Category: League Champions

Red River Adult Baseball League, 30+ Division

Minden Redbirds 17, Bossier City Rats 5

‘Fort Earns Victory, Claims MVP Honors’

SHREVEPORT, La. – The Minden Redbirds claimed the 2019 Red River Adult Baseball League 30+ Division crown with a resounding 17-5 win over the Bossier City Rats Sunday at LSU Shreveport’s Pilots Field.

“We played our best baseball when it mattered the most,” said Minden player-manager Charlie Cavell. “We scored 28 runs against the top two teams in the league in back-to-back games. We never took our foot off the gas. We jumped out to a lead, and every time they scored, we answered, and that’s what good teams do.”

The Redbirds scored 17 runs on 21 hits in the championship game. Seven Minden players had multiple hits in the game, including Chris Fort, Keith Hardin and Thomas McManis, who each collected three hits. McManis, a former Parkway Panther, Bossier Parish Cavalier and LSUS Pilot, went 3-for-3 with a triple, a home run, three RBIs and he scored four runs. Philip Johnson also drove in three runs.

Fort, who was named the 2019 Most Valuable Player by a team vote, allowed just four hits and one earned run over seven innings. He walked four and struck out six to earn the win.

“I just tried to throw strikes and let the defense help me,” said Fort, who played collegiately at Southern Arkansas University. “For the most part we were able to minimize the damage. I felt good the entire game despite the 100-degree heat.”

“It’s a tremendous honor to be named the MVP,” said Fort. “I’m just happy to still be able to come out every summer and compete. It’s a lot of fun when you’re surrounded by a group of guys that still have a passion for the game. We had a lot of guys contribute in different ways to get us to the championship, so it was definitely a team effort. I’m already looking forward to next year.”

Minden was the No. 3-seed heading into the playoffs, defeating the No. 2-seed Shreveport Storm 11-4 on Saturday behind a strong pitching performance from Ian Doiron. Doiron, a Houma, La. native who played collegiately at LSUS, turned in a four-hit, complete game performance in the semifinals. The hard-throwing righthander did not allow an earned run, and was helped out by a defense that turned three double plays.

“I said it all season long that when we had all of our players we were a darn good baseball team,” said Cavell. “I think we validated that statement this weekend. This is a great group of guys who happen to be outstanding ballplayers. I’m just lucky to be a part of it.”

Cavell thanked Gary Jones at Advanced Ambulance Service of Minden for its support of the team.

LaGrange MABL

Brookfield Stallions 12, Brookfield White Sox 7

       

Pictured L-R: TJ Little, Scottie Olsowlka, Dave Skowronski, Joe Hnojsky, Keith Halverson, Jonny Kleinmeyer, Adam Martinson, Kyle Halverson, Nick Reyes.  Not Pictured: John Barnes, Dave Sopczynski, Brian Sopczynski, Tony Ketchmark                 

‘Kleinmeyer Throws Complete Championship Game Victory’

Submitted by Keith Halverson, Stallions manager

The 2019 Brookfield Stallions sweep through the Lagrange, IL MABL playoffs with a 4-0 record to win the championship versus the Brookfield White Sox!

The Brookfield Stallions began the 2019 baseball season 1-2, but then went 14-1-1 their last 16 ball games, including reeling off their last seven in a row. They ended the regular season 15-3-1. They overcame the early season injury to their starting left fielder, Brian Sopczynski, but were able to get him back towards the end of the season. The Stallions maintained steady offense and sharp defense all season long, but they could not have done this good of a job without their consistent 4-man rotation. John Barnes, Jonny Kleinmeyer, Kyle Halverson and Adam Martinson were workhorses throughout the season and allowed the Stallions to be in almost every single game. During the regular season the Stallions had a couple of huge wins, one including a walk off win against the Buddies to open the season in which Scottie Olsowlka had a 2-RBI single in the bottom of the seventh. Another coming in the mid-season in which the Stallions beat the Outlaws with only eight players. TJ Little had a huge hit down the left field line to complete the walk off victory.

From individual leader standpoints, Jonny Kleinmeyer led the Stallions in home runs with two and finished second in batting with a .414 average. Keith Halverson led the team in batting and hits, with a .524 average and 43 hits, respectively. Keith also finish second with five stolen bases and was first in doubles with nine. Kyle Halverson led the team in innings pitched, led in stolen bases with seven, led with two triples and finished tied for 3^rd in batting with a .387 average. Scottie Olsowlka ended with a .387 average to tie Kyle for third in batting. Joe Hnojsky batted .375 and finished second with five doubles. Lastly, the Stallions had two other players bat above .300; Dave Sopczynski hit .301 and TJ Little hit .364.

The playoff run started with a matchup versus the Thunder. The Stallions won 6-2 behind eight strong innings by John Barnes, compiling six K’s. Kyle Halverson finished off the ninth innings 1-2-3. The offense was led by Keith Halverson and TJ Little in this one. TJ Little had a key 2-RBI double in the first inning, which led him to a 3-4 night. Keith went 4-4, including a 2-RBI double in the eighth to help seal the victory. Dave Skowronski was 3-4 with a double and Dave Sopczysnki added two hits for the team.

Game two was against the Chargers, in which the Stallions won 7-3 behind a complete game performance by Jonny Kleinmeyer, including 11 K’s. The Stallions opened the scoring with Keith Halverson and Dave Sopczynski scoring on the same passed ball in the fifth inning. From there, Scottie Olsowlka and TJ Little each had two hits to help the Stallions score their seven runs.

Game three was an 8-2 victory over the Red Angels behind a complete game job by John Barnes. This game the Stallions were able to chip away at the Red Angels all game, including multiple hits by Keith, Kyle, Dave Sop., Scottie, Jonny and Adam Martinson. In the championship, the Stallions beat the White Sox 12-7 to finish off their season! Jonny Kleinmeyer pitched all nine innings to lead the way. The Stallions had a huge six spot in the third inning and a crucial 4-spot in the sixth. Kyle had three hits, including a triple. Joe added three hits, including a huge 2-out single with the bases loaded in the third inning. Lastly, Adam Martinson and Dave Skowronski each had two hits to help the Stallions to the win!

The Stallions are the 2019 LaGrange MABL champs!

San Antonio MSBL, 30+ Spring Division

Bombers 7, Reds 5

Front Row L-R: Derrick Hardemann, Sean (I am the greatest of all time) Miller, JR Broils, Jack Held, Bryan Wyatt, Randy Mendoza, Steve Woodward. Back Row L-R: Tom Keyser, Bob Gurchalk, Fred Douglas, John Lerette, Jerry Spencer, Miguel Tena, Dave Oliver, Roy Branch, Dustin Beaudoin. Missing: Casey Shattuck, Pat Pulliam, Alex Mann, Chris Werner, Mike Smith

Submitted by Jack Held, Bombers manager

The San Antonio Bombers captured the 30 + San Antonio Texas MSBL Spring Championship session.  The Bomber Team had an extremely deep quality team, as 19 players suited up for the spring campaign.   Many games we had 16 players while batting everyone.  It was truly a solid team with depth at every position. We had players in age from 30 to 70 that contributed in many ways.

The Championship game was against the San Antonio Reds, coached by Phil Galloway.  The Red’s and Bombers have had many close championship game battles.  This game was no different as the Bombers jumped out to a 5-0 lead and by the top of the ninth it was only a Bomber 6-5 lead.  The Bombers squeezed out a run in the top of ninth and then managed to hang on for a 7-5 championship victory.

Top L/R: Doug Buetel, Dave Tenney, Jon Kirk, Chuck Schmidt, Rob McKnight, Earl Andrewson, Marshal Giggs, Dennis Dusso. Bottom L/R: Andre Burgos, Dwayne Widman (DW), Caroline (Princess) Schmidt (scorekeeper/player), Dave Wilkins, Joe Parra, Rick Foreman, Tommy Lopez, Dave Henry.  Not pictured: Kevin Kron, John Mulkey, Rick Itzkowich, Geno Sutter. 

Managers: Dave Wilkins & Jon Kirk

Submitted by Dave Wilkins, Nationals Co-manager

The championship game was between us, the AA PAVING NATIONALS and the S.D. PIRATES in the MSBL NORTH COUNTY (San Diego) 53+ South division.  Our two teams have played each other for the championship for the last 3 seasons.  All have been very good games.  The first season we lost by one run with the tying run on third and the winning run on second and couldn’t convert.  The second season (last season) we lost by five runs.

At the conclusion of this season we both had the same won/loss records, however the PIRATES had defeated us twice in the regular season with us defeating them only once as one of our scheduled games against each other was rained out.  This season was both of our team’s final game in the league and we came out on top 9 to 5.

Our MVP of the game was our pitcher Doug Buetel, who pitched 8 1/3 great innings.  He pitched out of two bases loaded situations, one in the fifth inning and one in the ninth inning.  Tommy Lopez hit a double to score the game tying run in the fifth inning.  Dennis Dusso, Marshall Gibbs, Joe Parra and Dave Tenney all came up big with RBI’s in the top of the ninth inning to put us ahead by four runs.

Earl Andrewson pitched the last 2/3 of the ninth inning to seal our victory.  Earl came in the game with one out and two men on base.  He gave up a double and one earned run and walked the next batter.  The next batter got on base on an E-6 which scored an unearned run.  Then Earl settled down and got the last two batters out on ground balls to end the game and secure our season as league champions.  A GREAT WAY TO GO OUT!!

Submitted by Scott Brown, Sacramento Seals

The Sacramento Seals played the Spring SMSBL season with thoughts toward their great friend and teammate John ‘JC’ Caputo as he battles stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  He is a founding father of the Seals and such a great person to be around.

The Seals played in the 50+ National division, the upper of the two divisions, and managed to go 9-2, led by our skipper Scott Stevens, who batted .385 and filled the big shoes of playing third base for JC and handling lineups and post-game refreshments!  Scotty is a great coach and we all enjoy playing for him.

The other leader of the team is definitely our catcher Matt Walbeck, formerly of the MLB Angels, Tigers, Cubs and Twins.  He has brought so much to each individual player as well as to the team. We owe him so much. Thanks Matt!!  Matt not only was the captain on the field as our catcher but he batted .500, had an OPS of 1.325 along with our first baseman Brian Jones, Tom Seaver’s nephew.  Steve McNeely also was a much needed bat and pitcher for us as he had two wins and batted .438.  We had so many solid players, such as Glen Gross, Eric ‘ET’ Taylor, Scott Babcock, Rick Nowaski and Eric Sex, just to name a few.  Eric also led the league with 17 runs scored.  All those guys hit over .360 and Glen and ET posted a combined 4-1.

We lost to the Royals in the Championship game by a score of 5-4.  The Royals are led by Sacramento HOF players Steve Welch, Gary Stonebrook and Tim Burkitt.  It was a great game and came down to the last out, as we had a runner at third base.  We are very lucky to play in the SMSBL run by our president Alan Van Ness and his crew. We want to throw out a big thanks to all of them!

Sacramento Men’s Senior Baseball League, Spring 50+ American 

Reds 8, Orioles 3

‘Reds Topple #1 Seed Riverdogs on Way to Championship Over Orioles’

In an interview with Steve Brown, the Red’s Manager/Player, Brown stated that “It was a great team win.  Jim Marquardsen started on the hill in the Championship Game and pitched great and ended up pitching a complete game.  Our offense scored two runs in the first inning to give Jim a little bit of a cushion and he was able to relax and throw his game.  We also played great defense to keep them from scoring.

I am so proud of all the guys and it took the whole team to get us there, let alone to win.  It is tough for me to single out only a few guys because EVERYBODY contributed, but I guess I have to in order to help paint the story. But let me be clear, everybody in the team picture were and are key guys to this team and this Championship. Truth be told, our Reds struggled during the regular season with some tough losses by a run or two in the late innings on several key games.  In addition, like other teams I’m sure, we had several key injuries and could not seem to get in a rhythm due to games being postponed and even cancelled due to the weather at the end of the season.

We were lucky to even make the playoffs as the number four seed.  “As the four seed we had to play the first place Riverdogs, who are a tough team and had 10-runned us the last time we played them.  I think we surprised them for sure.  We struggled a bit at first, and had to make a pitching change in the second inning and went with our last available pitcher, Steve Kinyon, to close it out.”

Due to arm injuries and other factors with several of our other pitchers, we had no real plan if Steve got into trouble.  Steve pitched great and thankfully was able to go the rest of the distance and put us in position to win. It was a great game that went back and forth and all came down to a play at home plate to end the game.   We got the final out with a huge relay throw from Jason Standley in left field from a gap line drive double to deep left center field.  Jason tracked it down and relayed it to Brent Roloff at short who then threw a bullet to our catcher Eric Ferrari who put the tag on for the third and final out.

This play was huge because it prevented them from tying up the game or worse – losing it all with a walk off single.  We ended up scraping by with a 11-10 win against the Riverdogs, putting us in the Championship Game against the Orioles.  For both playoff games we really came together as a team.  It all happened with the right mix of great pitching, good at-bats, solid hitting and scoring, and huge defensive plays in both games.  “I could not be prouder of these guys individually and as a team”, said Brown.

Sacramento Men’s Senior Baseball League, Spring 50+ National Division

Royals 5, Seals 4

‘Royals Shut Down Top Seed for Spring Title’

Submitted by Jim Tygrett-DeNuzzi

(Photo courtesy of Jane Burkitt) The Royals won the 2019 Sacramento Spring League 50+ championship with timely hitting and quality pitching.The Royals went into the playoffs seeded third and defeated the two-seed Nationals 4-1 with a great pitching performance from Gary Stonebrook. We then went up against the top seeded Seals and came away with a hard fought 5-4 nail biter for the win.

Tim Lindsay pitched the championship for the Royals and he and Seals pitcher Eric Taylor virtually matched each other for seven innings. Bobby Wooden produced the game winning rbi for the Royals, with Wooden, Roy McDaniel, Fred Lievano, and Skye Ropke producing two hits apiece during the game. Ropke also made a run saving catch in short right field from his shortstop position that prevented the game from going into extra innings.

The rest of the Royals players contributing all season are: Steve Welch, Phil Adams, John Daly, Mark Shillingburg, Eric Ferrari, Tim Burkitt, Rob Ericsson, Steve Aldag, Lanny Ropke and manager Jim Tygrett- DeNuzzi.  Special thanks goes out to our scorekeeper Kelly Welch.

Pennsylvania Midstate Baseball League

Enola Angels 5, Enola Yankees 2

 ‘Halos Win First Title Behind Pisani Mound Dominance’

ENOLA (PA) – Even Mother Nature could not stop the Enola Angels from capturing their first PAMBL 28+ title in just their third year in the league. The season was filled with postponements, games called early and several make up dates due to a heavy dose of rain throughout the Spring and Summer months across Central Pennsylvania. Ultimately, in a season that seemingly ran forever, the Angels came out victorious over the Enola Yankees in the best-of-three championship series.

The Angels were formed by twin brothers Kody and Kory Ness. Their goal was to continue playing the game they love while honoring a friend and former teammate who passed away suddenly in May of 2014, Matthew Lingo. Once they were age eligible, they formed a team to play in the PAMBL (appropriately named the Angels) and began league play in 2016. The first year in the league was a learning experience for the brothers and their teammates, resulting in a 7-18 record and a first-round playoff exit. Year two, the team welcomed some new faces and saw drastic improvements across the board with their hitting, pitching and defense, leading to an overall record of 16-11. Unfortunately, the Angels could not overcome the eventual league champion, Mifflinburg Phillies, bowing out in game three of the best-of-three semifinal series.

Fast forward to year three, and the Angels began the 2018 season riding a wave of confidence that they could now compete with anyone in the 9-team league. Adding a few more dedicated pieces and beginning to bond more like a team of brothers, the Angels jumped out to a 9-1 start and were certain this was their year. A midseason slump resulting in a 1-4-1 record over their next six games tested the team’s mettle and proved they would have to overcome adversity in order to succeed. The Halos would finish the regular season at 12-7-1, after losing two competitive matchups in their regular season finale with the Mifflinburg Phillies.

Billed as “The Train Yard Series” because of both teams sharing a field in close proximity to the Norfolk Southern Rail Yard in Enola, the Angels and Yankees were both eager to crown themselves as kings of the town and the league in this highly anticipated matchup. Sharing a field at East Pennsboro High School offered both teams minimal travel and a home field advantage feel during the series, which did not disappoint.

Game one went to the designated road team, the Angels, by a score of 6-2. The Yankees jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first, but the lead did not last long as the Halos came right back with one of their own in the second and four in the third to take a commanding 5-1 lead. They would eventually go up 6-1 on an error in the top of the sixth inning. The Yankees would get the run back in the bottom of the sixth on a bases loaded walk to close the gap to 6-2, but that would be the closest they would get as Nick Pisani would retire them in order in the bottom of the seventh to finish off another complete game. Pisani would throw 113 pitches (75 for strikes) and struck out an eye-popping 13 Yankees batters on the game. He would also record two hits on the day to help himself at the plate. Joining him in the multi-hit column were Doug Henderson, Josh Dinterman and Toby Bradbury. Dinterman and Kody Ness each had two RBIs in the game.

Game two did not go the Angels way, as they were handed a convincing 9-0 loss, evening the series at one game apiece and setting up a decisive, winner-take-all game three. Chet Haifley pitched a complete game gem for the Yankees, allowing five hits and one walk while striking out six. Mike Hellam and Matt Long combined to throw six innings in a losing effort for the Angels, who were done in by quiet bats and three errors in the game. Hellam had the only multi-hit game for the Angels in the loss.

The Angels had two things working to their advantage in what would be the final game of the season, win or lose, for both teams. The first advantage was that they were the home team, with final at bats if need be. Secondly, their left-handed ace, Nick Pisani, was ready and eager to help his team claim the championship. Game three of each series was unique in that it was a single 9-inning game, different from the regularly played 7-inning games that took place over the course of a doubleheader. There was more time for comebacks and more time for nervousness as to what the outcome would be.

The Halos did not wait around, this time getting to Yankees pitcher Chet Haifley early in the bottom of the first. They went up 2-0 after one on RBI singles by Josh Dinterman and Mike Hellam, and then pushed the lead to 4-0 after an error would score a run and an RBI single by Kody Ness. The cushion was more than enough for Pisani, who worked the strike zone effectively through the first six innings. He would encounter some trouble in the top of the seventh, as the Yankees’ Devin Dellinger would double home two runs to cut the Angels lead in half at 4-2. Hellam would again provide a spark for the Angels in the bottom of the seventh, hitting home Sam Watkins on a sacrifice fly to increase the lead to 5-2. Other than anxiously anticipating the conclusion, the final two innings would prove uneventful for fans as teams combined for just one hit.

In the top of the ninth, Pisani would need just ten pitches to set down the Yankees in order and lead the Enola Angels to victory, with a final score of 5-2. The icing on the cake was a strikeout of one of the Yankees more prolific hitters on just three pitches to end the game, bringing jubilation to the Angels and their fans. The lefty would finish with a line of: 9 innings, 120 pitches (88 strikes), 4 hits, 2 runs (1 ER), 1 BB and 7 K – a truly championship worthy performance.  Doug Henderson, Kory Ness, Sam Watkins, Josh Dinterman, Kody Ness and Kyle Bornman all collected multiple total bases for the Angels in a 14-hit outburst.

The Enola Yankees and their manager, Perry Owen (competing in his final season), should not be discredited for having a remarkable season and finishing one game short of winning the league title. The Angels, however, were victorious on this day – finishing an up-and-down season with a superb record of 18-9-1, fighting injuries and adversity along the way to bring home the trophy. Pisani was mobbed by teammates as the dugout cleared and the Angels celebrated their first championship in team history. Playing in a highly competitive league, they proved that the new guys have what it takes to win it all too.

Delaware MSBL 30+ Division

Delaware Brewers 3, Diablos 1

Bottom Left to Right:  Marc Prado (Manager), Ken Bilicke, Scott Rothwell, Joe Morales, Casey Holland. Top Left to Right:  Chad Jenkins, Clint Kuhl, Scott West, Chris Emrey, Matt Trate, Rick Hein, Mike Daniels, Anthony Scarangello. Not pictured:  Mike Montgomery, Chris Trate, Dave Anson, Jim Ayers

‘Brewers Celebrate Six Titles in a Row’

Submitted by Marc Prado, Brewers manager

The Delaware Brewers captured their sixth straight Delaware Adult Baseball League championship in epic fashion. In the semi-final single elimination match-up the Brewers were down five runs with six outs remaining against the Walton’s Drillers and rallied for the win. Scott Rothwell’s walk off RBI double sealed the comeback and paved the way for the Brewer’s match-up in the finals against the upstart Diablos for the second consecutive year.

The Diablos won the first game of the best of three series behind the strong pitching and timely offense. In the second game the Brewers were down seven runs early in the game but veteran pitcher Rick Hein entered the game in the third inning and didn’t allow a run. With six outs left the Brewers again found themselves down five runs but rallied behind a “refuse to lose” mentality and total team effort to win and force a deciding game.

In a Herculean effort, Rick Hein again took the mound in the championship game and pitched five strong innings. The Brewers were up 3-1 in the fifth and then turned to Clint Kuhl to finish things out from the hill, who extinguished any hope the Diablo’s had for a comeback. The game ended 3-1 and secured the Brewer’s sixth straight title and their 13th in the past 16 years!

The Brewers pitching staff recorded a 9-3 record combined with a 2.65 ERA and recorded an opponent’s batting average of only .196

The Offense was lead by Casey Holland who posted a .429 batting average followed by Rick Hein (.412), Matt Trate (.400), Marc Prado (.368), and Scott West (.364).

Mid-Iowa Baseball League, 18+ Division

Des Moines Thunder 11, Des Moines Cubs 6

‘Cook Posts Perfect 8-0, 0.69 ERA for Season’

Submitted by Bob Thornton, Thunder manager

This year the Thunder team from the 18+ division of the Mid Iowa Baseball League was able to finally capture a season sweep in titles. For the last two seasons we have been able to win the regular season but come up short both times in the tournament. The Thunder success is based on returning some solid veteran players while adding some key energetic and very talented ball players. It was just a matter of time before we would get it done in the tournament, as we worked hard all offseason to accomplish this goal and it was so great to see it end the way we wanted.

All season long we battled in a tough 18+ Division in the MIBL winning 10 straight to start the season. After wrapping up the Division Championship with a 2-0 game one win over our rival team “Bandits” we were handed our only loss of the season in a nail biter 7-6 game two ball game. Trey Cook threw an outstanding 3-hit 8.1 innings while Chad Olser came in to close the door on the Bandits in the ninth. Corey Rasmussen, Wes Volk and Cole Scieszinski all had two hits in game one.

Thunder posted their best season to date with an overall 13-1 record, while only giving up an average of 2.91 runs a game while scoring nine runs per game. Season MVP Trey Cook was a perfect 8-0 with an ERA of 0.69 on the season, while striking out 56 batters in 52.1 innings of work. We got strong performances from all of our players this year with a lot of timely hits and clutch pitching performances. Some of our notable performers from the plate were: RF-Mike Eckhart (.500), C-Troy DuBay (.429) and 3B Sean Roberts (.425). In addition to Cook we got a huge boost from Gaige Thompson, who came off a Tommy John injury in 2017 while electing to work through it and not have the surgery, posting a 1.97 ERA with 16 K’s in 32 innings of work.

On Sunday, August 19, the Des Moines Thunder captured their first postseason 18+ Division tournament title with an 11-6 victory over the Des Moines Cubs.  Sean Roberts was named tournament MVP, going 3×5 with two doubles, four RBI, three walks and one run scored.  While Trey Cook picked up the win in the title game throwing six innings, Chad Osler picked up the save closing out the last three innings. Gaige Thompson was the winning pitcher in the Semifinal game where the Thunder beat the Cardinals 5-2. Thompson went 6.2 innings while Chad Osler closed out the last 2.1 innings. They combined for eight strikeouts in the win. Thunder is looking to carry this momentum into 2019 as we look to defend our titles yet again.