World Series tradition continues for local Muni family
It was 1962 when Joe Muni and 14 other 15-yearolds reached the pinnacle of youth baseball and created a lifetime of memories.
Now, 55 years later Joe’s grandson Ian is anxious to head on that same remarkable Babe Ruth League journey as a member of the World Series-bound West Windsor-Plainsboro 15-year-old all-stars.
Joe was an outfielder on the World Series champion Trenton BRL team in ’62 and Ian, who is also an outfielder, will be looking to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and bring home a world championship.
WW-P gets underway in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee on Thursday.
“It means a lot to be going through this experience and knowing that he has gone through it before,’’ said Ian. “Then to be going through it with these kids that have played with these last few years only makes it an even more awesome experience.’’
Much like the Trenton team in 1962, this West Windsor-Plainsboro team had to overcome some obstacles in the District One tourney, but once they got to the state and regional tournament they took control.
An asset that both Muni’s enjoyed in Babe Ruth tournament play was both teams possess a high degree of confidence and the ability to put the team first.
“There was no jealousy,’’ recalled the elder Muni, who is a Vietnam Veteran. “We knew we always had the best nine guys on the field and the six guys on the bench could fill in for anyone.’’
It’s that team-first attitude that has served WW-P well, too.
“We have a lot of confidence in each other,’’ said Ian. “We’ve had some low points, but we do a good job of picking each other up and the coaching has been there for us and they keep us motivated.’’
A great deal of pride shines through Joe when talking about Ian and his ability.
“He’s a better ballplayer than I was,’’ admitted Joe. “I was good just not as good as him. His dad (Eric) has put a lot of time in with him and he has improved so much. He’s a very food little ballplayer.’’
Ian played with the West Windsor-Plainsboro South varsity team this past spring and credits his dad for furthering his love of the game.
“I started playing at a very young age with a lot of support from my dad and my love of the game grew from there,’’ Ian said. “As I get introduced to better competition it only motivates me more.’’
As his grandfather can tell him there will be plenty of competition in the World Series. The ’62 World Champions won 17of-18 games that summer and capped it off with a 7-6 win over Portland, OR in the title game in Bridgeton, N.J.
Each of the Trenton games throughout the regionals and the World Series were broadcast by the late great Harold “Bus” Saidt, who later became a Hall of Fame baseball writer.
There might not be a play-by-play team following West Windsor-Plainsboro, but Joe Muni had some great advice to his grandson.
“Have a good time and enjoy yourself,’’ Joe said. “You only get to do something like this once and he’ll remember it for the rest of his life.’’
Heeding his grandad’s advice Ian is ready to soak it all up and hopefully compare championships at those future Muni family gatherings.
Babe Ruth Notes
The District One Fall League is right around the corner, so check with your league officials for more information.
It was a very productive summer for Bill Pettit, the Southern New Jersey Commissioner. SNJ sent five teams to a World Series. Marlton won the 9-year-old regional title, Burlington Township won the Cal Ripken 10’s, Atlantic Shore won the 13’s, Hamilton-Northern Burlington the 14’s and WW-P the 15’s.