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# 1 Matt Gionta Matt "Skip" Gionta took over as manager of the Comets in 2007, following Comets legendary firstbaseman Joe Collins. Gionta was originally drafted by the club in 2006 and plays second base in addition to managing the team. Gionta also manages the league's tournament team, the Philadelphia Stars. The Stars finished second in the 2009 MSBL World Series in Arizona, falling 5-2 in the championship game. Gionta has participated in many GPMABL events during his tenure, including: playing at Citizens Bank Park, competing against the Russian Olympic team and travelling with the league to the MSBL World Series. Matt currently resides in Prospect Park and works in the Athletic & Recreation Department at La Salle University. Patrique was drafted by the Comets in the first round of the 2010 GPMABL Draft. The third overall pick will help the Comets in the outfield and at second base, in addition to providing offense for the club. Patrique grew up in Arkansas where he played for LR Hall High School and collegiately at the Univ.of Arkansas-FS. He currently resides in University City. He is a graphic/interactive designer for Longshot Creatifs and the creative director for DOHPE. #3 Rafi Cave Rafi Cave has captained the Comets outfield since his return to the club in 2007. Cave is one of two current Comets (Brett Mandel) who helped the club win the 2003 GPMABL Championship. Cave's defensive versatility has allowed the Comets to play him in all three outfield positions. At the plate, Rafi led all Comets in runs (12), while getting on-base at a .371 clip at the top of the lineup. The Comets dedicated the annual sportsmanship award to Cave in 2009. Jared Shelly became the first receipient of the Rafi Cave Sportsmanship Award in recognition of his attitude and willingness to be a good teammate. #5 Brett Mandel Brett Mandel is the only original member of the Comets franchise remaining active. Mandel, who also serves as the league's Commissioner, has been a stalwart for the franchise since its roots as the Black Sox. Mandel near the top of the league's charts in all-time games played, hits and runs scored. Brett regularly patrols second base for the Comets, but will also make the occaisonal appearance at third base. Brett was recognized by the Men's Senior Baseball League for his work as Commissioner in 2008 as a member of the MSBL Hall of Fame. The Commish received his award during the Stars trip to the World Series. An active member of the Philadelphia political community, Brett currently is the Executive Director of Eddie Tech. He and his wife Laura live in the Fitler's Square section of Philadelphia with their children, Rose, Ariel and Sidney. #6 Gavin White Gavin White made his Comets debut in July of 2009, adding pop to the Comets lineup for the stretch run. White adds a strong arm in the Comets bullpen, as well as patrolling first base for the club. Gavin is currently a student at Temple University, majoring in Sport and Recreation Management. #7 Andrew Marcus Andrew Marcus burst onto the GPMABL scene in 2008, earning Comets Rookie of the Year honors. Hitting at a .322 clip in 2008, the speedy Marcus has swiped 7 bases in each of his first two seasons with the club. Marcus primarily patrols third base for the Comets, but has made several appearances at second. The former Spring-Ford Ram now resides in Conshohocken and is a sports writer for Montgomery Newspapers. Read Andrew’s work by clicking here. #8 Brian Reiter Brian Reiter joins the Comets for 2010, after playing in several New York leagues prior to moving to Philadelphia. Reiter’s talent on the mound helps add depth and experience to the Comets pitching staff, while his infield play with help strengthen the club up the middle. Reiter currently resides in Center City and is a physician at Temple’s Northeastern Hospital. #9 Adam Goldstein Adam Goldstein will patrol the vast outfield of Hank DeVincent Field for the Comets in 2010. The rookie is currently a student at Temple University, after migrating from the great northeastern Pennsylvania burg of Scranton, often referred to as the "Electric City". Goldstein’s arm strength and mobility will allow Comets manager Matt Gionta to play him at all three outfield slots. The hard-hitting Goldstein performed well during the Comets fall season, and will add depth to the bullpen as well. Goldstein currently resides in North Philadelphia. For more information on Pennsylvania’s Progressive City, please click here. #10 Buddy Bonetti Buddy Bonetti’s ability to get on-base will help spark the Comets offense in 2010. Bonetti hit .270, while getting on base at a .413 clip as a rookie in 2009. The corner outfielder played his high school ball at St. John Neumann High School in South Philadelphia. The former Pirate standout is an accountant for Allied Barton and resides in King of Prussia. #11 Tom O'Konski Tom enters his rookie season with the Comets in 2010. The Braintree, Massachusetts import will be charged with handling the Comets pitching staff from behind the plate. #12 James Freeman James returns to the Comets for his fourth year in 2010. Freeman, who dazzled the GPMABL with a .881 ERA in 2006, was sidelined in 2007 & 2008 with an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. Freeman returned to limited duty in 2009. Freeman has spent time behind the plate and at shortsop for the Comets, hitting .300 while winning Comets MVP & Rookie of the Year honors in 2006. Freeman helped lead Malvern Prep to a Inter-Ac Championship in 2001 and attended the University of Pennsylvania thereafter. James currently resides in South Philadelphia and is employed as a marketing executive. #13 Joe Cice Joe Cice will add pop to the Comets lineup as a rookie in 2010. Cice, an infielder with ability to play all four positions, played collegiately at the University of Scranton. Joe works at Front Rush and currently resides in Newtown. #14 Jared Shelly Shelly led the Tigres de Aragua to a championship title in 2002 and a repeat in 2003. Shelly’s fine work with the bat and his notorious antics in the Marcay nightlife scene made him a hit with the locals, who gave him the nickname “El Palo Grande” (The Big Stick.) After visa issues and a disagreement with the Venezuelan government about ownership of a convertible, Shelly was forced to relocate to With his professional days behind him, Shelly settled back to his hometown of For the past two seasons, Shelly has served as an outfielder for the Philadelphia Comets and cleaned up his once tarnished image, earning the Rafi Cave Sportsmanship Award after the 2009 season. He plans to make a Fat Head of himself in the near future. #16 Jon Kemp Jon Kemp is a GPMABL rookie in 2010, but the veteran has played in several area leagues prior to joining the Comets squad. Kemp competed in the Delaware Valley MABL against the Comets, then known as the Black Sox. Kemp pitched collegiately at Eckerd College. The Comets lead the GPMABL in former Tritons with two (Kemp & O’Konski). Jon currently resides in Glenside and works for a parking company. #17 Dana Erb Dana Erb ranks amoung the all-time Comets leaders in wins, innings pitched and strikeouts. Erb enters his fourth year on the mound for the maroon and gold in 2010. Dana joined the Comets in 2007 after being drafted in the annual GPMABL Draft. Erb quickly took his rightful place on the mound, compiling nearly 200 innings in his first three seasons of work. Dana currently works for Boeing as an engineer on the V-22 Osprey. The Boyertown native currently resides in Woodlyn and enjoys wine, dance music and the beach. #22 Matt Breen
Matt Breen is a versatile player that will help the Comets on the mound and at the plate in 2010. Breen played club baseball at Northwestern, where he is active in a number of alumni functions and events. He captained the Hun School’s state championship team in 2002 during his high school playing days. Breen currently resides in Center City and is employed as an attorney. Jon became the GPMABL's "Mr. Irrelevant" as the final pick in the 2010 GPMABL Draft. His draft status was not affected by talent, but the cause of a mix-up in timing. The mistake is sure to benefit the Comets, who will utilize Jon in the outfield, in addition to calling him out of the bullpen.
Gerwitz currently resides in Huntingdon Valley and attended Lower Moreland High School. #32 Phil Motley Phil Motley begins his third season as a Comet in 2010. The righthanded hurler has become one of the league's finest, earining All-Star honors in 2009. Motley is expected to see time at shortstop and first base, in addition to pitching. Phil's contributions to the GPMABL Stars in the 2009 MSBL World Series helped lead the club to a second place finish. Phil is currently a post-baccularate student at Temple University and resides in Hatfield. Phil is an accomplished guitar player. #33 DeWitt Brown DeWitt Brown enters his fourth year as a Comet in 2010. Brown has had an impact on the Comets at a variety of different positions, including rightfield, first base and third base. Brown's offensive production has helped pace the Comets attack. DeWitt his at career-high .347 in 2007 and .321 in 2009, His 8 RBI in 2008 ranked third on the club. DeWitt resides in Philadelphia with his wife, Alli, and son, Liam. |
2010 COMETS |
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