2022 Blues Capture 62+ Division Spring Championship at North County (San Diego) MSBL

North County San Diego MSBL, 62+ Spring Division

Blues 13, Thunder 11

Submitted by Don Hain, Blues manager

The Blues, successfully managed by Don Hain and assisted by Rick Steadman, pulled the strings to an unexpected League Championship.  The season started slow for the Blues but by mid-season, the Blues started to hit their stride.

The pitching of Ray Quinteros, Dave Cripe, and Dan Fauth, together with the team’s best effort of the season, got them to the finals.  They beat the league’s first-place team, the Thunder, to qualify. The Blues would have to face them again for the Championship.

In the Championship game, Ray Quinteros pitched the first four innings leaving the mound to Dan Fauth with a single-run lead. While Dan held the mound, the Blues’ lead increased to a 4-run margin after a great play by 79-year-old first baseman Tom Burns woke up the bats. Tom caught a hard-hit ball well off the base and got the out at first.  That play spurred on the Blues until the bottom of the ninth when the Thunder rallied and threatened to overtake the Blues.

With one out and the bases loaded and two runs in, Ray Quinteros returned to the mound. He proceeded to strike out the first batter and the next hitter provided the final out with a fielder’s choice ground ball. The Blues had won the Championship, 13 to 11!!! 

As it turned out, Ray was both the pitcher with the win and the save. He also delivered three hits and was awarded the team’s MVP honor.

Everyone contributed in some way to help with the Blues 13 runs and great offensive plays: Ken Ardizzone, Tom Burns, Tony Castaneda, Dave Cripe, Fan Fauth, Juan Galindo, Leonard Garcia, Jerry Glass, Don Hain, Dave Hovalnd, Tony Impimbo, Fred Keske, Robert Miller, Lou Perske, David Polanco, Ray Quinteros, Jim Simmons, Rick Steadman, Luis Terrazas, and Sean Towne.

It was a hard-fought season and an even harder Championship game, but everyone is proud of their efforts to help the team to the Championship.  Fun was had by all !!!!