I know that, for most of us, vague pleasantries about how lucky we are to still be playing, and what wonderful teammates each of us was are Bactine and Mom's boo boo kiss on a major laceration, but it is true. We had a great year, 4-3 overall doesn't sound impressive, but we ran into a buzzsaw in the quarterfinals and now we are home (at least most of us). 

I feel like in another year, with some slightly different circumstances, we'd have as good a chance as the next team. Bottom line is you had 46 teams fighting for the 3 or 4 championships, and this year wasn't the one to claim ours. But I thoroughly enjoyed your company amd saw some great plays, some incredible at bats and the very best in working as a team, which is always challenging when combining players from several different teams. I just wanted to tip my cap to some great performances and announce our team MVP for this year.

Lynn Bracey came to us as a player pool guy, a pitcher, and we were a bit worried after the first time he went in, but he came back strong on Wednesday and picked up a win. Plus a great chat it up guy on the bench, and had great stories at Dave's, thanks for coming with us Lynn. Carlos Padilla came down for a day plus and helped us to a great win, eating up some innings, making some great plays and heck, he hit 1.000 for the tournament! (1-1) One of my favorite people. Mike Sanders hadn't played in 50 years, and when he got his hit, I think we all harkened back to the day we got to suit up again, plus one of the best dudes you're going to meet, super teammate.

Sarge Jimenez was his usual self, contributing in so many ways on the field, and great chat off the field, plus he lives in a motorhome, for Pete's sake!  Albert Labrador had to play virtually every inning at short after George Kerst's injury, and he was fantastic, in addition to driving in 7 runs. It also did not go without notice that he hit in some hard luck. The newly minted Hall of Famer Steve D'ercole was hurt early, and had to miss some AB's because of slotting, but played a solid second and had some timely hits, always an honor to have him on the team, especially in the year of his induction. 

Tony Caruso came the longest way, from northern Pennsylvania, and for the 24th or 25th year for me, was a great teammate, fantastic hitter (.368) and was solid on the mound,  except for the opponent we shall not refer to by name. Fellow RH Hall of Famer Steve La Russa led the team in RBI, batting in the cleanup spot for the most part, with the toughest pitching to contend with. Made some great plays in the field and led us in extra base hits.  John Rothwell had the best ERA on the team, (!), made some super catches in the OF, and always makes for a tough out at the plate, with some serious thump. 

Rick Sanders led us in hitting at a cool .500, and pitched great* If yiou all knew how much of a battle it has been for Rick to join us, you would be truly even more impressed by this guy than you already are. I'll let him share the details as he sees fit, but suffice it to know that it is my sincere hope that he continues to grace us with his presence and playing ability and team first attitude for many years to come.

Adam Bransfield hit a "soft" .409, which is probably under his standards, but he was a Jack of ALL Trades, playing virtually all of the positions, with the energy of a man half his age. Ric Moots is amazing, so good at any position, you don't know where to put him, his addition at one is subtraction at another. He also carved out a .444 BA and was effective on the mound. I think if we'd got past these Voldemorts, we would have seen him play a central role in the drive for the hat. 

Gary Herr and I have been working on this for more than six months, and I really appreciate him on all fronts, but this year additionally as a player. He made several sparkling catches, always hustled, and I've always admired what a good hitter he was, He did not disappoint, banging out a .375 and getting hotter as we neared the end. Joe Hamilla is just extraordinary. Coming off his MVP season of a year ago, and all that his daily life involves with his incredible wife Cheryl and their family, Joe managed a smoldering .429 with 6 bones and a stellar outing on the bump (*). Great 3rd base, the best teammate you could ask for.

Mattie Conrad has been and will always be my favorite player. He is a premium catcher at the most difficut position on the field, at any age, and particularly at this age. He gives you a tough at bat every single time, He throws quality batting practice to practically the whole team, then pitches and catches in the same game. Who does that? He loves the game, has reverance for it, treats all he comes in contact with competitive respect and friendliness, and respects the Golden Rule in baseball. "Do unto others, etc..." I'm thrilled every time he suits up for a team im part of, no doubt. Danny Acevedo came out swinging and just never stopped. After his health challenges recently, nobody could have blamed him if he just came along for the ride, but not this cat. .429 with sock, and several shots that went right to people, I had him down for easily the hardest hit balls of the tournament, regardless of hit or not. 

Which leaves me with the MVP. It's not the best player award, because I don't know how you could pick out of those guys I just talked about above, but clearly the Most Valuable Player was WIllie Castro. He got 3 of the 4 wins on the mound, threw almost half the possible innings for the tournament, and wanted to throw more, if I would have let him. He is a wonderful teammate, I've never heard a bad word from him or about anyone, friend or foe. He is competitive as all get out, but fair and supremely talented, pumping fastballs and sliders at an age which most rely on guile and location. Hanging around a bunch of gringos all week can't have been ideal, but he handles that seamlessly and with amazing grace. It's an honor to proclaim Willie Castro as the 2025 Roy Hobbs World Series MVP.