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Wednesday, October 23, 2002
COLORADO BULLS, PHOENIX-SEATTLE PIRATES AND TEAM USA CLAIM NABA WORLD TITLES IN PHOENIX
TRIO JOIN FIRST WEEK WINNERS RENO ASTROS, FRESNILLO MINEROS, SALT LAKE HELLCATS, L.A. INDIANS AND
DALLAS-FORT WORTH REDBIRDS
30A CHAMPIONSHIP-OCTOBER 12, 2002 (AT MARYVALE STADIUM, PHOENIX, AZ)
COLORADO BULLS 12 WILLOW GLEN (CA) A'S 4
The Colorado Bulls, down 1-0 and hitless for five innings, exploded for eight runs in the sixth inning and went on to a
12-4 victory over the Willow Glen (CA) A's. Behind Jamie Ybarra, who had pitched six hitless innings the day before
in the semifinals, the A's held the lead on Tony Gomes' solo homer in the third inning. The Bulls broke the no-hit bid
and the game wide open in the sixth when Alan Duhart and Ben Broccoli laced back to back singles. Then Tim Fancher
bounced to second, where second sacker Lee Bruener threw wildly to the plate, scoring Joe Collins, who was running
for Duhart. That tied the score at 1-1. Ibarri struck out the next two batters, but then the carnage began. John
Mahalik drew a walk to load the bases. Don Buford then smacked a two out ground rule double to deep center to put
the Bulls ahead 3-1. Damon Buford followed with a two run single, stole stole and score on an RBI hit by catcher
Eric Schreiffels. Collins followed that with an RBI triple and Duhart singled in the 8th run. The A's scored two runs
in the 7th on RBI hits by Greg Mugg and Kraig Constantino in the 7th, but the Redbirds put it on ice with four in the
8th. Schreiffels stroke a two-run single, Collins banged an RBI double and Fancher singled in the final run to salt
away their first World title. Don Buford was selected as the game's Most Valuable Player. The Gold Glove award
went to Ibarra who notched a half dozen strikeouts and five hitless innings against the Bulls, on the heels of a nine
strikeout, no hit performance the evening before in the A's 7-2 semifinal win over the San Diego's Berry's Athletics.
40AA CHAMPIONSHIP-OCTOBER 12, 2002 (AT DIABLO STADIUM, TEMPE, AZ)
TEAM USA 6 SAN DIEGO BLACK SOX 5
Tony Ybarra's sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 8th inning broke a 5-5 tie, and carried Team USA a narrow 6-5
win over the San Diego Black Sox in the 40AA championship game. Ron Grace led off the winning rally with a single. He
was thrown out at second when Ken Mort's sacrifice bunt failed to move him over, but Mort stole second and moved
to third on a single by Dondi Teran, who stole second putting men at second and third when Ybarra flied to center,
scoring Mort with the winning run. Team USA scored two in the first inning on an RBI hit by Jim Christensen and a
run producing double by Mort. Christensen singled in a run in the third to make it 3-0, but the Black Sox scored two
of their own in the fourth. Manny Salinas tripled and scored on John Kirk's single. Kirk scored on a double by Vic
Martin to cut the lead to 3-2. USA widened it to 5-2 with a pair in the bottom of the frame on RBI hits by Bo Whiting
and Dave Dietrich. San Diego scored a run in the fifth on singles by Mark Flatau and Billy Cocchia and an infield out
by Salinas to make it 5-3, then tied it with singletons in the 7th and 8th. Jim Easterling whacked an RBI hit and Mark
Torrance singled in a run in the 8th to make it 5-5 before Team USA's winning rally in the bottom of the inning. Mike
Ivy pitched the complete game victory for Team USA and was selected as the game's Most Valuable Player. Mort,
his catcher, was selected to receive the Gold Glove award.
40A CHAMPIONSHIP-OCTOBER 12, 2002 (AT MARYVALE STADIUM, PHOENIX, AZ)
PHOENIX-SEATTLE PIRATES 9 DALLAS-FORT WORTH DIAMONDBACKS 3
The Pirates won their second NABA championship, scoring seven runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to break a 1-1
tie. The Phoenix-Seattle club sent eleven men to the plate and rapped out seven hits in the decisive inning. Joe
Kramer and Curt Towey knocked in runs to give their team a 3-1 lead, sending DFW starter Don George to the showers
but the Pirates were even rougher on reliever Terry Fluker, who surrendered RBI singles to Bill Missler (who went 3-for-3 for
the game), Brian Patillo, Brian Romanick and Gary Almes before the inning was over. In the next inning, the Pirates
added another in the sixth on back to back doubles by Kramer and Curt Towey. Tim McCreedy finished up and
pitched 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief but by then the issue had been decided. DFW scored its last two runs in the
8th on McCreedy's run producing single and a single by Pat O'Brien. The teams had battled to a 1-1 tie until Phoenix-
Seattle's fifth inning single. Pattillo singled hom a run in the second for the Pirates. Mike Millsap singled home Stephen
Rhodes who had opened the top of the fifth with a double. MVP honors went to Phoenix-Seattle pitcher Dave Blackburn,
who pitched the complete game victory, scattering ten hits, but half of them after the Pirates had taken over the lead with that
big rally. Millsap played a flawless center field for the Diamondbacks, handling seven fly balls, earned the Gold Glove
award.
18AAA CHAMPIONSHIP-OCTOBER 6, 2002 (AT DIABLO STADIUM, TEMPE, AZ)
RENO (NV) ASTROS 8 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA A'S 3
The Reno Astros went ahead with three runs in the third inning, keyed by Cooper Vittitow's two run homer and went on
to beqt the So. Cal A's 8-3 for the 18AAA title. The Astros took an early 1-0 lead with an unearned run in the second
inning when Jeff Tolotti drilled an RBI single to score Chris Kahl who had reached on an error and stole second base.
Ther A's took their only lead of the game with a pair in the third. Chris Powell singled in Brent White who later
and stole third. Powell stole second and eventually scored on a forceout. After Vittotow blasted his two-run homer in
the third, Joe Inglett tripled and scored a base hit by Kenny Woods. Tulo Valdez doubled home two runs in the fourth
after the A's had notched three straight singles and Corey Vitrano tallied on a 6-4-3 double play, but that was to be
their last gasp. The Astros closed out the scoring with two in the sixth. Tolotti, who had walked, came around to
score and Allen Shrum singled in the final tally. Vittotow, the Astros' leadoff hitter, picked up MVP honors, while
teammate and right fielder Mike Gillies copped Gold Glove honors. He had three putouts in right field.
18A CHAMPIONSHIP-OCTOBER 6, 2002 (AT HO-HO KAM STADIUM, MESA, AZ)
FRESNILLO MINEROS (CA) 9 ORANGE COUNTY (CA) CERVECEROS 7
The Mineros took advantage of wildness on the part of Cerveceros' starter John Lynn to score five runs in the fourth
inning, en route to a 9-7 victory that clinched the 18A championship. Lynn hit three batters, including two with the
bases loaded and also walked in a run in the frame, after pitching three scoreless innings. The five run outburst by the
Mineros overcame an early 3-0 deficit. Jude Chavez doubled home one run, and Sean Vance smashed a two run
single as Orange County put a three spot on the board in the first inning. Ivan Casteneda singled home the first run
in the Mineros' fourth, but Felip Serratos, Sergio Flores and Miguel Ortega were all hit by pitches, the latter two
with the bases loaded. Robert Alcaraz accounted for the fifth run when he walked with the bases loaded. The
Cerveceros battled back to take a 6-5 lead in the fifth. Chavez and Carlos Cevallos had RBI doubles to highlight the
three run inning. Luis Trinidad's two double in the sixth evened the score again at 6-6. In the seventh inning, Jorge
Araujo doubled home the eventual deciding run in the 7th and the Mineros closed out the scoring with a booming,
two-run homer by Sergio Alvarado in the 8th. The Cerveceros' final run came on an error. A total of eight batters were
hit by pitches in the game. The Mineros had five hit batsmen, the Cerveceros three. MVP honors went to reliever
Eric Bondurant who pitched the final 4 2/3 innings, giving up only two hits and one unearned run. The Gold Glove
award went to Cerveceros right fielder Rene Heraz who made some fine plays in right field, where he had three putouts.
18 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP-OCTOBER 6, 2002 (AT MARYVALE COMPLEX, PHOENIX, AZ)
SALT LAKE HELLCATS 14 SAN DIEGO GIANTS 10
Another game that featured big innings saw the Hellcats capture their first World title, outlasting the San Diego Giants
at Maryvale 14-10. The Cats trailed 10-8 going to the top of the ninth inning, but the visitors pounded out six runs
on only three hits to win going away. The Giants contributed two errors, two walks and two passed balls in that frame.
The Giants led much of the way, thanks to a five run third inning but couldn't contain the Hellcats in that last inning.
Austin Dunlop led the Hellcats with three singles, scoring three times. Leadoff hitter Vic Valdez had a double and
single to drive in three runs, and was chosen as Most Valuable Player. Brendan Powell had two hits and an RBI, and
won Gold Glove honors. Jim Easterling had two hits and drove in a pair of the Giants. JJ Fisher also had two hits. Tobin Wrighten and Josh Pascarelli had two baggers for the Giants. Steve Krefer contributed an RBI double.
50A CHAMPIONSHIP-OCTOBER 6, 2002 (AT MARYVALE COMPLEX, PHOENIX, AZ)
TEXAS REDBIRDS 2 SAN DIEGO PADRES WEST 1
This one featured a great pitching performance by Steve Pauley, who gave up only five hits in a route-going effort, as
the Redbirds nipped the Padres for the Over 50A championship at Maryvale. The Redbirds scored their only runs in
the third inning . Bob Darrow drew a walk, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Kevin Collins who was safe on a
throwing error. Ron Piacenti singled home Darrow, and Bill Bottenfield singled to score Collins. Pauley made the
runs stand up as he gave up the Padres' only run in the 8th inning. Ranny Harper doubled in Sam Ceci who had
reached on an error. Harper was thrown out at the plate, however, on John Hopkins' single and an excellent relay by
Piacenti. Pauley was chosen as MVP and Piacenti took the Gold Glove honors.
50AA CHAMPIONSHIP-OCTOBER 6, 2002 (AT DIABLO STADIUM, TEMPE, AZ)
L.A. INDIANS 13 SAN DIEGO GIANTS 8
The LA Indians walked off with the 50AA title, clincing it with six runs in the ninth inning. They trailed 8-7 going into
the 9th. Paul McPherson singled home Scott Kenning who started the rally with a single and moved to second when
Steve Cooper drew a walk. Cooper scored the go-ahead run on a pair of Giants' errors. They added base his by
Corky Johnston, Jeff Wells, who earned the victory in relief of starter Dan Little, and Glen Marshall who had an RBI
double to put it on ice. Wells and McPherson had three hits apiece to lead the Indians. Glenn Marshall had a double
and single, driving in a run. Bob Affranti and Scott Kenning each had a double and single. Billy Castaneda came off
the bench, going 3-for-3 for the Giants. One of his hits was a double. He drove in a run and scored one. Bill
Cherico and Bob Lauritzen also had three hits apiece. Pat Mabe two had hits and an RBI. Ken Olson had two hits
and drove in a run. MVP honors went to Wells, who had three hits and was the winning pitcher in relief. Batterymate
George McDaniel, who had a triple and a run batted in won the Gold Glove award.
[edit]
[10/14/2002 1:48:34 PM | Sam Polizzotto]
COLORADO BULLS, PHOENIX-SEATTLE PIRATES AND TEAM USA CLAIM NABA WORLD TITLES IN PHOENIX
TRIO JOIN FIRST WEEK WINNERS RENO ASTROS, FRESNILLO MINEROS, SALT LAKE HELLCATS, L.A. INDIANS AND
DALLAS-FORT WORTH REDBIRDS
30A CHAMPIONSHIP-OCTOBER 12, 2002 (AT MARYVALE STADIUM, PHOENIX, AZ)
COLORADO BULLS 12 WILLOW GLEN (CA) A'S 4
The Colorado Bulls, down 1-0 and hitless for five innings, exploded for eight runs in the sixth inning and went on to a
12-4 victory over the Willow Glen (CA) A's. Behind Jamie Ybarra, who had pitched six hitless innings the day before
in the semifinals, the A's held the lead on Tony Gomes' solo homer in the third inning. The Bulls broke the no-hit bid
and the game wide open in the sixth when Alan Duhart and Ben Broccoli laced back to back singles. Then Tim Fancher
bounced to second, where second sacker Lee Bruener threw wildly to the plate, scoring Joe Collins, who was running
for Duhart. That tied the score at 1-1. Ibarri struck out the next two batters, but then the carnage began. John
Mahalik drew a walk to load the bases. Don Buford then smacked a two out ground rule double to deep center to put
the Bulls ahead 3-1. Damon Buford followed with a two run single, stole stole and score on an RBI hit by catcher
Eric Schreiffels. Collins followed that with an RBI triple and Duhart singled in the 8th run. The A's scored two runs
in the 7th on RBI hits by Greg Mugg and Kraig Constantino in the 7th, but the Redbirds put it on ice with four in the
8th. Schreiffels stroke a two-run single, Collins banged an RBI double and Fancher singled in the final run to salt
away their first World title. Don Buford was selected as the game's Most Valuable Player. The Gold Glove award
went to Ibarra who notched a half dozen strikeouts and five hitless innings against the Bulls, on the heels of a nine
strikeout, no hit performance the evening before in the A's 7-2 semifinal win over the San Diego's Berry's Athletics.
40AA CHAMPIONSHIP-OCTOBER 12, 2002 (AT DIABLO STADIUM, TEMPE, AZ)
TEAM USA 6 SAN DIEGO BLACK SOX 5
Tony Ybarra's sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 8th inning broke a 5-5 tie, and carried Team USA a narrow 6-5
win over the San Diego Black Sox in the 40AA championship game. Ron Grace led off the winning rally with a single. He
was thrown out at second when Ken Mort's sacrifice bunt failed to move him over, but Mort stole second and moved
to third on a single by Dondi Teran, who stole second putting men at second and third when Ybarra flied to center,
scoring Mort with the winning run. Team USA scored two in the first inning on an RBI hit by Jim Christensen and a
run producing double by Mort. Christensen singled in a run in the third to make it 3-0, but the Black Sox scored two
of their own in the fourth. Manny Salinas tripled and scored on John Kirk's single. Kirk scored on a double by Vic
Martin to cut the lead to 3-2. USA widened it to 5-2 with a pair in the bottom of the frame on RBI hits by Bo Whiting
and Dave Dietrich. San Diego scored a run in the fifth on singles by Mark Flatau and Billy Cocchia and an infield out
by Salinas to make it 5-3, then tied it with singletons in the 7th and 8th. Jim Easterling whacked an RBI hit and Mark
Torrance singled in a run in the 8th to make it 5-5 before Team USA's winning rally in the bottom of the inning. Mike
Ivy pitched the complete game victory for Team USA and was selected as the game's Most Valuable Player. Mort,
his catcher, was selected to receive the Gold Glove award.
40A CHAMPIONSHIP-OCTOBER 12, 2002 (AT MARYVALE STADIUM, PHOENIX, AZ)
PHOENIX-SEATTLE PIRATES 9 DALLAS-FORT WORTH DIAMONDBACKS 3
The Pirates won their second NABA championship, scoring seven runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to break a 1-1
tie. The Phoenix-Seattle club sent eleven men to the plate and rapped out seven hits in the decisive inning. Joe
Kramer and Curt Towey knocked in runs to give their team a 3-1 lead, sending DFW starter Don George to the showers
but the Pirates were even rougher on reliever Terry Fluker, who surrendered RBI singles to Bill Missler (who went 3-for-3 for
the game), Brian Patillo, Brian Romanick and Gary Almes before the inning was over. In the next inning, the Pirates
added another in the sixth on back to back doubles by Kramer and Curt Towey. Tim McCreedy finished up and
pitched 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief but by then the issue had been decided. DFW scored its last two runs in the
8th on McCreedy's run producing single and a single by Pat O'Brien. The teams had battled to a 1-1 tie until Phoenix-
Seattle's fifth inning single. Pattillo singled hom a run in the second for the Pirates. Mike Millsap singled home Stephen
Rhodes who had opened the top of the fifth with a double. MVP honors went to Phoenix-Seattle pitcher Dave Blackburn,
who pitched the complete game victory, scattering ten hits, but half of them after the Pirates had taken over the lead with that
big rally. Millsap played a flawless center field for the Diamondbacks, handling seven fly balls, earned the Gold Glove
award.
18AAA CHAMPIONSHIP-OCTOBER 6, 2002 (AT DIABLO STADIUM, TEMPE, AZ)
RENO (NV) ASTROS 8 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA A'S 3
The Reno Astros went ahead with three runs in the third inning, keyed by Cooper Vittitow's two run homer and went on
to beqt the So. Cal A's 8-3 for the 18AAA title. The Astros took an early 1-0 lead with an unearned run in the second
inning when Jeff Tolotti drilled an RBI single to score Chris Kahl who had reached on an error and stole second base.
Ther A's took their only lead of the game with a pair in the third. Chris Powell singled in Brent White who later
and stole third. Powell stole second and eventually scored on a forceout. After Vittotow blasted his two-run homer in
the third, Joe Inglett tripled and scored a base hit by Kenny Woods. Tulo Valdez doubled home two runs in the fourth
after the A's had notched three straight singles and Corey Vitrano tallied on a 6-4-3 double play, but that was to be
their last gasp. The Astros closed out the scoring with two in the sixth. Tolotti, who had walked, came around to
score and Allen Shrum singled in the final tally. Vittotow, the Astros' leadoff hitter, picked up MVP honors, while
teammate and right fielder Mike Gillies copped Gold Glove honors. He had three putouts in right field.
18A CHAMPIONSHIP-OCTOBER 6, 2002 (AT HO-HO KAM STADIUM, MESA, AZ)
FRESNILLO MINEROS (CA) 9 ORANGE COUNTY (CA) CERVECEROS 7
The Mineros took advantage of wildness on the part of Cerveceros' starter John Lynn to score five runs in the fourth
inning, en route to a 9-7 victory that clinched the 18A championship. Lynn hit three batters, including two with the
bases loaded and also walked in a run in the frame, after pitching three scoreless innings. The five run outburst by the
Mineros overcame an early 3-0 deficit. Jude Chavez doubled home one run, and Sean Vance smashed a two run
single as Orange County put a three spot on the board in the first inning. Ivan Casteneda singled home the first run
in the Mineros' fourth, but Felip Serratos, Sergio Flores and Miguel Ortega were all hit by pitches, the latter two
with the bases loaded. Robert Alcaraz accounted for the fifth run when he walked with the bases loaded. The
Cerveceros battled back to take a 6-5 lead in the fifth. Chavez and Carlos Cevallos had RBI doubles to highlight the
three run inning. Luis Trinidad's two double in the sixth evened the score again at 6-6. In the seventh inning, Jorge
Araujo doubled home the eventual deciding run in the 7th and the Mineros closed out the scoring with a booming,
two-run homer by Sergio Alvarado in the 8th. The Cerveceros' final run came on an error. A total of eight batters were
hit by pitches in the game. The Mineros had five hit batsmen, the Cerveceros three. MVP honors went to reliever
Eric Bondurant who pitched the final 4 2/3 innings, giving up only two hits and one unearned run. The Gold Glove
award went to Cerveceros right fielder Rene Heraz who made some fine plays in right field, where he had three putouts.
18 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP-OCTOBER 6, 2002 (AT MARYVALE COMPLEX, PHOENIX, AZ)
SALT LAKE HELLCATS 14 SAN DIEGO GIANTS 10
Another game that featured big innings saw the Hellcats capture their first World title, outlasting the San Diego Giants
at Maryvale 14-10. The Cats trailed 10-8 going to the top of the ninth inning, but the visitors pounded out six runs
on only three hits to win going away. The Giants contributed two errors, two walks and two passed balls in that frame.
The Giants led much of the way, thanks to a five run third inning but couldn't contain the Hellcats in that last inning.
Austin Dunlop led the Hellcats with three singles, scoring three times. Leadoff hitter Vic Valdez had a double and
single to drive in three runs, and was chosen as Most Valuable Player. Brendan Powell had two hits and an RBI, and
won Gold Glove honors. Jim Easterling had two hits and drove in a pair of the Giants. JJ Fisher also had two hits. Tobin Wrighten and Josh Pascarelli had two baggers for the Giants. Steve Krefer contributed an RBI double.
50A CHAMPIONSHIP-OCTOBER 6, 2002 (AT MARYVALE COMPLEX, PHOENIX, AZ)
TEXAS REDBIRDS 2 SAN DIEGO PADRES WEST 1
This one featured a great pitching performance by Steve Pauley, who gave up only five hits in a route-going effort, as
the Redbirds nipped the Padres for the Over 50A championship at Maryvale. The Redbirds scored their only runs in
the third inning . Bob Darrow drew a walk, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Kevin Collins who was safe on a
throwing error. Ron Piacenti singled home Darrow, and Bill Bottenfield singled to score Collins. Pauley made the
runs stand up as he gave up the Padres' only run in the 8th inning. Ranny Harper doubled in Sam Ceci who had
reached on an error. Harper was thrown out at the plate, however, on John Hopkins' single and an excellent relay by
Piacenti. Pauley was chosen as MVP and Piacenti took the Gold Glove honors.
50AA CHAMPIONSHIP-OCTOBER 6, 2002 (AT DIABLO STADIUM, TEMPE, AZ)
L.A. INDIANS 13 SAN DIEGO GIANTS 8
The LA Indians walked off with the 50AA title, clincing it with six runs in the ninth inning. They trailed 8-7 going into
the 9th. Paul McPherson singled home Scott Kenning who started the rally with a single and moved to second when
Steve Cooper drew a walk. Cooper scored the go-ahead run on a pair of Giants' errors. They added base his by
Corky Johnston, Jeff Wells, who earned the victory in relief of starter Dan Little, and Glen Marshall who had an RBI
double to put it on ice. Wells and McPherson had three hits apiece to lead the Indians. Glenn Marshall had a double
and single, driving in a run. Bob Affranti and Scott Kenning each had a double and single. Billy Castaneda came off
the bench, going 3-for-3 for the Giants. One of his hits was a double. He drove in a run and scored one. Bill
Cherico and Bob Lauritzen also had three hits apiece. Pat Mabe two had hits and an RBI. Ken Olson had two hits
and drove in a run. MVP honors went to Wells, who had three hits and was the winning pitcher in relief. Batterymate
George McDaniel, who had a triple and a run batted in won the Gold Glove award.
posted by Sam Polizzotto 1:42 PM
Monday, July 29, 2002
FIREWORKS GALORE AT INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND TOURNAMENTS
MILE HIGH TOURNAMENT
DENVER, COLORADO
Warriors, Nashville sky high in Mile High
GLASS SLIPPER FITS BOHICA WARRIORS-Denver’s
Bohica Warriors proved to be the Cinderella team in Denver this year, surprising the Colorado Reds 15-14 to take 18AA honors in the NABA Mile High Tournament. The Warriors built an early 8-1 lead, fell behind by a run, then went ahead for good with three in the 8th. Stacy Soltys singled in a run to tie it and his brother Jaimie Soltys cracked a two run homer for a 14-12 lead. Ethan Lopez singled in an insurance run in the ninth. The Reds scored two in their half, but fell one run short. The Reds had beaten the Warriors in pool play..and were heavily favored to win the tournament. Stacy was the winning pitcher in relief, and also drilled a homer in the first. The Soltys brothers combined for six hits, three apiece, while the Iseli brothers chalked up five. Mike had three, Dave two. Troy Rodgers drove in five with a 3-run homer and two-run single. Matt Jerebker led the Reds with a 3-run blast and six RBIs. The Reds battled back to lead 12-11, but couldn’t hold off the Warriors.
NASHVILLE DOMINATES 18A DIVISION
The A’s (5-0) trounced the Huskies 24-8 in the 18A finale. PJ Yoder led a torrid offense with five hits, (3 run HR, five RBIs). Shawn Hughes drove in four, three of them with a four bagger, and Trent Gann connected with one aboard. Eric Kohler collected four hits, with two doubles for Nashville. For the Huskies, Brian Smith smacked a grand slam, Brad Engle a solo shot as the Huskies cut Nashville’s early 9-0 lead to 9-7. Shane Hicks, though, stopped the Huskies cold after that with a brilliant relief job (4 2/3 IP, 0 runs, 6K) and the offense blew it open with fifteen runs in four innings to put it out of reach.
HALL OF FAME WOOD BAT-COOPERSTOWN, NY
The Danbury (CT) Barons, one of five teams in the tournament from the Westchester-Rockland NABA and the Denver Bears took divisional titles in the NABA Hall of Fame Wood Bat Tournament in Cooperstown, New York. Danbury defeated the St. Pete Pirates from Florida 9-2 in the 18AA title game, while the Bears shut out the Tri-State Titans (NJ-PA-DE) 5-0 for the 18A crown. Danbury gave MVP Chris DiScali all the run support he would need with three in the first inning. DiScali pitched a complete game seven hitter with five strikeouts. He yielded runs in the second and ninth innings, but was never in trouble. The Barons collected eleven hits, led by Lou Vernagallo with two doubles, a single and an RBI. Scott Marinich, Tom Gergley and Rick Matthews had two hits each. Matt Termillion, Marinich and Troy Lehrer had RBI doubles, and Pete McGowen a sacrifice fly. Matt Joyce, Alan Castro and Jonathon Palencia had two hits apiece and Chris Garrand added one for St. Pete
BEARS BLANK TITANS—Chad Thomas pitched a six hit shutout and Joe Collins had a three run homer and two other hits to lead the Denver Bears past the Tri-State Titans 5-0 in the 18A title game. Thomas struck out eleven in earning Most Valuable Player honors. Collins put the icing on the cake with his 3-run shot in the 7th to provide a little extra cushion. Brian Cole led off the second with a homer, and Scott Wayne singled, and scored on a hit by Derrick Kellin. Ben Brocoli and Tim Fancher had two hits each for Denver. Luis Medina, Willy Colon, Carlos Rodriguez, Enrique Vegas, Manuel Lopez and Edwin Lebron had one hit apiece for Tri-State.
GOLDEN STATE TEAMS COP CAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Thirty two teams in four different classiciations converged on San Diego for the California State Championships on the extended Independence weekend, and teams from the Golden State fared well. The Universal Black Sox, managed by Eddie Best, captured the 18AA title beating Armando Rodriguez’ San Diego Independent All Stars 8-6. In the most crowded 18A division which drew 16 teams in four pools, Mark Glennie’s Dan Smith Condors took the championship, downing the North County San Diego Astros, skippered by Wes Cogan, 14-1. In the 29A division, the San Diego 40’s (Mike Micheli) walked off with honors downing the San Bernardino Angels (Gabe Ochoa) 12-3. And in the 40 and Over Division, Charlie Rose’s 50’s (Joe Villa) took the title with a 15-5 victory over John Silingo’s Arizona Indians. Full tournament results, including final pool standings and semifinal results, can be found in our Independence Tournament results roundup.
posted by Sam Polizzotto 4:16 PM
COMPLETE INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND RESULTS
Independence Day Holiday Tournament Results
Hall of Fame Wood Bat Tournament
Cooperstown, NY
Seedings in parentheses
18AA Championship
(2) Danbury (CT) Barons 9
(1) St.Pete (FL) Pirates 2
18AA Semifinals
(2) Danbury (CT) Barons 5
(3) San Diego (CA) Stars 4
(1) St.Pete (FL) Pirates 7
(4) Prince William (VA) Yankees 4
18A Championship
Denver (CO) Bears 5
Tri-State (NJ-PA-DE) Titans 0
18A Semifinals
Denver (CO) Bears 8
Lancaster (PA) Samauri 2
Tri-State (NJ-PA-DE) Titans 8
Throgs Neck (NY) 5
POOL STANDINGS
18AA POOL A W L T
Danbury Barons 3 0 0
Tarrytown Lookouts 2 1 0
Middlesex Bears 1 2 0
New York Knights 0 3 0
18AA POOL B W L T
San Diego Stars 2 0 1
Prince Wm. Yankees 2 0 1
Ct. Storm 1 2 0
New York Monarchs 0 3 0
18AA POOL C W L T
St.Pete Pirates 3 0 0
Irvington Cardinals 2 1 0
Chemscope Blackbirds 1 2 0
Pleasantville Red Sox 0 3 0
18A POOL A W L T
Denver Bears 3 0 0
Tri-State Titans 2 1 0
The Outsiders 1 2 0
Murphy’s Green Sox 0 3 0
18A POOL B W L T
Throgs Neck Braves 3 0 0
Lancaster Samari 2 1 0
El Mariachi 1 2 0
Bronx Yankees 0 3 0
California State Championships
San Diego, CA
18AA Championship
Universal Black Sox 8
San Diego Independ. All Stars 6
18AA Semifinals
SD Independent All-Stars 16 SD Sox 12
Universal Black Sox 12 San Diego Trots 7
18A Championship
NC San Diego Ast 14 Easton Condors 1
18A Semifinals
NC San Diego Ast 6 San Diego Stars 1
Easton Condors 5 San Diego Heat 1
29A Championship
SanDiego 40’s 12 SanBernardino Angels 3
29A Semifinals
San Diego 40’s 7 Las Vegas Dawgs 3
SBernardino Angels 8 N.Cnty Dodgers 2
Over 40 Championship
Charlie Rose 50’s 15 Arizona Indians 5
POOL STANDINGS
18AA Div #1 W L T
SDiego Ind.All Stars 4 0 0
Universal Black Sox 3 1 0
San Diego Sox 2 2 0
San Diego Trots 2 2 0
Scottsdale Mudcats 0 3 0
US Navy All Stars 0 3 0
18A Div #1 W L T
Easton Condors 4 0 0
Imperial Vall Red Sox 2 1 0
Baldwin Park Mariners 1 2 0
Phoenix Firebirds 0 3 0
18A Div #2 W L T
North County SD Astros 3 1 0
Upland Lugnuts 2 1 0
Berry's Athletic Supply 2 1 0
San Fernando Valley Tigers 0 3 0
18A Div #3 W L T
Las Vegas Mudcats 2 1 0
San Diego Stars 2 2 0
So Cal Quakes 1 2 0
Los Angels 1 2 0
18A Div #4 W L T
San Diego Heat 3 1 0
Palm Springs Go Yard 2 1 0
Poway Power 1 2 0
Santee Mariners 0 3 0
29A Division #1 W L T
San Bernardino Angels 3 0 0
Las Vegas Dawgs 2 1 0
San Diego 40's 2 1 0
North County Dodgers 2 2 0
Phoenix 40's 1 2 0
San Diego Sting 1 2 0
Chandler Sidewinders 0 3 0
40 & Over W L T
Charlie Rose 50's 3 1 0
Arizona Indians 2 2 0
Diamonds 1 3 0
Mile High Tournament
Denver, Colorado
Seedings in parentheses
18AA Championship
(3) Bohica Warriors (CO) 15
(1) Colorado Reds 14
18AA Semifinals
(3) Bohica Warriors (CO) 8
(2) Sampson’s Construction (CO) 3
(1) Colorado Reds 17
(4) Colorado Cannons 10
18A Championship
(2) Nashville A’s (TN) 24
(1) Huskies (CO) 8
18A Semifinals
(1) Huskies (CO) 18
(4) Colorado Braves 12
(2) Nashville A’s (TN) 15
(3) Denver Buzz (CO) 12
POOL STANDINGS
18AA POOL A W L T
Colorado Reds 3 0 0
Sampson’s Construction 2 1 0
Bohica Warriors 1 2 0
Colorado Cannons 0 3 0
18A POOL A W L T
Nashville A’s 3 0 0
Denver Bulldogs 2 1 0
Sky Sox 1 2 0
Bombers 0 3 0
18A POOL B W L T
Huskies 3 0 0
Colorado Braves 2 1 0
Knights 1 2 0
Cubs 0 3 0
18A POOL C W L T
Denver Buzz 3 0 0
Grizzlies 1 2 0
Dawgs 1 2 0
Lincoln All Stars 1 2 0
posted by Sam Polizzotto 4:13 PM
NEW NAME, SAME GREAT GAME IN PHOENIX
There's a whole lot that's new this year at NABA's biggest and best tournament in Phoenix, Arizona.
To begin with, there's a new name for the tournament. The annual ultimate experience for our teams, players and managers is now called the NABA World Championship Tournament (WCT), which fits right in with our international expansion plans.
You'll find NEW divisions this year to facilitate putting teams together. The Over 30 division is now the Over 28 division, and open to players who will be 28 years of age at any time during the calendar year of 2002. The Over 40 division is now an Over 38 division. And, the Over 50 division is now open to players over 48.
This year, the WCT offers an expanded playoff format for all divisions. All teams will play five games in pool play, and the new format will have quarterfinals, semifinals and championship games in all divisions.
There will be two Western barbecues night this year at Tempe Diablo Stadium, with all registered players treated to a delicious barbecue dinner. The BBQ's will held on Friday, October 4 when the Over 18 and Over 48 divisions will be there, and on Monday, October 7 when the Over 28 and Over 38 divisions will be competing. There will also be two Home Run hitting contests, the first on Saturday October 5 for the 18's and 48's, the second on Monday October 7 for the Over 28's and Over 38's. Both will be held at Tempe Diablo, our tournament headquarters and our Baseball Expo Trade Show will be held from Saturday, October 5 to Monday October 7, giving teams, players, family and friends an even greater opportunity to take advantage of the special prices and deals.
There are two headquarters hotels, both conveniently located. Rooms at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Mesa will be available at our special tournament rate of $80 nightly, up to four person occupacy, for a standard room, and $95 nightly for a king suite. Complimentary breakfast is included in the rate. Rooms at the Holiday Inn Select at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix are available at a special tournament rate of $79 nightly, up to four persons to a room. This includes a complimentary breakfast buffet each day. We've made it a lot easier for you to reserve rooms too. Dodie Bane, NABA's Director of Housing Authority will be happy to help you set up your team's accomodations. You can reach Dodie at 602-622-7272, or via email at nabahousing@aol.com or dbane@lodgian.com.
For air travel assistance, let Diamond Travel help you with your flight reservations. Diamond is our official air travel agency. Call 800-ML-SCOUT, tell them you're with the NABA and you'll get a special NABA rate.
Enterprise Rent-a-Car is our official car rental agency and they have special tournament rates on rental cars and vans at www.enterprise.com.
With all that's new at the WCT this year, you can still count on playing on the finest fields in America and the entry fee is the same--$160 per player and you can bring a 25 man roster. You can lock in this lowest player fee until July 29 by contacting the national office at 1-800-621-6479. A $650 deposit is required and we accept VISA, MasterCard and American Express charge cards.
In addition to playing on "fields of dreams", there's lots to do and see in the Phoenix area, so bring yourself, your team, your family and your friends. Dates for the tournament are:
Over 48 Divisions--October 1-6;
Over 18 Divisions--October 2-6;
Over 28, Over 30 Divisions--October 7-12. Go to our home page at www.dugout.org, click on tournaments for more information and registration forms. See you in Phoenix!!!
posted by Sam Polizzotto 4:11 PM
Thursday, July 11, 2002
FIVE STATES
PRODUCE CHAMPIONS IN VEGAS TOURNAMENT
Congratulations to the division champions in the Memorial Weekend NABA
Las Vegas Tournament. Click on the headline for championship results.
18AAA
(CA) San Diego Stars 12
(CA) Federacion Zacatecana 10
18AA
(CA) Santa Ana Cerveceros 19
(TX) Dallas-FW Bandits
0
18A
(UT) Salt Lake Gulls 5
(CO) Denver Bears 1
18Open
(CA)
Surf City Dodgers 13
(AZ) Arizona Firebirds 6
30AA
(LA) Louisiana
Lightning 9
(WA) Seattle Whiskey Jacks 0
(Seattle
forfeits)
30A
(NV) Las Vegas Dawgs 20
(CA) South Bay LA Cubs
6
40A
(CO) Denver Bears 4
(CA) Team USA of San Diego
0
40Open
(CA) SoCal Indians 8
(CA) Ventura Mets 7
50A
(CA)
L.A.Indians 16
(CO) Colorado Gray Sox 6
posted by Sam Polizzotto 12:04 PM
NABA NATIONAL NEWSLETTER-JUL/AUG 02
NABA Newsletter
JULY-AUGUST 2002
Welcome to the Dugout
FIREWORKS IN NABA EVENTS
MILE HIGH TOURNAMENT
DENVER, COLORADO
Warriors, Nashville sky high in Mile High
GLASS SLIPPER FITS BOHICA WARRIORS-Denver’s Bohica Warriors proved to be the Cinderella team in Denver this year, surprising the Colorado Reds 15-14 to take 18AA honors in the NABA Mile High Tournament. The Warriors built an early 8-1 lead, fell behind by a run, then went ahead for good with three in the 8th. Stacy Soltys singled in a run to tie it and his brother Jaimie Soltys cracked a two run homer for a 14-12 lead. Ethan Lopez singled in an insurance run in the ninth. The Reds scored two in their half, but fell one run short. The Reds had beaten the Warriors in pool play..and were heavily favored to win the tournament. Stacy was the winning pitcher in relief, and also drilled a homer in the first. The Soltys brothers combined for six hits, three apiece, while the Iseli brothers chalked up five. Mike had three, Dave two. Troy Rodgers drove in five with a 3-run homer and two-run single. Matt Jerebker led the Reds with a 3-run blast and six RBIs. The Reds battled back to lead 12-11, but couldn’t hold off the Warriors.
NASHVILLE DOMINATES 18A DIVISION
The A’s (5-0) trounced the Huskies 24-8 in the 18A finale. PJ Yoder led a torrid offense with five hits, (3 run HR, five RBIs). Shawn Hughes drove in four, three of them with a four bagger, and Trent Gann connected with one aboard. Eric Kohler collected four hits, with two doubles for Nashville. For the Huskies, Brian Smith smacked a grand slam, Brad Engle a solo shot as the Huskies cut Nashville’s early 9-0 lead to 9-7. Shane Hicks, though, stopped the Huskies cold after that with a brilliant relief job (4 2/3 IP, 0 runs, 6K) and the offense blew it open with fifteen runs in four innings to put it out of reach.
_____________________________________________
HALL OF FAME WOOD BAT-COOPERSTOWN, NY
The Danbury (CT) Barons, one of five teams in the tournament from the Westchester-Rockland NABA and the Denver Bears took divisional titles in the NABA Hall of Fame Wood Bat Tournament in Cooperstown, New York. Danbury defeated the St. Pete Pirates from Florida 9-2 in the 18AA title game, while the Bears shut out the Tri-State Titans (NJ-PA-DE) 5-0 for the 18A crown. Danbury gave MVP Chris DiScali all the run support he would need with three in the first inning. DiScali pitched a complete game seven hitter with five strikeouts. He yielded runs in the second and ninth innings, but was never in trouble. The Barons collected eleven hits, led by Lou Vernagallo with two doubles, a single and an RBI. Scott Marinich, Tom Gergley and Rick Matthews had two hits each. Matt Termillion, Marinich and Troy Lehrer had RBI doubles, and Pete McGowen a sacrifice fly. Matt Joyce, Alan Castro and Jonathon Palencia had two hits apiece and Chris Garrand added one for St. Pete
BEARS BLANK TITANS—Chad Thomas pitched a six hit shutout and Joe Collins had a three run homer and two other hits to lead the Denver Bears past the Tri-State Titans 5-0 in the 18A title game. Thomas struck out eleven in earning Most Valuable Player honors. Collins put the icing on the cake with his 3-run shot in the 7th to provide a little extra cushion. Brian Cole led off the second with a homer, and Scott Wayne singled, and scored on a hit by Derrick Kellin. Ben Brocoli and Tim Fancher had two hits each for Denver. Luis Medina, Willy Colon, Carlos Rodriguez, Enrique Vegas, Manuel Lopez and Edwin Lebron had one hit apiece for Tri-State.
_____________________________________________
GOLDEN STATE TEAMS COP CAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Thirty two teams in four different classiciations converged on San Diego for the California State Championships on the extended Independence weekend, and teams from the Golden State fared well. The Universal Black Sox, managed by Eddie Best, captured the 18AA title beating Armando Rodriguez’ San Diego Independent All Stars 8-6. In the most crowded 18A division which drew 16 teams in four pools, Mark Glennie’s Dan Smith Condors took the championship, downing the North County San Diego Astros, skippered by Wes Cogan, 14-1. In the 29A division, the San Diego 40’s (Mike Micheli) walked off with honors downing the San Bernardino Angels (Gabe Ochoa) 12-3. And in the 40 and Over Division, Charlie Rose’s 50’s (Joe Villa) took the title with a 15-5 victory over John Silingo’s Arizona Indians. Full tournament results, including final pool standings and semifinal results, can be found in our Independence Tournament results roundup.
Independence Day Holiday Tournament Results
Hall of Fame Wood Bat Tournament
Cooperstown, NY
Seedings in parentheses
18AA Championship
(2) Danbury (CT) Barons 9
(1) St.Pete (FL) Pirates 2
18AA Semifinals
(2) Danbury (CT) Barons 5
(3) San Diego (CA) Stars 4
(1) St.Pete (FL) Pirates 7
(4) Prince William (VA) Yankees 4
18A Championship
Denver (CO) Bears 5
Tri-State (NJ-PA-DE) Titans 0
18A Semifinals
Denver (CO) Bears 8
Lancaster (PA) Samauri 2
Tri-State (NJ-PA-DE) Titans 8
Throgs Neck (NY) 5
POOL STANDINGS
18AA POOL A W L T
Danbury Barons 3 0 0
Tarrytown Lookouts 2 1 0
Middlesex Bears 1 2 0
New York Knights 0 3 0
18AA POOL B W L T
San Diego Stars 2 0 1
Prince Wm. Yankees 2 0 1
Ct. Storm 1 2 0
New York Monarchs 0 3 0
18AA POOL C W L T
St.Pete Pirates 3 0 0
Irvington Cardinals 2 1 0
Chemscope Blackbirds 1 2 0
Pleasantville Red Sox 0 3 0
18A POOL A W L T
Denver Bears 3 0 0
Tri-State Titans 2 1 0
The Outsiders 1 2 0
Murphy’s Green Sox 0 3 0
18A POOL B W L T
Throgs Neck Braves 3 0 0
Lancaster Samari 2 1 0
El Mariachi 1 2 0
Bronx Yankees 0 3 0
_____________________________________________
California State Championships
San Diego, CA
18AA Championship
Universal Black Sox 8
San Diego Independ. All Stars 6
18AA Semifinals
SD Independent All-Stars 16 SD Sox 12
Universal Black Sox 12 San Diego Trots 7
18A Championship
NC San Diego Ast 14 Easton Condors 1
18A Semifinals
NC San Diego Ast 6 San Diego Stars 1
Easton Condors 5 San Diego Heat 1
29A Championship
SanDiego 40’s 12 SanBernardino Angels 3
29A Semifinals
San Diego 40’s 7 Las Vegas Dawgs 3
SBernardino Angels 8 N.Cnty Dodgers 2
Over 40 Championship
Charlie Rose 50’s 15 Arizona Indians 5
POOL STANDINGS
18AA Div #1 W L T
SDiego Ind.All Stars 4 0 0
Universal Black Sox 3 1 0
San Diego Sox 2 2 0
San Diego Trots 2 2 0
Scottsdale Mudcats 0 3 0
US Navy All Stars 0 3 0
18A Div #1 W L T
Easton Condors 4 0 0
Imperial Vall Red Sox 2 1 0
Baldwin Park Mariners 1 2 0
Phoenix Firebirds 0 3 0
18A Div #2 W L T
North County SD Astros 3 1 0
Upland Lugnuts 2 1 0
Berry's Athletic Supply 2 1 0
San Fernando Valley Tigers 0 3 0
18A Div #3 W L T
Las Vegas Mudcats 2 1 0
San Diego Stars 2 2 0
So Cal Quakes 1 2 0
Los Angels 1 2 0
18A Div #4 W L T
San Diego Heat 3 1 0
Palm Springs Go Yard 2 1 0
Poway Power 1 2 0
Santee Mariners 0 3 0
29A Division #1 W L T
San Bernardino Angels 3 0 0
Las Vegas Dawgs 2 1 0
San Diego 40's 2 1 0
North County Dodgers 2 2 0
Phoenix 40's 1 2 0
San Diego Sting 1 2 0
Chandler Sidewinders 0 3 0
40 & Over W L T
Charlie Rose 50's 3 1 0
Arizona Indians 2 2 0
Diamonds 1 3 0
_____________________________________________
Mile High Tournament
Denver, Colorado
Seedings in parentheses
18AA Championship
(3) Bohica Warriors (CO) 15
(1) Colorado Reds 14
18AA Semifinals
(3) Bohica Warriors (CO) 8
(2) Sampson’s Construction (CO) 3
(1) Colorado Reds 17
(4) Colorado Cannons 10
18A Championship
(2) Nashville A’s (TN) 24
(1) Huskies (CO) 8
18A Semifinals
(1) Huskies (CO) 18
(4) Colorado Braves 12
(2) Nashville A’s (TN) 15
(3) Denver Buzz (CO) 12
POOL STANDINGS
18AA POOL A W L T
Colorado Reds 3 0 0
Sampson’s Construction 2 1 0
Bohica Warriors 1 2 0
Colorado Cannons 0 3 0
18A POOL A W L T
Nashville A’s 3 0 0
Denver Bulldogs 2 1 0
Sky Sox 1 2 0
Bombers 0 3 0
18A POOL B W L T
Huskies 3 0 0
Colorado Braves 2 1 0
Knights 1 2 0
Cubs 0 3 0
18A POOL C W L T
Denver Buzz 3 0 0
Grizzlies 1 2 0
Dawgs 1 2 0
Lincoln All Stars 1 2 0
_____________________________________________
League Profile—NABA Rochester, New York
Time really does fly when you’re having fun. It may seem a trifle corny, but it’s true in Rochester NABA
League President John Scarpelli and the managers and players find it hard to believe that this 2002 Season is the ninth for the upstate New York league. Many of the players have been with the league since it started in 1994 and all have stories about returning to the game of their youth. According to Scarpelli, most of the stories aren’t even embellished, although he heard that Phillies’ manager Ed Renica’s dramatic game tying home run at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, NY is now up to 454 feet. Not bad for a guy who became a grandfather recently. The NABA Rochester league has done an incredible job of bringing out the players, especially when you consider the weather in upstate New York doesn’t break until the middle of May. That causes a later start than most other leagues even downstate. Nonetheless, the 19 teams who are playing in the 2002 season comprise the hot-shot college players to father-son combos enjoying the game together. With over 300 players, it is the largest amateur baseball league north of New York City. The league offers separate divisions for players Over 18 and Over 28. League teams play a 16-18 game season on some of the area’s finest fields and the league prides itself on working with local baseball programs and schools, helping them to maintain their fields in the best possible condition. Positive sportsmanship and competitive rivalries on the field and lasting friendships and camaraderie off the field are the hallmarks of the NABA Rochester league. Scarpelli points out that the teams would rather lose a well played one-run game than win a 14-1 blowout. This season, Scarpelli and the rest of the league have put much more emphasis on maintaining the league’s website. All teams and players are encouraged to contribute articles of their own so when you punch up game highlights you’ll see many different “bylines”. You can find the league’s website at http://home.rochester.rr.com/nabarochester. You can also find it by logging on to the NABA’s national website at www.dugout.org and accessing the Rochester NABA listing.
Opening day in Rochester is always a special event, as is the league’s All Star game at Frontier Field, home of the Class AAA Rochester Red Wings. The league also holds a unique “play hooky from work” sandlot day at nearby St. John Fisher College.
_____________________________________________
WRNABA on “hit" streak in June
Congratulations to the NABA’s Westchester-Rockland, NY league. Their league website accumulated over 38,000 points to finish third in the country for the month of June in the eteamz system .Eteamz awards e-points for websites based on the number of “hits” on its websites. The WRNABA is a “wood bat league” that features young college players and prospects.
NEW NABA LEAGUES
City/League League President
Cedar Rapids,IA Kyle Huxford
Hollywood, CA John Williams
Mid-Michigan Tray Abbey
Moline, IL Gary Massey
North Louisiana Brandon Ramsey Pittsburgh, PA Adam Kennah
Richmond, VA Laura Russell
SE Mass/RI Bob Smith
Sioux City,IA Jeremy Gosch
Southern Illinois Roman Basi
St. Louis, MO Eric Ellis
Tampa, FL Jason Bolduc
Tri-State, NJ-PA-DE Tania Garcia
Western Arizona Greg Cole
_____________________________________________
It happened on July 4
1905-The Philadelphia Athletics (Rube Waddell) beat the Boston Red Sox (Cy Young) 4-2 in 20 innings. Both pitchers went the distance. Young did allow a walk.
1976-The Phillies’ Tim McCarver lost a grand slam when he passed Garry Maddox on the basepath between first and second base and was credited with a single. The Phillies still beat the Pirates 10-5 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh.
1983-Dave Righetti of the NY Yankees no-hit the Boston Red Sox 4-0 at Yankee Stadium.
1984-The New York Mets beat the Atlanta Braves 16-13 in 19 innings in a game that ended just before 4 a.m. July 5. It was followed by fireworks for the 10,000 fans left in the stands. Pitcher Rick Camp’s HR in the 13th tied the game at 13-13.
_____________________________________________
Special Feature—Florida’s Los Tigres go back to roots to bring NABA to the Dominican Republic
Until this year they were known as the Caribbean Stars. For the spring of 2002, the team adopted a new name—–Los Tigres del Caribe, spanish for Caribbean Tigers, a legendary team regarded by some as the New York Yankees of the baseball crazed Dominican Republic. Last month, manager Santos Adames and his coach-son Basilio (Nick) Adames brought their team, made up largely of players from the Dominican, other Caribbeean countries and Central and South America, to the Dominican Republic. Los Tigres wanted to show the Dominicans what American Adult Baseball is all about and they succeeded, winning three of the five games they played against pro prospects and former professionals. The trip was a welcome return home for many of the Dominicans, as well as a once in a lifetime experience for the players born and raised here in the states.
Los Tigres has carved somewhat of a national reputation in the NABA. They won three league championships in the Palm Beach, Florida league as the Caribbean Stars, finished runnerup twice in the prestigious NABA Las Vegas tournament and reached the semifinals last October in the NABA’s National Championship Tournament in Phoenix, Arizona. They are currently in first place in the league’s most competitive 18AAA division and are planning to return to Phoenix for the NABA’s biggest event, now called the NABA World Championship Tournament.
The “fantasy trip” started with a three game series against a team from the Atlanta Braves’ academy on pristine fields of major league quality, a stark contrast to the rugged town fields that more accurately typify baseball in the Dominican. The academy team consisted of young prospects in their teens, most of them unsigned, along with some veterans with previous pro experience. The games were televised locally with public address systems to keep the crowds informed. It sent chills up and down the spine of Santos Adames as he walked to center field to raise the flag of his adopted United States, flanked by the Braves’ director who raised the Dominican flag. Julian Javier, one of the hundreds of Dominicans to star in the major leagues, threw out the first pitch. You might remember it was Julian who got the only hit off Red Sox’ ace Jim Lonborg, a double off the green monster wall in the 1967 World Series at Fenway Park in Boston. Julian is also the father of another big league star, Stan Javier, who played for several teams including the Dodgers, Cards, Phillies and Giants.
The crowds at the Braves’ complex at San Francisco de Macoris (not to be confused with the more famous San Pedro de Macoris) were very loud and very parochial, waving Dominican flags amidst a Caribbean World Series atmosphere. Nick Adames said “they wanted to see us get our butts kicked”. Los Tigres picked up second sacker Pedro Liriano, a Seattle Mariners’ prospect who made the Sporting News’ 2001 All Prospect team with the likes of present major leaguers Josh Beckett and Blaine Neal of the Marlins, Adam Dunn, Carlos Pena, and Carlos Zambrano. Problem is, Pedro’s real age is in dispute. Major league scouts are convinced that he’s seven years older than he’s reported, although he maintains, at 22, he’s only two years older. Los Tigres didn’t really care about his age, but stood in awe of his talents, which they liken to those of Roberto Alomar.
Some of the Dominicans’ pitchers threw as high as 94 miles per hour, but Los Tigres was not intimidated taking the series two games to one. In the series finale, as lefty collegian Jeremy Dooley struck out eleven in seven innings, while giving up only one run in a Los Tigres’ 9-5 win.. The Northwood University (FL) impressed major league scouts in the Dominican, giving up only two earned runs, six hits in 12 1/3 innings (1.46 ERA), fanning 17. The scouts loved his movement and sharp curveball. Los Tigres split the final two games in the home towns of Tigres’ outfielder Juan Perez (Castillo) and the Adames family (Jarabocoa). Both are small towns, but characteristically rich in baseball talent producing several professional players. In Castillo, the team encountered a “horrible” field which was considered the town’s best. The result was horrible too as they lost a slugfest 17 to 12. In Jarabocoa (La Vega), the field was a little better and there was local television and a public address system and the result was better too. The Tigres won the game 3-1, shortened by rain but declared “official” by the town in the fourth inning.
Los Tigres picked up seven Dominican players, including Liriano, but to the locals, they were all from the states. While the series was great, Nick Adames was disappointed with the umpiring. He was amazed at how little they knew about baseball rules considering they umpired for pro organizations in the Dominican. “NABA umpires are of major league quality compared to those guys”, added the Tigres’ catcher. Following the games, the Los Tigres’ contingent was treated to lots of food, music and trophies. Lots of women were on hand, too. “For the single guys of course”, added the younger Adames). Airport security being what it is nowadays, Nick lost most of the team statistics which he keeps in his “palm pilot” portable minicomputer. The security staff actually reset the machine and detailed stats disappeared. However, Nick reports some very impressive numbers. Dinzey pounded three homers and hit .519. Ariel Rodriguez, the stepson of Santos Adames, batted .429 and cracked the first homer of his life. Antuan Bunkley, who joined Los Tigres this season after several pro and Independent League seasons, hit a pair of homers and batted .412. Nick himself wound up at .340. Liriano, though, was the big show. He hit three homers, two triples and three doubles while batting .469 as an “adopted” member of Los Tigres. If the age discrepancy can be cleared up, the Adames’ feel he is a future major leaguer. If he doesn’t make it, they like the chances of his 16 year old brother who recently signed a contract with the Oakland A’s.
The Tigres’ trip not only provided a great experience for the Palm Beach players, but it may open the way to an NABA tournament and maybe a league there in the future. We will be pursuing that. In the meantime---“Mucho, Los Tigres”. That’s spanish jargon for a job well done.
posted by Sam Polizzotto 12:02 PM
REGIONAL TOURNAMENT TO BE HELD IN MUSIC CITY
This should music to your ears if you're in the Nashville
area, or ANYWHERE for that matter, especially if you've always wanted to get to
Music City. Nashville is one of America's top destination cities, and the NABA
Nashville League will host a regional tournament there on September 14 and 15.
This will be a two day, double elimination event. For more information or to
register please call League President Mike Ipsay toll free at
1-866-753-5597.
posted by Sam Polizzotto 12:00 PM
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