2020 Buffalo Nine Repeats as Buffalo-MUNY 45+ Champions
Buffalo-MUNY 45+ Division
Buffalo Nine 15, Buffalo Anvil 7
By Jim Lacki, Buffalo Nine co-manager
For the second time in three years, and for the second year in a row, the Buffalo Nine was crowned Champion of the 45+ Division of the Buffalo MSBL with a 15-7 win over Buffalo Anvil.
Despite difficult times, Buffalo Nine player and League President, Ralph Proulx (MSBL HOF 2010), worked tirelessly to put together a nine-game schedule for each of the four teams in the league that culminated with the championship game being played on August 31st, on a beautiful night, under the lights.
The Buffalo Nine squared off against Buffalo Anvil for the final. Both teams finished the regular season with six wins and two losses. The Nine took the regular season series two games to one. In the semi-finals, The Buffalo Nine defeated the Phillies 7-0 and Buffalo Anvil defeated Kuhn Contracting 9-8 for the right to play each other for the title.
The game went back and forth through the first three innings. With the game tied 3-3 going into bottom of the fourth, The Nine erupted for five runs behind a grand slam from Mike LaRosa(1-3, 4 RBI’s, 1 Run). LaRosa then came on in relief in the top of the fifth with one out and The Nine leading 8-7. He allowed three hits and had three strikeouts over the final 2 2/3 innings, keeping Buffalo Anvil off the scoreboard.
Other key offensive contributors for The Nine were Jason Holman(4-4, 1 RBI, 3 runs) and I was fortunate enough to go3-4 with four RBI’s and four runs scored.
First of all, I want to thank Ralph (Proulx) for getting a season together for us despite all the obstacles and restrictions he was presented with due to the pandemic. I know he devoted a lot of time and effort to make this happen. We were all grateful to play this summer. Second, thanks to my teammates. We have a great group of guys. Some of us have played on the same teams with each or against each other for almost 30 years. I am happy to keep us all playing, but most of all, I am glad we continue to stay together.
In addition to the players mentioned previously, members of The Buffalo Nine are John Barberio. John Catanzaro, Dave Dukoff, Alexy Figueroa, Ricky Foit, Dennis Gawronski, Glenn Hauptman (Coach), Tim Kirst, Shawn Mahoney, Tilo Mendiola, Jim Poulos, Dan Potwora, Jeremy Ross, Pat Ruggiero, Dan Wierczbicki (co-Manager) and Paul Yemma.