By: Edir Coronado
The New Providence Reds are the 2016 New Jersey Amateur Baseball League Champions. On August 27th The Reds faced the Yellow Jackets at Palisades Park in game 2 and defeated their opponent, mainly through defense, holding the Yellow Jackets to 1 run the entire series and scoring when it counted.
The New Providence Reds are no strangers to the winner’s circle. The New Providence Red’s, or the Jersey Athletics, started in 2002, during this time then player now coach, Matthew Somos began to play with the organization. In 2003 they changed the team name to the Jersey Giants, that same year in the fall Matthew Somos took on coaching responsibilities and the team changed their name to the Whitehouse Giants.
Matthew Somos is an integral part of their success. Matthew has lived in New Providence for 31 years. After having graduated from William Paterson University with an undergraduate degree in communication, Matthew went on to play two years of college baseball at Raritan Valley Community College. He then became an assistant coach at the college for two years before rising to head coach, where he held the position for three years. He moved on to be an assistant coach for two years, where he still coaches as a volunteer in the fall. He is now the Varsity assistant coach at Oratory Preparatory School.
It is this extensive coaching plus playing experience that has allowed Matthew to guide his team to victory on the field. The team won their first championship when they changed their names to the Whitehouse Reds, in 2004. They again returned to the championship scene in 2009, winning their second in the Adult Baseball League.
The team decided to change leagues and joined the Amateur Baseball League, winning their first championship game in 2013 as the New Providence Reds in the Inaugural Metal Championship. They returned to the spotlight the next year to win their second championship in 2014 and this year solidifies their dynasty. Through all their efforts and having a successful 2016 year, Matthew Somos explains that although they won the championship this year, it was their most difficult season to date. Last year, while they did not win the championship, the Reds still had an impressive 15-3 record, this season they had three 2 game winning streaks, one coming at the end of the season in the form of a double header. They were outscored 19-1 in their home field, something that is uncharacteristic of the team, since defense is a focal point to their success.
The team chose to completely suppress their disappointing losses and head into the playoffs with a fresh start. The Reds leaned on their defense, which Matt feels was the best in the entire league. The reliance worked and once in the championship, they felt they had no reason to change the game plan. They relied on Scott Horowitz, their ace, to carry them deep into the game. The Yellow Jackets were unable to connect with him on the mound and that trend continued in the championship game.
Scott has played with the New Providence Reds for a few seasons and played college ball at Denison University in Granville, Ohio. He heard about the team from two of his old high school teammates at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, Billy Holden and Carlo Romano. Scott admits that the Yellow Jackets have had several hits and runs against him, but having a formidable opponent only excites the competitive athlete within him. Scott believes the Yellow Jackets are a talented team, when he heard they were going to face them he welcomed the opportunity. Ultimately Scott credits his defense for the win.
Currently the team is resting until they start their practice sessions again in February. Matt explains that the plan is to stay together as a team and play until there is no more passion for the game. As players begin to “retire,” Matt hopes that the younger fans that attend the games will join the team in the future and continue that New Providence Reds Pride.
