2017 Alamance Giants Topple Mets in 50+ Rubber Game in Central North Carolina

Central North Carolina MSBL, 50+ Division

Alamance Giants 16, Fayetteville Mets 8

Submitted by Rob Isbell, 50+ Division President

In the 50+ division of the Central North Carolina Men’s Senior Baseball League (CNCMSBL) the Alamance Giants (50s) managed by Bob Patterson prevailed as champions. This was accomplished by beating the #1 seeded Fayetteville Mets. The Mets ,managed by John Geraffo, remained in first place throughout the regular season from opening day and looked to cap the season off with a championship after winning the first game of the series 9-8 in the bottom of the ninth. But the Giants rallied to win the next two games handily as the Mets pitching staff was unable to cool the hot bats of the Giants. The Giants offense proved too strong putting up 17 runs in game two and 16 runs in the final decisive game three.

In the first round of the 50s playoffs, the Reds of Smithfield, managed by Robert (Robo) Poole, defeated the Raleigh Red Sox (50s) in a close battle, 7-6. This game was played at Holly Springs High School on September 9th. This is the second year in the league for the Raleigh Red Sox, managed by Rob Woods. This hard fought victory depleted the pitching of the Reds who later fell to the first place Mets of Fayetteville in the semi-finals.

On the other side of the semi-final bracket the second place and eventual champion Alamance Giants defeated the defending champion Holly Springs Senators by a score of 9-5. This victory pushed the Giants into the championship series.

The 50s division semi-finals were played on September 10th at Burlington Athletic Stadium, home of the minor league Burlington Royals.

The CNCMSBL is looking to expand. If interested in playing in the Men’s Senior Baseball League of Central North Carolina go to www.cncmsbl.org or email info@cncmsbl.orgor risbell@cncmsbl.org.