2025 65+ National

LA Athletics 14, Sacramento Royals 6

‘Athletics Accomplish ‘Three-peat’ in 65+ National Division’

Submitted by Bob Sherwin, manager

This was our third straight title in the 65+ National.  Perhaps one of the best teams I’ve had the privilege of playing with and managing.  We went 4-0-1 in pool play, after tying the Sacramento Royals 8-8 in our first game, and then defeated the same Sacramento Royals 14-6 in the championship game.

Our team was led by outstanding pitching and incredible defense.  Barney Owens, ex-major leaguer Tom Klawitter, ex-AAA pitcher Norm Churchill, ex-pro Gary Fritch, and ace Kenny Jungsten each got wins in pool play, with Fritch throwing a complete game against the Tri-Valley Tribute.

In the championship game, Klawitter threw three innings, and Owens got the win with six strong innings in relief.  Our bullpen of Jungsten and Bill Brown complemented our starters throughout the week.

Defensively, we were simply unmatched, with MVP Bobby Heiderscheidt at shortstop showing that age is a figment of our imagination.  Flawless Dave Deitrich at third base, Kevin Bronson at second base, and Jim Barker, Greg Bradford, and Rick Hazard at first made for an infield that stopped everything in sight.

A fleet-footed outfield of Mark Flatau, Craig Aramaki, Matt Baer, and Joe Polance tracked down every ball in the air.  Catching duties were ably handled by Wayne Grapes, Blaine Olson, and Gregg Were.

Offensively, the Athletics were led by Heiderscheidt at the lead-off position, Bradford, who came up big in the championship game, and Baer, who hit well over .500.

A great team effort for a three-peat!