Orlando Baseball Announcements

October 17, 2017 - Week 8 Highlights
Cubs take the lead late. In a 2-1 game until the seventh inning. the Cubs bats finally come to life to put up 4 runs. Tristan Page 2-4 with a Double, Jeremy Louderback 2-3, J Page also 2-3, ZakLittle 1-3 Double. Mike Skyles went the distance going 9 for the complete game.

Michael Arsenault shut down the Reds on 4 hits and the Nationals cruised to a 12-1 victory Sunday.

October 09, 2017 - Week 7 Highlights
Expos beat the Brunch 8-4 in a quick 9 inning affair. Graham Frederick gets the win and Brandon Wilds gets the save. Big shoutout to Josh Schwarz for a clean 7th inning setup appearance on the hill and his run saving defense at 1st.

Erick Heberling and Dave Bagwell combined to hold the Blazers to 3 hits as the Reds defeated the Blazers for the first time in a long time, 6-2. Hall of Famer Felix Soto Toro had three hits, drove in one and stole a couple of bags, and Craig Feeney and Jeff Shebovsky each had a couple of hits to pace the offense.

The Tigers won their first game in franchise history, 7-3 over the Polk Sox. Congrats to manager Rey Lopez and the team!

Scott Budds of the Phillies struck out 18 Rock On hitters, as the Phils upset the younger division leaders 5-2 in 11 innings.

The Bears won again, 2-0 as Dave Moore and Amaury Luna combined to shutout the Avengers. Both teams were strong on the mound on Sunday, but the 1st place Bears were just a little bit stronger at the plate in victory . Anthony Lupa started the game for the Avengers, going the distance for a complete game lowering his ERA to 1.57 with 8 K`s, 2 walks and 2 earned runs.

The Twins beat the Cubs 10-4 as Stephen Bordenkirtcher went the distance with 5 K strikeouts. Clint Clymer went 3 for 3 with a double and 2 homeruns and 5 RBI.

Fly the curly W! The Nationals beat the Rangers 2-1 in a hard fought game. Mike Arsenault goes 9 and strikes out 10 batters. Andy Ladisa had both RBI`s and Brian Shomock went 3 for 3.

October 02, 2017 - Week 6 Highlights
Nationals Win! A curly W! Michael Arsenault threw a complete game, with 14K`s, allowing a lone run. Christian Leonard and Steve Demeree combined for 5 hits.

Jorge Michelena was in the zone on Sunday, tallying five hits, five RBI, leading Orlando Avengers to an 11-5 win over the Brunch. Avengers Ace Anthony Lupa pitched a strong 7 innings, giving up 1 earned run with 8 K`s to get the W. Mark Vassallo and Lupa notched 3 hits apiece with Geo Plaza and Zack Wright racking up a couple each. Stellar defense by Anderson Villarroel and War Machine John Maldonado set the defensive tone.

September 29, 2017 - Eagles Nest games at Eagles Nest!
We are set to resume the original schedule this week, repairs are complete. So Eagles Nest games are now at Eagles Nest, directions from your location are on the link to the right.

September 25, 2017 - Week 5 Highlights
Cory Veres and Scott Alfano combine to 1 hit the Yankees over 8 innings. Cory Veres Pitching: 6 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 10 Ks Hitting: 3 for 3, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 SB Kevin Boyce 3 for 4, 2 2B, 2 RBIs Ryan Serfozo 2 for 2, 2 RBIs

Cubs win 3-1 Tim Burtsztynski pitched 4 innings of no hit ball. Zax Little and Tristan Page closed the game out holding the Expos to 1 run. Tristan Page was the big hitter of the day going 3-3.

Blazers tie Phillies 2-2 in 10 innings with both teams playing defense when needed. Great pitching from both Warren Hanson going 9 inn and Scott Budds in relief for the Phillies and our Tony Caruso going the distance for the Blazers. Great fun playing these guys!

Orlando Avengers Wins Back-and-Forth Affair Against Sox After the Sox led early, tied at 3 going into the 6th inning Starting Pitcher Zack Moyer doubled in the tie-breaking run sparking a rally of 5 runs in the bottom frame. The bats came alive with the Avengers smashing 14 hits. Geo Plaza led the offense with a 3-4, 3 RBI performance. Geoff Recker also collected 3 hits to set the table. Newly acquired War Machine John Maldonado was 2-2, 2 runs, BB and an RBI. A solid 5 inning pitching performance by Jorge MIchelena earned him and The Avengers their first win of the season. 0 errors committed underscored the 10- 4 victory.

September 18, 2017 - 9/17 Highlights
The Nationals won 7-1. Michael Arsenault pitched a complete game with 12 K`s and only gave up the 1 run. Andrew MacDonald had 4 hits and 2 RBIs and caught a great game behind the plate. ....The expansion Tigers managed to tie the defending champion Twins, in a nod to parity. Steven Bordenkirtcher threw seven innings and Matt Alacci smashed a home run for the Twins....

August 28, 2017 - Opening weekend highlights
We ended up losing only one full game, remarkable given the forecast and conditions...some of your Week 1 highlights.......A couple of "new" teams came out on top in their opener, the Nationals beat the Brunch, and the Bears (ne Rays) beat the Twins....The Expos beat Rock On 4-1, Graham Frederick pitched 7 innings and allowed only 1 run, Brandon Wilds with a big save in the 8th.....The Yankees won their opener 9-7....In a game of finalists last year, the rebuilt 25+ Rangers nipped the 38+ champion Phillies 2-1 in a tight tilt. ...The Blazers and A`s were rained out after 5 with the Blazers up 5-1.....some Brunch star highlights: Joe Hellriegel 2-3 1 RBI, Matt Sleik 2-2, Dylan Kipp 1-2 HR 1 RBI Outfield Assist (8-2) to throw out tagging runner from Third

August 17, 2017 - Still Want to Play?
I have still have a couple of teams looking for ballplayers! Send a note to blevinsknows@hotmail.com and we`ll get you on a team and playing ball ASAP!

August 02, 2017 - Fall Baseball!!
We are getting ready to play some fall baseball! Hopefully the rains will slack off, and it will cool down a bit and we will be ready to go! Our fall registration and draft will take place at 10 AM on Sunday, August 13 at South Orange Youth Baseball Complex, 11,800 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando, 32824. Try and arrive at 9:30 to fill out a little paperwork and get warmed up. Hopefully we will get you a light workout, picked out on a team and on your way shortly after noon! (By light workout, I mean light, a few swings, a half-speed infield/OF, maybe the pitchers and catchers throwing it around a bit. No injuries is the key. Everybody will get a spot, we`re just concerned with making sure a team doesn`t end up with three 2nd basemen.)

We will play 12 games this fall, every Sunday between the 27th of August and Thanksgiving, except for Labor Day. We play all over town, and games usually start at 9 or 12:30 PM, with occasional late afternoon games. Membership, umpires certified in high school or better, decent balls, liability insurance, website, playoffs, awards, camaraderie and miscellaneous are all yours this fall for $140. You must pay to play in this league, and each player is responsible for his or her own dues. You can pay by check, cash or Money Order at the registration, payable to CFL MSBL, or you can use a credit card on the PayPal button to your left. (Please add an extra $5 for PayPal if you do that.)

Each Friday a list is sent out to the managers on who is eligible that Sunday.(paid). No player may participate who is not. That takes the onus off the manager, it works out well, and protects the rights and playing time of the player who is protected against ringers and outsiders who might take their At Bats, etc. Additionally, we tolerate zero malcontents, guys who like to argue with umps, fight, etc. We all have to go to work on Monday.

This is our 50th season! We are the longest serving amateur baseball league for men in the state! (Not even sure that`s true, but it sounds cool..) There are cheaper options, but we keep smaller rosters so that there is more playing time. We have open substitutions on defense and elongated batting orders so that everyone feels a part of the game. You paid, you should play! If that sounds good to you, we would love to have you in the league! Also note that uniforms and medical insurance are NOT included. Some teams have small charges for the uniform, or a team set, and medical insurance for team adult sports is prohibitively expensive, so you have to be on your own there.

SO please let me know if you plan on attending, and what division you would be interested in playing. WE have 18+, 25+ and 38+. Also, if you have any other questions I failed to answer here, let me know! blevinsknows@hotmail.com

June 27, 2017 - Mets, Twins and Phillies are the Champions!
The Mets won the best of 3 series vs the defending champion Ojays to capture the 18+ crown.

The Twins upset the defending champion Rangers to claim their first championship in the 25+ division. Kevin Kellerberg and Joel Burgos were co- mvps. Kevin notched 7 innings of shut down pitching allowing 1 run, with 8 Ks. Joel Burgos came up 3-4 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored. Jay Zerquera rescued us in the 6th inning after our starting Catcher had some dehydration dizziness. 39 year old Jay Z strapped on the the gear to catch the final innings in the sweltering heat. Team Captain Wendell Perez and Mgr Ricky Klotter were proud of the guys on this playoff run.

Finally, the Phillies dynasty continued their dominant reign in the 38+ division with a 2-1 victory over the Blazers. The Phillies won the Spring 2017 Championship behind the right arm of Scott Budds who fanned 14 Blazers in a tight 2-1 win. Budds pitched the complete game and finished the year 9-0 with a 1.25 ERA and 101 strikeouts. Matt Butler had a huge RBI single in the 2nd and finished the day 2-3. Barrett Gugliotta also added a pair of hits finishing 2-4. Budds had the game winning RBI walk in the 4th to give the Phillies the lead for good. He topped it all off striking out the side in the 9th to finish it. Awesome year Phillies! Big props to both our Pitchers and defense. When you finish the year with a team ERA of 2.05 you will be in position to win a lot of games. Details and team pics to follow.

June 19, 2017 - Finals Set!
Blazers Win! Tony Caruso pitched a solid 6 innings to hold the Yankee offense in check in a 16-1 victory. The Blazer bats started slowly but scored their first run in the bottom of the third on a Carlos Ruperto single that scored Jay Claudio. The Blazers then put up 4 in the 4th; 8 in the 5th; and closed it out with 3 in the 6th behind a triple by Bill "Moose" Musacchio and a long double by Ishy Cruz. Jeff Bouley banged out 2 long doubles in an awesome display of "Warning Track Power", as reported by the Blazer correspondant.

The Blazers will face the Phillies at 9 AM next Sunday at Edgewater High School for the 38+ championship.

Rangers to defend their championship against the TwinsOrlando Rangers defeated Cubs 9-0 on Sunday as three pitchers combined to throw a shutout. Joshua Frank struck out Javier Santiago to finish off the game. Orlando Rangers grabbed an early lead on a double by Julio Lara, and a groundout by Eric Roukey in the first inning, then a single by Joshua Frank in the second inning. A bright spot for the Cubs was a single by Tristan Page in the second inning. Ernesto Sosa earned the win, pitching seven innings, allowing zero runs, three hits, striking out three, and walking one. Two relievers helped Orlando Rangers close out the victory. Scott Mikrut threw one inning. The Rangers had 11 hits in the game. Will Schingl and Frank each collected multiple hits to lead Orlando Rangers back to a title defense yet again for what has to be now described as a dynasty team in Central Florida amateur baseball.

The upstart Twins will attempt to deny the coronation at 12:30 Sunday June 25th at Edgewater High School after upsetting the Angels. Wendell Perez, who must have been very well-coached in high school, had 2 hits and 1 RBI and 2 Runs Scored and got a bases loaded save in the 9th. Joel Burgos had a base clearing double with 2 RBI. And despite the 100 degree weather 39 year old Jay Zerquera caught all nine behind the plate and his blocking stopped the Angels run game. Twins 9-4 win over the Angels.

June 14, 2017 - Playoff Update
Semi-final - Haber Division - Yankees @ Blazers 9 AM South Orange (winner meets Phillies for championship 6/25)

Game 2 Best of 3 - Krall Division - Mets@ Ojays 12:30 -Orange (Game 3 next Sunday the 25th, suspended Game 1 will resume from the point of suspension AFTER the game next Sunday, IF NECESSARY)

Semi Final- Marsh Division - Cubs @ Rangers 9 AM Clermont Bishop

Semi Final-Marsh Division - Twins @ Angels 12:30 PM Clermont Bishop (winners meet for championship 6/25)

Run rule in effect for all playoff games as always, but time limits also in play this year, so hustle them in and out. No new inning after 2 hours and 45 minutes. Lets beat the rain!

Championships will be next Sunday, June 25 for all three divisions, times TBD. Good luck!

June 12, 2017 - Playoff Results
Cubs Win!Tristan Page went a strong 5 innings giving up only one run. The game started off close until the 4th inning when the Cubs bats came to life where they put up 7 runs and knocked out their starter. The 5th inning was a repeat of the 4th putting up another 7 runs. Mike Arsenault came in the 6th for 2 shut out innings to shut the door on the Expos. Notables: Leonard 2-4 (Double, 2 RBI), Little (2-3 2 RBI), Smith (2-4 @ RBI).

Yankees Win, Tha-a-a-a Yankees Win!Al Baum held the Reds to 4 hits, and shut them out until the 9th as the Yankees and manager Eric Echevarria advanced to the semi finals for the first time. Alex Santiago had a two run single in a five run 2nd inning, and the Yanks never looked back.

June 08, 2017 - Playoffs Spring 2017
18+ Jim Krall Division - (Best of 3)

Game 1- Sunday, June 11, Ojays #2 Seed @ Mets #1 Seed 1:30 PM Bear Creek Complex

Game 2 - Sunday, June 18, Mets @ Ojays 12:30 South Orange

Game 3 (if necessary) June 25, Ojays @ Mets Time and Site TBD

25+ Tim Marsh Division - (single elimination)

Sunday, June 11 - Expos @ Cubs - South Orange 9 AM

Sunday, June 11 - Twins @ Brunch - South Orange 12:30 PM

Sunday, June 18 - Expos/Cubs winner @ Rangers 9 AM South Orange,

Twins/Brunch winner @ Angels 12:30 Edgewater HS

Sunday, June 25 - Championship , Time and Site TBD

38+ Nat Haber Division - (Single elimination)

Sunday, June 11 - #5 Yankees @ #4 Reds, 9 AM Edgewater HS

Sunday, June 11 - #3 A`s @ #1 Phillies, 12:30 Edgewater HS

Blazers off

Sunday, June 18 - Winner Phils/A`s bye

WInner Yanks/Reds @ #2 Blazers 9 AM Edgewater HS

Sunday, June 25 - Championship, SIte and Time TBD

Additionally, this Sunday the 11th, the Rangers will play the Rays at 10 AM at Bear Creek in a regular season game.

Angels, Blazers, Royals off this Sunday. Still waiting on Royals and Rays to confirm Grey Cup on the 18th.

May 24, 2017 - Week 14 Highlights
The Blazers took 2 from the A`s at Seminole HS. First game was the Lilio Alvarez show as he pitched 6 strong innings and had a 3 run double in the 6-3 victory. Joe Del Valle came in to close the game. In the loss, Hall of Famer, Joe Greene smoked a 2B to deep right. Game 2 was a great Blazer team effort backing Marty Jones on the mound in 15-2 win. Hitting was highlighted by 2 baggers by Manny Ortiz and Joe Del Valle.

Brunch highlights-Brunch 2 Rangers 12 Miloff 2-2 1 RBI, Delozier 1-2 , Addeo 3-3 Twins 4 Brunch 7 Delozier 9 IP, 4 R, 3 ER, 14 Ks; 2-3 2 RBI , Cory Veres 4-4, Mike Price 2-4, Jon Marrero 2-3 1 RBI, Joe Hellriegel 1-2 2 RBI

May 01, 2017 - Week 12 Highlights
Dave Gushleff had 3 hits and scored and knocked in 4 runs as the as the bats were Blazing at Celebration HS. Matt Conrad, Dennis Smith, and Carlos Ruperto also banged out 3 hits each. Scott Donelick pitched 5 innings to earn the win.....The Royals won their first game of the year for manager Joey Schiavo....Kevin Perry had 6 RBI for the Twins in their big win.....

April 24, 2017 - Week 11 Highlights
The Rangers nee Pirates found themselves in a familiar perch after Sunday`s play, back on top! The Rangers nipped the Angels 4-3 on Will Schinagl`s 2-hitter in a battle for the division lead, then completed the sweep in the 2nd game by beating the Rays......It was Oak Ridge Pioneer Alumni Day in the Twins win, as manager Ricky Klotter had Taylor Maroney throw 8 innings with 8 K`s, and Wendell Perez drove in three runs...Manager Adam Bransfield had 4 hits, scored 4 runs, drove in a couple more, and caught 14 innings in the humidity to power the A`s sweep of the Reds.... Score one for the old guys as the Blazers topped the OJays 13-7. Chasing 2 in the bottom of the 5th the Blazers came alive and put up a 10 spot with a few timely hits and good patience at the plate. Dave Gushleff and Marty Jones each had 2 hits. Jay Claudio had 2 RBI`s and Joe Del Valle knocked in 3 runs with 2 hits. Marty Jones gutted it out on the mound for 7 innings giving up 7 runs (but only 1 earned run) to earn the complete game win.....The Mets and Royals waited all day to play, then got hit by a rogue rain cell right at game time. Everybody knows that`s nobody`s idea of a good time, thanks for being kind to the field guys....Tristan Page threw a complete game shutout. Leonard had a Triple, Skyles and Jason Page had Doubles. Little, Louderback, Rennolds and Santiago went 2-3 with two singles in the Cubs split of their twin bill.

April 11, 2017 - Week 10 HIghlights
Expos beat the Mets after Brandon Wilds drove in Peter Amico in the bottom of the 10th to cap off the extra innings come back win. Chris Stahl saved the day for the Expos in the bottom of the 9th with an RBI double and later scored the tying run on a passed ball.

Brunch over the Blazers 7-5. Price 3-4 1 3B 3 RBIs, Delozier 3-4 9 IP 5 Ks 11 H 1 ER, Hellriegel 2-4 1 RBI, LaBarge 2-3 1 RBI

Scott Budds and the Phillies continue their championship defending romp through the Nat Haber Division with a 17-3 shellacking of the Reds at Celebration High School. Budds topped off his dominating pitching with a 3-run blast to left center.

March 21, 2017 - Week 6 Highlights
Mike Grenci threw shut out baseball for 6 innings, with 10 K`s and Guy Robinson, Jason Bailey and Jeff Shebovsky each had two hits as the Reds won their first of the year. Austin Benz hit a long home run for the Rays....Five runs batted in from Marcus Smith helped lead the Orlando Rangers past the Cubs 13-2 on Sunday. Smith drove in runs on a double in the first, a triple in the third, and a single in the seventh. Orlando Rangers scored on a single by Julio Lara and a Smith double in the first inning. Orlando Rangers scored four runs in the third inning. A single by Ernesto Sosa, a fielder`s choice by Brian Rebando, and a triple by Marcus Smith. Ray Sanabria earned the win for Rangers. He pitched four innings, giving up two runs, five hits, striking out three, and walking zero. Dustin Williams threw two innings, as two relievers helped Orlando Rangers finish off the victory. Smith, Sosa, and Joshua Frank each collected multiple hits ..... Expos beat the Blazers! Danny Petit went 9 innings in a complete game win. Joe Machovina went 4-4, with a double, and scored 4 runs. Marilyn Brown got hot at the plate, going 2-2, with two singles, and a run scored. A tired Expos team beat the Yankees in an error filled, 5 inning, 16-12 win for the sweep......Brunch 16 Royals 3, Kevin Boyce 3-5 with 3 RBIs, Derek Miloff 3-4 with 2B and 3B 3 RBIs, Shaun Delozier 4-4 with 2B and 3B 3 RBIs, Scott Alfano 3-4 2 RBIs 5 IP 3 ER and 4 Ks......The Twins knocked the Angels from the ranks of the unbeaten 11-7.

March 13, 2017 - Week 5 Highlights!
Cubs Win!- Mike Arsenault threw a complete game shut out. Striking out 7 and only giving up 3 hits. Zak Little when 3-4, Bradlee Cox 2-3 with 2 RBI, Patrick Smith 2-3 and Tristan Page 2-4.

Expos Victorious!Expos win against a scrappy Rays team, 10-6. Peter Amico got the win, while striking out 9 batters. Graham Frederick gets the save.

Twins Triumph in tight pitcher`s duel. Jay Zerquera drives in the lone run in a 1-0 Twin win.

Blazers Blast Reds Marty Jones celebrated a long-anticipated return to the diamond with a three run bomb, Matty Conrad, another local legend, returned to the field with a couple of hits and a beautifully caught game, and Scottie Donelick threw a great game for the Blazer victory.

March 08, 2017 - Week 4 Highlights
Brunch Sweep a Pair!Game 1 Rays 9 vs. Brunch 11

Kevin Boyce 1-3 HR 3 RBIs,Jon Marrero 2-3, Tony Addeo 2-3 1 RBI, Matt Bzura 1-3 2 RBIs 3B, Scott Alfano 5 IP 2 Hits 0 ER 5 Ks W, Shaun Delozier 2/3 IP 1 K Save Team Had 10 Hits

Game 2 Cubs 1 vs. Brunch 3, Kevin Boyce 2-3 2 RBIs, Jon Marrero 1-3 1 RBI, Shaun Delozier CG 9 IP 1 ER 4 Hits 11 Ks, Team Had 10 Hits

Expos Win!Expos beat the Twins 7-6. Danny Petit got the win and the save. Started the game and pitched the first 7 innings and came back in the bottom of the 9th to get the save. Danny was also the MVP at the plate hitting a clutch, 2 out, 2 RBI double.

February 28, 2017 - Week 3 Highlights
BRUNCH WIN!Scott Alfano threw 6 strong innings giving up 3 ER on 4 Hits and 3 Strikeouts he also had a strong day at the plate going 2-2. Jon Marrero lead the offense going 2-2 with a double and 3 RBIs. Kevin Boyce chip in with a solo shot and threw 1 inning giving up 0 runs. The Brunch collected 13 hits on the day to get their first win of the year.

TWINS WIN!Kevin Kellerberg hit 2 homeruns including a grand slam, had 6 RBI, as the Twins came back to defeat the Rangers.

February 13, 2017 - Week 1 Highlights
Be sure and have your manager send in the team highlights each week and look for your name here! Good, bad or funny, it all works!

Mike Arsenault threw a complete game in the 7-5 victory Cubs over the Twins, striking out 11. Christian Leonard lead the home side off with a triple and Javier Santiago hit a 3 run single in the first to put the Cubs on top and they never lost the lead after that. Other notables were Zak Little and Mike Skyles who both went 2-3 with 2 RBI`s.

Scott Budds spun up a 5-hit shutout as the Phillies blanked the Reds 8-0 in the opener for both teams. Shawn Borschert hsd three hits and Corey Anderson returned to the league with a pair of doubles.

January 10, 2017 - Spring Baseball 2017
We are ready to get going, hope you are ready to play some baseball! We will play 16 games this spring, from the 2nd week in February through the beginning of June. Playoffs are concluded before the end of June, except in the event of an extended bad weather season. All of our games are on Sundays at various fields around metropolitan Orlando. We have a number of teams looking for players, and we are usually able to accommodate all levels of skill. We keep our rosters small, which ensures a lot of playing time. We also offer extended batting lineups and open defensive substitutions, which allows us to include most everyone, without compromising the competitive nature of the games.

The registration and draft will be spread out over two dates. Those interested and qualified to play age 18 and over will need to report to South Orange Youth Baseball Complex at 9 AM next Sunday the 15th. (Directions from your location available on the tab on the left.) For those interested in the age 25+ and 38+ divisions, the date will be the following Sunday, the 22nd. You will register, then stretch and warm up for a light workout at 10 AM. We should be able to get you worked out and on a team before noon, for those interested in being home in time for the football game. By "light workout", we mean a quick IF/OF, pitchers and catchers throwing a bit, and a few cuts on the field. There are cages if you want extra swings on your own. We are also aware that you may not have been playing for a while, so nobody is looking for 100%, just dial it back, take it easy, the primary purpose is to make sure we have relatively equal distribution of talent, positions, speed, etc. Nothing to pull a muscle about.

League dues are $180 this spring. This covers fields, 2 umpires per game (high school certified or better), baseballs, liability insurance (not medical), playoffs, booking agent, website, awards, and more, not to mention the camaraderie of playing this great game with a bunch of guys with similar passion for baseball in the longest tenured league in Central Florida. You can pay by check or money order sent to Central Fla. Men`s Senior Baseball League (CFL MSBL), PO Box 4025, Apopka, FL 32704, or if you`re still strapped from the holidays, you can use a credit card with the PayPal button on the left. Please include an extra $7. 50 if you choose that option. We even have the option of spreading out payments over time without interest, through PayPal. (not the league! :) You don`t have to pay to work out, (it would be nice and really helpful!), but you will greatly enhance your draft status if you do, as everybody is looking for paid players. The league rule is "no pay, no play", and rosters will close by the end of the month.

SO, pre-register by letting me know to expect you for the draft. (blevinsknows@hotmail.com) We look forward to having you in the league, and please don`t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.

December 13, 2016 - Phillies and Pirates are Champs....Again!
Continuing a recent legacy of domination, our Pennsylvania contingent repeated as champs on Sunday, though both went to the last inning to clinch victory. The Phillies edged the Reds 8-7 in the bottom of the 9th, and the Pirates nipped the Angels 5-4 in the bottom of the 9th.

The Phillies scored a run in the bottom of the 9th to win their 3rd fall championship in 4 years. Barrett Gugliotta was the hero, scoring Hall of Famer Vanessa West with a two-out base hit, after the venerable George Kerst was walked intentionally to load the bases. West reached on a Hit By Pitch with one out, advanced on a walk to Comeback Player of the Year Billy Kiernan, moved to third on a wild pitch and after the Kerst IBB, the stage was set for the Gugliotta heroics. The Reds had tied the game with two runs in the top of the 9th on a Jeremiah Jaspon double, a Hall of Famer Felix Soto Toro double, and an infield hit by Eddie Rubiera. The Reds would have had a first and third to go ahead, but Adam Greschler was cut down at third by center fielder Adam Cadiz after an Anthony Kazmerczyk single. A great game, as were so many this fall playoff season. Warren Hanson and Scott Budds pitched admirably for the Phillies, as did Craig Feeney and Ricardo Rodriguez for the Reds.

The Orlando Pirates took the last of five lead changes in the back-and-forth affair against the Angels, securing a 5-4 victory on Sunday at S Orange. The Angels were unable to overcome a two-run ninth inning deficit. The Pirates were led by a flawless day at the dish by Dustin Williams, who went 3-3 against Angels` pitching. He singled in the third, fifth, and seventh innings. Ernesto Sosa got the win on the mound. He allowed four runs over nine innings, striking out three, walking none and scattering 11 hits. After a scoreless stalemate, the Orlando Pirates finally got on the board with one run in the fourth on an RBI single by Andrew Boutton. The Pirates brought home one run in the fifth inning, and matched that run total in the ninth. In the fifth, the Michael Clemente scored on an error. The Orlando Pirates walked off on a RBI single by Phil Scheuer in the ninth scoring Miguel Villalona for the Championship.

Congratulations to Dan Jarvis of the Phils and Ernesto Sosa of the Pirates for another championship season!

December 06, 2016 - Ojays Are the Champs of the 18s; 25s and 38s Finals Set
The Ojays swept their best of three doubleheader to win their inaugural season in the 18 plus division over the Mets, the spring champs.

Game 1: Peter Garcia pitched a complete game, striking out 11 batters and giving up 2 runs. Jim Pinero went 2 for 3, hitting 2 homeruns, with 5 RBIs.

Game 2: Peter Ortiz pitched 7 1/3 innings, striking out 7. Jim Pinero went 3 for 3, including a homerun. In the top of the 8th the Ojays were down 2-1, and Gabriel Rodriguez hit a 3 run homerun to put the Ojays up 4-2. Robert Daley closed out the game on the mound earning the final out of the game with a strikeout.

Congratulations Ojays!

The Phillies edged the A`s in what manager Adam Bransfield reported was the `best played old guy game` he has ever been a part of, which is saying a lot, as he has been around a long time.

Scott Budds pitched a complete game shutout with 9 K`s to edge Joe Hamilla in a classic pitcher`s duel. He also scored the only run of the game on a Darren Hanson single in the 3rd. Barrett Gugliotta made a game saving catch with 2 outs in the 9th to seal the victory.

The Reds scored three in the 9th to tip the regular season champion Blazers 8-7, in another tight game, setting up a Phillies vs Reds championship next Sunday for the 38 plus crown.

The Reds pecked away at Hall of Famer Tony Caruso, tied 5-5 going into the bottom of the 8th inning. A dropped fly ball with two outs scored two for the Blazers, who appeared to have secured victory. But in the top of the 9th, they scored 3 times on consecutive base hits by Craig Feeney, Jeff Shebovsky, Felix Soto Toro and Mark Pacich, a Sac Fly by Ricardo Rodriguez, and a two out RBI by Jason Bailey for the game winner. Rodriguez retired the side in order in the bottom of the 9th, and the upset was complete.

In the 25`s, the Angels bounced the regular season champion Cubs, and the Pirates edged the Brunch 6- 5 in 12 innings, bringing up an Angels/Pirates championship on the 11th.

For the Angels, Rikki Kline pitched all 9 giving up only two runs. With the bases juiced in the 7th Leo Vazquez cleared the bases with an opposite field triple to extend the Angels lead to 6-1.

Eric Roukey`s walk-off sacrifice fly off of Alfano boosted the Orlando Pirates to a 6-5 win over Brunch in 12 innings at S Orange on Sunday. Ray Sanabria got the win in relief for the Orlando Pirates. Sanabria pitched two innings and allowed no runs. The Orlando Pirates were sparked by Will Schingl and Michael Clemente, who teamed up for six hits and two RBIs. The Orlando Pirates pushed one run across in the fourth inning to start the scoring. The Orlando Pirates scored runs on an error. Brunch brought home one run in the seventh inning, and matched that run total in the tenth. In the seventh, Brunch scored on an RBI single by Kipp, bringing home Verea. The Orlando Pirates survived Brunch`s surge and put up one run of their own in the tenth. The Orlando Pirates scored on an RBI double by Will Schingl.

November 21, 2016 - Regular Season Closing Highlights
The Orlando Brunch jumped out to an early lead on and captured a 20-4 victory on Sunday at South Orange. Jason Hellriegel (1), Dylan Kipp (1) and Kevin Boyce (3) each hit a home run in the win. Dylan Kipp racked up four RBIs on a perfect 3 for 3 day. Steve Merka, Jason Hellriegel, and Kevin Boyce collected 2 hits each, on the day Cesar Colon had a very productive day, going 1 for 1 with 3 RBIs and drawing 2 walks in 3 plate appearances. Shaun Delozier got the win, while scattering 7 hits over 5 innings, striking out 6 and allowing 2 runs (1 earned).

November 14, 2016 - Cubs Win!!
David Muniz hit his 1st HR of the season. Zax Little went 3-3 with 3 RBI. Christian Leonard went 3-4 with 2 singles and a double in the first-place Cubs win.

October 31, 2016 - Weekly highlights
Cubs Win 18-8. Jose Cerna went 3-3 with a triple an 2 RBI. Jeramy Louderback went 2-2,and Mike Redlin went 2-3 with 2 doubles 3 RBI. Brian Rennolds had 5 stolen bases with 2 steals of home.

October 25, 2016 - Weekly highlights
Great Pitching Leads Orlando Brunch Win Shaun Delozier struck out 19, while allowing 1 earned run on 5 hits and 1 walk Jon Marrero racked up two RBIs on three hits for Orlando Brunch. Matt Sleik enjoyed a 2 for 4 day with one RBI

Charles Georges had a walkoff RBI double to lead the Phillies to victory

October 11, 2016 - Brunch Edge Angels
The Brunch moved into sole possession of 1st place Sunday. After giving up 3 runs to the Angels in the first two innings, Shaun Delozier made a long relief appearance and pitched 7 innings of shutout ball, surrendering 3 H and 2 BB, while striking out 12 to record the win. Jon Marrero enjoyed a 2 for 4 day with 2 RBIs, while Kevin Boyce went 1 for 2 and scored twice.

Eddie Rubiera kept alive his streak of consecutive hits at 5, to go along with extending his league record number of getting Hit By a Pitch at Lord knows how many in the Reds win. Mark Pacich pitched three perfect innings to go along with a couple of base hits .

October 03, 2016 - This weeks highlights!
Orlando Brunch`s Cory Veres, Dylan Kipp, Jason Hellriegel and Matt Bzura combined for 11 hits and five RBIs. Brunch won (6-5) in the bottom of the 8th when Matt Bzura hit a walk off single to score Dylan Kipp with two outs.

September 26, 2016 - Stars of the Week!! (9/25)
Dave Vendur and Eric Deener, held the Brunch to 2 runs, and Al Baum knocked in 2 runs in the Yankees tie...Nate Hirsch and Mike Arsenault combined to shut out the defending champion Pirates in a 2-0 Cubs victory...Joe Greene stifled the Reds in a complete game A`s win...Lilio Alvarez and Joey Del Valle combined to hold the Phillies to 3 runs and a 7-3 Blazers win....The Expos posted their first win as Peter Amico went the route on the hill and Chris Stahl was the hitting star, going 3-3, with 3 RBI, 2 SB, a BB and a run scored...For the Brunch, Shaun Delozier - CG | 16K | 1BB | 3 H | 2 ER and 1 for 3 at the plate Cory Veres - Reached base 3 times going 2 for 3 with a walk

September 15, 2016 - Players of the Week
Warren Hanson of the Phillies took a no-hitter into the 7th inning of his complete game 4 hitter, Steve Merka put the Brunch ahead to stay in the 9th inning of their win against the Mets with an "impromptu suicide squeeze", scoring Cory Veres with the game winner, and ageless veteran Dave Vendur, the recently rediscovered Eric Deemer and Al Baum combined to lead the Yankees to the win over the Twins. Al also stamped a 3 for 3 on his resume to win Player of the Week honors!

August 31, 2016 - Player of the Week - Rikki Kline
The Opening Day Player of the Week is the Angels` Rikki Kline.

Rikki threw 8 innings of shutout ball against the defending champion Pirates, giving up only 5 hits in his MSBL and Angels debut. Congratulations Rikki!

July 28, 2016 - Fall Baseball! Registration and draft info for new players
The fall registration and draft will be held at Cypress Creek High School on Sunday, August 14th at 9 AM. Directions to Cypress Creek from your location are available on the left of this page. Please park in the parking lot behind left field, do not drive around the cones to get closer, or you may be towed.

We`ll get paperwork filled out, organized and warmed up by 10 AM, have a light workout, and have you on a team and on your way no later than noon. I emphasize the word "workout", because it`s not a "Tryout", we`ve been able to find spots for everyone, no matter their ability or fitness level, within reason, of course.

The season will start Aug. 31, (or the 24th for some teams), and after being off Labor Day weekend, we`ll play a total of 12 regular season games, primarily on Sundays, until Thanksgiving, then have playoffs the 4th and 11th of December. (we`re off for the holidays, then start the spring schedule up again in late January!)

It will cost $135 per player. There may be cheaper options, but we offer smaller rosters and open substitutions for more playing time, good fields with little or no maintenance responsibilities, HS certified or betters umpires, double minimum liability insurance (not medical!), good baseballs, and the peace of mind of knowing you`re a member of the oldest men`s baseball league in Central Florida, entering our 50th (!) consecutive season.

Sound good? You can pay by check, made out to Cent. FL Men`s Sr. Baseball (or CFL MSBL), PO Box 4025, Apopka, FL 32704, or you can use a credit card on the PayPal button on the upper left side of this page. Please include an extra $5 if you elect that option, for PayPal`s share. You can even spread out your payments, if you wish, see the link for details. Or you can bring cash or a check to the the field. Our rules are simple in this regard, no pay, no play.

But enough of the necessary evil of financing the fields, balls, umps, insurance, website, playoffs, awards, etc. (Uniforms can be an additional charge, depending on the team.) Come on out Sunday, August 14th at 9 AM at Cypress Creek High School, and let`s play ball. The camaraderie of hanging out with like-minded ballplayers is the best part of it all.

Please let me know of your intent to attend at blevinsknows@hotmail.com and let me know if you have any questions. We look forward to having you in the league!

July 15, 2016 - Pirates are Champs Once Again!
The Pirates are the champions of the Central Florida MSBL once again, beating an amazing Mets team who, in their first season in the league, beat the Expos to reach the finals of the Tim Marsh division. But the Bucs were not to be denied, and on a sweltering July day at the Bishop Stadium in Clermont, triumphed 5-2 in a well-played game. The Pirates somehow overcame the mid-season loss of their manager and all-around great ballplayer Ernesto Sosa to a torn Achilles tendon.

Here is the game wrap, from the Pirates website.The Orlando Pirates beat the Mets 5-2 on Sunday at Clermont behind Roberto Rivera, who collected three hits. Will Schingl got the win for the Orlando Pirates thanks to eight strikeouts. Will Schingl allowed no earned runs, 12 hits and one walk over nine innings. Ben Link was charged with the loss. He lasted just four innings, walked two, struck out five, and allowed one run. The Orlando Pirates never trailed after scoring one run in the second on. The Orlando Pirates increased their lead with three runs in the seventh. A error scored Scott Mikrut and Michael Clemente to get the Orlando Pirates on the board in the inning. That was followed up by Rivera`s single, bringing home Eric Roukey. A two-run ninth inning helped bring the Mets within three. An RBI single by Link and an RBI single by Victor set off the Mets rally. Finally, Will Schingl got Paul to to end the game. The Pirates had their fourth consecutive championship!

June 27, 2016 - Blazers are the Champs!

The Blazers upset the defending champion Phillies in the semi-finals, then trounced the Reds in the championship to become the spring season kings. Congratulations to Carlos Ruperto and Tony Caruso and the rest of the Blazer boys!

The upstart Reds loaded the bases in the top of the first, but the inning was ended when a dribbler in front of home plate was turned into a DP by Bill Musacchio. From there on, Lilio Alvarez shut the door while dealing nasty stuff for the next five innings. The Blazer bats came alive in the second, third, and fourth innings as they put 14 runs on the board. The hit parade was led by Dennis Smith with 2 doubles and 4 RBIs. David Hage added 3 hits. Joe Del Valle, and Tony Caruso had 2 hits apiece.

June 22, 2016 - Playoffs
Sunday, June 26th - Tim Marsh Division

Game 1 - 9 AM South Orange Angels @ Expos

Game 2 - 9 AM Cypress Creek HS - Royals @ Mets

Game 3_12:30 Cypress Creek HS - low seed winner Game 1 and 2 @ high seed winner Game 1 and 2

Game 4 - 12:30 South Orange - Cubs @ Pirates

Game 5 - Championship - Tuesday, June 28 - 7 PM - low see winner Game 3 and 4 @ high remaining seed.

Sunday, June 26th - Nat Haber Division

Game 1 - 9 Am Clermont Bishop - Winner Yanks/Reds @ A`s

Game 2 9 AM PAL Park Clermont (1250 12th St.) Blazers @ Phillies

Game 3 - 12:30 Clermont Bishop Low remaining seed @ high remaining for championship

June 06, 2016 - Ballgame over, Yankees Win, Thaaaaaaaaa Yankees Win!!
The Yankees got their first win of the year in Clermont, and in the most improbable way possible. Down 9-3 in the bottom of the last inning, they banged out a 7 spot for the victory over the hapless Reds. With 2 outs, still down 9-6, they loaded the bases, and Al Baum cleared them off with a double to deep left to tie the game, then Steve Van Pelt singled in Al for the game winner. Congratulations to the Yanks, manager Eric Echevarria and acting manager Vern Ramassar, who held together through a tough stretch.

April 05, 2016 - Players of the Week!
Marty Jones hit a walk off grand slam as the Blazers split with the As. Steve Haugh allowed only 3 hits over 7 innings for the Expos. Mike Grenci and Mark Pacich threw complete games for the Reds in a doubleheader sweep. Tell your manager to send in your game stars each week if you don`t see your team represented here!

March 15, 2016 - Players of the Week!!
Twins Cory Veres went 3 for 3 with a HR, 3 RBI and a SB in a Twins win over the champion Pirates!

Errick Heberling went the distance on the hill for the Angels in their victory over the Reds.

December 14, 2015 - Pirates and Phillies Repeat Championships!
Capping a memorable 2015 for the Pirates and Phillies as they repeated their age division championships from this spring. Ernesto Sosa`s Bucs triumphed over the Angels and Dan Jarvis and his Phillies brought the A`s down in the championship game. Team pics and game stories to follow.

July 19, 2015 - Hall of Fame class
Joe Greene-Joe has been a mainstay of the A’s for many years. He’s always a true sportsman, a great pitcher and a tough out at the plate. Joe can play any position on the field and nobody has a bad word to say about him, which is a rarity. He’s one of those guys who exemplifies good sportsmanship and consistency, so much so that I knew him by the wrong name for years, (Joe North?), until fellow Hall of Famer Adam Bransfield finally corrected me. He continues to be a front line ballplayer for the A’s today and we’re proud to welcome Joe Greene to the Hall of Fame.

Frank Ricci-Frank was selected by the Veteran’s Committee. Some may not have had the distinct displeasure of getting in the batter’s box against Frank, but long-timers can tell you that during the late 90’s and early 2000’s, there was simply no better amateur pitcher in Central Florida. The powerhouse Cardinals, then Juice teams of that era were anchored by Frank on the mound. Fellow Hall of Famer and long-time teammate Rick Scheetz called him “Big Game Frank”, and for great reason. He threw hard, no doubt, but he could pitch. He had a hard slider and a 12/6 yacker that left more than a few hitters shaking their heads on the way back to the dugout. Facing Frank on a relatively poorly lit field at night in the 90’s was a gut check. Too many league and tournament championships to count, Frank continues to dazzle on fields around the area. Welcome to the Hall Frank.

Felix Soto Toro- Felix is officially the smartest guy to ever play in the league. You say to yourself, what is he a rocket scientist? As a matter of fact, he is. Our first and likely only astronaut to play in the league, Felix is amazing on a number of fronts. He rose from a tough childhood in Puerto Rico to achieve all of his professional success. We all have busy schedules but I can’t imagine anyone having a busier one, yet he always made time to play baseball, and he was and is a good ballplayer. A prototypical leadoff type guy, he could work a count for a walk, was one of the best bunt for a hit guys we’ve seen, and could lash one in the gap for extra bases, and when he was going well, more times than not. When I think back on guys who would get 3 or more hits in games, Felix is at or near the top of that list. He was also known for bringing fresh fruit and a machete to games, the better to share a healthy mid-game snack. I guess as an opponent, I found it rather intimidating. As a teammate on a number of tournament teams, there isn’t a better one. Welcome Felix to Hall of Fame.

July 02, 2015 - Spring 2015 Champs: Pirates and Phillies
It was a great day for the state of Pennsylvania, as the Pirates won the 25+ crown with a win over the Angels and the Phillies came back to nip the Athletics late 4-2 to take the 38+ crown.

Both winners were the underdogs. Scottie Mikrut and manager Ernesto Sosa combined to hold a hard-hitting Angel lineup to only 4 runs, and got more than enough offense to coast to the win. (details to follow)

The Phillies trailed 2-0 late to Hall of Famer Joe Greene, pitcher for the Athletics, but a couple of errors by the normally slick fielding Athletics opened the door for 3 runs, and the Phillies, with rookie manager Dan Jarvis driving in what would turn out to be the winning run, held on for the crown. Warren Hanson went the route, allowing only 2 runs to the regular season champs.

2 great games, 4 great teams, 2 new champions!

January 24, 2015 - Spring baseball! Registration 10 AM!!!!
Here's hoping the New Year finds you well, are you ready for some spring baseball??

The registration and draft is Super Bowl Sunday morning,February 1st, at 10 AM for new players or those who want to try a different team, at the South Orange Baseball Complex, (directions from your location on the tab to the left), with Opening Day Sunday, February the 8th.

The cost is $185 for 16 games, plus playoffs. You can mail a check or Money Order to CFL MSBL, PO Box 4025, Apopka, FL 32704, or use credit cards on the PayPal button on the upper left of this page. Please include an extra $7.50 for Pay Pal's share if you elect that option.

Let me know if you plan on attending, send a note with age, position(s) and contact info to blevinsknows@hotmail.com

We look forward to having you in the league!

Thanks!

December 16, 2014 - Pirates and Padres are Fall Champions!!! Soto in Hall
Rookie manager and mound ace Ernesto Sosa brought his Pirates back from a 5 run deficit to beat the regular season champion Reds and regain their crown as league champions.

Danny Alejandro and the Padres completed the 2014 season sweep, winning both the spring and fall seasons, in a tough victory over the upstart Mets. League historians are poring over the archives, but suffice it to say that it has been a long while since a team won it all in both the spring and the fall.

Congratulations to both of these fine clubs, to all of their players and fans! Hopefully more details and pictures to follow soon!

Also congratulations to the Reds and Mets, both playing in the rarefied air of the finals in the Mets case for the first time, and in the Reds case in a long time. Tips of the cap to Joe Machovina and Pete Parilla and their squads for great seasons, you know they'll both be back.

Finally, the first member of the Class of '14 was honored at the end of the game, Felix Soto Toro of the Mets. Congratulations Felix, full writeups and acknowledgement will be forthcoming.

Thanks for another great season everybody, 2015 is right around the corner so rest up!!

December 10, 2014 - Semi-final results, Champiosnhip games set!
In the 25+ series, the Pirates mowed down the Angels in the first game, and the Reds in the second game, putting them on the brink of regaining the crown they gave up last spring. In the 38's, two great games, the Padres edged the Criollos 10-8 and the Mets entered the championship game for the first time by tipping the DC's 1-0.

Here are some highlights from our correspondent on the ground:

The Lake County Mets will make their first ever appearance in the MSBL Championship series. The Mets propelled themselves into the championship showdown Vs the 2X Champ powerhouse Orlando Padres this coming Sunday, December 14th, 2014. In a pitching duel, the Mets defeated the DCs by a final score of 1-0 on a 9 inning gem from Mets ace and fall 2014 team Cy Young Award winner Luis Rodriguez. Luis was spectacular on the mound tossing 9 complete frames of 4 hit baseball to go along with 5 punch outs. The Mets defense was superb and committed no errors in this game.

Credit to the DCs for a great battle as the Mets did not hit well and were only able to push the game's lone run across the plate on an errant throw in the bottom of the first inning. DCs pitcher Joey Neira was awesome on the mound for the DCs only giving up 2 hits in 9 innings of work.

SO Championship Sunday looks like this: Reds@ Pirates at 9 AM, Mets @ Padres at 12:30, both game at South Orange. Come on out for some season-ending championship baseball between 4 great teams!!

December 05, 2014 - Playoff schedule, Sunday Dec. 7
10 AM Colonial High School 10 AM DC's @ Mets winner advances to championship.

9 AM South Orange 9 AM Criollos @ Padres -winner advances to championship game vs. winner of above

Noon or as soon as possible: Angels @ Pirates winner advances to meet Reds for championship of 25+

3 PM or as soon as possible Winner of Noon game @ Reds

All South Orange games are normal game length rules, no new inning after 2:40, for today only.

Trotters 9 AM A's @ Old Reds makeup game.

November 12, 2014 - Holiday Toy Drive for those less fortunate
From Pete Parilla of the Mets:

Hello MSBL family and friends. I have recently become aware of a very special act of kindness on behalf one of the Lake County Mets most prolific players.

He is not only an excellent player, teammate and friend but "unbeknownst" to us, he is also a hero to many of his countrymen's underprivileged children in the Dominican Republic. Our very own Francis Vasquez through his church's and personal networks has been delivering toys to underprivileged children in the Dominican Republic for quite some time now during the holiday seasons.

This is truly a commendable action; and I would like to invite you all to take part in bringing joy to an underprivileged child this holiday season.

The Lake County Mets will be collecting new unwrapped toys on Sunday, November 16th and November 23rd at Colonial High School from 9am until 2pm.

If you'd like to stop by and share a little bit of your good fortune it will be very much appreciated.

Hope to see all of you at the ballpark and thank you in advance for your generosity!

You may also contact Francis directly at FrancisVasquez@aol.com

October 07, 2014 - Mets Upend Padres Oct. 7th!!
The Lake County Mets played excellent defense to go along with some key knocks to defeat the Padres by a final score of 5-3 at Colonial HS yesterday, but the stars of the day were Mark Clark who started the game and only gave up 3 runs. (2 inherited runners scored on a hit after he was removed due to tightness in his leg) and a superb relief pitching performance by Luis Rodriguez who shut the door on the Padres tossing 5 1/3 scoreless innings to go along with 7 Ks, scattering 5 hits and 3 BBs for the win.

September 21, 2014 - Game recap - Reds/Angels Thanks Joe!
On a warm September day, both the Angels and Reds battled hard and the Reds squeeked by in a closely contested game. Matt Clayton got the win in an impressive seven inning complete game. The Reds took an early three run lead in top of the 1st. However, the Angels quickly responded with two runs of their own in the bottom half of the inning. The Reds managed to get runs across the board in the top of the 2nd and 3rd, increasing their lead to four.

It looked like the Reds might get out of there comfortably, going in to the bottom of the seventh with a 9-5 lead. Things got interesting when the Angels managed to put one across home and load up the bases with two outs. In the end Matt came through in the clutch, forcing a ground ball out to end the game 9-6.

Thank you to all the players on both teams for coming out and fighting hard.

July 02, 2014 - Angels and Padres Are Champions!
In a triumph of teams with religious names, the 25+ Angels swept the Pirates, and the 38+ Padres swept the Criollos to win their respective championships Sunday. The rain came late, and put a damper on the celebrations, but the results were the first championship for the Angels in over a decade, and the Padres regaining their crown most recently held by the DC's. Congratulations to Adam Bocken and his Halos, and to Danny Alejandro and the Pads.

Angels Highlights
Game 1 On a muggy June Sunday afternoon June 22, the Angels and Pirates squared off in the championship opener and in the early going, runs seemed at a premium as both pitching staffs were dueling. It wasn't until the bottom of the sixth that the Pirates chased the Angels starter and broke open a 3- 0 lead. The next few innings had the making of a defensive clinic until suddenly the Angels bats decided it was early for a hibernation and the score went into the latter innings knotted at three a piece. The Pirates tacked one on in their half of the eighth and seemed to be well on their way to putting the Angels in a hole for the series. The top of the 9th set the landscape for a theatrical closing as Jared Hess came to the plate with two out and a runner on, to send the 2-2 offering over the left field wall where some proud youngster scurried for the souvenir moon shot. The Pirates rallied in the 9th putting two runners in scoring position with two outs and their heart of their potent order dwelling. The game ended on a high bounding grounder in the 3rd and Short hole, which seemed to have eyes initially and on a photo finish type play at 1st the side was retired and the Angels had held on in a tight one to win 5-4.

Game 2 Sundays game 2 of the 25+ championship series saw the Angels unseat the defending champion Pirates. The Angels rallied for a 7-0 lead in the 2nd inning, one of two innings in which the Angels batted through their lineup. The solid hitting and persistence of the Pirates helped them to narrow the gap to an 8-7 Angels lead in the 6th, where the Angels defense held serve. In the bottom of the 7th, the Angels bats erupted once again to post 8 more runs, closing the door in a rain shortened game that sealed a 16-7 victory against a solid defending champion in the Pirates. The Angels got production from top to bottom in their lineup in this series and committed only a single error in the duel, solidifying their most impressive stretch of baseball all season against the strongest opponent in the league. Congratulations to both teams for representing the league in this series, which closes out yet another season in the 25+. (Eric Heberling reporting)

Padres Highlights
Game 1 Angel Miranda pitched 5 innings for the win with Pete Correa coming in to relieve and shut down a bases loaded Criollos rally in the 6th. A balanced Padres hitting attack with Jose Birriel going 3 for 3 with a double and rbi, Luis Melendez went 2 for 4 with 3 rbi's, Jose Lind went 3 for 4 with a double and rbi, Pete Correa went 2 for 3 with 2 rbi's and Jose Granado going 2 for 4 with a double and rbi.

Game 2 Papa Ortiz pitched 5 1/3 innings for the clinching win. The Padres lineup was led by Jose Lind who homered in going 2 for 4 with 3 rbi's and Danny Alejandro who went 3 for 4 with a double and 2 rbi's. It was a complete and total team effort. (Danny Alejandro reporting)

June 28, 2014 - Sad News - We'll miss you Rich!
Richard Finelli 9:13am Jun 28 Hello Brian. Wanted to take this opportunity to inform you that as of June 22, 2014, I am officially retired from baseball umpiring. I've been diagnosed with an incurable digestive disease. It is treatable under care of a doctor & with proper diet & medication. How ever 2 to 3 hours at a time on a baseball field is no longer possible. Please pass the word to all your teams & let them know how much I appreciated the mutual respect they afforded me on the diamond. My 35 year career has ended along with my 60 year over all participation in the greatest game ever created. Thanks for letting me be a part of your organization.

April 05, 2014 - Rule of the week - Injured players
3I. If a player is forced to leave a game due to injury or ejection or a previous commitment elsewhere, a reserve player, not previously entered into the game as a hitter, must hit in the replaced player’s place. If there are no reserves who can replace the individual, the spot is skipped and all hitters below that position move up. The first time this vacated spot comes up in the batting order, an out will be assessed, after that one time, no out will be recorded for skipping the spot vacated by the displaced player.

March 26, 2014 - Sad news
Mike Sanford. long-time umpire, good friend of the league and many of the players, passed away last night of cancer, with friends and families at his side in Cleveland, Ohio. Mike was always rated as one of the best umps this league had ever had, both with his calls and with his demeanor. He will always have a special place in the hearts of the many of us who had the honor and privilege of knowing him. He worked almost exclusively over the years with his umpiring partner Ferdie Medina, who has been a great umpire and player in the league for many years. We can only express our deepest sympathies to all who knew him, however briefly. Keep the game moving up in heaven Mikey, we will miss you!

February 22, 2014 - Rule of the Week!! Courtesy Runners
5A. Players that will need courtesy runners must have their manager notify the opposing manager prior to the start of the game. If not so notified, the opposing manager may deny the request. Each team will be allowed a maximum of 2 players per game who can be run for each team that they reach base. The individual who runs for these player(s) needing a courtesy runner is not determined ahead to time. It is always the last batted out who must run for the person needing the courtesy runner. Once the game begins and the full complement of 2 courtesy runners (2) have already been designated, a pinch runner must be used and no courtesy runner will be allowed. If a batter (designated a needing a courtesy runner) opts to run, or forgets to get a courtesy runner and subsequently runs, he will lose his courtesy runner for the remaining portion of the game. The offensive team that is replacing the courtesy runner has 30 seconds to make the runner change. If the runner is not replaced within its time period, the original runner must run and the right to use the courtesy runner for this particular batter will be forfeited for the balance of the game. The 30 second time limit will begin at the time the umpire calls for time to allow replacement for the runner.

December 10, 2013 - DC
The DC's edged the Padres 3-2 in 11 innings Sunday for the 38+ championship in Ocoee. It was a phenomenal season-ending victory, their 2nd consecutive crown after they upset the top-seeded Padres for the spring championship. This fall the DC's led wire to wire, winning all 14 of their contests.

The game was a heart- stopper for the DC's and their fans, and a heart-breaker for the Padres. Cesar Cedeno and Carmelo Morges started for their respective teams and threw up goose eggs until the 4th, when the Padres broke through. Pete Correa had a 2- run single with 2 out after an error and a walk for 2 unearned runs, but they looked to be enough, as Morges continued to mow down DC hitters.

In the 8th, the DC's finally broke through when Angel Davila led off the bottom of the frame with a long HR to left. But Morges settled down to clear the inning without further damage. Not scoring in the top half of the 9th meant they had 3 outs to get to reclaim the crown they won last fall. But Jorge Rosado led off the DC half of the 9th with a single, and in a somewhat controversial call, manager John Rios had Felix Lopez sacrifice Rosado into scoring position, which he did perfectly. After a ground out to 2nd, the DC's were down to their last out. But Robert Michel came up huge, ripping a clutch single to score Rosado with the tying run.

On to extra innings, where Ferdie Medina continued a streak of 7 consecutive scoreless innings in relief before the DC's came to bat in the bottom of the 11th. Angel Davila led off with a walk, and promptly stole second. This took the bat out of the hands of offensive juggernaut German "Deportivo" Rivera, as he was passed intentionally by Pads manager Danny Alejandro. Victor Vidal attempted to bunt the runners along, and pitcher Manny Rentana, who earlier had thrown out not one but 2 DC runners attempting to stretch singles into doubles from left, made a strong throw to third to get the lead runner, but Davila was faster and all hands were safe. Bases loaded, nobody out, the Padres had to pull everybody in to Little League depth. But Jorge Ravelo found some space with a line drive to left, and this epic battle was over, and the DC's reigned.

A true classic on an unseasonably warm December day. Fantastic competition, great sportsmanship, baseball at it's finest. Congratulations to the DC's on another crown and a magical season, and to the Padres, this was a game it was truly a shame that anyone had to lose.

November 18, 2013 - PIRATES ARE THE CHAMPS!!!
A 6 run first held up for the Bucs as they beat the resurgent Yankees 7-0 behind the pitching of Ernesto Sosa and WIll Schnagl. Congratulations to Eric Rung and the boys for a great fall, flirting with an undefeated season, and ultimately the championship!

July 18, 2013 - DC's Hang On to Win 38+ Championship!!
Going in to Sunday morning's championship series up 1-0 and needing only one more win, John Rios and the DC's had to be feeling confident. Little did they know they would have their championship alright, but it wouldn't be for another 9 hours, when they scraped across a run in the 11th inning, and held on for a classic, epic 12-11 win, and their first championship. The regular season champs had staved off elimination in the first game of the doubleheader to even the series, and oddsmakers had to like the Padres chances going in to a third and final game.

But the DC's were able to defy the odds and hung on for an amazing win, 12-11, in the July heat,after a long season, with their pitching running thin,

Congratulations to both teams on a truly classic championship series! More details and pictures are forthcoming.

January 26, 2013 - 3H Sports a Good Spot for BP!
2750 Taylor Ave Orlando, FL 32806 (407) 228-1234 near the corner of Orange and Michigan, has several tunnels for BP, and is centrally located for all of our members. Great spot! Open six nights!

November 30, 2012 - Sad News
I'm sorry to pass along the news that former Marlin and Indian Colin Brady passed away unexpectedly Wednesday. Details are still sketchy, but Colin was a great friend and teammate, and huge advocate for the league and adult baseball. He promoted the league several times on his many radio shows, and leaves behind many friends in the league who respected him as a ballplayer, but even more as a friend and teammate. He served as the announcer for several All Star games and did an awesome job, and his boys were always present for games and announcing gigs. Gone way too soon, we'll miss you Colin, from all of your Brothers in Baseball.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deo Vindice,

Bob McMillin

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

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

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