2011 AAABA Tournament Wrap-Up – See you in 2012!
Cue The Broken Record – Baltimore Wins!
The 67th annual AAABA tournament is now in the books and once again Baltimore’s Youse’s Orioles stand alone at the top. The long awaited week of baseball kicked off with 16 teams from across the country and ended on Saturday afternoon with just two teams remaining. In a rematch from earlier in the week, fan favorite New Orleans and powerhouse Baltimore would square off for a chance at the AAABA crown. Earlier in the week, Baltimore ripped the NORD Boosters 14-2 in a mercy rule contest. If New Orleans hoped to capture the 2011 championship they would need to defeat the Orioles twice – a seemingly impossible task. New Orleans last won the national AAABA championship in 2009. Heading into the title game, Baltimore had steamrolled their opponents winning 5 games by a combined score of 68-13.
In an attempt to stifle the red hot bats of the Orioles, New Orleans sent their ace pitcher, Brent Bonvillain,out to the mound. The 6’4 left hander currently pitches for Delgado Community College in New Orleans, Louisiana but has recently signed on with Louisiana State. Bonvillain made some history earlier in the week combining with teammate John DeArmond to throw a 7 inning no-hitter against the Philadelphia Bandits. Bonvillain would face a much bigger challenge on Saturday but he answered the call with a solid performance. Through 7 innings he held the Orioles to just one run, although his team still trailed 1-0. Bonvillain would run into some trouble in the 8th and was eventually pulled. By the end of the inning, the Orioles had opened up a 5-0 lead. A late 9th inning two-run homer by Angelo Bruno pulled New Orleans to within striking distance but the NORD Boosters would eventually fall short. Final Score: Baltimore 5 – New Orleans 2. Baltimore now lays claim to 28 AAABA titles and has won 8 of the past 9 tournaments.
So, to that end, we once again tip our hats to the Orioles for another outstanding performance. As a longtime fan of AAABA baseball, I think it would be healthy to see more franchises competing for the title but you have to credit Baltimore for their dedication to AAABA baseball. Where other franchises have dropped out over the years or failed to fully support their franchise, Baltimore has remained committed to Johnstown and the AAABA. The Orioles are always well coached, talented, and deep. We hope to see Baltimore back in Johnstown in 2012.
Johnstown in Familiar Territory
The Johnstown entries once again found themselves in familiar territory on Saturday – watching the winning team celebrate their championship on their home turf. In their 67 year tournament history, Johnstown has made five appearances in the championship game (1956, 1995, 2001, 2003, 2010) but has yet to win that elusive first AAABA crown.
Once again, two Johnstown teams competed in this year’s tournament: Martella’s Pharmacy and Delweld. Both teams lacked depth and AAABA experience on their rosters but despite their shortcomings the home teams managed to win 5 games (Martella’s 2-2, Delweld 3-2). The highlight of the week for the Johnstown teams came on Thursday when the two squared off against each other in front a of a packed Point Stadium crowd of 7,000+. In what has become a heated local rivalry over the last decade, Delweld and Martellas once again faced off to avoid elimination.. The last time these two met in tournament play in 2009, Delweld pitcher Drew Shaulis tossed a no hitter in a 4-1 victory over Martella’s. This year, Delweld once again edged the Pharmacy 8-6, eliminating Marterlla’s from the 2011 tournament. Fans not only saw a great game but were also treated to a free post game concert by popular Pittsburgh band The Clarks.
Philadelphia Exits Earlier Than Expected
After some recent success in the AAABA national tournament, Philadelphia was expected to be a tough out in 2011. Since 2007, The Philadelphia franchise has compiled a 10-8 record in Johnstown. The Philadelphia Bandits opened up the 2010 tourney with three straight wins (Altoona, Johnstown Martellas, Buffalo) before losing a close game to eventual Champion Baltimore 4-1. 2011 however would be quite a different story. The Bandits were greeted rudely on Opening Day, falling 12-0 to the ragin’ Cajuns from New Orleans in a 7 inning mercy rule contest. To add injury to insult, the bandits could not collect a single hit. The Bandits did not fare much better in their second game where they fell to Johnstown Delweld 5-1 and were eliminated from the tournament. Through 16 innings of play, the team managed only one run which came on a double play fielder’s choice. Philadelphia has a strong program in place and I expect them to rebound in 2012. Their franchise also sponsors a 17 and under club which ensures some continuity and proper player development. While Philadelphia has never won the AAABA title they have appeared in the championship game twice in recent history (1986 and 1998).
2010 AAABA Grad Moving One Step Closer to the Major Leagues
In 2010, Philadelphia’s Sean Coyle was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the third round of the MLB Amateur Draft. Although he was drafted in June, Sean did not sign his contract which allowed him to compete as an amateur in Johnstown in August. Sean was weighing his options to either sign with the Sox or join his brother on the University of North Carolina baseball team. A talented prospect, Sean also had the honor of representing his country when he was chosen to play on the 2009 USA 18U National Team. With the deadline to sign with the Red Sox looming, Sean was required to complete a physical examination in Massachusetts. The Philadelphia Bandits were 3-1 in the tournament and still very much alive after a tough loss to Baltimore. The decision to leave his team for his pro physical was a difficult one. In fact so difficult that Sean decided to stay with his teammates and finish the tournament with his friends. “We got about 20 minutes down the road,” Coyle said about when the decision to stay in Johnstown was made. “We’ve been talking for awhile, me and the Red Sox guys,” he said. “They understand I’m out here playing in the tournament with a lot of my close friends. I would have missed the game tomorrow. We decided it would be best to take the physical this weekend.” Sean eventually did sign with the Red Sox and has begun his climb toward the Major Leagues. He is currently playing with the Class A Greenville Drive of the South Atlantic League. The talented 19 year old spent part of the 2010 season playing with the Gulf Coast League Red Sox in Florida. We wish Sean good luck and hope to see him in the Big Leagues one day!
Johnstown x 2
For the third consecutive year and fourth time in AAABA history, Johnstown had two entries in the national tournament. Martella’s Pharmacy participated in 2009 when Washington DC pulled out the day before the tournament and landed a spot in 2010 by winning the local AAABA league regular season. This year Martella’s won the AAABA league championship and Delweld earned an entry into the tournament as league runners up. Last year, the Oldtimers voted to allow Johnstown two entries. For at least the near future, it appears that the Oldtimers will stick with this formula but many around the league hope they will reconsider.
I think my opinion on this subject is rather clear. The primary argument against two Johnstown teams is that overall it weakens Johnstown’s performance by not allowing the League Champion to pick up any players from the second best team. As often is the case, pitching is at a premium in the tournament and not having the option to pick up players from the runner-up team clearly hurts. Secondly, the AAABA tournament should be the top prize for the league’s best team, not the two best teams. Only four teams even competed in the Johnstown AAABA league this year. Finally, having two Johnstown entries means that one less team from another city can make the trip to Johnstown. There were some fine teams participating in the Regionals that could have been a nice addition to the tournament. The only benefit of the two team entry is that should one team drop out early there is a good shot that the other team may provide Johnstown with possibly one or more extra night games as was the case this year. Martella’s was eliminated by Delweld on Thursday allowing Delweld to play the Friday night game at the Point.
On another issue, perhaps it is time to rethink the geographical recruiting boundaries that restrict Johnstown from picking up players that live outside of the local boundaries. I am not advocating for a team made up entirely of “out-of-towners” but rather a system that would allow each team to pick up as many as four or five players that reside outside of the recruiting boundaries. Clearly, with the local AAABA league shrinking to just four teams, a new infusion of talent may be necessary just to keep the league competitive and running. If other teams are going to compete with Baltimore, this option should be given serious consideration. Baltimore, unlike most other franchises does not restrict their recruiting, thus allowing them to pick up players from any part of the country. Their lineup consists primarily of experienced Division I college players. In contrast, many other franchises utilize local high school players, community college programs, or Division II players. At the end of the week when most teams are running out of gas, Baltimore still has their top pitchers fully rested – a clear advantage yet fully within the rules. It’s time to embrace some needed change.
The Point Came Alive
After last years tournament I wrote the following:
“Since when did Johnstowners get so quiet?? As someone who’s watched the last 30 tournaments, I couldn’t help but notice the absolute lack of crowd noise and enthusiasm. I vividly remember the old Point Stadium packed to the rafters for every Johnstown game and the crowds were loud and quite intimidating to any visiting team. That is hardy the case these days. The crowds were so quiet, almost comatose, that you could hear a conversation over at the By George Inn. What is going on????”
Besides the harsh criticism for my own hometown fans, I also threw in a few jabs at the broadcast booth:
“The home crowd advantage is huge for our local kids and sadly it just isn’t there anymore. Now in defense of the fans, the music is absolutely horrible. Not that I am against polka or a good blue grass tune but come on…it’s a baseball game not a bible retreat. What happened to “We Will Rock You” , “Thunderstruck”, “Enter Sandman”, even a little Gary Glitter, something, anything!!!! And I guess “Take Me out the Ballgame” is banned to??? How about some classic baseball music??....”Centerfield”, “Willie, Mickey, and the Duke”, “Joltin Joe Dimaggio”, “Glory Days”, Come on guys, get your act together, this year was pathetic to be kind.”
Well I have to say that the fans and the broadcast booth responded in 2011! The Point was as loud as it has been in years, certainly as loud as it’s been since the renovation. The fans on the first base side even successfully pulled off a wave! A wave! It’s been years since the Point has seen a good crowd wave and the fans needed almost no urging to jump right into it – way to go Johnstown! The fans were enthusiastic and were definitely a factor in helping to rally the home team. Martella’s drew energy from the crowd and rallied for a victory Opening Night over Zanesville and again on Wednesday when they defeated Brooklyn. The players must also be credited for creating their own energy. The Martella’s dugout was alive and loud almost every game, even when they were losing. Overall, a great show of team spirit and enthusiasm by the boys from Martella’s.
And yes…even the music was back to normal! Thank you to the boys in the broadcast booth for the major upgrade from 2010. I have no idea if I have any responsibility for that but I am going to claim a victory and move on. I still don’t understand the banishment of Take Me Out to the Ballgame??? What’s better than a game at the Point, a few Coney Island Hot Dogs, and singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame at our historic stadium? Maybe next year.
Return of the Parrot
The lovable and infamous Pittsburgh Pirate Parrot mysteriously appeared at Point Stadium on Tuesday night. While the Parrot’s appearance was never publicized, he was eagerly welcomed by the Johnstown crowd. A fan favorite, the Parrot entertained the crowd between innings and roamed the stands mocking unsuspecting fans. I still remember in the 1980’s when the San Diego Chicken would make appearances at the Point Stadium. Two of the best and most entertaining mascots in all of sports, let’s hope the AAABA continues to make them a part of the tournament.
Hall of Fame CLASS
This year I had the pleasure of attending the AAABA Hall of Fame ceremony. I last attended the ceremony in 2009 and was privileged to be at the inaugural ceremony in 1994. This year’s class of inductees was just that – all class.
Jack McKeon – South Amboy
Bill McKeon – South Amboy
Ron Ling – Johnstown
Bob Mingo – Youngstown
Tom Walter – Johnstown
The McKeon’s have a long and rich history of baseball in their family. After their playing days, Jack and his brother Bill worked in Major League Baseball for decades as Coaches, Managers, General Managers, and Scouts. Many of their friends and family made the trip from New Jersey to honor the hometown boys from South Amboy. Unfortunately Jack McKeon could not be in attendance. At a spry 80 years old, Jack was asked to jump from the front office back onto the field to manage the Florida Marlins when Manager Edwin Rodriguez resigned in June. After agreeing to come back and manage, Mr. McKeon said simply “I don’t need this job, but I love it.” Mr. McKeon previously managed the Marlins to a World Series title back in 2003. Over the course of his career, Mr. McKeon won over 1,000 games as a major league Manager and was named Manager of the Year in 1999 and 2003. When he took over as Manager of the Marlins in 2011, he became the second oldest manager in major league history, behind only the great Connie Mack. Although he could not attend the ceremony, Mr. McKeon did send a short video message to address the crowd.
Jack’s brother Bill McKeon, whom Jack admits “was the better ballplayer” was in attendance and delighted the crowd with a few stories from his decades of baseball experiences. Bill was not alone as he was surrounded by many friends and family members. Jack McKeon’s sister accepted his award on his behalf. It is clear that the McKeon’s have many friends and family members that greatly respect and admire them. Great people, what else can you say.
Bob Mingo, a longtime coach, manager, and general manager from the Youngstown franchise was also inducted. Mr. Mingo has been involved with his local community in coaching and mentoring for decades. Mr. Mingo is another fine example of a leader in his community that works tirelessly to mentor and coach kids and never seeks out the recognition he is so deserved of. Mr. Mingo has been a tremendous ambassador for AAABA baseball and the AAABA Oldtimers should feel honored to have him as part of their family. On a personal note, I was privileged enough to be the Point Stadium ball boy in the early 1990’s during the AAABA tournaments. One of the perks of the job was sitting in the dugout with the players during the games. I distinctly remembered sitting in the Youngstown dugout on several occasions. Mr. Mingo would always welcome me and loved to talk baseball. His players treated me like one of the guys and made sure at the end of the tournament that I went home with a few souvenirs like hats and batting gloves. The Youngstown franchise and Mr. Mingo may not have any AAABA championships but they are a class act and are always welcomed in Johnstown.
Tom Walter, a AAABA and Johnstown Junior League standout player from the late 1980’s was also inducted. Mr. Walter is currently the head baseball coach at Wake Forest University. Prior to his coaching days, he played for Johnstown’s AAABA entry in three straight tournaments from 1987-89 and earned local MVP honors. Walter was an exceptional athlete and was among one of the best hitters in Johnstown Junior League history. Mr. Walter gained national media attention earlier this year when he unselfishly donated one of his kidney’s to Wake Forest freshman and baseball player Kevin Jordan.
Mr. Walter spoke at length on how being a Johnstown native has influenced his life and his attitude toward helping others. “With the floods and the mills closing, Johnstown has been through a lot as a community, and they've always stuck together to help one another out. That's just what people in Johnstown do," he said. "Who I am is all Johnstown."
Walter, who moved to Johnstown from New York when he was 4 years old says it was one of the greatest things that could have ever happened for him and his family. Walter, a 1991 Georgetown University graduate has made academics a priority at each of the college teams he has coached. He is credited with returning the University of New Orleans baseball program to prominence after the school was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. During his five-year stint at the school, only one of his players failed to graduate.His players saw similar academic success during his previous eight-year stay as George Washington University. In two years at Wake Forest, all of his players have graduated. Walter commented on his focus on academics: "At the end of the day, coaches are educators — college coaches, anyway," Walter said. "Our number one job is to (help players) get that degree. Our second job is to prepare them for life. Third is to help them become better baseball players. The fourth goal for all our players is to win. That's the last thing we talk about." Mr. Walter has coached current major leaguers such as Aaron Harang, Chris Capuano and Garrett Atkins — teaches the same principles to players each year at an instructional baseball camp he hosts locally with mentor and Johnstown coach Dee Dee Osborne.
Finally, native Johnstowner Ron Ling was inducted in the Hall of Fame for his impressive play in the 1950’s. Mr. Ling won two games in the 1956 AAABA Tournament as member of the runner-up Hahn's Packing team. He was 40-13 in four years in the Johnstown Junior League and was voted league MVP in 1956. Mr. Ling went 16-0 during the 1955 season. Although Mr. Ling has lived in Ohio for many years, it was clear that he still has a special place in his heart for the city of Johnstown. During his induction speech, Mr. Ling got choked up when speaking about his visit to the Inclined Plane and looking down on the Point Stadium below. He recalled all of the fond memories of his playing days and spending time with his teammates, many of whom were in attendance including Hahns Packing Coach Ken Keiper.
The AAABA Hall of Fame ceremony has become one of the highlights of AAABA week. This year a record 600+ tickets were sold and the cavernous banquet hall was packed to capacity. Many former players, AAABA representatives, Johnstown Oldtimers, City Officials, and local media gather to reminisce about the tournament and share family updates. Having been fortunate enough to be in attendance back in 1994, the inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony, I am overwhelmed at how this event has grown. In 1994, the ceremony took place at Sunnehanna Country Club in a small banquet room with a handful of tables. Today, the Pasquerilla Convention Center is packed and the Hall of Fame ceremony ticket has become one of the hottest tickets in town.
Youth Baseball Clinic is a Success
Congratulations to Joe Scheuermann, longtime AAABA contributor, manager, and Hall of Famer, for his efforts to sponsor and develop a free youth baseball clinic. Despite steady rain showers an hour before the scheduled start of the clinic, 71 young ballplayers showed up to receive instruction from former major league and pro players, college and high school coaches, and members of Martella’s Pharmacy, Delweld and New Orleans AAABA teams. “I think for the first year it was a great success,” said New Orleans’ Joe Scheuermann, “Hopefully each year it will get better. Hopefully next year we’ll get better weather. We’re trying to introduce the young guys to the AAABA Tournament and to baseball. This is a great way to get the young kids involved with the teams.” Hopefully this will begin a new tradition for AAABA baseball. Congratulations to everyone that volunteered their time and made this event possible. It is fresh and innovative ideas like these that will continue to make the tournament a success.
Mr. Scheuermann and the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) Boosters also sponsored a free baseball give-away and autograph session Opening Night at Point Stadium. The first 250 youth to arrive for the game received a free baseball courtesy of Sporting Goods Discounters in Johnstown. Adding a new twist to the AAABA Opening Night, Mr. Scheuermann coordinated efforts to have players from each of the AAABA teams available near the stadium gate to sign free autographs and chat with kids and the local fans. Another great idea to get the young people interested in AAABA baseball. In fact, thinking back to how I first got interested in the AAABA was when I started reading about all of the great major league players that once passed through Johnstown. Perhaps meeting some of the players and learning the history of the tournament will continue to create new fans for generations to come.
See you in 2012
Another tournament has come and gone so now we begin the countdown to 2012. To those teams unable to make it to Johnstown, good luck in 2012. To all of the players, managers, coaches, and fans that were able to participate this year, congratulations on a fine tournament. Win or lose, the tournament is a great experience for everyone involved. Looking forward to next year – Best Wishes
Awards
Team Participating
Altoona,PA (Red Bull)
Altoona,PA (Logan Beverage)
Baltimore, MD
Brooklyn, NY
Chicago Metro, IL
Cleveland, OH
Elk County, PA
Johnstown, PA (Martellas Pharmacy)
Johnstown, PA (Delweld)
Livonia, MI
New Brunswick, NJ
New Orleans, LA
New York City, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Youngstown, OH
Zanesville, OH
*Miami was unable to compete due to transportation problems
National Champions
Baltimore Youse’s Orioles
National Runner-Up
New Orleans NORD Boosters
Sportsmanship Award
Cleveland
Batting Champion
Max McDowell – Johnstown (.563 9/16)
Most Valuable Player
Bradley Markey (Baltimore)
View the Final Bracket for 2011:
Congratulations to all of the teams, players, and coaches for a competitive tournament and all of your efforts to get to Johnstown!
