2025 Rumble Ponies Sweep Brewers for ‘Repeat’ Title in Saratoga MSBL
Saratoga MSBL
Rumble Ponies 4, Brewers 3 (Game two of best-of-three championship series sweep)
‘Ponies Sweep Brewers for Repeat Title’
Submitted by Casey Job
It was an amazing season for the 2025 Saratoga MSBL Champions, the Saratoga Rumble Ponies. The Rumble Ponies finished the season with a 15-3 regular season record and were 19-3 overall. They finished the season with a 9-game win streak and a clean sweep of the playoffs.
This is their second championship in a row and third in the last four years in the Saratoga MSBL. First-year manager, Andy Pedone, did an exceptional job keeping this team gelling from May to August. It is no easy feat to keep 18 players, ages 28-63, fired up to play adult baseball multiple days a week, but Andy was able to do just that.
The Ponies hit an astounding .363 as a team this year with 170 runs scored in just 22 games (7.7 runs a game). This included 13 of the 18 players hitting above .300. Team leaders offensively were Max Keado with a .630 average, including six home runs, and 26 RBI, Casey Job with a .512 average and 10 RBI, Rich Sutherland and his .485 average, two home runs and 10 RBI, and Jon Mueller with a .408 average, three home runs, 17 stolen bases, and 20 runs scored.
On the mound, they were led by Justin Brooks, Jon Mueller, and Ryan Gauck. Brooks posted a 7-0 record with a 1.36 ERA, Mueller was 6-1 with a 1.85 ERA and 55 Strikeouts, and Gauck was 2-0 with a 0.81 ERA in his 17 innings of work.
Defensively, they had great play by rookies Andy Pedone Jr. and Connor Douglas at shortstop and second, respectively. The outfield was locked down by Christian Brown, Rich Sutherland, Justin Brooks, and rookie Nolan Duda. Starting catcher, Mike Renda, was phenomenal managing the pitching staff all year, and had some monster hits for the Ponies in big moments as well.
Troy Applin was the ultimate utility guy, logging big innings as a spot starter and reliever as well as making huge plays at third base. His bases-clearing triple in game two of the semi-finals was massive in keeping the team’s momentum heading into the championship series.
We can’t forget the summer of Joe Proper and newly married Andrew Brozowski, who provided great depth in the field and at the plate. New free agent signee, Brian McBee, gave the Ponies a few spot starts and was our number one lefty out of the pen. Lastly, Tony Parella continued to make his veteran presence known throughout the league. The ‘Hit King’ was always there for a high exit velo shot in the middle of the field.
It was an amazing summer with an amazing group of guys. We’ll never forget the 2025 Saratoga Rumble Ponies, the fun is in the Win!
Roster: Troy Applin (Norfolk State), Justin Brooks (Dowling/St Rose), Christian Brown (Ithaca), Andrew Brozowski (UAlbany), Connor Douglas (Boston College), Nolan Duda (Clarkson), Ryan Gauck (Marist), Casey Job (SUNY Brockport), Max Keado (SUNY Brockport), Brian McBee (Wisconsin-Whitewater), Jon Mueller (Adirondack Community College), Tony Parella (Schenectady Community College), Andrew Pedone (St Rose), Joe Proper (UAlbany), Mike Renda (Kean University), Rich Sutherland (Army), Charlie Taylor (Rappahannock Community College).