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.

January 08, 2012 - 2012 Spring Draft and Information for the Upcoming Season
Believe it or not, the time is here! We will be having our spring signup and draft next Sunday, January 15th, at the Orlando Sports Campus. You can get directions from your location by clicking the "Jones 1" tab on the left side of the league website, www.orlandobaseball.com . It's across from Jones high School on Rio Grande in downtown Orlando, just down the street from the Citrus Bowl football stadium. We will start at 10 AM, but you should plan on arriving no later than 9:30 to stretch and fill out some paperwork.

We will have a light workout, we know that it may have been awhile since you last played. A quick IF/OF, maybe a few swings, then we'll let the pitchers throw a few off the mound, the catchers send a couple down, that sort of thing. Then we'll get you picked out, and you'll be home in time for football to start!

The draft is also for players who are not going back to last year's team, for whatever reason. It's a great opportunity for a fresh start, and all are invited!

Now the tough part: the cost. If you're interested in playing 28 and older, it will cost you $245. For $38 and older, $165. (28's play 24 games, 38's 16) For that price, you get fields, balls, liability insurance, umpires, (HS certified or better), playoffs, All Star game, website, stats, trophies, awards, (if applicable!), the Ballplayer to Ballplayer business network, plus some great competition and hopefully some good camaraderie and new friends in the brotherhood of baseball. (Uniforms and baseball gear are not included, cost of unis varies by team.)

It's not essential that you pay ahead of time, but it would be helpful, and teams drafting like to know that their new guys are paid. You can bring cash, check or money order to the field, or you can use credit card on the PayPal button the left side of the league website. Please include an extra $5 for PayPal's share.

We're celebrating the start of our 3rd decade of baseball for guys who play just for the love of the game. I hope that will include you!

For returning players, you may use credit through the PayPal button to the left, or mail it directly to CFL MSBL, PO Box 4025, Apopka, FL 32704. The sooner we can get the dues collected, the sooner we can start, and we can stay out of play during the rainy months of June and July. Looking forward to another great season!

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

December 05, 2011 - Brewers and Lugnuts to Meet for Championship; A's/Rays Split
The top seeds held serve Sunday, setting up the 28+ championship game for Wednesday night at 7 PM at Jones. The Brewers were able to hold off the Pirates, and the Lugnuts came back to beat the Reds. In the 38+ best-of-three, the A's and Rays split their doubleheader in South Daytona, with the Rays winning the first game, but unable to clinch the championship in the 2nd game, when the tying run was thrown out at the plate in the 9th inning, attempting to score on a Sac Fly. They will decide the 38+ championship next Sunday the 11th (!) at Jones at noon. Good seats for both games are available, come on down!

December 01, 2011 - Pirates and Reds Move On
The Pirates won a nearly 4 hour marathon on a chilly night to advance to the semi-finals. In a wild game, the Dodgers came all the way back from an 8-2 deficit to take an 11-9 lead into the bottom of the 9th. But the resilient Bucs climbed off the deck to score 3 for the win, capped by Chad WIlson's game winning hit. They will face the Brewers on Sunday morning in the first semi-final.

In the other quarterfinal, the Reds held on to defeat a strong Angels team 6-2. They earned a Sunday morning semi-final slot against the Lugnuts, also at 9 AM.

The 38+ finals will also start Sunday, a best of three. The first 2 games will take place at 10 AM and 1 PM at Big Tree Park in Daytona Beach. If a third game is necessary, it will be back here in Sanford or Orlando the following Sunday. Sounds like an exciting weekend of baseball!

November 28, 2011 - Playoffs set, All Star game to launch 2012!
The fall playoffs were determined yesterday at the end of regular season play. In the 28+, the quarterfinals will have the #6 seed Angels at the #3 seed Reds, and the #5 seed Dodgers at the #4 seed Pirates. Both those games will take place Wednesday night at 7 PM at Jones. The winners of those games move to the semi-finals, and will face the #1 seed Brewers and #2 seed Lugnuts at Jones Sunday, Dec. 4. Both games will be at 9 AM.

In the 38's the A's and the Rays will square off in a best of 3 series, games 1 and 2 will be in Daytona next Sunday, Dec. 4, time to be determined. A 3rd game, if necessary, will be in Orlando the following Sunday.

Finally, because the fall season has run inordinately long, the managers voted to have the All Star game be a part of the kick off festivities for the spring season, probably in mid-January.

Thanks to everyone for another great season! If you're done, have a restful off-season, and a great holiday!

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

October 08, 2011 - All games rained out Sunday, Oct. 9
The steady downpour has washed out the whole slate of games for tomorrow, Sunday,Oct. 9. We had spotters on all fields and they confirmed that even with an immediate stoppage and full sun, the fields would not be playable by tomorrow. Please let your manager know about your availability for a Saturday makeup in the not-too-distant future, so we don't go too far into December..

September 01, 2011 - A/C or Fridge on the fritz? Get baseball bucks back!
Jack Hansen - Yankee

Contact me through my phone at Hansen Air Conditioning Inc. 407-949-4469

I do air conditioning, heating, refrigeration and maintenance in residential /commercial/ restaurants etc. I already have very low reasonable prices as it is but I would be willing to go another 10% off the total bill towards your baseball. Don't need A/C repair? Well if you know someone who does and you recommend me and they use my company I will give you 10% of their total bill too!

September 01, 2011 - Fall Dues
Let's go boys, if we are going to start on the 11th, we need to get the fall dues in and the bills paid. $140 fo CFL MSBL, PO Box 4025, Apopka, FL 32704, or you can spread out payments by using the PayPal option on the tab to the left. Please include an extra $5 if you choose this option. The weather is getting ready to get perfect for baseball, lets get going!

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!

July 29, 2011 - Fall Season Signup and Draft
The fall signup and draft is set, Sunday, Aug. 14, at 10 AM at the Orlando Sports Campus. (get directions from your location on the "Jones 1" tab to your left.) Interested players should plan on arriving at 9:30 in practice garb, to register and warm up, we'll have an orientation, a light workout, then get you assigned to your new team. With luck we'll have you on your way by noon. The season will be 12 games, primarily Sundays, with a couple of night games. We have 28+ and 38+ divisions, all teams are looking for new players. Please EMail your intent to attend and any questions to blevinsknows@hotmail.com We look forward to meeting you soon on the field!

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!!!
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 16, 2011 - Sunday Championship Game
The reigning champion Brewers aren't giving up their crown without a fight. Last night the champs knocked off the Indians 9-3 at Bear Creek, forcing the 3rd and deciding game Sunday at 10 AM at Clermont. Tuesday night the Indians broke open a close game and ran away with a 16-7 win to take the series lead. So it will all be decided early on Father's Day, can the Brewers cement their name into CFL MSBL lore with back-to-back championships, or will the Indians grab their first crown. I can tell you the quality and sportsmanship of these players is excellent, so if you're in the area Sunday, bring the family out and bear witness!

June 13, 2011 - Brewers/Indians for 28+ Championship!
The Indians managed to hold of the Marlins 8-7 in 10 innings to advance to their first championship series, behind the pitching of Fritz Conrad. The Brewers will meet them in the finals, losing the 2nd game to the Lugnuts, but winning the rubber game of their 3 game series. The #1 and #2 teams held serve during the playoffs, setting up the championship series everyone wanted to see. The schedule has the formidable squads meeting Tuesday night in cozy Clermont, with the 2nd game Wenesday at bear Creek. Thursday night will be the rain date, with Sunday if necessary. Come on out for some great baseball between two fantastic squads, each of whom had 20 wins this year.

June 13, 2011 - RAYS WIN 38+ CHAMPIONSHIP!!
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!

June 09, 2011 - Game 1 to the Brewers
The Brewers defeated the Lugnuts 12-6 in Game 1 of their best of three, notable for a couple of reasons. 3 homeruns were hit at the cozy Bear Creek Complex, and the game featured the first ever "sun delay", when the players, particularly the catchers and hitters, were somewhat dismayed to see the sun setting over the horizon almost directly behind the pitcher's mound. So for 15 minutes the game was held up "As the World Turns". Game 2, and 3 if necessary are scheduled this Sunday at Clermont's PAL Park, 10 AM start time. Tonights other semi-final features the Marlins at the Indians, game time 7PM at PAL Park in Clermont.

June 09, 2011 - Indians Take Opener
Marlins strike first with 2 runs in the 1st inning.......Brock settles in striking out 18....and Tribe put together 4 run 4th inning and hold on for win and 1-0 series lead. The teams will decide things Sunday with a doubleheader, if the Marlins win the first game, at Lake Mary HS starting at noon. With a couple of ejections Thursday night shortening the Fish roster in the first game, they will have their backs against the wall. But that deep and talented group will definitely not go down easily, as the Indians are fully aware. Come on out for some great baseball!

June 08, 2011 - 38+ Championship Game
The Blazers will face off with the defending champion Daytona Rays at the Daytona Beach Big Tree Park on Sunday, June 12, at high noon. One game for all the marbles. Plenty of good seats remain, hoping for a good crowd. Come on out and support these guys, if you're in the area!

June 05, 2011 - 38
The Blazers and Rays will face off for the 38+ championship next Sunday, the time and place will be confirmed and posted shortly. The Blazers beat the Nationals 17-7 in Clermont and the Rays beat the visiting A's 11-5 in Daytona. The Rays took 2 of 3 from the Blazers this season, in 3 close games, so it should be a great matchup!

The Marlins beat the Pirates 5-2 in one quarterfinal, while the Lugnuts beat the Reds 5-1 in the other, leaving the seeds intact into the semis. The best of 3 series start Wednesday night at Bear Creek, Lugnuts at the defending chapion Brewers, game time as close to 6:30 as possible.The Marlins will play the 2 seed Indians at 7 pm Thursday night at Clermont. 4 super teams, should be an exciting playoff!

May 21, 2011 - Playoff situation and schedule adjustment
Now that 6 PM has come and gone, looks like we can keep playing ball! At our spring meeting, the managers agreed that in order to get the same playoffs as in years past, keep the prices the same, and absorb the field price increases, I asked for the first 2 rainouts for the 28's and the first for the 38's in order to meet our budget. Of course, in this crazy year, we'd have a total of six games rained out. And it looks like tomorrow's games will go off without a drop.

So I'm going to need to adjust the last weekend's schedule somewhat in order to mitigate the financial hit. Fortunately the playoff scenario as discussed at the meeting is already set, so nobody will be unduly penalized in that regard. There is no way to make it perfectly even, but this is pretty close, and I'll explain who loses and who gains what.

So after tomorrow the Indians and Brewers will be either 1 or 2 seeds in the 28's. They get the byes into the semi-finals, with only seeding to be determined. The Marlins have clinched their division, and have the 3rd seed. The Lugnuts have clinched the 4 seed. The Reds and Pirates can either be 5 or 6 seed, TBD. So the one-game play-in to the semis for the 28's will take place on Sunday, June 5, at Lake Mary HS. Noon 3 v 6, 3 PM 4 v 5. (Originally scheduled Dodgers/Angels, Brewers/Marlins go into playoff pot.)

In the 38's, the Rays have clinched top seed, the Nationals have clinched #2, the Blazers #3 and the A's #4. So the playoff semis start with the A's at the Rays in Daytona Big Tree at noon. (Tiger/A's at Seminole HS and Rays/Nationals at Daytona go into playoff pot.) The other semi-final will feature Blazers @ Nationals at Clermont PAL at 10 AM.) Originally scheduled Clermont games Red Sox/Blazers and Reds/Indians go into playoff pot.) In the games scheduled vs the NABF at Cypress Creek HS, the Angels will replace the Braves at noon, and the Dodgers will replace the Pirates at 3 PM.

That will wrap up the regular season and first round of the playoffs, get us to the semis for the 28's and the finals for the 38's, and to the extent possible, make as even a schedule as possible, given the circumstances. In the 28's, the Diamondbacks will have played all 24, the Yankees, Dodgers, and the Angels 23. and the Braves 22. In the 38's, the Red Sox and Tigers will have each played 15.

p>As far as the playoff teams go, the Indians will have played 23, Brewers 22, Marlins 22, Lugnuts 22, Reds 22, and perhaps the one blip, the Pirates 20. (in the event the Pirates don't advance in playoffs, I will endeavor to make up that shortage in a couple of weeks.) In the 38's the Nationals, and Blazers all will have played 15, while the A's and Rays are at 14, with the A's unable to field a team for their trip to Daytona. So the Rays are a one-game shortage, hopefully mollified by one, or perhaps 2 home playoff games.

Is everybody as happy as humanly possible under the circumstances?? The best of 3 semis for the 28's will start the following week, I'll have that schedule finalized ASAP. The 38's final will be the following Sunday, June 12, site and time TBD.

The All Star games will be Sunday, June 26 at Seminole High School, more info on that is forthcoming. I think it sounds like a fun conclusion to the season. We all knew it would be really tight with the doubling of field costs at Jones, and the steep Lake Mary deal, but by going independent and blending some secondary fields and counting on some rainouts, we were able to hold the line on dues. I've already got a couple of notes saying something to the effect of how come you're shortening the season, which is not really the case. So lets have a great conclusion to a super season, and thanks for being flexible!

March 21, 2011 - Clean Sweep for 28+ Baseball!!
The veterans won all four games vs the NABF young bucks Sunday, which we'll brag about a little bit, since it probably won't happen often. So far the MSBL is ahead 9 wins to 3 for the NABF, but it's early yet. All of the games have been fun, and early response from the players has been all good!

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.

November 19, 2010 - Lugnuts/Brewers Rematch for Championship!
The Lugnuts defeated the Crew last night to advance to the championship game Sunday afternoon after the All Star game. The Crew were short-handed, due to unfortunate but unavoidable scheduling conflicts, but that didn't take away from the outstanding performance of pitcher Chris Fisher, who held the powerful Crew bats in check, and the hard-hitting 'Nut hitters. So congratulations to the Crew on another outstanding season, including a semi-final finish in the World Series in Phoenix last month. Sunday will wrap up the fall campaign at the venerable Tinker Field with the 38+ champion Nationals battling the Blazers at 9. Immediately following will be the 2010 fall All-Star game. The names of the All Stars will be released shortly. The day will conclude with the league championship. Plenty, and I mean plenty of good seats will be available, so whether you are participating or not, we highly encourage you to come down and partake in the end-of-the-season celebration and activities.

November 17, 2010 - Brewers Advance to Championship!
The defending champion Brewers have advanced to the finals beating the Jim Matoska's Titans 12-4. That ended the season for the former champion Titans, who overcame a slow start of the fall with a red-hot finish to make the playoffs. Jose Rosado and the Brewers will meet the winner of the Lugnut- Crew semi-final Thursday for the championship at 3:30 at Tinker Field on Sunday.

November 14, 2010 - Playoffs and All Star game
A beautiful day brought some great playoff action, and the higher seeded teams were able to prevail. Congratulations on outstanding seasons to the Pirates and Diamondbacks, both of whom were appearing in the playoffs for the first time in team history! But the Titans were able to defeat the DBacks, and set up a Tuesday night matchup with the defending champion Brewers. The Lugnuts beat the Pirates, and set up a Thursday night semi-final with the undefeated Crew. Both games will start at 7 PM.

Sunday's schedule at historic Tinker Field: 9 AM the 38+ championship, 12:30 the fall All Star game. Finally, immediately following the All Star game, we'll wrap up 2010 with the championship of the 28+ winners from Tuesday and Thursday night.

Sounds like a great end to a great season!

November 13, 2010 - Quarterfinals!!
The 4 seed Lugnuts will host the 5 seed Pirates, appearing in the playoffs for the first time in recent memory at noon Sunday the 14th. The 3 seed Titans will host the 6 seed Diamondbacks, who are appearing in the playoffs for the first time in team history, at 3:30. The semi-final schedule will definitely have the #2 seed and reigning champion Brewers hosting the high remaining seed at 7 PM Tuesday, while the #1 seed Crew will host the low remaining seed at a date and time yet to be determined at this writing. Good luck to all the teams!

November 10, 2010 - Prill and Burnett Co-Players of the Week!!
Ben Prill of the Lugnuts went 18 quality innings behind the dish in a DH for the Lugnuts, and went 4-7 at the plate. The Yankees' Jay Burnett went 3-5, scored 4 times, drove in 4, and collected a save in a season-ending win.

November 02, 2010 - Crain and Martell Co-Players of the Week
Bobby Crain went the distance on the mound for the Angels, allowing only 2 runs, and also had a pair of hits and a walk at the plate in a big win. Christian Martell went 3 for 4 for the Brewers with a home run in a crucial win over the Lugnuts.

October 19, 2010 - Diyorio and Hammond Co-Players of the Week!
Jeff Diyorio is 12 for his last 15 (.800) with 3-2B, 1-HR and 4-RBI's. He went 4-4 on 10/17 with 2-2B and 1-RBI in the Crew win. Hall of Famer Mark Hammond is batting a cool .700 this fall for a resurgent Nationals team and had a bases clearing triple Sunday among his three hits in a win.

October 11, 2010 - Sanchez Player of the Week!
The Pirates' Gabriel Sanchez is Player of the Week this week, 9 for his last 9 official AB's,(still active!), and he threw 5+ innings of one-run ball vs. the Sox. He noses out notable performances from Rob Snyder of the Crew and Rich Ellis of the Angels.

October 05, 2010 - Eddie Rojas is Player of the Week!!
Player of the Week goes to the Lugnuts' Eddie Rojas who went 2-3 with a 2B and 3B, 4 RBIs and 3 SB in a big win. Sponsored by Charlie's Lemonade Stand. Remember managers, submit your nomination for POW every Monday!

September 29, 2010 - Lets help out Jones High School baseball!!
Boys, time again to give something back!! Coach Don Busby and his up and coming players desperately need funds to get this program headed in the right direction. You like to play baseball and help out those less fortunate. A perfect match! The dates and times for the Jones High School fundraiser, 100 innings of baseball will be: Thursday, October 14 at 300 pm to 600pm. Friday, October 15, at 900 am to 600 pm. Saturday , October 16, 900 am to 600 pm. Suit up, take a $20 there for a tax-deductible donation (or more if you can), and play as long as you care to, on any or all of those dates. Dig deep, these guys need the help, and we can take some pride in spreading the baseball gospel, and who couldn't use the extra swings?? (mostly against the ptching machine) If you just want to contribute but can't make the dates and times above, send a check for the amount you care to donate to the league address, CFL MSBL, PO Box 4025, Apopka, FL 3270, made out to the JONES High School Baseball Program. If you want to use credit, use the PayPal button on the left, and I'll make sure the amount gets to Coach Busby in your name. Hoping to see you out there!

September 28, 2010 - Renovalles and Scheetz Co-Players of the Week!
Only in a week like this one could Brad Weis of the Lugnuts pitch 1-hit baseball over 7 innings and not win POW! Larry Renovalles had a single, double and triple and helped pitch the Brewers to a big win. Veteran Rick Scheetz of the Titans blasted three home runs in a single game for the first time in memory, leading his team to victory. Both players share Player of the Week honors!

September 20, 2010 - Thompkins Player of the Week
Demond Thompkins of the Indians had to be the player of the week Sunday, cracking 4 hits in doubleheader, including three extra base hits, leading the Tribe to a doubleheader sweep. The Tainos also grabbed their first win in franchise history behind Jared Bahnsen's pitching. The parity looks strong as most teams are lingering around the .500 mark.

August 25, 2010 - Tony and his Pool Fanatics!!!
Blazer manager Tony Caruso hosts a live call in show on WDBO AM-580 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!!

August 03, 2010 - Fall Baseball Signup and Draft AUG. 22 10 AM
Sunday, August 22nd is the date and 10 AM is reporting time for all players interested in playing baseball this fall. We have 28+ and 38+ divisions, and we're working on a 48+. The place is the Orlando Sports Campus, and directions from your location are available at the link to the left. New players, players looking to change teams, and free agents are all welcome. We have spots for all ages and ability levels. Bring gear for a light workout, nothing too strenuous, some infield/outfield and a few cuts, and we'll have you picked out and on your way in a couple of hours or so. If you've not already done so, send in a note of interest under the FAQ tab above, so we know how many to expect. $130 covers fields, certified umps, insurance, ML baseballs, playoffs, awards, stadium All Star game (if selected), local, regional and national tournament eligibilty and some good comraderie with some great guys who also love the game. Hope to see you there! Returning players get with your managers ASAP, weather should be cooling soon in time for some good fall baseball.

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 25, 2010 - ALL STAR GAME!
The 2010 All Star game will close out the spring season Sunday, June 27 at historic Tinker Field. The 28+ game will start things off, pitting the Jim Krall and Nat Haber divisions, managed by Jose Rosado and Chris Fisher. Game starts at 9 AM, gates open at 8 AM. Then the 38 and older All Stars from the 28+ division will square off against the 38+ All Stars, managed by Bruce Wile of the Rays. The batting cages will be open, infield and outfield before the games, tunes going, light concessions, we'll have events for the kids, we'll announce the Hall of Fame inductees, we'll present trophies to the various deserving teams, it will be a great close to a fun season. Additionally, Steve Grimm with DInger Bats will present a new Dinger Maple bat to game MVP's. Whether you're playing or not, it would be great to have a good showing from all league members and their families.Plenty of free parking and admission won't cost you a cent! Come on down!

June 24, 2010 - BREWERS ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!
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!

June 20, 2010 - Lugnuts Take 1st Game, Reds Win Grey Cup
The Lugnuts jumped out to a win in the first game of their best of three series with the Brewers, winning 9-4 on a steamy Sunday morning. Workhorse Brad Weis held the powerful Brewer lineup in check, so the 'Nuts will seek their first championship clincher on Tuesday night. The Brewers will try and stave off elimination and force a third and deciding game Thursday night. In the Grey Cup final the Reds proved to be the "best of the rest" for this season, defeating the Astros behind the shutout pitching of Brian Tyndall.

June 15, 2010 - Marlins Even Series
The Marlins blasted four home runs at Hankins Park and ruled the Lugnuts 16-6 to even the best of three series, and force the deciding game Thursday night. The fields were unplayable due to a late afternoon cloudburst, but the City of Orlando graciously offered the option of sliding one of the games to the cozy confines of Hankins, and the game was on. Now the Brewers will try to draw even with the Titans Thursday night, along with the decisive game three for the FIsh and 'Nuts. Games 8 and 9 of the Grey Cup will conditionally schedule for Friday night,with the semis taking precedence in the event of rain.

June 13, 2010 - Lugnuts and Titans Take 1st Games of Semis,Grey Cup Semis Se
The Lugnuts edged the Marlins 2-1 in a great pitching duel between Brad Weis and Jeff Francher, and the Titans held off the powerhouse Brewers in the opener of their series to wrest home field advantage from the regular season champs. Game 2 for each is set for Tuesday. In Grey Cup news, the Reds will meet the Angels and the Astros will host the Pirates in the semi finals after Sundays games, either Thursday or Friday, depending on the results of Tuesday's games. A wild day at the park on what was easily the hottest day of the year.

June 13, 2010 - RAYS WIN THE 38+ CHAMPIONSHIP!
The Daytona Rays took the inaugural 38 and over championship, sweeping the A's in a doubleheader at Big Tree Park in Daytona. Bruce Wile's gang led the regular season wire to wire and cruised to the crown. Hopefully the Orlando veterans will be able to mount a challenge in seasons to come, but this year was all Rays. Congratulations on a well deserved victory and thanks to Adam Bransfield and all of the A's for making the concession to play two on a sweltering Sunday, and another outstanding A's campaign.

June 12, 2010 - Titans Advance to Semis
The defending spring champs moved a step closer in their quest to repeat as league champs, edging the Dodgers 4-1 Friday night in an elimination quarter-final. The Dodgers keep knocking on the door of a championship, a couple of tough injuries ultimately cost them this season, but you get the feeling it's only a matter of time. The Titans in the meantime, are eagerly awaiting the semi-final matchup with the Brewers, pitting the defending fall and spring champs. Should be a great best of three series! Both semis get started this Sunday at 8:30 AM.

June 10, 2010 - Marlins Move On
The Marlins beat the Indians 10-4, and will square off against the Lugnuts Sunday morning at 8:30 on Field 2 in Game 1 of the semis, best of three. The Indians saw a great season come to an end in a tough single elimination flash, but manager Doug Elliott retooled this team in short order and look to be contenders for many seasons to come.

February 27, 2010 - Directions to Minneola Athletic Complex
Directions to the MAC - Turnpike to HWY 50 West then right on to Hancock Rd. (Mcdonalds on corner) Take Hancock Rd through traffic light - turns into Old 50. Next right is Turkey Farm Rd. Go up the hill and make a left at the corner you will see the complex on your right - the entrance driveway is on right - enter and follow into parking lot. The Field (#1) is on your right closest to the parking lot.

January 18, 2010 - Inaugural 38+ Division Set to Go!
We are proud to announce the formation of a 38+ division with play to begin soon. Players turning 38 in 2010 and older are encouraged to attend the signup and draft this Sunday the 24th at 9:30, with a workout beginning at 10 AM. Disgruntled OSBA players are encouraged to attend, send a note to me via the FAQ button above, and I'll forward you more information. Let's play ball!

November 16, 2009 - Brewers Are the Champs!! Hall of Fame Inductees/ All Star Ga
The 2009 Fall baseball season came to a thrilling close Sunday, as Jose Rosado took his third seeded Brewers to the championship, defeating the #1 seed Lugnuts 13-4. Pitcher Joe DelValle shut down the vaunted 'Nuts bats, and the Brew Crew hitters broke open a close game.

Congratulations to the Brewers, winners in their inaugural season! The All Star game followed, and Dave Zembala of the Indians was the game MVP for the winners. Ellis Rodriguez of the Mets was MVP for the losing side.

Finally, the day wrapped up with the Hall of Fame induction at the Vineyard in Windermere, Dodger manager Rex Walker's place. 2009 inductees included Mark Hammond of the Asros, one of the great shortstops in league history, a player who hit for average and power for more than a decade, and a super guy. Jeff Albertson, who played earlier in the day for the Lugnuts, who continues to contribute to his team. He was a super catcher, a ripper at the plate, and one of the true ambassadors of the league. He was inducted along with his wife Wendy, his and our #1 fan who seldom misses a game, and has been a tireless advocate for us, rallying financial support for both tournaments and the league website through her association with BrightHouse Networks. John Needham was inducted as well, a manager who supported the league in so many ways, steadying the helm of the Astros, going into his pocket to rent Tinker Field on numerous occasions for drafts and other special events. He was a master of marshalling support among other managers for league improvements, and his quiet leadership will be missed.

What a great season! Thanks to all of the players, families and associates who made another season run so smoothly. We're already looking forward to another great year in 2010!!