2022 Tropics Capture ‘Back to Back’ Titles in 18+ Division of Milwaukee-Rock League
Milwaukee Rock, 18+ Division
Tropics 14, Crush 6 (Game three in best of three championship series)
Submitted by Henry Posnanski, Tropics manager
The Tropics were able to capture their second straight RLB 18+ league championship in only their third year as a team thanks to a high-powered offense, elite defense, and gritty pitching staff. The Tropics finished with a record of 19-3, losing only to an elite Juice team, the juggernaut 25+ Blue Jays (inter-league game) who won their 6th straight 25+ league championship, and the Crush who took game one of the championship series.
Offensively the Tropics were led by Kevin Schoenbach, who had an amazing year at the plate, hitting for a .438 batting average with 35 hits, 16 extra-base hits, six home runs, 30 RBIs, and 33 runs scored. Kevin wasn’t the only one on the team having a massive year, as Michael Robinson also put up impressive numbers with a .403 batting average, 31 hits, seven extra-base hits, 23 RBIs, 34 Runs scored, and only five strikeouts in his 93 plate appearances.
As a team the Tropics had four batters with averages over .400 including; Kevin Schoenbach (.438), Evan Richarz (.417), Michael Robinson (.403), and Kyle Petoskey (.403). The Tropics also led the league in several offensive categories including; batting average (.333), on-base percentage (.448), OPS (.929), slugging percentage (.481), hits (274), extra-base hits (82), home runs (16), RBIs (223), runs scored (246), and walks (148)
Our defense was led by Blake Correll, who was a workhorse all year pitching 62 innings while catching any time he wasn’t pitching. Blake was a true warrior on the mound as he threw five complete games, including game three of the championship series, and the semifinal game. Blake surrendered 25 runs (18 earned) while striking out 59 batters, and posted a 2.613 ERA in nine total appearances as he led us to our second straight championship.
After losing several players in the off-season and over the course of the year the Tropics were able to pull together as a team and truly play for each other. We are a team full of great friends who just happen to be tremendous athletes and phenomenal ball players. We showed that this year, as we fought hard to defend our title and made sure to enjoy ourselves along the way. We hope our friends, family, and fans enjoyed the ride with us. We look forward to next year as we build our roster to try to reach higher heights and continue our dominance as we look to 3-peat in 2023!