2024 Navigators Roar Back in Spring Session of Sacramento MSBL for 40+ Title
Sacramento MSBL, Spring 40+ Division
American Navigators 3, Sacramento Yard Dogs 1
Submitted by Sacramento Navigators manager, Chandler O’Brien
The American Navigators 2024 Spring title in the Sacramento Men’s Baseball League started as cold as the day in February of Game One. Spirits were low during a 1 and 3 start to the year. A hosting of a successful tournament of their own in March, ‘The Grass is Greener 2024’ in Elk Grove, California, had several community members pull together to provide a weekend of excellence, one that seemed to spark a new sense of energy in the team.
A come-back win and another led to the first step in a solid campaign, the benchmark every winning team needs to hit early. After that, all systems were go for an offense that would go on a tear to win six of their last eight contests with one tie. While averaging a little over seven runs per game, the ‘American 9’ were able to take advantage of their second and third at-bats every ball game and tighten their grip in late situations.
With three walk-offs, including in the playoffs by Jackie Greene to send the team to the title game. We saw several outstanding performances along the way, such as several tight saves by Rhett Ayles, converted catcher Sebastian Rodriguez starting a playoff game, and players like Mike O’Neill and Justin Stephens hitting in huge moments. An elite infield defense down the stretch helped turn an ugly start into a sterling finish, all in an effort to give a nod to manager Barry O’Brien who was on medical leave.
The team produced the top spots of all offensive categories in the league, or any division, as well as securing the top pitching spots in what was seen as a historic turnaround.
With ups and downs, the season provided tense moments and clutch performances. We notched some outstanding performances in our playoff games, including Devin Christensen 3 IP / 2ks / 2 R’s, Sebastian Rodriguez (semi-final win) 3 IP / 2ks / 1 R / 2 for 3 and RBI, Zann: 2 for 3 / 2 RBI / 2B, Jackie Greene: semi-final walk off, Chandler O’Brien: championship start p (w) 7 IP / 1 R / 0 ER / 4 K