2023 Father/Son National
San Jose Giants 6, Sacramento Braves 4
The San Jose Giants Father/Son Team renewed some of their previous years’ dominance against some really talented teams in the National Division. Since their three-peat from 2016-2018, some outstanding teams have won the Division. This year the Sacramento Braves were going for a back-to-back after the Kansas City A’s had dominated in ‘21 and ‘22.
The Giants picked up some new players who helped them tremendously in the Broccoli’s, Fancher’s, and Martins. The McNally family added a second son in Connor, who teamed with his brother Ryan to play excellent defense up the middle. Zeke Deleon and his son Dre were outstanding in left field, on the mound, and catching, as Zeke threw out two runners from left field at the plate and Dre completely shut down any attempts at stealing.
65+ ex-pro’s John Yandle, Norm Churchill, and Mike Denevi shut down the opposition, while 38-year-old father Zeke Deleon closed out the Final after four innings of shutout ball from Chris Chambers in their 6-4 victory versus a tough Braves team. Connor McNally shut down the 3n2 Rangers in the semi-final a day earlier, going five innings in a 6-1 victory.
The Son’s hitting was led by shortstop Ryan McNally @ .666, Tyson Fancher @ .490, center fielder Matt Zuvella @ .450, and Dre Deleon @ .363. Zeke Deleon led the Dad’s with a .524 average followed by Tim Denevi @ .444, Ben Broccoli @ .368, third baseman Mark McNally @.300, and Tim Fancher @.290.
It was totally a team effort with excellent Son pitching from Jackson Yandle, who teamed with his dad to pitch game three, Cole Broccoli, who came in twice with the bases loaded and nobody out and shoved, and super-utility man Mike Martin.
Many thanks to Chris Denevi, who assisted with getting players and contributed superb coaching.
“I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to manage these wonderful ball players who help create a ‘family’ working together to achieve outstanding contributions from everyone involved.” Mike Denevi, Giants manager