How is this for a pitching matchup: Leiter vs Mariano Rivera?

Mariano Rivera at his son's game vs. St. Peter's
Mariano Rivera at his son's game vs. St. Peter's (provided to Townsquare Media NJ)
loading...

Was that Al Leiter or his brother Mark who combined for 227 major league victories?  Neither.It was their nephew John battling Mariano Rivera, the son of the Yankee legend and soon-to-be Hall of Famer. 

It took place last weekend when St. Peter’s visited Iona and on this occasion Leiter, a former Toms River South All-Division hurler got the best of the younger Mariano outdueling him in a 2-0 Peacocks victory. The 6’, 190 pound right-hander collected his first win of the season as he went the distance and allowed just two hits while striking out 4. Rivera was the hard luck loser as he gave up only one hit with 10 K’s with his famous father on hand in New Rochelle, New York. 

John Leiter on the mound
John Leiter on the mound (Leiter Family)
loading...

While Leiter’s uncles are both retired his 24-year old cousin Mark (son of Mark) is pitching in the Phillies organization for the Class “A” Clearwater Thrashers after splitting last season between the Lakewood BlueClaws and Florida.  As for John, who is a junior at St. Peter’s, he’ll spend this summer playing for the Keene (New Hampshire) Swamp Bats in the New England Baseball League

St. Peter’s roster includes quite a few players from the shore and their coach is T.J. Baxter, a former standout at Toms River East and later the University of New Orleans who briefly played professional baseball before getting into coaching. The 29-year old Baxter was acting head coach last season before being promoted last summer.  St. Peter’s is 7-24-1 but has won three of their last four games.

The Seaside Rotary Club is hosting “Taste of the Barrier Island” tomorrow (Friday) night at the Lavallette Firehouse on Washington Avenue.  The event is being billed as a sampling of some of the best dishes on the island from Bubba’s Burgers, Crab’s Claw Inn, Bum Rogers, Klee’s, Meg’s Grill, Lava Java, Lenny’s Pizza & Italian Grill, Iceberg Ice Cream, Savor, Capriccio by the Sea, Hemmingway’s Café, PJ’s Place, Kohr’s Frozen Custard and The Original Music Man. 

There will also be wine sampling courtesy of Lavallette Liquors.  Many other local businesses are donating door prizes and the Blues Collar Band will provide music.  Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door for adults, $10 for children and kids under 12 are free.  A majority of the proceeds will go towards the Lavallette Fire Company. For more information call Gina at (732) 674-6714.

 

 

More From 92.7 WOBM