As has been posted here, many of our members continue to play ball. I am pleased that so many have taken advantage of the opportunities afforded. Beyond just more baseball these National and Regional tournaments give you the chance to see how you measure up with other teams from all over the region, Country and sometimes internationally. The National play can also introduce you to high quality major league practice and stadium facilities. No bad bounces no stumbling around in the OF, no holes in the box or on the mound. jewels.
We have a long up and down history of participation and we owe that to the stalwarts that reserve this time of year , but also to the leadership that organizes the efforts to go South. It takes some planning ; which is mostly a sales job of making sure you have a roster. then there's the money and paperwork , lodging ,and flight reservations ; all the while holding practices and recruiting. My hats off to those guys this year, Jim Konstantakis, Steve VanGelder, Jim McQuade, and Art Gianakos. Thank you for your leadership and hard work.
Expectation to actually Win are admirable but doubly, heck quadruply challenging. Recent quality squads , perhaps some of the best age group teams assembled here, have come up short. A testament to the quality of competition and the value of the prize.

But these tournaments are for everyone. If you want to go I'll see to it you do. MSBL has tried to layer the competition so like quality teams play in the same divisions. Most of the players going this year were hand selected for their capabilities or at least to fill a role . There is no reason why we can't form a team of guys who like to get in the mix. We have plenty of interest in the older divisions , some players going to their 15th tournament. We need to see more participation by younger guys.

Our first ever entrant was a 30 + squad in the Fall Classic in 1993. Todd Baldwin was the leader . We had a good core with a few future HOF'ers ( Todd, Jim Ansel, Dennis Scimeca and Bill Jones) but we also had players just sign up to fill the roster of 12 or 13 guys. We won our first game and a couple more , and lost the critical ones that would have moved us on. (a familiar story right !.) But we were hooked. To cut cost we drove down in a rented van, we bunked up three to a room, ate groceries, and focused on baseball. Had a blast. I can tell you the same core experience is waiting for everyone. do what Jim, Joe , Jay Hayner ( 65 plus Arizona) , and perhaps others do ; go in the Player Pool. Or look into organizing a team for next year. the National and I are willing to help you in a variety of ways including "new" team fee discounts. You do have to start organizing in the summer. Tap the wisdom of our current organizers.

There's your CDMSBL season which I hope you enjoy , but this experience , even when you come up short, has its rich rewards.
So good luck to all the teams and players . I am proud of you guys for what , I know , will be superior representation. Show them we don't need sponsors backing to showcase our talent Enjoy the Florida weather. We'll be raking leaves, bundled up ..... and checking this board.
and to that....Curt and other posters thanks for the updates. while you can see the scores on MSBL's web site its good to hear how the games unfolded and the teams outlook as the tournament progresses. Stay healthy and bring back memories and trophies.
May the legend of the ONE TON TOMATO carry on in Clearwater. Ken Pick , may you rest in peace , that was for you!

John Reel , CDMSBL 17 time fall classic participant, 2 time world series entrant. one time champion.