2024 Pirates Capture First Title with Game Three Victory Over Braves in Championship Series of 45+ Division of Chesapeake MSBL

Chesapeake MSBL, 45+ Division

Chesapeake Pirates 11, Braves 2 (Game three in best-of-three championship series)

Submitted by Mike Miller, Pirates’ manager

The Pirates entered the 45+ League Playoffs of the Chesapeake MSBL as the two-seed and worked to win the championship against the defending champion Braves.

The 45+ Pirates won their first Division Championship beating the classy, tough Chesapeake Braves in a best-of-three series, losing game one and outscoring the Braves in games two and three by a combined score of 19-2. The Pirates lost in the 2023 Championship to the Braves, and the rematch was certainly a focus for us all year.

The Braves beat the Pirates in game one decisively. In game 2, Mike Miller threw a complete game shutout, striking out nine in a 7-0 win. In championship game three, Jerry Mills threw a four-hit complete game, striking out four, and winning 11-2.

The Pirates finished the regular season with a 17-3 record. The Pirates’ pitching staff of Jerry Mills, Rob Hood, Jim Cundiff, Jeff Siford, and Mike Miller only allowed a league-best 65 runs all year. The Pirates also welcomed a handful of new players this year, including Abel Amolitos, Dave Cundiff, Feio Frances, Jim Cundiff, Lenny Suarez, Pedro Zayas, Steve Canale, Tito Rivera, and Bill Carballo.

The Pirates scored an average of 12 runs per game, and that offensive firepower was led by Kevin Bradshaw, Luis Herrera, Abel Amolitos, Don Smith, and Matt Smith.

Selflessness, determination, and teamwork define this year’s team. It was a season of grit and unity, ending with a well-deserved championship victory!