2023 Bucks Sweep Dodgers in Championship Series for 60+ Crown in Lehigh Valley MSBL
Lehigh Valley MSBL, 60+ Division
New Jersey Bucks 6, Emmaus Dodgers 4 (Game two of best-of-three series sweep)
Submitted by Daryl Smith, Bucks’ manager
The New Jersey Bucks swept the first two games of their best-of-three finals playoff series, winning 7-1 and 6-4 over their opponents and rival Emmaus Dodgers, to win the championship of the 60+ Division of the Lehigh Valley (Pennsylvania) MSBL.
After a number of years with a 55+ division, in 2023, the Lehigh Valley MSBL transitioned to 50+ and 60+ divisions. The New Jersey Bucks – based in Hunterdon County in central western New Jersey and the only New Jersey team in the Lehigh Valley MSBL – formed strong 50+ and 60+ teams in the new 2023 divisions and achieved great success in both divisions.
The 60+ New Jersey Bucks rolled to a 14-1 regular season record and earned a bye into the best-of-three finals playoff series against the Emmaus Dodgers. On and off the field, every player on the Bucks roster contributed to the team’s success and the results of the games were truly due to complete team efforts.
Highlights of the Bucks’ 7-1 and 6-4 wins in the best-of-three finals playoff series included excellent defensive plays from first baseman Mike Brennan and outfielders Joe Syage and Kevin Russo, iron backstop Jimmy Adams catching all 14 innings of and having two hits in the doubleheader, Andy Miller with three hits in the doubleheader, including a long drive for a big RBI triple, and Jeff Salatiello with three hits in the doubleheader.
The Bucks’ excellent starting pitching tandem of Mike Magro and Glenn Murphy each pitched a complete game for the two victories.
Congratulations 60+ New Jersey Bucks!