News and Announcements
BEACH BUMS WIN AAA TITLE AS "CINDERELLA" TEAM; GLORY DAYS NIPS COBRAS FOR AA CROWN
SPRING 2011 18AAA CHAMPIONSHIP
South Florida Beach Bums 6 Home Run Sports Thunder 4
The fifth-seeded South Florida Beach Bums became the team of destiny, scoring four runs in the top of the 9th inning, then holding off a rally in the bottom half, to beat the number two seeded Home Run Sports Thunder 6-4 for their first 18AAA League championship. It completed a playoff trifecta for the Beach Bums, who defeated the number four Fembi Mortage Blades and the top seeded Innovation Gaming Twins in successive weeks.
With the score tied 2-2 after a brilliant pitcher's duel between Rick Schnur and lefty Brian Holden, the Bums scored the deciding runs off reliever Ryan McDonald after he had pitched a scoreless 8th inning. Andrew Rubin was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, Jamie Priester also reached, and eventually Rubin scored when Andres Diaz singled him home. Then, Jason Bryan hit what proved to be the back breaker for McDonald and the Thunder, a three run home run to make it 6-2.
The Thunder staged a two out rally in the bottom half, only to fall short. Donnie Fitzgerald and Brian Fitzsimmons hit back to back singles, McDonald doubled in a run and Max Johnson delivered an RBI single, but Schnur settled down to get the final out. Schnur was selected as the game's MVP.
SPRING 2011 18AA CHAMPIONSHIP
Grip Shield Glory Days 3 Cobras 2
By Troy Glover, edited by Lou Palmer
In a classic title game, Glory Days defeated the Cobras 3-2 to capture their second spring AA Championship in three seasons. It was a showdown of crafty veterans on the mound in Glory Days' Jeff Tomlinson against the Cobras Jesus Ferrer. The Cobras struck first with a single run in the first inning after a leadoff double by Eduardo Golinos and an rbi single by Cody Bothe gave them an early 1-0 lead. Glory Days would counter with two in the bottom of the inning. Miguel Cuello led off with a walk. After a walk to Jerry Matarazzo, Joe Desantis and Troy Glover followed with back to back rbi singles giving Glory Days a 2-1 lead.
Glory Days added a run in the bottom of the second after a leadoff double by Shane Farnsworth, single by Mike Smollen and an rbi groundout by Howard Taylor. That would be all the scoring until the ninth. Glory Days Tomlinson (8-2) went the distance scattering 12 hits and pitching out of trouble all day. He did not walk a batter and struck out nine. He allowed one earned run. Ferrer was equally impressive,also hurling a complete game going eight innings allowing seven hits, two walks and five strikouts and three earned runs.
However, it was Tomlinson going to the well when it counted with big pitches limiting the Cobras to 2 for 11 with runners in scoring position. The Cobras left 11 men on base. Tomlinson's gutsy effort earned him the game's MVP award.
The Cobras made things interesting in the ninth inning. Cobras pinch hitter led off the ninth with a single. Tomlinson then came up with the biggest pitch of the game striking out Armas with a knee buckling 2-2 curve ball. Kenny Perez then popped out to Matarazzo. After a steal of second, another pinch hitter hit a groundball up the middle. Second baseman Brian Barnes made a diving stop but threw the ball wide of first past Matarazzo allowing a run to score making it 3-2.
The game came down to Tomlinson facing Ferrer, who had two hits already in the game. However, Tomlinson won the battle forcing Ferrer to pop out to Matarazzo ending the game and securing the title for Glory Days. It was a bit of revenge for Glory Days against Ferrer who defeated them in a 3-2 playoff effort last Spring when Ferrer was a member of the Blades. The win over the Cobras was Glory Days (17-4-1) seventh in a row and made them a perfect 4-0 over the cobras this season with three of the games decided by a combined four runs. In Glory Days' seven game win streak, they outscored their opponents 46-8 including allowing just two runs in the playoffs. It was Glory Days' fourth overall title since the league's inception in 1992. Cuello finished with two hits for Glory days. DeSantis and Glover had one hit, one RBIk each. Shane Farnsworth had a two bagger, and Steve Arnold and Mike Smollon each had a hit. Taylor's infield grounder RBI proved to be the winning run.
AMERCANS TOP NATIONALS IN TWICE POSTPONED 18AAA ALL STAR CLASH
THUNDER=DOMINATED AMERICANS TAKE AAA ALL STAR GAME AT SEMINOLE PALMS
Third time was a charm for the 18AAA All Star game. After two postponements due to bad weather, the game was played last night (Wednesday, July 27) with the Americans defeating the Nationals, headed by a majority of players from the first place Twins 5-2. Eric Morales of the Thunder, who drove in two runs with an RBI single and a run scoring double was selected as the game's MVP and received an NABA All Star MVP plaque. In addition to his two hits and two RBIs, Morales made a key defensive play at third base, snaring a hard grounder with the bases loaded and stepping on third base to kill a potential rally by the Nationals. The game was halted after eight innings due to time constraints at Seminole Palms Park in Royal Palm Beach. All players and managers received NABA All Star Commemorative shirts.
Danny LaPerna (Thunder) pitched the first three innings, gaining the victory under All Star game special rules, which do not require five innings from a starting pitcher. The Nationals scored both of their runs in the 7th inning on a double steal (home and second base) and a two base throwing error. Rafael Negron (White Sox) and Nestor Sanchez (Twins) both singled, with Negron stealing home and Sanchez second base. Sanchez later scored on the two base throwing miscue. Morales singled home Max Johnson (Thunder) after Max's triple to right center in the first inning, then doubled home Johnson in the fourth after Johnson had reached as a hit batsman. The Americans scored twice in the 7th on a single by Carlos Jimenez (Blades), and run scoring hits by Yosvany Garcia (Blades) and Luis Gonzales (Pirates), sandwiched around a walk drawn by Eduardo Del Toro (Blades).
They added a final run in the next inning when Brian Fitzsimmons (Thunder) singled and later scored on an infield grounder by Carlos Pupo (Chamos). Carlos' younger brother, Manny Pupo, fresh out of Trinity Christian and headed for the Uhiversity of Maine impressed with three scoreless inning, twice pitching out of trouble and notching three strikeouts. Ryan McDonald worked the last two innings, giving up two runs, one unearned. Donnie Teachman and Robbie Brown, both representing the Canes and Melvin Bruno (Twins) also pitched for the winning Americans squad.
AMERICANS TAKE SPRING '11 18AA ALL STAR GAME
AMERICANS WIN 18AA ALL STAR GAME;
Americans, headed up by the first place Cobras, defeated the Nationals, 7-3, in the league's 18AA All Star game Wednesday, July 13 at Seminole Palms Park in Royal Palm Beach. Braves' ace Rich Hennessey went three innings to earn the victory, under All Star game rules. He allowed only one hit,a first inning single by former major league hurler, Joe Grahe (Glory Days). He struck out seven.
The hitting star was Ronald Diaz of the Cobras, who smashed three doubles, driving in two runs, and scoring three times, in four at bats. Diaz was selected as the game's Most Valuable Player and received an NABA All Star Game MVP plaque. All participants received an NABA All Star Game commemorative shirt.
Richard Hernandez (Sugar Kings) also starred on offense, collecting two hits and driving in three runs. Grahe had two hits, and could have had a third when he hit a smash up the middle that was snared by the second baseman, who turned into a fielder's choice. Hennessey was followed to the mound by Diaz, Josh Rivera (Marlins) and Derek Hanrahan (Cobras).Nationals' acting manager, Mike Smollon (.Glory Days) pitched the first three innings and was tagged with the defeat. Phil Downey (Tigers), Luis Ramos (Yankees), Shane Farnsworth (Glory Days) and Yale Silverman (Orioles) also saw mound action for the Nationals.
The 18AAA All Star game, postponed twice, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, July 27 at 7PM at Seminole Palms Park in Royal Palm Beach.
SPRING 2011 PLAYER AND PITCHER OF THE WEEK AWARDS
Once again, Roger Dean Stadium officials will be providing a family pack of four (4) tickets to Florida State League games, which begin at Roger Dean Stadium in April 2011. The league will mail confirming letters to the managers of the honorees. If you are listed here, but have not received your award, please contact your team manager
ROGER DEAN STADIUM PLAYERS AND PITCHERS OF THE WEEK-SPRING 2011 SEASON
WEEK OF AUGUST 7, 2011
18AAA Player of the Week-CARLOS ESPINOSA (BLADES)--Drills a two-run homer, RBI double and a triple to lead Blades past the White Sox.
18AAA Pitcher of the Week-BRIAN HOLDEN (THUNDER)--Five shutout innings as Thunder leftyhander wins his league best ELEVENTH.
18AA Player of the Week-BRENDAN TWOMEY (ORIOLES)-Five hits, five RBIS, two INSIDE THE PARK HOMERS, one a grand slam, double, two singles to pace O's sweep.
18AA Pitcher of the Week-WILL FORD (MARLINS)-Finishes off a fine season, getting his fourth win of the season in Marlins' 5-3 win over Giants. . . .
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WEEK OFJULY 31, 2011
18AAA Player of the Week-CHRIS BROWN (CANES) Smacks two triples, double and single to drive in six runs for the Canes against the Blades.
18AAA Pitcher of the Week-SANTO FRANCO (BLADES) Allows only three hits in eight innings, aids own cause with game tying RBI hit in 2-1 victory.
18AA Player of the Week-GREG KOUTSIS (MARLINS)-Collects four hits, including a triple, double and two singles, knocks in winning run with single in bottom of the 9th.
18AA Pitcher of the Week-JESUS FERRER (COBRAS) Veteran shus down Braves completely, and adds a pair of doubles to his fifth win of the season. . . ====================================================================================================
WEEK OFJULY 24, 2011
18AAA Player of the Week JIMMY EFRE (THUNDER). Four hits, inclujding two doubles, with three runs batted in Thunder's win over the Blades. .
18AAA Pitcher of the Week ROB CONVER (CHAMOS) - Brilliant performance in firing complete game, nine inning no hitter against Beach Bums. He fanned sixteen, including eight in a row at one point. Also hit a two run double.
18AA Player of the Week RICHARD HERNANDEZ (SUGAR KINGS)-Walk off single, his third hit of the game, drivesi in winning run in the bottom of the 9th against the Cobras. . .
18AA Pitcher of the Week JON HRUSOVSKY (GLORY DAYS) Fires one hitter with twelve strikeouts, and Glory Days goes on to regain first place. .
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18AAA Player of the Week DONNIE HERZOG (PIRATES) Seven hits in doubleheader includes home run, double, five singles against Blades.
18AAA Pitcher of the Week DANNY LA PERNA (THUNDER) Five hitless innings with six K's in seven inning 4-0 win over the Beach Bums.
18AA Player of the Week TYLER WAMPLER (YANKEES) Homer, two doubles, triple, two singles and four RBIs in Yankees doubleheader sweep.
18AA Pitcher of the Week MIKE SMOLLON (GLORY DAYS) Goes 6 1/3 in seven inning shutout (1-0) win over the Cobras.
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WEEK OFJULY 10 , 2011
18AAA Player of the Week BRIAN FITZSIMMONS (THUNDER) Knocks in six runs with a double, two singles in Thunder's win against the Canes.
18AAA Pitcher of the Week VICTOR ROSARIO (CHAMOS) Short and sweet relief win, strikes out five in two hitless innings for win over the Blades.
18AA Player of the Week MIKE NORCROSS (DUFFY'S ALL STARS) Pitching win and a two run double in Duffy's upset win over Glory Days in rain shortened game.
18AA Pitcher of the Week JESUS FERRER (COBRAS) Earns the pitching win AND knocks in the winning runs with a two run double against upset minded Giants. .
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WEEK OFJUNE 26, 2011
18AAA Player of the Week DONNIE FITZGERALD (THUNDER) Cranks out a double, two singles,knocks in two runs in Thunder"s win over the White Sox.
18AAA Pitcher of the Week KEVIN NARANJO (PIRATES) Goes ten innings, pitches shut out ball the last nine in 1-1 tie versus Chamos.
18AA Player of the Week GREG KOUTSIS (MARLINS) Swats a two run homer, triple and two singles, drives in three runs in Marlins' tie with Glory Days.
18AA Pitcher of the Week JUSE GARCIA (SUGAR KINGS) Shutout baseball for seven innings to notch his fifth win of the season.
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WEEK OFJUNE 19, 2011
18AAA Player of the Week CARLOS ESPINOZA (BLADES) His three run bomb is the big blow in Blades' 5-0 win over the Thunder.
18AAA Pitcher of the Week ANGEL GARCIA (BLADES) Twirls a shutout against the 2nd place Thunder.
18AA Player of the Week JERRY MATARAZZO (GLORY DAYS) Delivers a three run homer in bottom of 9th for Glory Days' come from behind win.
18AA Pitcher of the Week PETER FUSCO (BRAVES) What a debut!!. Earns win in relief, gets two hits, makes circus catch to end the game.
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WEEK OFJUNE 12, 2011
18AAA Player of the Week RYDE RODRIGUEZ (TWINS) Five for five, with double and an RBI to lead 1st place Twins over Chamos
18AAA Pitcher of the Week JOSE PENA (TWINS) Pena returned to the diamond with a complete game win, his 2nd of the season.
18AA Player of the Week JOE RODGERS (YANKEES) Homers to tie it, then lashes bases loaded single to give Yanks the win
18AA Pitcher of the Week RONALD DIAZ (COBRAS ) Diaz (5-0) stays unbeaten, with route going (10K’s) win over Marlins
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WEEK OF JUNE 5, 2011
18AAA Player of the Week JOSE CHINEA (WHITE SOX) Knocks in five runs as the White Sox Continue their hot streak vs. Bucs
18AAA Pitcher of the Week SANTO FRANCO (BLADES) Blades southpaw strikes out seven in five innings as Blades route Beach Bums
18AA Player of the Week TYLER WAMPLER (YANKEES) Collects four hits and three RBIs ad Yankees get come from behind win
18AA Pitcher of the Week YALE SILVERMAN (ORIOLES) Eight strong for his fourth win as Orioles knock off first place Cobras
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WEEK OF MAY 22, 2011
18AAA Player of the Week STUART MACHADO (PIRATES)-Smashing debut with four hits, two RBIs in Pirates’ win over the Blades
18AAA Pitcher of the Week JONATHAN PERIGNY (TWINS)- Complete game win, his fourth against no losses, fans twelve Canes
18AA Player of the Week JOE GRAHE (GLORY DAYS) Goes 7 for 9, with home run, three doubles, six RBIs in sweep by Days
18AA Pitcher of the Week RICH HENNESSEY (BRAVES) Complete game four hitter with ten Ks ends Cobras’ unbeaten streak at nine
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WEEK OF MAY 15, 2011
18AAA Player of the Week SAMMY HERNANDEZ (W.SOX) Game winning single gives Sox walk off win and sweep of Beach Bums
18AAA Pitcher of the Week EVAN D’ANGELO (PIRATES) Shuts down Canes on five hits, fans Thirteen and gets three hits
18AA Player of the Week GREG KELM (MARLINS) Greg’s three hits account for four RBIs in Marlins victory over Giants
18AA Pitcher of the Week RONALD DIAZ (COBRAS) Goes all twelve innings (14K0 and adds four hits and three RBIs of his own
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WEEK OF MAY 1, 2011
18AAA NESTOR SANCHEZ(TWINS) Twins player-manager cracks homer and two singles in rout of Bucs.
18AA JERRY MATARAZZO (GLORY DAYS) Wallops grand slam in opener as Glory Days sweeps Sugar Kings
PITCHERS OF THE WEEK
18AAA STEVEN HIBBS (WHITE SOX) Strong outing carries Sox to first victory of the season
18AA MIKE NORCROSS (DUFFY'S) Fires one hitter with 12 Ks, loses no no in final inning against Braves
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WEEK OF APRIL 17, 2011
18AAA MIKE DELIEUW (TWINS) Walk off HR in 2nd game caps four hit day
18AA JESUS FERRER (COBRAS) Veteran knocks in gamer to keep Cobras unbeaten
PITCHERS OF THE WEEK
18AAA MARK MCELMEEL (B-BUMS) Strong start launches Beach Bums to sweep of Pirates
18AA RICH HENNESSEY (BRAVES)
Fires no hitter, strikes out
Sixteen batters
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WEEK OF APRIL 10, 2011
ROGER DEAN STADIUM PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
18AAA DONNIE TEACHMAN (CANES) Two hits, two RBIs lead Canes to first AAA win
18AA JEFF SCHECTOR (MARLINS) Triple, double, two singles; on base five times, scores five
PITCHERS OF THE WEEK
18AAA JOSE MATEO (TWINS) Gets win in relief as Twins hand Chamos first defeat
18AA TONY AMATUCCI (YANKEES) Seven shutout innings for win in first start of the season
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WEEK OF APRIL 3, 2011
ROGER DEAN STADIUM PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
18AAA DAVE GARIEPY (THUNDER) Smacks triple and single in Thunder’s 5-3 over the Sox 18AAA PITCHER OF
18AA ANTHONY GUTILLA (BRAVES) Knocks in four runs with bases loaded triple, RBI hit
PITCHERS OF THE WEEK
18AAA RICK SCHNUR (BEACH BUMS) Outstanding relief job for seven innings to beat Twins
18AA JEFF TOMLINSON (G-DAYS) Fans nine, pitches out of three jams in Glory Days’ win
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WEEK OF MARCH 27, 2011
ROGER DEAN STADIUM
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
18AAA-JAY EVANS (BEACH BUMS)-Two run bomb caps Beach Bums’ rally to beat White Sox
18AA-MIKE SILVAS (BRAVES)-Braves’ skipper knocks in four runs with double and single
PITCHERS OF THE WEEK
18AAA-ALFREDO CRUZ (PIRATES)-Newcomer goes five strong innings en route to Bucs’ win
18AA-YALE SILVERMAN (ORIOLES)-Complete game five-hitter with fourteen strikeouts
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WEEK OF MARCH 20, 2011
ROGER DEAN STADIUM
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
18AAA-DAVID PERALTA (TWINS)-Double, two singles, three RBIs vs. White Sox
18AA PLAYER OF THE WEEK RICH HENNESSEY (BRAVES)-Three hits, RBI, 6 innings to get win vs. Yanks
PITCHERS OF THE WEEK
18AAA-JOSE RIVERA (BLADES)-Six strong innings for win in Blades’ first game in AAA
18AA-JESUS FERRER (COBRAS)-Goes route with seven Ks in Cobras’ first league game
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