Joe Morelle’s love of the game

On Sunday, Congressman Joseph Morelle (25th District), wearing a St. Louis Cardinals jacket, his beloved team, dropped by the softball game at the Twelve Corners Middle School in Brighton. The next stop was the adjacent Brighton Farmer’s Market for food, music and conviviality.

For several years Congressman Morelle, an avid baseball/softball fan, wanted to see the Game at the Corners. (FULL SERIES AT END) Finally, at the 2022 Memorial Day event at Buckland Park in Brighton, we solidified the visit.

In Brighton Town Council Member Jason DiPonzio shows his stuff at the first pitch at the Game at the Corners. unofficial commissioner David Esan gives the history of the game:

The game has its roots in pick up games played over 40 years ago at the Hillel School. As families grew, the game disappeared. It started again 23 years ago. The theme is to have fun, and hopefully to pass the love of softball to a younger generation. All are welcome to join us. Games are Sunday at 9:30am in the Twelve Corners Middle School field. The season runs from early May to Labor Day

Joe answered a few questions

Talker: On your twitter page, you declare yourself a “baseball enthusiast.” Can you elaborate?

Joe:

Talker: I know you wanted to throw out the first pitch at the Game at the Corners but hurt your wrist, landing on the D.L. (Disabled List). What happened and how are you doing?

Joe:

Talker: Can you recap your softball/baseball playing career? [Don’t mention the congressional baseball game in this question]

Joe:

Talker: Perhaps the highlight of your career is the annual Congressional Baseball game. On September 29th, 2021, In “We Polled Members Of Congress … About Baseball,” Five Thirty Eight featured you, including some strong opinions on what baseball should be. Tell us about the CBG experience.

How did the RIT team help you prepare? In 2021 a Joe Morelle baseball card was made.  What’s on the back side?

Joe:

Talker: You threw out the first pitch for the 2022 Rochester Hispanic Youth Baseball League. Tell us a little about the RHYBL. How did the pitch go?

Joe:

Talker: Who are or have been some of your favorite Rochester Red Wings? How often are you able to attend games at Frontier Field?

Joe:

Talker: You are a diehard St. Louis Cardinal fan. When and how did you become the team’s fan?  How many games have you seen in person? Where do Ozzie Smith and Lou Brock fit within the pantheon of Cardinal stars?

Joe:

Talker: When were you last at the Brighton Farmer’s Marker? Pretty impressive, would you agree?

Joe:

2015 Game at the Corners

Pick up softball games still exist

At Young Woman’s College Prep, Brad Rosenbaum aiming to hit 1.000

2016 Game at the Corners

The Boys of Summer are back at The Corners

Ball in creek disrupts Game at the Corners; Blake hits for the cycle

Casper scores the winning run at The Corners

Umpire added to Game at the Corners. Players subtracted

Who’s counting at the Game at the Corners

Celebrating the Fourth of July at the Game at the Corners. And much more.

“Crooked Arm” Brancato brings 19th Century base ball to the Game at the Corners

First Girls of Summer at the Game at the Corners; Talker wins it with three run walk off homerun

Farewell Boys and Girls of Summer! Under-40 MVP smashes 5 home runs off Over-40 MVP in Sunday finale

2017 Game at the Corners 

Who’s on first at the Game at the Corners? The Rabbi.

2018 Game at the Corners

Brighton Town Councilmember Robin Wilt pitches in at the Game at the Corners

2020 Game at the Corners (almost)

The Brighton Farmer’s Market is back. At the Game at the Corners, the boys and girls of summer hoping to play ball.

2021 Game at the Corners

Brighton Town Supervisor Bill “Shohei” Moehle throws out first pitch, goes two for three with 2 RBI’s in the Game at the Corners

The Boys and Girls of Summer complete 22nd season of the Game at the Corners.

2022 Game at the Corners 

Brighton Town Council Member Jason DiPonzio shows his stuff at the first pitch at the Game at the Corners