The Union Knights advanced to the championship series by beating the defending champion Essex Bulls in an unbelievable pitcher's duel on Saturday. The game featured two of the best pitchers in the league: Knights ace Sean O'Brien, and Bulls ace Tim Dugan. Both pitchers came in with an arsenal of electric stuff, and both came in determined to win.

Through 8 innings of play, O'Brien and Dugan traded scoreless innings, refusing to let the opposition's offense get anything going with the sticks. It wasn't until the top of the ninth that the Knights were able to break through. A lead-off walk and aggressive baserunning by Johnny Martinez along with a key hit by Julio Reyes provided the spark that the Knights needed. Dave Cannici and Steve Berson each knocked in a run to put the Knights up 2-0. Sam Parolise's double knocked in another run to boost the lead to 3-0. It was all the Knights would need as O'Brien finished off what he started by pitching a scoreless ninth.

The Knights would like to tip their hats to the Bulls for a hard-fought and well-played series. The Essex Bulls are a classy group of guys who truly represented themselves well as champions.

The Union Knights clinched the American Conference and a bye into the semi-finals of the 2008 playoffs with a hard-fought victory against the Jersey Barons on Sunday. In a league packed with very talented teams, the Knights were fully aware that earning a bye was extremely important in their quest to win the 2008 Mel Ott Championship. All they needed to do was win one of their three remaining games. Fortunately, they were able to get it done right away against a very competitive Barons team.

 At 14-3, the Knights now share the same record as the leader of the National Conference, the Hunterdon Red Sox. It will come down to the final games of the season to see who earns the #1 seed in the playoffs. No matter what the outcome, however, the Knights are fully loaded and ready to go in the post-season. 

Congratulations on a well-earned accomplishment, boys, but remember...this is just the beginning!  Knights first!

The Union Knights knew they had a very tough matchup ahead of them on Sunday when they faced the defending Mel Ott champions, the Essex Bulls. They gave the ball to 2-time Cy Young winner Val Robinson,and he delivered one of his finest performances. The "V-Train" kept the Bulls offense off-balance, throwing six scoreless innings without allowing a hit. Although the Knights could have let Robinson attempt to go the distance, they decided to pull him in the 7th to preserve his arm for the long season and brought in the dependable Alberto Castro. Through two innings of work, Castro used his crafty arsenal of pitches to preserve the no-hitter. It was then up to fireballer Sean O'Brien to seal the deal in the 9th, and he did just that striking out two batters and securing the no-hitter.

On offense, Knights slugger Dave Cannici went 2-3 with two RBI's. One of those RBI's was a solo blast in the 8th off of Bulls ace Tim Dugan. Shortstop Brian Cannici went 2-4, driving in 3 runs.

*The "web gem" of the game went to Julio Reyes, who after making a catch in right field unleashed his howitzer to gun down a Bulls runner at the plate in the 7th inning. This was a huge double-play that ended a would-be Bulls rally.

The Knights are now 2-0 and look to build on this solid effort.

In 2007, the Union Knights found themselves taking the field without several talented players who decided to leave the team for various personal reasons. Well, after playing only one season for different teams in different leagues, these players found that once you bleed Knights blue, YOU ALWAYS BLEED KNIGHTS BLUE. They decided to come back to the "family", and of course, they were welcomed with open arms.

The Knights are proud to announce the return of the following players who look to make major contributions in the 2008 Mel Ott League:

Steve Berson - C

Val Robinson - P

Julio Reyes - OF

Jaime Santacruz - IF

Armando Diaz, Jr. OF/IF

Johnny Martinez - OF 

Welcome back, boys! We are extremely excited and proud to have you wearing the Knights uniform once again. Knights first!!!