2026 Erie-Buffalo Repeats as MUNY-Buffalo MSBL 35+ Division Champions After Thrilling Three-Game Championship Series
MUNY-Buffalo MSBL, 35+ Division
Erie-Buffalo 5, Stingers 3 (Game three in best-of-three championship series)
‘ERIE-BUFFALO BASEBALL CLUB CAPTURES FIFTH CHAMPIONSHIP IN SEVEN YEARS’
Submitted by Ralph Proulx, manager
BUFFALO, NY – The Erie-Buffalo Baseball Club has once again proven why it is one of the premier teams in the MUNY-Buffalo MSBL 35+ Division, capturing its second consecutive championship and an impressive fifth league title in the past seven years.
With dominant pitching, timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and a veteran roster, Erie-Buffalo capped off another outstanding season with a hard-fought, three-game championship series win over the Stingers.
The Road to the Championship
Erie-Buffalo entered the postseason looking to defend its title after a remarkable regular season in which the team suffered just one loss. That lone defeat came on May 29, when the Stingers handed Erie-Buffalo a narrow 2-1 setback — a result that would ultimately foreshadow an exciting championship showdown.
In the semifinals, Erie-Buffalo swept the Niagara Phillies in two games to advance to the championship round.
Meanwhile, the third-place Stingers upset the second-place Bulldogs in their semifinal matchup, setting the stage for a championship series between two teams already familiar with one another.
Championship Series: A Battle to the Finish
Game 1 – Stingers Strike First, 6-4
The championship series opened with the Stingers jumping out to an early lead. Despite their comeback efforts, Erie-Buffalo couldn’t overcome the deficit, falling 6-4 and facing elimination.
Game 2 – Messina Leads the Comeback, 8-3
With their championship hopes on the line, Erie-Buffalo responded like a veteran team accustomed to postseason pressure.
Right-hander Mark Messina delivered an outstanding performance on the mound, striking out nine batters and keeping the Stingers’ offense in check.
The Erie-Buffalo lineup provided plenty of support, with Fred Falkowski, Nick Walczak, Chris Snusz, and Joe Ferrando leading a potent offensive attack.
The convincing 8-3 victory evened the series at one game apiece and forced a decisive Game 3 with the championship on the line.
Game 3 – Championship Determination, 5-3
With everything on the line, Erie-Buffalo turned to Noah Huard, who delivered five strong innings and put his team in position to capture another title.
Huard then handed the ball to Game 2 winner Mark Messina, who returned to the mound and secured the save.
Offensively, Mike Webster provided the spark, while Nick Walczak, Chris Snusz, and Joe Ferrando delivered key hits in a tightly contested game.
When the final out was recorded, Erie-Buffalo had secured a 5-3 victory, completing the series comeback and claiming its fifth championship in seven seasons.
Pitching: The Foundation of Success
Throughout the season, Erie-Buffalo’s pitching staff established itself as one of the league’s most formidable units.
The staff of Mark Messina, Noah Huard, Taylor Sekuterski, Craig Leone, and Derek Jozwiak combined to post an impressive league-leading 2.46 earned run average, recording 96 strikeouts.
Messina led the staff with 50 strikeouts and played a pivotal role in the championship series, earning the Game 2 victory before returning to close out the deciding game.
The staff’s ability to consistently limit opposing offenses was a major factor in Erie-Buffalo’s success throughout the season and postseason.
A Lineup Built to Produce
While pitching provided the foundation, Erie-Buffalo’s powerful offense was equally instrumental in another championship campaign.
The team featured several of the league’s most productive hitters, led by:
- Fred Falkowski: .610 batting average
- Nick Walczak: .583 batting average
- Chris Snusz: .500 batting average
- Joe Ferrando: .500 batting average and a team-leading 31 RBIs
These offensive leaders consistently delivered throughout the season, providing the timely hits and run production necessary to keep Erie-Buffalo among the league’s elite teams.
Speed also played a major role in the team’s offensive success. Mike Webster and Ryan Kay combined for 24 stolen bases, creating extra scoring chances and keeping constant pressure on opposing defenses.
A Complete Team Effort
Beyond the standout individual performances, Erie-Buffalo’s championship reflected an experienced, talented roster committed to a common goal.
John Catanzaro, Sean Walker, Jim Lacki, Derek Jozwiak, Dan Potwora, Mike Austin, Paul Yemma and Jeremy Ross rounded out the championship squad, each contributing to the team’s success.
It was that collective effort, combined with a winning culture developed over several seasons, that once again separated Erie-Buffalo from the competition.
Five Championships in Seven Years: A Winning Tradition
“Winning a championship is never easy, but winning five in seven years speaks volumes about the consistency, talent, and commitment of this group of players. It takes something special to maintain that level of success year after year,” said Erie-Buffalo Assistant Coach Glenn Hauptman.
For Erie-Buffalo, the 2026 title was particularly satisfying. After dropping the opening game of the championship series to the only team that had beaten them during the regular season, the club responded by winning two consecutive games with its season on the line.
“For the Erie-Buffalo Baseball Club, excellence isn’t simply a goal — it’s become an expectation,” said Erie-Buffalo Assistant Coach Jim Galbo.
Five championships in seven years. Back-to-back titles. One winning tradition.