The Altoona Regional begins this Saturday! The day begins at noon with the Philadelphia Bandits taking on the Florida Bombers of Miami in the southerner's AAABA debut. Defending regional champion Johnston Realty of Altoona then plays the Elk County representative Mifflin County All Stars at 4:00 pm. The games on Sunday will be at the same times, with Altoona's game at 4:00 pm. All games of the regional will be played at Penn State Altoona on the north side of town. (Click here for a location map)
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| ALTOONA | ELK COUNTY | MIAMI | PHILADELPHIA |
Last year, Johnston Realty stunned 6-time defending champion Baltimore by eliminating the Orioles 5-2. Altoona then beat the Bandits of Philadelphia 6-5 and accepted a forfeit from the Bandits to claim the Regional Championship. Altoona also won the regional in 2008 with victories over Buffalo, NY and Elk County.
The Philadelphia Bandits also defeated Baltimore in the regional and appeared to be a favorite in the national tournament. However, both Altoona and Philadelphia were eliminated in two games. Philadelphia had successful showings in Johnstown in 2007 and 2008 as the ABCO Phillies, placing 4th and 3rd, respectively. The 2007 team posted victories over powerhouses New Orleans and Washington, as well as wins against Brooklyn and Altoona.
Elk County has not faired well in regionals, posting a 1-8 record since 2002. The franchises' last regional win was a 10-5 victory over host Altoona in 2002. Since then, Elk County representatives have dropped 8 straight regional games. Theodore Glusko's team achieved a 2-2 record in the 2006 national tournament, with wins over Youngstown and Schenectady. However, Elk County teams are 0-4 in 2 tournaments since then. This year, Elk County will be represented by the Mifflin County All Stars.
The addition of Miami, Florida to the AAABA ranks is one of the biggest news items of the year. The Florida Bombers boast a successful program and are coming to Altoona with confidence. With the loss of the Birmingham, Alabama franchise in 1978, New Orleans has been the only southern franchise in the AAABA. But if New Orleans and Birmingham are any indication, the Miami franchise may soon become a strong contender for the national championship.
Qualification
Altoona, as regional host, and the highest finishing team of the remaining three advance to Johnstown for the national tournament
Schedule
| Game | Date | Day | Time | Team | Score | Score | Team | |
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| 1 | Jul 31 | Sat | 12:00 pm | Miami | Philadelphia | |||
| 2 | Jul 31 | Sat | 4:00 pm | Altoona | Elk County | |||
| 3 | Aug 1 | Sun | 12:00 pm | tbd | tbd | |||
| 4 | Aug 1 | Sun | 4:00 pm | Altoona | tbd | |||
| 5 | Aug 2 | Mon | 10:00 am | tbd | tbd | |||
| 6 | Aug 2 | Mon | 1:00 pm | tbd | tbd |
All regional tournament games are to be played at the Penn State-Altoona campus (weather permitting). Click on the Google link below to map the field.
View AAABA Penn State Altoona in a larger map