NORTH AMERICAN FASTPITCH ASSOCIATION

CROWNS NEW WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS

IN FOUR DIVISIONS FOR 2003

www.nafafastpitch.com

By Jim Flanagan, Editor, Fastpitchwest.com

(Photos Courtesy of Madeleine Flanagan, www.fastpitchwest.com)

The North American Fastpitch Association (NAFA) held its 11^th annual “World Series of Fastpitch”, August 14-24, 2003 in Chippewa Falls & Eau Claire, Wisconsin, crowning new champions in four divisions.   The new champions for 2003 are:

“A”                 Jeraldines, Minnesota

“AA”               Bucknell Park, Lacey, Washington

“AAA”            Team Lyons, Fresno, California

“Open”           Kegel Black Knights, Fargo, North Dakota

NAFA was started in 1993 to provide an organization that focused entirely on all levels of play for men’s fastpitch.  The event began initially with two divisions of play, “AA” and “AAA” (equating roughly to ASA “A” and ASA “B”), and has grown to four divisions of play, with the addition of an “A” division for entry level competition a few years ago, as well as the “Open” division added for 2003.   The NAFA World Series has drawn teams from all over the United States and Canada, and even teams from Japan, quickly becoming one of the most successful events for Men’s Fastpitch. 

NAFA has become known for its popular “three game guarantee” format for its double-elimination tournament, recognizing that teams traveling great distances appreciate the opportunity to play at least three games.  The extra bracketing required is complex, but worth the effort for the teams competing.

For the first time this year, the tournament was held in Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire Wisconsin, located about 90 miles east of Minneapolis, St. Paul, hosted by the Chippewa Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau.  Wisconsin is one of the “hot-beds” for men’s fastpitch, known for their warm hospitality and support of the game. With this year’s ISC World Tournament being held just down the road in Kimberly, WI, Wisconsin became the center of the men’s fastpitch world for 2003. 

The 2003 NAFA World Series hosted 135 teams in four divisions, making it the largest men’s fastpitch tournament in the world, playing three hundred games (300) over the course of the eleven (11) day event, concluding on Sunday, August 24, 2003 with the “AAA” Championship game.    

First Ever Internet Audio Broadcast of NAFA World Series

This year marked the first Internet Audio Broadcasts of NAFA World Series games, with selected games from the “AAA” Division World Series, including the championship game were broadcast.   Listeners all over the world are able to listen to the broadcasts, utilizing “streaming audio” technology provided by www.sportsjuice.com, and utilized by many minor league and college baseball teams.  David Blackburn from Southern California pioneered the use of internet audio for men’s fastpitch, broadcasting games from the ISC World Tournament the past couple years.  The technology permits the broadcast of games with a laptop computer, headset and internet connection.  The audio for the “AAA” championship game is available to listen to, at www.nafafastpitch.com

“A” DIVISION

JERALDINES, MN TOPS IN-STATE RIVAL DULUTH FASTPITCH, MN FOR “A’ DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP   

Murphy & Kammueller Combine for Seven Wins; Foley, Christensen and Marchio Play Key Roles in Title Run

The 2003 NAFA World Series began on August 14, 2003, with 79 teams competing in the “A” division.  The two main complexes for the tournament were the four diamond complex at newly built Casper Park in Chippewa Falls, WI, and the existing two diamond complex at Carson Park, about 20 minutes up the road in Eau Claire, WI, which played host to the 2001 ISC World Tournament.  Additional fields at the University were also utilized to accommodate the huge schedule of games.  The “A” division was added in 2000, in recognition of the growing number of “entry level” teams wishing to compete in the NAFA World Series.  This year’s “A” division was so large that it was divided into two divisions, the “Red” and “Blue”, with the top teams meeting up in a championship bracket.

After four non-stop days of games, the “A” division championship game was an “All-Minnesota” final, played by Jeraldines and Duluth Fastpitch.   Jeraldines won out, finishing the tournament with a perfect 7-0 record, behind pitchers Tim Murphy and Kevin Kammueller, who were 4-0 and 3-0 respectively.  The two combined to pitch  shutouts in four of their seven wins.  Murphy snared the Most Valuable Pitching trophy, with a microscopic 0.26 ERA in 27 innings pitched, and a 5-0 win in the Championship game.   Kammueller’s ERA was a stingy 1.94 in 18 innings pitched, and earning him first team All World Honors.

Jeraldines actually beat Duluth twice on the final day of the tournament, with a 4-1 win to capture the winner’s bracket final, followed by the 5-0 championship game win after Duluth Fastpitch defeated third place finisher Communiquest of Michigan.

The championship game was the culmination of the team’s success throughout the tournament, with the tournament’s Most Valuable Player Tom Foley and the tournament’s top hitter, Derek Christensen hitting home runs, providing all the offense they would need.   Christensen hit .591 in the tournament, on a 13 for 22 effort, which included a double, two triples and two home runs, along with 9 runs scored and 7 RBI.

Foley captured MVP honors, going 7 for 23, with three home runs, scoring 10 runs, and 8 RBI.  Foley came up big when his team needed it the most, hitting a dramatic, walk-off home run to win the team’s second game of the tournament, 7-6 against the NW Iowa Athletics, in addition to the championship game home run.   Teammate and manager Dave Marchio was equally impressive, being named First Team All World, hitting .444, 12 for 27, with 8 runs and 8 RBI, including 3 doubles, a triple and two home runs.  .    Foley, Christensen and Marchio combined for 32 of the team’s 68 hits in the tournament.  Jeraldines hit .356 as a team.

Winner’s Bracket Final – Red Division Winner v. Blue Division Winner

Jeraldines MN 4, Duluth MN, 1

WP-Kevin Kammueller

Kevin Kammueller started this one for Jeraldines, Greg Crowley for Duluth in the battle of the last two unbeaten teams from the original 79 that started.  Duluth took a 1-0 lead in the 3^rd when Brett Klosowski doubled home Josh Mizerak, who led off the inning with a base hit.  Jeraldines tied the game 1-1 with a run of their own in the fourth.  With two out, Dave Marchio singled, Derek Christensen walked and Tim Murphy stroked an RBI singled to bring Marchio home. The score remained tied at 1 until the sixth, when Jeraldines broke through for three runs, on three consecutive singles by Derek Christensen, Tim Murphy and John Paitish.  Duluth got two aboard in the seventh with two outs, but couldn’t cash them in.  Kammueller and Crowley both tossed 5 hitters, with Kammueller striking out seven.

Loser’s Bracket Final

Duluth MN 2, Communiquest MI 0

WP-Brett Kloslowski

As is often the case in double-elimination tournaments, there is often a loser’s bracket team that gets hot, and defies the odds to make it to the final day.  In 2003, in the “A” division World Series, that team was Communiquest, Michigan.  The team defied not only the odds, but the bracket board, which erroneously showed them for a period of time as having been eliminated in the wee hours of the evening before the final day.  As if to show they were alive and well, the third place finisher went out to post two more wins on the final day before falling to Duluth MN in the loser’s bracket final.

The Cinderella run of Communiquest, MI came to an end in its tenth game of the tournament.  After eliminating Anderson Homes, WI 4-2 by scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the seventh, on a 2 run single by shortstop Mike Hoon, for its 8^th win, it faced the only team that had beaten them, Duluth MN, who sent Commiquest to the loser’s bracket with a heart-breaking 1-0, 10 inning defeat.  In this one, a weary Communiquest fell to the same Duluth team, 2-0.   Duluth scored a run in the first on a double by Brett Kosloski, and RBI single by Kevin Kuklauski.  Second baseman Brad Emannuel added another run with a solo home run in the fourth.   Communiquest went down fighting, loading the bases in the bottom of the seventh on singles by Greg Suave, Nick Phillips and Darren Haut, but Greg Crowley pitched in relief of Brett Kosloski, to get the final two fly ball outs and send Duluth into the finals against Jeraldines.

Championship Game - "A" Division:

Jeraldines MN 5, Duluth Fastpitch, MN 0

WP-Tim Murphy (J)  HR-Foley, Christensen (J)

MV Pitcher Tim Murphy started the championship game for Jeraldines, Brett Klosowski for Duluth.  Jeraldines jumped out to a two run lead on the two run homer by the tournament’s leading hitter, Derek Christensen, scoring teammate Tom Foley, who reached on an error.   Jeraldines put the game away in the third, scoring three more runs, running the score to the final 5-0 margin of victory.  Bob Hendricks led off with a walk, and scored on MVP Tom Foley’s third home run of the tournament.   With one out, Derek Christensen double, then scored on a two out triple by right fielder John Paitich.  Duluth threatened in the fifth, with a leadoff single and double by Kyle Danberg, but Murphy escaped the inning, and went on to strike out six enroute to his fourth win of the tournament – and the title for Jeraldines.

Runner-up Duluth Fastpitch, MN had a great run in the tournament.  In a local news story, Duluth Manager Mike Thomas was quoted as follows:

“Our pitchers threw fantastic, and we played well with the lead all week,” Thomas said. “Our guys haven’t played in many tournaments, and we are young, so we did OK for ourselves. Coming in, I thought we could hang with anybody and we did. We just couldn’t beat Jeraldines.”

Duluth’s only two losses in the tournament were to Jeraldines.  They defeated third place Communiquest –twice, once 1-0 in 10 innings, one of the best games in the tournament, and then again, 2-0 on the final day when a weary Communiquest MI team played its 10^th game of the tournament. 

Jamey Mills (.323, 10 for 31), Brad Emmanuel (.393, 11 for 28)) and Kevin Kuklauski (.379, 11 for 29)) won First Team All World honors, combining for 32 of their team’s 72 hits, with 10, 11 and 11, respectively. Each also homered (Mills with two).  Pitcher Greg Crowley also won First Team All World honors with a 0.49 ERA over 28 1/3 innings, getting the ball in crucial situations throughout the tournament.

Communiquest MI  placed four players on the All World team, workhorse pitcher Shane Wilson, who posted a remarkable 0.88 ERA in 63 2/3 innings, enroute to a 6-2 record, along with Dave Beach (.353, 12 for 34), Timm Richardson, and Nick Phillips (.429, 15 for 35).  Phillips’ 15 hits was tops in the tournament.  If playing ten games wasn’t tough enough for Commuiquest, MI, two of their first three games were 10 inning affairs.  

Jeraldines MN’s Road to the “A” division title:

Photo of 2003 NAFA "A" Champions, Jeraldines, MN

The Final Order of Finish for the top teams in the “A” Division:

Top Individual Award Winners for the “A” Division:

Photo of 2003 NAFA "A" Individual Award Winners

First Team All World Selections for the “A” Division:

Photo of First Team All World, "A" 2003

Second Team All World Selections for the “A” Division:

“AA” DIVISION

BUCKNELL PARK OF LACEY, WA OUTLASTS THE QUAKER PA RIVERSHARKS FOR “AA” DIVISION TITLE   

Trevor Knight Comes Up Big for Bucknell, while “Marathon Man” Pitcher Mike Smith and teammate Paul Batt Make Valiant Effort for Riversharks

Like so many team sponsors, Pat Bucknell of Lacey, Washington has chased the proverbial brass ring of men’s fastpitch, a national championship, for many years.  But Bucknell not only worked to build a winning program with his team (formerly known as the Northwest Merchants), but also played a key role in founding NAFA eleven years ago, serving as Executive Director of NAFA for the past eleven years.   This year’s World Series was a big one for him, as well as his team, as Bucknell had decided to step down as Executive Director at the conclusion of the 2003 NAFA World Series.    For Bucknell – and most especially for his team – the parting proved sweet, as the Bucknell Park team captured the “AA” division national championship.

The title run for Bucknell Park was no easy feat, taking seven games, including an 8-1 loss to the Quaker Riversharks of Pennsylvania in the first championship game, before a 5-3 win against them, the “if” (second) championship game.  Rubber armed Rivershark pitcher Mike Smith (55 1/3 innings) did everything he could to stand in Bucknell Park’s way, to carry his team to the finish line against Buckell Park, pitching every inning of his team’s 8 games.   But in end, it was the rubber match that decided things, the third meeting between these two teams, and getting Bucknell Park their first ever national championship. 

Bucknell’s Trevor Knight was named the “AA” division’s Most Valuable Player, hitting .350 in the tournament, and delivering perhaps the most dramatic  hit of the tournament, a dramatic, 2-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the 7^th inning in the winner’s bracket final against the Quaker PA Riversharks.  That game, between the last two remaining unbeaten teams in the “AA” World Series was tied 1-1 going into the last inning, until Knight’s blast catapulted his team into the finals, and put the Riversharks in the position of having to beat Bucknell twice for the title, and requiring the Riversharks’ only pitcher, Mike Smith, then in his sixth game of the tournament, to throw two more if they were to win the tournament.  Smith, amazingly, nearly did just that, beating Bucknell Park 8-1 in the first championship game, before falling 5-3 in the “if” finale.  Scott Anderson of Bucknell Park provided the big blow in that game, a three run blast to give Bucknell at come-from-behind 4-3 lead.

Mike Smith or “Smitty” as his teammates call him, could be seen in between his eight games, with a large ice pack in his right shoulder, smiling at the prospect of going to the mound each time his team survived and advanced.  Smith is a bit like that fellow known as the Bambino….well known for his hitting prowess, so much so that that many forget that he’s quite a pitcher as well.   Smitty posted a 2.15 ERA, entering the “if” game with an ERA well below 2.00, striking out 39 batters along the way.

“AA” Division champion Bucknell Park had four among the First Team All World Selections, Josh Baumgart, Scott Anderson, and pitchers Sisko Sabate (3-0, 1.79 ERA, 32K’s 6 hits) and Sam Aldridge (3-1, 1.62 ERA, 23 K’s).   Aldridge pitched a one-hit shutout against 5^th place finisher, Rep & Baja, WI for one of his three victories.

Kasey Knight and his brother Trevor Knight combined for 14 of his team’s 37 hits, with three of Kasey’s going for extra bases.

First Championship Game - "AA" Division

Quaker PA Riversharks, 8,  Bucknell Park, Lacy WA 1

WP-Mike Smith (R)

After defeating the Quaker Riversharks the night before on the dramatic walk-off home run by Trevor Knight in the bottom of the seventh, Bucknell Park took a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the third inning of the (first) championship game.  Bucknell centerfielder Darin Michael led off the third with a single, moved to second when Scott Meyer walked, stole third, and scored on a sacrifice fly to center by Sisko Sabate.  But the Riversharks, playing in their sixth game of the tournament stormed back with three of their own in the bottom half of the third.  Mike Smith doubled with one out, Mike Rohrer walked with two out, and both came home on a triple by first baseman Todd Moyer.  One batter later, Moyer scored on a single by right fielder Bob Wengert. 

The Riversharks added another in the fourth on three consecutive singles by Paul Batt, Mike Smith and John Stinner.  The ‘Sharks put the game away with three more runs in the fifth.  Moyer opened the inning with a walk, Derek Zechman reached on a fielder’s choice and both scored on a double by pinch hitter Todd Evans.   An inning later, Quaker closed out the run-rule win when Scott Long singled home Toddy Moyer, who had led off the inning with a double.  Mike Smith was the winner over Bucknell’s Sam Aldridge, surrendering only three hits and striking out five, for his sixth win of the tournament.

Second Championship Game – (the “If” game) - "AA" Division 

Bucknell Park, Lacey WA 5, Quaker PA Riversharks 3

WP-Sisko Sabate (BP)  HR-Scott Anderson (BP)

Once again, Bucknell jumped off to an early lead, scoring one in the first when cleanup hitter (and tournament MVP) Trevor Knight singled home Scott Meyer, who had reached on a single to open the game.  The Riversharks fired back with two in their second, to take a 2-1 lead. Scott Long singled, was sacrificed to second by Chad Oechsle, and then scored on a two run homer by Paul Batt, his third of the tournament.  The ‘Sharks added another in the fifth when first baseman Todd Moyer singled home Mike Rohrer, who had reached on a fielder’s choice.  The Cinderella comeback was not to be though, as “marathon man”/Riversharks pitcher Mike Smith finally tired in the sixth inning (his 55^th).   Trailing 3-1, Bucknell Park reached back for three big runs in the sixth to take a 4-3 lead.  Sisko Sabate opened with a single, moved to second on a wild pitch. Trevor Knight walked, and all three scored on Scott Anderson’s three-run home run, which proved to be the game - - and championship winner.  Bucknell added an insurance run in the top of the seventh, when Sabate singled home Kasey Knight.  Sisko Sabate was the winning pitcher, tossing a four-hitter, striking out four, and retiring the last seven Riversharks in order.

The Road to the “AA” Title for Bucknell Park:

Runner-up Quaker Riversharks also placed four on the First Team All World squad.  Paul Batt’s tournament was nothing short of incredible.  He hit .609, to earn honors as the leading hitter in the tournament, going 14 for 23, with a double, three triples and three home runs.  (That’s thirty (30) total bases, if you’re counting.)  Batt scored 7 runs, and drove in 11 more, as a one-man wrecking crew.

Teammate Chad Oechsle was 9 for 20 (.450), while Todd Moyer had 7 hits, including a double, triple, 4 RBI and 5 runs scored.    To no one’s surprise, Rivershark Mike Smith was named the Most Valuable Pitcher of the tournament, posting a 6-2 record, winning more games than any other team, save champion Bucknell Park, which matched his six win total.

Jon Kegel’s young Black Knight team finished third in the “AA” division, finishing 5-2, with four of those wins notched by young pitcher Bryan Newton. First team All World Selections Adrian Brown (7 hits), and Ron Sklebar (.350 avg.) led the way for the Knights.

One other “AA” game certainly worthy of mention, the 3-0, 14 inning win by Wilbur Lime WI over Wilkomm, Mobil, just one run shy of the NAFA World Series record for extra innings. Jeff Killian’s three run homer in the top of the fourteenth finally put an end to the contest.  Wilkomm’s Todd Lubkeman went the distance, striking out 9, while Wilbur Lime split the workload.  Jim Murphy threw the first seven, with Craig Thompson going the second seven, and picking up the win.  Both teams had runners on throughout the game, but just couldn’t push them across.  The game drew one of the better crowds at the tournament, as the last game of the evening, and will certainly be remembered by those who saw it.   Lubkeman, the hard luck loser for Wilkomm had an outstanding tournament, tossing a no hitter and striking out 17 in one game. 

Order of Finish for Top "AA" Teams

Individual Award Winners - ”AA"

First Team All World - 2003 NAFA World Series - "AA"

Second Team All World - 2003 NAFA World Series - "AA"

“OPEN” DIVISION

YOUTH SERVED AS YOUNG KEGEL BLACK KNIGHTS VICTORIOUS IN FIRST EVER NAFA “OPEN” DIVISION WORLD SERIES

Darcy Byrne Shines in Championship Game, While Teammates Eric Lewis, Duane Clarkson and Kevin Hamm Display Power

Youth was served in 2003 as Jon Kegel’s young Black Knight squad came away with the first ever NAFA “Open” Division championship trophy.

During the first five years of NAFA’s eleven year history, competition was held in two divisions, “AA” and “AAA”.  In 1998, NAFA added an “A” division, with the number of teams growing rapidly, and now exceeding the number of “AA” and “AAA” teams combined.  

This year, NAFA decided to add an “Open” division, for teams competing at the highest levels.   The “open” division started out small, with five teams competing, and the young Kegel Black Knights coming away with the championship trophy.    The teams included nationally ranked Heflin Gremlins with All World pitcher Paul Algar, as well as Kegel, Bucknell Park, the California Crew and Hobnobber Tavern of Seattle Washington.  The teams squared off in round robin competition, with the top four advancing to a single elimination round.    Heflin and Kegel drew the top seeds, with 3-1 records, while Bucknell Park and California Crew finished 2-2 for the other two spots.

Open Division Pool Play Standings (Final)

In the semi-finals, three-seed Bucknell Park, fresh off their “AA” Championship win, upset the top seeded Heflin Gremlins for a spot in the championship game.  Meanwhile, the Kegel Black Knights, which finished third in the “AA”, eliminated the California Crew in the other semi-final.  

Championship Game – “Open” Division

Kegel Black Knights 8, Bucknell Park 1

WP-Darcy Byrne  HR- Lewis (KBK),

The  Kegel roster for the “Open” division had one key ingredient missing from their “AA” roster: ace Darcy Byrne.   When the first ever-NAFA Open Division championship game got underway, it was Byrne that got the starting nod from Jon Kegel.  Like the Black Knights, Bucknell Park’s open roster also included players not eligible for “AA”, including big Stoney Burke, who was tapped as the starter for the title matchup.

Kegel jumped out to a 1-0 first inning lead on singles by the Giesbrecht boys, Rob and Nathan.  Nathan’s RBI single came with two out.    Kasey Knight reached for Bucknell in the bottom of the first, but was cut down stealing by catcher Kevin Hamm.  The Black Knights scored three more in the second inning, on a triple by Kevin Hamm, followed by three more hits, a single by Rob Giesbrecht, RBI single by Jon Lewis, and double by centerfielder Duane Clarkson, which scored two.  Stoney Burke gave way to Sam Aldridge for Bucknell Park, but Kegel continued its scoring outburst, adding another in the third, on singles by Eric Lewis, Kevin Hamm and Mike Wells, and two more in the firth, on a two run homer by Eric Lewis.  Bucknell finally pushed a run across in the bottom of the fifth, but not enough to avoid the run-rule victory by Kegel.

Kegel’s Darcy Byrne was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Pitcher, with a perfect 3-0 record and 1.11 ERA, including the championship game win.   Teammate Duane Clarkson was named the Most Valuable Player, with an impressive 11 RBI, and the home run in the championship game.   Leadoff hitter Rob Giesbrecht gave the Kegel team a clean sweep of the individual awards, winning the Outstanding Hitter trophy on the strength of his .471 batting average.  Giesbrecht had two homers, 4 RBI and scored seven runs.  Kegel’s Adrian Brown (.462) and Eric Lewis (.467) earned All World Honors for the open division champions.    “AA” division Most Valuable Player, Trevor Knight of Bucknell Park continued his hot hitting, earning First Team All World honors with a .438 avg.    Pitchers Paul Algar (Heflin), Sam Aldridge (Bucknell Park), and Ed Gasper (California Crew) earned First Team All World pitching honors.

Californians Nate Devine (.333) and Mark Vail (.462) had outstanding tournaments, also earning first team honors.  In the semi-finals, Vail hit a line drive down the left field line, in what some said was the hardest hit ball of the tournament.

Individual Award Winners -”Open"

First Team All World - 2003 NAFA World Series - "Open"

Second Team All World -  2003 NAFA World Series - "Open" Division

“AAA” DIVISION

TEAM LYONS, FRESNO CALIFORNIA REACHES TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN AFTER NARROWLY MISSING TITLE IN 2002

Ace Tony Peeples and Catcher Todd Garcia Deliver When It Counts for “AAA” Champions from Fresno, CA

Team Lyons, of Fresno, California arrived at Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin for the “AAA” World Series with some unfinished business.   Lyons finished second in the 2002 NAFA “AAA” World Series, missing a national title by the narrowest of margins, losing 1-0 to All Seasons, PA in the championship game.  In reaching the title game in 2002, the Lyons team put on an awesome display of power, setting a NAFA World Series record with fifteen (15) home runs.  Ace pitcher Tony Peeples notched six wins along the way, surrendering only a lead off home run to MVP Dan Loney in the title game.   One week after returning from the 2002 NAFA “AAA” World Series, Team Lyons captured the ASA “A” National Title.  It fit nicely on the mantle alongside the NAFA “AA” National Championship Trophy, but the spot for the “AAA” trophy remained – waiting – but empty.   Unfinished business.  A clear purpose.  Unmistakable determination and focus.

Well, perhaps it’s time to build another mantle, as this one is full.  Team Lyons delivered on its bid to return to the NAFA World Series, and capture the “AAA” National Championship.   The veteran team from Fresno swept through the “AAA” division with a perfect 6-0 record behind pitchers Tony Peeples (4-0) and Doug Sleep (1-0).  (Sleep toiled 10 innings in game two with Peeples picking up the win in relief.)

In the pitcher’s circle for the championship game was Tony Peeples, pitching as well as he had all year, nailing down the 5-1 victory against the runner-up Kegel Black Knights.  For Peeples, it was no doubt a satisfying win, his tenth in two years at the NAFA “AAA” World Series.  But Peeples would probably have traded the other nine wins for this one.  This one put a punctuation mark on the impressive performance by Peeples and his team, and gave them the one thing they came to Chippewa Falls for -- the championship trophy.

“Defining Moments”

Team Lyons Narrowly Escapes with Win over RWP, MN, 3-2 in 12 innings

Unbeaten they may have been, but Team Lyons narrowly escaped an early round loss to one of the best teams in the “AAA” Division, RWP of Minnesota.   For every team that wins a national championship, there are defining moments.  Moments where the champion rises, while his adversaries falter.   For Team Lyons, it seemed that all of its defining moments were packed into that second round game against RWP of Minnesota. 

Many observers that looked over the bracket before the tournament began saw a potential match up between the two teams.  Lyons and RWP were the highest nationally ranked teams in the “AAA” World Series, both in the top 25 in the world.  Team Lyons’ lineup boasted two Team USA players, battery mates Tony Peeples and catcher Todd Garcia.  RWP had Team USA shortstop Chad Boom to anchor their offense, along with ace pitcher Rick Lang. 

Each team cruised through their opening round game, Lyons, 6-0 over Herzog, MO, RWP 12-2 over the local Eau Claire Merchants, WI.    Lang got the starting nod for RWP, Sleep for Team Lyons.  RWP got on the board right off the bat, as Chad Boom singled home Kyle Christensen, who led off the game with a single to left.   In the top of the third, Lyons had four men reach base, but nothing to show for it.  Twice, they attempted to sacrifice bunt men over, but had the lead runner cut down at second by pitcher Rick Lang.   RWP added to its lead two innings later, when second baseman Scott McCleod homered to straight-away centerfield, taking a 2-0 lead.

 Lyons finally broke the ice in the fourth inning, when Jason Porto walked, and scored following a single by shortstop Omar Miraga, a walk to Gerry Kennedy, and fielder’s choice ground ball by third baseman Mark Santillano.  Still trailing, 2-1 in the fifth, it was veteran catcher Todd Garcia, no stranger to championship play, singling home second baseman Tony Gabriel who had reached with two outs.

Defining Moment Number One – Reich’s Catch

The game remained tied until the bottom of the seventh inning when it appeared might be over on a walk-off home run with two outs by designated batter Brian Elliott.  Lyons centerfielder Jeff Reich raced back – to the same spot that he watched the earlier home run by Scott McCleod leave the yard.   Reaching the fence and out of room to run, Reich timed his leap at just the right moment, reaching as high as he could to snare the ball in his outstretched glove hand, doing a back flip, head over heels and landing on the other side of the portable fencing to snatch the win away from RWP. 

Defining Moment Number Two – Santillano to Miraga on Sac Bunt Play

Both starters, Lang and Sleep pitched into the 11^th inning, with the scored tied at 2.  Lyons had runners aboard in the 9^th, 10, and 11^th, loading the bases in the 11^th without scoring.  RWP also had runners on in the 9^th and 10^th without scoring.  In the top of the 11^th, Sleep opened the inning by hitting the first man he faced, Scott McCleod, bringing Chad Boom to the plate.  When McLeod reached second base,   Manager Jeff Coleman decided to make a pitching change, opting to go to his fresh horse, Tony Peeples.  Peeples (“Peeps” as teammates call him), followed the book, opting to intentionally walk Boom, giving RWP runners at first and second and no one out, and bringing catcher Scott Collins to the plate.  Collins squared to bunt, and got down a good one, a slow roller up the third base side.  Lyons third baseman Mark Santillano grabbed it and spun towards third, refusing to concede the sacrifice.  With Lyons fans holding their collective breath, shortstop Omar Miraga raced toward third base, somehow getting there ahead of base runner McLeod, and coming up with Santillano’s throw for the out, leaping to escape the sliding McLeod.  One out, runners still at first and second.

Defining Moment Number Three – Pair of K’s by Peeples in 11^th inning to Escape Jam

Knowing full well that a base hit by RWP ends the game, Tony Peeples showed why he was the tournament’s Most Valuable Pitcher, did his best Eric Gagne, striking out the next two hitters to escape the inning with the score still tied. 

Defining Moment Number Four – Garcia’s Game Winning Home Run

Speaking of MVP’s, Todd Garcia showed in one swing, why he was the Most Valuable Player for Team Lyons, and one of the main reasons for their championship run.  After coming up with a clutch, two out single in the 5^th inning to tie the game at 2, Garcia led off the top of the 12^th inning with a home run to left field that proved to be the margin of victory for Lyons.  (See photo of Garcia hitting the home run, with the ball still in the frame).

Tony Peeples finished off RWP in the bottom of the 12^th inning, and Lyons escaped with a narrow victory that catapulted them to the “AAA” World Series Title.

Three Consecutive Wins Over Fargo, North Dakota Teams Nets Title for Team Lyons of Fresno, CA

Following the extra-inning win over RWP, Lyons faced the Kegel Black Knights in a winner’s bracket semi-final, which Lyons won handily, 5-1, behind the pitching of Tony Peeples.  Kegel was fresh off a tough, 2-1 win over Team Rainey of Whittier California, a team that played well the week before at the ISC World tournament in Kimberly, going 3-1 and narrowly missing a spot in the “Sweet Sixteen”.  Rainey arrived in Chippewa Falls with only one pitcher, ace Travis Price, and short a few key players, but played tough nonetheless.

The Kegel Black Knights boasts some of the best up-and-coming young talent around, including a fine young pitching staff of Darcy Byrne, Bryan Newton and Chad Klaussen, as well as position players like Nathan Geisbrecht, Tom Montgomery, Duane Clarkson and Eric Lewis.

But the veteran experience of Team Lyons won out, as Kegel was unable to figure out Peeples and his change up.  Peeples struck out 10 in the win.

Final Loser’s Bracket Games

Riversharks 1, Bucknell Park 0, 10 innings:  

The loss to Lyons sent Kegel to the loser’s bracket, where they faced the Quaker Riversharks, who topped Bucknell Park, 1-0 in 10 innings.    In that game, (Riversharks/Bucknell Park), both starters went the distance, with Jason Smith picking up the win over Stoney Burke in a hard fought win.   In the bottom of the tenth, Todd Moyer singled, followed by a Mike Rohrer walk.   Moyer was cut down at third on a tapper back to the mound, but Rohrer came home to score the only run of the game on an error that eliminated Bucknell Park.

Kegel Black Knights 3, Riversharks 2, 8 innings

Kegel sent ace Darcy Byrne to the mound in the last game of the evening Saturday night, while the Riversharks called on Reno Lato.  The Riversharks scored one in the first, when Adam La Londe reached base and scored on a ground out by Mike Smith.  The ‘Sharks added another in the fourth on an RBI single by pinch hitter Gary Morinchin, scoring Todd Moyer who led off the inning with a single.  Kegel tied the game at 2 with two in the fifth, on a pair of walks (Nathan Wiens and Nathan Giesbrecht) and two hits (singles by Tom Montgomery and Duane Clarkson).  The score remained tied until the bottom of the eighth when Eric Lewis led off with a double, went to third on a wild pitch, and scored the game winning run on a passed ball.

Winner’s Bracket Final

Team Lyons 3, Fargo I.S. Knights 0

Next up for Lyons was the Fargo Imaging System Knights, in the winner’s bracket final on Saturday night.   James Speral pitched well for the I.S. Knights, but like Kegel, the I.S. Knights were unable to mount much offense against Team Lyons, with Doug Sleep picking up the win.  Sleep tossed a 2-hitter, and struck out nine enroute to the win.  Lyons scored two in the third.  Jeff Reich walked, Troy Morrison singled.  Reich scored on an RBI Sac Fly by Tony Gabriel, and Morrison came home on an RBI single by Todd Garcia.   Lyons added the third and final run in the sixth when Omar Miraga doubled home Jason Porto, who had singled with two out.

Loser’s Bracket Final – Sunday morning, August 24, 2003

Kegel Black Knights 3, Fargo Imaging Systems Knights 1

Saturday’s final games set up a loser’s bracket final between “The Two Knights from Fargo”, Kegel Black Knights vs. Imaging Systems Knights, in the “eye opener” 8:00 a.m. games, for a spot in the finals against Team Lyons.   Kegel sent Bryan Newton to the mound, Fargo, Greg Bouchard.  Fargo IS took a lead, briefly with a run in the second, when Chris Delorit doubled, went to third on a sacrifice by Tim Tweiten, and scored on a passed ball.  But in the bottom of the second, with one swing of the bat, Kegel catcher Kevin Hamm provided all the offense that Newton and his teammates would need.  After Nathan Giesbrecht and Eric Lewis single to put runners at the corners, Hamm hit a three run bomb for the final margin of victory.

Championship Game - "AAA" Division – Sunday, August 24, 2003

Team Lyons, Fresno, CA 5, Kegel Black Knights, Fargo, ND 1

WP-Tony Peeples (TL)  

Kegel Black Knight manager and sponsor Jon Kegel showed his confidence in young pitcher Bryan Newton, handing him the ball to start the championship game against Team Lyons of Fresno California, a team that had beaten him just a day before in a winner’s bracket semi-final game, 6-2.   Seemingly rattled a bit by a couple of errors the day before, the first two innings showed a markedly more confident Newton, who turned heads by striking out 5 of the first six men he faced.   For Lyons, ace Tony Peeples was back on the mound, and matching Newton, nearly pitch for pitch, striking out four through two innings.

But in the third, veteran Lyons team exploded, scoring five runs against the young Kegel team, and putting the game virtually out of reach early on, especially with the way Tony Peeples was pitching all weekend.  With one out, designated hitter Charlie Pena singled, and moved to second on a wild pitch.  Jeff Reich was aboard on an error by the catcher.   After Newton got Troy Morrison on strikes, he needed one more out to get out of the jam.  But the heart of the Lyons batting order showed what veteran, championship caliber teams do with a small opening – they turned it into a five run inning.  Tony Gabriel singled home one, followed by Todd Garcia, who drove home another.  Cleanup hitter Jason Porto doubled home two more for a 4 run lead, followed by Omar Miraga who tripled home the fifth run of the inning.  Shortstop Miraga, who homered the day before, kept on running past third and was finally cut down at the plate to end the inning, but not before manager Jeff Coleman’s squad had hung a five-spot on the scoreboard.    Newton gave way to Byrne, but the damage was done.

Down, but not out, the Black Knights broke the ice in the third.  Shortstop Tom Montgomery singled, and scored on one-out double by right fielder Jon Lewis.    Peeples got Duane Clarkson on strikes, though, and ended the inning by inducing a fly out to right by Nathan Giesbrecht.

But that would be all for the Black Knights, as Lyons pitcher Tony Peeples went on to completely throttle the Kegel offensive, retiring the last fourteen (14) batters he faced, notching ten (10) strikeouts along the way, including the side in the fourth inning.  After the fly ball out by Giesbrecht in the third, Peeples did not allow a ball out of the infield.   Kegel fought valiantly, with Newton and Bynre combining for 13 strikeouts on the day, but it was asking too much for the Knights to overcome Lyons’ five run inning.

The game ended, with Lyons winning, 5-1, and capturing the title they so narrowly missed in 2002.  This was not the 15 home run Lyons team that finished second in 2002.  They hit but three home runs throughout the tournament and hit .270 as a team.   But Lyons held true to the adage that you championships are won with pitching and defense.  Tony Peeples was 4-0 with a 0.32 ERA in 22 innings, while Doug Sleep was 1-0 (and toiled 10 innings in the game two win) with a 0.82 ERA in 17 innings.  Above all, they played spectactular defense, most notably in the RWP game, and seemed to get the key hit when they needed it in each of their five wins. 

The Road to the “AAA” Title for Team Lyons

Order of Finish for "AAA" Division

Tony Peeples was named as the tournament’s Most Valuable Pitcher, with a 4-0 record and 0.32 ERA.   Todd Garcia was the Most Valuable Player with a number of clutch RBI’s not the least of which was his dramatic 12^th inning home run to win the game against RWP, MN.  Lyons teammates Tony Gabriel, Omar Miraga and Charlie Pena (.417) earned First Team All World Honors, as did pitcher Doug Sleep.  Sleep notched the win in the winner’s bracket final and toiled for 10 plus innings in the RWP game.  Todd Moyer of the Quaker Riversharks was the Outstanding Hitter in the tournament, batting .455.   Rivershark pitcher Jason Smith was 3-0 and young Bryan Newton also had 3 wins, with a 1.35 ERA, his only two losses coming at the hands of Team Lyons.  Kegel teammates Tom Montgomery and Nathan Giesbrecht combined for 13 hits, earning First Team Honors.

Team Lyons seemed to delight the local fans with their high level of play, and their easy going nature. One such fan was Justin Maki, a young 15 year old learning to pitch, who came out to watch one of the pitchers he had been reading about,  Tony Peeples.  Peeples, in his typical classy fashion, made time, amidst the hoopla of the tournament’s final day, to chat with the young pitcher and show him a grip or two.  Certainly a day Justin will remember for some time, and who knows? Maybe when the NAFA World Series returns to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin a few years down the road, it will be him standing in the pitcher’s circle.

With the final out recorded in the championship game of the “AAA” division,  and the final set of awards given out, the 2003 NAFA World Series had come to an end.  Eleven days, four divisions, three hundred (300) games later, NAFA had crowned its four new World Series champions.

Individual Award Winners -”AAA"

First Team All World - 2003 NAFA World Series - "AAA"

Second Team All World - 2003 NAFA World Series - "AAA"

 NAFA Executive Director Pat Bucknell Retires, Benjie Hedgecock Takes Reins

At the opening ceremonies for the “AAA” World Series on August 22, 2003, NAFA’s founder and Executive Director for the past eleven (11) years announced his retirement from the association.  He passed the reins to Benjie Hedgecock, who was the tournament director and host for the very successful 2002 NAFA World Series in Salem, Oregon.  Bucknell will remain on as Executive Director Emeritus, to assist the new leadership with the transition.

NAFA Leadership Readies for 2004 World Series in Hutchinson Kansas, and 2005 in Mankato, Minnesota

New Executive Director Hedgecock wasted no time with the planning for future NAFA World Series events, outlining not only the details of the 2004 World Series in Hutchinson, but traveling to Mankato Minnesota to finalize the details for that city to host the NAFA World Series in 2005.   Hutchinson Kansas, which has plenty of experience in hosting the event, hosting it three times in the past, in 1996, 1998 and 2001. Hutchinson offers a city located centrally in the United States, and will host approximately 150 teams from the U.S., Canada and Japan

When asked about Mankato, NAFA's new Executive Director Benjie Hedgecock had this to say:

" The entire community of Mankato is opening its arms to NAFA, the Chamber of Commerce, the Convention and Visitors Association, Both the cities of Mankato and North Mankato, the newspaper, the TV station, the motels, the local teams....etc...."  "NAFA is very excited to come to Mankato in 2005. When the official visit took place, the playing facilities were outstanding. The main complex was excellent and the satellite complexes were better than any satellite facilities we have been on in the last 5 years.”

Hedgecock also announced additional leadership for the NAFA umpiring, and plans to expand the NAFA umpires program.

NAFA Website

Teams and fastpitch fans interested in more information on the North American Fastpitch Association (NAFA), including the 2003 World Series, and future World Series events are invited to visit the NAFA website, at www.nafafastpitch.com . The website has hundreds of photos posted from the 2003 World Series.   Questions and inquiries can be sent via email to info@nafafastpitch.com

About the Author

This article was authored by Jim Flanagan, Editor of the online publication, www.fastpitchwest.com.  The Fastpitchwest.com website has provided information, news and photos of Men’s fastpitch for the past six years.  Jim can be reached via email at jim@fastpitchwest.com .   Comments and questions relating to photographs here and the at the NAFA website may be addressed to photographer Madeleine Flanagan at: maddy@faspitchwest.com .

 Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the tireless efforts and contributions of NAFA’s statistician, Jack Andreas (aka “Jack the Stat Man”), and NAFA’s First Vice President, J.R. Williamson, who are responsible for the All World Teams, Orders of Finish, Scoresheets, Statistics for the entire NAFA World Series.  This year’s tournament saw 300 games played, so the task of pulling all of this information together is a huge undertaking.  Without their assistance, this recap would not have been possible.

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