When examining the 1-pitch teams, I look at the overall defensive positioning of the players drafted and compare that to the player's comfort zone based on their position preferences on sign-up. For the most part, defense wins championships-- especially in a wood bat affair. I ask myself the following questions. Are there enough outfielders? Are there enough infielders? How about an experienced 1-pitch pitcher? If you've never been on the mound tossing a do or die pitch to each and every batter, you can't relate. It's tough. Think of this. Lay a 2x4 piece of wood on the ground. Walking the length of it is eezy peezy. Put the same 2x4 around 20' in the air and it's a whole 'nother story. One of the most demanding positions on the field is shortstop. Is that covered? Are there enough eddies to protect against an injury loss?

For this tourney, eddie requirements are covered for all teams so that's not an issue. Team batting average and slugging percentage are listed below each team. These numbers are based on the 11 players drafted. They DO NOT include team managers.

This analysis is for informational and entertainment purposes only. If I gloat over your team or have nothing negative to say, that is probably the kiss of death. If I point out what I feel are shortcomings, your chances of winning just increased. My track record with respect to predicting the winner 'sucks' to say the least. It's all meaningless. If there is one thing I've noticed over the years, the teams with the best chemistry, regardless of talent, are the ones that are around in the end. It is not my intention to offend anyone. I'm merely pointing out what I see or don't see.

Team 1: This is Alex Freeman's maiden voyage as a 1-pitch manager. Good thing he has a cagey managerial vet in Chelsea Detwiler by his side. If the team wins, Chelsea gets the credit. If the team loses, it's all on Alex. Shortstop is covered by Brian Dart. Infield and outfield needs are met. Veteran Dan Vescovi will handle the pitching chores.

Team Batting Average: 598
Team Slugging Percent: 996

Team 2: Alexis Roscioli and Curtis Hensman are at the helm. Alexis has been here before. Curtis is a manager newbie. As a player, this is Curt's 18,407th 1-pitch start and he has yet to enter the winner's circle. Could managing exorcise the 1-pitch demons? Outfield looks solid. Lots of infielders. The only question is who is going to play shortstop. Anthony Smith is a 1-pitch newbie who lists infield and outfield as preferred positions. Jarrett can play short, but that could leave the outfield wanting. It's all about the dark horse Anthony Smith. Mark Rothenberger is a more than capable hurler. Between Curt being on the team, defensive questions, and low AVG/SLG numbers, this is probably your tourney winner.

Team Batting Average: 468
Team Slugging Percent: 667

Team 3: Eric Adiletto and Maddie Rickard are first-time managers. In spite of their drafting inexperience, they did a very nice job. Outfield and infield are covered with options. Tom Koelzer can play infield or outfield as can Gary Thompson. Jamie Richards can pitch as can Bill Hamlet although the latter has no SBA 1-pitch experience. I have nothing negative to say here. Can you say 'kiss of death'?

Team Batting Average: 570
Team Slugging Percent: 959

Team 4: Former wood bat 1-pitch MVP Bill Brancato and female eddie extraordinaire Lissa Tercha will pilot this team. I see a good mix of infielders and outfielders. Lots of versatility. All-world 1-pitch stud CJ Brancato will be on the hill. Marcus Gibson and Wayne Horger, Jr. can each play the SS position. With nothing negative to say, it could mean an early exit to the Loser's Lounge.

Team Batting Average: 584
Team Slugging Percent: 875

Team 5: Joe and Jenny drafted a solid defensive team with a nice assortment of infielders and outfielders. Joe will cover the shortstop duties. The lone issue I see might be with the pitching chores. From an SBA 1-pitch standpoint, unless I am remiss, I don't believe Phil Gallone or Rich Coia have 1-pitch experience. It gets awfully hard when you have 1 pitch to throw and it must be a strike. Not to say either or both can't step up and handle the job. We will find out soon enough. Edited: Phil does have 1-pitch experience. In fact, he owns 2 titles. Just can't recall if he pitched in those tourneys. Phil did in fact pitch 1-pitch tourneys. I stand corrected.

Team Batting Average: 578
Team Slugging Percent: 878

Team 6: After a Memorial Day 1-pitch runner-up finish, Chuck and Laura are looking to 'Do Better'. They could use a little more depth at the outfield position. My guess is Harrison Leal will play short although he lists 3B as his primary comfort zone. This is not to say he won't excel at shortstop if placed there. Experienced and veteran 1-pitch hurlers are Lauren Wood and Buddy Schwarz.

Team Batting Average: 457
Team Slugging Percent: 623

Team 7: Tess and Ryan will try and make it to the 1-pitch Promise Land as a first-time tandem. I see a lot of infielders, but not a lot of options for the outfield. While Zach Martin can play outfield, he is currently hobbled with a bad hammy. Beyond Ryan and maybe Justin Rosenbaum, I don't see a lot of players with outfield listed in their comfort zone. Steve Day will handle the pitching chores. I can't speak to Steve's 1-pitch experience.

Team Batting Average: 540
Team Slugging Percent: 761

Team 8: Jason and Brit have been here before. Solid outfield. Lots of infielders. Gary Ehly is more than capable at the shortstop position. Ron Pulli will handle the pitching chores. With nothing negative to say, it could mean an early exit to the Loser's Lounge.

Team Batting Average: 480
Team Slugging Percent: 660

Team 9: Corey and Jenn combine for their first 1-pitch journey together. Outfield and infield covered. Matty Mc can handle shortstop. Cagey vet Axel Alicea will take care of the hurling chores. Again, with nothing negative to say, it could mean an early exit to the Loser's Lounge.

Team Batting Average: 571
Team Slugging Percent: 961

What does this all mean? Absolutely nothing. Total bupkis. The teams that gel are the ones that will be around in the end. The teams that do not gel are the teams that will end up here...



Remember, the tourney start time is 8:00 am. With 9 teams, I will be holding firm to scheduled start times. Hand in your line-up in a timely fashion. Your team had best be ready to bat or take the field immediately following the game prior to yours. Also, be sure to clean up after yourselves. The last thing we need is for the Quarry owners to drive past the field and see a pigsty.

Let's pray for good weather. The long range shows 78 degrees and a 3% chance of rain.

I truly hope everyone goes into the tourney with an expectation of having fun. While winning is a lot of fun, simply competing can be just as much fun. Winning is not the end-all and losing is not the end of the world. It's all about mindset. Have a great day!

Les

Keep in mind the AVG/SLG numbers are derived from the team's total at-bats. This could be deceiving in that one or two players with a lot of at-bats and high numbers could skew the numbers upward. The same holds true for players with a lot of at-bats and low numbers as it would skew the numbers downward. Next time I will take an average of the AVG and an average of the SLG.

Rhi Keppley asked me if I could tell which individuals had the most 1-pitch wins. I found a tally that I put together at the end of 2021. So, my OCD kicked in and I slapped together an updated list which includes this past Memorial Day tourney.

Glenn Strattis is the winningest player in the history of the coed 1-pitch tournaments with 12 titles. Mark Bernacki is 2nd with 9 wins. Chris Hesdon, Chris VanLuvanee, Gene Walczak, and Jason Pane are next with 8 each. Rhi Keppley is alone at 7. The complete list is below.

From a Labor Day 1-Pitch team perspective, Team 5 has a total of 27 titles among the players on their roster. Teams 4 and 8 have 23 titles. Team 1 has a total of 19 titles. Team 2 has the lowest number of title-winning players at 4. With everything going against Team 2, they have the rest of the field right where they want them.

Team 3: 17 titles
Team 6: 14 titles
Team 7: 14 titles
Team 9: 6 titles

LOL, Les. This is GOLD. No need for you to Do Better. This makes me miss daily game write-ups.

Especially love the end of the winners list. LOL. I'm rooting for you, Curt!

If memory serves me correctly, Curt made it to the finals a few tournaments ago. On the opposing team was Stephanie. Obviously, Curt didn't win it, but came close. When Steph won this past Memorial Day tourney, Curt placed her championship plaque right where he felt it belonged. Can you say 'bitter beer face'?

So if you were on the alternate list, should I still show up on Sunday?

No, alternates are assigned if and when a player defects. Once midnight tomorrow rolls around, rosters are frozen.

Teams 5 and 6 have consummated a trade. John Erb will move to Team 6. Tim Frei will move to Team 5.