RED SOX OR ATHLETICS

The East Coast All Stars, including players from the Palm Beach League and Leo Merced of the Florida Rangers, who is serving as manager, rallied for two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the Bridgeport (CT) All Stars 5-4 (correcting score) and capture the NABA's Boricua Caribbean Classic in Puerto Rico. It was Merced's first tournament championship and followed a series of close calls.

Carlos Dominguez (Chamos) was selected as the championship game's Most Valuable Player, and Alexander Vasquez (Warriors) won Gold Glove honors. The East Coasters won both of their games on Friday, then split on Saturday, beating the Chicago River Bandits 11-2 after losing a 7-6 heartbreaker to the New York All Stars. The East Coast squad was the only unbeaten team through the first day's games. Led by Carlos Dominguez (Chamos), defeated the Bridgeport (CT) Stars 6-1 and followed with a 4-3 win over the Pleasantville (NY) Red Sox.

Other Palm Beach players with the team were Jose Pena (Florida Rangers) and John Moreland (Cuban Sugar Kings).

 

18AAA LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMOS ARE CHAMPS FOR 2ND TIME

Chamos rallied from a 4-0 deficit to defeat the top seeded Cardinals 5-4 in the 18AAA championship game at the Santaluces Complex in Lantana. For a while it looked like the Chamos were being hypnotized by Cardinals’ ace lefty Brian Holden, especially when they left the bases loaded in the fourth inning and trailed 4-0. The Cards had posted a pair of runs in the second on a two-run single by second sacker Emerys Powell, added another in the third on a double by Brian Firzsimmons and an RBI hit by Ryan Ghianda and a fourth run on Marlon Hernandez’ run scoring single in the fourth. All four of the runs came off Chamos’ starter, southpaw Yestin Polanco, who gave way at that point to reliever Carlos Dominguez.

After that, things started to go Chamos’ way. They again loaded the bases, this time with no outs in the fifth, and did cash in one run. Willie Martinez singled, Ricky Dominguez beat out a bunt single and skipper David Machado drew a walk. Geraldo Vasquez bounced into a force out at second, scoring Martinez. However, when Vasquez attempted a delayed steal of second base, Dominguez was nailed at third base and two batters later, the Cardinals shut the door. With Cardinals’ starter Brian Holden showing signs of tiring, Chamos cut the margin to 4-2 on a two out, RBI hit by Machado, scoring Martinez who had walked and stolen second.

It was in the 8th inning that the tide completely turned. Ray Infante led off the frame with a bunt single. Victor Prieto followed with a single, and Infante scored when Dominguez singled sharply past Holden into center field, with Dominguez taking second on the throw. With runners at second and third, the Cardinals opted to intentionally walk Marcos Rodriguez, but Gustavo Castillo foiled the strategy by banging a two run single to left to give Chamos their first lead. Holden struck out Harving Lejarazo, but Rodriguez stole third on the pitch. Martinez then ripped a shot to right center and Cardinals’ center fielder Max Johnson made a diving catch and threw to first, doubling off Castillo and keeping the Cardinals alive, especially when Billy Brescia hurled a scoreless 9th inning in relief of Holden.

Dominguez, though, dashed any Cardinals’ hopes, finishing with five scoreless innings and a victory. His stout pitching performance and two hits earned him championship game MVP honors. The championship was the second for Chamos, who captured the Fall 2007 title. The Cardinals are still seeking their first title, although the franchise, which started as the Rockets, morphing to Dodgers, then Cardinals, won both season titles in 2001 and an 18A championship in 1998 when the divisions were 18AA and 18A.

18AA LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP BREWERS WIN FIRST TITLE, BLASTING INDIANS

The Genesis S Brewers brewed up some history when they slugged their way to a 16-3 over the top seeded and regular season champion Indians. It was the Brewers’ first league championship, although some of their players were with the Warriors when they won the crown in the spring 2008 season. It was also the biggest winning margin in a title game in recent years.

The Brewers got all they needed in the first inning when they parlayed two hits, four stolen bases, three Indians’ errors, two wild pitches and a passed ball into five runs. Moses Pichardo, with a fielder’s choice and Richie Mohammed, with a single, had the only two RBIs in the inning. The others scored on errors and a wild pitch. Anthony Gutilla singled, stole second and home, although Jason Hyman was thrown out at second on a double steal attempt, to make it 6-0.

They added three more in the fourth. Kevin Davis and Hyman had hits, Mickey Vancheri a sacrifice fly and David Lopez a two run single. They upped the margin to 9-0 in the fifth when they loaded the bases on a hit by Tony Amatucci, a walk to Angelo DePolo and Davis’ single. Gutilla drove in Amatucci, who scored on a fielder’s choice on a failed double play try. The onslaught continued against Reggie Atwell, who relieved starter Greg Walling in the sixth. Vancheri singled, Pichardo was hit by a pitch and Vancheri scored from second on a passed ball. Manager Shaun Gullet’s sacrifice fly plated another, before Amatucci walloped a long two run homer to left and it was 14-0 at that point.

The Brewers posted their final two runs in the seventh on RBI singles by Lopez and Gullett. Atwell, with a scoreless eighth inning and Marty Barnes with a shutout ninth finally stopped the Brewers. Luis Ramos was in total control on the mound throughout, firing zeros for the first seven innings until the Indians posted their only three runs in the 8th on singles by Leotis Johnson, Bobby Gilbert and Walling and three Brewers’ errors.

Ramos was selected as the championship game MVP. He also was MVP with the Warriors in the spring 2008 campaign.  

Each week, the NABA Palm Beach League honors four players as Player and Pitcher of the Week, two in each of our leagues. 

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WEEK OF JANUARY 11, 2009

18AAA PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Billy Brescia (Cardinals)

Six hits and a save in doubledheader sweep

18AAA PITCHER OF THE WEEK  

Matt Schnelly (Palm Beach Miracle)

Pitches and bats (three hits) Miracle into the playoffs

18AA PLAYER OF THE WEEK  

Tony Amatucci (Brewers)

Three hits and pitching win vs. Super Sox

18AA PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Greg Walling (Indians)

Division clincher win vs. Costa Atlantica 

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18AAA PLAYER OF THE WEEK

 Carlos Dominguez (Chamos) Four hits, five RBIs +pitching win

18AAA PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Bret Verdicchio (Royals) CG three hitter vs. Beach Bums  

18AA PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Was Bowie (Costa Atlantica) Knocks in two runs in 3-2 win

18AA PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Fermin Palacios (Atlantica) Gives up 1 hit, fans 13 in 7 IP  

====================================================================================  WEEK OF JANUARY 4, 2009

18AAA PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Willie Martinez (Chamos) Celebrates birthday with three hit game

18AAA PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Carlos Dominguez (Chamos) Seven strong innings for win, adds two hits and three RBIs vs. Miracle.  

18AA PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Fernando Miranda (Marlins) Two hits, RBI help sink Mariners

18AA PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Kyle Merritt (Marlins) Remains unbeaten (5-0) with complete game win over Mariners

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 WEEK OF DECEMBER 21, 2008

18AAA PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Louie Siciliano (Miracle)-Two run single proves the difference as Miracle hands Cards their 1st loss

18AAA PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Matt Schnelly (Miracle) Complete game win over Cardinals, strikes out thirteen

18AA PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Leotis Johnson (Indians) Hits for cycle, including grand slam and an extra single

18AA PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Omar Hernandez (Sox) Strong seasonal debut for win over Stars, adds RBI triple  

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WEEK OF DECEMBER 14, 2008

18AAA PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Michael Jordan (Beach Bums) Goes 4-for-4 and pitches seven solid innings for the win over Chamos

18AAA PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Ryan Ghianda (Cardinals) Complete game victory to nab pitcher’s duel versus second place Wave.  

18AA PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Reggie Cruz (Super Sox) Drives in four runs with double, single and gets pitching win too

18AA PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Kyle Merritt (Marlins) Goes the distance for his third win without a loss  

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WEEK OF DECEMBER 7, 2008

18AAA PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Gustavo Castillo (Chamos) Double, single and two RBIs as Chamos holds Cardinals to 3-3 tie

18AAA PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Luis Maldonado (Wave) Four hitter to beat Beach Bums, homers to kick start the offense.  

18AA PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Reggie Atwell (Indians) Drive in four runs with three hits as Tribe nips Super Sox

18AA PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Scott DeMadaler (Marlins) Five shutout innings in relief on return after two year absence  

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WEEK OF NOVEMBER 30, 2008

18AAA PLAYER OF THE WEEK Carlos Dominguez (Chamos)

Two run double and four inning “save” keys Chamos’ win over Sugar Kings

18AAA PITCHER OF THE WEEK Brian Holden (Cardinals)

Six inning no hitter vs. Rangers for second straight pitcher of the week award  

18AA PLAYER OF THE WEEK James Schroeder (Pirates)

Collects three hits, including game winning double against Cuban Stars

18AA PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Andrew McFarland (Super Sox) Goes the distance as Sox knock off Costa Atlantica  

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 WEEK OF NOVEMBER 23, 2008

18AAA PLAYER OF THE WEEK-Victor Prieto (Chamos)

Three hits and an RBI help Chamos to victory over the Rangers.

18AAA PITCHER OF THE WEEK Brian Holden (Cardinals)

Allows only five hits and one unearned run in seven inning effort vs. Sugar Kings.

18AA PLAYER OF THE WEEK Luis Mejia (Mariners)

Collects three hits and drives in three runs in narrow victory over Brewers

18AA PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Greg Walling (Indians) Fires four hitter and strikes out fourteen in easy win over Pirates

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  WEEK OF NOVEMBER 16, 2008

18AAA PLAYER OF THE WEEK Luis Gonzalez (SF Beach Bums)

No relation to the Marlins’ outfielder, but this Luis was 3-3 with a double, 4 RBIs.

18AAA PITCHER OF THE WEEK Jonathan Martinez (Chamos)

Six scoreless on five hits and two hits of his own in Chamos’ 7-0 win over the Miracle.  

18AA PLAYER OF THE WEEK Reggie Atwell (Indians)

Clubs two run homer, two singles AND gets pitching win vs. Super Sox.

18AA PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Billy Kuykendall (Mariners) Mariners’ southpaw forces Pirates to walk the plank .

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WEEK OF NOVEMBER 2, 2008

18AAA PLAYER OF THE WEEK-BRANDON DEMARCO (ROYALS)

Homer, double, three RBIs in Royals victory over Palm Beach MIracle

18AAA PITCHER OF THE WEEK-JOHN MORELAND (CUBAN SUGAR KINGS)

Six shutout innings with twelve strikeouts in Sugar Kings' win over Beach Bums

18AA PLAYER OF THE WEEK-HECTOR GERENA (INDIANS)

Goes 4-for-4 with homer and a double in a losing cause

18AA PITCHER OF THE WEEK-KYLE MERRITT (MARLINS)

Blanks Bucs on four hits, fans a dozen in Marlins' 7-0 win

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WEEK OF OCTOBER 26, 2008

18AAA PLAYER OF THE WEEK-LOUIE NAPOLEON (PALM BEACH WAVE)

Two-run double and three RBIs help Wave in win over Beach Bums

18AAA PITCHER OF THE WEEK-NESTOR SANJURJO (CUBAN SUGAR KINGS)

Fires five shutout innings, and adds double and a single as Sugar Kings whitewash Rangers

18AA PLAYER OF THE WEEK-MIGUEL ESPINOL (SUPER SOX)

Sox' first round draft pick collects four hits in Super Sox win over Marlins

18AA PITCHER OF THE WEEK=RICK MULLAN (MARINERS)

Goes the route and contributes two doubles and three RBIs in win over Indians

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WEEK OF OCTOBER 19, 2008

18AAA PLAYER OF THE WEEK-MELVIN BRUNO (PALM BEACH WAVE)

First NABA homer carries Wave to victory en route to Sweep of Chamos

18AAA PITCHER OF THE WEEK-PERRY MENSCHEL (PALM BEACH MIRACLE)

Shuts out Sugar Kings with a three hitter

18AA PLAYER OF THE WEEK-GREG WALLING (INDIANS)

Second homer, second pitching win=second straight award

18AA PITCHER OF THE WEEK-ANDY McFARLAND (SUPER SOX)

Hurls five hitter, fans twelve Pirates

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WEEK OF OCTOBER 12, 2008

18AAA PLAYER OF THE WEEK-BRIAN FITZSIMMONS (CARDINALS)

Two hits aznd two RBIs in Cardinals' victory

18AAA PITCHER OF THE WEEK-RYAN GHIANDA (CARDINALS)

Notches save with two hitless innings

18AA PLAYER OF THE WEEK-GREG WALLING (INDIANS)

Pitching win, plus three hits, including inside the park HR, and three RBIs

18AA PITCHER OF THE WEEK-JOHNNY McCOY (COSTA ATLANTICA)

Fires one hitter in debut for expansion team

 

AMERICAN DIVISION COMPLETES SWEEP OF FALL ALL STAR GAMES (Thursday, December 18, 2008)----

The 18AA All star game can best be described as a walk-over win for the Americans (Mariners, Brewers, Super Sox and Pirates) as they trounced the National squad (Indians, Costa Atlantica, Cuban Stars and Marlins 14-1 at the Santaluces Complex in Lantana. The game was halted by the "run rule" after the Nationals' half of the seventh inning. The Americans took advantage of ten walks, two hit batsmen and six errors by the Nationals. Lefty Greg Williams (Indians), who started for the Nationals, issued seven walks and hit two batters, but might have had a much better fate with better defense behind him. The American All Stars scored four runs in the first inning and built a 14-0 lead before the Nationals hit the board. Jason Hyman (Brewers) earned Most Valuable Player honors, going 3-for-3, with a pair of doubles and four runs batted in. The Americans collected nine hits. The Nationals had only three , one off Sammy Hernandez (Mariners), who got the win as the starter, and two off Reggie Cruz (Super Sox). Tony Amatucci finished up with two hitless inings. Greg Williams took the loss for the Nationals, with Kyle Merritt (Marlins) and Fermin Palacios (Costa Atlantica) also seeing mound action. Ivan Perez (Cuban Stars) scored the Nationals' only run on a bases loaded fielder's choice grounder off the bat of Stars' teammate Ramon Serpa.

AMERICANS WALK OFF WITH WIN IN 18AAA ALL STAR CLASSIC (Wednesday, December 17)---David Machado, player-manager of Chamos, looped a single into right center field in the bottom of the ninth inning, driving in the winning run as the American Division defeated the National Division 7-6 in the 18AAA All Star game at Santaluces in Lantana. The Americans, featuring players from the Palm Beach Wave, Chamos, Royals and Rangers trailed 6-5 going into the final frame. Tony Flores (Royals) drew a walk, took second on a wild pitch and scored on a single by Nelson Villalobos (Wave). Carlos Dominguez (Wave) singled to right, putting runners at first and second. Americans' skipper Clayton Joiner (Wave) sacrificed the runners to second and third, and after Victor Prieto (Chamos) was intentionally walked, the Nationals had a chance to escape and send the game to extra innings. Daniel Negron (Royals) grounded to third base, where the throw to plate by Emilio Vargas (Cardinals) nailed Villalobos on a force, but the speedy Negron beat the throw to first by Cardinals' catcher Ryan McDonald, setting up Machado's game winning hit. It was the fifth lead change of the game. Villalobos collected three hits and drove in two runs to earn Most Valuable Player honors. Dominguez had two hits and one RBI for the winning side. Prieto, Flores, Brandon Noe (Royals) and Machado had one apiece. The National squad, consisting of players from the league leading Cardinals, South Florida Beach Bums, Cuban Sugar Kings and Palm Beach Miracle, were led by three Cardinals. Max Johnson laced a double and single, McDonald two singles to drive in two, and Brian Fitzsimmons two singles and an RBI. Bernie Diaz (South Florida Beach Bums) had a double, and Nestor Sanjuro (Cuban Sugar Kings) had a run scoring single for the other Nationals' safeties. Flores, who pitched a perfect ninth inning, was credited with the win. Dominguez, Noe (Royals), and Gustavo Lopez (Wave) also pitched for the American All Stars. Ryan Ghianda (Cardinals), Sanjurjo (Cuban Sugar Kings), Fernando Canas (Palm Beach Miracle), Manny Rodriguez (Sugar Kings) and Fitzsimmons pitched for the Nationals, with Fitzsimmons nicked for the loss.

NABA FLORIDA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

RANGERS LOSE IN SEMIFINAL HEARTBREAKER, SETTLE FOR POOL CHAMPIONSHIP AS UNBEATEN FLORIDA CARDINALS WALK OFF WITH NABA FLORIDA TITLE

The Florida Rangers' hopes of winning the championship were dashed in Sunday's semifinal at the Roger Dean Complex in Jupiter when they lost a 6-5 cliffhanger to the Montreal (CAN) A's.  Montreal then advanced to the title game at FAU Stadroium in Boca Raton, but were no match for the Florida Cardinals, who blasted the Canadians 11-0 to win the crown.  The Cardinals had nipped the Prince William (VA) Yankees 2-1 in the morning semifinal at the Dean Complex. 

In the end, the Rangers wound up with a pool championship and compiled five wins in seven games.   The unbeaten Cardinals, from the Orlando area, wound up with a perfect 8-0 slate, the tournament's only undefeated team.

The Rangers' tournament roster was augmented by players from several other Palm Beach League teams, but their own league players made great contributions to the team's success. 

The same was true for the Metropolitan Royals, who qualified for the tournament playoffs with a 2-3 record in pool play, but lost to the Yankees in the first round.  Nine members of the Royals are Palm Beach League players, and their roster was expanded to include players from the New York-New Jersey area.

Both the Rangers and the Royals are expected to send teams to the NABA's Citrus Classic Tournament to be played on Palm Beach County fields in January.   

Full tournament results are posted on the NABA's national web site at www.dugout.org