Blast Brothers are Headed to the State Fall Games

Inseparable Hudson Valley softball teammates hit long home runs for Dutchess Hurricanes

 

By Randy Robertson, Hudson Valley Regional Storyteller

Beacon, N.Y. – When Dominick Nasi steps to the plate with a bat in his hand, he has one simple plan.

“I just try to hit the ball past everybody,” said Nasi, who plays first base for the Dutchess Hurricanes. “I like to hit home runs. I’m going to try and hit home runs at State Games.”

Nasi might very well crush a few home runs at the Special Olympics New York State Fall Games in Glens Falls on October 17. And if he does, his teammate A.J. Mirtuono likely will be the first to congratulate him. Dominick and A.J. are not only two of the team’s top hitters. They are also best buddies who have a blast laughing and talking while also blasting softballs into the outfield.

“He’s a friend and he’s a great player,” A.J. said of Dominick. “It’s nice to have someone to socialize with, and he’s really playing much better this season.”

Dominick plays first base while A.J. often plays left field or third base. Both are tall and powerfully built, and even if they don’t look alike, they can be mistaken for brothers.

“They’re like twins,” said Dawn Nasi, Dominick’s mother. “They’re together all the time, talking with each other and having fun. In fact, we call them ‘the bookends’ because we have to keep separating them if we want to get anything done at practice.”

In the recent Super Regional Fall Softball Festival at Beacon Memorial Park, both Dominick and A.J. hit home runs against the Long Island Yankees. Their enthusiasm kept the team’s spirit high, and their batting skills proved to be the winning difference in a close game on that day.

Teammate Nicole Wojnar, who plays second base for the Hurricanes, said both Dominick and A.J. are valued members of the team.

“A.J. is a good kid, he respects people and he really knows how to hit,” Nicole said. “And Dominick, he’s like a brother to me. I love him and his personality.”

Dominick and A.J. will bring larger-than-life personalities and batting skills to Glens Falls. Though not related, these blast brothers are ready to have a good time. “Winning a championship would be nice,” A.J. said.

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