2025 70+ National

70+ National Division

Minnesota Bandits 13, LA Athletics 3

‘Heiderscheit Leads 23-Hit Attack’

Submitted by Frank Hanford, manager

The Minnesota Bandits dropped their first game of the 2025 World Series to the LA Athletics 5-3, then rebounded to win five straight games and defeat the defending champion Athletics 13-3 in the 70+ National Division championship game.

The Bandits jumped to a 7-1 lead after three innings and collected 23 hits in the championship win at Tempe Diablo Stadium.  Shortstop Bob Heiderscheit had five hits in the championship game and, along with Rodney Backhaus, had twenty-six hits in forty-eight ABs and turned sixteen double plays in the six games.

Alan Arthur had three hits in the championship game, and together with Bob Britz, Jerry Spencer, and Paul Jaunich were thirty-one for fifty-seven for the week.

The Bandits gave up only twenty-two runs (eighteen earned) over the week, with Gary Fritch, John Gilbert, Brock Kiecker, and Paul Springborn totaling most of the innings, with Jerry Spencer, Bruce Gilbert, and Paul Olson contributing.

As we all age our way up the MSBL ladder, we find our bodies becoming less steady and see the errors and mistakes increase.  We tolerate them.  Yet, when an umpire makes a questionable call, we criticize and, many times, overreact and point fingers.  I would like to point a finger at the umpires, also.  Our past week featured the best and most consistent week of umpiring we have experienced in the MSBL tournaments.  MASKS OFF TO THE UMPIRES!  Excellent Job.

It’s always a good week when you win.  It’s a better week when you win with a majority of people you’ve shared the dugout with for over a decade.  And, sometimes that’s more rewarding than winning.