Don't Go Soft, Play Hardball!

San José Father/Son "THREE-peats" at MSBL World Series

2018 World Series Father/Son Championship Team Photo
(Front Row Kneeling) Phillip Thrappas, Jackson Yandle, Mathew Delzer, Eddie Delzer, Nick Yandle, Phil Scheiman, Chris Denevi, Dave Smith (Back Row Standing) Mike Denevi, George Thrappas, Murray Brown, Marty Schroedter, Mikey Denevi, Rich Zuvella, John Yandle, Matt Zuvella, John Cruse, Scott Cruse, Nick Caravelli JR, Nick Caravelli SR, Donnie Chambers, Hayden Hibberd, Chris Chambers

For the 3rd year in a row, the San José Giants (from the SJMSBL) have captured the top American Division of the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series. It was once again a truly team effort as every member of this 23-man roster contributed to the undefeated (6-0) run through the four game round-robin and the semi-final and championship games. San Jose has now won 16 World Series games in a row dating back to 2016!

It was another dominating team performance with some rather crazy offensive stats:

The team was lead by remarkable performances from co-MVPs Donnie 'Baseball' Chambers (54) and his 32-year-old nephew Chris Chambers. The Chambers' were a combined 27-for-45 (.600 average) at the plate and played flawless defense in all six games. Chris led the team in hits (14), RBIs (14), and runs (12)… and his diving stop in game #4 of a ball headed down the right field line (and throw to the plate to complete a DP) was ESPN Top Ten worthy. Donnie played 4 different positions defensively, pitched 4 innings, and could only muster 13 hits in 6 games!

Nick Caravelli, SS and clean-up hitter, hit .611 and knocked in 12 … oh, and he played errorless defense.

The team's leadoff hitter and center fielder, Matt Zuvella, played great defense … again, hit .368, scored 9 runs, and swiped 4 bases.

Phil Thrappas (2B/SS) made play after play for us, and hit a measly .412 with 3 doubles and 8 runs scored.

Hayden Hibberd was brilliant defensively in left and behind the plate, pitched 4 crucial innings in the semi-final with a sore shoulder, and managed to hit .389 with 3 doubles, 6 RBIs and a mammoth HR in the championship game. Hayden made the play of the tournament with a game-saving assist in the championship throwing out the tying run at the plate in the 8th.

Once again there were three Denevi's on this team (65-year-old Mike, his 28-year-old son Mike, and his 37-year-old nephew Chris).

Mike Sr, who is the co-manager and heart and soul of this team, was simply brilliant — a .500 batting average, several clutch RBIs, and 9 scoreless innings on the mound … and has now extended his scoreless inning streak at the World Series to 28 innings over the past three YEARS! Mike picked up the W in the championship game. Just … simply … remarkable.

Mike Jr. also hit .500 at the plate and racked up 8 innings on the mound when we needed him most.

Chris once again had several key hits and RBIs at crucial times, and was .333 at the plate.

58-year-old Eddie Delzer was tremendous on the mound with 9 innings of shutout baseball.

The Yandle pitching combination of 63-year-old John and 18-year-old Jackson shut down a good hitting Quakes team from SoCal to win Game #2. Son #2, Nick, hit 1.000 and had 2 key RBIs in Game #3.

Murray Brown once again gave us crucial innings at 1st base despite a surgically repaired right shoulder that throbbed all day — every day.

Dave Smith chewed up OF innings and managed to finish the tournament with a .750 batting average.

The father-son combo of Scott and John Cruse played great defense and once again Scott was our 'spirit'-ual leader off the field. John finished with a terrific .364 average.

George Thrappas helped wherever he could and played a major role on the bases for several Dads in the late innings.

Last, but not least, Marty Schroedter and his stepson Phil Scheiman, were absolutely invaluable to this team. Marty's flawless defense behind the plate was critical to our defensive strategy for the tournament, and we simply don't win this tournament w/o his help.

Another great run by a collective bunch of good friends with strong family ties and a will to win that is second to none.

Can you say FOUR-PEAT in 2019?