Capital City Charity Tournament Salutes Six Champions; Raises $10,000 for Shriner’s Children’s Hospital
Submitted by Lanny Ropke
The Sacramento MSBL Capital City Labor Day Tournament, recently renamed the Capital City Charity Tournament, would like to salute the winners of our six divisions.
After last year’s hot weekend, these teams enjoyed perfect baseball temperatures. Saturday was 73 degrees, Sunday was 78, and Monday was 82.
In the 25+ division, the San Jose Giants prevailed, led by Manager Chris Chambers.
The 35+ division was won by the Tri-Valley Cardinals with Alan Granenkamp as the skipper.
The 45+ Champions were the Sacramento Capitals with Scott Scardina at the helm.
In the 55+ division, the SMSBL/REBL River Bandits earned the championship honors, managed by Calvin Nickerson.
The 60+ silver cup Championship trophy went to the Sacramento Royals, captained by Bobby Brown.
And last of all, in the 65+ division, the Nor Cal Stars pulled off a ninth inning 1-1 tie-breaking comeback, led by David “Doc” Currie to capture the title.
Congratulations to these teams and all the participating teams that helped make our tournament a success. Everyone helped us raise significant funds to donate to this year’s designated charity.
On Wednesday, September 5th, Tournament Chairman Alan Van Ness and his Co-chairman, wife Teena, presented a check for $10,000 to The Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Through the years, we are very proud as a league, to have donated over $100,000 to local and national charities.
The Saturday night pulled pork and BBQ chicken was delicious. The raffle, silent auction, and gifts for sale, organized and supervised by Teena Van Ness, was a big hit with over 40 prizes won.
Under the lights at our two-field Army Depot Complex, the Home Run Derby entrants dazzled us with their skills and power. After two rounds of competition, the $150 prize was won by Jimmy Gallo.
Finally, it goes without saying that putting on a tournament like this is a LOT of work. Thanks to the main couple, Alan and Teena Van Ness, who worked tirelessly on this for three months. And also, thanks to Mike Pankow, Ever Maldonado, Mike Egan, Jason Morris, Gordy Olson, and Dan Wukmir for stepping forward and assisting in so many ways.
Come see us next Labor Day!