2019 Indy Stallions Reunite for 45+ Championship in Indiana Baseball League

Indiana Baseball League, 45+ Division

Indy Stallions 7, Braves 4

‘Stallions Claim Tenth Title in 12 Year Span’

The Indiana Baseball League had a familiar winner in the 2019 45+ Championship, as the Indy Stallions won their 10 Championship in 12 years in the IBL. The Stallions 7-4 victory over the 45+ Braves marked their 250 Team Victory with only 14 losses. The Braves were coming off six consecutive 45+ championships and a decade of dominance.

The Stallions had not formed a team since 2014 and had won three championships each in Division 18+, 25+, and 35+. When the group had enough players to field a 45+ team, players were hungry to get things going again. It didn’t take long as they Stallions breezed through the regular season with a 13-1 record and finishing 15-1 on the season.

It was a beautiful Fall night in Indy as the Championship Game was played. The Stallions played solid all night, turning five double plays and had dominate pitching by the lefty combo of Jeff Montfort (UIndy) and Ricky Davis (IUPUI). The Stallions hitting was led by John Smith (UMiami-FL/Mets), Steve Kritzmire (Turman State-MO), Mike Risley (OlneyJC-IL) and Demetrius Dowler (Indiana State/Cubs) who all had multiple hits and RBI. The Braves were hanging tough with Ray Starnes (Purdue/Phillies), Eric Mertl (St.Andrews-NC) and Kevin Kluemper (Rose Hulman) who hit the ball solid all night. In the end the Stallions proved too much for the Braves.

The game featured 23 ex-college baseball players from all over the country, with ages ranging from 45-74 years old. It was a great game as many have played against or with each other since their early 20’s. “It was the two best teams in Indy no doubt about it”, said Braves Player/Manager Kevin Dotson (UMemphis/Dodgers).

“Looking at this game, we had the who’s who of players at this age bracket. It’s also not every day that you have to walk a 74 year-old (Starnes) because he’s 2-2 with two line drives. It’s a beautiful game,” stated Stallions Player/Manager Cary Davis (BarryU-FL).

The competition is what keeps these guys going, and both will continue to get stronger as their younger players age up a bracket. Look for both teams to be at the top of the 45+ Division for years to come.