League and Team Updates
July 17, 2012 - The summer has been flying by and it's almost time for the national tournament. Here is a summary of the latest news for AAABA member teams.
Age Limit Change
Undoubtedly the biggest news is that the AAABA will increase it's age limit to 22 next season. We'll have a full article on that news prior to the national tournament.
Johnstown
Local fans have been treated to one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory. The season began with the Berkley Hills Renegades leading the way and first-year Laurel Auto Group in second, while perennial favorites Delweld and Martella's Pharmacy languished at the bottom. Now in the final week, Delweld has stormed ahead and is tied with Berkley Hills atop the standings with Martella's 2 games out.
The Renegades had not lost more than 2 games in a row all season until last week's 4-game losing streak. Meanwhile, after starting 4-7, Delweld has gone 19-4 to take the top spot. For all the scores and standings from the Johnstown AAABA League, visit their new website.
Altoona
Playoffs are beginning for the first time in the Altoona City League. After many years of a lone AAABA team, Altoona has a full league of contenders this year and will have to decide its representative with a playoff. Top seed and defending champion Red Bull will play Ketrow Insurance, while 2nd place Nittany Oil will play against 3rd place Johnston Realty. Sheetz and the Rail Birds did not qualify. The teams will compete in 3-game series. For more information, visit the Altoona Mirror.
Buffalo
The final round of the playoffs begins tonight between Ken-Hy Auto and Pignataro's. Last year's champion, Mader Construction lost to Ken-Hy, while Pignataro's defeated regular-season champion (and previously undefeated) Meridian Titans. Pignataro's qualified for the playoffs by 1 point on the final day of the season. The winner of the final 3-game series advances to the Zanesville Regional beginning on July 28th. Buffalo was runner-up in the Altoona regional last year. For more information on the season and reports from the games, visit the AAABA of Buffalo website.
Baltimore
Competing in the difficult Cal Ripken Collegiate league, powerhouse Youse's Orioles of Baltimore are struggling in 6th place at 15-17 this season. Don't let the losing record fool you, though. The Cal Ripken league is filled will top college talent and the Orioles will once again be the team to beat in Johnstown.
Cleveland
The Chardon Blizzard are currently undefeated in their Great Lakes Baseball League games and will represent Cleveland once again this year. Cleveland has a direct bid this year and coach Don Navatsyk is bringing a full roster of 20 players, including 7 pitchers. Last year's squad only had 16 players and ran out of arms against Baltimore and New Orleans.
Columbus
Bruce Domineck's Columbus Braves of the Ohio Independent Collegiate Baseball League will return to Johnstown this year. His team was in town in 2010, but lost in the Zanesville Regional last year.
New Brunswick
The Matrix will be returning for New Brunswick and trying once again to reach the finals as they did in 2009.
New York City
The Long Island Astros (two-time defending NYC representatives) are not competing in the AAABA this season because too many core players are beyond the 20-years-old age limit. It is expected that their league will not be fielding another AAABA eligible team. However, New York is representated by two rival leagues, and the Westchester Putnam Baseball Association will be sending their Kingsbridge team. As far as records show, Kingsbridge (from northern Bronx) has not had a representative in the tournament previously.
Regional and National Information
Keep watching this site for upcoming information on the regionals and national tournament. We also hope to get our photo galleries online from previous years.
Reporters Wanted
As always, we're looking for help in reporting scores and game news during the regionals and national tournament. If you're interested in helping, please contact Brian at bvarmecky@aaabatournament.com.