2022 45+ National

EC Cardinals 7, Canadian Angels 3

Submitted by Ralph Proulx

The Cardinals defeated Canadian Angels 7–3 to capture the 2022 MSBL Fall Classic 45+ National title at The Ball Park of the Beaches Stadium in West Palm Beach, Florida. After going 5-0 in pool play the Cardinals bats came alive in the playoffs. The Cardinals were led by Tournament MVP Joe Ferrando along with Fred Falkowski and Matt Branz.

The Cardinals disposed of Yonder Travelers 10-0 in the quarter-finals. The Cards played flawless defense and strong pitching from EJ McVetty to move past the Travelers. 

In the semifinals, the Cardinals beat the Puerto Rico Dodgers 16-1 again with strong defense and pitching from Steve Becker along with strong offensive output. Mike Faniglula, Larry Hingle, and Mike Webster lead the offensive attack. 

Jim Lacki and Jermey Hafer handled the catching duties as the Cardinals only gave up eight runs in eight games while scoring 53. The other pitchers on the staff were John Pardo, Chad Sanders, and Rich Ropp.

Cardinals that also contributed on offense and defense were Todd Perry, Darwin Hernandez, Howard Marx, Steve Chase, Brandon Jackson, Ron LeMond, and Rob Kluba.

In the finals, the Cardinals faced the Canadian Angels, who had won their division handedly. Luis Nesmith gave the Cardinals a strong 6 1/3 innings on the mound, with relief help from Larry Hingle, as the Cardinals were able to secure another 45+ National division title 7-3. This would give the Cardinals their third straight Fall Classic championship. East Coast Cardinals Manager Dave Hash stated, “I can’t say enough about the players we had on our team this year. Everyone on this team played an important part in winning this Championship and going undefeated. Each player on our 2022 East Coast Cardinals team deserves MVP trophies.”