2021 Chesapeake Braves Win Seventh Straight Chesapeake MSBL 35+ American Championship
Chesapeake MSBL, 35+ American Division
Braves 11, Bullsharks 6 (Game two in best of three sweep)
Submitted by Jeff Wolf, Braves manager
The Chesapeake Braves captured their seventh straight regular and postseason championship Sunday 8/22 with a 2-game sweep of the Bullsharks, 9-7 and 11-6, in a best of three championship series. The Braves advanced to the championship series by winning their first two playoff games handily over the Cubs and Hooks.
The Braves suffered their first loss in over six years on May 13th to the Bullsharks and then lost 2-1 to the same Bullsharks team on May 27th to drop their record to 4-2 on the year. The multi-year winning streak ended at 149-0-1. From there the Braves reeled off 17 straight wins to capture the championship.
It was a very difficult year with a lot of injuries to many players. A season-ending injury to Ian Hendricks really hurt. Pitching and defense were once again the keys to the Brave’s success. Rich Ropp had an outstanding year on the mound and at the plate and he started all four playoff games and was virtually unhittable. Dave “Grease” Greeley continued his dominance and closed out all of the playoff games. Josh Molnar had a great year on the mound and at the plate. Kevin Burns led the offensive charge with eight home runs and led the team in RBI’s followed closely by “Big” Earl Williams.
Tom Foster, Derek Dixon, Todd Perry, and Kirk Puepke all had great offensive years setting the table for Pat Conley, Cleon Jones, Andy Welling, and Danny Miller. Co-Head Coach, Jeff Pate, played wherever was needed, and continues to shine at the young age of 62! Jimmy Rice and Danny Lee filled in when needed and always played well along with Howard Jones.
Mick Myers had a great year behind the plate along with Big Earl. Steve Hoffmann returned to the mound as well as serving as a coach when he wasn’t leading the 45 White Sox to their 12th consecutive championship! The streak is OVER at 149-0-1 but our love of the game is not. We are a truly great group of baseball players but an even better group of friends. Go Braves!!