Colonie Little League held it’s annual draft selections for the 2010 Major baseball season today, at the famed Cook Park clubhouse.

Vellano Brothers, coming off their 4th League Championship and 7th playoff appearance in 12 years, lost 7 players due to graduation. On top of that, they also were replacing a 13 yr veteran manager and four of it’s “highly paid consultants”. The new skipper, Phil Adikes, the lone coach returning from the record breaking season of ‘09, will lead this team into the new decade…..and just 2 weeks with the new job, he made some blockbuster moves!! He brings out of a short retirement (ala Brett Favre) and signs short term deals with sure to be VB Hall of Famers, Coaches Breen and Therien. Coach Adikes claims…”it’s money well spent, this franchise does whatever it takes to get the job done. We feel with these draft picks we got today PLUS the 5 returning players….we’re going to have a team that we will be proud to represent this franchise into the new decade!!”

So, here are the NEW players on Vellano Brothers (alphabetical order):

Brendan Burke (12) — Brendan comes from our International division having a great season playing with AARS Hardwood. Brendan was on Coach Adikes radar as he spent some time coaching him a few years back and “jumped” on the opportunity to have him part of this team. We look forward to Brendan making many contributions in his final little league season!!

Andrew Dinovo (11) — Andrew comes from our International division having a great season playing with Holland Nursery. Andrew then was a key member on CLL’s District 13 Champion all-star team. Andrew carries all of the “tools” to be a key member over the next two years!!

Patrick Hilt (12) — Patrick comes from our International division having a great season playing with Holland Nursery. Patrick was another player who had spent time with Coach Adikes in the past and was on his “radar” entering this draft. We look forward to Patrick making many contributions in his final little league season!!

James Hutton (11) — James comes from our International division having a great season playing with Luizzi Paving. James then was a key member on CLL’s District 13 Champion all-star team. James also had a “monster” tryout and the coaches can’t wait to get his bat in this lineup!!

Michael Monthie (9) — Michael comes from our PW division having a great season playing with Atlantic States. Michael was a key contributor as Atlantic won the League Championship in 2009!! Anytime you can add a young and talented player that comes from another winning franchise, it just makes sense. Vellano strikes again!!

Duncan Satterlee (11) — Duncan comes from our International division having a great season playing with Champion Windows. Duncan then was a key member on CLL’s District 13 Champion all-star team. Last Summer, Vellano scouts watched as Duncan tossed a No-Hitter during all-star play and impressed us all with his composure while on the mound. Those darn Vellano scouts strike again!!

Andrew Shaw (10) — Andrew comes from our International division having a great season playing with Holland Nursery. Andrew will be the 3rd Shaw to wear the purple and play for VB. Just like his brothers, Andrew is athletic and a fierce competitor. We look forward to Andrew showcasing this over his three years with the team!!

THE 5 RETURNING PLAYERS

Christopher Adikes (11) — Entering his 2nd year, Christopher played 5 different positions during the record ‘09 season, making many contributions along the way. His biggest moment was a one-hop double to the wall as it cleared the bases for 3 rbi’s!! Christopher then went on to represent CLL as a member of the 10 yr old District all-star team!!

Philip Adikes (12) — Philip enters his 4th and final season with Vellano. Philip already has a huge resume as he has over 50 Vellano wins to his credit, plus 2 playoff appearances and of course a Championship last year. Philip’s biggest moment last year was being the starting catcher for a 28-0 team and being able to catch, and catch well, two of New York states best pitchers. Philip then went on and was a member of CLL’s 11 yr old District 13 Champion all-star team!!

Nate McCarroll (11) — Nate enters his 2nd year with VB having played 5 different positions during the Championship ‘09 season, making many contributions along the way. One of Nate’s big moments was being able to catch two of New York states best 12 year old pitchers. That experience made it an easy transition when Nate was selected on CLL’s 10 yr old all-star team and then was their starting catcher!!

Jim Morrison (12) — Jim enters his 3rd and final season with Vellano. Jim has made the playoffs in both seasons and would like to set a Vellano record by being the 1st VB player to make the playoffs for his entire career!! Jim became known as the “Iceman” from VB coaches as Jim calmly pitched 3 stellar innings and notched the win against a 21-1 Pine Bush team during the Championship run. Jim then went on to be the starting 2nd baseman for CLL’s 11 yr old District 13 Champion all-star team!!

Zack Shaw (11) — Zack enters his 2nd season with Vellano as he played 5 different positions during the record ‘09 season, making many contributions along the way. As a 10, Zack found himself playing 3rd base during “crunch time” as his defensive skills was a VB weapon late in the year. We look forward to seeing more of that during his final two years!!

COACHING STAFF
Vellano’s style at practice has always been, the more Dad’s that help, the more we can get accomplished. This team has many parents who will assist a great deal during practices as the team prepares. But listed below are the CLL Officers who are the “official staff” during game days.

Manager-
Philip Adikes

Coaches-
Dan Breen
Tom Dinovo
Greg Therien

There’s also “rumors” circulating that 17 year league officer Bill Monthie, who already has 2 Major Championships to his credit, may be signed on to complete Manager Adikes staff!!