There was none of the casual chitchat Friday morning as Tropical Storm Henri gained strength about 700 miles south of Long Island. 

Following a year's hiatus and now with a tropical storm having passed, it is expected that there will be a strong turnout for the 45th edition of the weeklong Hampton Classic, which is to begin Sunday morning.

Pete Barylski and Jim Kinnier are giving serious thought to having a league that will play games on weekends from the week after Labor Day through late October.

It was a winner-take-all showdown at the Terry King ball field in Amagansett on Aug. 17.