2024 70+ National

LA Athletics 13, Minnesota Bandits 2

Submitted by Bob Sherwin, Athletics’ manager

The LA Athletics were victorious, winning the 70 National Championship behind the pitching of Danny ‘The Beast’ Pawelek and veteran John Arnold.  The Athletics went 4-1 in pool play to win the division with solid games on the mound by Mike Anderson, Pawelek, and Arnold.

Pawelek pitched in every game and was the winner of the final pool game which allowed the Athletics to face the Minnesota Bandits (last year’s champions) in the championship game.  John Arnold got the 13-2 win in that game, throwing the first seven innings, with two innings of relief by of course…Mr. Pawelek!  Pawelek and Arnold were named co-MVPs of the tournament.

The Athletics were led offensively by speedster Craig Aramaki, Mike Denevi, Bill Mitchell, Bob Sherwin, and Wayne Grapes while the defense was held down by Paul McPherson at third, Artie Collazo at shortstop and second base, Dale Skinner at first base and Mark Flatau, Aramaki, and Johnny Lane in the outfield.  Wayne Grapes and Bill Mitchell split duties behind the plate and rarely allowed a passed ball.

Steve, I verified that John Arnold was the winning pitcher throwing 7 innings while Danny Pawelek threw the final two.