The 2010 AAU international tournament ended on an inauspicious note with the Italian Athletic Club of California forfeiting the championship game, with a number of players having to leave to catch flights home before the championship game commenced.
In the first semi final game, the Italian Athletic Club of Stockton California defeated the Chicago New York team 6-0, on the strength of Derek Mason’s five RBIs including two home runs, (one a grand slam), and a four hit shutout tossed by Sean Witten.
In the other semi final game, the Dominican Republic national team defeated the NY gremlins, by a 5-4 score. The Dominican Republic scored one run in the first inning, and two more in the second to take a 3-0 lead, into the fourth inning. The New York Gremlins rallied back with four runs in the fourth inning, to take a 4-3 lead. The Dominican Republic then took the lead back – for good — on a two run homer in the 6th, for the 5-4 final score. A bit of controversy erupted on the home run, with the gremlins arguing that the home run hitter made contact with his teammates before he reached first base (his teammates rushing from the dugout when the homer was hit) The umpire’s ruling was that the home run stood. When the Gremlins failed to score in the top of the seventh inning, the Dominican Republic advanced to the championship game. (or so it appeared)
Then things really went south. The Italian Athletic Club of California, which was to play the Dominican Republic for the 2010 AAU title, announced that they could not stay, due to players having to catch flights home. After a meeting amongst the tournament directors, the title game was directed to go forward between Chicago New York and the Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Republic team that refused to play, however, and a forfeit was declared, with Chicago New York emerging as the 2010 AAU International tournament champions.
Jeff Ellsworth of Chicago New York was named to the tournament’s most valuable player, while pitcher Shaun Winship earned most valuable pitcher honors.
The AAU international tournament will return in 2011 for its 12th consecutive year.
So long from Orlando.