Baseball: Diamond Classic facts and figures

The 44th annual Joe Hartman Diamond Classic will begin this weekend (weather permitting).

Here are some interesting facts and figures about the history of South Jersey baseball's most prestigious in-season tournament:

Most titles won:

6 -- Bishop Eustace (1987, 1991, 1999, 2004, 2012, 2015)

6 -- Gloucester Catholic (1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001)

3 -- Cherokee (1981, 1982, 2009)

First game: Gloucester Catholic4, Gateway 3 on June 3, 1974

First winning pitcher: Gloucester Catholic's Bob Pisker (9-inning complete game)

First no-hitter: Shawnee's Bob Sebra in 1-0 win over Pennsville on May 30, 1978

First home run: Sacred Heart's Bruno Vagnarelli on June 12, 1974

First grand slam: Washington Twp.'s Chris Grande on June 11, 1985

First championship game: Camden Catholic 6, Penns Grove 0 on June 15, 1974

Winning pitcher: Jim Vendetti (7-inning complete game)

First five titles games:

-- 1974: Camden Catholic 6, Penns Grove 0

-- 1975: Cinnaminson 3, Gloucester Catholic 1

-- 1976: Highland 6, Willingboro 5

-- 1977: Willingboro 6, Collingswood 0

-- 1978: Millville 3, Washington Twp. 2

Last five titles games:

-- 2016: Eastern 6, Gloucester Catholic 1

-- 2015: Bishop Eustace 4, Eastern 1

-- 2014: St. Augustine 3, Pennsville 2

-- 2013: Washington Twp. 14, Camden Catholic 1

-- 2012: Bishop Eustace 6, Cherokee 2

-- Contact Phil Anastasia at panastasia@phillynews.com

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