2024 45+ American
So Cal Snappers 7, Detroit Dodgers 2
‘Southern California Snappers Capture 9th World Series Title in 25th Consecutive Year of Attending World Series’
Submitted by Frank Sansone, Snapper’s manager
The So Cal Snappers started coming to Arizona as a team in 2000 and were lucky to win an 18+ Central title. From there it took many years to capture the next title when it took a spectacular pitching performance by Ruben Niebla (Current San Diego Padres MLB Pitching Coach) to defeat the LI Black Sox in the 18+ National Championship. Early on this was our biggest rival and over the years evolved into the Montebello Angels who we have been trading championships for the last bunch of years.
2024 was our first time in the 45+ division and it was quality baseball. All but one game was competitive, and our pitching and defense carried us. We were led defensively by our shortstop and tournament MVP Mark Flatten and catcher Jim Glaim. Mark Flatten is the one player to make every one of the 25 years that the Snappers have been in Arizona.
We went 5-1 in pool play with our lone defeat coming against the Detroit Dodgers. To make the champion, we had a hard-fought semifinal against the Montebello Angels, who we beat 3-2. Bruce Chen, former MLB pitcher, went seven innings and surrendered two unearned runs. In his two tournament starts Bruce went 13 innings and surrendered one earned run.
In the semifinal, Montebello’s Andy Torres was equally masterful. He surrendered two earned runs and had one tough inning where we scored all three runs helped by some questionable ball/strike calls. Lefty Heath Hagee closed the final two innings with efficiency. So much so, he decided to start the Championship.
In the Championship, facing the Detroit Dodgers, Heath Hagee threw a complete game scattering seven singles. Hagee had six K’s and surrendered one earned run. We came out early with the intent on setting the tone as an experienced World Series team against a team in their first final. We did just that putting up six runs in the first two innings behind six hits and multiple errors by Detroit. We added a run late in the game to put the game out of reach. Offensively, we were led by Joe Elias (2 for 3; 2 doubles).
As always, we are thankful to the Sigler family who allows us to do this each year. We are a team that comes for one week each year and gives it all we have. We are loyal to the MSBL for all of that it has given to us and really do appreciate being a part of this tournament each year. 
I would like to specifically call our Tournament Director Sam Kayea, who enthusiastically helps us each year. Our former SoCal League commissioner, Dennis Swartout, whose guidance lies with me to this day on how to do this. Also, Darren Flemming of the So Cal Blue Jays, who set the blueprint on how to build a World Series team and gave us a goal as to what we wanted to be when we started this journey.
I have learned a lot over the years in this tournament. One is that when you are managing you cannot play as much as you would like. I learned that the hard way. Most importantly, in the end, the trophies are nice, but the time we get to spend together and compete, and talk is the true payoff.
The after-game parking lot gatherings are truly special. (Thank you Joe, Jimmy, and Jason). Our original Snappers, Tony Gonzalez, Tim DiIullo, Matt Wagner, and Dave Fogle need to get back out here!
See you in 2025…