishment.

Among numerous initiatives that Bailey has been a part of is the sense of pride and professionalism that he brought to the Metropolitan League’s annual presentation ceremony. Having worked in the business sector, Bailey understands the importance of a professional image; and the need to co-opt local politicians in service to the game. Bailey felt that the League’s annual presentation should be a window through which Americans could see and experience the gentleman’s game. He wanted to show the New York community that cricketers, fans and players, were first and foremost gentlemen/women committed to family and community values; that among them are career professionals participating at the highest levels of the American dream.

Into his second stint as president, Bailey believes that it is imperative that the League aligns itself with the sophisticated and innovative demands of the 21^st century – and to be able to do this the League must be on firm financial footing. He challenges the member clubs to align their thinking, and their actions, with this vision for the future. Through his efforts, the League’s constitution was amended to bring onto the Executive Board two additional positions – a PR officer and a Marketing officer. The introduction of full competition, colored-clothing cricket in 2006 is another of President Bailey’s initiatives in keeping with the modern game.

In recognition of his unstinting efforts in service to the game; the NYCR; and the Metropolitan League, President Bailey was inducted into the USA Cricket Hall of Fame in 2008 where he was introduced by another stalwart of the NYCR, and fellow Hall of Fame inductee, Roy Sweeney. In his acceptance speech, Bailey said, “Our hearts are in the right place…[and] We are all united in our cause towards cricket in the U.S.”

As Metropolitan League President, Bailey also sits on the Board of the NYCR. More than ever before, Bailey firmly believes that there is a “a future for cricket…but we need more cohesion. You need to do the right thing; be honest; be transparent – we need this in the Region”, he told me.

The full Executive Board of the Metropolitan Cricket League in 2010:

Mascelles Bailey – President
Carl Patrick – Vice President
Dr. Sham Ali – Corresponding Secretary
Venelda Wallace – Recording Secretary
Trevor Walfall – Treasurer
Dr. Linden Dodson – Public Relations Officer
Cliff Roye – Marketing Officer

Special Thanks to Mr. Sham Samaroo for sharing this wonderful article with LibertyCricket.com