Two local college players have banner year.

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) – Junior Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester City High School) was named to the NJAC All-Star Baseball Second Team at second base. He boasted a .402 average with 66 hits, including 61 singles, while driving in 28 runs for the Lions as a starter in all 38 games at second. He also leads the team with 158 at bats and has drawn 24 walks and struck out just six times, ranking 20th nationally as the toughest to strikeout. 

And TCNJ Junior Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester City, NJ/Gloucester Catholic High School) batted .346 with 15 extra-base hits including eight doubles and five home runs. He added 42 RBI with a .523 slugging percentage in 38 starts at third. Mazzaccaro was named to the NJAC Honorable mention All-Star squad.

Commentary by Hank F. Miller Jr.

 

In contrast to Mono-no sekku, or the Peach Festival for girls on March 3, this day is to be called Tango- no-sekku, or the Boys Festival. After World War II, May 5 was designated as Children\’s Day and made a national holiday.

Families with sons display warrior dolls and miniature helmets inside the house and fly carp streamers outdoors. The carp has the power to fight its way up fast flowing streams and even waterfalls and therefore, represents the courage and strength expected of boys.

Many Japanese eat chimaki, steamed rice cakes, and kashiwamochi, rice cakes stuffed with sweet bean paste and wrapped in oak leaves, on and around Children\’s Day.

There is also a custom of taking a hot bath with iris leaves in the water on May 5. This special bath is said to be good for the health.

 

Warm Regards from Kitakyushu City, Japan

 

Hank F. Miller Jr.