2021 35+

Louisville Slugger Warriors 11, Montebello Angels 5

Submitted by David VanSleet, Warriors General Manager

As the saying goes, “the third time is the charm” definitely applies to the LS Warriors when it comes to the Men’s Senior Baseball League National Las Vegas Open Tournament held annually over Memorial Day Weekend.  This year between the dates of May 28^th and May 30^th the LS Warriors won the MSBL Las Vegas Open 35+ Division for the first time after two previous attempts.  The LS Warriors defeated the 2019 Las Vegas Open Champions Montebello Angels 11 -5 in the Championship Game.

The Warriors started slowly in their first game in pool play by losing to the San Diego Kartel 13 -10 on Friday night.  But then superb pitching, timely hitting, outstanding defense and excellent coaching throughout the rest of the tournament saw the LS Warriors reel off four wins in a row.  On Saturday, the Warriors won convincingly over the New Mexico Mariachis 10 – 1.  Then in their last game of pool play on Sunday, the LS Warriors defeated the Montebello Angels 9 – 0.

Advancing in to the playoffs on Memorial Day Monday, May 31^st, the LS Warriors beat the number two seeded San Diego Titans 6 – 5 in a closely contested game.  Moving on to the 2021 National Championship game and their second game of the day, the Warriors wearing their Stars and Stripes jerseys defeated the Montebello Angels 11 – 5 in extremely hot temperatures to complete their mission.

On the LS Warriors team, below-knee amputee pitcher D.J. Vanderwerf must be recognized for his masterful pitching while one-handed Danny Williams played extremely well defensively at first base throughout the tournament.  US Air Force medically discharged Disabled Veteran Derrick Victor led the team in hitting. Former MLB Player and Warriors Head Coach Curtis Pride along with former MLB Player pitcher Len Whitehouse once again utilized their professional experience to guide the Warriors to claim their first national championship.