2020 55+ Cactus Consolation

Sacramento Seals 11, Houston Old Stars 2

Submitted by Scott Brown

The Sacramento Seals participated in the 55 Cactus division this year and as always had a great time, on and off the field.  Although based out of Sacramento we had players from southern California, DC, Oregon, Indiana, Arizona, New Mexico and Iowa.  The Seals went 3-3 in pool play running into some buzz saws in the A’s and DD Mustangs but also winning a thriller in walk off fashion against a tough Zephyrs team. 

At 3-3 we were the second seed in the consolation bracket with the Skeeters, Old Stars and UT Braves.  We got through the Skeeters only to face top seed Houston Old Stars who just the day before played extra inning baseball against the Braves.  Both teams were happy to be there and all the players had smiles on their faces from a great week of baseball all coming down to this one game. 

The Seals, led by manager Mark McGushin, marched Paplo Raya out on the bump for this very important game against a very good, albeit, tired team from Houston.  Phil Adams, Cory Love and Steve Pepi led the offensive charge while our solid D turned five double plays, led by the combo of John Sosa and Robert Butland.  The Seals came out victorious 11-2 to bring another MSBL championship back to Sacramento!

Our pitching was on point all week with relief appearances by Robert Allen and Brian Greene and starters Scott Stevens, Sacramento MSBL president Alan Van Ness, John Sosa and Steve Pepi.  Our backstops were, in my opinion, second to none with Javy Becerra and Billy Bowerman (assistant coach) in the squat. 

Special thanks to Steve Sigler, MSBL tourney director Tom Prendergast and all of the umpires for well run and officiated games.  Thank you!!!