2014 All Star Team!

There's no time like the present to announce this years All-Star team as selected by the last years championship captains Chuck Cragg and Steve Black (Stike). 

Stike and Chuck have full control on picking the team.  As per usually the case, they've consulted previous All Star team captains but came to their own conclusions on selection. 

Don't get me wrong, picking this team is fun. But in some respects its a bit of losing proposition.  You will hear comments from people in coming days about people who were "missed" being picked.  The truth is that are probably another 10 people capable of playing on this team and still being competitive with the Young Timers. 

But the Chuck and Stike are charged with putting the best team that they can on the field. 

Chuck

Stike

And they've fielded a great squad indeed!  My personal opinion is that this squad is a fantastic blend of youth and experience.

This is a fun gig, no doubt.  But fun doesn't mean easy or without pressure.  The All-Star game pits the best of the Old Timers league against the best of the Mens League.  This is the 5th game in the series with the teams splitting so far and no one having won consecutive games so far.  Calling this series close would be a major understatement.

Its time to meet your 2014 All Stars!

Catching

All (bones) Nicholl, Sons Of Pitches -  Bones will be catching every other inning in this game but he brings much, much more to the table.  In addition to being a league champion, Al has a calm and light demeanor that can relax even the most anxious dugout.  Congrats on the selection Al!  This is Bone's 1st All Star Game.

Ed Hopkins, Hot Tub Woody's - "Not So Fast" Eddie is hitting .758 this season and is a significant reason why the Woody's are at the top of the heap.  However, Ed has been selected to this team in recognition to his tremendous contributions to our league.  Ed started the Help The Kids Play organization which over a 100 children in our community have benefited from, he has served on the league executive numerous times and has served as the captain of one of the three longest running teams in the league.  Ed is playing in his 2st All Star Game.

Pitching

Andy Gee, Rusty Rebels - In a move that can only be described as "no surprise", Sir Andrew Gee continues to be the only pitcher who has ever started for the Old Timers in this game.  Andy's accomplishments on the mound and with the bat are many over his career but driving in the Game Winning RBI to win last years all-star game is likely the hi-lite that stands out the most. 

Infield

Brad Young, Dog Catchers - Brad is in his 3rd season in the Old Timers league and is currently hitting .703 with 16 runs scored.  His arm is already legend and he wields accurate throws from all over the diamond.  At the plate he's a power threat with the ability to hit the gaps and is a smart base runner.  Brad is playing in his 2nd All Star Game

Geoff Keogh, Grisslies - Geoff is currently batting .808 with 17 runs scored and has been launching home runs with regularity.  Geoff's steady play at short elevates every infield he plays with.  He doesn't let his ability to hit for power get in the way of smart situational hitting.  Geoff is making his 3rd All Star Appearance.  

Steve Lahey, Dog Catchers -  Mr. Lahey is batting .917 with 20 runs scored and easily leading the league in home runs.  In just his 3rd season in the league, Steve is 2nd in hitting and not compromising any power for average.  His infield play has been exceptional and we don't know if he can run the bases yet because we've only seen the home run trot!  This will be Steve's 3rd All Star Game

Scott Mason, Dodge City Rounders - Another 3rd year player, Scott is batting .714 with 20 runs scored.  Scott is the most dynamic of the infielders on defense because his defensive range has no equal.  On the bases he blends quickness with smart base running skills and is challenge to outfielders and cut-off men alike.  When hitting the gaps at the plate, he'll run all day.  Scott is playing in his 2nd All Star Game.

Keith Beechey, Dodge City Rounders - The infield is rounded out by another Junior, Kieth Beechey.  Keith is batting .765 with 16 runs scored.  He can hit for power when needed, but is a sure-fire doubles man who you have to play straight up because he's dangerous to all fields.  Defensively, he brings a rock steady glove to the table and gives the flexibility of being able to play any position. This is Beechey's 1st All Star Game. 

Outfield

Scott Peters, Tap Masters - Scott is currently batting .750, with 16 runs scored.  Scott's high baseball IQ makes him the type of player who never overlooks the minute details within the game or an individual play.  Scott "thinks" baseball at the plate and in the field.  He's an excellent situational hitter and has excellent instincts defensively.  This is Scott's 3rd All Star Game

Mark Doyle, Brew Jays -   Mark is batting .839 with 12 runs scored.  Mark also provides flexibility in that he can play every position on the diamond and play them all well.  His batting has resurged this year and Mark once again finds himself near the top of the hitting charts. Mark's power is unquestioned; a feared gap hitter with power to all fields and above average speed on the bases.  This will be Mark's 4th  All Star Game.

Neil Pendlebury, Blues Brothers - Batting .800 and scoring 2.5 runs a game while leading off for the Blues Brothers, Neil continues to get better and better.  His consistent line drive, gap power, base running skills and defensive prowess continue to make him a no doubt all star.  Neil will put a lot of pressure on the young timer defense with his aggressive running.  Pendlebury will be appearing in his 4nd All Star Game.

Rick Cudnik, Sliders - Rick is batting .704 and seems to have all of his injury woes behind him.  The power is back in a big way over the passed couple of years and Rick is going deep with regularity again.  When he isn't pounding the ball over the fence, Rick can exhibit his fantastic base running speed.  Defensively, whether at a corner or in Center, he'll be among the best on the field.  Ricky Bobby is playing in his 3rd All Star Game.

Will Goodin, Hot Tub Woody's - Will Goodin is batting .765 with 19 runs scored.  Will is another versatile player who can and will play all over the infield always showing his "team first" attitude.  Will has terrific gap power to both sides and runs the bases with breakneck speed.  Will is playing in his 2nd All Star Game. 

5 days until we get to see these guys play!