Final Thoughts on the 65th Annual AAABA
AWARD WINNERS 2009
AAABA National Champions: New Orleans
Runner-Up: New Brunswick
Sportsmanship Award: Brooklyn
Tournament MVP: Lucas LeBlanc (New Orleans)
Batting Champion: Scott Fabre (New Orleans)
Congratulations to the New Orleans NORD Boosters for capturing their 13th AAABA National Title. After an Opening Day 5-4 loss to New Brunswick, NORD stormed back to win 6 games in a row. New Brunswick was the last remaining undefeated team heading into Saturday and was poised to make history by winning their first title. However, the NORD Boosters were up to the challenge, avenging thier only loss by defeating New Brunswick twice in two days by a combined score of 23-0 and ultimately capturing the title.
Will Johnstown Ever Win??
Another year has passed and Johnstown once again came up short. You start to wonder if the home team will ever win? Having watched this tournament every year since I was in grade school, the one thing I can say is Johnstown has been more consistent and competitive over the past decade. I vividly remember the "two and outs" of the 1980's and early 90's. Consider this, until 1995, Johnstown had only ever played in the title game once (1956). Since 1995, Johnstown has participated in the title game 3 times (1995, 2001, 2003) and has managed to win a few games almost every year. In recent years I've heard many locals diminish Johnstown's success by insisting that the overall talent level has dropped off and the tournament "isn't what it used to be". We always tend to look at the past as somehow more glorious, you know "the good old days". I would argue that the talent is as good as it's ever been. Sure there are down years and yes, the once major league all star production factory known as Detroit Adray is no longer around but the numbers dont lie. The tournament is still producing numerous draft picks and future major leaguers on a very consistent basis. Baltimore and Washington still produce the most pro players but how is that any different than the 60's, 70's or 80's? The answer: it's not. To Johnstown's credit, since 1985 the AAABA entry has produced 23 Major League Baseball draft picks, 5 of which would eventually reach the major league level - not bad for a small town that plays only local players.
So, back to the original question....can Johnstown ever win? I wish I knew but I think it will happen someday. Johnstown's biggest problem has always been depth. It seems that when they've had the pitching they dont have the hitting and vice versa. One year it will all come together. Could Johnstown field an all-star team with kids from all over the country and win it all? Probably, but would it mean as much? Not to me, when we do eventually win this tournament (and we will!), I want to see the local kids out there celebrating and jumping on a pile of players at the Point mound. One day, talent, luck, and the stars will all align for the Johnstown entry... but until then we can only wait and mutter "next year's our year!".
Oldtimers Renew Traditions
You always hate to be critical of an organization that has done so much over the years but let's face it, the Oldtimers had slipped over the past decade. I fondly remember the 1980's and early 90's when the Rawlings Bat Caravan was parked outside the Point, the San Diego Chicken and Pirate Parrot were regular visitors, the Army Golden Knights parachuted into the opening ceremony, Pittsburgh Penguin players signed autographs in right field, fireworks shows thrilled the crowds, games were televised on WJAC, a real organ belted out baseball sounds and tunes during night games, promotions every night included pennants, seat cushions, and mugs.... 2009 seems to have been a step back in the right direction and I applaud the Oldtimers for their hard work. This year, the Pirate Parrot returned, Rick Oswald brought his famous organ back, Point Stadium replicas were given away on the second night, and for the first time AAABA baseball card sets were produced in conjunction with the Tribune Democrat. It is nice to see the tournament once again regaining some of that old tradition. Lets hope that 2010 brings back more memories! Kudos to the Oldtimers.
Johnstown vs. Johnstown
Johnstown did make history this year when for the first time in 65 years 2 Johnstown teams met in tournament play: Johnstown Delweld and Johnstown Martellas Pharmacy. The last and only other time two Johnstown teams even competed in the tournament was in 1989 when the tournament expanded to 22 teams in celebration of the Johnstown Flood Centennial.
Adding to the historic night, first year pick-up player Drew Shaulis tossed a 1 run no-hitter in front of a packed Point Stadium crowd. After walking the first three Martellas batters, Shaulis settled in and retired the next 19 in order, recording eight strike outs and getting the victory. The future appears bright for the young left hander.
New Orleans
As much as I wanted to see a new team take the title this year, there is no classier team that New Orleans - Congratulations! They have been a loyal franchise that has always valued their trip to Johnstown and they have always treated the city, people, and tournament with great respect. We hope they continue their long, proud tradition and continue to make the AAABA an annual stop.
Finally.....
Once again, it was a pleasure to watch so many talented baseball players from all over the country. I hope that those who didn't know the history or the tradition of baseball in Johnstown can walk away with a greater appreciation for what the AAABA means. For those that do know and understand the storied history of the tournament, we hope you continue to honor it and remain a part of it for many years to come.
Did we see the next Mark Teixeira, Gavin Floyd, Manny Ramirez, or Reggie Jackson here this year??? Only time will tell.....see you in 2010!
View the final tournament bracket courtesy of the Johnstown Tribune Democrat:
http://www.tribdem.com/aaaba/local_story_220182147.html
Sunday August 16, 2009
New Brunswick will face Brooklyn in a 1:00pm contest at Point Stadium. The winner will face New Orleans at 4:00pm in the Championship game while the loser will be eliminated. New Brunswick has never won the tournament. New Orleans last won the AAABA National Title in 2000 while Brooklyn's last title came in 1994. The 1994 Brooklyn team featured several future major leaguers including Julio Lugo, Nelson Figueroa, Pedro Santana, and Jose Taveras. No matter which team wins, the AAABA is assured to have its first different champion since 2002 when Washington took home the title. Baltimore claimed six national titles in a row from 2003 to 2008.
Final records going into Sundays Championship Round:
New Orleans (5-1)
Brooklyn (4-1)
New Brunswick (4-1)
Johnstown Delweld (3-2)
Toledo (3-2)
Lansing (2-2)
Johnstown Martellas (2-2)
Zanesville (2-2)
Buffalo (1-2)
Columbus (1-2)
Livonia (1-2)
Youngstown (1-2)
Altoona (0-2)
Elk County (0-2)
Philadelphia (0-2)
Schenectady (0-2)
Saturday August 15, 2009
DAY SIX RESULTS
New Orleans (14) New Brunswick (0)
Brooklyn (5) Johnstown Delweld (0) * Johnstown Eliminated
Friday August 14, 2009
DAY FIVE RESULTS
New Orleans (10) Toledo (5) * Toledo Eliminated
New Brunswick (10) Brooklyn (0)
Johnstown Delweld (14) Johnstown Martellas (3) * Martellas Eliminated
Byes: New Brunswick and Johnstown Martellas
Thursday August 13, 2009
DAY FOUR RESULTS
Lansing (6) Youngstown (3) * Youngstown Eliminated
Toledo (5) Zanesville (3) * Zanesville Eliminated
New Orleans (14) Lansing (3) * Lansing Eliminated
Brooklyn (6) Johnstown Delweld (5)
Byes: New Brunswick and Johnstown Martellas
The third day of the tournament saw another 4 teams eliminated (Schenectady, Livonia, Columbus, and Buffalo), leaving 9 teams competing for the title. New Brunswick (3-0), Brooklyn (2-0), and Johnstown Delweld (2-0), remain undefeated. Two teams (New Brunswick and Johnstown Martellas) will get a rest today as the tournament still works to catch up after Monday nights rain out.
Some thoughts so far.........
After three days of play, New Brunswick has emerged as the leader of the pack. After beating New Orleans on opening day, the team followed up that win with impressive wins over Columbus and Johnstown Martellas. They remain the only team with 3 wins and surely the day of rest will put them in prime position for the last days of the tournament.
After a close opening day loss to New Brunswick, New Orleans has stormed back in the losers bracket eliminating Altoona and Livonia. I look for the NORD to finish strong.
Johnstown Delweld has rolled its first two opponents, winning by a combined score of 24-0 on two great starting pitching performances. The competition will now get more difficult with Johnstown facing Brooklyn tonight and if they should win, will face New Brunswick. Should Johnstown lose to Brooklyn, things would get very interesting as Delweld would face Martellas in an elimination game. Of the nine remaining teams, only New Orleans and Brooklyn had previously won the AAABA National Title.
DAY THREE RESULTS
Johnstown Delweld (11) Youngstown (0)
New Brunswick (12) Johnstown Martellas (9)
Zanesville (4) Schenectady (2) * Schenectady Eliminated
New Orleans (3) Livonia (2) * Livonia Eliminated
Toledo (6) Columbus (4) * Columbus Eliminated
Zanesville (6) Buffalo (4) * Buffalo Eliminated
Wednesday August 12, 2009
Day Two of the tournament saw three teams eliminated (Altoona, Elk County, and Philadelphia). Thirteen teams now remain in which no real favorites have emerged. The Johnstown entries have fared very well starting off with a 3-0 record and getting superb starting pitching. Once again heavy rains swept through at 5:30pm threatening to delay or postpone the Johnstown Delweld night game but the rains would eventually pass and the game was completed. The Wednesday forecast appears to be good and all games should be completed as scheduled. Remember you can view the daily schedule at
http://www.johnstownbaseball.com/2009-schedule-menu
DAY TWO RESULTS
Johnstown Delweld (13) Zanesville (0)
Johnstown Martellas (2) Livonia (1)
Toledo (3) Philadelphia (1) *Philadelphia Eliminated
New Brunswick (10) Columbus (6)
Brooklyn (8) Buffalo (3)
Lansing (10) Elk County (5) * Elk County Eliminated
New Orleans (15) Altoona (1) * Altoona Eliminated
Youngstown and Schenectady had byes due to Mondays rain delay
Tuesday August 11, 2009
DAY ONE RESULTS
Johnstown Martella's (8) Philadelphia (4)
Columbus (4) Altoona (3)
New Brunswick (5) New Orleans (4)
Livonia (14) Toledo (4)
Brooklyn (9) Elk County (2)
Youngstown (11) Schenectady (7)
Johnstown Delweld - Zanesville : Postponed due to Rain
*Rescheduled for Tonight Tuesday August 11 at 7:30 Point Stadium
Sunday August 9, 2009
DAY ONE SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
GAME 1: Columbus (H) vs. Altoona (V) 12:00 @ Lilly
GAME 2: New Orleans (H) vs. New Brunswick (V) 12:00 @ Roxbury
GAME 3: Toledo (H) vs. Livonia (V) 12:00 @ St. Michael
GAME 4: Philadelphia (H) vs. Johnstown (Martella's) 11:00 @ Point Stadium
GAME 5: Elk County (V) vs. Brooklyn (H) 12:00 @ Revloc
GAME 6: Buffalo (V) vs. Lansing (H) 12:00 @ Portage
GAME 7: Youngstown (V) vs. Schenectady (H) 12:00 @ Fricher Field
GAME 8: Johnstown (Delweld) (H) vs. Zanesville (V) 7:30 @ Point Stadium
JOHNSTOWN WILL FIELD TWO ENTRIES
As previously mentioned, its been an interesting tournament before the first pitch has ever been thrown. This trend continued late Saturday night when Washingtons Vienna Senators informed AAABA officials that due to numerous injuries they would be unable to compete in the tournament - this came just 16 hours before the team registration. With limited options and left scrambling for a replacement team, Tournament Officials voted to allow Martella's Pharmacy, the Johnstown Junior League Runner-up team to fill the spot.
Manager Chris Pfeil recevied the word late Saturday and began frantically contacting his team and selecting pick up players. This will mark only the second time in the tournament's 65 year history that Johnstown will field two entries, the first coming in 1989 during the flood centennial when the tournament was opened up to 24 teams. Johnstowns Delweld, the league champion, will play the night games at the Point Stadium while Martellas will most likeyl play earlier games at the stadium. More details will be forthcoming.
Martellas and Delweld were close competitors all year, forcing a deciding game 5 in the league championship series. Both teams are expected to be competitive in this years tourney however other teams such as New Orleans, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and Altoona also have hopes of a National Title. Johnstown has never won the tournament and has only played in a title game 4 times.
Tuesday August 4, 2009
Well the 2009 AAABA is just underway with three Regionals taking place this past weekend and things are already getting interesting. First, the Chicago team encountered bus problems en route to the Regional in Zanesville forcing them to withdraw. Chicago’s withdrawal gave the Washington franchise an automatic berth to the National Tournament in Johnstown – allowing them to skip what would have been a very challenging Regional in Altoona. In recent years, Washington, playing out of the highly respected Clark Griffith League in the metro DC area, has brought a ton of talent to Johnstown and a wealth of Major Leaguers. Some notable names to emerge from the Washington team in recent years are Mike Colangelo (Angels), Mark Teixeira (Yankees), Joe Saunders (Angels), Cla Meredith and Jon Papelbon (Red Sox), just to name a few.
The other big news is that Baltimore was eliminated in the Altoona Regional after dropping their first game to Philadelphia and then falling to Altoona on the second day. Baltimore, the defending champion, has won the past 6 AAABA National Titles but that streak will now end. The last time a defending Champion failed to make the tournament the following year was in 1995 when Brooklyn failed to qualify. With the absence of powerhouse Baltimore, Washington and New Orleans would seem to be the favorites in what otherwise appears to be a wide open field. Baltimore’s absence from the national tournament has its positives and negatives. From one perspective, it will be great to see a new champion and perhaps a cinderella team will emerge? On the other hand, Baltimore always brings top notch talent and at least a few sure-fire Major Leaguers to the tourney. The locals, while despising Baltimore for always winning, would regularly crowd their games to observe their skill and seemingly flawless execution. In 65 years, Baltimore has won the National Title 26 times and finished second on 6 different occasions. In case you were wondering, New Orleans has the second most titles with 12, the last coming in 2000.
The loss is surely bittersweet for former Baltimore Manager and now General Manager Dean Albany who will be inducted into the AAABA Hall of Fame this year on Saturday August 8th.
NATIONAL TOURNAMENT TEAMS:
THE FOLLOWING TEAMS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE 65TH AAABA NATIONAL TOURNAMENT IN JOHNSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA:
ALTOONA
JOHNSTOWN (Delweld)
JOHNSTOWN (Martellas)
ZANESVILLE
BROOKLYN
BUFFALO
COLUMBUS
ELK COUNTY
LANSING
LIVONIA
NEW ORLEANS
SCHENECTADY
YOUNGSTOWN
NEW BRUNSWICK
TOLEDO
PHILADELPHIA
** Washington DC unable to compete due to injury
