OrlandoBaseball.com - Home of the Orlando MSBL

November 12, 2012 - Giving back (a little)
It would be great to help out Ben and his boys with contributions of baseball gear, new, or used.(See below)Here's a particularly great opportunity to pass it on and pay it forward a little bit when your kids have grown out of or are past age-appropriate baseball gear. Bring anything you can to your managers over the next couple of weeks,and we'll figure out the best way to get it all together and down to Ben. Or you can give it to Ben directly, if you see him. Thanks!

I have an idea for a press release for Brian and the Orlando MSBL. As you know I am the PE teacher at Lake Alfred-Addair Middle School. We are Title I (low income student population) public school. Our school received a failing grade on last year's state standardized test. We are working hard to increase student achievement here and our new principal is a big proponent of student athletics. As such, I am putting together a baseball club here at my school. There will be multiple teams at the school and the boys will a revolving schedule over the course of 5 weeks.

As you know, my students come from low income families here in Polk County. I am specifically looking for left and right handed baseball gloves, helmets, cleats, batting gloves, uniforms, pants, etc. We are still playing with all of the Lugnut donations from 2 years ago, but with all of the boys who want to play in the club we will need more equipment.

Could you please forward this to Brian? Perhaps Brian could send an e-mail to each of his teams requesting batting glove, baseball glove, helmet, bag, bat, and cleat donations. Our school and our boys will be thankful for anything they can receive.

Thank you for any help you can provide.

July 15, 2012 - LUGNUTS ARE THE CHAMPS!!
The Lugnuts followed up their fall championship with the spring 28+ championship, blanking the Indians 5-0 to sweep the best-of-three series. The 'Nuts win meant that the streak of consecutive seasons without a team defending it's championship stands at a dozen, since the Juice teams of the late 90's. Cory Huston was the mound star, with seven innings of unblemished work on the hill, and Matt Stevens came in for the last 2 to preserve the game and the championship. Jay Bengert cracked the only home run at the cozy confines of the Grand Ave. field. Congratulations to Manager Chris Fisher and all the Lugnuts, it's not easy to hold a quality team together, play through the injuries and the normal peaks and valleys involved in getting the right guys to to the field at the right time, and they've sustained excellence over a calendar year, a remarkable achievement. And a tip of the cap to Doug Elliott and the Indians, who fell just a little short of repeating their 2011 spring championship.

July 07, 2012 - Playoff Update
The Indians and the Marlins will face off at noon tomorrow at South Orange for the right to face the Lugnuts for the championship of the 28's. That best of 3 series will start Tuesday night at Clermont and continue Thursday night at Grand Ave., and if necessary, conclude next Sunday.

The Rays and A's will start their championship series tomorrow at Daytona's Big Tree Park. First game is at 10 AM, the 2nd follows immediately, with a deciding game, if needed, to be scheduled.

Looking forward to an exciting conclusion to the season!

July 02, 2012 - Lugnuts Sweep Brewers to Advance to Championship
Lugnuts won the first game 6-4 behind a strong 7 inning performance by Eddie Rojas on the hill. The Lugnuts offense scored 6 runs behind 8 hits in the first three innings. Joe Del Valle came in the 4th and quieted the Lugnuts' bats, only giving up 1 hit in the final 5 innings. Brewers had the tying run up to bat in the ninth but Cory Huston shut the door for the save.

The Lugnuts bats stayed hot for game 2 as they had 9 runs behind 17 hits. Jay Bengert's 3 run blast topped off a 5 run 6th inning. Brad Weis threw 7 innings allowing 2 runs and had 9Ks. Matt Stevens pitched the final two frames to seal the series.

Lugnuts defense was stellar throughout the 18 innings played on Sunday on committing 3 errors and turning 4 double plays.

July 02, 2012 - Marlins and Tribe Split DH, Setting Up 1 Game to Advance
Chris Brock outdueled Jamie Douglas in the Tribe win, and Jeff Francher twirled a gem for the Marlins in the 2nd game for the split, as Josh "Tiny" Montero led the offense with a 3 run bomb. The third and deciding game will be next Sunday the 8th at a place and time TBD for the right to square off with the Lugnuts for the spring championship.

July 02, 2012 - In the 38's, Rays/A's Plays
The Rays and Nationals overcame a scheduling snafu by the commish and played a great game, eventually won by the Rays 5-3. The A"s, behind a stellar pitching performance by former Florida Southern Moc Paul Milewski, shut down the vaunted Blazer offense and advanced to the final to face the Rays. The tentative plan is for the two old rivals to face off at noon next Sunday for the crown in Daytona. Details will be confirmed ASAP.

June 30, 2012 - Marlins Defeat Hardknox, Semis Set in 28's
The Marlins will be the visitors against the Indians for a doubleheader to kick off their best of three semi-finals Sunday. First game starts at noon at Lake Mary High School.

In the other semi-final, the Lugnuts will host the Brewers at Bishop Field in Clermont, also for a doubleheader, first game starts at 10 AM.

In the 38's, the Blazers will host the A's at South Orange at 3 PM, and the Rays will be home to the Nationals at Daytona's Big Tree Park at noon. Each of these games are single elimination, with the winners playing in a best of three finals

Best of luck and good sportsmanship to everyone!

June 28, 2012 - Brewers Win, Playoff Update...
The Brewers beat the Pirates 10-0 last night to move into the semis. The matchup, site update and schedule are as follows: For the 28's, we have doubleheaders at Lake Mary High School and Clermont's Bishop Field. If the Marlins win tomorrow night, they will visit the Indians 1st game Sunday at noon at LMHS, and the Brewers will visit the Lugnuts at Clermont at 10 AM. If the Hardknox win, they will visit the Lugnuts at noon at LMHS, and the Indians will host the Brewers at 10 AM at Bishop. The teams will swap home and away for Game 2, of the best of 3 series.

In the 38's, the Rays will host the Nationals at noon at Daytona Big Tree, and the Blazers will host the A's at South Orange at 3 PM. The winners will meet in the best of 3 championship.

There will be no mid-week games next week in observance of Independence Day. Good luck everyone!

June 20, 2012 - Hardknox Triumph to Grab Last Playoff Slot!!

June 20, 2012 - Playoffs and rest of Sunday schedule
Here is the playoff (and other) schedule for this Sunday, the 24th.

Seminole High School - Noon - A's @ Blazers, immediately followed by Brewers @ Pirates

Lake Mary High School - Noon - Hardknox @ Marlins

Daytona Big Tree - Noon - Nationals @ Rays

all of these games are single elimination, no time limit, but players should be reminded to hustle up, particularly the 1st games when there is a game that immediately follows. Reminder: Run rule IS in effect for all playoff games.

Additionally, at Clermont Bishop Field, we have an interesting game, the Lugnuts @ the Red Sox at 10 AM, and the Angels @ the Yankees at 1:30 PM.

One more thing, Game 1 sites and times for the 28+ semis, Lake Mary HS MONDAY and Thursday night, field is booked other nights, then Lake Mary shuts down for repairs, so we will have to make that work. So giving the advantage, if there is one, to the regular season Lugnuts, the 2nd seed Indians will host the second lowest remaining seed on Monday night the 25th at Lake Mary HS 7 PM, and the Lugnuts will host the lowest remaining seed on Thursday night the 28th at 7 PM.

For planning purposes, we'll look for sites where we can play a DH, if necessary, to decide the semis for the 28's, and for the championship for the 38's the following Sunday, the 1st of July. (If the Rays win Sunday, that will be in Daytona) For the 28's TBD.

June 18, 2012 - Playoff Update
After play Sunday, the four spots in the 38's and almost all of the 28's were finalized. In the 38's, the Rays ended up the #1 seed in a tiebreaker with the Blazers, who finished #2. (Same record, went down in descending order of finish, until finding the Blazers lost to the Red Sox, Rays didn't).The A's finished #3 and the Nationals won a play-in game against the Red Sox to grab the last slot at #4. So the Nationals will travel to Daytona at noon at Big Tree to face the Rays, and the A's visit the Blazers at 10 AM at Evans HS in one-game semis. The winners will meet in best of 3 finals starting the following weekend.

In the 28's, the Diamondbacks will face off against the Hardknox tomorrow night for the last playoff berth at 7 PM at Lake Mary HS. The Lugnuts and Indians have a bye, and will play a tuneup game this Sunday. Also another game for Yankees and Angels. Then Sunday the Marlins will host the winner of the DBacks/'Knox, and the Pirates will host the Brewers. I'll release the details for all of the games tomorrow, still waiting on a couple of field confirmations.

Thanks for another great regular season, looking forward to exciting playoffs!

June 16, 2012 - Playoffs and End-of-Season Scenario
After much consideration and acknowledging the often competing interests of all of the coaches and their players, here is the playoff scenario which will enable most if not all teams to get the baseball they paid for, along with bringing the season to a fair conclusion before the limited field availability, rain and summer holidays and vacation plans hurl us into the world of the absurd:

38+

Sunday will feature a slight modification to the original schedule, in that the Red Sox will play the Nationals for the 4th and final playoff berth. The Tigers will move to 1:00 start against the 28+ Angels. The A's, Blazers and Rays will have secured playoff spots, seeding being the only factor TBD after play Sunday. Then Sunday the 24th, the 3 or 4 seed, depending on whether the Rays end up #1 or #2, will travel to Daytona for the single elimination, while the remaining team will play the Blazers or A's at either Evans or Seminole HS. The winners of those games will meet in the best of three for the championship at times and format to be discussed and mutually agreed upon.

28+p> The Angels will play the Tigers at 1:30 PM at Clermont Sunday.

After play Sunday, we should have 7 teams clearly ahead for the 6 playoff spots. The Hardknox and the Diamondbacks would be percentage points different, with the DBacks having a slight edge, but the Knox with game to be played. They will play mid-week in a "play-in" game to determine the 6th and final slot. Then the single-elimination quarter-final playoffs could start the following Sunday, the 24th, at times and sites TBD to come up with the semi-finalists, to start mid-week (26th, 37th, 38th, depending on availability), wrapping on Sunday the 1st of July with the finals working around the following weekend, depending on the availability of the teams involved, and understanding that the July 4th holiday is mid-week that week.

Additionally, the non-playoff teams who feel that have not gotten the complete schedule they desired could be scheduled in and around any of the other dates, up to the agreed upon 22. That would apply to the playoff teams as well, after they were eliminated, if they so desired.

Additionally, if the playoff bye teams, the Lugnuts, and/or Indians, Marlins or Pirates want a tuneup game next weekend, we can do that.

The result would be the playoffs would start as promised for those who planned vacations, work, etc, around the original plan, yet any team who felt short-changed could still get their baseball if they want it.

In a week and a half or so, as the playoff picture becomes clearer, I would be able to commit to and announce a date and time for an All Star game, which is always the most fun when we can combine it with one or more of the championship games, although it doesn't always work out that way.

June 13, 2012 - Illegal Player Jumbles Standings and Playoff Picture
The league has found overwhelming evidence to support a ruling of a violation of Rules 4G and Rule 8. This has caused the forfeiture of 7 games for the Brewers. The player participated in 8 games, and they won 7, so the standings have changed. The league endeavors to always protect the rights of the members to play under a uniform set of rules, and appreciates the vigilance of players and managers in this regard.

It is my decision to support the forfeitures, hoping this is punishment enough, while waiving the suspension stipulation for the manager, although the player in question is suspended for 2 years, and the manager can expect full measure of enforcement in the unlikely event of future violations.

We've said it before, but it bears repeating, I know we all like to win. But the majority of our league are players of average skill who love to compete a time or two a week on a field of players of similar ability. Circumventing the rules to gain a competitive advantage, sours that experience. We must never let winning trump the interests of those players, or we don't have a league, we will have chased off the average player and have a couple of great tournament teams with nobody to play. That's exactly what happened when I started playing here in 1989. The average guys, (and the below average guys, in my case), allow us to play baseball at this advanced age. May we never let winning cloud our judgement in this regard.

Finally, a tip of the cap to the strong play and fair-mindedness of the long-term members of the Brewers, who I believe were not complicit in this deception. It is my sincere desire that our members will not cast a shadow of blame over all of their fine players who have exemplified sportsmanship since the team's formation. Now let's play ball.

May 08, 2012 - The Day that forever changed the Utah MSBL
Reprinted without permission and edited with impunity.

By Gary Bowman, President Utah MSBL

That is when I heard the story of the game that changed the Utah MSBL forever � the Mother's Day Ball Game Debacle.

Every league has stories that are whispered and told by ballplayers over the years. Surely this legend contained elements of fiction, I thought -- but I had to find the truth.

We ball players are ex-pros, has-beens, wannabes, never-weres, and we all will play anytime, anywhere. For three hours on game day we aren't married, we have no jobs, bills or mortgages. We are ball players. For three hours we live in the moment. We live to be the pitcher or the batter in the ninth inning with two outs, the bases are loaded and the game on the line. That is the backdrop for this event that forever changed our league. The names have been changed to protect the innocent, the guilty and the dumb. And then again, maybe not.

It was 1992 -- four years after the birth of the Salt Lake MSBL now known as the Utah MSBL. The league started with four teams and had grown to six by this time. The players were a rag tag bunch of guys that have never given up on the boyhood game of baseball, and they always want to play as much as possible. The President at the time was Jerry Bogucki and he had a weekend coming up that was wide open with perfect weather � Yup�Mother's Day.

He started calling around and found two teams willing to play on short notice. The Pirates and the Yankees jumped at the chance to make up a previous rain out.

The day was perfect, the field pristine, and the teams biting at the bit to play. The Pirates had nine players, but the Yankees had eight players and so the coach called every name on his roster with no luck. And then he thought about Tim.

Tim had let it be known that he would play anytime anywhere, and that he was always just a call away. The coach made that call and, true to his word, Tim accepted the invitation. Twenty minutes later, on Mother's Day 1992, they were playing a ballgame.

And oh, what a game. The lead went back and forth like a good game should until the crucial sixth inning. That's when forces larger and more powerful than baseball came into play.

With the scored tied and runners on first and second, the players became distracted by the sound of screeching tires, a revving engine, and the high-pitched whine of a transmission in desperate need of a change to a higher gear.

The next thing witnesses recall is a car flying over the curb and onto the grass. With brakes locked the car slid sideways and came to rest next to the fence on the third base side.

At this point things went in slow motion. The car door opened a young (40ish) lady stood up on the door well, and began shouting: "TIM! What in the Hell do you think you are doing? You tell me you're going to the store and after two hours I get worried and go to the store, but you're not there, so I drive home thinking we crossed paths. I see your truck, and oh boy here you are.�

As if the rubber shredding, high speed approach hadn't been enough to get eager Tim's attention, the angry woman took off her wedding ring and threw it over the fence into left field. She turned and looked at the faces of Tim's many accomplices and was met by stunned, frozen silence -- the kind you see on the face of kids when they're caught in a lie.

She continued yelling: "When and if you find that ring then you can come home.�

At that point she climbed back into the car, rammed it into reverse, and peeled out leaving two perfect tire ruts in the grass � an exclamation point on her visit.

And then there was silence.

And that, friends, was the first and last game the Utah MSBL ever played on Mother's Day. As for Tim? The episode apparently dampened his enthusiasm for the game. I could not find anyone that could remember whatever became of him.

May 02, 2012 - Clermont Games to Bishop Field
All remaining Clermont games this spring season will be played at Bishop Field in Clermont, moving over from the PAL. We tried it last weekend, and the dimensions are much better, the field is in pretty good shape, there's even a shaded grandstand, important as we heat up for our legions of fans. I think you'll find it an upgrade. Here's the Google Map link, I'll get it on the website ASAP. Parking on the streets surrounding the stadium for the faithful, and lots behind right and left field for all others.

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=East+Avenue+and+W.+Broome+St.,+Clermont,+FL&hl=en&ftid=0x88e78ef2b7c59021:0x8161df94a457d36

April 17, 2012 - League Record for K's (?)
The Marlins' Jaime Douglas fanned 23 batters Friday night. Record keeping is spotty, and ultimately ridiculous, but we believe this to be a league record, covering more than 40 seasons, spring or fall. We're happy to consider other submissions or anecdotes, but in the meantime, congratulations Jaime!

March 11, 2012 - Hall of Famer Frank Shaw announces retirement
In a week of sad news, here's more, one of the all-timers, Hall of Famer Frank Shaw, announced his retirement effective immediately. Frank has been a stalwart in this league for many, many years, and one of it's great ambassadors. A friendly rival, a great teammate, and that hard slider that just seemed to keep breaking, a really tough AB. Lots of good Frank Shaw stories, members are encouraged to share their favorites, we'll try to compile them and share them with everyone. Good luck, Frankie, don't be a stranger! Here's his note letting me know,

"Hey B Wow I was surprised to learn of one of our umpires passing,..sad.. Dave was a nice down to earth type of guy..he called many of my games..and although he may have missed a few calls (or strikes) i never gave him a hard time thoughts go out to his family.............that being said,....I , with heavy heart, and reluctantly, formally announce my retirement from the Orlando Msbl, "that was a tough sentence to type",...Health issues and an impending heart transplant have relagated me to the sidelines and no longer have the energy to be productive in our league,.. I will miss all the friends I have made,.and maybe a few enemies along the way,lol. but I will forever cherish the many years spent at the fields.. I thank you for all you have done for me,. and will never forget it,... I had a blast....you have my permission to post my email addr.(fstitan9975@yahoo.com) if any of the guys would like to drop me a note or get together that would be great Thanks again Brian for your tireless commitment to our league, I couldnt have played under a better president...humbly yours, Frank Shaw 99"

March 10, 2012 - The loss of a friend
Sad news, we lost a long-time umpire and a great guy, David Mellott last week, David worked our games for many years, and is most famous for being one of the last umps around to work the plate with the outside "balloon" type chest protector. But those who took the time to speak with him knew him to be a steady, friendly, no-nonsense type of guy. We will miss him, and extend sincere condolences to his family.

January 24, 2012 - All Star games a shining success!
A gorgeous January day at Cypress Creek High School was the setting for the kickoff of the 2012 spring season, and every one enjoyed the day, especially the All Stars! In the first inter-league All Star clash between the 18 and older NABF and the 28 and older MSBL, the Chris Fisher managed old guys cruised to victory 7-0. The pitching combination of Indian Brian English, Red Ben Kozlowski, Angel Bobby Crain, Hardknox' Jared Bahnsen and Brewer Larry Hingle, gave up a combined total of 3 hits, so the outcome was never in doubt. Hardknox manager Lawrence Butcher had a couple of hits to lead a balanced offense. The defense was in mid-season form, with only one error, and that runner was quickly erased on a doubleplay. Pirate Jerry Russell led the way there with 5 assists. Other 28+ All Stars included Lugnuts Ed Welch and Eddie Rojas, Brewers Christian Martell and Chris Silva, Diamondback Luis Rivera, Red Pat McCahon, Hardknox Eric Robledo, (What is a lone Hardknox player anyway, a HardKnock?) Yankees Dave Markovich and John Rios, Angels Jeff Fortune and Erick Heberling, and Marlins Mickey Bono and Jason Torres.

In the 38+ All Star game, the Adam Bransfield led side beat the Bruce WIle team, but the result was not the story, just getting out and cranking it up again felt great, and the All Stars played great. Blazer Richard Sullivan gave up a lone run in 5 innings for the winners. 38+ Stars also included A's Joe Greene, WIll Baker Dean Hill and Ken Managan. The Nationals were represented by David Moss, Tom Campbell, Vanessa West, Billy Kiernan, and Joe Neira. The champion Rays were led by Luke Daven, Rob Gonzalez, Ken Milliken, and Steve Chase. The Blazers included Tony Caruso, Matt Conrad, David Johnson, Marty Jones, and Scott Donelick. The Lake County Red Sox sent Ron Birkenmaier, Peter Parrilla, Rob Dow, Pedro Rodriguez and Andy Guasto. The Tigers were Mark Pacich, Jeff Shebovsky, Carlo Figueroa, Gus D'Andrea, Rich Fuentes, Rex Walker and in his farewell appearance, league stalwart Mark Mamary.

December 11, 2011 - Rays Still the Champs in 38+!!
Rays

Bruce Wile and the Daytona Rays successfully defended their spring championship by defeating the A's in the 3rd and deciding game of their best-of-three series Sunday. The weather was just about perfect for a mid-December championship, and the Rays cruised behind the pitching of Kent Milliken and the hitting of Craig Corbett and Mike Santonino, among others. Both teams played solid defense, but the Rays hit when it counted, and Milliken wriggled out of several jams. A great season for the 38's, congratulations to the Rays!

We'll have the Hall of Fame announcements in this space later this week, we need a few days for the Rays to revel in their top-of-the page status!

December 08, 2011 - LUGNUTS ARE FALL CHAMPS!!!
Lugnuts

The Lugnuts won the fall championship in a little less than 4 hours on a frigid December night, Cory Huston lined a single to center to score the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th inning, amd Matt Stevens shut down the Brewers in the bottom of the frame, saving the game for starter Brad Weis. It was an exciting game, with both sides having chances to win, or break open a tight game, but the teams swapped runs for most of the game until the fateful 10th, Congratulations to Chris Fisher and his squad, and to Jose Rosado and the Brewers, whose sustained run of excellence is the envy of the rest of the league. We'll post a picture of the champs shortly! Congrats to the 'Nutters!

November 23, 2011 - Tribute to Jeff Lumbert
I received this eloquent tribute to Jeff, and thought I'd share it with everyone.

There aren't many men I've known in my life for whom I can use the word 'admiration'. I've respected many, admired very few. Jeff was one. Coaching our sons (his Mikey and my Cameron) together at Delaney Park LL will be the image of Jeff and his wonderful family I will retain until that day when I can shake his hand again. There is not a single person in my life that bore a greater personal burden more gracefully than Jeff Lumbert. His eulogy for his son Mikey was an act of fatherly love and Christian testimony that astounded me. I have preached at my own family's funerals, and probably will again, but I can tell you with certainty that I have never been more in awe of a man's faith and composure than on that morning at First Baptist when Jeff stood in the pulpit for the second time in 6 months to speak of a departed son and to call upon his listeners to seek the Lord while he may be found. You have a son. I have a son. I cannot humanly fathom what kind of strength that must have required. Jeff would be quick to remind this Christian brother that it wasn't in his own strength that he was able to do such a thing. That is a truth I fully believe, yet it was beyond amazing to see it demonstrated before my very eyes that day. And it gave me great hope that when the need is there for us the Lord will keep his promise to "give us a mouth and wisdom which none shall be able to gainsay nor resist."

I am also grateful that the final time I spoke to Jeff was last fall on a baseball field, Jones 1 to be precise. I think a few people were startled to see the shortstop turn a double play and then hug the guy coming to second. The SS was me and without my glasses I hadn't recognized Jeff playing until he got that close to me. There is something intensely moving for me in that memory. The last time I saw him I hugged him, and the next time I see him I'll hug him.

Our friendship was not as close in the world as I would have liked, we traveled in slightly different circles, but it will be eternal. It may seem a bit silly to a disinterested bystander that a boy's game keeps being mentioned as a central fact of a grown man's life, but you and I know differently, don't we? The game is the tableau, the canvas, the stage, whatever metaphor a better poet than I can summon. Like battle it enables the emotional connections that define friendship, commitment, honor, brotherhood, and the intensity of life. I am indebted to Jeff Lumbert for eternity for his part in all that. And I am indebted to you for the part you play in these things as a builder and keeper of that metaphor.

Deo Vindice,

Bob McMillin

November 14, 2011 - In memorium....we lost a great one...
Sunday morning we lost Jeff Lumbert, played on the great Juice teams of the late 90's, more recently a Blazer, a great ballplayer even better person and father. Jeff was a true believer, and nobody, and I mean nobody had more of a burden to bear, yet he never lost faith in the Lord. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. You can read more at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jefflumbert/journal

August 08, 2011 - Free baseball! *
A lingering recession, municipalities and counties, under pressure to augment flagging revenues, continue to raise prices and cut services for the few fields available. Translation: the price to play recreational baseball continues to rise while incomes fall or stay the same. Warning: league baseball for adults goes away or gets so watered down nobody wants to play. Solution? The Central Florida Men�s Senior Baseball League is proud to announce free baseball!* That�s right, free, with the same or improved services we�ve offered to the local adult baseball player for over 20 years.

You say to yourself, how can this be, there must be a catch. You�re right! It works like this: members, past and present, agree to reimburse you when you patronize their business, financial concern, etc. Ballplayers doing business with ballplayers. The member can choose to not get involved at all, or to use a llittle or a lot of the opportunities provided, up to and beyond the value of the membership.

That�s right, you could theoretically get paid to play the game you love! So, for example, if John Needham of the Nationals, who owns Courtesy Pest Control, agrees to offer a refund of $5 for the charge of each application when you switch your pest control to Courtesy, that charge would be refunded to you to defray the cost of your season�s dues. For another example, Pirate legend and long-time member Jeff Shebovsky, who happens to be a highly regarded chiropractor, offered a % refund for a session, you would receive that refund. Tony Caruso and the hard-working folks at Orlando Luxury Pools and TC Water Features will offer a % discount for all of your pool needs; bulding, improving and maintainance. And so forth and so on, big and small, it all adds up. Members benefit two ways, their dues are potentially refundable on things they probably already buy elsewhere, from non-ballplayers, and they can potentially enhance revenues by opening up their businesses to markets they had not heretofore had access to, in exchange for what amounts to a marketing fee.

So if you have a business or know of a discount that that would fit this format, let me know (blevinsknows@hotmail.com) and we�ll get it out to the members! More details to come!

June 28, 2011 - Both All Star games nail biters!
The 2011 spring season concluded with a pair of well-played, very competitive All Star games. That's not always the case in All Star games, but we were fortunate to have many of the most talented players in the league make an appearance, and the level of play reflected that. In the opener, the 38+ side led by manager Tony Caruso of the Blazers nipped the Rays' Bruce Wile side 9-8. In the 28+ game, Doug Elliott's squad nipped Jose Rosado's team 1-0, not sure I can remember another All Star game where the final score was 1-0. Needless to say, the pitching for both sides was razor sharp. Brian Krot of the Indians was named game MVP, throwing 3 innings of scoreless baseball, and driving in the game's lone run with a Sacrifice Fly.

June 19, 2011 - INDIANS ARE THE CHAMPS!!!
2011 Champs - The Indians

The Indians are the 28+ champs for the 2011 spring season! They won their first crown defeating the reigning champion Brewers 8-5 on a hot Father's Day in Clermont. Chris Brock was on the mound when the Titans won the last non-Brewer championship 2 years ago, and he was the pitcher of record today as the Tribe prevailed in the matchup of the top 2 teams in the regular season. Manager Doug Elliott had the play of the game, a diving stop going to left at 3rd, getting up and throwing a strike to first to snuff a Brewer rally. The Brewers did not give up their crown without a fight, and manager Jose Rosado's guys fought to the very end, but the Indians were just a bit better on this day, and took the best-of-three series 2 games 1. Congratulations to the Indians on a sensational season!

June 13, 2011 - RAYS WIN 38+ CHAMPIONSHIP!!
2011 Champs - The Rays

The Daytona Rays successfully defended their 38+ championship on a sweltering day at Big Tree Park. Bruce Wile and the gang lost but once this year, and that loss came at the hands of the Blazers, their opponents in the championship game. The Blazers took a brief lead in the 6th, but the Rays came charging back and took home the hardware with a 12-6 win. Great guys, super competition and good baseball made this a season to remember, not just for the champion Rays, but for the whole division. Thanks to everyone for the travel, the Rays have a healthy road trip to half their games, and the other teams in the division make a Daytona run a couple of times a year, but it allows us to include an excellent bunch of players and to increase the level of competition. Great season everyone, looking forward to the All Star game!

November 23, 2010 - Brewers 3Peat Champions!!
Jose Rosado and the Brewers are the champions of the Central Florida Men's Senior Baseball League, for the 3rd season in a row!! In the one-game championship Sunday at Tinker Field, Chris Fisher's Lugnuts gave the champs everything they wanted and more, taking a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the 5th, with pitcher Brad Weis cruising, having just fanned hitters 2, 3 and 4 in the powerful Brewer lineup in the 4th. But an error and a couple of base hits later, Weis felt pain in his elbow, and had to be replaced on the mound by Matt Stevens, coming off an injury of his own. Before the dust had settled, the Brewers led 7-2. Manny Rentana drove in what proved to be the game winner, as the Brew Crew wrapped up the championship in the bottom of the 6th, when Joe DelValle doubled to right-center, driving in Larry Renovalles with the run-rule winner. The Lugnuts were missing some key players, but had a great season capped by a game effort in the last game, but were simply overwhelmed by a team that is championship caliber in all departments. Carlos Colon was game MVP, going the distance on the mound, allowing only 2 runs to a potent 'Nut lineup. Next up for the Brewers is the quest to win their second consecutive spring championship, which in a quirk of parity, hasn't been done since the glory days of the Juice in the late 90's. Great season everyone!

November 22, 2010 - ALL STAR REPORT
The season-ending All Star game at Tinker Field saw the Snakes, managed by the Diamondbacks' Kevin Murdock, defeat the Fish, managed by Rich Musumeci of the Marlins. The All Star MVP was the Indians' Brian English, who had a pair of hits, and pitched 4 innings of shutout baseball. He edged his Indians teammate Marcus Smith, who had two hits, including a long home run into the bowels of the Citrus Bowl in deep right field. Indian teammate Desmond Thompkins scored twice and had a hit and a pair of walks, Pirate Jeff Shebovsky had a hit and a Sac Fly, and Yankee Carlos Barcenas had a long double. For the Fish, Jose Arroyo of the Brewers had a hit and a walk, Mark Pacich of the Braves had a base knock, and Jeff Diyorio of the Crew had a hit and scored twice. Other All Star participants included Jason Torres, Roger Martin and Barret Gugliotta of the Astros, Paul Lavoie, Jeff Francher and Tim Stahl of the Marlins, Aaron Spear of the Crew, Courtney Pleasant of the Tainos, Danny LaForrest of the Brewers, Rob Dow of the Red Sox and Rito Gray of the Braves. For the Snakes, Lawrence Butcher, Eddie Sanez and Ira Bostic of the Reds, Bobby Estevez and Tony Colavecchio of the Pirates, Leonardo Vasquez, Bobby Crain and Richie Ellis of the Angels, Nick Czerkies, Bob O'Roark and Luis Rivera of the DBacks. The game was well-played, and getting a few minutes to get to know some of the guys in the league was something few guys get much of a chance to do. From all reports, a good time was had by all.

November 22, 2010 - Nationals Crowned 38+ Champs
John Needham and the Nationals completed a worst to first run, winning the 38+ fall championship. Injuries and tournaments commitments had the Rays incapable of fielding a 2nd place team to play the 1st place Nats, so Sunday's game against a combinations of Rays and Blazers amounted to a fun exhibition at Tinker Field. Congrats to long-timers Mark Hammond, Billy Kiernan, Tom Campbell, Vanessa West, and the rest of the Nationals for a remarkable turnaround and a championship.

August 25, 2010 - Tony and his Pool Fanatics!!!
Blazer manager Tony Caruso hosts a live call in show on WDBO AM-580, 96.5 WHTQ - FM every Saturday at 5 PM. With 1.2 million pools in Florida, who couldn't use a little expertise?! Follow them on FaceBook and Twitter!! Please support your fellow ballplayers whenever you can!!

June 29, 2010 - SHAW IN THE HALL!!
Veteran pitcher Frank Shaw of the Titans was the sole inductee to the Central Florida Men's Senior Baseball League Hall of Fame Sunday. Frank has been an outstanding pitcher in the league for many years. He has managed, pitched and won in tournaments, and has a 2009 Championship with the Titans to his credit. He has battled a heart condition that would have sidelined lesser men. He continues to be effective as an older pitcher in the 28+ division. But most importantly, Frank is a friend to every player in the league, and if you don't know Frank, stick around, you will soon. He is a tireless advocate for our league and for amateur baseball. He engages in good-natured banter with teammates and opponents alike, in person and on GuestBooks league-wide. Many of us saw Frank Jr. grow up at the ballfield, now a college pitcher. If Frank stays healthy, maybe the Shaw boys can join the Medinas as fathers and sons sharing the field. In summation, Frank is everything the league is about, a great sport, a great pitcher and a great teammate. Congratulations Frank, we're proud to welcome you to the Hall of Fame, Class of 2010.

June 28, 2010 - ALL STAR REPORT
The 2010 spring season closed with some great baseball at Tinker Field on Sunday. In the opener, the Marsh Division Stars edged the Krall Division 7-4. Ricardo Sanchez of the Yankees won game MVP honors, along with a complimentary bat from Dinger Bats, despite being on the losing side, when he jolted a three run homer over the left field stadium wall. He narrowly beat out Pirate Ryan Steen who had a pair of RBI singles and caught a great game in stifling heat. The game ended on a somber note, when Titan Mike Flaskey was hit in the eye with a fastball. It wasn't pretty, but first reports are that there is no long-term damage, and we're all thankful for that! Feel better Mike!

In the 2nd game the Haber Division All Stars nipped the team of 38 and older All Stars from the 28+ division 2-1 in a well-pitched game. Tony Caruso of the Blazers won MVP honors and the Dinger Bat with a couple of hits and a couple of scoreless innings pitched. He edged the Titans' Frank Shaw, who started the game and went two scoreless, then came in and got the last out a couple of hours later.

All in all, it was a great day, a pair of fittingly competitive games in a year with a lot of parity in the league.

All Star reps for the Marsh Division managed by Chris Fisher included Eddie Rojas, Brad Weis, and Bernie Velasquez of the Lugnuts; Larry Hingle, Jeff Francher and Cory Huston of the Marlins; Jared Bahnsen, Tim Casler and Lawrence Butcher of the Dodgers; Marcus Smith, Jimmy Bloodgood and Brian English of the Indians; the Medinas, Luis Sr. and Jr., and Angel Ramos of the Braves; Eric Heberling, Bobby Crain, and Rich Elllis of the Angels; and Raul Matos, Kevin Fitzgerald, and Ryan Steen of the Pirates.

For the Krall Division, managed by Jose Rosado, reps included Christian Martell, Joe DelValle, and Jose Arroyo of the Brewers; Mike Flaskey and Dennis Smith of the Titans, Ben Davis, Steve Grimm and Brian Tyndall of the Reds; Jay Laub, Jason Torres and Corey Anderson of the Astros; Eric Robledo, Ricardo Sanchez and Rob Field of the Yanees; Tony Colavecchio, Dominick Campopiano and Eric Rung of the Mets; and Robert O'Roark and Kevin Madorin of the DIamondbacks.

For the 38+ game, the Haber Division stars, managed by Bruce Wile, included Luke Daven, Steve Chase, Kent Milliken Tim Ballesteros and Rob Gonzalez of the Rays; Joe Greene, Paul Milewski, Ken Nastasi, and Adam Bransfield of the A's; Eric Roukey, Paul Marconi, Scott Donelick, and Steve Houck of the Red Sox; Marty Jones, David Johnson, Matt Conrad, Jason Osgood and Tony Caruso of the Blazers; and Hall of Famer Mark Hammond, George Kerest, Tommy Campbell and Billy Kiernan of the Astros 38.

The 38's from the 28's, managed by Jim Matoska, sent Lugnuts Jeff Albertson; Danny LaForest, Yovanis Pompa, and Marcus Cruz of the Brewers; Larry Hingle and Will Baker of the Marlins; Frank Shaw of the Titans; Tony McDaniels and Rob Snyder from the Dodgers; Jose Rios and Luis Medina Sr. of the Braves; Tim Wunder of the Yankees; Craig Meyer and Mike Gale of the Reds; Matt Butler of the Astros; and Rob Davis and Phil Shuer from the Mets.

June 24, 2010 - BREWERS ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!
Brewers - Spring 2010 28+ Champs

Freddy Cardenas lined a game-winning, run-scoring single over a drawn in infield in the bottom of the 10th inning to propel the Brewers to an epic 5-4 win over the Lugnuts and the 28+ championship for spring 2010. It was truly a great game that the Lugnuts appeared to have in hand, behind the stalwart pitching of Brad Weis, who went the entire 10 innings. But the Brewers kept chipping away, tied it in the 8th, setting up the dramatic win in the first extra frame. The Brew Crew become the first team in recent memory to back up their fall championship with a spring crown, congratulations to Jose Rosado and his men for a tremendous season and a sensational close to a storybook season. It was not to be on this night for the 'Nuts, but Chris Fisher and his gang have nothing to hang their heads about, they battled and fought hard, it's such a cliche, but it's really a shame there had to be a loser of this game and series. Congratulations as well to the Brewer cheering section, who seemed to lend an extra push to the Brewer rally. Great game, great season, kudos to the Brewers!