2023 65+ National

LA Athletics 3, Minnesota Bandits 2

Submitted by Bob Sherwin, Athletics manager

The LA Athletics went 4-1 in pool play losing only to the Black Ops/Lonestars.  There were six teams in the National/Central Division with three in each division.  In my humble opinion, all six teams were of similar abilities and each game was competitive.

The Athletics hit all week and in one stretch scored five runs in the first inning of three straight games.  We were led by a pitching staff that was unequaled on any past Athletic team.  Norm Churchill, Mike Denevi, and Tom Klawitter, all ex-pros led the staff with aces Barney Owens, Danny Pawelek, and John Arnold rounding out the staff.

Our infield was anchored by Kevin Bronson, Dave Deitrich, and Gino Suter while Greg Werre, Blaine Olson, and Dave Howard handled the catching duties.

Offensively the team was led by outfielders Mike Thatcher, Mark Flatau, speedster Craig Aramaki, infielder Dave Deitrich, and first baseman Greg Bradford.

The championship game against the always-tough Minnesota Bandits was everything you want in a championship game.  10 innings, with the Athletics pushing across the winning run in the bottom of the 10th for a 3-2 victory.  The Bandits’ Gary Fritch was as usual, almost unhittable for nine innings.  But the Athletics had ex-major leaguer Tom Klawitter on the mound for the first four innings and then Barney Owens for the final six. Both Klawitter and Owens limited the Bandits to no earned runs over the 10 innings and were named co-MVPs of the game.

As a manager, the game was a nail-biter and 10 innings of nervous energy.  As a spectator, it was a gem to watch!