2022 50+ National
DuPage Angels 5, OC Sox 0
Submitted by Jack Pohlmeier, Angels’ manager
It was an exciting tournament for the Dupage Angels in the 50+ National Bracket at the MSBL World Series in Phoenix this year. After losing game one to an excellent OC Sox team, 7-3, the Angels were able to run seven games in a row to take the title. Things didn’t look good in the second game, trailing by two in the bottom of the tenth inning. After one out the Angels were able to load the bases and Mark Nilles came up with a clutch single to bring the Angels within one. Bob Gillespie then proceeded to single to right, scoring two for the game-winning hit. Mike Trimarco went all 10 innings for the win.
Game five of the tournament was exciting as Mick Rodriguez battled all day keeping the Angels in the game. Down by one in the top of the eighth with first and second occupied and no one out, Bill Kazmierczak came in relief and shut the door. In the bottom of the eighth Bob Schaaf ripped a triple with two outs to tie the game. We were able to pull the game out in the bottom of the 10th on a misplayed ball in the field. In our last pool game, we were able to secure the number 1 seed in the playoffs by beating the TSP Chicago team on a late Sac Fly by Jeff Walsh to win by one.
In our first playoff game, it was a team victory as we pounded out 21 hits and Mike Trimarco coasted for a complete game win. Mick Rodriguez and Jeff Walsh each had two doubles in the game to pace the offense.
In the championship, we had a rematch versus the OC Sox from our game one loss and instead of falling behind, the Angels were able to take the lead early and not look back. In the third inning, we had consecutive hits by Bob Schaaf, Bob Gillespie, Mark Nilles, and Mick Rodriguez with each hit tallying an RBI. Our pitching in the Championship game was outstanding with the starter Chris Loy throwing five shutout innings and getting the win. Mike Trimarco came in to seal the deal with four shutout innings as the Angels won the game 5-0 to earn the 50+ National Championship.
Every player on the Angels roster helped in securing this championship. We hit exceptionally well for the tournament (.401) as a team. Bob Schaaf paced the offense in batting average (.563) and RBI’s (13). Others that stood out offensively were Tony Fasano (.750), John Sudges (.462), Mick Rodriguez (.429-12 RBI), Karl Falkstram (.440), Rick Johnson (.423), and Bill Kazmierczak (.400).
Our defense made only six errors for the entire tournament. Karl Falkstram made two exceptional running catches in leftfield, that if not made would have changed the outcome of both of those games. Jack Neuman also made a great running catch in the TSP North game which helped secure the win. Catchers Rick Eertmoed and Tony Fasano did an excellent job at handling our pitchers and keeping opposing teams from stealing very many bases.
On the other hand, we were able to swipe 34 bases as a team (Bob Schaaf-12, Karl Falkstram 11). All in all, this was a team victory for the Angels and after a slow start, everything just started coming together. As always, we look forward to next year.