The LMBL had PERFECT weather on Sunday Oct 1 for the final day of post-season action - and the performances on the field did not disappoint!
The first game of the day was the B Consolation final between the Pirates and the Mets. It was a hard-fought affair, with the Pirates holding a 5-1 lead after 6 complete. But the scrappy Mets weren’t about to roll over – and managed to put up 3 runs in the top of the seventh to climb within 1 run of a suddenly nervous opponent - but the Cinderella story wasn’t to be. The Pirates closer, Josh Van Lierop, was able to bear down and secure the final out of the game - preserving a 5-4 nail biting win for the Pirates. What a great way to open the final day!
Next up was the B Final, pitting the Blue Jays against the Brewers. This was a back-and-forth affair, with the lead being exchanged four times through the first 6 innings. The Jays headed to the bottom of the 7th clinging to a 1-run lead. But with arms dwindling in the Jays pen, the Jays pitcher extended himself a bit too long and lost his command - plunking 3 of the first 4 batters - being forced to leave the game with the bases loaded. The next Jays pitcher served up a first pitch heater that Shawn Keough was able to rope down the first baseline – scoring two runs - with retiring player Greg Reed coming in from third, and Ryan Sterling hustling from second. This secured an exciting 5-4 walk off B Championship title for the Brewers!
So you think it could not get any more exciting than the first two games of the day?
The Rays and Werewolves said – “Here - hold my beer…..”
In the A Championship final we had a long-standing rivalry between the Werewolves, and last years champs, the Rays. This was an epic battle of two titans from start to finish. The pitchers and defense were dominant on this day. There were no defensive errors from either team.
This was a true test of attrition – and who had the deepest bullpen. The teams battled through 10 SCORELESS innings of amazing baseball. In the end, the Werewolves outlasted a weary Rays bullpen. After a couple of hits in the bottom of the 11th, a bases loaded walk ended the night and had the Werewolves sipping from the A Championship mug once again with a 1-0 victory.
What a treat for everyone in attendance to witness and be part of. A fantastic way to cap off the 2023 LMBL season!
Thanks to all players, fans, and family for your support this year.
Registration will open for 2024 later in the fall – with an email reminder being send to all former and returning players to notify them. If you are new or interested in joining our league, feel free to send an email to
[email protected] to be added to our mailing list. Until then, rest up those reaggravated, recurrent baseball injuries and enjoy some post-season MLB action. Gotta love October baseball!
See everyone at the banquet….