The Camden Braves Baseball Club
The Camden Braves baseball club, which as of 2006 is in its second season in the Tri-State National Adult Baseball Association league, is one of the newest chapters in the long and glorious history of Camden baseball.
An early Puerto Rican baseball club was the North Camden Lions. This club was succeeded by the North Camden Braves, organized by Popsy Rodriguez. They would play other Puerto Rican teams from Philadelphia on Sunday in the Pyne Point Park from the 1960s into the 1980s. Contests would attract large crowds, and everyone followed the outcomes, even if they couldn’t attend. Crowds attracted vendors and wagering on the outcome. No one wanted to miss out on the excitement. Besides Popsy Rodriguez, other Braves players included Manolo Figueroa, Eligio Ortiz, Felix Colon, Juan Ortiz Sr., Junior Fantauzzi, Israel Tubens, and Hector Ortiz.
The Braves were the AA Champions of the local Catholic League in 1964 and 1965.
The original Braves team disbanded during the 1990s, but reorganized in 2005. David Ortiz is the current manager, and three of his family are current Braves players.
1964 Champions — The Camden Braves
The Braves defeated Juana Díaz in the semifinal round of the league playoff, then defeated St. Paul to take the Philadelphia Catholic League title.
Líderes de la Sección Doble A — 1964
STANDING FINAL: Juana Díaz 16 JG, 4 JP; Arecibo 15 JG, 5 JP; Camden Braves 14 JG, 6 JP; St. Paul 7 JG, 13 JP; Caguas Criollos 6 JG, 14 JP; Phila. Tigers 2 JG, 18 JP.
En la serie semi-final Camden eliminó al Juana Díaz y el St. Paul eliminó al Arecibo. En la serie final Camden ganó el campeonato al coparle la serie al St. Paul tres juegos a cero.
DIEZ MEJORES BATEADORES: Domingo Torres (CC) .441 • Domingo Núñez (JD) .422 • Junior Fantauzzi (CB) .400 • Ronald Bailey (AL) .393 • Johnny Williams (JD) .388 • Carlos Zayas (CB) .364 • Miguel Seda (AL) .357 • Victor Figueroa (CB) .354 • Angelo Rodriguez (CB) .352 • Ramon Velazquez (JD) .338 • Israel Tubens (CB) .338.
BASES ROBADAS: Victor Figueroa (CB) 42 • Edgar Causley (CB) 19 • Israel Tubens (CB) 15 • Enrique Seda (AL) 14 • Efrain Guzman (JD) 14 • Junior Nazario (CB) 13.
MEJORES PITCHERS: Charlie Moreno (AL) 9-0 • Jack Earl (CB) 8-2 • Angel Santiago (JD) 5-1 • Tommy Adams (CB) 6-2 • Ronald Bailey (AL) 5-3. MAS PONCHADOS: Jack Earl (CB) 83 • Charlie Moreno (AL) 70 • Ronald Bailey (AL) 69 • Jose Cruz (St. P) 50 • Tommy Adams (CB) 42.
PELOTERO MAS DISCIPLINADO: Tony Prado, Del St. Paul. NOVATO DEL AÑO: Mike Soto, Del Philadelphia Tigers.
The Braves’ Junior Fantauzzi was the League MVP, and Jose “Popsy” Rodriguez was Manager of the Year. Pitcher Jackie Earl led the league in strikeouts; his 8-2 record was the league’s second-best. Rookie of the Year Israel Tubens led the circuit with 4 home runs, while second baseman Victor “Manolo” Figueroa stole a league-record 42 bases, an amazing feat considering it was done in only 20 games. Junior Nazario was in the top six in four different offensive categories, and valuable offensive contributions were made by Fantauzzi, who hit .400, Angel Rodriguez, Edgar Causley, and Carlos Zayas. Pitcher Tommy Adams ran up a 6-2 record with 42 strikeouts.
LÍDERES DOBLE A DE 1964 — Equipo Campeón 1964: Camden Braves • Sub Campeón 1964: St. Paul de Wilmington • Campeón Serie Regular: Juana Díaz • Pelotero Mas Valioso: D. Fantauzzi (CB) • Campeón Bate (.68–31–.441): D. Torres (CC) • Mejor Lanzador (9-0): C. Moreno (AL) • Mas Ponches (83): J. Earl (CB) • Mas Hits (31): D. Torres (CC) • Dobles (8): R. Bailey (AL) • Triples (4): R. Velazquez (JD) • Home Runs (4): I. Tubens (CB) • Carreras Empujadas (22): J. Williams (JD) • Carreras Anotadas (32): J. Williams (JD) • Bases Robadas (42): V. Figueroa (CB) • Mas Disciplinado: A. Prado (SP) • Novato Del Año: M. Soto (PT) • Manager Del Año: J. Rodriguez (CB).
Philadelphia Catholic League Opening Day
BASEBALL EN FILADELFIA:—Momentos antes de empezar el desaío inaugural de la Liga Católica de Filadelfia, Johnny Williams (derecha) guardabosque central del Juana Díaz, el chief inspector Fox (centro) y Manolo Figueroa, de los Bravos de Camden hacen una demostración simbólica de confraternidad cívica-deportiva, entre dos comunidades y el gobierno de la ciudad. El inspector Fox recibió la primera bola lanzada por la Sra. Elaine Breslow, presidenta interino de la Comisión de Relaciones Humanas. (Foto EL DIARIO-LA PRENSA.)
1964 — The Braves Are the Champions!
Victor “Manolo” Figueroa • Israel Tubens • Junior Fantauzzi • Jose ‘Popsy’ Rodriguez
Víctor Figueroa Consagrado en Liga La Milagrosa de Filadelfia
Por RAUL GOMEZ
Víctor (Manolo) Figueroa se consagró este año como el robador de bases más destacado que haya pasado por la Liga Católica-La Milagrosa, de Filadelfia, al robarse la friolera de 42 bases en 20 desaíos. Manolo, quien es uno de los mejores abridores con que cuenta el béisbol hispano, bateó para .354, producto de 23 hits en 65 turnos al bate. Además fue el segundo en carreras anotadas con 31; empujó 7 carreras y bateó dos dobles, y un home run. Recibió 18 bases por bolas, y se ponchó 8 veces. En el campo cometió 12 errores.
Por otro lado Mike Soto de los Tigres de Filadelfia resultó ser el rookie del año. Mike, quien juega su primer año en béisbol doble A rindió una gran hoja de servicio a su equipo.
El jugador más disciplinado resultó ser Tony Prado de los Santos del St. Paul de la ciudad de Wilmington. La corona de jonrones la ganó Israel (Neco) Tubens con 4 batazos de vuelta completa. En dobles, el campeón fue Ronald Bailey de los Lobos de Arecibo de la ciudad de West Chester con 8.
CUIDADO CON FIGUEROA.—Víctor (Manolo) Figueroa ganó el título de mejor robador de bases en la Liga La Milagrosa de Filadelfia, con un total de 42. Su actuación con el Camden Braves, en general, fue una de las mejores del circuito. (Foto EL DIARIO-LA PRENSA.)
JONRONERO DEL AÑO.—Israel Tubens, que ganara el campeonato de cuadrangulares en la Liga La Milagrosa de Filadelfia con cuatro de ellos. Tubens vió acción con campeón Camden Braves. (Foto EL DIARIO-LA PRENSA.)
Líderes Doble A de 1965
Named: LIDERES DOBLE A DE 1965, Equipo Campeón 1965: Camden Braves • Sub Campeón 1965: Juana Díaz • Campeón Serie Regular: Camden Braves • Pelotero Mas Valioso: Norman Jones (CB) • Campeón Bate (79, 35, .443): I. Tuben (CB) • Mejor Lanzador (8, and 2): C. Moreno (AL) • Mas Ponches (72): C. Moreno (AL) • Mas Hits (35): I. Tuben (CB) • Dobles (6): M. Lebron (JD), D. Fantauzzi (CB), A. Rodriguez (CB), M. Seda (AL) • Triples (4): I. Tuben (CB) • Home Runs (4): A. Rodriguez (CB) • Carreras Empujadas (24): A. Rodriguez (CB) • Carreras Anotadas (25): J. Williams (JD) • Bases Robadas (36): V. Figueroa (CB) • Mas Disciplinado: R. Lugo (F) • Novato Del Año: R. Sierra (SP) • Manager Del Año: J. Rodriguez (CB)..
O’Brien No-Hits City League Foe
Camden Courier-Post —
Jim O’Brien pitched a no-hitter in the Camden City Baseball League last night as he sent the Braves over the North Camden Colts, 13-0.
O’Brien fanned 15, walked six and didn’t allow the Colts to hit triples, scored three runs and a ball out of the infield.
In another game last night, Dennis Calloway pitched a three-hitter in leading the Camden Braves over the Camden Cubs, 6-2. Calloway struck out nine and walked one.
Figueroa banged out two triples, scored three runs and drove in another to pace the Braves, who collected eight hits off loser Chris Spicer. Spicer walked nine and also allowed two hits to Victor Sanchez.
The Cubs took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first before the Braves scored three times in the second inning to wrap up the decision. Calloway singled home one run, Figueroa tripled in another, then scored on an error.
Tomorrow the Camden City All-Stars will play the Rancocas Valley League All-Stars at Dud Grange, beginning at 2 p.m.
Camden Braves 1960s–1970s Roster
Victor “Manolo” Figueroa spoke of these players in conversation, August 2006.
| Manager | Popsy Rodriguez |
| Pitchers | Danny Calloway, Jack Earl, Tommy Adams |
| Catcher | Diodario “Junior” Fantauzzi |
| First Base | Angelo Rodriguez (also played left field), Junior Nazario |
| Second Base | Victor “Manolo” Figueroa |
| Shortstop | Ishmael Rodriguez, Nicky Harris, Edgar Causley |
| Third Base | Carlos Zayas (also played right field), Luis Ceparo |
| Right Field | Carlos Zayas |
| Center Field | Israel Tuben, Victor Sanchez |
| Left Field | Angelo Rodriguez, Junior Nazario |
Popsy Rodriguez
Named: Popsy Rodriguez, North Camden Braves, and circa 1970.
Ortiz Family Resurrects Camden Braves in the 21st Century
Camden Courier-Post —
The Ortiz family, with (from left) Hector, brother David and cousin Juan Jr., serves as the nucleus of a Camden Braves team in its second season in the Tri-State NABA league.
By Celeste E. Whittaker, Courier-Post Staff
It’s a family affair for the Camden Braves these days.
David Ortiz, brother Hector, and uncle Juan Sr. and cousin Juan Jr., all play for the Braves, who compete in the Tri-State National Adult Baseball Association (NABA).
The team ranges in age from 17 to 45, with Juan Jr. being the youngest and his father the oldest player on the team.
While they’re just 2-10, Sunday gamedays and Wednesday practices are a lot of fun for members of the Ortiz family.
“It’s something my dad taught me since I was little, and I teach my son (Elijah) the same thing,” said David, 24, who is the team’s manager and works in security at a Cherry Hill company. “Just the love of the game. I coach Little League, and I coach my team as well. I’ve been doing it for so long. Sunday’s just a day for us. We all joke around, have some fun on the field, but at the same time, it’s a serious thing, because we’ve got a game to play and we’re trying to win.”
“I’ve been playing with my brother since I was younger. Playing with my uncle, it’s fun, he’s been playing for so many years and he has a lot of knowledge of the game.”
Some have said baseball has been dying in the inner cities around the country of late, particularly among the youths, but don’t tell the Ortiz family that.
David, who looks almost like he could be a football lineman and is the team’s designated hitter/first baseman, gets up each Sunday morning at 7 a.m., and makes sure everybody is ready to go play. He takes care of the equipment, he does the lineups and everything else that a manager worries about, down to making sure the team has ice.
The Braves are in their second season—and first full summer season—and they technically don’t have a home field. They play some of their home games at Von Nieda Park, and some others at Farnham Park, if that field is available.
Even without a home field, the weekly gatherings give the family precious time together.
“It’s fun,” said Hector, 27, who played baseball at Pennsauken Tech. He just started playing baseball again last year with the Braves, after a 10-year hiatus. “Playing with your brother, family … it’s better organization. It’s better than playing with outsiders. We’re all ballplayers. My dad (Hector Sr.) raised us as ballplayers. We all just play. It’s in the blood. Everybody plays in our family. If you go to Puerto Rico, you’re going to find all of them playing.”
Hector said practice is a requirement—unless there’s a good reason.
And if you don’t show? “You get fined,” said Hector, who drives a forklift in a warehouse at night. “I’m the enforcer, so I’m the one that enforces the laws. Everybody who doesn’t come, I’m the one that makes sure they pay.”
Said David: “If you don’t show up for practice, it’s a $5 fee if you don’t call with a reasonable excuse.”
They also collect $10 per week per person for umpires fees, equipment such as baseballs, or other team needs.
Juan Jr., the team’s shortstop, loves playing with family members. “It’s cool,” he said. “I feel comfortable playing with them. I love baseball. I’ve been playing since I was 7.”
He said David is very hard on them. “He’s like that with everybody,” Juan Jr. said. “We’re not cousins in the park, we’re cousins outside of the park.”
There are two Ortizes on the team who are not related to the others: outfielder Manny and outfielder/catcher Andy.
Hector said Juan Sr., who plays first base, is very good. The elder Ortiz grew up in Puerto Rico and came to Camden in his 20s. He used to play with the old Camden Braves teams in the 1980s and 1990s.
“This is the new generation Camden Braves. He’s one of the veterans, it’s his thing,” Hector said.
“I would never imagine the day would come when I could play with my nephews and son on the same team,” said Juan Sr., who speaks little English and received help during the interview from Hector as an interpreter. “I have a lot of experience in the game, so I feel it’s good when David asks me advice on different plays and things. I feel very good helping him out.”
“Their team is based on friendship, people they’re close to,” said Jason Ruiz, David’s best friend. “They’re trying to get together to have something to keep them away from stuff that isn’t positive.”
David’s godfather, Felix Colon, ran a Camden Braves team in the past, which is the reason David decided his team would be named the Braves as well.
“He ran the team. He basically did everything for it,” David said. “I decided to do my baseball team and just keep the Braves name alive. It was good for us.”
“I love it. I’ve been playing with my brother since he was little. Now to have my cousin and uncle join the mix, it’s wonderful for us.”
2006 Roster
2006 Roster: Angel Martinez, Angel Hernandez, Andy Ortiz, Gabe Medestomas, Charlie Vasquez, Roy Alloway, Edwin Pineiro, Wilfredo Zayas, Manny Ortiz, Patrick Sweeny, Frankie Rosado, Tito Perez, Wady Rivera, Pedro Rivera, Juan Ortiz Sr., Juan Ortiz Jr., Hector Ortiz and David Ortiz.
Manager: David Ortiz.