2015 Pelicans Top Indians for Open American Crown in North Texas

North Texas Amateur Baseball League Open American Division

Pelicans 12, Indians 5

‘O’Roark’s Return Sparks Pelicans’

Submitted by Michael Evans, Pelicans manager

The Oak Cliff Pelicans, managed by Michael “Patty” Evans, moved to the North Texas Amateur Baseball League in 2015 after going to three straight championship games in another local league. Looking for more competition, they quickly made it to the top of the American Division in their first season after joining the NTABL.

After starting the 2015 campaign at 5-3, the Pelicans lost a large piece when center fielder Stephen O’Roark had to leave the team for nine games when his wife was having complications with her pregnancy. After losing this major player in the lineup, things went south for the Pelicans, going 2-9-1 in their next 12 games.

But with three games left in the season, O’Roark was able to return to the birds with a healthy wife and baby boy, providing an instant boost to the team. The Pelicans went into the playoffs limping, but following a major rearranging of the batting order they defeated the Old Fashioneds 11-5. They then took over home team position after knocking off the defending champs, and No. 1 seed, Dallas Orioles, 7-3. O’Roark made a massive return as the playoff batting leader (BA .500) during this time.

Evans took his team into the championship game undefeated after a 6-5 win over the Dallas Sox. Clint Brown, the undisputed ace of the Pelicans staff, started the game, even after going 3-5 during the regular season due to a lack of run support and some costly errors. Brown threw nine complete innings for the win.

The game with the No. 2 seed Indians was highly anticipated, but the Pelicans quickly made the Indians quiet when the team season batting leader (BA .396) first baseman Ryan Magnino singled in the first two runs of a 10 run inning. It was never a close game after that, giving Clint Brown plenty of room to cruise to 12-5 victory. The Oak Cliff defense was on point for Brown, turning two double plays (Butler/ Magnino) (R.Marrow/ Stewart/ Magnino) behind him to stop two rallies by the Indians.

Brown finished the playoffs at 3-0 with three complete games. Shortstop Ryan Marrow also led the way in the championship game by going 2 for 3 with one double, one walk and three runs scored.