2024 75+ National
USA Volkers 9, Sacramento Solons 1
The USA Volkers captured their fourth straight National Division Championship! The USA Volkers 75+ National Division team continued their run through the “older” genre of MSBL World Series top teams by winning their fourth consecutive National Division title and their sixth in the past seven years.
Retiring player/manager Billy Jacobs and future manager Rick Park guided the Volkers to a 9-1 victory over the Sacramento Solons, behind the stellar pitching of MVP Howard Elson.
Throughout the tournament, the Volkers received exceptional infield play led by shortstop Sal Calcagno, the Defensive MVP of the title game. Outstanding defense was also provided by third baseman Ray Starnes and second baseman Charles Jeffers. Former MLB player Steve Brye held down first base along with Bryan Krantz.
The Volkers outfield was also outstanding featuring Larry Weaver in left, Fred Krause in center, and Marse McNaughton in right. Catcher Tom Keyser provided great leadership behind the plate and kept everyone on high alert throughout the game while simultaneously working flawlessly with Elson on a pitch-by-pitch game plan.
Pitcher Bruce Butterfield and catcher Bill Ehrhardt combined for two extremely well-pitched wins during pool play. Offensively, the Volkers were led by the consistent line drives delivered by Steve Brye and Fred Krause. Ray Starnes and Charles Jeffers hit well all week and in the championship game DH Jerry Encoe drove in four runs with a 2-out bases-loaded double and a two-out base hit with runners on second and third. Encoe’s clutch hitting along with a 2-out bases loaded base hit by Steve Brye provided the spark that the Volkers needed. 
Larry Weaver hit a clean inside-the-park home run at Goodyear Stadium during pool play against the Mudville 9. Larry’s speed, along with the base running speed of Fred Krause, Marse McNaughton, and Ray Starnes were difference-makers throughout the tournament.
Thus ends the USA Volkers odyssey through the 70+, 73+, and 75+ divisions under player/manager Billy Jacobs. Rick Park will take over as full-time manager in 2025 after serving as the assistant manager these past few years. Pat Fynes co-managed in 2018-19.
The final scores of the championship games since 2018 are as follows:
2018 70+ National Division USA Volkers 8, San Diego Berry’s 7 (13 innings)
2019 70+ National Division USA Volkers 15, Sacramento Solons 1
2020 70+ National Division L.A. Athletics 5, USA Volkers 4
2021 73+ National Division USA Volkers 6, North County Mudcats 5
2022 73+ National Division USA Volkers 10, Sacramento Solons 0
2023 75+ National Division USA Volkers 15, Sacramento Solons 9
2024 75+ National Division USA Volkers 9, Sacramento Solons 1
The Volkers have established themselves as a top team in the highest division of their age group for the past 7+ years and are proud of their legacy and the sportsmanship displayed on the field to the umpires and opponents alike. The Volkers played the game the right way and always demonstrated a profound respect for their opponents and the game of baseball.
Appreciation for the opportunity to play this incredible game is owed of course to MSBL and all the people who made the World Series possible under the leadership and vision of Steve Sigler. The special opportunity to play ball with old friends on beautiful fields will always hold a cherished place in all of our hearts.
Thank you to our families (especially our spouses), friends, umpires, groundskeepers, tournament officials, and all the behind-the-scenes enablers for putting up with us, and thank you for your warmth and acceptance and expressions of brotherhood that have meant the world to us.