2025 50+ National
Yonder Travelers 16, Puerto Rico Yankees 1
‘Fortney and Kopitzke Dominate on the Bump’
The 2025 MSBL Fall Classic will forever be remembered as the year of the Yonder Travelers—a team that not only competed at the highest level but also embodied the very essence of team baseball throughout the tournament. Against a field of seasoned competitors from across the country and beyond, the Travelers compiled a perfect undefeated record, finishing 7-0 on their march to the championship.
From the opening game of pool play through the final out of the title game, Yonder played with passion, precision, and a contagious competitive spirit that brought out the best in every player.
The team played as a true TEAM throughout the week, executing in all facets of the game: offense, defense, and on the mound. The Travelers delivered as a cohesive unit, with everyone from top to bottom contributing and excelling all week. Many members of the team hit over .400 for the week, four hit over .500, with Steve Frellick leading the way with a .632 batting average.
The defining performances of the week began in earnest during the semi-final matchup against the Carolina Pirates—a club known for its scrappy play, clutch and consistent hitting, and veteran experience. On this day, however, the Travelers were relentless. Behind a dominant pitching performance from Paul Fortney, Yonder’s offense put up crooked numbers early and often, and their defense was crisp and error-free.
Fortney’s pitching was masterful; he held the dangerous Pirates lineup scoreless in a 15-0 victory, silencing their bats and setting the tone for the championship run. For his remarkable effort in the semi-final and his stellar work throughout the week, Fortney was rightfully named the team’s MVP. His poise on the mound, ability to mix pitches, and fierce competitiveness anchored Yonder’s pitching staff and lifted the entire team.
In the championship game, the Yonder Travelers faced the formidable Puerto Rico Yankees, a club with power in their lineup and a reputation for strong fundamentals. The stage was set for a competitive finale, but the Travelers wasted no time asserting dominance.
With timely hitting, aggressive base running, and a defense that executed flawlessly, Yonder jumped out early and never looked back. On the mound, Dan Kopitzke was equally as lights-out as Fortney had been, consistently hitting spots, striking out batters, and keeping the Yankees’ offense off balance.
Kopitzke’s efficiency and command were crucial in stifling the Puerto Rican attack, allowing Yonder’s potent offense to put up run after run. The final score — 16-1 — was a testament to a complete team performance, and left no doubt as to the Travelers’ supremacy in the national division.
What made the Travelers’ championship truly special was not just the undefeated record, but how they achieved it. This was a team that excelled in all aspects of the game — pitching, defense, and offense. Every player contributed, whether it was a momentum-shifting hit, a diving stop in the field, heads-up base running, or a shut-down inning on the mound. Their cohesion and unselfish play set them apart from a crowded field of talented teams.
The 2025 MSBL Fall Classic will go down in Yonder Travelers lore as a championship earned through heart, teamwork, and relentless effort. From Fortney’s MVP performance to Kopitzke’s championship-clinching pitching, this was a week where Yonder showcased the very best of senior baseball—a fitting championship for a remarkable group of competitors.