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Susquehanna League 2006 Playoffs


TOWNSHIP WINS!

TOWNSHIP WINS!
 

2006 SUSQUEHANNA BASEBALL LEAGUE AWARDS

(awards handed out at the Susquehanna Baseball League Banquet on Saturday, February 3, 2007)

Regular Season Champions
: Hallam (31-9)
Regular Season Runner-up: York Township (30-10)
 
Playoff Champion: York Township
Playoff Runner-up: Hallam

Batting Champion: Nate Neumann, Windsor   .416BA

Most Wins
: Doug Bacon, Red Lion   10 wins
                 Drew Kelley, York Township   10 wins

Best Win-Loss Record
: Jason Enoch, Red Lion   8-0   1.000PCT

Most Valuable Player
: Nate Neumann, Windsor

Outstanding Young Player
: Sam Heaps, Stewartstown

Manager of the Year
: Rod Seitz, Hallam

President's Award
: Todd Shoff, Windsor

Scholarship Award Winners
: Kellen Taylor (Red Lion), Dan Farnsworth (Stewartstown), Danny Smith (Windsor), Jason Enoch (Red Lion), Matt Robinson (Windsor)

Hall of Fame Inductees
: Bob Bowser (Player/Manager-Wrightsville), Rod Holtzapple (Loganville/Stewartstown), Fred Winter (East Prospect), Larry Jacobs (York Township), Dan Smith (Player-Jacobus, Manager-Felton/Conrads, Scholarship Award Founder)

__________________________________________________________________
 
Official 2006 Susquehanna Baseball League Statistics
(click on the link above to open/download/print the complete 2006 stat packet)

Also, the complete Official Susquehanna Baseball League statistics (1969-2006) are now available. Just go to the Main Menu at the left side of the site, scroll down to the bottom, and click on the menu tab "Susquehanna League Statistics (1969-2006)" -- or click on the link below. Pick a year and enjoy the walk down "Memory Lane."
 
Statistics for the early seasons -- from 1968 and before -- have yet not been located. If you have a copy of these Susquehanna Baseball League Statistics for the seasons from 1968 and before ... or if you have any information (i.e. league/team/player data, photographs, memorabilia, historical information, etc.) regarding the Susquehanna Baseball League, in particular, or any local baseball (i.e. York White Roses, York Pirates, etc.), in general, please contact -- John Woltman at jwolt@aol.com ... or Steve Kline at c.s.kline@comcast.net. We'll scan and post the stats as soon as we can find a copy. Thank you.
YORK TOWNSHIP TEAM BANQUET UPDATE

York Township Baseball Club (**NEW DATE!**)
The York Township Baseball Club Team Banquet will be held - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24th, at "The Abbey" at Harp & Fiddle. Cost and times "to be announced." This year's inductee into the York Township Baseball Club "Hall of Fame" will be -- Jack Markey (see related stoy below).


Reservations
For reservations, please contact - John Woltman: E-mail: jwolt@aol.com ... or phone: 717.428.9690.
 
 
 3rd ANNUAL 2007 SUSQUEHANNA BASEBALL LEAGUE "EARLY BIRD" TOURNAMENT

BRACKET #1 - FINAL STANDINGS
Gildea's Raiders ... 3-0
York Township ... 1-2
Windsor ... 1-2
Mt. Wolf ... 1-2
 
BRACKET #2 - FINAL STANDINGS
Hallam ... 3-0
Middletown ... 2-1
Berkshire ... 1-2
Jefferson ... 0-3

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2007

McWILLIAMS FIELD – GAMES
9:30 AM -  Gildea's Raiders 3, York Township 1
12:30 PM - Mt. Wolf 4, York Township 2
3:30 PM - York Township 4, Windsor 3

SHRYOCK FIELD – GAMES (originally scheduled for Jacobus Field)
9:30 AM - Windsor 3, Mt. Wolf 0
12:30 PM - Gildea's Raiders 3, Windsor 1
3:30 PM - Gildea' Raiders 10, Mt. Wolf 0

HALLAM FIELD – GAMES
9:30 AM - Berkshire 12, Jefferson 0 (originally scheduled for Conrads Field)
9:30 AM - Hallam 7, Middletown 3
12:30 PM - Hallam 1, Berkshire 0
3:30 PM - Hallam 11, Jefferson 0

CONRADS FIELD - GAMES
12:30 PM - Middletown 3, Jefferson 0
3:30 PM - Middletown 5, Berkshire 4

SUNDAY, APRIL 29,2007
 
EAST PROSPECT FIELD - "CHAMPIONSHIP GAME"
1:30 PM - Hallam (Bracket #2, 3-0) 7, Gildea's Raiders (Bracket #1, 3-0) 2

** ALL GAMES - "HOME TEAM" TO BE DECIDED BY COIN FLIP PRIOR TO THE GAME
 

____________________________TOURNAMENT COVERAGE____________________________
 
 
 

____________________________PRE-TOURNAMENT COVERAGE____________________________
 
 
"Early Bird" Tourneys Are Great Idea For Baseball Players
COLUMN By LARRY A. HICKS The York Dispatch
Article Last Updated: 04/26/2007 06:04:46 AM EDT

For 42 years, York-area baseball fans have had the Colonial York Baseball Tournament to look forward to each Labor Day weekend.

It's always been a nice way for baseball players and fans to finish up the local baseball season. But there was never a season-opening tournament in York County, a way for teams to kick off the four-month-long baseball season that would follow.

Never, that is, until the Susquehanna Baseball League decided in 2005 to give local teams an early start to their seasons with an "Early Bird" tournament, all of which is played on five Susquehanna League diamonds -- McWilliams Field in Spry, and fields at Jacobus, Hallam, Conrads and East Prospect.

This year's Early Bird event -- the third -- kicks off Saturday with eight teams: York Township, Windsor and Hallam of the hosting Susquehanna League, Mount Wolf and Jefferson from the Central League, plus the Gildea Raiders, Middletown and Berkshire from outside York County.

Frankly, a preseason tournament, as good an idea as it might be, is a difficult thing to pull off. Hats off to the Susquehanna League for even trying it. I mean, it makes all the sense in the world to give your team a couple games experience with live pitching and hitting the week before your regular season begins. It surely beats taking batting practice and shagging fly balls on your home field and then starting the season cold-turkey. But the problem is it's not that easy to put a team together for a preseason tournament. Ask any of the teams playing this weekend, and they'll all probably tell you they had to borrow players from other
teams just to fill out their rosters. A big part of the reason for that is that college players are still playing college baseball. And they'll still be playing for at least another week or two. Players on the most successful college teams could be tied up even longer with league, regional and NCAA action.

The same can be said of the most talented high school players, too, because those on the best teams could be playing for another two or three weeks. So it could easily be two weeks into the regular season before most local teams have all their college and high school players in uniform. That makes it difficult to play a preseason tournament with players limited to your own roster. Hence, teams are pretty much forced to borrow players from other teams.

And weather can be a hassle, too. For one thing, spring weather is unpredictable -- our own recent experience, for example. That makes it difficult to hold practices or get fields ready for play. It also means there's no room to maneuver if tournament games are canceled due to rain or other bad weather. It's not like any of the Early Bird teams can come back to finish the tournament next weekend, because the Susquehanna League season starts May 5, and the Central League kicks off on May 12. So it's one weekend or bust.

It's a great way to get the local summer baseball season going -- if amateur baseball happens to be your thing.

And why wouldn't it be your thing?

_________________________________________________________________

Sports columns by Larry A. Hicks, Dispatch columnist, run every Thursday. Reach him by e-mail at: lhicks@yorkdispatch.com.
(click on photo for link to the York County Special Olympics webpage)
 
SUSQUEHANNA LEAGUE SUPPORTS YORK COUNTY "SPECIAL OLYMPICS!"

Special Olympics Project: The York County Special Olympics softball team will be coming to Windsor on Saturday, June 24, to watch the Windsor vs. Felton game.

After the game, the York County Special Olympics softball team will be playing the Windsor baseball team in a three-inning "fun game."

Throughout the day there will be raffle giveaways of donations of a Digital Camera from Circuit City ... Gift Cards from Red Lobster, Texas Road House, Alberto's Pizza, Gold's, Giant Foods, Rutter's, ... a Cracker Barrel, Goody Basket, and much more! Everyone is invited, and encouraged, to attend the game, enjoy the festivities, and support the York County Special Olympics.

Raffle tickets are now on sale for the event -- $1 for (1) ticket ... (6) tickets for $5. Tickets are being sold at Windsor Consession stand ... or you can get them from Dwayne Neff (see contact information below).


A season-long fundraising project has been developed by Dwayne Neff, of the Windsor Cardinals Dwayne has started a pledge project to raise money for the York County Special Olympics. Thus far, he  has raised more than $1,000+. Joining Windsor in support of this project are the York Township, Hallam, and Felton ballclubs of the Susquehanna Baseball League.

Players and fans can pledge a fixed amount for the season ... or, they can make a pledge amount for the total season home runs (or hits, runs, strike outs, etc.) by their favorite participating Susquehanna League team during the 2006 season. NOTE: The York Township "Sign-up Sheet" is located at the McWilliams Field Snack Bar and is available at every York Township home game.

For information about the event, to offer sponsorship support, to donate prizes for the raffles, or to get Rafle Tickets -- please call Dwayne Neff at (717) 318-9884 ... or, e-mail: n7dwy@verizon.net.
 
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING York County SPECIAL OLYMPICS!

(based on information reported in the York Dispatch, Monday, June 12th)
The Susquehanna Baseball League announces the 2006 "Hall of Fame" Selections!

The Susquehanna Baseball League is very pleased to announce the "Hall of Fame" Class of 2006. They are -- Bob Bowser (Wrightsville), Rod Holtzapple (Felton, Loganville, Stewartstown), Larry Jacobs (York Township), Danny Smith (Felton, Conrads), and Fred Winter (East Prospect).
 
Bob Bowser (Wrightsville)
Pitcher, Manager, Team Organization
Years-26
Games-584 ... AB-1466 ... Runs-346 ... Hits-376 ... AVG-.256 ... 2B-46 ... 3B-20 ... HR-12 ... RBI-213
 
Rod Holtzapple (Felton, Loganville, Stewartstown)
1st base, DH
Years-15
Games-459 ... AB-1461 ... Runs-326 ... Hits-505 ... AVG-.346 ... 2B-94 ... 3B-27 ... HR-47 ... RBI-329
 
Larry "Jake" Jacobs (York Township)
3rd base, DH
Years-28
Games-826 ... AB-2405 ... Runs-528 ... Hits-706 ... AVG-.294 ... 2B-113 ... 3B-12 ... HR-138 ... RBI-619
 
Danny Smith (Felton, Conrads)
Pitcher, Manager, Susquehanna Baseball League Officer, and Founder/Benefactor of the annual Susquehanna Baseball League "Scholarship" Awards.
Manager - Felton, 10 years (1980-1997)
Record (Wins-Losses): 204-143 .588 Regular Season and 28-25 .528 Playoffs
Playoff Champion - 1993
 
Fred Winter (East Prospect)
Shortstop, 1B
Years-11
Games-353 ... AB-1187 ... Runs-214 ... Hits-412 ... AVG-.347 ... 2B-51 ... 3B-23 ... HR-33 ... RBI-263
 
These five (5) honorees will be inducted into the "Hall of Fame" at the Susquehanna Baseball League's annual banquet to be held on Saturday, February 3rd (6:00 PM) at the Dallastown Fire Hall. All current players, former players, fans, family, and friends are invited to attend. Cost is $17 per person. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. We hope you'll join us for a great evening.

From all of your former teammates, friends, family, fans, and the Susquehanna Baseball League -- CONGRATULATIONS!
 

 
**NOTE: The above information is based upon statistics and personal data that was compiled and supplied by the Susquehanna Baseball League (as best as they could compile them from historical data). Any errors or omissions are totally and completely unintended. We apologize for any inaccuracies.

______________________________________________________________


 

York Township Wins 2006 Susquehanna League Playoff Championship
  • Game 1  Hallam 4, YORK TOWNSHIP 3
  • Game 2  YORK TOWNSHIP 4, Hallam 3
  • Game 3  YORK TOWNSHIP 5, Hallam 4
  • Game 4  YORK TOWNSHIP 4, Hallam 3

 

RECENT SUSQUEHANNA LEAGUE PLAYOFF CHAMPS

2006: YORK TOWNSHIP def. Hallam

2005: YORK TOWNSHIP def. Red Lion
2004: Red Lion def. YORK TOWNSHIP
2003: Red Lion def. Windsor
2002: YORK TOWNSHIP def. Jacobus
2001: YORK TOWNSHIP def. Hallam
2000: Conrads def. Felton
1999: Conrads def. Felton
1998: Jacobus def. Felton
1997: YORK TOWNSHIP def. Conrads
1996: YORK TOWNSHIP def. Conrads


Township Repeats!!!

Team earns its second straight playoff crown

By ERIC DETWEILER For The York Dispatch


York Township's John Jamison knew what to expect as he stepped to the plate in the bottom of the seventh inning yesterday.

Township and Hallam were locked in a 3-3 tie and the bases were loaded with one out in Game 4 of the Susquehanna League Baseball Playoff Championship Series.

Hallam pitcher Eric Crumling intentionally walked Scott Hart to set up a force at home and bring up Jamison, who said he had come through in similar situations earlier in the season and felt confident.

"I knew (Crumling) was going to come right at me. He tends to bust me in with fastballs. I just wanted to get something through the drawn-in infield," he said.

Crumling did come right at Jamison, and the left fielder smacked a hard grounder to the left of Hallam shortstop Jason Seitz on the first pitch he saw. Seitz dove and snared the smash, but he could not rise and get the ball out of his glove. As the ball fell harmlessly to the grass, Township's Conor Wentland scored the game- and series-winning run in a 4-3 victory.

Repeating the feat: After dropping the first game of the best-of-5 series, Township took the next three games to earn its second straight playoff championship.

"It's sweet getting the hit to win the championship," Jamison said. "That's nice, but this is just the payoff for all the work we've put in since we started hitting and throwing in the gym in February."

For the fourth straight game, Township jumped out to an early lead. Hart walked leading off the bottom of the first. Jamison followed with a single and then Mike Wokulich ripped a single to right. Hallam right fielder Phil Jeanmenne bobbled the ball, allowing Hart to score and Jamison to advance to third. Jamison scored when Brad Lloyd hit into a 4-6-3 double play, giving Township a 2-0 advantage.

"They jumped on us every game," said Hallam manager Rod Seitz. "They were up on us every single game, and we fought back. It's tough against a team like that, especially with their pitching. You know there's not going to be many runs scored. It would be nice to get on top of them once and have them chase us, but that didn't happen."

Hallam constantly threatened to score against Township starter Jay Dimler. The Express lead-off batter reached base in each of the first five innings. In the third, the Express finally managed a run when second baseman Brett Heiser came through with a two-out RBI triple to the wall in right center.

Suicide squeeze attempt fails: Township held the 2-1 lead until the sixth. Heiser popped up to start the inning, but Shawn McCleary and Jason Seitz followed with singles, which put runners on second and third after a throwing error on Wokulich, the center fielder.

Township manager Steve Gergle then turned to Game 2 winner, Drew Kelley, for relief.

"We still had the lead, and I was just thinking if we can get some strikeouts then maybe we can get out of this inning," Gergle said.

On a 1-0 pitch to Justin Seitz, Hallam attempted a suicide squeeze. Seitz could not bunt the outside fastball and Township catcher Kevin Krebs easily tagged out McCleary, who had broken for home.

Justin Seitz drew a walk and Rob Finkill came through for the Express with a two-run double to left center to give Hallam a 3-2 lead.

Markey delivers in relief role: Township could not score in bottom of the sixth, and since Gergle needed to save Kelley in the event of a possible Game 5, he turned to recent Red Lion grad Morgan Markey, who hadn't pitched in about a month. Markey, who also had two hits on the day, rewarded Gergle's confidence with a 1-2-3 top of the seventh.

"All I knew is we needed to keep it a one run game," Gergle said. "He did an absolutely fantastic job"

In the bottom of the seventh, Crumling gave up a lead-off double to Andy Howard. After Markey popped up a bunt attempt for what would be the only out of the inning, Wentland singled to right. Krebs followed with a perfectly placed flare over the first baseman's head for an RBI single to tie the game. Then Hart was walked, setting the stage for Jamison's heroics.

The comeback gave Markey his first career Susquehanna League victory.

"I was excited to go in and pitch but I was kind of nervous because I haven't pitched much at all," he said. "It feels great to get the big win."

Berth in Colonial Tournament: The playoff victory locks up a spot for Township in the Colonial Tournament on Labor Day weekend. Meanwhile, Hallam has to prepare for the start of the best-of-3 York County Championship Series against Central League champion, Glen Rock.

Rod Seitz said that his team will have to put the losses against Township in the past and focus on bringing the county championship trophy back to the Susquehanna League.

"It's going to be tough, but playing a good team like Township will get us ready for the series against (Central League regular-season champion) Glen Rock," he said. "Hopefully that will give us a little momentum going into next week because Glen Rock has been sitting."

Game 1 of the county title series is set for 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Glen Rock. Game 2, and if needed Game 3, will be played Sunday at Hallam. Game 2 Sunday is also set to start at 1:30 p.m.

-- Reach Eric Detweiler at sports@yorkdispatch.com

TOWNSHIP TAKES TITLE!!!
York Township needed its final at-bat to win the Susquehanna League playoffs.

By KIMBERLY RUTH
For the Daily Record/Sunday News

August 21, 2006 —

It always seems to go the same way when York Township and Hallam meet.

Township goes ahead early - Hallam catches up in dramatic fashion - and the game is decided in the final inning.

It was no different Sunday in Game 4 of the best-of-five Susquehanna League championship series, which York Township entered leading two games to one.

Township jumped out to an early lead, but visiting Hallam powered back to take the lead late in the game.

But it was Township that got the last hoorah, as John Jamison singled in the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning to give Township a 4-3 victory and its second straight league playoff championship.

"Let them get the lead," Township manager Steve Gergle said to his squad after the win. "It's more exciting that way."

The victory gave Gergle his second playoff championship as a manager, and Township's 12th in team history.

"Isn't it great?" Gergle said, after getting his ceremonial Gatorade bath. "What a great series and what a great year. This is unbelievable."

Township jumped out to a 2-1 lead in the first. For a while, it looked as though that was how the game would end.

Jay Dimler, who has battled a knee injury all season, gave up one run to Hallam in his first five innings of work.

But that all changed in the top of the sixth.

With one out, Shawn McCleary singled to the left-field corner before moving to third on a single by Jason Seitz.

With Dimler hurting, Gergle brought in Drew Kelley to finish out the inning.

But Hallam had other ideas.

McCleary recorded the second out, getting tagged out on a run-down after a base-running error that would prove costly for Hallam.

Kelley walked his first batter, putting runners on first and second, and Rob Finkill doubled to deep center, scoring Jason and Justin Seitz and putting Hallam ahead, 3-2.

Hallam starter Eric Crumling got through the bottom of the sixth inning, and Morgan Markey sat down the side for Township in the top of the seventh.

"We just wanted to keep it a one-run game at that point," Gergle said, "and we knew we needed the lead-off hitter to get on in the final inning."

Andy Howard was that lead-off hitter, and he doubled to left to get Township rolling in the bottom of the seventh.

Markey popped out on a foiled bunt attempt before Conor Wentland singled to right to put runners at the corners.

Kevin Krebs tied the game with a blooper that fell just inside the right-field foul line behind first base, scoring Howard and moving Wentland to third.

Still with just one out, Hallam walked Scott Hart to get to Jamison.

The move didn't pay off. Jamison sent a hard grounder just out of the reach of Hallam shortstop Jason Seitz.

Seitz got his glove on the ball, but couldn't handle it as Wentland scored the winning run.

"We were playing for one in that last inning and we got two," Gergle said. "It sure worked out for us."

Next up for York Township is the Colonial Tournament on Labor Day weekend.

Hallam - which won the regular season Susquehanna League title over York Township by one game - will face Glen Rock next weekend for the county championship.

"We butt heads with York Township every year, and every year it seems to swing back and forth," Hallam manager Rod Seitz said. "You've gotta give them credit today, they took advantage of the opportunities we gave them, but we'll come back in the county championships next weekend."

June 23, 2007
                                                                                                                               2006 EVENT PARTICIPANTS


Special Olympics Softball 2007 "Windsor Fun Challenge"

SUSQUEHANNA BASEBALL LEAGUE SUPPORTS YORK COUNTY "SPECIAL OLYMPICS!
"

Special Olympics Event - JUNE 23, 2007: The York County Special Olympics softball team will be coming to Windsor on Saturday, June 23, to watch the Windsor vs. Felton Susquehanna Baseball League game.

Following the game, the York County Special Olympics Softball Team (coached by Dwayne Neff of the Windsor Cardinals Baseball Club) will be playing the Windsor Cardinals baseball team and assorted Susquehanna League players in a three-inning "fun game."

Throughout the day there will be raffle giveaways of donations from a variety of local sponsors.
 
Raffle tickets will be on sale at Windsor Cardinal games. They are $1.00 each or six (6) tickets for $5.00. Some Raffle Prizes will be: 3-month membership from Gold's Gym ... 1 free Big Ice Cream Cake from Dairy Queen ... $15 Gift Card from Toy's R" US ... (3) $25 Gift Certificates from HOOTERS ... Free (2) Large Pizza Gift Certificates from Alberto's Pizza ... (6) Gift Certificates each for (1) Free 6" Sub from Subway ... (3) $10 Gift Certificates from Damons ... (6) different Free Meal or Free Appetizer Coupons from Smokey Bones ... (1) Free Goody Basket from Cracker Barrel ...
 
There will be much more prizes coming! 
 
Additional Sponsors and Giveaway Items to be announced at a later date.
 
Everyone is invited, and encouraged, to attend the game, enjoy the festivities, and support the York County Special Olympics.

Some planned activities and appearances include: Hooters Girl to attend game and hand out Raffle Tickets ... Old Country Buffet Bee Mascot.

A season-long fundraising project, developed by Dwayne Neff, will be in place at a number of Susquehanna League venues. To date, participating Susquehanna Baseball teams are: Windsor, York Township, Hallam, Felton, Red Lion, Jacobus, Conrads, and East Prospect. Additional teams and organizations to be announced.

Players and fans can pledge a fixed amount for the season ... or, they can make a pledge amount for total season home runs (or hits, runs, strike outs, etc.) by their favorite participating Susquehanna League team during the 2007 season. NOTE: The York Township "Sign-up Sheet" is located at the McWilliams Field Snack Bar and is available at every York Township home game.

For information about the event, to offer sponsorship support, to donate prizes for the raffles, or to get Raffle Tickets -- please call Dwayne Neff at (717) 318-9884 ... E-mail: n7dwy@verizon.net.
 
 
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING York County SPECIAL OLYMPICS!
 
______________________________________________________________________________
 
 
Special Olympians Rule the Day
Windsor beats Felton before squads join forces for good cause
By JEFF DEWEES
For the Daily Record/Sunday News
York Daily Record/Sunday News
Jun 24, 2007 — It was special afternoon in more ways than one Saturday at Wilmer Neff Field in Windsor.

First, the hometown Windsor Cardinals pulled off an incredible come-from-behind 9-8 win over Felton in a Susquehanna League game. Windsor trailed 8-3 heading into the bottom of the sixth but scored five runs to force extra innings - then won it on a Matt Robinson double to deep left in the eighth.

Second, Dwayne Neff and the Cardinals organization hosted its second annual York County Special Olympics Day, which featured a softball game between Special Olympians and members of the Windsor and Felton baseball teams.

And for the second straight year, the Special Olympians handed those rough-and-tumble Suskie Leaguers a "major-league thrashing," this time by a 17-0 score.

Ya win some, ya lose some.

More than 200 people turned out under brilliant blue skies to watch an exciting game and celebrate the Special Olympics.

"I started this day to raise awareness for all Special Olympians," Neff said.

The son of long-time Windsor manager Nate Neff, Dwayne is deeply involved in the Special Olympics program. He heads the 40-member York Bearcats Special Olympics softball squad, which consists of two teams, an 18-player varsity and 22-player junior varsity. These squads travel around the state playing in various tournaments.

But all that costs money. That's where Dwayne's friends come in.

Dwayne Neff and his fiancée, Susanne Harget, are regulars at the Hooters restaurant on Route 30.

"We eat there at least once a week, if not more," Harget said.

A friendship was struck with the York restaurant's managers, and Neff managed to join forces with the company to host the Hooters Charity Golf Classic to benefit Special Olympics, scheduled for July 23 at Grandview Golf Course.

Neff hopes to raise at least $3,000 during the outing. The sign-up fee for a team of four is $345. Sign up nine teams, and Special Olympics reaches its goal.

In support of the effort, Hooters sent two of its girls to Windsor on Saturday - Mallory Swartz and Elyse Weaver. The duo gave out raffle prizes and even raised $140 for the fund through pass-the-hat donations.

"Our highest (game) donation this year," Harget said with smile.

Susquehanna League president Kevin Overmiller was at the game Saturday, along with William Penn assistant football coach Dave Graybill and school alum Knowledge Timmons, the Penn State cornerback.

"When Dwayne (accepted) the check from the league towards the Special Olympics at last year's (Susquehanna League) awards banquet, there weren't too many people in the room who weren't moved by it," Overmiller said.

Roughly a half-hour after Felton's Hunter Mink served up a 2-1 fastball which Robinson smashed to end the Windsor-Felton game, members from both squads took the field against the Special Olympians, who range in age from 7 to 52.

Behind the high cheese of pitcher Tony DeWalt, the Bearcats shut down the mighty Suskie Leaguers. Bearcat Fred Gerrick hit a first-inning grand slam to give his team to a 4-0 lead, and the carnage mounted.

The day's events made the elder Neff beam with pride. Two "wins" in one day will do that for you.

"Nice crowd, nice day for us," Nate Neff said. "Hats off to Felton, they played with a lot heart. I'm very proud of my son, doing this from his heart. We're all really proud of him. It's one of those days where you can really puff out your chest. Makes me proud to be his father."

2007 Tom Kerrigan Labor Day Colonial Tournament


(Click on comic for  direct link to Winners & Losers Brackets)

HALLAM & RED LION GETTING READY FOR COLONIAL TOURNAMENT
(10) York Township Players Selected to Round Out Rosters
(1st ROUND PAIRINGS/GAME SITES/GAME TIMES LISTED BELOW)
 
Ten (10) YORK TOWNSHIP players were among those league players selected by Hallam (Regular-Season Champion), Red Lion (Playoff Champion), and The Cly Mudcats (NABA) to round out their rosters for the upcoming Labor Day weekend's "Tom Kerrigan Labor Day 'Colonial Tournament.'" All players selected were --
 
Hallam (Regular-Season Champion)
Drew Kelley (YORK TOWNSHIP )
Casey Markey (YORK TOWNSHIP)
Brad Lloyd (YORK TOWNSHIP)
Gordie Eck (Columbia)
Matt Robinson (Windsor)
Mike Wokulich (YORK TOWNSHIP)
Kevin Krebs (YORK TOWNSHIP)
Josh Knaub (Conrads)
Chad Kennell (Conrads)
Darren Chilcoat (YORK TOWNSHIP)
 
Red Lion (Playoff Champion)
Shawn Wilson (Windsor)
Scott Hart (YORK TOWNSHIP)
Jay Dimler  (YORK TOWNSHIP)
Garvey Blymire (Felton)
Steve Gergle (YORK TOWNSHIP)
 
The Cly Mudcats (NABA)
Luke Grim (YORK TOWNSHIP)
 
_____________________________________________________________________
 
 
Colonial Tournament Just Around The Corner For Baseball Teams, Fans
COLUMN By LARRY A. HICKS, The York Dispatch

It hardly seems like it should be that time of year already, but it is.

There's a certain crispness in the morning air these days. That's a sure sign that the 44th Tom Kerrigan Colonial York Baseball Tournament is just around the corner.

The 24-team tourney will be held Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1, 2 and 3, beginning with 9:00 AM games on opening Saturday.

Local teams -- Mount Wolf and Glen Rock, representing the Central League, and Hallam and Red Lion, from the Susquehanna League -- will be active from the opening gun. Mount Wolf will entertain Elizabethtown at 9:00 AM, and Spring Grove, MD, will play Hallam at 9:00 AM on the Hallam diamond.

At 11:30 AM, Saturday, Brooklyn WYD National will play Glen Rock on the Mount Wolf field, while Sports Fever (NY) will play Red Lion at Manchester.

The tournament championship game is scheduled for noon on Labor Day Monday at the Mount Wolf field. A losers'-bracket semifinal game will be played on the same diamond at 9 a.m.

Tournament director Beth Senft -- in her sixth year at the helm -- said there was "more interest in the tournament from outside teams this year than we've had in a few years. A number of teams called in the last week or so, and I had to turn them down because the brackets were already set. In one case, I actually had to mail an entry fee check back to a team because we received it too late. The first 24 teams to get their checks in, are the 24 teams in the tournament."

"The tournament has been a 24-team event since the switch to wooden bats a half-dozen years ago," Senft said.

"We especially had a lot of interest from the state of New York this year," Senft said.

In fact, eight (8) of the 24 teams are from New York -- the most ever. No teams from Harrisburg, the West Shore or Lancaster County (the Elizabethtown team originated from Stewartstown) will play in the tournament this year, she said.

Each local team was permitted to fill out its rosters by drafting players from other teams in their respective leagues.

Central League regular-season champion Mount Wolf selected: Shawn Hedrick, Dover; Kyle Wildasin, Stoverstown; Dustin Kuhn, Dover; Eric Dowling, Stoverstown; Matt Kalos, Manchester; Eric Lau, Dover; Chris Beichler, Manchester; and Scott Ream, Pleasureville.

Glen Rock picked: Brendan Reinert, Dover; Andy Clemens, Manchester; Ryan Myers, Stoverstown; Ryan Reinert, Dover; Tom Miller, Manchester; Chris Langley, Manchester; Jasyn Kitner, Pleasureville; and Brendan Bishard, Stoverstown.

In the Susquehanna League, regular-season champion Hallam chose: Drew Kelley, York Township; Casey Markey, York Township; Brad Lloyd, York Township; Gordie Eck, Columbia; Matt Robinson, Windsor; Mike Wokulich, York Township; Kevin Krebs, York Township; Josh Knaub, Conrads; and Chad Kennell, Conrads.

Red Lion picked: Shawn Wilson, Windsor; Scott Hart, York Township; Jay Dimler, York Township; Garvey Blymire, Felton; and Steve Gergle, York Township.

No all-star teams from either league will be included in the tournament this year.


Sports columns by Larry A. Hicks, Dispatch columnist, run every Thursday. Reach him by e-mail at: lhicks@yorkdispatch.com.


_____________________________________________________________________


TOM KERRIGAN COLONIAL YORK BASEBALL TOURNAMENT
FIRST ROUND PAIRINGS

9:00 AM -- Saturday, Sept. 1
Spring Grove vs. Hallam at Hallam
Bumpy Oak vs. Staten Island at Pleasureville
Long Island Storm vs. Delran at Manchester
Gildea's Raiders vs. South Penn at Dover
Elizabethtown vs. Mount Wolf at Mount Wolf
Cly Mudcats vs. North Branch at York Township
Long Island Black Sox vs. Norristown at Stoverstown
Mount Vernon Hawks vs. Combine at Shiloh
 
11:30 AM -- Saturday, Sept. 1
Brooklyn Mill Basin vs. Delco at Pleasureville
Glen Rock vs. Brooklyn WYD at Mount Wolf
Dependable Auto Body vs. Cecil City Braves at Shiloh
Red Lion vs. Sports Fever at Manchester
_____________________________________________________________________
Hendrickson Back on East Coast with Marlins
Former York Township/Susquehanna League pitcher, Mark Hendrickson, signed with Florida.

Jan 17, 2008 — Mark Hendrickson just wanted a chance to be a starting pitcher again.

The bonus is that he'll get to do it back on the East Coast with regular stops close to family and friends in York County.

Hendrickson, who played with York Township in the Susquehanna League, agreed to a $1.5 million, one-year contract on Wednesday with the Florida Marlins. The 6-foot-9 left-hander was 4-8 with a 5.21 ERA last year for the Los Angeles Dodgers and fell out of the starting rotation. 

He was only 3-7 with a 6.13 ERA in 15 starts. He was successful, though, as a starter in a previous stint with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

The Marlins staff “said they're going to hand me the ball every fifth day,” said Hendrickson, 33. “That's the opportunity I wanted ... I wanted to get a situation where I could get back to starting full-time and show what I can do.

“I've always viewed myself as a starter,” he said. “With the way things went in L.A., there are question marks with regard to that.”

Hendrickson is 43-55 with a 5.01 in 179 major league games, which includes 135 starts, with Toronto (2002-03), Tampa Bay (2004-06) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (2006-07).

“Mark gives us another quality left-handed arm in our rotation, and his experience and veteran leadership should benefit our clubhouse,” Florida manager Fredi Gonzalez told the Associated Press.

Hendrickson can make $50,000 in incentives if he starts 20 games this season and another $50,000 if he starts 22 times. He will earn $100,000 more for each additional pair of starts he makes up to 30.

The contract is “a little bit less money” than the Dodgers' offer, “but I felt like I had to take a step back this year with hopes of making up for it after this year in the free agent market.”

Not only will Hendrickson be counted on to be a leader on a young staff, he will get to do it close enough for family and friends to drive and watch him. The Marlins make regular trips to Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New York City.

He also won't be too far away from his second home in St. Petersburg.

Hendrickson could be the third left-hander in the Marlins' rotation, joining Scott Olsen and Andrew Miller. He will be tutored by former Baltimore Orioles' pitching coach Mark Wiley.

The 6-foot-9 Hendrickson also played parts of four seasons in the NBA, appearing with four different teams from 1996-2000 (Philadelphia, Sacramento, New Jersey, Cleveland).
 
_____________________________________________________________________
 

Mark Hendrickson

Wikipedia:
Florida Marlins — No. --
Starting Pitcher
Born: June 23, 1974 (1974-06-23) (age 33)
Bats: Left Throws: Left 
Major League Baseball debut
August 62002 for the Toronto Blue Jays
Selected MLB statistics
(through 2007)
Win-Loss     43-55
Earned Run Average     5.01
Strikeouts     464
Teams

Mark Allan Hendrickson (born June 23, 1974 in Mount Vernon, Washington, U.S.) is an American professional athlete. He is one of just 10 athletes to play in both Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association.[1] He currently plays for the Florida Marlins.[2]

 

High School Career

Hendrickson was a three-sport standout in tennis, basketball, and baseball at Mount Vernon High School in the state of Washington. During his sophomore year, Mark was a member of the state championship baseball team and the runner-up state basketball team. Mark was a member of the state championship basketball team during his junior year, where he earned recognition as the co-MVP of the tournament for his play. He was also named team captain, team MVP, and named to the All-Area and All-State teams. A tennis state qualifier, Mark was also named to the baseball All-Area team.

As a senior, Mark led the Bulldogs to a second basketball championship. He was team captain, team MVP, All-Area, All-State, and the state basketball tournament MVP. For his performance on the basketball court, Mark was named the Gatorade State Player of the Year. In addition to his remarkable basketball play, Mark was able to help his team win the state championship in baseball, while also qualifying for state in tennis. He was named the Skagit Valley Herald Athlete of the Year both his junior and senior years.

College Career

Hendrickson starred in both basketball and baseball at Washington State University.

In basketball he was a two-time selection to the All-Pac-10 Conference first team and he ranks second in Washington State history in rebounds. [3] He averaged 13.9 points per game and 8.6 rebounds per game during his four years at Washington State.[4] He was also selected to All-Conference teams in baseball.

NBA & MLB Drafts

Hendrickson was drafted multiple times by baseball teams. Right after high school he was drafted in the 13th round in 1992 by the Atlanta Braves, but chose to attend college instead. He was also drafted, but did not sign, by the San Diego Padres in the 21st round in 1993, by the Atlanta Braves in the 32nd round in 1994, by the Detroit Tigers in the 16th round in 1995, and by the Texas Rangers in the 19th round of the 1996 draft.

Upon his college graduation he was selected by the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers (2nd pick, 2nd round, 31st overall) in the 1996 basketball draft and MLB's Toronto Blue Jays (20th round) of the 1997 baseball draft.

NBA Career

Hendrickson elected to play basketball and joined the 76ers, playing part time in 29 games in the 1996-97 NBA season, averaging 2.9 points and 3.2 rebounds in 10.4 minutes per game. He signed as a free agent with the Sacramento Kings on December 23 1997, appearing in 48 games, averaging 15.4 minutes, 3.4 points and 3.0 rebounds as a reserve player.

Unsigned by the NBA prior to the 1998 season, he signed with the CBA La Crosse Catbirds where he played most of the season. He was picked up by the New Jersey Nets for a couple of brief stints during the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 seasons and by the Cleveland Cavaliers for the remainder of the 2000 season. Frustrated by his inability to get more consistent work he decided to give up on basketball and concentrate on baseball.

His final NBA career numbers were 114 games played, 8 starts, 1,508 minutes played, 316 rebounds, 15 blocks and 381 points scored.

Minor League Baseball Career

He continued to play semi-pro baseball in the off-season while he was playing basketball and eventually signed with the Blue Jays on May 22 1998 electing to play minor league baseball during the summer while continuing his basketball career. During this period, he pitched for the Blue Jays "A" ball affiliate in Dunedin in 1998 (4-3, 2.37 era, 16 games, 5 starts) and the "AA" Team in Knoxville in 1999 (2-7, 6.63 era, 12 games, 11 starts).

In [[2000] in baseball|2000]], after abandoning basketball and turning to baseball full time, he had to refocus his energies on his baseball career. "I was always around baseball," he commented, "but what a lot of people don’t realize, and what I didn’t realize is that I didn’t put in the time and dedication into knowing how to get my arm into shape, how to take care of it, and how to pitch on a regular basis." [5]

He started off the 2000 season back at Dunedin (2-2, 5.61, 12 starts, 1 CG) but was promoted to the "AA" Tennessee Smokies (3-1, 3.63, 6 starts). He spent the next two seasons with the "AAA" Syracuse Chiefs (2-9, 4.66, 38 games, 6 starts in 2001; 7-5, 3.52, 14 starts in 2002).

Major League Baseball Career

Hendrickson made his major league debut for the Blue Jays on August 8, 2002, against the Seattle Mariners as a reliever. It was a rather bleak first appearance. He worked 1/3 of an inning and allowed 5 runs. The Jays stuck with him and he made his first career start on September 7 against the Boston Red Sox, pitching 5 scoreless innings in a game the Jays lost 1-4. His first victory came in his next start, on September 14 against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, when he worked six innings, allowed one run and the Jays won 8-4.

He returned to the rotation at the start of the 2003 season and stayed there all year, accumulating a 9-9 record with a 5.51 era in 30 starts, with one complete game shutout.

Hendrickson is the only pitcher in Toronto Blue Jays history to hit a home run, which he did against the Montreal Expos on June 22, 2003.

On December 14, 2003, he was traded by the Blue Jays along with Sandy Nin to the Colorado Rockies for Justin Speier. The Rockies immediately flipped him to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for Joe Kennedy.

He became a regular member of the Devil Rays' rotation, accumulating records of 10-15 (4.81 ERA) in 2004, 11-8 (5.90 ERA) in 2005 and 4-8 (3.81 ERA) in the first half of 2006.

He was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 27, 2006, along with catcher Toby Hall in exchange for Dioner Navarro, Jae Seo and minor league outfielder Justin Ruggiano.

He immediately joined the Dodgers' starting rotation, but ineffectiveness caused him to be moved to the bullpen for the end of the season, where he was more effective. His final 2006 numbers with the Dodgers were 2-7, 4.68 ERA in 18 appearances, 12 as a starter.

In 2007, he has been both a starter and a reliever for the Dodgers, showing more effectiveness out of the bullpen.

Hendrickson was not offered a contract by the Dodgers and became a free agent on December 12, 2007. On January 16, 2008, Hendrickson signed a one-year contract with the Florida Marlins.

Hendrickson is notable for his size, at 6'9". The only players in Major League Baseball as of 2006 who are taller than Hendrickson are Jon Rauch, at 6'11", and Randy Johnson, Andy Sisco, and Chris Young, who are each 6'10". However, where Johnson is a power pitcher with an overpowering fastball and hard-cutting slider, Hendrickson is more of a groundball pitcher, with a fastball in the high 80s and a decent 12-6 curveball. Hendrickson also has a 10-4 slider, but his slider only reaches the high 70s to low 80s and has significantly less movement than Johnson's. Thus, when Hendrickson has success, it is due to control, movement and location and not power.

 
 
Hendrickson has his eyes set on a terrific 2008
Article Last Updated: 01/21/2008 06:28:43 AM EST

Jan 21, 2008 — It sounds like a joke.

A Major League Baseball pitcher is in a doctor's office for laser eye surgery.

He has 20-200 vision in his left eye.

The doctor: “You must be relieved to never have to wear glasses or contact lenses again.”

The pitcher: “You don't understand, I didn't wear a thing.”

The stunned doctor: “Boy, you were fooling some people.”

It only sounds like a joke.

Somehow, York County's Mark Hendrickson has pitched in the majors the past five seasons with terrible vision in one eye and only mediocre vision in the other.

Apparently, the kid who spent summers and holidays around family in York County always had eye problems. He fought wearing glasses and contacts growing up and simply adjusted without them.

Who could fault the results?

He could see well enough to become a star basketball player at Washington State and play parts of four seasons in the NBA.

He also was a dominating pitcher and hitter for York Township in the Susquehanna League before signing with the Toronto Blue Jays and getting called up in 2002.

He hit the first home run by a pitcher in Jays' history. The 6-foot-9 left-hander went on to become a solid starting pitcher with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Then he pitched well in relief for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2006 playoffs.

But his eyes were getting worse.

The deciding moments came last summer when he couldn't see the ball clearly while hitting. He was 1-for-27 at the plate with 10 strikeouts.

“I'm not saying I'm a .300 hitter . . . but I was embarrassing myself.”

Who's to say how his eye problems affected his pitching? He struggled last season but still showed flashes.

No matter, he had laser eye surgery a couple of weeks ago. He signed with a new team, the Florida Marlins, last week.

And he feels like he has a new lease on his baseball life.

“It just got to the point where I'm going into my free agent year, and I'm pulling out all the stops. I don't want to ever look back and say, 'I could have done this, I could have done that.'”

He's doing whatever he can while spending the winter in York with his girlfriend. He throws regularly on an indoor field in Lancaster and is working out with a personal trainer.

He's also wiser, having learned from two rocky seasons with the Dodgers.

“Every situation a pitcher could be put in I was put in,” Hendrickson said. “Going through it and remaining healthy taught me a lot as far as being able to deal with different situations.”

And now he has a new team that has promised him a spot in the starting rotation.

He also has new eyes, in a way.

His vision is now 20-15. Better than most. He couldn't believe streetlights and neon signs were always this bright.

He couldn't believe, at 33, he finally has his best chance for success.

That's why the season can't come soon enough.


“This is helping me see a whole new world.”
 
_________________________________________________________________

Frank Bodani is a sportswriter for the Daily Record/Sunday News. Reach him at 771-2104 or
fbodani@ydr.com.
 

YORK TOWNSHIP BASEBALL CLUB TEAM BANQUET
 
The York Township Baseball Club held its annual team banquet on Saturday, February 9th in "The Abbey" at the Harp & Fiddle.
 
The 2007 Individual Awards were presented to:

  • Most Valuable Player: Mike Wokulich
  • Most Valuable Pitcher: Drew Kelley
  • Batting Champion: Mike Wokulich .487 (56-115) ... Mike is also the 2007 Susquehanna Baseball League Batting Champion!
  • Most RBI: Mike Wokulich (29)
  • Most Wins: Casey Markey (8)

    The award presentation was followed by the annual induction of the York Township Baseball Club "Hall of Fame." This year's inductee was Duane "Whitey" Reed. "Whitey" played shortstop for 14 years for York Township. He was being introduced for induction by his friends and former teammates -- Larry Jacobs and Tom Shultz.
  •  
    Player Yrs  G  AB  R  H 2B 3B HR RBI  K BB AVG PO  A E PCT
    Duane Reed  14 420 1234 293 378  78 10  26  241 179 211 0.306 509 859 91 0.938
     
     
    CONGRATULATIONS, "WHITEY!"
     
    ________________________________________________________________
     
    Susquehanna Baseball League Hall of Fame "Class of 2007" Inductees
    Sam Jamison, Marlyn Bacon, Kim McCullough, Dave Woltman, Brian Grove (Don Grove's nephew) 


    SUSQUEHANNA BASEBALL LEAGUE 2007 BANQUET

    The annual Susquehanna Baseball League 2007 Banquet was held on Saturday, February 2nd, at the Dallastown Fire Hall.


    The 2007 League Individual and Team Awards were presented after dinner. The 2007 award winners were:
    • Regular Season Champion: Hallam (27-9)
    • Regular Season Runner-up: Red Lion (26-10)
    • Playoff Champion: Red Lion
    • Playoff Runner-up: Windsor
    • Batting Champion: Mike Wokulich (York Township)  .487 (56-115)
    • Most Wins: Jason Christenberry (Jacobus) 9
    • Best W-L Percentage: Travis Stump (Hallam)  .875 (7-1)
    • Most Valuable Player: Jason Seitz (Hallam)
    • Outstanding Young Player: Jason Christenberry (Jacobus)
    • Manager of The Year: Rod Seitz (Hallam)
    • President's Award: Doug Bacon (Red Lion)
    • Scholarship Winners: Jason Christenberry (Jacobus), Jason Enoch (Red Lion), Tyler Runkle (Windsor), Kurt Smith (Stewartstown)
    The awards presentation was followed by the annual induction of the Susquehanna Baseball League "Hall of Fame." The HOF Class of 2007 inductees were:
    • Dave Woltman (York Township) Player, League President, Vice President, Treasurer -- 25+ years of service
    • Kim McCullough (Glen Rock -- Susquehanna Baseball League)
    • Don Grove (Windsor)
    • Marlyn Bacon (Conrads)
    • Sam Jamison (Loganville, Jacobus)

    ___________________________________________________________________________

    Ken "The Rocket" Kahler's Speech
     Susquehanna Baseball League Presents Check to Special Olympics
    (left to fight: Dave Woltman - League President ... Kevin Overmiller - Outgoing League President ... Shawn Wilson - Windsor Cardinals ... Dwayne Neff - Windsor Cardinals & Special Olympics softball coach ... Jason Seitz, Hallam Express (2007 League MVP) ... Ken "The Rocket" Kahler ... Marc Keller- Red Lion Lions ... Ed Dellinger - League Scheduler)


    THE SUSQUEHANNA BASEBALL LEAGUE SUPPORTS SPECIAL OLYMPICS
     
    On the evening of Saturday, February 2nd, at the annual Susquehanna Baseball League Banquet, a very “special” guest, Ken “The Rocket” Kahler, addressed the group on behalf of his Special Olympics softball team. “The Rocket” was there to thank the league, and all of its ten (10) teams, for supporting the Special Olympics and for their 2007 donation of $2,500. “The Rocket” was introduced by his coach, Dwayne Neff (Windsor).

    There has been a great interest in, and a lot of requests for, this presentation. Dwayne was kind enough to have a copy of "The Rocket's" speech sent to us so we could post it here to share with you.
     
    Here is a copy of "The Rocket's" speech ...

    Good evening. I would like to thank you all for having me here tonight to share a meal with you and to participate in the festivities. I would especially like to thank Coach Neff who invited me to speak to you. He was my softball coach for Special Olympics this year, and I, along with many other of my fellow athletes, are looking forward to an even greater season this year under his guidance.

    Being an athlete with the Special Olympics York County Program has given me many wonderful things throughout the years. My coaches taught me about sports rules and sportsmanship. I have learned that loyalty to my team and cooperation are keys to success. I have learned that winning is a very cool thing, but winning is not the ONLY thing. I have learned respect – for my coaches, volunteers, and fellow athletes, but most of all, for myself.

    I have gained many assets from my participation in Special Olympics. I have gained self-esteem and self-confidence. I have gained the ability to hold a job, and be great at it! I have gained friendships that will endure my lifetime. And that brings me here, to this night.

    Your interest in me, in my team, my program - called Special Olympics - has brought me here to thank you. Thank you for what you have been doing for all of us. When you look at me, you are seeing one member of one team. One team among twelve other sports. One individual among almost three hundred, then you are seeing all the people you have been helping.

    Please accept my congratulations to all of you here. If you haven't come in first place, it’s ok for many reasons: and here they are: because you were physically able to play the game. Because you had fun when you played. Because you were with friends. Because you were part of a team. And most of all, because you were part of a generosity that most people aren't willing to share, but YOU did!

    Thank you again, and have a great rest of the evening. 
     
    (COMMENT: A standing ovation immediately followed “The Rocket’s” speech. We all could have called a night right there. I don't think anyone could have better said what it means to be a part of this great game. Or the concern and support of others. Or the meaning of the words -- sportsmanship, loyalty, cooperation, respect. We can all learn a great deal from “The Rocket” and his teammates. They are, beyond words, truly very “special” individuals, very "special" athletes. We all owe a great “Congratulations” and “Thank you” to Ken "The Rocket" Kahler and to his teammates. And a very special word of gratitude to their coach, Dwayne Neff, for his efforts on behalf of Special Olympics and for involving all of the teams of the Susquehanna Baseball League. – JW)
     
    ________________________________________________________________
     
    You can be a part of this terrific effort. If you would like to help support the local Special Olympics -- and Ken "The Rocket" Kahler and his softball teammates -- please contact Dwayne Neff (Windsor Cardinals). You can reach "Dewey" via e-mail at - Work: DNeff@yapinc.org ... Home: n7dwy@verizon.net. Dwayne and his athletes will greatly appreciate your support.
    ________________________________________________________________
     
     
    From Dwayne Neff (Windsor Cardinals and Special Olympics Softball Team Coach): "Hey everyone. I'd like to post a letter I received from the Secretary of York County Special Olympics ... "
     


    Dear Susquehanna League,

    On behalf of the athletes of Special Olympics York County, please accept our sincere thanks to the teams and members of the Susquehanna Baseball League for their donation of $2,500.00 to our program.


    As a Special Olympics volunteer yourself, you are aware of the following (some Susquehanna League players and officers may not). Please share the following facts with them:
    • We are a volunteer organization and receive no government funding.
    • Those of us who work with the athletes receive our payment in full be seeing the enjoyment and pride on their faces when they are able to compete.
    • There is never a charge to our athletes for their participation in our program.
    So you see, your support, together with that of other organizations, businesses and individuals, makes it possible for us to offer year-round training and competition in basketball, bocce, soccer, softball and volleyball as well as the individual sports of track and field, aquatics, bowling, golf, ice skating, roller skating, skiing, and tennis. Thank you again for all your support.

    We are so happy to learn that Ken "The Rocket" speech was a "home run". As you know, he is exceptional in so many ways and a real asset on any team.

    Sincerely,


    Anne Kline
    Secretary
     
     
    Photo Credit: Matt Freed/Post-Gazette
    Freedom's John Challis gets a hug from Beaver's Al Torrence after a game April 24
    __________________________________________________________
     
    TEEN IS RUNNING OUT OF INNNIGS, BUT THE GAME STILL ISN'T OVER
     
    A TALE OF COURAGE
    Sunday, May 04, 2008
    By Mike White, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
     

    The 18-year-old kid dying of cancer gets his wish, a chance to swing a bat maybe one last time in a real baseball game.

    He hasn't played in a few years, but he's called on to pinch-hit. His eyes light up at the first pitch and he puts all of his 5-foot-5, 93-pound frame into one mighty swing, making contact and sending a line drive into right field for a single -- if he can reach first base. The cancer he's been battling for almost two years has spread to his pelvis, making running nearly impossible.

    The kid worries about falling as he hustles down the first-base line. When he gets to the base, he lets out with a yell. "I did it! I did it!"

    Safe at first with a hit and an RBI, the kid is hugged by a crying first-base coach. The opposing pitcher takes off his glove, starts applauding and his teammates follow suit. The kid's teammates run onto the field to celebrate.

    It sounds like the climax to a heart-tugger movie. But there was no producer or film crew at the game between Freedom and Aliquippa high schools two weeks ago. The scene was as real as the tumors in John Challis' liver and lungs.

    John is a kid with cancer, a senior at Freedom in Beaver County who was told a few weeks ago by doctors that cancer was winning and it was close to the end. The disease that started in his liver was now taking over his lungs.

    "They said it could be only two months," he said, fighting back tears.

    He paused before his seemingly never-ending optimism came through again.

    "I told my mom I still think I can get two more years."

    But his story isn't about dying. It's about inspiring.

    His story, words, actions, beliefs and courage have become known around Freedom and surrounding areas in Beaver County, bringing people together from other communities and other schools.

    Three weeks ago, Freedom baseball coach Steve Wetzel organized "Walk For A Champion" on Freedom High's school grounds. The purpose of the walk-a-thon was to raise money for one of John's wishes -- a last vacation with his mom, dad and 14-year-old sister, Alexis.

    More than 500 people took part, including baseball teams from eight Beaver County high schools and members of Center High School's football team. John also used to play football at Freedom.

    Mr. Wetzel, who calls the teen his hero, hoped to raise $6,000. That total was easily surpassed "and people are still calling with donations," he said.

    The family has booked a cruise for June.

    The Challis Effect

    A Beaver County church had planned a fundraiser, but John and his family asked the church instead to conduct the event and give the money to a fifth-grade boy in Beaver County who has a brain tumor.

    "His family can use it more than we can," John said. "That's just common sense. Someone does something good for you, then you help someone else."

    Actions and statements like those are what has inspired so many others. All of Aliquippa's baseball players wear John's jersey number "11" on their hats. At the walk-a-thon, Aliquippa star athlete Jonathan Baldwin, a Pitt football recruit, presented him with a ball signed by Pitt players.

    After the walk, John addressed the crowd.

    "He spoke from his heart," Mr. Wetzel, the coach, said. "He said, 'I've got two options. I know I'm going to die, so I can either sit at home and feel sorry, or I could spread my message to everybody to live life to the fullest and help those in need.' After hearing that, I don't know if there were many people not crying."

    Last Thursday, Beaver pitcher Manny Cutlip tossed a three-hitter against Freedom as John watched in street clothes. After the game, every Beaver player came up to him and shook his hand. Some hugged him and some said they were praying for him. Manny Cutlip asked Mr. Wetzel if he could go to lunch some time with John. It happened the next day.

    "I don't know what to say. I just wanted to get to know him better and see if I could learn anything from him to help me in my life," said the young pitcher, an imposing 6-foot-3, 225-pound standout athlete who will play football at IUP.

    At lunch, he gave John a new football with a handwritten personal message on it. Part of the message read, "You have touched my heart and I will always look up to you as my role model."

    Talk to John and you'll laugh at his sense of humor when he says things such as, "You can't let girls know that you know how to text message because they won't leave you alone."

    But listen to his mature views on life and his philosophies ... and you might cry.

    "I used to be afraid, but I'm not afraid of dying now, if that's what you want to know," he said. "Because life ain't about how many breaths you take. It's what you do with those breaths."

    Figuring It Out

    It's been almost two years since John found out about his cancer. He knows the date like a birthday -- June 23, 2006.

    He discovered only recently that doctors didn't expect him to last through that first summer. "To me, that's already an accomplishment," he said.

    In the first few months after the cancer discovery, John's father, Scott, would get up in the middle of the night, peek into his son's bedroom and see him wide awake, staring at the ceiling.

    "He would just be thinking," the elder Challis said. "He's always been one who had to try and find an answer for everything. He wants to figure things out."

    Through his own thoughts and through his deep Catholic beliefs, John believes he has "figured it out." He answers questions with maturity, courage and dignity, traits that have become his trademarks.

    John requested that his mother, Regina, not be interviewed for this story because it will be too hard for her. He talks to his father about what to do after he dies.

    "I sit up with him at night until 1 or 2 in the morning," Scott Challis said. "He'll tell me, 'Dad, when I'm gone, you have to do this or that. You have to watch your weight.' He's worried about my weight. He tells me I have to take care of mom.

    "When the doctors told him a few weeks ago about how the cancer was winning, he had a lot of questions about what it was going to be like and about being comfortable. Later on, he broke down with me and you know what he did? He apologized. He was upset because he felt like he was letting everyone down who had been praying for him."

    Scott Challis has found talking about his son makes the situation easier to deal with. But many people like to talk about John. Shawn Lehocky is a senior and one of Freedom's top athletes. For every football and baseball game, he wears a red wrist band with John's No. 11 on it.

    "It seems like everyone in this community knows who he is now and he really has brought so many people together," Shawn said. "He's always on my mind. To see him and what he's going through, I don't know if I could act like that. He said some pretty strong words at that walk-a-thon that you don't hear 17- or 18-year-olds say every day."

    John fought back tears a few times during last week's interview.

    "Sometimes I cry, but people cry for all different kinds of reasons," he said. "Sometimes I just want to know why, but I think I figured that out. God wanted me to get sick because he knew I was strong enough to handle it. I'm spreading His word and my message. By doing that, I'm doing what God put me here to do.

    "It took me about a half year to figure all that out. Now, when I'm able to truly believe it, it makes it easier on me. And when you know other people support what you're thinking, it makes it easier."

    When asked where he gained his wisdom, he answered, "Through cancer."

    "They say it takes a special person to realize this kind of stuff," he said. "I don't know if I'm special, but it wasn't hard for me. It's just my mind-set. A situation is what you make of it. Not what it makes of you."

    He regularly wears his Freedom baseball hat. Under the bill of the cap is his name, plus this line: "COURAGE + BELIEVE = LIFE."

    "I guess I can see why people see me as an inspiration," he said. "But why do people think it's so hard to see things the way I do? All I'm doing is making the best of a situation."

    John then raises his voice.

    "Why can't people just see the best in things? It gets you so much further in life. It's always negative this and negative that. That's all you see and hear."

    John tries to keep complaining to a minimum, but he acknowledges his moments of crying.

    "If I'm mad at anything in this, it's that I'm not going to be able to have a son, I'm not going to be able to get married and have my own house," he said, fighting back tears again. "Those are the things I'm mad about. But not dying."

    The Role of Sports

    John loves sports. He is an avid hunter -- "got three buck and two doe in the last year," he said.

    He played baseball through Pony League and always loved football, despite his small stature. As a sophomore, he started on Freedom's junior varsity team as a slotback and cornerback.

    "I was 108 pounds. I had to be the smallest player in the WPIAL," he said with a laugh.

    The cancer forced him to stop playing football as a junior.

    "But I will never forget," his father said, "when he first got sick he told me, 'Dad, I have to dress for a football game one more time.' "

    He got his wish in the final game of his senior season, against Hickory. Coaches let him kick off once. He was supposed to kick and immediately run off the field to avoid danger. Instead, he stayed on the field and got a little excited when the kick returner started heading his way before being tackled.

    Later in the game, the coaches put him in for two plays at receiver. Mr. Wetzel and others who saw the game proudly tell how, on one play, John tried to block a defender, fell down, but got up and pushed another defender.

    Mr. Wetzel said seeing John play in that last football game, doesn't compare to seeing his hit against Aliquippa in that April 14 baseball game. John vividly remembers the details leading up to the hit. When he walked into the batter's box, he saw Aliquippa's catcher wearing a protective mask with the initials "J.C." and the number "11."

    "I just looked at him and said, 'Nice mask.' "

    He then noticed an Aliquippa coach saying something to the pitcher.

    "I'm thinking, 'If they're going to walk me or throw easy to me, I don't want it handed to me,' " he said. "But sure enough, he threw me a fastball. That's what made it so good. ... There were only about 20 people there watching, but everyone was cheering."

    Mr. Wetzel said: "We made it to the state [PIAA] playoffs two years ago and I thought that was the best feeling. I got to play in WPIAL championships at Blackhawk as a player. But that day, that hit, that moment ... That was the best feeling I've ever had in sports."

    Six days later, Freedom played a game at PNC Park. John attended the game, but had an IV line in his arm for a treatment he was getting. He took out the IV line and asked Mr. Wetzel if he could pinch-hit again.

    "Unbelievable. He told me the doctor said he could take it out for up to seven hours," Mr. Wetzel said. "He told me he just wanted to be a normal kid one more time."

    So Mr. Wetzel let him pinch-hit. This time he struck out.

    They have a unique coach-player relationship. Mr. Wetzel invited John to be part of the team a year ago and John calls the coach one of his best friends. They talk every day, at least on a cell phone, and go to lunch together once a week.

    "The kid has changed my life," Mr. Wetzel said. "I cry for him just about every day. I'm 32 and I'm getting married in September. You know what he told me the other day? He told me to save him a seat in the front row of the church, because even if he's not there, he'll be there in spirit.

    "He just keeps doing things and saying things that are just unbelievable. I know our team will never forget this season because of Johnny."

    The two want to start a foundation in John's name for young cancer patients.

    "Even if [the foundation] is something that can help only one kid or one family, to see people in a different way like I have, it will be worth it," John said. "Maybe it will help younger people who haven't gotten to see the finer things in life that I got to see."

    John plans to attend Freedom's prom May 9 and plans to graduate in June. As John ended this interview, he said he wondered how his story will come out in the newspaper.

    "When you write this, don't overthink things," he said. "I've learned that. There are a lot of unanswered questions in this world and the reason they're unanswered is because if you think about them too much, you're always going to come up with different answers. So don't confuse yourself and think about this too much."
    __________________________________________________________
     
    CONTACT THE WRITER: Mike White can be reached at mwhite@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1975
    __________________________________________________________
     
    POST SCRIPT:
     
    John Challis is a very special and unique individual. He truly gets what life is all about.
     
    Michael Haynes has posted this information on this website earlier. If anyone would like to send John a card, or a note, here is his address. The family has asked for No Donations, but says that John would love cards and notes. Send your cards to:
     
    John Challis
    1545 6th Avenue
    Freedom, PA 15042


    (**Please do not send donations, but feel free to send John cards and notes)
     
    __________________________________________________________
     

    MARK HENDRICKSON A KEY TO MARLINS SUCCESS

    MIAMI - MAY 08: Starting pitcher Mark Hendrickson #30 of the Florida Marlins pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers at Dolphin Stadium on May 8, 2008 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)


    Hendrickson playing key role in Florida Marlins' success
     
    Article Launched: 05/28/2008 07:02:06 AM EDT

    When you surf the Web looking for information on Mark Hendrickson, one word keeps popping up -- "journeyman."

    The 6-foot, 9-inch left-hander has had his share of ups and downs during his seven-year Major League career. The 33-year-old, who used to pitch for York Township of the Susquehanna League, doesn't overpower anyone with his high-80s fastball. And his career record of 43-55 entering this season didn't exactly make him a household name.

    In fact, he's probably best known as one of just 11 athletes to compete in both the Major Leagues and the NBA.

    But after a few years in the NBA, Hendrickson is now firmly entrenched as a Major League pitcher. And after bouncing around from Toronto to Tampa Bay to the Los Angeles Dodgers, he seems to have found a home with the first-place Florida Marlins.

    And you did read the previous sentence correctly. The baby-faced Marlins, and their league-low $22 million payroll, are leading the National League East at 30-21. This weekend, Hendrickson and the Marlins will make a visit to nearby Citizens Bank Park to take on the defending NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies. The Phils, with their near $100-million payroll, are 11/2 games behind the Marlins at 30-24.

    One of the big reasons for Florida's stunning success is Hendrickson, who is 7-2 with a 4.18
    ERA this season. Hendrickson is on a pace to win more than 20 games in 2008. That's pretty heady stuff for a guy who has never won more than 11 games and has a career ERA hovering near 5.00.

    Hendrickson -- with his $1.5 million salary (plus incentives) for 2008 -- is also a great bargain for the penny-pinching Marlins. That figure is about half of what he made last season with the Dodgers, who didn't offer him a contract after the 2007 season when he went 4-8 with a 5.21 ERA. He signed a one-year deal with the Marlins largely because they committed to him as a starter. He didn't want to bounce back and forth from starting to relieving, as he did with the Dodgers.

    Hendrickson's 2008 success can probably be traced to a few factors. First, he improved his conditioning after committing himself to a rigorous offseason workout program. Second, he improved his eyesight after having LASIK surgery. And third, he improved his curveball, giving him another out pitch. And it also doesn't hurt that the Marlins have been scoring runs in bunches during many of his starts.

    His improved eyesight has also made him a threat at the plate. The career .140 hitter is batting .333 this season and has even been used as a pinch hitter.

    His success and experience on the mound, meanwhile, has allowed Hendrickson to assume a leadership role on the Marlins' youthful and talented pitching staff.

    Now, on Friday night, Hendrickson is scheduled to face one of his stiffest tests yet against a potent Phils' lineup that has scored 42 runs in its last three games.

    But Hendrickson, who lives in York County during the offseason, will likely have some fan support of his own at Citizens Bank Park from his many relatives and friends in the area. One of his biggest supporters Friday will likely be his uncle, Don Trout, the Dallastown High School baseball coach.

    If Hendrickson can beat the slugging Phils on the road, it would be another significant step forward in a season that's been full of them so far. And if he can continue to pitch as well over the rest of the summer as he has this spring, Hendrickson will soon have multiple reasons to celebrate.

    First, he may find himself pitching in the postseason for the first time ever. Second, he may find himself in the running for some serious postseason awards. And third, he may find himself in line for a large -- and I mean large -- pay raise.

    The "journeyman" may be on his way to a career-changing season.


    Steve Heiser is sports editor for The York Dispatch. He can be reached at sheiser@yorkdispatch.com or at 854-1575, ext. 455. Read his blog, "Chip Shots and Parting Shots," at the Blogzone at yorkdispatch.com.
    Susky 2008 All-Stars
     
    2008 SUSQUEHANNA BASEBALL LEAGUE "ALL-STAR" TEAM ANNOUNCED


    GAME SITE
    : Red Lion – Horn Field
     
    GAME DATE/TIME: Saturday July 19th @ 7:00 PM
     

    POSITION STARTER - RESERVE

    First Base: Nate Neumann (Windsor)   Brandon Warner (Stewartstown)

    Second Base: Eric McNeil (Red Lion)   Dan Smith (Windsor)

    Shortstop: Jason Seitz (Hallam)   Anthony Farrell (Jacobus)

    Third Base: Shawn Wilson (Windsor)   Rich Leathery (Red Lion)

    Catcher: Tom Semanek (Stewartstown)   Justin Seitz (Hallam)

    Outfielders: Mike Austin (Jacobus)   Shawn McCleary (Hallam)   Mike Wokulich (York Township)

                    Jimi Nomikos (Conrads)   Brian Hudish (Jacobus)   John Jamison (York Township)   Nick Root (Conrads)

    Designated Hitter: Rick Thompson (Conrads)   Luke Keeny (Windsor)

    Pitchers: Jason Enoch (Red Lion)   Shawn Hedrick (Red Lion)   Doug Bacon (Red Lion)

                  Casey Markey (York Township)   Drew Kelley (York Township)   Kerry Clark (Jacobus)

                  Dan Lauletta (Stewartstown)   Anthony Heaps (Stewartstown)

    Reserves: Ryk Smith (East Prospect)   Phil Jeanmenne (Hallam)   Corey Waltersdorff (Felton)   Gordie Eck (Columbia)

    Manager: Rod Seitz (Hallam)

    Coaches: Nate Neff (Windsor)   Chad Kennell (Conrads)   Terry Golden (Jacobus)
      
    ______________________________________________________________
     
    All-Star game ends in 6-6 tie
     
    The Susquehanna-Central League matchup was called after 12 innings.
    Daily Record/Sunday News

    Townball took a page from Major League Baseball on Saturday night at Horn Field - but not because the teams ran out of pitchers.
     
    Saturday night's annual Susquehanna-Central League All-Star game ended in a 12-inning, 6-6 tie. The game was called at 10:42 p.m. because of curfew. An inning is not allowed to be started after 10:45 p.m. at Red Lion's Horn Field. The game went 3 hours, 37 minutes.
     
    Tim Frisch of Glen Rock was named the game's most outstanding pitcher, and Shawn Wilson of Windor was the most valuable player. Frisch pitched four scoreless innings late in the game to shut down the Susquehanna League all-stars. Wilson was 2-for-3 with an RBI. His sacrifice fly in the bottom of the sixth gave the Susquehanna League a 5-4 lead.
     
    In to close out the game, Red Lion ace Shawn Hedrick gave up two runs in the top of the ninth, allowing the Central League to tie the game at 6. Jeff Rowand of Manchester lead off the ninth by reaching base on an infield error and came around to score when Pleasureville's Scott Ream drove him home with an RBI-single to centerfield three batters later. Frisch scored the tying run on a single and a second error with Josh Reeser of Manchester at the plate.
     
    Neither team could score in extra innings before the game was ended.
     
    The Susquehanna League jumped in front 2-1 after the first inning, but the Central League scored three runs in the top of the second to take a 4-2 lead. The Susquehanna League all-stars cut the lead to 4-3 in the bottom of the fifth before knocking Glen Rock pitcher Brad McCullough for three runs in the bottom of the sixth without the benefit of a base hit.
     
    ______________________________________________________________
    2008 Keystone Games Schedule
     
    KEYSTONE BASEBALL GAMES AT TOWNSHIP
     
     
    For the fourth consecutive summer, the 2008 Keystone Games are being played in York Township. Up to twenty-four (24) games are being played on McWilliams Field from Tuesday, July 22nd through Sunday, July 27th.
     
     
    ____________________________________________________________________________
     
     
     
     

    2008 SUSQUEHANNA BASEBALL LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
     

    ROUND 1: QUARTER-FINAL (Best-of-3)


    Game 1 (Saturday, August 2nd, 1:30 PM)
    Red Lion 5, Felton 3 (Red Lion leads series, 1-0)
    Hallam 6, Conrads 1 (Hallam leads series, 1-0)
    Jacobus 5, Stewartstown 3 (Jacobus leads series, 1-0)
    York Township 2, Windsor 0 (York Township leads series, 1-0)

    Game 2 (Sunday, August 3rd, 1:30 PM)
    Red Lion 3, Felton 0 (Red Lion sweeps series, 2-0)
    Hallam 7, Conrads 1 (Hallam sweeps series, 2-0)
    Jacobus 6, Stewartstown 1 (Jacobus sweeps series, 2-0)
    York Township 5, Windsor 4 (York Township sweeps series, 2-0)


    ROUND 2: SEMI-FINAL (Best-of-3)
     
    Game 1 (Thursday August 7, 6:00 PM)
    York Township 2 @ Red Lion 6 (Red Lion leads series, 1-0)
    Hallam 3 @ Jacobus 7 (Jacobus leads series, 1-0)
     
    Game 2 (Saturday August 9, 1:30 PM)
    Red Lion 3 @ York Township 10 (Series tied at 1-1)
    Jacobus 5 @ Hallam 8 (Series tied at 1-1)
     
    Game 3 (Sunday August 10, 1:30 PM)
    York Township 3 @ Red Lion 3 (Nitchkey Field) - Game called in 7th ining for rain. To be replayed on Monday, August 11th, 6:00 PM at Nitchley Field.
    Hallam 5 @ Jacobus
    6 (Jacobus wins series 2-1, moves to Playoff Championship Finals)
     
    Game 3 v.2 (Monday August 11, 6:00 PM)
    York Township 3 @ Red Lion 2 (York Township wins series 2-1, moves to Playoff Championship Finals)
     

    ROUND : CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS (Best-of-5)
     
    Game 1 (Tuesday August 12, 6:00 PM)
    York Township 1 @ Jacobus 5 (Jacobus leads the series 1-0)
     
    Game 2 (Thursday August 14, 6:00 PM) - RAINED OUT!
    Jacobus @ York Township

    Game 2 (Friday August 15, 6:00 PM)
    Jacobus 3 @ York Township 7 (Series tied at 1-1)
     
    Game 3 (Saturday August 16, 1:30 PM)
    York Township 1 @ Jacobus 5 (Jacobus leads the series 2-1)
     
    Game 4 (Sunday August 17, 1:30 PM)
    Jacobus 6 @ York Township 0 (Jacobus wins the series 3-1)
     
    Jacobus wins the 2008 Playoff Championship.
    CONGRATULATIONS!
     
     

    FORMER COLUMBIA BALLPLAYER RETURNS FROM AFGHANISTAN

    To read the "Ben Zeamer Story" click here
    Benjamin Zeamer of Columbia stands guard against a Taliban attack at an outpost in Afghanistan. He returned home from the war August 15th, after 15 months of almost constant combat.

    WELCOME HOME, BEN!
    2008 Colonial Tournament Brackets V.3 (updated 8/30)
     

    2008 Tom Kerrigan Memorial Baseball Tournament

     

    The "Rock" Repeats

    Glen Rock dispatched Long Island, 8-4, to win back-to-back tournament titles.

    By JEFF DEWEES
    For the Daily Record/Sunday News

    After it was over, in the gathering darkness at Manchester, they all posed for a team photograph.

    There was Fritz Allison on the left end, bending down, hands on his knees and a huge smile on his face. Tim Hare grinning like a Cheshire cat. Pickup Brad Lloyd from York Township, a champion for the first time in 19 seasons. A huge, gleaning gold-plated trophy in the center. A snapshot, frozen in time.

    And that's why they do it -- to create these kinds of moments. The kind of moment that, when they're all old and gray, they'll be able to look back and say "remember when ..."

    Glen Rock entered the pantheon of great York County townball teams Monday by beating the Long Island Storm, 8-4, in the championship game of the Tom Kerrigan Memorial Baseball Tournament.

    With the victory, the Rock became only the fourth repeat champion in the tournament's 44 year history and just the second from York County. Millersburg repeated in 1967-68, Mechanicsburg from 1976 through 1978 and Mount Wolf in 1989-90.

    Glen Rock, on an 11-0 run, navigated the tourney field undefeated for the second consecutive year. The Rock, which also beat the Storm on Sunday, faced the squad for the second straight year with the title on the line.

    A potent collection of professional travel team players, Long Island has now appeared in three consecutive championship games but has gone home empty-handed each time. That fact was not lost on Glen Rock manager Kim McCullough.

    "That makes it all the more special. You know, we're all a bunch of country bumpkins that just love the game, play hard and play to win," the skipper said with a grin.

    "Some of the plays we made on the field defensively were just fantastic. Fritz Allison put us on his shoulders for two or three games (Sunday). There's only two or three players from York County that when other teams from Long Island or Virginia or wherever come here, they say 'hey, there's this guy from York County, Fritz Allison, and you're really got to watch him.' "

    Allison was named Most Outstanding Hitter with a 7-for-16 performance, including two home runs and 11 runs batted in. He was credited with only 16 official at-bats because he may have set a record for intentional walks during the weekend.

    After delivering a deep double in the bottom of the first inning against the Storm to halve an early 2-0 deficit, Allison walked three times, two of them intentional.

    "To win one feels great, to win back-to-back feels awesome," he said, "especially since we did not have an easy draw this year."

    A critical factor in Glen Rock's repeat was the pitching of Brad McCullough, Dan Goebeler and Matt Gonzalez, a trio which won nine of the 11 games during the current run.

    "They had a strong team, but we battled through it," Gonzalez said. "It was special to be here and have the honor to be on the mound."

    Gonzalez gave up two unearned runs in the first but rebounded to keep Long Island -- a team that tore through the field 40-6 over its previous six games -- off the board until Storm starter Matt Restivo unraveled in the fifth.

    Living dangerously, Restivo had surrendered six walks to that point but escaped unscathed. That changed during the fifth, when Glen Rock sent 10 batters to the plate and scored four runs on a mix of four walks, a double, an error and a hit batter. A bases-loaded free pass gave Glen Rock a 3-2 lead before Scott Stevens ripped a double into the gap in right to give his club a little breathing room at 5-2. The Storm changed pitchers three times during the frame.

    Tim Frisch clubbed a two-run homer to help extend the lead in the sixth. A sacrifice fly by the Storm made it 8-3 in the seventh.

    Long Island scored another run in the ninth and actually brought the tying run to plate, but reliever Andy Clemens got Hector Dupree on a groundout to end the game.

    _______________________________________
     
    Notes: After coming from behind to beat Delco, 4-3, Mount Wolf's run ended in controversy with a 2-0 loss to the Storm in a losers' bracket semifinal. Scoreless in the seventh, the Wolves thought they were out of a jam on a check-swing third strike for the final out but didn't get the call. Two stolen bases, a wild pitch, an errant toss and a triple accounted for the runs. ... Long Island later beat Susquehanna Assault, 4-2, in the losers' bracket final. ... York College student Zach Martz of Pleasureville won the annual scholarship award. ... Gonzalez notched both wins against the Storm to claim Most Outstanding Pitcher ... Fausto Pagano of Long Island was named the Most Outstanding Young Player by hitting .434 for the tournament.
     
    _______________________________________
     
     

    YORK COUNTY BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

     
    2008 YORK COUNTY BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP


    GLEN ROCK (CENTRAL LEAGUE REGULAR SEASON WINNER)
    vs.
    RED LION (SUSQUEHANNA LEAGUE REGULAR SEASON WINNER)

     
     

    GAME 1 (Saturday, August 23, 1:30 PM)
    Red Lion 2 @ Glen Rock
    0 (Red Lion leads the series 1-0)
     
    GAME 2 (Sunday, August 24, 1:30 PM)
    Glen Rock 1 @ Red Lion 3 (Red Lion wins the Best-of-3 series, 2-0)
     
     

    CONGRATULATIONS, Red Lion - 2008 York County Baseball Champions.
     
    __________________________________________________________________
     
    Brett Brothers Composite Bats (MLB Letter)
     
    COMPOSITE/BAMBOO BASEBALL BATS DISCUSSION
     
    Regarding the current discussion about composite and bamboo bats, here is some updated information regarding Brett Brothers Composite Bats being discussed as one option for possible use in the Susquehanna Baseball League (which plays under MLB/American League Rules) in 2009.
     
    _________________________________________________________
     click on the above "Brett Brothers Composite Bats (MLB Letter)" link to see a copy of the MLB letter
     

    From: Brettbats@aol.com
    To: kevinkrebs1@comcast.net
    Subject: Re: MLB Bamboo bat approval ...
    Date: Tue, 2 Dec 2008 17:25:46
     
    Kevin:

    We have two (2) composite bats approved for the minor league teams, see attached letter from MLB. They are the Maple Master model 10 and the ST-271 model.

    The thing that makes these bats so good is they have a fiberglass reinforced handle on them that makes them extremely durable.

    If you can send me a fax number I will show you how much another summer league saved using our bats.

    Joe Sample, GM
    Brett Brothers
    888-882-8814
    E-mail: Brettbats@aol.com
     
    PS: I'm not aware of bamboo being approved by MLB

     
    _________________________________________________________
     click on the above "Brett Brothers Composite Bats (MLB Letter)" link to see a copy of the MLB letter
     
     
    Office of the Commissioner
    MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL


    May 27, 2008

    Mr. Joe Sample
    Brett Bros.
    9516 East Montgomery
    Building# 14
    Spokane, WA 99206

    Dear Joe:

    We are pleased to report that your composite bat models MM-110 and ST-271 have been approved by UMass-Lowell’s Baseball Research Center and the Playing Rules Committee.

    You may now provide your composite bats to the Minor League Clubs and players for their use in Minor League Short-Season A, Rookie-Advanced and Rookie League games, practices and exhibitions (“Professional Play") during calendar year 2008.

    Please be sure that all composite bats are identified as being a “Composite Bat”. The individual Clubs have been informed of your approval status.

    As a reminder, the composite bat must be manufactured, containing your Company mark, to remain in compliance with the specifications found in Section 1.10 of the Official Baseball Rules and the Bat Supplier Regulations.

    If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at (212) 931-7869.

    Thank you,
    Roy Krasik
    Senior Director, Major League Operations
     

    245 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10167    (212) 931-7800     www.mlb.com

     
     click on the above "Brett Brothers Composite Bats (MLB Letter)" link to see a copy of the MLB letter
     
     
     
     
    Everett R. "Ev" Clark
     

    York Township Baseball Team Co-founder "Ev" Clark Dies at 71

    By JEFFREY A. JOHNSON The York Dispatch

    On most afternoons during the long days of summer, he would be there.
     
    Maybe he'd be shooting the breeze with Connie Mac.
     
    Or maybe he'd simply soak in the baseball game in front of him.
     
    York Township players went about their business as usual, but many of them -- including current Township manager Steve Gergle, years ago -- had to wonder: Just who was this man?
     
    Everett R. Clark -- known as "Ev" to his friends -- was a quiet, kind man, according to those who knew him. He wasn't the type of person who would tout his own part in all this. But he, along with Connie McWilliams, Phil Bowman, Elwood "Duck" Smith, Dick Culbertson and Nelson Fitzkee, was one of York Township's founding members who helped nourish the Susquehanna League team.
     
    In the late 1960s, he helped deliver baseball to a number of young men who desperately needed a team to play on. And when he died on Tuesday at the age of 71 at York Hospital, he left behind many peers who respect and realize what he meant to them.
     
    "You look back on something like that and what seemed like a small gesture at the time has just grown and mushroomed into something beyond what he and they expected," said Gergle, who also worked with Clark at the former Wynfield Club. "He would do anything for you. I'm happy I got the opportunity to know the man."
     
    Clark, who shared his life with his wife of 53 years, Lucreta, was a sports enthusiast. But he also had many other interests. He loved photography, a field in which he worked professionally for many years, and his work in industrial photography took him all over the East Coast. Clark also managed to capture countless family memories through his photography and many of those moments have been relived recently.
     
    "We were going through pictures the other night and he had about a million upstairs," Clark's son, Mark Clark, said. "I used to go and watch him bowl too. He loved that."
     
    Clark also loved working with his hands, which he did part-time in retirement in maintenance at the Wynfield Club. Then there were the weekend trips down to Fenwick Island in Delaware with his family, which were always special.
    And of course there was the reserved place in his heart for York Township baseball, which has grown into a true family over the years. It's also traditionally been one of the better teams in the league.
     
    "We had quite a time to get everything together as far as raising funds and so forth," said Bowman, who served as York Township's secretary-treasurer for about 25 years. "Ev was not afraid to work and keep the program going. He was very instrumental in getting things moving."
     
    Clark's funeral will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday at Otterbein United Methodist Church in Spry. A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 noon at the church.
     

    -- Reach Jeffrey A. Johnson at jjohnson@yorkdispatch.com or 505-5406.


    ___________________________________________________________________
     

    This is a very sad day for the York Township Baseball family. One of our club's co-founders and longtime supporters, Everett "Ev" Clark, completed his life's journey on Tuesday, December 2, 2008, at York Hospital. He will be truly missed.
     
    If not for the efforts of Mr. Clark, along with fellow co-founders and supporters - "Connie" McWilliams, Phil Bowman, Elwood "Duck" Smith, Dick Culbertson, Nelson Fitzkee, and others - there would be no York Township Baseball Club or Team. His dedication and leadership, especially in the early years, were essential to our growth and success. We will be forever grateful to "Ev" for all that he has done for us.  
     
    On a personal note -- Thank you, "Ev." I will be forever grateful to you for all of your kindness and support. You made a major impact in my life, my family's life, and in the lives of countless others who have played, and will play, baseball for the York Township Baseball Club. Most of whom never met you or even knew your name. You helped to establish the York Township Baseball Club and thus gave us all a place to play the game we love. Without you and your support on and off the field, I would never have been able to become the ballplayer I was or reached the goals that I attained. My life would have been very different without you. You gave me more than you'll ever know. And far more than I can ever repay. I owe you a huge debt of gratitude. I strive every day to emulate you, "Connie Mac," Phil Bowman, Duck Smith, Mr. Culbertson, Mr. Fitzkee, and all the others who gave so much to local baseball and, especially, to the York Township Baseball Team. Our heritgae and our success is your legacy. Individually and collectively, our club, and our team, thanks you and wishes you and your family and friends peace. You will be missed. Godspeed, "Ev."
     
    ___________________________________________________________________
     
     
    OBITUARY FROM THE "YORK DAILY RECORD" ...
     
    Mr. Clark was the husband of Lucreta Z. (Graham) Clark, to whom he was married 53 years on November 19, 2008.
     
    A celebration of life tribute service will be held at 12 noon Saturday at Otterbein United Methodist Church of Spry, 50 School Street, York, PA 17402 with his pastor, the Rev. Thomas H. Sanagorski, officiating, along with the Rev. Richard B. Starr assisting. A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 noon Saturday at the church. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York, is in charge of arrangements.
     
    Born July 8, 1937, in Richmond, VA, a son of the late Everett R. and Frances (Spruce) Clark, he was raised in the Newport News, VA, area. Mr. Clark was a 1955 graduate of William Penn Senior High School and had attended various photography schools. He worked as a professional photographer. Following retirement, he worked in maintenance at the former Wynfield Club and York Township Recreation Center. Mr. Clark was a life member of Victory AA; a member of Dallastown American Legion, Post 605; York Township Lions Club; Hawks Gunning Club; Red Lion Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; York Moose Lodge; Goodwill Fire Company of Spry, where he was a Past President; 32nd Degree Mason with Free and Accepted Masons, York Lodge; and was co-founder of York Township Baseball Team that plays in the Susquehanna Baseball League. He also enjoyed bowling at various bowling lanes in the York area and loved spending as much time as possible at his summer retreat in Fenwick Island, DE.
     
    In addition to his wife, Mr. Clark is survived by a son, Mark R. and wife, Martha Clark of Spry; a grandson, Michael E. Clark of Red Lion; two great-grandsons, Dylan and Jeremiah Clark of Red Lion; a father-in-law, Lloyd G. Graham of Red Lion; and a sister-in-law, Betty M. Saylor of Windsor. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Joshua R. Clark.
     
    Memorial contributions may be made to: York Co. SPCA, 3159 Susquehanna Trail North, York, PA 17406 ... or, to the York Rescue Mission, 367 West Market Street, York, PA 17401. Send Condolences at: BestLifeTributes.com
     
    ** NOTE: If you would like to send a message of love and support to Lucreta and the family, her address is - 2342 South Queen Street, York, PA 17402 (Phone: 717-741-2621). Or, to Mark and his family - 28 Merrin Road, York, PA 17402 (Phone: 717-741-1388).
     

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    Hendrickson: 'I'm just so ecstatic right now'

    When pitchers and catchers report to Fort Lauderdale, FL, for Spring Training next month, then and only then will Mark Hendrickson know it's not a dream.
     
    "Maybe that's when it will finally sink in that I'm a member of the Baltimore Orioles," Hendrickson said Wednesday afternoon after his one-year, $1.5 million contract with the O's was officially announced. "I'm just so ecstatic right now, I can't explain it. It's amazing.
     
    "The free-agent market has been pretty slow this year with the way the economy is, so you never know if you'll get a chance to sign with someone. When this opportunity popped up, I was very, very happy."
     
    The left-handed starter/reliever and part-time York County resident said he will finally experience the joy of pitching in the same market where his family and friends live.
     
    "Everyone can finally see me on a regular basis, and I can live a normal life for a change," said Hendrickson, who heads into his eighth major league season.
     
    The 34-year-old pitcher said his girlfriend, Cortney Ferrara, and her 14-year-old daughter, Hannah, are overwhelmed at knowing he won't be saying goodbye for eight months when he leaves for Spring Training.
     
    "That was one of the main reasons Baltimore was such an attractive fit," Hendrickson said. "This is my adopted home.
     
    "When I've pitched at Camden Yards as a visitor, I've pitched well there, and I think a lot of it had to do with seeing family and friends in the stands."
     
    Raised in the state of Washington, Hendrickson spent several summers at his grandparents' house in Seven Valleys. A baseball and basketball standout at Washington State University, he spent four seasons in the NBA after being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 31st overall pick in the 1996 draft.
     
    When his basketball career ended, the 6-foot, 9-inch Hendrickson resumed his love affair with baseball as a dominant pitcher and hitter with York Township of the Susquehanna League.
     
    He signed as a free agent with the Toronto Blue Jays and earned his first call-up to the majors in 2002.
    He also pitched for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Los Angeles Dodgers before spending last season with the Florida Marlins, where he went 7-8 with a 5.45 ERA.
     
    Overall, he's 50-63 in seven major league seasons with a 5.07 ERA in 215 games. The majority of his appearances have come as a starter, but he's worked out of the bullpen, too.
     
    He saw action in 36 games in 2008, starting 19 games for the Marlins. It's likely he'll compete for a spot in Baltimore's rotation.
     
    "I came up as a rookie in this division, so I know what it means to pitch against Boston and New York," Hendrickson said. "Toronto has been a pretty consistent team lately, and look what Tampa Bay did last year, so you know you've got to compete hard every night in the AL East.
     
    "Hopefully I can come in and help (the Orioles') younger pitchers understand that consistency is one of the biggest things in achieving success."
     
    And doing it so close to his second home - where he can make the short commute every day - would make things a little more special.
     
    "Baltimore or Seattle would have been sentimental picks on where I would have wanted to sign," Hendrickson said, "and things had to fall into place for that to happen.
     
    "So the timing was right for this, and now my family and friends in York - who are so supportive of the Orioles - get the chance to see me pitch on a regular basis, and for that, I'm very grateful."
     
    YDR Contact: dave@ydr.com; 771-2063

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    Hendrickson signing solidifies O's staff

    Veteran left-hander adds experience to young crew of pitchers

    By Spencer Fordin / MLB.com
     
    BALTIMORE -- The Orioles made their first official tweak to their pitching staff on Wednesday, when they announced that they had signed veteran Mark Hendrickson to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million. The deal, which had been reported by multiple outlets earlier this week, will lend an experienced presence to the staff and a sense of insurance to Baltimore's decision-makers.
     
    All winter long, the Orioles have insisted that they wanted to restock their rotation with veteran arms in an effort to allow their pitching prospects more time to mature. It's unclear whether Baltimore views Hendrickson as a starter or reliever, but the southpaw has experience in both roles, and he could do a little bit of both for the Orioles over the course of the regular season.
     
    Hendrickson, who began his career with Toronto, pitched to a 7-8 record and a 5.45 ERA last season with the Marlins. The southpaw made 19 starts and racked up a 6.09 ERA before the All-Star break in 2008, and he's posted a 5.38 ERA as a starter and a 3.11 mark as a reliever over the past three years. Overall, he has a 50-63 record with a 5.07 ERA.

    Judging by his contract incentives, Hendrickson may be banking on the chance to cement a starting role. Hendrickson can earn up to $100,000 if he pitches 180 innings, and he can make another $300,000 in incentives if he makes 30 starts.

    Baltimore currently has just one starter -- staff ace Jeremy Guthrie -- penciled in for a rotation slot next season. The Orioles elected not to tender Daniel Cabrera a contract earlier this month, and they will likely evaluate youngsters Matt Albers, Radhames Liz and Garrett Olson in Spring Training to determine which of the three is most capable of sealing a back-end starting job.

    Albers, who's coming off a strengthening program to repair a slight tear in the labrum of his pitching shoulder, may work out best in shorter stints out of the bullpen. Manager Dave Trembley said at the Winter Meetings that Troy Patton, who underwent surgery for a similar injury to Albers, will likely need some time at Triple-A Norfolk in order to work back up to peak condition.

    The Orioles have several well regarded young arms -- first-round 2008 Draft pick Brian Matusz, trade acquisition Chris Tillman and draftee Jake Arrieta, among them -- and president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail would like to see them progress at their own rate. That's a luxury Baltimore hasn't been able to afford in recent years, evidenced by the cases of Olson, Cabrera and Adam Loewen.
     
    Olson, a former second-round Draft pick, struggled in his first full season in the big leagues and will have to restate his case in Spring Training. Liz, a hard-throwing youngster, may wind up starting the season at Norfolk, and Loewen, who was signed to a Major League contract out of the Draft, has elected to retire as a pitcher after multiple injuries to his throwing elbow.
     
    Starters Chris Waters and Brian Burres are also likely out of the mix, although they'll also be monitored for a potential long relief role during the exhibition season. Baltimore is also reportedly interested in Japanese free agent Kenshin Kawakami, who would give the Orioles another veteran presence behind Guthrie. Kawakami is expected to be pursued by several teams.
     
    Hendrickson, who lives in nearby York, Pa., has held left-handed hitters to a .259 batting average for his career. The former basketball star at Washington State University is one of just 11 athletes to play in the Major Leagues and the NBA. Hendrickson, who stands 6-foot-9, will become the tallest player in franchise history whenever he takes the mound.
     
    Spencer Fordin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
     
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    Report: Hendrickson agrees to contract with Baltimore Orioles

    http://yorkdispatch.inyork.com/yd/sports/ci_11335161

    By JEFFREY A. JOHNSON, The York Dispatch
    Posted: 12/30/2008 07:06:30 AM EST

    Larry Jacobs and Co. settled into the first row next to the Orioles dugout and soaked in the performance of the young man with the familiar face.
     
    The day was Sept. 19, 2002. Baltimore was hosting Toronto with about 24,000 fans nestled in the seats at Camden Yards. And a young pitcher who honed his skills on the local sandlot scene was on the mound.
     
    Mark Hendrickson was a rookie that year, making just his third career start. Yet you never would have known it. The 6-foot-9 giant pitched inside and out. Up and down. All the way to an eight-inning victory that was marred only by a two-run homer from Mike Bordick, of all people.
     
    And all the while Jacobs and his buddies, who first met Hendrickson at the ripe age of 7, cheered on raucously. After the game was over, they had to know: "Did you hear us?"
     
    "I could hear every word you guys said," Hendrickson answered with a smile on his face. There will soon be plenty more opportunities for moments like these.
     
    Hendrickson, 34, who jump-started a professional baseball career with York Township of the Susquehanna League over a decade ago, has agreed to terms with the Baltimore Orioles. The deal -- which has yet to be officially announced but was confirmed by Jacobs, Hendrickson's close friend, and a Baltimore Sun report -- will be complete once Hendrickson completes a physical later this week.
     
    Close to home: That will mean that one of York's most accomplished athletes will get to live in the place that he called home during the summers of his youth. The left-hander with a 50-63 career record (5.07 ERA) will also be joining his fifth major league organization.
     
    "One year when he was 15, he called me and wanted to play (for York Township)," Jacobs said of Hendrickson, who lived in Washington during the school year. "I said, 'You know it's a men's league, right?' But he said, 'I grew a lot and I'm going to need some new pants.' He was like 6-foot-4 at that point."
     
    Of course, Hendrickson would keep on growing and after playing college basketball at Washington State, he played for the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996. Hendrickson spent four years bouncing around the NBA and CBA before making the decision to concentrate on baseball full-time.
     
    Man of many talents: He is one of 11 professional athletes to play in both the NBA and Major League Baseball, and while one would think he'd be remembered mostly for his 16-2 record and 3.23 ERA in 31 games for York Township, York Countians also fondly recall his other athletic skills.
     
    "I remember him more for his hitting and the line drives and the long home runs," said Tom Shultz, a former Township second baseman who will put his New York Yankees' allegiance aside when Hendrickson toes the rubber against the Bronx Bombers in 2009.
     
    "One year in the county championship we played Mount Wolf and our regular catcher wasn't there. The backup couldn't finish the game because his hand hurt that bad. He hurt his hand trying to catch Mark."
    According to the Baltimore Sun report, Hendrickson is viewed by the Orioles as a long reliever and spot starter. But the chances of Hendrickson earning a spot in the starting rotation will improve if Baltimore fails to find other pitchers to complement Jeremy Guthrie in the starting rotation.
     
    Hendrickson did not immediately return a phone call to his cell phone Monday night seeking comment.
     
    -- To reach Jeffrey A. Johnson at jjohnson@yorkdispatch.com or 717-505-5406.
     
    _________________________________________________________________________________
     
    O's: Warm Bodies On The Way

    The Schmuck Stops Here!
    The Orioles reportedly will sign pitcher Mark Hendrickson by the end of the week, pending a physical that doesn't reveal he is really only 6 feet 8. The guy is going to look really good on the charity basketball team the O's are planning for next year, but I don't know if you pencil him into the No. 3 hole in the rotation with that 5.07 career ERA.

    This, as my headline suggests, is what I like to call a "warm body" signing. The Orioles have four open slots in the rotation and they've got to have some veteran arms to compete for those jobs, especially if Jeremy Guthrie talks his way onto Team USA for the World Baseball Classic.

    Hendrickson is 6-9 and 230 pounds. He's been around the block, playing for the Blue Jays, Rays, Dodgers and Marlins over seven major league seasons. He's had one winning season (for the Rays in 2005, and that year he gave up 49 more hits than innings and had a 5.90 ERA.) This would suggest that he might end up as a long guy in the bullpen (he is, after all, one of the longest guys in the history of the game), but that will depend on what else the Orioles do to flesh out the rotation.

    I guess he qualifies as one of those "geographical" guys Andy MacPhail was talking about at the start of the winter, just not the one you had in mind. He lives in York, Pa., so if you thought you saw him at the Ravens game, who knows?

    If you've been over to baseballreference.com, you've probably noticed that Hendrickson's career numbers are surprisingly similar to those of Daniel Cabrera, except that Hendrickson walks about half as many batters per inning.
     
    _________________________________________________________________________________
     
     
    O's, Hendrickson Agree On Contract Terms

    Sports Digest: The Baltimore Sun

    http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/other/bal-sp.digest290dec29,0,4311698.column

    December 29, 2008

    Looking to increase their pitching depth, the Orioles have agreed to terms with free-agent left-hander Mark Hendrickson, who will take a physical this week to finalize the deal, according to team sources. Terms of the deal aren't known. Orioles president Andy MacPhail declined to comment on the status of the negotiations last night, but the deal was essentially finalized last week, according to sources. Hendrickson, 34, has a 50-63 record and a 5.07 ERA over parts of seven seasons. He went 7-8 last season with a 5.45 ERA in 36 games (19 starts) for the Florida Marlins. The Orioles, who are looking to add at least two starters, value Hendrickson's versatility and like him best as a long reliever and spot starter. However, the 6-foot-9 Hendrickson could get an opportunity to win a spot in the rotation behind Jeremy Guthrie if the Orioles are unable to land a couple of starters. Hendrickson, who has also pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Dodgers, has made 215 career appearances, including 154 starts. In addition, the York, Pa., resident was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers and played 114 games in the NBA. -- JEFF ZREBIEC
     

    "EARLY-BIRD" TOURNAMENT WON BY YORK TOWNSHIP/GLEN ROCK

    YORK TOWNSHIP/GLEN ROCK WINS
     
    SUSQUEHANNA BASEBALL LEAGUE "EARLY-BIRD" TOURNAMENT
     
    Defeats Red Lion in Championship Game, 12-7 
      ______________________________ 
     
    York Township/Glen Rock Captures “Early Bird” Tourney Title

    By RYAN VANDERSLOOT, for The York Dispatch

    Updated: 04/27/2009 07:52:40 AM EDT 

    EAST PROSPECT -- It may be called the Susquehanna Baseball League “Early Bird” Tournament, but everything seemed in midseason form for the York Township/Glen Rock team.

    Managed by Glen Rock's Kim McCullough and assisted by Township's new skipper, Brad Chambers, there was no stopping the strong lineup and pitching depth that the two managers put on the field.

    In Sunday's championship of the three-day event played at East Prospect, the Township/Rock team clubbed 17 hits and rode the solid pitching performances of Brad McCullough and Casey Markey to a 12-7 victory over a combination team from Red Lion/East Prospect/Conrads of the Susquehanna League. That team went by the Red Lion name in the tournament program.

    "We played some pretty good baseball for this early in the year," Kim McCullough said. "This was two nice ballclubs joining together and it made a pretty nice batting lineup."

    The majority of the team was comprised of the Township club, with a handful of Rock regulars, such as Fritz Allison, Tim Hare, Tim Frisch and Brad McCullough, thrown into the mix. The result was four victories over the three days and a nice trophy. 

    After earning a 2-0 victory over Jacobus on Friday, the Township/Rock club routed Cly 12-2 and earned it way into the championship game of the 10-team field by defeating Gildea's Raiders 8-2. 

    The fortunate thing for Kim McCullough was that he had his best pitcher, his son Brad, available Sunday. That was because Brad McCullough, who's also the varsity baseball coach for Kennard-Dale High School, was busy coaching on Friday and Saturday. 

    "Whenever you have one of your better pitchers available for the championship game, that makes it all that much easier for me as a manger," Kim McCullough said. 

    Brad McCullough got off to a bit of a rocky start. He walked Jimi Nomikos to lead off the game and gave up an RBI single to Conrads shortstop Travis Hake that made it 1-0. Hake is a former member of the York Revolution and Lancaster Barnstormers. 

    The deficit didn't last long. Township's Jared Frey clubbed a tape-measure home run to lead off the game for the hosts off Conrads' Justin Cunningham. John Jamison followed with a double and scored on Scott Hart's single to put Township/Rock ahead for good at 2-1. An inning later, the lead grew to 5-1 when Jamison, who drove in Frey with a single, scored on a Hart sac fly and Hare plated Allison with a two-out single. 

    Hake cut the lead to 5-3 with a two-run blast off of McCullough in the third, but Township/Rock got one back in the bottom of the inning when Drew Kelley singled in Scott Stevens, who doubled to lead off the inning. 

    The home team put the game away with a six spot in the fifth when they collected four straight singles and got a little help from some sloppy defense that allowed a couple more runs to score. 

    Red Lion got to Township reliever Jay Dimler for four runs in the seventh, two of which came on Greg Rhodes' two-run home run, but it wasn't enough. 

    It proved to be a very good start for Frey, who finished with four hits to go along with three runs and an RBI from the leadoff spot. Last year, Frey was more of a middle-of-the-lineup, guy so the move to the top of the order took a bit of getting used to. 

    "This felt pretty good," he said. "I was on base a lot and I hit the ball OK (Friday and Saturday), but nothing like I did today." 

    The idea to bring the teams together was the idea of both McCullough and former Township skipper Steve Gergle. Glen Rock has a number of college players that are unavailable this early in the season, but they still wanted to get some work in for the veterans, so it was a marriage that worked out well. 

    "Steve and I decided to team up last year and we had a good time so we decided to do it again this year," McCullough said. "Plus Brad (Chambers) and I are best friends so this works out real nice." 

    Notes: The “Early Bird” gave fans their first chance to see a couple of familiar faces in some new places. One notable was Windsor's Doug Bacon, who had played with Red Lion since that team rejoined the league. The Cardinals also picked up longtime Hallam third baseman Justin Seitz as well as Brad Lloyd, who played with Township a year ago. Bacon started Friday's game against Township/Rock and pitched well, but was victimized by Allison, who hit a home run in the 2-0 victory. 

    Eric McNeil had three hits for Red Lion, while Hake collected two hits. Jason Enoch, back from a brief tryout with the Barnstormers, finished the game with 1 1/3 scoreless innings. 

     
    -- Reach Ryan Vandersloot at sports@yorkdispatch.com
     
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    YORK COUNTY ALL-STARS TO FACE UNITED STATES MILITARY ALL-STARS (JULY 3rd)

    YORK COUNTY ALL-STARS TO FACE UNITED STATES MILITARY ALL-STARS
    Wednesday, May 6, 2009

    Showdown On Independence Day Weekend Set For Sovereign Bank Stadium

        
    The York County All-Stars will enjoy another moment in the sun at Sovereign Bank Stadium this summer
     
    Another marquee baseball exhibition is coming to Sovereign Bank Stadium this summer, as the York County All-Stars will make an encore appearance in downtown York, this time facing the famed United States Military All-Stars, as part of their historic “Red, White and Blue Tour”. The showdown is set for Friday, July 3, and will take place under the lights at the beautiful home of the York Revolution, with a 7 p.m. first pitch scheduled, and fireworks following the game to kick off the holiday weekend in style. 

    The game will be a nice welcome home for members of the United States Military team, especially given York’s connection as First Capital of the United States, and its geographic location, just miles east of Gettysburg. In fact, York was given a chance to host the event on Independence Day weekend because of its connection to United States history. 

    “We’re honored to be in York for the Independence Holiday Weekend. York’s history, large veteran population, and military partnerships with Johnson Controls and BAE give the game special meaning. We could have played anywhere on July 3rd. We wanted to come home to York,” said Retired Lt. Commander Terry Allvord, founder of the U.S. Military All-Stars and a Chester, PA native. 

    The United States Military All-Stars are a travelling team that plays around the country as part of the historic “Red, White and Blue Tour”. The team is comprised of members of all facets of the United States Armed Forces as well as first responders and the Intelligence Community. The team boasts players from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard who are able to gain some reprieve from their duties while participating in the tour. In addition to Allvord, three team members of the 25-person Military All-Stars hail from Pennsylvania. Those include Lt. Will Sheehan, USN (Philadelphia), (MA2) Rob Ferraro, USN and AMS3 Damon Smith, USN (Bethel). The team's manager is former Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Ivan Cruz. 

    They have left the war but not the military. Their uniforms are unique full camouflage-themed. They are extremely popular with fans and feature historical references to American history, blending names of events with numbers on the backs of the jerseys. They resonate with history that captures the imagination: D-Day. Four Score & Seven. Gettysburg. Bulge. Lincoln. Pearl Harbor. Ground Zero. Kennedy. Roosevelt. 

    Military baseball delivers competitive, exciting “must-see” patriotic entertainment enjoyed by millions, and the only team in history to feature players and coaches from all services. In 2009, the U.S. Military All-Stars celebrate their 20th season by visiting over 40 states and eight countries, competing against nearly 100 of the finest professional and summer collegiate organizations in the country. They even scrimmaged the Boston Red Sox earlier this year. 

    For the York County All-Stars, the roster will once again be split between players from the Susquehanna and Central Leagues, as it was for the exhibition game against the Revolution on April 18. Rosters may be adjusted slightly, however, as many talented college baseball players who play in the two leagues over the summer will be able to partake this time. 

    Tickets are $8 for the game and will go on sale Friday, May 15. Revolution package ticket-holders can buy tickets for just $4. Group tickets are available for $6. As with all Revolution home games, a $2 discount will be provided to all those showing military identification. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will once again go to the Veterans charities and Susquehanna and Central Leagues to benefit their scholarship funds. Fans can purchase tickets online 24 hours per day at YorkRevolution.com, by calling 717-801-HITS, or in person at the Apple Chevrolet Ticket Office. 

    The Revolution have forged a terrific partnership with the Susquehanna and Central Leagues in 2009, reaching more and more baseball fans throughout York County and the surrounding area. The July 3 exhibition is one of four events at Sovereign Bank Stadium this summer involving the York County All-Stars. The All-Stars took part in the exhibition against the Revolution at Fan Fest in April, and the Susquehanna and Central Leagues will square off against each other in both the County Championships, and the All-Star Game between the two leagues at Sovereign Bank Stadium this summer. 
     
     
    BUY TICKETS NOW! ... or call 717-801-HITS today ...
    or in person at the Apple Chevrolet Ticket Office!
    _________________________________________________________ 
     

    GERGS WINS #100!!!
     
    Steve Gergle earned career victory #100 last evening (Thursday, July 16th) as Township downed Stewartstown 10-1.  Backing him up on defense, at 3rd base, was fellow 100+ game winner and teammate, Jay Dimler.
     
    __________________________________________________
     
     
    York Township's Gergle Gets Milestone Win
     
    By DICK VanOLINDA/The York Dispatch
    Updated: 07/16/2009 11:42:23 PM EDT

    SPRY - After receiving the traditional dousing from the water cooler to mark his milestone on Thursday evening, York Township pitcher Steve Gergle gathered his teammates around him.

    "It's not so much that I got 100 (victories)," Gergle told the players. "It's that Jay (Dimler) has 100, too. That says something about this organization to have two guys with 100. Thanks, guys."

    A power pitcher in his heyday of the 1980s and 1990s, Gergle now relies on hitting his spots, changing speeds on his curveball and letting the fielders make the plays.

    The 47-year-old, whose also managed the team for four seasons, doesn't know how much longer he'll be able to play. When he does finally retire, Gergle will have a load of fond memories, including the evening of July 16, 2009, when he hit the century mark in victories.

    The right-hander came within one out of a shutout as Township defeated Stewartstown, 10-1.

    Stewartstown's Jason Mitchell and Jared Hammers cracked back-to-back, two-out doubles in the top of the seventh to spoil the shutout.

    "We won the game, so that was OK that I didn't get the shutout," Gergle said. "Give them (Stewartstown) credit. The battled when they were down.

    "I'm very relieved and very happy I got the 100th victory. I wasn't nervous going into the game, but I thought a lot today about all the people I played with on this team."

    Gergle joined York Township in 1984 right out of Millersville University. Dimler signed on in 1991.

    The two were synonymous with pitching excellence for a team that won 10 Susquehanna League regular-season crowns and eight playoff titles in the 1980s and 1990s.

    "I was the No. 1 pitcher when he (Dimler) came along, and he was better than me," Gergle said. "He drove me to be even better. We pushed each other in a good way."

    Dimler, who has 135 career victories, entered Thursday evening's game in the fourth inning as a pinch hitter. He then finished out the contest at third base, where he handled three chances flawlessly.

    "We've (Gergle and Dimler) been here the whole time during our careers," Dimler said. "Three years ago, I had my knee scoped, and I came back. And Gergs snapped his wrist during the preseason one year, but he came back near the end of the season. I'm very happy for Gergs. This is his night."

    Gergle's voice broke at times when he talked about all of his teammates over the years and the people who helped make it possible for him to play the game he loves for so long.

    "You need the help and support of a lot of people, and my wife (Ann) and my daughter (Morgan) have given that," he said. "I don't know what I would have done without baseball in the summertime."

    York Township manager Brad Chambers was in charge of the team in Gergle's rookie year and returned to the club this year after managing in the Central League for 10 years.

    "I was able to come full circle," Chambers said. "I saw Gergs' first victory and his 100th victory.

    "When Gergs managed, he didn't pitch. If he did, he would have reached 100 four years ago. But I'm really glad for him. He deserves this honor."

    GAME NOTES:
     
    Gergle, who works for Wellspan, has 500 career hits to go with his 100 pitching victories. He struck out one and didn't issue any walks in the victory over Stewartstown.

    John Woltman, who's been with Gergle from the beginning and is currently a York Township coach, came up as a pinch hitter on Thursday and drew a walk.

    John Jamison and Morgan Markey collected three hits apiece for Township, which scored all of its runs in the first three innings. Bill Bode and Mike Wokulich had two hits for the winners, and Bode drove in three runs. Don Wilson and Tyler Anderson finished with two hits each for Stewartstown.

    Reach Dick VanOlinda at: dvanolinda@yorkdispatch.com or 717-505-5407.
    __________________________________________________
     
     
     
     
    2010 "TOM KERRIGAN COLONIAL YORK BASEBALL TOURNAMENT"
     
    The Susquehanna Assault beats Long Island Storm to take the 2010 "Tom Kerrigan Colonial York Baseball Tournament" Championship. For a full tournament recap go to www.yorkdispatch.com/sports/ci_16006492.
     

    Susquehanna Assault takes Colonial crown

    STAFF REPORT
    Updated: 09/06/2010 08:42:40 PM EDT

    The two teams that shared the 2009 title met again Monday for the 2010 crown at the Tom Kerrigan Memorial Colonial York Baseball Tournament.

     

    Because of rainouts, the Susquehanna Assault and Long Island Storm were forced to share the championship a year ago.

    This year, the Susquehanna Assault left no doubt about who the best team was, rolling through the annual Labor Day Weekend tournament with a perfect 5-0 record, including a pair of victories over the Storm.

     

    The Assault beat the Storm, 15-5, in the winners' bracket final on Sunday, then downed the Storm, 3-1, in Monday's final contest.

    Monday's action started when Staten Island beat Hallam, 2-1, in the conclusion of a suspended game from Sunday. Hallam was the last local team alive in the tournament.

     

    Long Island then beat Staten Island, 6-2, to earn another shot at the Assault in the double-elimination tournament. The Assault then clinched the title with the 3-1 triumph.

     

    Several awards were handed out at the tournament on Monday.

     

    Kevin Decker became the third member of his family to win the Ray Gunnet Scholarship. Kevin's brothers won the award in 2005 (Ryan Decker) and 2007 (Jason Decker).

     

    Hallam won the Sportsmanship Trophy and Hallam's Chris Stoudt won the Outstanding Young Player Award.

     

    The Outstanding Pitcher was Staten Island's Nick Cesare and the Most Valuable Player was the Susquehanna Assault's Billy Reams.

     
     
     ______________________________________

    FILM ABOUT "CONRADS BASEBALL" SELECTED FOR "HALL OF FAME" FILM FESTIVAL

    The York Dispatch recently produced a video on the history of the Conrads baseball team. Manager Chad Kennell recently received an e-mail from the baseball Hall of Fame advising him that the video has been selected to be aired at the "5th Annual Baseball Film Festival" at the National Baseball Hall of Fame (Cooperstown, NY) the weekend of October 2nd and 3rd. CONGRATULATIONS to the Conrads baseball organization (and the York Dispatch) on this great honor. As an up and coming York Township team back in the 70's and 80's, it was an honor, and huge challenge, playing those guys when they were dominating the Susquehanna Baseball League and local baseball. The current players, manager, coaches, and fans are doing a great job today preserving that heritage and keeping alive the winning tradition of Conrads baseball. Best wishes to the Conrads baseball organization for continued success.
     
    Mr. Stephen Light, Manager of Museum Programs, for the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, has confirmed  the date, time, and location for the showing of the "Conrads: A Team Rich in History" film. It will be shown as part of the 10:00 AM - Session 4 on Sunday, October 3rd, in the Bullpen Theater. The 10-minute "Conrads" film will follow the showing of "Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story" (1 Hour, 31 minutes).

    CONRADS VIDEO: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPWX1guk0fsYORK DISPATCH
    ORIGINAL STORY: www.yorkdispatch.com/yd/search/ci_13003839
    __________________________________________

     
     
     

    __________________

    Susquehanna League starts 76th season on Saturday

    By ED VEIT, For The York Dispatch (Updated: 05/05/2011 12:35:07 AM EDT)

    The Susquehanna League opens its 76th baseball season this weekend with a full schedule on Saturday -- but some familiar managerial faces will be gone.

     

    One featured contest on Saturday pits Hallam at Red Lion. But instead of Clint Workinger taking the Red Lion lineup card to home plate, it will be Jim Dennes. Workinger spent 14 seasons with Red Lion and Conrads. He was named Manager of the Year in 1990 and 1992 and won 339 games along with four league and three York County championships. His 2010 Red Lion team (30-6) won the league and playoff crowns.

     

    So, Dennes has a challenge. Many of the Red Lion players and their manager returned for the 2010 season to see if they could repeat. And they did, but retiring along with Workinger were Todd Grove, Micah Workinger, Marc Keller, Rich Leathery and Chris Beaverson, all position players.

     

    However, the cupboard is not bare, Red Lion has a pitching staff led by occasional York Revolution pitcher Shawn Hedrick, Eric Lau and the addition of the Hinkle brothers (Brandon and Austin). Brandon Hinkle pitched some for the Lancaster Barnstormers.

     

    "But even though we have the best pitching, nothing is taken for granted. We still have to score runs," Dennes said.

     

    Hallam: Hallam manager Rod Seitz claims his team's main strength is defense, but a key returnee is Jason Seitz from Windsor. Jason, a former two-time league MVP, batted .385 and hit eight homers last year. He should give Hallam (25-11 a year ago) some pop. He'll play some shortstop and third base.

     

    Hallam possesses an impressive crop of pitchers, including: Jake Schoelkoph, who has more than 100 wins in the Susquehanna League; Travis Stump, with more than 90 wins; and Adam Hoff, who has more than 85 wins.

     

    Justin Seitz returns as catcher.

     

    "We have been contending every year and I hope to return to the championship years of 2005, 2006, 2007," Rod Seitz said.

     

    York Township: In another matchup on Saturday, Windsor (22-14 last year) hosts York Township (14-22), but for the first time in many years Brad Chambers will not be calling signals for Township. Chambers spent 15 years in the league and is the league leader in wins with 392 and only 130 losses. He was also named Manager of the Year in 1991, 1995 and 1996. Chambers also spent several years with Mount Wolf of the Central League.

     

    Jeff Barkdoll, who also coaches at Dallastown High School, replaces Chambers. Barkdoll's goal is to "get York Township back into the playoff picture." Barkdoll believes he has a good core of returning players, including Casey Markel, Scott Hart and Mark Fyock. A key acquisition could be pitcher Vernon Shoff.

     

    "We are going to have fun and give 100 percent once we cross those foul lines," Barkdoll said.

     

    Barkdoll also spent time coaching first base when Chris Hoiles was managing the York Revolution.

     

    Windsor: Opposing Barkdoll, Windsor manager Nate Neff "expects to compete."

     

    Windsor loses Jason Seitz to Hallam and Brad Lloyd to Felton.

     

    "That's 15 home runs, but we still have some power with Nate Newman, who led the league with 10 home runs," Neff said.

    Newman will probably move from first and play third base. Windsor also picked up Jason Scott from Felton, who plays the outfield and some first base. Chris Stoudt led the pitching corps with 10 wins last season, and Luke Keeny and Doug Bacon back him. Added to the pitching is Red Lion graduate Josh Scott, who pitches for Shippensburg University.

     

    Jacobus: Mike Austin, 29, takes over for Terry Golden at Jacobus (22-14 a year ago), which opens at East Prospect (10-26) on Saturday. Golden ends his nine years with the Jackals after compiling 185 wins.

     

    "I think I was named manager by default -- no one else wanted to do it," Austin said.

     

    But Austin inherits a team that won 22 games last season and has the same core of players.

     

    "Anthony Ferrell is at shortstop. He's our first reliever and a true hitter," Austin said.

     

    Jacobus has good defense and a frontline pitcher in Jason Christenberry.

     

    "I think we have a mystery pitcher coming from York College," Austin said.

     

    Austin led the league in hitting in 2009.

     

    East Prospect: Manager Tim Poff and East Prospect are still upset about missing the playoffs in the final game of the season against Felton last season.

     

    "We lost too many one-run games," Poff said. "It was like we were waiting to lose."

     

    Poff's goal is to be a "middle-of-the-pack" team. East Prospect's pitching consists of 44-year-old Bryan Crumbling, who is a steadying influence, and Logan Abel. Poff has several high school players, but his prize is Ryky Smith from Eastern York High School, who is a solid hitter and going to play for Penn State. Smith is a middle infielder.

     

    Columbia: An excited Gordie Eck Jr., another new manager, takes the helm at Columbia (22-14 a year ago).

     

    "Last year we won the most games (22) in 15 years and so our expectations are high," Eck said.

     

    Returning he has the league's MVP in Gordie Eck III, who won the batting title with a .443 average and was 7-2 on the mound. Also back is Jeremy Mohr, who hit in the upper .300s, and pitcher Matt Regan, who went 5-2. Regan also throws for Juniata College.

     

    The oddity for Columbia is their left-handed catcher, Mark Schauren, who is solid defensively and hits well. Columbia travels to Stewartstown on Saturday.

     

    Stewartstown: Gary Mitchell wants Stewartstown (5-31 a season ago) to be competitive.

     

    "We did what I claimed we could do last year -- we more than doubled our wins with five," he said. "I want to more than double them again. We have a full roster with a positive attitude."

     

    Jerry Preston and Cory Albright anchor the Stewartstown infield. Stewartstown lost Mark Robinson and Dave Krebs to Felton.

     

    Conrads: Conrads (19-17 a season ago) lost slugging Rick Thompson to Windsor and speedy Nick Root to Felton, but some of the sting from those transfers can be eased with the signing of shortstop Travis Hake, who is a former draft pick of the Milwaukee Brewers who also played for the Barnstormers and the Revolution.

     

    Career choices took Kevin Mead and Craig Colvin out of state. However, even with the losses, manager Chad Kennell believes, "this happens when you build a young team, but we feel we have enough talent in place to put together a successful run for 2011."

     

    Conrads has the battery of Brandon Miller and Cole Heffner returning from Allegheny Community College.

     

    Felton: Felton, Conrads' Saturday opponent, signed slugging first baseman Brad Lloyd along with leading base stealer Nick Root.

     

    "If we can reduce the walks given up by the pitchers and our errors, we should be a contender this season," Felton manager Kevin Gladfelter said.

     

    Felton (11-25 last year) has returning Elizabethtown pitcher Matt Ruth and Gladfelter believes Mark Shoff and Chris Farscht can be successful at this level. Farscht was an outstanding American Legion player.

     

    "Our strength is left-handed batters -- we have a short right-field fence," Gladfelter said.

     

    This is Gladfelter's fourth year as manager and he's beginning to get players that played Little League for him.

     

    Most managers feel that Red Lion, Hallam, Windsor or Jacobus will finish on top in the league. However, there's a new balance, because six teams finished over .500 in 2010 and any of the other teams could surprise.

     

    The Susquehanna League looks to be extremely competitive in 2011.

     

    -- Reach Ed Veit at sports@yorkdispatch.com

    __________________

    2005 Colonial Tournament Brackets

    (**click on the York Township team photo for a direct link to the 2005 "Tom Kerrigan Colonial Tournament" website**)


    York County's annual Labor Day weekend baseball festival, the 2005 "Tom Kerrigan Colonial Tournament," began at 9:00AM, Saturday, September 3rd ... with eight (8) games at these venues -- Mount Wolf's "Rock Brenner Field," Jefferson, Pleasureville, Stoverstown, Manchester, Dover, Shiloh, and York Township's "McWilliams Field."

    York Township will played its first game versus North Branch at 9:00AM, Saturday, at "The Mac." It was a 10-8 loss. Townsip met Hallam at 2:00PM Saturday afternoon for a 10-3 win.

    Saturday, September 3
    Game 1: North Branch 10, York Township 8
    Game 2: York Township 10, Hallam 3
    Game 3: York Township at Pleasureville, 9:00AM (opponent to be determined)

    YORK TOWNSHIP (Susquehanna Baseball League Playoff Champions)
    Jeff Brennan
    Darren Chilcoat
    Jay Dimler
    Anthony Ferrell
    Tim Frisch
    Ed Fuller
    Daryl Groff
    Scott Hart
    Andy Howard
    Cory Jacoby
    John Jamison
    Marc Keller
    Drew Kelley
    Mike Kelly
    Kevin Krebs
    Brad Lloyd
    Ray Lloyd
    Jared Minnich
    Ryan Myers
    Nate Neumann
    Jamus Peterman
    Nick Root
    Cole Runkel
    Conor Wentland
    Mike Wokulich

    Manager
    Steve Gergle

    Coaches
    John Woltman
    Dale Neff

    Scorekeeper
    John Myers

    _______________________________


    Hallam will play its first game versus Elizabethtown at 9:00AM, Saturday, at Pleasureville. A win keeps Hallam at Pleasureville versus Staten Island at 11:30AM. A loss will send Hallam to York Township at 2:00PM versus the loser of Game 16.

    Saturday, September 3
    Game 1: Hallam vs. Elizabethtown
    Game 2:

    HALLAM (Susquehanna Baseball League Regular-season Champions)
    Brett Heiser
    Mark Sheckard
    Jason Seitz
    Joe Strayer
    Justin Seitz
    Phil Jeanmenne
    Mike Folkemer
    Mackie Miller
    Steve Bowman
    Jake Schoelkoph
    Brian Crumbling
    Ian Hartman
    Adam Innerst
    Shawn Wilson
    Luke Pyle
    Scott Stewart
    Luke Keeney
    Greg Johnson (** replaces Eric Shoff, effective 9.2.05)
    Eric Crumling
    Todd Grove
    Kirk Reichard
    Shawn McCleary
    Jason Christianberry
    Greg Gemmill
    Brett Vroman

    Manager
    Rod Seitz

    _______________________________


    The Susquehanna All-stars will play its first game versus LaPlata at 9:00AM, Saturday, at Shiloh. A win keeps the All-stars at Shiloh versus the Brooklyn Cubs at 11:30AM. A loss will send The All-stars to Dover at 2:00PM versus the loser of Game 14.

    Saturday, September 3
    Game 1: Susquehanna All-stars vs. LaPlata
    Game 2:

    SUSQUEHANNA ALL-STARS
    Chad Kennell - Conrads
    Chad Smith - Conrads
    Rick Thompson - Conrads
    Travis Smith - East Prospect
    Chad Moyer - East Prospect
    Scott Wright - Felton
    Hunter Mink - Felton
    Paul Seitz - Felton
    Mike Austin - Jacobus
    Kerry Clark - Jacobus
    Mark Haynes - Jacobus
    Mike Haynes - Jacobus
    Bryan Waltimyer - Jacobus
    Tim Greenplate - Red Lion
    Kurt Walker - Red Lion
    Andy Workinger - Red Lion
    Micah Workinger - Red Lion
    Eric Gemmill - Stewartstown
    Drew Hershner - Stewartstown
    Brandon Warner - Stewartstown
    Danny Smith - Windsor
    Ben Achenbaugh - Wrightsville
    Nate Barshinger - Wrightsville
    Jason Herman - Wrightsville
    Marty Hilt - Wrightsville

    Manager
    Terry Golden - Jacobus

    Coaches
    Kirk Winter - Wrightsville
    Neil Ruff - Red Lion
    Tim Poff - Red Lion

    YORK TOWNSHIP 2005 SUSKY PLAYOFF CHAMPIONS!!!


    YORK TOWNSHIP CLAIMS CROWN

    York Township rocked Red Lion, 8-2, to win the Susquehanna League Title

    By JEFF DEWEES
    For the Daily Record/Sunday News
    Wednesday, August 24, 2005


    Last season, Red Lion beat York Township in five games to claim the Susquehanna League playoff title, en route to York County's summer league Triple Crown. Tuesday night at Red Lion's Nitchkey Field, York Township returned the favor in one less game, beating Red Lion 8-2 to win the league playoffs, 3 games to 1. It's Township's first league championship — pennant or playoff — since the 2002 season, when it toppled Jacobus in the finals.

    "It's a very special (championship) I'll remember for a long time," second-year player/manager Steve Gergle said. "I just love these guys. The chemistry has been unbelievable ... I make a lineup, and as a long as I don't make any mistakes managing, the team takes care of itself."

    Jared Minnich drove in four runs with a pair of doubles, and Brad Lloyd hit an early two-run home run, to do the major damage against Red Lion starter and losing pitcher Doug Bacon. With the bases loaded and one out in the top of the fifth inning in a 2-0 game, Minnich crushed a middle-in fastball to the deepest part of Nitchkey Field, the left center field gap, to clear the bags and give Township starter and winner Drew Kelley some breathing room.

    Minnich's second double came in the seventh, scoring Mike Wokulich after Wokulich's triple plated Scott Hart, who had singled to start the frame. Later, a throwing error allowed Minnich to score. The three-run inning made it an 8-1 contest. Minnich could easily be considered Township's most valuable player of the series.

    "This past winter, I worked a lot with Scottie Hart on just staying back (on the pitch)," he said. "Staying back, seeing the ball and hitting it."

    Lloyd's majestic blast down the right field line with two outs in the third was a typical piece of hitting from the longtime lefty slugger. With two strikes, Lloyd fouled off several pitches from Bacon. Finally, Bacon came in with a fastball, and Lloyd sent it back out. Way out. Well into the thicket of trees beyond the right field fence.

    Kelley had a little trouble establishing the strike zone early, but his stuff was good enough to hold Red Loin's potent lineup at bay, for the most part.

    "Drew pitched a good game today," Red Lion right fielder Marc Keller said.

    "And Doug (Bacon) gutted it out. Doug has been hurting for a long time this year. But he was gutting it out," Keller said.

    Kelley's biggest jam came in the bottom of the fifth, when Red Lion filled the bases with one out and a run already on Jimi Nomikos' single, threatening to erase its four-run deficit. He managed to strike out Andy Workinger looking on diving curveball, and Micah Workinger swinging on a 3-2 fastball to work out of the mess.

    "Drew was not coming out of that game," Gergle said. "He was staying in. He deserved to stay in to the end. He showed what a competitor he is."

    Red Lion scored a second run in the bottom of the seventh in the dying twilight on a Nomikos triple, and threatened to make things interesting by having its next two batter reach as well. But Kelley reached back and got a strike out and ground out to end the late threat and clinch the championship.

    2005 SUSQUEHANNA LEAGUE ALL-STARS NAMED!

    2005 Susquehanna League All-star Stats
    The 2005 Susquehanna League vs. Central League All-star game will be played Saturday, July 16th, 2:00PM, at Shiloh. Following the Central League Batting Practice, the Susquehanna League All-stars will be taking Batting Practice and Infield from 12:30PM-1:30PM (Players to report to the field by 12:15PM). The Central All-stars will be taking Infield from 1:30PM-1:45PM. Pregame introductions will be followed by the first pitch at 2:00PM.

    The Susquehanna Baseball League is proud to announce the players selected for their 2005 All-star Team. They are:

    1st Base: Brandon Warner (Stewartstown), Nate Neumann (Windsor)

    2nd Base: Mike Austin (Jacobus), Danny Smith (Windsor)

    Shortstop: Jason Seitz (Hallam), Darren Hake (Windsor)

    3rd Base: Anthony Ferrell (Jacobus), Shawn Wilson (Windsor)

    Outfield: Nick Root (York Township), Nate Barshinger (Wrightsville), Greg Gemmill (Stewartstown) ... Eric Gemmill (Stewartstown), Kevin Keesey (Conrads), Steve Bowman (Hallam), Bob Finkill (Hallam)

    Catcher: Mark Schauren (Columbia), Ryan Myers (Red Lion), Nate Kopp (East Prospect)

    Designated Hitter: Marty Hilt (Wrightsville), James Schopf (East Prospect)

    Pitcher: Doug Bacon (Red Lion), Eric Shoff (Jacobus), Drew Kelley (York Township), Jared Minnich (York Township), Jay Dimler (York Township), Josh Finafrock (East Prospect), Todd Shoff (Windsor), Cole Runkle (Windsor), Fred Elslager (Columbia)

    Manager: Steve Gergle (York Township)

    Coaches: Nate Neff (Windsor), John Woltman (York Township)

    CONGRATULATIONS to all of the Susquehanna League All-stars. Good luck, guys.

    ALL-STAR UPDATE 1: Tuesday (July 12th)-- Pitchers Eric Shoff (Jacobus) and Cole Runkle (Windsor) have advised the league that were declining to play in the upcoming All-star game. Their roster spots will be filled by Casey Markey (York Township) and Darren Chilcoat (York Township).

    ALL-STAR UPDATE 2: Friday (July 15th)-- Designated Hitter James Schopf (East Prospect) has asked to be removed from the the Susquehanna League All-star roster. His All-star roster spot will be filled by Scott Hart (York Township).


    Pleasureville, Glen Rock Boast Most Central All-stars
    Each team put five position players in the Central vs. Susquehanna All-star game
    By JEFF DEWEES
    For the Daily Record/Sunday News
    Friday, July 15, 2005


    Central League contenders Pleasureville and Glen Rock reaped the bounty of this year's all-star team by having five position players apiece named to the squad. The annual York County all-star game against the Susquehanna League all-stars is slated for 2 p.m. Saturday in Shiloh. Pleasureville will send second baseman Scott Ream, third baseman Todd Meyer and outfielders Matt Meyer and Chet Haifley as starters. First baseman Matt Wagner is a reserve. Glen Rock's starters are first baseman Fritz Allison, shortstop Rod Anderson and catcher Dan Rhodes. Second baseman Tommy Moore and outfielder Tim Hare were named as reserves. Surprisingly, league leader Stoverstown had just one starter selected — outfielder Kyle Wildasin. Tigers shortstop Eric Dowling was named as a reserve. In addition, Dover — also in the thick of the league race, percentage points behind Stoverstown — did not place any position players on the squad. Mount Wolf sent two reserves, catcher Nate Ebert and outfielder Mark Seifert. Other position players selected to the game were Vikings outfielder Jeff Wolgamuth and Manchester third baseman Jeff Rowan. J.W. Beshore of Manchester, Rob McDonald of Vikings and Dover's Kelly Raber all drew designated hitter assignments. Glen Rock manager Kim McCullough — the Central League all-star team manager — was given charge of selecting the pitching staff. Pleasureville led with three selections — Eric Toomey, Tim Klimchock and Omar Tavares. Dover's own version of Maddux and Glavine (1990s edition) — Brendan Reinert and Shawn Hedrick — will make their annual appearances. The pitching staff is rounded out by Joel Stoneberg of Southern, Brad McCullough of Glen Rock and Jefferson's Tobin Whitman.

    Susquehanna Edges Central in 2005 All-star Game
    Wet conditions led to errors by the Central squad
    By JEFF DEWEES
    For the Daily Record/Sunday News
    Sunday, July 17, 2005


    Steve Gergle has been through 15 of these all-star games before, although Saturday’s was his first as a manager. With that experience, he has earned the right to comment on the perceived differences between summer league baseball’s Central and Susquehanna leagues.

    “We don’t like being considered the underdogs, as somehow the inferior league. We came out, and we wanted to prove that we belong on the same field as them. We use the same bats, we use the same balls,” York Township’s manager said about whether his Susquehanna League all-stars approached the annual game with a chip on their shoulders.

    Gergle’s Susquehanna League players backed him up Saturday afternoon with a narrow 6-5 win over the Central League all-stars in the annual York County all-star game in Shiloh.

    Kim McCullough of Glen Rock, Saturday’s Central League manager, isn’t quite sure he buys into the notion that the Susquehanna league is inferior in any way. After all, McCullough sees it from both sides, having spent 14 years in the Susquehanna League.

    “I played 14 of my 17 years there. The Susquehanna League has had some great teams,” McCullough said. “They still do.”

    Mother Nature gave the Susquehanna League its edge midway through the game. After a dry start to the game, innings 3 through 7 were played in a steady rain. The weather played a role in the top of the fourth, when the hardest rain of the day was falling. In a 2-2 game, Central third baseman Todd Meyer committed two errors, one fielding and one throwing. The first allowed a runner to reach on a bobble. The second, coming with the bases loaded and one out, was a throwaway at home plate in an attempted 5-2-3 double play.

    These were the kinds of plays Meyer usually makes in his sleep. But wet turf, wet gloves and wet baseballs sometimes do funny things.

    “Todd makes that play 99 out of 100 times,” McCullough said. “But in this case, the ball was wet, he threw it away, and they got two runs out of it.”

    The runs, coming after a wild pitch by Tobin Whitman broke the tie, gave Susquehanna a 5-2 lead.

    “You take what they give you,” Gergle said. “In that case, we were able to take advantage of the extra outs they gave us.”

    Jacobus’ Mike Austin, making his second all-star game appearance for the Susquehanna League, followed up with an RBI single for what proved to be the winning run. The Central League chipped away at the lead in the bottom of the fourth, getting two runs back to make it a 6-4 ball game. Matt Meyer of Pleasureville doubled to lead off and scored on Kyle Wildasin’s single. Wildasin stole second, went to third on a sacrifice fly and scrambled home from third on a wild pitch. The Central all-stars shaved the lead to 6-5 in the bottom of the eighth when Tom Moore’s RBI double plated Mark Seifert. But Township’s Jay Dimler slammed the door, 1-2-3, in the ninth to closeout the game.

    Stewartstown’s Greg Gemmill went 2-for-3 with a RBI to earn MVP honors. Central League starter Shawn Hedrick was named the top pitcher.


    Three other area teams join York Township at the 2005 "Tom Kerrigan Colonial Baseball Tournament"

    By JEFF DEWEES
    For the Daily Record/Sunday News
    Friday, September 2, 2005


    For the second year in a row, and for the second time under player-manager Steve Gergle's stewardship, York Township has made its way into the 2005 Tom Kerrigan Colonial York Baseball Tournament the hard way — by pushing through the Susquehanna League playoffs.

    Last year, Township lost to pennant winner Red Lion — which was on its way to the county Triple Crown (regular season, playoff and county series champs) — in the Susquehanna League championship.

    This time around, Gergle's squad went through the front door, gaining a measure of revenge on Red Lion by winning in the finals to qualify as the league's playoff champion.

    Hallam — the 2005 regular-season champions — will join Township in the Colonial, which gets under way Saturday morning at various county ballparks.

    Central Leaguers Dover — winners of the Triple Crown just last week — and Mount Wolf will join them, as will the requisite all-star teams from both York County leagues.

    "It was nice to win in the playoffs, obviously. We're always looking to get into the Colonial Tournament," Gergle said. "We started playing really well in the playoffs and hoped it would get us into the Colonial.

    "It's always something very special to get there. It means you're one of the best teams in York County."

    Township rode solid pitching performances from Drew Kelley, Jay Dimler and Jared Minnich, combined with timely hitting, to the playoff title.

    For the tournament, Gergle has added two more top-flight pitchers in Windsor's Cole Runkle and Anthony Ferrell of Jacobus. Their additions give Gergle greater flexibility out of the bullpen, especially late on Saturday and early Sunday when arms get tired and things get hectic.

    "What I've told the guys is, 'Listen, let's do everything possible to win that first game'" Gergle said. "You lose that first game, and let's face it, you might as well pack your bags. Your chances of playing Monday are not that great.

    "The more games you win, the tougher the competition will get down the road. It doesn't stop unless you're the best team, and then you prove that."

    Township's first game Saturday morning is at home against perennial Colonial entrant North Branch, from the Williamsport area.

    In-depth scouting reports are not available. The key to tournament success is simply to play good ball, survive and advance.

    "I know they're a good team," Gergle said, "because all these teams are, else they wouldn't be here."


    BATTER UP!

    · What: The 2005 "Tom Kerrigan Colonial York Baseball Tournament", an annual double-elimination tourney played over the Labor Day weekend.

    · When: All first-round games will start at 9 a.m. Saturday at eight different fields in York County. The bracket continues through Sunday, with the championship game scheduled for noon Monday at Mount Wolf. A second game, if needed, will be at 3 p.m.

    · Local teams: Hallam and York Township will represent the Susquehanna League, while the Central League sends Mount Wolf and Dover. Each league has also put together an all-star team to send.

    · Opening-round games: Mount Wolf vs. Allentown at Mount Wolf; Central All-Stars vs. South Penn at Jefferson; Hallam vs. Elizabethtown at Pleasureville; Dover vs. North Wales at Dover; Susquehanna All-Stars vs. Laplata at Shiloh; York Township vs. North Branch at York Township.
       
    2007 SUSQUEHANNA BASEBALL LEAGUE ALL-STARS ANNOUNCED
     
    At the Monday, July 9th, Susquehanna Baseball League meeting, the following Susquehanna Baseball League players and coaches were selected for the 2007 Susquehanna/Central Baseball Leagues All-Star Game. The roster, along with the umpires (as selected by the Umpires Association), were announced by League President, Kevin Overmiller.
     
    The 2007 All-Star Game will be hosted by the Central Baseball League. It will be played at Dover on Saturday, July 21st. Game time is scheduled for 2:00 PM.
     
    2007 SUSQUEHANNA BASEBALL LEAGUE ALL-STAR SELECTIONS
     
    Players
    1st Base: Joe Strayer (Hallam), Nate Neumann (Windsor)
    2nd Base: Mike Austin (Jacobus), Brett Heiser (Hallam)
    Shortstop: Jason Seitz (Hallam), Scott Hart (York Township)
    3rd Base: Shawn Wilson (Windsor), Mark Sheckard (Hallam)
    Catcher: Nate Kopp (Jacobus), Tom Semanek (Stewartstown)
    Outfield: Mike Wokulich (York Township), Shawn McCleary (Hallam), Jimi Nomikos (Conrads) ... Greg Gemmill (Stewartstown), Matt Robinson (Windsor), Greg Abbott (Jacobus)
    Designated Hitter: Marty Hilt (East Prospect), Rob Finkill (Hallam)
    Pitchers: Drew Kelley (York Township), Jay Dimler (York Township), Sam Heaps (Stewartstown), Brian Crumbling (Hallam), Luke Keeney (Windsor), Kerry Clark (Jacobus), Jason Christenberry (Jacobus), Mike Folkemer (Hallam), Cole Runkle (Windsor)
    Reserves: Gordie Eck (Columbia) - Pitcher, 1st Base ... Morgan Markey (York Township) - Infield ... Anthony Heaps (Stewartstown) - Pitcher, Infield
     
    Manager
    Rod Seitz - Hallam
     
    Coaches
    Chad Kennell - Conrads
    Nate Neff - Windsor
    Steve Gergle - York Township (Batting Practice)
     
    Umpires
    Mike Cutright - Crew Chief
    Matt Slagel
    Doug Wagner
    Bill Renwick

    Jared Minnich delivers huge 3-run double in fifth inning of York Township's 8-2 win over Red Lion Tuesday night (photo by Dale Neff)
     


    YORK TOWNSHIP SAILS ATOP THE SUSQUEHANNA

    Minnich leads team to playoff crown in 8-2 victory over Red Lion

    By SEAN SMYTH
    for The York Dispatch
    Wednesday, August 24, 2005
    (Photos by John Pavoncello)

    RED LION -- York Township newcomer Jared Minnich insists he was just a passenger in Township's ride to the Susquehanna League Championship Series title.

    "They had a core group of great players," he said. "I just filled in."

    Looking back at the series, clinched by Township last night with an 8-2 win against Red Lion at Nitchkey Field, it's hard to agree. The league crown gives Township a spot in the upcoming Tom Kerrigan Colonial Tournament, along with regular-season champion Hallam and a team of Susquehanna League all-stars.

    Stepping up in the clutch: Minnich, in his first season playing for Township after a six-year stint at Felton, would have likely won the series MVP award if one were presented. He was a major reason why Township won the best-of-5 series, 3-1. Last night's four-RBI display was par for the course for Minnich, who provided a key three-run double in Game 1's 4-1 Township victory, then tossed five-plus innings of one-hit ball in Sunday's 6-1 win. Add in the fact that Minnich's chronically achy right shoulder was in pain again Sunday -- he lost feeling in his arm after tossing 62 pitches -- and it makes the performance even more impressive.

    For Minnich, the title was rewarding after enduring a number of recent playoff disappointments.

    "There's no pain right now," Minnich said, sporting a big grin. "I'm happy as can be. I'm smiling ear to ear. My family's all here: my grandpa, my brother. When they get to see something like this, it's great."

    Township manager Steve Gergle acknowledged Minnich played a large role in Township's first postseason title in three years.

    "He's such a clutch hitter," Gergle said. "I'm very happy to have him on my team."

    There was no debate on whether Minnich, who was 3 for 4 and also got on base thanks to an error, would play last night. Gergle said he toyed with the idea of putting Minnich at designated hitter, but eventually settled on starting Minnich at first.

    "He has all winter to rest," Gergle joked. "He was going to play tonight, regardless."

    Minnich made solid plays defensively, stretching off the bag a couple times to snare wide or high throws. It was his bat, however, that made the most impact. The first big blow came in the fifth inning, with Township holding a fragile 2-0 lead. Singles from Scott Hart, Mike Wokulich and Brad Lloyd loaded the bases for Minnich. He delivered a bases-clearing double to deep left-center field, a 375-foot blast that would have left many other parks. It gave Township a five-run cushion. He supplied another RBI double in the seventh that scored Hart, boosting Township's edge to 7-2.

    Minnich wasn't the only Township player with a hot bat last night. Lloyd homered for the second straight game and center fielder Wokulich provided an RBI triple in the seventh. Lloyd, who played with Minnich at Felton, also enjoyed last night's victory.

    "I didn't get very many hits in the series, but the ones I hit got us off to nice starts in both games (3 and 4)," said Lloyd, who hit a first-inning grand slam Sunday.

    Lloyd ripped a two-run homer in the third last night, a rope shot pulled straight down the right-field line, breaking a 0-0 tie. Minnich's first double added to Red Lion's pain.

    "We didn't hit and we got opportunities," Red Lion manager Neil Ruff said.

    His club did have chances to inflict serious damage on Township starter Drew Kelley, but Kelley (eight strikeouts, seven hits, four walks) slid out of each jam relatively unscathed.

    "We got down big and we really didn't have any pitching to bring in," Ruff said.



    SUSQUEHANNA LEAGUE PLAYOFF FINALS SUMMARY

    2005 PLAYOFF CHAMPION -- YORK TOWNSHIP
    Finals Game 1 -- York Township 4, Red Lion 1
    Finals Game 2 -- Red Lion 8, York Township 7
    Finals Game 3 -- York Township 6, Red Lion 1
    Finals Game 4 -- York Township 8, Red Lion 2

    York Township wins the Best-of-5 series, 3 - 1.


    NOTE: The Susquehanna League Playoff Finals will be represented in the Labor Day Weekend "Tom Kerrigan Colonial Tournament" by -- Hallam (2005 Regular-season Champs) ... York Township (2005 Playoff Champion), and a Susquehanna League All-star Team (Manager and Players to be at the next League Meeting - Monday, August 29th).



    PAST SUSQUEHANNA BASEBALL LEAGUE PLAYOFF CHAMPIONS

    2005 — York Township
    2004 — Red Lion
    2003 — Red Lion
    2002 — York Township
    2001 — York Township
    2000 — Conrads
    1999 — Conrads
    1998 — Jacobus
    1997 — York Township
    1996 — York Township
    SUSQUEHANNA BASEBALL LEAGUE 2006 "HALL OF FAME" INDUCTEES:
    Larry Jacobs (York Township), Fred Winter (East Prospect), Rod Holtzapple (Loganville and Stewartstown),
    Danny Smth (Felton, Conrads, and Sholarship Fund Founder & Benefactor), Bob Bowser (Wrightsville).
     

    LARRY JACOBS is a 2006 Susquehanna Baseball League "Hall of Fame" Selection!
     

    The York Township Baseball Club is very pleased and deeply honored to announce ...
     
    Larry Jacobs was selected for the Susquehanna Baseball League "Hall of Fame" during Monday night's league meeting. "Jake" was among five (5) new HOF selectees. Joining "Jake" are -- Danny Smth (Felton, Conrads), Bob Bowser (Wrightsville), Rod Holtzapple (Loganville and Stewartstown), Fred Winter (East Prospect).
     
    This is the 3rd consecutive year that a former York Township player has been selected for this honor (2004 - Jeff Bowman, 2005 - Tom Schultz).
     
    "Jake" played and was a strong team leader over (28) seasons for Township. He was inducted into the York Township Team "Hall of Fame" in 2004. Some of "Jake's" impressive career stats include ...
     
    Games-826 ... AB-2405 ... Runs-528 ... Hits-706 ... AVG-.294 ... 2B-113 ... 3B-12 ... HR-138 ... RBI-619
     
    "Jake's" induction will take place at the annual League Banquet being held on Saturday, February 3rd (6:00 PM) at the Dallastown Fire Hall. All current players, former players, fans, family, and friends are invited to attend. Cost is $17 per person. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. We hope you'll join us for a great evening. *NOTE: Please contact John Woltman by January 14th to confirm your reservation (jwolt@aol.com).
     
    If you'd like to pass along your congratulations message to "Jake," here's his contact information ... E-mail: ljacobs@toolingdynamics.com
     

    From all of your former teammates, friends, family, the Susquehanna Baseball League, and the York Township Baseball Club players and fans --

    Thanks for all you did for us over (28) seasons. For all of your great plays and huge hits ... the early years and the championships ... your hard work, leadership, and perseverance ... and, most of all, thanks for all of the laughs and fun we had together.
     
     
    CONGRATULATIONS, JAKE!

    ________________________________________
     
     
     

     

    SPECIAL TIMES
    There was fun and fund-raising in Windsor on Saturday
    By STEVE NAVAROLI
    Daily Record/Sunday News

    June 25, 2006 — Making a difference in the lives of Special Olympic athletes is what the day was all about for the Windsor Cardinals of the Susquehanna League.

    Thanks to the superb efforts of Dwayne Neff, the team did just that on its home field before and after Saturday's clash against Felton.

    Neff, who is an autism field coordinator with the Youth Advocate Programs office, felt it was meaningful for the community to see the special athletes in action.

    "Not too many people even know they play," he said. "It is important that we get them out there and see them playing and doing their best."

    The 27-year-old is also spearheading an effort that so far this season has raised more than $1,000 for the program. Between players, coaches, sponsors and fans, the Windsor team has 63 people donating one dollar for every home run the team hits.

    They aren't the only Susquehanna League team on board, either. Hallam, Red Lion, Felton and York Township are also raising funds for the cause.

    Before the game against Felton, Windsor hosted several members of the York County Special Olympic softball team and introduced them to the crowd on hand.

    Special Olympics athlete Tim Moran did his stirring rendition of the national anthem.

    Later, after the Cardinals staged a dramatic seventh-inning comeback to defeat Felton, the Special Olympians took to the field.

    Teams were divided up between Special Olympics athletes, Windsor players and the Felton players who stuck around. The sun actually made a brief appearance and it was time to play ball.

    Early in the game, Special Olympian David Kline caught the fans' attention when he blasted a shot over everyone to straight away center field.

    Fellow Special Olympian Bryan Miller did his part, too, with a pair of slick fielding plays at first base. With the Susquehanna League players hitting one-handed, Cardinals' power hitter Nate Neumann ripped a line drive to first that Miller stabbed with style.

    The smile couldn't be pried off of Neumann's face during the event.

    "I am having a lot of fun," he said. "It is a lot of fun playing with these guys. We were looking forward to this more than our ballgame."

    A little while later, Felton's Scott Wright learned not to get in the way of Special Olympics athlete Jess Bender when she scored a run. Wright's impressive flop was well worth it, judging by the high-fives and grins Bender received back in her dugout.

    The mini-game ended when Kline's hard smash went for a clean grand slam.

    All in all, Windsor put on a great show, complete with a Harlem Globetrotter-like water shower of manager Nate Neff, who then chased the culprits and doused some spectators - with a bucket of confetti.

    The fun the Special Olympians had was only matched by the joy the Windsor players received.

    "Dwayne is a good man and we wanted to make sure this went good for him," Neumann said. "Right away when Dwayne said he has this program he wanted to do for Special Olympics, every one said, 'Whatever you need us to do.'"

    Brian Koons, who had two hits and drove in the winning run in the early game, agreed.

    "Dwayne did a fantastic job getting this set up," the catcher said. "It really speaks well for the league to put on something like this. It makes us take a look at people who are somewhat less fortunate than we are. We can't take for granted what we have."

    The before-and-after events sandwiched an entertaining battle between two teams that are friendly rivals.

    Felton jumped out to an early lead, thanks to a three-run first inning. Derek Royer's two-run double was the big blow of the inning.

    Wright, who doesn't pitch that often, got into trouble, but pitched out of it constantly - until the last inning.

    Trailing 5-3, Shawn Wilson was hit by a pitch to lead off the bottom of the seventh. Neumann lined a single up the middle and Brian Dinsmore doubled down the right field line to score Wilson.

    Darren Hake was intentionally walked, and Luke Keeny followed with a sacrifice fly to right that tied the game.

    After another intentional walk, Koons lofted a short fly to center. Felton second baseman Hunter Mink caught the ball, but his momentum took him away from the infield. His off-balance throw couldn't get the speedy Dinsmore, who scored the winning run.

    "We will take anything right now, bloops, line drives, sac flys," Koons said. "It doesn't matter as long as it scores runs. Wins are very important right now."

    With the win, Windsor improved to 13-9. Felton dropped to 4-19.

    During the game, the Special Olympians - who hung out near a tent set up down the left field line - were treated to hot dogs and sodas.

    The group also got the surprise thrill of being greeted by Penn State defensive back and William Penn product Knowledge Timmons.

    At the end of the day, Dwayne Neff looked pleased as could be - even with the approaching clouds and rumbles of thunder.

    "The day was perfect. We couldn't ask for anything better," he said. "They way (the weather) looked today and the way it held off. We had somebody with us."

    Reach Steve Navaroli at 771-2060 or snavaroli@ydr.com

    FORMER BASEBALL CHAMPS IN SPOTLIGHT AT WINDSOR <(Saturday, July 23rd)

    Town to Honor 1967 Susquehanna League Team

    By DICK VanOLINDA
    The York Dispatch -- Thursday, July 21, 2005

    Baseball used to be sewn into the fabric of nearly every small town in York County. Before television and before travel to other areas was relatively simple, people spent weeknight evenings and weekend afternoons at the fields. Sandlot ball isn't nearly as big as it used to be, but it's still being played in some communities. Windsor's Cardinals play on a diamond that dates to the 1930s. With the borough celebrating its centennial this year, Nate Neff, the Cardinals' manager, suggested a way to bring the team and the community together: a day of baseball. Borough officials liked the idea and it will take place this Saturday.

    Busy weekend is planned: The Cardinals will play a Susquehanna League doubleheader, taking on Conrads at 10 a.m. and Stewartstown at 1:30 p.m. But there will be more than a pair of games this weekend. There will also be a reunion. Before the second game, former Windsor players and the last Cardinals' team to win a title will be honored.

    "We got help from some of the Susquehanna League people who did some research and found out that the last time that Windsor won any kind of a championship, regular season or playoff, was 1967," Neff said. "We decided to bring those guys back. We're going to set up a sound system to honor all (Susquehanna League) Hall of Fame members, and we're going to introduce the 1967 team before the game."

    Windsor captured the playoff crown in '67. Felton won the regular-season title with a 26-9 record. Windsor and Conrads tied for second place at 25-10, and Stewartstown was fourth at 22-12. Neff, who began playing for Windsor in 1970 when he was just 14, remembers the '67 team very well.

    "My brother, Sam, was on that team, and we went to all the games," he said. "Four Hall of Famers -- Toby Grove, Penny Smith, Dick Shoff and Steve Keller -- all played on that team."

    Family tradition: The Smith family has been part of Windsor baseball for four generations. Penny Smith's son, Danny, played for the Cardinals, and his grandson, also named Danny, is Windsor's current second baseman. Penny's father, the late Clint Smith, was elected to the Susquehanna League Hall of Fame.

    "Toby Grove won 10 games, lost five and pitched 110 innings, which is almost unheard of these days, for the '67 team," Neff said. "Toby also batted .351. Wayne Neff pitched 66 innings and went 6-3, and Dick Shoff led the team with a batting average of .427."

    Shoff is one of 11 players from the '67 team (out of 14 or 15) who will be in Windsor on Saturday.

    "It will be good to see those guys, I haven't seen some of them in a long time," said Shoff, who retired following a teaching and coaching (baseball) career at Dallastown High School. "I played ball at Dallastown, but my dad, who was in professional ball for 15 years, had Windsor roots, and that's how I ended up there."

    Shoff said that he and his teammates played six days a week at one time.

    "We played Legion and Susquehanna League," he said. "We stayed together a long time. We were there (in Windsor) 10 or 11 years."

    Shoff will never forget the '67 season.

    "Toby was so dominant at the points, he threw so hard," he said. "And we had good hitters. The competition, though, was fierce. It was always Felton, Conrads and us battling. All of the kids went to Red Lion High School, and then they split up and played for different teams."

    Shoff elected to play on the "unique" Windsor field.

    "The field is right in the center of town, and you see cars going by the on the road in left field," Neff said. "We have that wall in right field which must have been there 50 years, and when I started there, the old grandstand with showers and a locker room underneath, was still there."

    And then there were the three turkey pens in the outfield. "The pens were on cinder blocks, and they were about level with the road," Neff said. "When someone would hit a ball off the pens, those turkeys would start gobbling."

    The grandstand and the turkey pens are long gone. But the memories remain.

    "Windsor was a real hotbed for baseball in the '60s and early '70s," Neff said. "It fell off the map for many years, but we're right back in there now (Windsor is currently in second place.)

    Neff is inviting all former Windsor players to come back on Saturday.

    "We're going to have some tents set up with tables and food so the players can go out there with the families. And we'll be naming the ballpark that day. I'm glad we put this thing together. Hopefully, it will spur more people to come out and watch local baseball."

    -- Reach Dick VanOlinda at dvanolinda@yorkdispatch.com or at 717-505-5407.

    TRIBUTE TO A LOCAL BASEBALL ICON

    May 16, 2005

    Windsor Baseball A Family Tradition
    FRANK BODANI
    Monday, May 16, 2005

    This is a story about a father and a son and baseball. It’s a son who learned the game from the man who gave a huge chunk of his life to the Windsor adult league baseball team. The father, Wilmer Neff, never played for the Cardinals in the Susquehanna League. But he married a Windsor girl. He lived in Windsor for almost 60 years. And he raised his daughter and two sons in the tiny town.

    Neff loved baseball but never played nearly enough. He was one of 12 children, one of four boys expected to work and help support the family, not spend afternoons and evenings playing a game. He was a machinist in the Navy, expected to protect his country during World War II, not stay home and play ball. He returned and raised three kids. But he always loved baseball, particularly the often forgotten Windsor team that finished with losing records for years.

    So he taught his sons. Sam Neff played first base and caught for the Cardinals for 20 years. Nate Neff played third base and right field for 30 years — retiring in 2000 to start managing the team. And their father was always there. He went to all of the league meetings. He attended all of the Windsor games and for years was the guy in charge of passing around the collection hat at home games — collections that stretched for innings because Wilmer Neff stopped to chat with just about everyone in the crowd. He ran the turkey suppers that served 300 people and raised more baseball money.

    “You just had to know my father,” Nate Neff said. “He’d talk to anybody and make them feel welcome when they came to Windsor.” He did so much, meant so much to so many baseball people, that he was elected to the Susquehanna League Hall of Fame — without ever playing in the league. The last few summers, Wilmer Neff watched each game with his old buddies in left field in lawn chairs under the trees. And then, suddenly, he was gone. He fell at home and injured a vertebrae in his neck and was paralyzed below the waist. He lived like that for two weeks at the hospital.

    “And the thing he was most worried about was that doggoned turkey supper,” Nate Neff said. The supper was coming the next week. The Susquehanna League baseball season was coming in a month. But he died at 83 before any of it. So Nate Neff and his Windsor Cardinals began a season without a part of their family. And the games have felt strange, a bit empty. The team now ends its pregame talk by saying Wilmer Neff’s name. Old friends tell Nate Neff how the games aren’t the same without his father. And there are no more postgame meetings at Wilmer’s house to watch the Phillies or Orioles on TV and to talk about the Windsor Cardinals.

    Wilmer Neff never said too much to his son. He didn’t need to. The son remembered a victory over high-powered Dover, his father waiting for him behind the dugout.

    “That look he gave me after the game ... It was just really something,” Nate Neff said. “He didn’t have to say anything. Just a nod and gave me a smile, and I knew he was pretty proud of me that day.” Nate Neff told the story, his voice breaking with emotion. He knows Windsor actually has a shot at winning its first title in almost 40 years. And Wilmer Neff won’t be here to see how it plays out. Yet the father will live on through the baseball and the summer and the sweet story worth telling.

    Reach Frank Bodani at 771-2104 or fbodani@ydr.com
    JACK MARKEY selected for 2006 York Township Baseball Club "Hall of Fame"!
     

    The York Township Baseball Club is very pleased and deeply honored to announce the selection of Jack Markey to the York Township Baseball Club "Hall of Fame."

    Jack's career statistics are ...
    Years-20 ... Games-556 ... AB-1680 ... Runs-415 ... Hits-590 ... AVG-.351 ... 2B-86 ... 3B-15 ... HR-33 ... RBI-362
      
    Jack was inducted into the "HOF" at the York Township Team Banquet in The Abbey at the Harp & Fiddle restaurant. 
     
    If you'd like to pass along your congratulations message to Jack, here's his contact information ... E-mail: jmroarlions11@msn.com.

    From all of your former teammates, friends, family, and the York Township Baseball Club players and fans --

    Thanks for your great play, dedication, and leadership over (20) seasons.
     
     
    CONGRATULATIONS, JACK!

    Tom Kerrigan: Local Baseball Icon Will Be Missed

    Local baseball has lost a great man, Tom Kerrigan. A great man in life and a great baseball man. Mr. Kerrigan was a longtime supporter of York County Baseball, both the Central and Susquehanna Baseball Leagues, American Legion Baseball, and was the founder of the annual Labor Day "Tom Kerrigan - Colonial York Baseball Tournament" (which was renamed a few years ago in his honor). Tom Kerrigan's contributions to York County baseball will long stand as his legacy. His love and passion for baseball have built the strong foundation we all enjoy today. We thank him for all that he did for local baseball. And we extend our support and deepest sympathy to his family and friends. We all benefited from his efforts. We are better for having known Mr. Kerrigan. And we cherish the memories he gave to each us. Tom Kerrigan will be missed. - The York Township Baseball Club
     
    ____________________________________________________________________________
     

    Kerrigan's Life Was Filled With Enthusiasm
    Frank Bodani - York Daily Record

    Apr 3, 2007 — Tom Kerrigan loved baseball, loved history, loved to talk. And when he got a chance to weave those things together in front of an impromptu audience, well ... it was difficult to slow him down. He amazed with his memory. And with his boldness, if that's the right word. It was just the way this small, old man full of life could walk into a room of strangers with a huge smile and sit down in the middle of everyone and start telling baseball stories and history stories. He warmed people with his love of baseball, and that's what will be missed most.

    Kerrigan, 84, died on Sunday after a life devoted to his family, to model railroading and to baseball, mostly the local Susquehanna and Central leagues.

    "The biggest thing I remember about him is how he recruited (Central League) players in the middle of winter," said Curly Holtzapple, another local baseball fixture. "He was over at Elizabethtown and a snowstorm came up, and he was still out recruiting. He was awesome.

    "He was the type of guy you had to like. ... He would just do just about anything for you."

    I remember Kerrigan from his days running the Colonial York Baseball Tournament, which was eventually named after him. At the end of every August he would bring his baseball bracket to the sports department of both local newspapers, so we would know who was playing where. But that was only part of it. He had no problem getting sidetracked, telling stories for an hour or more once he was there, no matter who listened.

    From the 1950 Phillies to the Roman Empire. He would make himself at home in the sports editor's chair and we would laugh and he would go right on talking. About how baseball had changed or what adult education classes he was teaching at Susquehannock High School. He taught for decades but also was an assistant principal and a director of transportation in the Southern School District. I remember him as the guy who called out the bus numbers in elementary school at the end of the day.

    So when I saw him 25 years later in the sports department and mentioned where I went to school, he jumped at the chance:

    "What bus did you ride?"

    I told him, No. 19, remembering back somehow.

    Without missing a beat he rattled off the name of my old driver, her route and what had happened to her in the 25 years since. We all laughed again, and he seemed to love it.

    "He was quite a character, and you might have heard the same story before if you've been around as long as I have," said Lee Rentzel, another longtime Central League player and coach. "Tom was a good guy."

    The man certainly put in his work. He managed and umpired and served as a league officer. Even when that was done with, he still led the dwindling group known as the Central League Old Timers Baseball Association. But what made him stand out was the way he did everything. He pushed his way around to get things done the way he thought they should be done. And that certainly didn't sit well with everyone. But how could you not like him?

    That smile. That enthusiasm. The way he walked into a room, when you least expected him, and told you something interesting about the French Revolution.

    The way he talked baseball even on a winter-coat day during a chance meeting outside of a grocery store. The way he loved the game. The way he loved it better than most.
     
    Reach Frank Bodani at 771-2104 or fbodani@ydr.com.
     
     
    ______________________________________Obituary______________________________________
     
     
    Thomas A. Kerrigan
     
    GLEN ROCK, PA: Thomas A. Kerrigan, 84, passed away April 1, 2007, at his home. He was the husband of Maxine (Sortwell) Kerrigan, with whom he celebrated 58 years of marriage on January 26. Born in Philadelphia on August 7, 1922, he was the son of Thomas and Mary (Ronan) Kerrigan.
     
    Mr. Kerrigan dropped out of school at the age of 16 to support his family after the death of his father and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy in during World War II, where he served on the U.S.S. John P. Gray. After his return to Philadelphia he attended Brown Prep School and the University of Pennsylvania and then enrolled in Gettysburg College, graduating in 1952 with a degree in History. He moved to Glen Rock and began his teaching career at Susquehannock High School. He received his Master's of Education Degree from the former Western Maryland College in 1959 and completed his Principal's Certification at Johns Hopkins University. During his 33 year teaching career, he served as a teacher, assistant principal, and director of transportation until his retirement in 1985. He continued to teach adult education history classes at Susquehannock until December 2006.
     
    Tom was involved in baseball in York County for his entire life, serving as manager for several teams including, Glen Rock, Stoverstown, Seven Valleys and Loganville. He also coached the Glen Rock Legion baseball team. His love for the game led to several years as an umpire and as a league officer. He served as the director of the Colonial York Baseball Tournament held each Labor Day weekend and in 2002 the tournament was renamed the Tom Kerrigan Colonial York Baseball Tournament in his honor. He was inducted into the Central League Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Susquehanna Baseball League Hall of Fame in 2003. He also served as President of the Central League Old Timers Baseball Association. In 1994 he was recognized by the Austin L. Grove American Legion Post #403 as Glen Rock Citizen of the Year and received the Glen Rock Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, both for his contribution to local baseball.
     
    As a hobby, Tom constructed O-gauge buildings for Lionel train layouts. His buildings have been purchased by individuals from all over the United States and some of his buildings are currently on display at the Lincoln Museum in Gettysburg. He was also a member of the Train Collectors Association for over 30 years and was a member of the Austin L. Grove American Legion Post #403.
     
    Besides his wife, he leaves a daughter, Deb of Carlisle; a son Tom Jr. of Baltimore; a niece Karen Stepelevich and her husband, Steve of Devon; a nephew Vincent Frigo and his wife, Michele of Royersford, PA; a nephew Anthony Frigo and his wife, Gabriela of Linfield, PA. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Sandra and two sisters, Alice Kerrigan and Anastasia Frigo.
     
    Viewings will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the Geiple Funeral Home, Inc. 53 Main Street, Glen Rock. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with Rev. Jacqueline Starz officiating. Burial will be in the Glen Rock Union Cemetery.
     
    In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contribution be made to the Southern York County School District Foundation, Dollars for Scholars Chapter, for the Thomas A. Kerrigan Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 128, Glen Rock, PA. 17327-0128; or to the Glen Rock Athletic Association, for the Tom Kerrigan Baseball Scholarship Fund, c/o Tony Schuchart, 1613 Wayne Avenue, York, PA. 17403.
     

    Gergle Gets 500th Career Hit!

    August 3, 2004
    Steve Gergle got the 500th hit of his 20-year York Township career last evening (August 2nd) versus Conrads. His milestone hit came in the bottom of the 2nd-inning. It was a one (1)-out, 2-RBI single into right-centerfield. "Gergs" was presented the game ball, signed by all of the players.

    "Gergs" joins small group of York Township players with 500 or more career hits - Tom Shultz, 1049 (27 seasons) - 3rd Overall All-time Susquehanna League Career Hits ... John Woltman, 728 (18 seasons) ... Jeff Bowman, 725 (23 seasons) ... Larry Jacobs, 706 (29 seasons) ... Ron Lentz, 704 (24 seasons) ... Don Trout, 604 (22 seasons) ... Jack Markey, 590 (20 seasons) ... Steve Gergle, 500 (20 seasons).

    CONGRATULATIONS, Gergs!











    2007 Susquehanna Baseball League Playoffs Wrap-up



    2007 SUSQUEHANNA BASEBALL LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
     
     
    ROUND 1: Opening Round (Best-of-3 Series)
     
    GAME 1: SATURDAY, AUGUST 4th
    YORK TOWNSHIP, 7 - Stewartstown, 1 (YORK TOWNSHIP leads series 1-0)
    East Prospect, 5 - Hallam, 0 (East Prospect leads series 1-0)
    Red Lion, 17 - Conrads, 5 (Red Lion leads the series 1-0)
    Jacobus, 7 - Windsor, 0 (Jacobus leads the series 1-0)
     
    GAME 2: SUNDAY, AUGUST 5th
    YORK TOWNSHIP, 9 - Stewartstown, 3 (YORK TOWNSHIP wins the series, 2-0)
    Red Lion, 6 - Conrads, 4 (Red Lion wins the series, 2-0)
    Windsor, 6 - Jacobus, 2 (Windsor ties the series, 1-1)
    Hallam, 9 - East Prospect, 0 (game forfeited in third inning, Hallam ties series, 1-1)

    GAME 3: TUESDAY, AUGUST 7th
    Hallam, 3 - East Prospect, 1 (Hallam wins the sreies, 2-1)
    Windsor, 5 - Jacobus, 1 (Windsor wins the sreies, 2-1)
     ____________________________________________________________________________ 


    ROUND 2-- Hallam/Windsor: Semi-Final (Best-of-3 Series)
     
    GAME 1: Friday, August 10th
    Windsor, 4 - Hallam, 1 (Windsor leads the series, 1-0)
    GAME 2: Saturday, August 11th
    Windsor, 4 - Hallam, 3 (Windsor wins the series, 2-0)
     
     
    ROUND 2--YORK TOWNSHIP/Red Lion: Semi-Final (Best-of-3 Series)
     
    GAME 1: Saturday, August 11th
    YORK TOWNSHIP, 4 - Red Lion, 3 in 9 innings (YORK TOWNSHIP leads the series, 1-0)
    GAME 2: Sunday, August 12th
    Red Lion, 6 - YORK TOWNSHIP, 0 (Series tied, 1-1)
    GAME 3: Monday, August 13th
     Red Lion, 4 - YORK TOWNSHIP, 3 (Red Lion wins the series, 2-1)
     ____________________________________________________________________________ 
     
    ROUND 3: CHAMPIONSHIP (Best-of-5 Series)
     
    GAME 1a: Tuesday, August 14th
    Windsor, 0 - Red Lion, 0 (8 innings, game to be replayed in its entirety)
    GAME 1b: Wednesday, August 15th
    Red Lion, 5 - Windsor, 3 (Red Lion leads the series, 1-0)
    GAME 2: Thursday, August 16th
    Windsor, 4 - Red Lion, 2 (Series tied, 1-1)
    GAME 3: Saturday, August 18th
    Red Lion, 9 - Windsor, 6 (Red Lion leads the series, 2-1)
    GAME 4: Sunday, August 19th, 1:30 PM
    Red Lion, 3 - Windsor, 0 (Red Lion wins Playoff Championship, 3-1)
     
    RED LION WINS PLAYOFFS!

    Township Has (7) Named To 2004 Susky All-stars!

    July 14, 2004
    The Susquehanna League made it's 2004 All-star Team selections at the July 12th League Meeting. The team will be managed by Clint Workinger (Red Lion - 2003 League Champion). Workinger's coaching staff will be will be: Nate Neff (Windsor) and Dave Gemmill (Stewartstown).

    The 2004 All-star Game was played Saturday, July 17th, at York Township's McWilliams Field. The Central League was leading 4-2 in the 5th-inning when rain washed out the game.

    "YORK TOWNSHIP HAS (7) SUSQUEHANNA LEAGUE ALL-STARS" - Seven (7) York Township players have been selected for the 2004 Susquehanna League All-star squad. They are (as seen in the photo above): Front Row - Jay Dimler (P), Cory Jacoby (C), Eric Shoff (1B) ... Back Row - Steve Gergle (P), Mike Kelly (P), Scott Hart (SS), Andy Howard (2B).

    The 2004 Susquehanna League 2004 All-star Team includes:

    1B: Nate Neumann (Windsor) ... Eric Shoff (York Township) ... Rick Thompson (Conrads)
    2B: Mike Austin (Jacobus) ... Andy Howard (York Township)
    SS: Jason Seitz (Hallam) ... Scott Hart (York Township)
    3B: Shawn Wilson (Windsor) ... Jim Grim (East Prospect)
    C: Mark Schauren (Columbia) ... Cory Jacoby (York Township)
    OF: Bryan Waltemyer (Felton) ... John Price (Red Lion) ... Marty Hilt (Wrightsville) ... Jed Larkin (Jacobus) ... Jimi Nomikus (Red Lion) ... Eric Gemmill (Stewartstown)
    DH: James Schopf (East Prospect) ... Luke Keeny (Windsor)
    Pitchers: Steve Gergle (York Township) ... Jay Dimler (York Township) ... Mike Kelly (York Township) ... Cole Runkle (Windsor) ... Gordie Eck III (Columbia) ... Jake Schoelkoph (Hallam) ... Mark Scheckard (Hallam) ... Chad Smith (Conrads) ... Doug Bacon (Red Lion)





    D.B. Woltman Wins MinorLeagueBaseball.com Essay Contest!

    June 4, 2004
    David "D.B." Woltman has been selected as the winner of the minorleaguebaseball.com "REMEMBER THE GOOD OLE DAYS STORIES" contest. As many of you know, "D.B." ("Doughboy" to you YT old-timers), has long been associated with York Township (as a player in the late 70s and early 80s) and as a longtime Susquehanna League officer (Vice-President, President, and currently, as Treasurer). He's grown up living baseball ... and has hundreds of stories to prove it. You can read his award-winning entry (and see his vintage 1968 York Pirates batboy photo) at the minorleaguebaseball.com website (go to "Favorite Links").

    CONGRATULATIONS, D.B.!

    You can contact "D.B." at pluggerdb7@aol.com. Here's his winning story ...

    Summers filled with the mystique that only baseball can offer. From cold April evenings to steamy July afternoons playing ‘pepper and "shagging" flyballs. The sweet smell of pine tar and the tapping of metal cleats as players clamor from the locker room to the field. Cleaning the clubhouse and shining spikes, picking up trash from the previous night's game and preparing the field for a new day! I was 10 years old when the York White Roses were a Double-A affiliate of the Washington Senators, in 1967 . With the support of wonderful parents, my brother John (3 years my senior) and I were working at York's Memorial Stadium. Working and learning!! Honestly, though, it sure didn't seem like work! The next 3 years would develop into a life experience that has no equal! While my brother tended to his duties as Roses’ batboy, I was selling peanuts, soda, hot chocolate, and other assorted stadium fare throughout the stands. That's right – A VENDOR! At 10 years old I was like a carnival barker, bellowing my sales pitch to make a few dollars a game. And when our school term ended we became members of the cleanup and grounds crew. What a way to see a ballgame! What an introduction to professional baseball!! 1968 and ’69 saw me take over as the visiting club's batboy. I felt like I was a ballplayer myself. There I was in the dugout, in the clubhouse, playing catch with the players and occasionally taking a few "rips" during batting practice! Could the life of a young boy, who loved baseball, be any better than this? York was now associated with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and with this came change. A more competitive team and baseball's first outdoor "Astroturf" infield. Even though the team flourished on the field, our city struggled to support those efforts. Civil unrest overran York in the summer of 1969 and although we would win the Eastern League championship, attendance reflected the turbulent times. However, inside the stadium walls baseball offered the comfort of an old friend. The local team was an extended family. Players came to our home for a cookout or a birthday party and to a young teenager these guys seemed so much older. But really they were very young themselves. We all experienced baseball and life, just on different levels. Their names and faces are still very real today! Opponents like Carlton Fisk, Cal Ripken, Sr., Ron Blomberg, Larry Bowa, Thurman Munson, Ron Allen and York's Gene Garber, Angel Mangual, Bruce DalCanton, Gene Clines, and Fred Cambria provided me with a unique insight into the treasures of baseball. Now, when attending minor league games I find myself, again, being 11 or 12 years old. I can see Clines stealing bases, Munson’s gritty style, and Max Patkin (Baseball's "Clowned Prince") mocking umpires. I still taste the hot dogs smothered in onions and the sweet rope licorice.

    Ahhhhhhhhh ………… those "good old days" are still very good!

     

    2007 "Rawlings Berkshire Showdown"
     
    "SUSQUEHANNA ALL-STARS" ROSTER
     
    COLUMBIA: Gordie Eck
    CONRADS: Kellen Taylor, Jimi Nomikos
    HALLAM: Eric Crumling, Jason Seitz, Justin Seitz, Joe Strayer, Mackie Miller
    JACOBUS: Mike Austin
    RED LION: Darren Hake, Nick Root
    STEWARTSTOWN: Sam Heaps
    WINDSOR: Shawn Wilson, Cole Runkle, Luke Keeney, Danny Smith
    YORK TOWNSHIP: Drew Kelley, Morgan Markey, Mike Wokulich, Conor Wentland
     
    MANAGER: Rod Seitz (Hallam)
    COACHES: Steve Gergle (York Township), Nate Neff (Windsor)
    SCOREKEEPER: Terry Golden (Jacobus)
     
    BRACKETS, SCHEDULES, GAME SITES

    Rawlings Berkshire Showdown (College/Adult)     BACK TO TOURNEY INFO

    TOURNAMENT BRACKETS
    Group A
    Berkshire Red Sox (4-0)
    Smitty's Cardinals (2-2)
    Tarrytown (NY) Knights (1-2)
    Baltimore Cooper Cleaning (1-2)
    Linglestown (1-3)

    Group B
    Northumberland Diamondbacks (4-0)
    Susquehanna All-Stars (3-1)
    Sportsfever (NY) (1-3)
    Berkshire Blue Sox (1-3)
    Hagerstown Braves (1-3)
       
    TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE/RESULTS
    GAME DATE/TIME TEAM 1 TEAM 2 LOCATION
    1 6/14/2007 7:00 PM Smitty's Cardinals (1) Berkshire Red Sox (4) George Field
    2 6/15/2007 6:45 PM Berkshire Blue Sox (2) Susquehanna All-Stars (13) Egelmans Park
    3 6/15/2007 6:45 PM Linglestown  (2) Berkshire Red Sox (5) George Field
    4 6/15/2007 7:00 PM Baltimore Cooper Cleaning (2) Smitty's Cardinals (3) Pendora Park
    5 6/15/2007 9:15 PM Berkshire Blue Sox (1) Sportsfever (NY) (7) Egelmans Park
    6 6/15/2007 9:15 PM Tarrytown (NY) Knights (6) Berkshire Red Sox (8) George Field
    7 6/15/2007 9:00 PM Hagerstown Braves (1) Northumberland Diamondbacks (2) Pendora Park
    8 6/16/2007 8:00 AM Smitty's Cardinals (4) Linglestown  (1) Kutztown University
    9 6/16/2007 8:45 AM Berkshire Blue Sox (5) Hagerstown Braves (3) George Field
    10 6/16/2007 8:45 AM Susquehanna All-Stars (2) Northumberland Diamondbacks (8) Egelmans Park
    11 6/16/2007 10:00 AM Baltimore Cooper Cleaning (1) Berkshire Red Sox (11) Pendora Park
    12 6/16/2007 10:30 AM Linglestown  (4) Tarrytown (NY) Knights (2) Kutztown University
    13 6/16/2007 11:30 AM Sportsfever (NY) (0) Hagerstown Braves (2) Egelmans Park
    14 6/16/2007 11:30 AM Berkshire Blue Sox (5) Northumberland Diamondbacks (6) George Field
    15 6/16/2004 1:00 PM Smitty's Cardinals (1) Tarrytown (NY) Knights (13) Kutztown University
    16 6/16/2007 2:15 PM Sportsfever (NY) (3) Northumberland Diamondbacks (7) George Field
    17 6/16/2007 2:15 PM Susquehanna All-Stars (4) Hagerstown Braves (1) Egelmans Park
    18 6/16/2007 3:30 PM Baltimore Cooper Cleaning (9) Linglestown  (8) Kutztown University
    19 6/16/2007 5:00 PM Susquehanna All-Stars (1) Sportsfever (NY) (0) Egelmans Park
    20 6/17/2007 8:45 AM Baltimore Cooper Cleaning (12) Tarrytown (NY) Knights (0) Egelmans Park
    21
    SEMI FINAL GAMES
    6/17/2007 9:00 AM
    Susquehanna All-Stars (B-2) (2) Berkshire Red Sox (A-1) (7) George Field
    22 6/17/2007 11:30 AM Smitty's Cardinals (A-2) (2) Northumberland Diamondbacks (B-1) (3) George Field
    23
    CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
    6/17/2007 2:00 PM
    Berkshire Red Sox (A-1) (11) Northumberland D-backs (B-1) (CHAMPIONSHIP GAME) (6) George Field

    AWARDS

    - Tournament Outstanding Pitcher - Shane Stein (Berkshire Red Sox)

    - Tournament M.V.P. - Dan Myers (Berkshire Red Sox)
     

    2007 "Rawlings Berkshire Showdown"
    Contact: Dan Clouser ... E-mail: dcclouser@aol.com
     
    Participating Teams
    Berkshire Red Sox ... Berkshire Blue Sox ... Smitty's Cardinals ... Baltimore Cooper Cleaning ... Sportsfever (NY) ... Linglestown ... Hagerstown Braves ... Northumberland Diamondbacks ... Susquehanna All-Stars ... Tarrytown (NY) Knights
     
    Lodging
    **Due to an increasing amount of conventions in the Reading & Berks County area in recent years, hotel rooms in this area are at a premium. Lodging arrangements can be made on your own, or by contacting --
    Contact: Dean Kraras
    White Star Tours and Travel Center
    26 East Lancaster Avenue
    Reading, PA 19607
    Phone: (610) 775-5000
    TOLL FREE: (800) 437-2323
    Fax: (610) 775-7155
    E-mail: dkraras@whitestartours.com
     
    2007 "Rawlings Berkshire Showdown" Tournament T-shirts
    Pre-order Tournament T-shirts (S, M, XL @ $10 each - 2XL, 3XL @ $12 each)
    Save $2 per T-shirt with on-line pre-order
    Minimum order is (6) T-shirts
     
    Field Directions
    Fields being used for the "Rawlings Berkshire Showdown" are -- George Field, Egelmans Park, Kutztown University, and Pendora Park (go to the link below to select directions to each field)
     
    Tournament Rules
    (25) player open roster, amateur status only
    Rosters must be turned in to Field Director prior to first tournament game.
     
    Tournament Tie Breakers

    Past Champions
     
    TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS
    1990: Ephrata Black Sox
    1991: Ephrata Black Sox
    1992: Smitty's Cardinals
    1993: Trans-Materials
    1994: Bergen Beach (NY) Trojans
    1995: Bergen Beach (NY) Trojans
    1996: Trans-Materials
    1997: Bergen Beach (NY) Trojans
    1998: Smitty's Cardinals
    1999: Lititz Pirates
    2000: Milton Pirates
    2001: Milton Pirates
    2002: Mechanicsburg A.A.
    2003: Mechanicsburg A.A.
    2004: Smitty's Cardinals
    2005: Berkshire Red Sox
    2006: Smitty's Cardinals                                    
    2007: Berkshire Red Sox

    2003 Susquehanna League Banquet - YT Awards

    February 7, 2004
    At the Susquehanna League Banquet (February 7th), York Township's 2nd baseman, Andy Howard (Bloomsburg University), received a League Scholarship Award. Andy was selected as the 2003 Susquehanna League "Outstanding Young Player." CONGRATULATIONS, Andy!

    Jay Dimler was presented with an award for joining the prestigious "100 Wins Club." Jay is Township's all-time leader in wins and only the 4th pitcher in Susquehanna League history to notch 100 victories. The others are: Ed Workinger (Conrads) - the winningest pitcher in Susky League history, Denny Reisinger (Wrightsville), and Dick Stern (Conrads, Felton). CONGRATULATIONS, Jay!