HILLEL YESHIVA HAS LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK ON THE MYHSAL SOFTBALL LEAGUE, IMPRESSIVELY WINNING FOUR VARSITY AND TWO JV CHAMPIONSHIPS IN THE PAST DECADE!
The flourishing Deal community, with its growing passion for softball, proved to be the ideal match. Thanks to the Deal Sephardic Network (DSN), our youth softball leagues have experienced a remarkable rejuvenation, equipping players with valuable skills.
The 2023 Hillel Heat Varsity team, under the guidance of coaches Jackie Picciotto, Jackie Ashkenazi, Joey Mizrahi, and David Rishty exhibited exceptional teamwork. Their chemistry, coupled with the expertise of the coaching staff, propelled them to a flawless 7-0-1 record, securing the Western division title. The spirited “WHO WHO WHO” boys were renowned for their uplifting chants and profound respect for both teammates and opponents alike.
In the opening round of the playoffs, Hillel delivered a commanding 5-0 victory over MAOR, showcasing impeccable defense and precise pitching by Marty Cohen. The semifinals saw a fierce battle against YDE, resulting in a scoreless tie until David Seruya’s pivotal hit, with Bruce Zekaria scoring the run to claim the lead. Eddie Kassin’s double and two RBIs sealed the outcome with a 3-0 triumph. Once again, Hillel’s unshakable defense, combined with Marty Cohen’s pitching, held YDE scoreless.
On June 19, 2023, Hillel traveled out to Long Island for the championship game facing off against the reigning champions, Mesivta Ateres Yaakov (MAY), in Valley Stream, NY. Despite MAY’s formidable 21-game winning streak, Hillel emerged victorious in the finals, triumphing with a hard fought 3-1 championship win. Noah Hakim’s diving play in the sixth inning saved the game, while Elliot Stein, Stevie Shalom, and David Seruya showcased their prowess with impactful hits and defensive plays. Marty Cohen’s superb pitching, allowing only one run across three playoff games, earned him the well-deserved MVP award.
The culmination of the season was a Deal-Brooklyn High School All-Star softball challenge at the C.A.R.E. Tournament. Deal all stars won an 8-6 thriller in 14 innings and Noah Hakim of Hillel Yeshiva won MVP honors.
Hillel extends their gratitude to commissioner Seth Gordon and the MYHSAL league for a fantastic year, and look forward to next season. Go Heat!
2023 HILLEL HEAT TEAM ROSTER
PLAYERS
Morris Ades
Joe Assa
Yosef Betesh
Albert Chehebar
Marty Cohen
Joe Dweck
Eli Franco
Isaac Gindi
Noah Hakim
Eddie Kassin
Abie Labaton
Isaac Mizrahi
Zvi Rishty
David Seruya
Stevie Shalom
Charles Shayo
Elliot Stein
Bruce Zekaria
COACHES
Jackie Picciotto
Jackie Ashkenazi
Joe Mizrahi
David Rishty
