End Of An Era

As a long-time and often-suffering Mets fan I can only hope yesterday was truly the end of a disappointing era and better days are head. General Manager Omar Minaya and manager Jerry Manuel will not return next season as the search is now on for a new GM who would then hire a field manager. Minaya & Manuel are not deserving of all the blame for bad play the last couple of years but it was clearly time for a change.

Former Toms River North pitcher Jerry DiPoto might not have landed the job he really wanted but will remain with the Arizona Diamondbacks as Vice President of Scouting & Player Development. The 42-year old served as interim General Manager for much of this past season and was a finalist for the job which last week went to Kevin Towers. DiPoto was not expected to stay in the organization but the father of 3 decided to accept the new offer which pretty much makes him Towers’ assistant. He pitched for the Mariners in the mid 80’s and then went on to play at Virginia Commonwealth before being traded by Cleveland in 1989. DiPoto spent 7 years in the majors with the Indians, Mets & Rockies and then began his second career working in the front office.

It’s hard to imagine it right now but it does look like we’ll have beautiful weather later in the week. Friday night our Shore Sports Network will be at Barnegat for the biggest football game in the short history of that high school as the Bengals host Lacey. Both teams are undefeated and many think the Lions are the top team in the shore as they seemingly don’t have any weaknesses. The Bengals are led by Tulane University bound quarterback Nick SanGiacomo. Friday’s game can be heard on 105.7 FM and 1310AM.

Rutgers University wrestling supporters will head to Connolly Station in Belmar this Saturday for a social and fundraiser from 2-8pm. The event will feature food, music, raffles, auctions and much more and among those on hand will be head coach Scott Goodale, who has built the Scarlet Knights into a national power in just three seasons. Before that Goodale built a dynasty as his alma mater Jackson Memorial. Tickets for Saturday’s wrestling event are $20 in advance and $25 at the door….for more information visit www.theshoreconference.com