2024 Pilots Win Inaugural 70+ Championship at Milwaukee-Rock Baseball League

Milwaukee-Rock Baseball League, 70+ Division

Pilots 11, Racine Blues 9

Submitted by Bill Windler, Pilot’s manager

The Pilots had a fun and successful season in winning the inaugural 70+ division Rock League title at the Rock Sports Complex in Franklin, Wisconsin.

We finished the regular season 11-1, defeated the Lugnuts, 15-10, in the semifinals and the Racine Blues, 11-9, in the championship game.

With the support of the Rock’s Jim Rinelli and division commissioner Bruce Vanderbunt, four teams were formed this season. Players 69 and over were allowed to play to flesh out the rosters.

Rules specific to the division and in line with those used in 70+ divisions in national tournaments made for better games, and the league was well-balanced. Of our 14 games, 13 were played to the full nine innings.

The Pilots relied on the pitching duo of Tom Rogina and Al Alt with Gary Schultz in relief. Our catching tandem was Bob Bezzi and Bob Friday.

Randy Rautenberg played a tremendous shortstop and was among our top hitters with Terry Teske, Alt, and Mike Overland.

Bill Tschanz, Jim Kriederman, Ron Kirby, Ace Vollmer, and Mike Fleissner were our other outfielders, while Pete Holzwart, Tim Urban, and Mark Holzwart rounded out our infield.

Our ever-capable coaching staff included Terry Kieffer and Pat Hudec.

It was the 13th league championship for the Pilots, starting with the 45+ title in 2007 and we will be hoping for more.