2016 NOVA Yankees Topple Brewers to Claim 25+ MSBL Title in DC
DC MSBL, 25+ Division
NOVA Yankees 8, Ballston Brewers 3
(Back row L-R): Mike Batista, Pat (Rooster) Dierkes, Mike Shane, Mike Carney, Mike Drummond, Dennis Bassich, Cesar Ruiz, Bill (HOF) Kirkendale. (Front row L-R): Craig Misiewicz, Brad Williams, Micah Gregory, Dan Emory. (Not pictured): Pete Gibson, Daniel Batista, Nick McCormick
‘Drummond on the Mound and Gregory on the Base Paths’
Submitted by Bill ‘Energizer’ Kirkendale
The Northern Virginia Yankees wove together steady pitching, solid defense, and timely hitting to capture the 2016 DC MSBL 25+ championship Sunday, August 7th, with an 8-3 victory over the Ballston Brewers. “This is the best all-around team I’ve ever managed and a truly talented group,” said Dan Emory, the Yankees skipper and 48 year old ‘Ironman’ catcher.
Down 2-1 in the top of the third, the Yankee bats and smart and aggressive base running turned the tide of the game, tacking on five runs for a 6-2 lead. Although a tough Ballston Brewers team would threaten a couple more times, that would turn out to be all they needed. A gutsy pitching performance by southpaw starter Mike Drummond, combined with solid relief by Mike Shane and Craig Misiewicz, held the Brewers down. The Yankees played near perfect team defense, led by first baseman Cesar Ruiz, and center fielder Pat “Rooster” Dierkes, including two double-plays that helped hold the
Yankees ground. A thrilling inside the park home run by lightning fast rookie Micah Gregory put the icing on the cake of the NOVA Yankees 8-3 championship game victory at West Potomac High School in Alexandria, Virginia.
“Dan Emory is another one of our team managers who has been with our league a long time,” said DC League President Larry Lombardi. “Dan’s commitment, great leadership and love for the game of baseball is another reason why the DCMSBL has been successful over the years. Without guys like Dan, the DCMSBL never would have made it this far as a league. We are very grateful for Dan’s time and efforts and thankful for his help over the years!”