2024 70+

LA Athletics 4, Berry’s 1

Submitted by Bob Sherwin, manager

The Athletics had the smallest roster I’ve had in 20 years…14 players.  Despite that, we went 3-0 in pool play allowing only seven runs. We then beat the Tri Valley Antiques in the semi-final game 14-0 behind the two-hit pitching of John Arnold. 

Danny Pawelek carried us to the championship by beating the Berry’s in the final game, 4-1.  Danny threw 23 innings in the five games and was simply amazing.  After shoulder surgery two years ago, the ‘Beast is Back.’

Danny was named tournament CO-MVP with Kevin Bronson, who played every inning at shortstop and was flawless.

Wayne Grapes played multiple positions and threw a complete game victory in pool play against the Berry’s.  Rick Salmeri was our primary backstop catching four of five games.

It is said that good pitching and defense will always prevail and that was certainly true for us.  We allowed only nine total runs in five games, which is a pretty tough statistic to beat.