2018 Warren Panthers Clinch Regular Season Title in Ohio MSBL Timeless Division

Submitted by Brian Kochunas, Panthers manager

The Warren Panthers of the Timeless (60+) Division of the Ohio MSBL won several key games in late July and early August to wrap up the regular season title and the #1 seed in the League’s upcoming single elimination playoffs. Unfortunately we ran into a buzz saw and lost in the playoffs 13-10 but still celebrate our very successful season.

During that late season run, the Panthers had several key performances by a handful of players to maintain their first place lead. In a July victory over the Ohio Classics, third baseman/catcher Terry Hogan (age 69) went 3 for 3 with a double and two singles, scored twice and drove in four runs. He also added a walk to complete a perfect day at the plate.

In a late July victory over the Phillies 60’s, left fielder Ed Martin (age 64) paced the Panthers with a 3 for 4 day at the plate, including a triple and two singles, as well as scoring two times and collecting four RBI.

Moving into August, the Panthers again beat the Ohio Classics. In this game there were three Panthers who were instrumental in the victory. The team’s oldest player Charlie Harris (age 78, that is correct, age 78) went 4 for 5 with a double and three singles, scored two runs, drove in one and also stole a base to complete a fantastic performance. Providing some help were first baseman Dave Kerestly (age 68), who had a 3 for 3 day with two RBI and scored once AND Ed Martin, again, who had three hits in five trips, including two triples and a single, scored twice, collected two RBI and stole a base.

In the final game of the season, which the Panthers needed to win to clinch the #1 seed, the team was sparked by Ed Martin once again, as he went 2 for 4 with two doubles, scored two runs and drove in two more, as the Panthers defeated the Phillies 60’s again to finish the season with a 13-3 record and a ½ game lead over A2Z Sports, the 2017 League Champions. Martin, with his strong showings down the stretch, ended up with a team leading average of .500, with 29 hits in 58 appearances, including three doubles and four triples. He also scored 19 runs, had 18 RBIs and stole a team high 11 bases.