2019 Bears Overtake Reds in Walk-off Fashion for 52+ Championship in Southern Wisconsin

Southern Wisconsin MABL, 52+ Division

Bears 13, Reds 12

‘Gaber Smash Notches Walk-off Championship Victory’

By Dan Hendrickson, Bears manager

August 29, 2019 – The 52+ Bears of the Southern Wisconsin MABL finished in first place for the regular season, and beat the Bulldogs and Reds in the playoffs to take the championship crown.  

The championship game against the Reds provided a dramatic finish with the Bears ahead the entire game when the Reds notched seven runs in the seventh to take a 12-11 lead. Dan Hendrickson rallied his team as Dave Bayer led off the inning with an infield hit and eventually came around to score the tying run, setting the stage for Greg Gaber to crush the walk-off winning run. 

Earlier in the game, the Reds decided to load the bases with two outs with an intentional walk in the sixth, but Daryl Johnson thwarted that strategy with a 2-run hit. The top four in the lineup, Andy Hess, Todd Edwards, Greg Gaber and Mike Arnold, recorded 11 hits and eight RBI.  Marty Wojcik recorded the win, pitching 2/3 of an inning.

Every Bear contributed to the team’s success, as the Bears’ “Never-Let-Up” attitude and fun positive energy made it a special year.