2017 Springfield Cardinals Capture First Title in South Jersey 35+ American

South Jersey MSBL, 35+ American Division

Springfield Cardinals 5, Harpers Assault 2

‘Hoffacker Pitches Through Injury to Secure Title’

Submitted by Keith Black, Cardinals manager

In just their second year in the league, the Springfield (PA) Cardinals won their first SJMSBL Championship. In compiling a 15-1 regular season record, the Angry Birds pounded out 155 runs while allowing only 42. Starting pitching clearly dominated, as the Cardinals were powered by the arms of Joe Hoffacker 3-0 (0.78 ERA), Jim Fish 6-0 (1.72 ERA), Dave Shell 4-0 (2.08 ERA) and Chad White one save (3.37 ERA) en route to the American League Title.

After capturing the regular season title, the Cardinals earned a first-round bye. In the second round, the Redbirds fought their way past the Bordentown Patriots, claiming the series two games to one, to earn the honor to take on 2016 National League Champions Harpers Assault in the Championship Series.

In game one, the Cardinals flew out to a quick lead and held on for an 11-3 win, with hurler Dave Shell notching a complete game ‘W’. Game two started with a brief scare, as starting pitcher Joe Hoffacker seemed to pop a muscle in his throwing arm after he threw the first pitch of the game. Nonetheless, although he was in obvious pain throughout the game, “Jobu” cowboyed up for his team, pitching a complete game and appropriately ending the tilt with a strikeout to secure a hard fought 5-2 win and the League Championship.

From the first winter practice until the final out of the Championship Series, this Cardinals team was completely selfless. Literally every player on the roster made significant contributions throughout the year. There were no egos and no prima donnas. Many of the players stated that this team was the best bunch of guys they had ever played with.

The Cardinals would like to thank the patient wives, girlfriends, family and friends who supported us throughout the season. We also send out a special thank you to our generous sponsor, Frank Agovino of DiFabio’s Market & Tap.