The Bellevue Stratford Hotel, downtown Philadelphia, present day
There are not that many color photos known, from the 1973 APBA Convention, held at the Bellevue Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, June 15-17, 1973. I believe many former attendees may have some photos stored away somewhere, but it would take some luck for more of them to become available.
A little “luck” did come about a few days ago … after I posted my interview with Pete Simonelli. One of the readers of the interview, a nice guy named Jay Lowrey, came forward and contacted me about a few color photos he has from attending the 1973 convention with his wife. He has 4 to be exact, which is better than 0.
Most of us have seen the black and white photos posted in the APBA Journal. Being able to locate more photographs, and in color, is a bonus.
I am posting these here, with hopes a few others might see this post, and want to provide any scans of color photos they might have. If I do receive more photos, I will add to this post, making it a “living” post.
Also, I am only naming people in the photos who have been identified. Most of the people, will be difficult to identify. But, if you are an attendee of the 1973 APBA Convention, or you otherwise recognize a former APBA buddy in one of the pictures, please let me know and I will update the photo with the person’s name.
Until now, I believe the only color photo I had ever seen from the 1973 APBA Convention was the one Pete Simonelli provided me for his interview, shown again below:
Len Gaydos, Pete Simonelli, Ben Weiser
The 4 photos below provided by convention attendee, Jay Lowrey:
Sitting, 2nd from left, David Eisenhower (Dwight Eisenhower’s grandson). Standing with yellow shirt, Pete Simonelli. Sitting, APBA Creator, Dick Seitz. Last gentleman sitting on the far right, is Jay Lowery. Others in the photo are unknown.
Dick Seitz on left, looking debonair as ever in his “copperish” colored suit. Scott Lehotsky has provided ID for the man standing to the right of Dick. This is Earnshaw Cook (author of Percentage Baseball). Also visible are stacks of APBA cards in their envelopes on the far right side of the table.
Convention tournament play. Pete Simonelli was able to identify the close-up gentleman wearing glasses in this photo. He is Mike Pawlowicz, who is actually managing Pete Simonelli’s team. Pete said that he is the guy he had to disqualify from the tournament for inadvertently mis-using his pitching rotation. I believe Pete’s team had advanced several rounds before Mike was DQ’d. 100% coincidence that in the 1 tournament photo which Jay Lowrey provided happened to have Mike in the photo. I am unable to identify anyone else in this photo.
Center of photo is Jay Lowrey browsing some past APBA cards on display. Persons on left of photo I am unable to identify.
A special “Thank You” to Jay Lowrey for reaching out and providing the 4 photos shown above.
Scott Lehotsky noted that he provided a few color photos from ’73 APBACon as well as some color video of the ’75 and ’76 APBACons in his “Of Dice and Men” video from 1994. Those are available in “The Fans” portion of the video: https://www.zackapbahandbook.org/the-fans.html
1973 APBA Convention Lineup from the April 1973 APBA Journal Issue:
APBA Journal, 1974, September issue: Pete Simonelli meets with former 2-time All-Star, Boston Brave and Brooklyn Dodger, Tommy Holmes. They discuss Holmes’ 1948 card (GTOP, Holmes was an All-Star in ’48) and 1949 card (of the 1949 season set release earlier in 1974 – the first “old” season ever released by APBA Game Co).
I first met Pete Simonelli in 2022 at the annual June APBA Convention, in Alpharetta, GA. I felt like I already knew Pete, #1, because of how friendly and welcoming he was and #2, from his days appearing in and writing for the APBA Journal in the 1970’s. While I did not discover APBA until the summer of 1978 when I was 12, I was able to catch up on past APBA history from purchasing several old APBA Journal “Back Issues”, after I first subscribed to the APBA Journal in 1979. The early 1970’s were a “heyday” for APBA, as the sports gaming hobby was in full bloom and APBA Conventions were now occuring on a semi-regular basis, starting in Philadelphia in 1973.
Fast forward to 2022, here I was, 49 years after Pete was a big part of the first APBA Convention in 1973, meeting an APBA legend at the 2022 get-together. I took immediate pride in having something in common with Pete, that is, each of us being an APBA tournament director. While my duties are only on a regional scale, Pete was the organizer/director of the first APBA Convention baseball tournament in 1973. He followed this up with running the APBA Convention tournaments in 1975 and 1976 as well. As you can glean from the note left for Pete Simonelli by fellow ’73 Convention organizers, Ben Weiser and Len Gaydos, Pete held many responsibilities at the ’73 APBACon.
Jimsapbabarn question #1: Tell us about your years growing up, location, schooling, family and when you discovered/began playing APBA?
Pete Simonelli: I grew up in Brooklyn and Queens, NY in a typical middle class family. I attended Catholic schools and being of Italian heritage had close ties to relatives in the NY area. In 1957 while reading a copy of Baseball Digest I noticed an ad for the APBA baseball game. It sounded interesting and I sent for the free brochure. It looked like something I wanted to try so I saved up my nickels and dimes and ordered the game. Needless to say I was hooked and have been with the game ever since.
Jimsapbabarn question #2:How did you get involved with the APBA Journal, not just as a subscriber/reader, but also as a contributor?
Pete Simonelli: I first got involved as a subscriber in 1968 or so. Later, through an ad in it, I joined a mail league and got to know a fellow member by the name of Ben Weiser*. We were the only members in the NE and naturally we got together regularly. After a year or so Ben came with the idea of having a National Convention. Of course, I offered my assistance and Ben welcomed this. After the convention Ben took over the AJ and asked me to join the staff which I remained on for several years.
*Ben Weiser is a former editor of The APBA Journal and is currently a reporter for The New York Times.
Jimsapbabarn question #3:When the vision for the first APBA Convention was presented by Ben Weiser, who all was involved in laying the groundwork along with Ben Weiser?
Pete Simonelli: Ben was the driving force behind it. He had all the ideas while I sometimes merely suggested how to implement them. Len and Ron Gaydos, founders of the AJ, also contributed to the groundwork and success of the event.
Len Gaydos, Pete Simonelli and Ben Weiser heading the inaugural APBA Convention in Philadelphia, June 15-17, 1973.
Jimsapbabarn question #4:What was it like working with Ben Weiser on the first APBA Convention?
Pete Simonelli: It was incredible. Here was a very young fellow who had the wisdom of someone 10 years older. I don’t ever recall saying “that’s not a good idea”, or “that won’t work”, to him. Whatever snags or problems that occurred were dealt with and solved.
Jimsapbabarn question #5: Your brief thoughts on several early APBA Journal contributors, if you got to know any of them: The Gaydos brothers, Royce Sleighter, Flip Rhoades, Daryl Hollis, Dave Hull, Dave Oullette, Conrad Horn, among others?
Pete Simonelli: I met all of them and saw some of them again at later conventions. I was closest to Conrad Horn whom I saw along with Ben Weiser and Mark Jacobson several times in Washington. I worked with Len Gaydos afterwards with respect to our connection with the AJ.
In 1976 Mark Jacobson was a young fellow attending the convention. Ben brought him to me to help me directing the tournament. Today he is one of the Official Scorers for the Orioles. One time, during a rain delay, he took me, Roy Langhans, and our wives on a behind the scenes tour of Camden Yards. Two years ago, prior to an Orioles game, Skeet Carr, Roy, Scott Lehotsky, Pat, and I got together with him. I have other stories but will pass for now.
After the ’73 convention I never saw the Gaydos brothers again as they lived in CA. I did have phone contact with Len. I had even more contact with their mother, Julia, Ironically, I recalled this when the Gaydos brothers were inducted into the HOF but I couldn’t recall exactly what it was about. Only that she was involved with the AJ as well. She may be listed along with her function as a staff member in the old AJ’s from that time.
Conrad Horn, as I mentioned, lived in DC and I would see him regularly. The last time I saw him was at the ’98 convention.
I believe I saw Flip Rhoades in Lancaster once later but he dropped out of sight. I never saw any of the others again nor did I have any kind of contact that I recall.
Once the conventions of the 70s ended everyone went their separate ways with rare exceptions. Over all those years I was closest to and regularly saw Robert Henry in addition to Ben, Mark, and Conrad.
When Scott Lehotsky produced the Of Dice & Men video (in 1994) we became fast friends. Likewise with Ed Zack when he was working on his first APBA Handbook (early 1990’s). It was always Robert Henry who put people in touch with me.
Robert Henry’s Q&A column which appeared for years on the back page of the APBA Journal issues.
Jimsapbabarn question #6: I believe you had several encounters with MLB players in the past including a certain past commissioner (Bowie Kuhn)?
Pete Simonelli: Ben liked to highlight some things. One time he mentioned in the AJ that my office was steps from Bowie Kuhn’s which was true. Bowie was in an adjoining building in Rockefeller Center. I passed him on the street once but never had any contact with him. Later on the NL had their office in my building and I would frequently see Chub Feeney, the league president, in the elevator. He was always pleasant and forthcoming and I enjoyed talking to him. Of course, I always called him Mr. Feeney.
I have probably at least 200 autographed APBA cards. I am not an autograph collector but if I have a chance to get one on a card I will. Being in NY was an advantage as both leagues passed through there.
Pete’s 1948 Braves GTOP signed Tommy Holmes card.
Generally, Yankee Stadium was not good place but Shea Stadium and the hotels were always easy. In the 70s and early 80s I used to go up to Cooperstown for the Hall of Fame Inductions. In those days there were no crowds. One could enter the hotel, and there was easy access to the players. I had some snice conversations with people like Burleigh Grimes and Al Lopez. And some of the autographs I got there are on ATA and ATB cards. Naturally, part of presenting a card to someone is that he might say he played APBA. That’s how I discovered Joe Torre, the first customer to receive a card, had played. Then there are also Jim Sundberg and Steve Sparks who played. Now I almost never get any cards signed. The last one I got was Bill Madlock when he appeared at the Las Vegas Tournament in 2019.
I let Pete know I had Harmon Killebrew sign his ’65 APBA card for me at a store within the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. When Harmon signed, he asked me how he was hitting … I knew that Harmon had played/knew of APBA from past reports in an APBA Journal interview with Dick Seitz.
Jim’s 1965 Twins GTOP signed Killebrew card
I followed up with a question for Pete about any player reactions to their cards:
Doby signed for me outside Shea Stadium, when the Yankees played two seasons there (1974 & 75), and he was coaching Cleveland. He didn’t have any reaction but was pleasant to the few people around.
Pete’s original 1953 signed Larry Doby card
Steve Garvey said to me. “How’s the card?” I was quite surprised and answered. “It’s a good card. You’re a good ballplayer.” While he was signing for others, again outside Shea, I conversed with Cindy for a few minutes. She told me that they had a friend who played APBA but in all the excitement I neglected to ask her if Steve played.
I also asked Pete about this 1973 Convention tournament team roster, submitted by a future nationally known sports agent, and ’73 APBACon attendee, Arn Tellem. (In earlier APBA Convention tournaments, entrants brought with them a 25-player roster of whichever players they desired from their APBA collections to compete in the tournament)
Pete Simonelli: Yes, that’s him. Years later Veryl Lincoln confirmed to me that Arn, the famous player agent, was an APBA customer.
Super sports agent, Arn Tellem’s 1973 APBA Convention tournament team roster
Jimsapbabarn question #7:What type of interaction, if any, did you have with APBA founder J. Richard Seitz?
Pete Simonelli: I met Dick at the 1973 Convention. He was very receptive and appreciative of there being an actual convention. He was a true gentleman. Over the years he always treated me well and If I happened to arrive unannounced at APBA he would always invite me into his office. His hospitality extended to sending me tickets for APBA’s box at the old Veterans Stadium.
Jimsapbabarn question #8:What are your thoughts on the enlightening proliferation of Regional APBA tournaments around the USA?
Pete Simonelli: It’s where we have evolved to and I think this is great for APBA . With all the success these tournaments have had I can foresee even more growth. The fans will dictate what they want. These tournaments look easy to run but I have to applaud the directors for making them successful. It’s not an easy thing to do and requires much time and effort. Well done to all.
Pete Simonelli, brought along some documents he saved from his 1973 APBA Convention files, to the 2023 APBA Convention. Here is his handwritten sheet of the final 16 teams remaining (listed by manager name) at the ’73 Convention, when he was the tournament director.
BAT FLIPS at the ‘Barn with Pete Simonelli …
– Your favorite MLB team?
Pete Simonelli: I have always been a Detroit Tiger fan.
– Your favorite MLB ballpark (past or present)?
Pete Simonelli: This is a tough one as there are many outstanding ballparks. Having seen games in 29 of the current 30 and in numerous parks that have closed or don’t exist anymore I have to say Houston and San Francisco.
– Your favorite APBA memory?
Pete Simonelli: It has to be the 1973 Convention when everything came together and I was able to meet people in the APBA world who up to then had only been names on paper.
On lower right, Pete Simonelli meeting APBA special guest, David Eisenhower (Dwight Eisenhower’s grandson)
At the 2023 APBA Convention, 50 years had passed since the inaugural 1973 APBA Convention. APBA podcaster, Jon Asalon, provided a fabulous interview for the attendees with 1973 APBA Convention tournament director, Pete Simonelli.
Pete Simonelli and Jon Asalon, Friday evening at the 2023 APBA Convention
Pete Simonelli with Kevin Cluff
My Sunday morning breakfast photo op with Pete
Thank you Pete for accepting my offer for an APBA’view interview! For those who have not had a chance to meet Pete, make sure you attend an upcoming APBA Convention in Alpharetta, GA. The 2 years I have been able to attend, seeing Pete is one of my favorite highlights. And Pete, please say “hello” to your lovely wife, Pat, for me!
The APBA Hall of Fame group photo (not every HoFer is in the photo), attendees in June of 2022 – names of those able to be in the photo (Standing from L to R: Kevin Cluff, Dom Provisiero, John Asalon, Greg Wells, Skeet Carr, Pete Simonelli, John Cochrane, Randy Coryer, Fritz Light, Rebecca Peterson, Brian Wells, Steve Skoff, Ted Knorr, Bill Blair, John Duke, Roy Langhans, Eric Naftaly, John Kalous, Paul McEvoy, Steve Ryan. Kneeling L to R: Gilles Thibault, Ken Schulz)
Dick Moore is missing from the HoF photo. There are a few pictures in the post with Dick Moore further below. Ray Dunlap was also missing from the HoF photo, and I happen to have the 1 photo of Ray immediately below:
Ray Dunlap. Mr. Football.
I had the good fortune of attending my first APBA Convention in June of 2022, in Alpharetta, GA. For 4 days (Thursday thru Sunday), wall to wall good times, not a moment wasted. The goal is to return in June of 2023 … counting down the days.
As a first time attendee, I was a little nervous. Not sure if all these people who already knew each other, from years and decades of attending the APBA Convention, somehow, I would be the strange face within a close “family” atmosphere that is the annual APBA Convention. Surely I would stick out, or maybe even insert my foot inside my mouth. My irrational fears went unrealized. From the first moment stepping inside the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta North/Alpharetta, and the first meetings with the various APBA souls, I was made to feel right at home. Nor was I the only person attending for the first time. It helped me some, that I knew a few of the faces, having met them in regional tournament play in past years or through other means. Kevin Cluff has been a friend of mine since at least 2014. Kevin and I both lived in Minnesota, and Kevin has been a supportive hand and mind in our own Twin Cities APBA Baseball Tournament, held semi-annually since April of 2014. Kevin and I make a point of meeting for lunch every few months (even now that I live in FL), helping stem the waiting period before our next tournament venture. It was probably Kevin who made a point of me making sure I attended my first APBA Convention. Kevin has attended almost every APBA Convention since 2001. He knew exactly what I was missing out on. He knew all to well, I would regret missing out on the best 4 days one could have during the month of June. He was right. The regular attendees who made sure I was having a good time, as well as making sure other new attendees were getting acquainted, my gratitude runs deep. So many names I knew, going back to my readership of the APBA Journal since around 1978, were so familiar to me. I felt like I already knew them, even though I was meeting them for the first time. Names like John Cochrane and Pete Simonelli … wow. The gracious welcome by many, made my trip to Alpharetta unforgettable. Roy Langhans, who I have known personally the longest of those in attendance, since he arrived at my home in Savage, MN in 2004 to roll one of his scheduled classic Game of the Day’s, is a meeting I will cherish forever. With Roy making a few trips back to Minnesota since, we have met for breakfast in Dinkytown, MN, on the University of Minnesota campus. Al’s Breakfast. Roy has even made a few of our TCABT events.
Then there is Greg Barath (OGuard62) … It took until Friday, of the 4 day weekend, before I finally bumped into Greg. But as soon we stumbled across each other, Greg made me feel like a long lost brother, having never met in person prior. I had composed one of my blog APBAView’s on Greg Barath several years earlier, and have also been supplying custom printed envelopes for Greg’s APBA Football NFL replays since around 2010.
John Herson, the man behind the curtain, not only owns and operates the APBA Game Co., he also takes these 4 days as his way of giving back to the APBA fan base, showing his appreciation to everyone in attendence. The best opportunity to meet John in person, is making your way to the APBA Game Co offices, in Alpharetta. Thanks again John for everything you have accomplished with APBA Game Co., and keeping the “spirit” of APBA alive and kicking!
The biggest surprise of the 2022 APBA Convention was the arrival and talk given by none other than former APBA Game Co VP/President/CEO, Fritz Light. Fritz gave a very emotional, detailed and humorous look back on his days of VP under J. Richard Seitz and roles as President and CEO of APBA following the passing of Seitz in 1992. Thanks to Fritz for making an appearance at the 2022 APBACon.
Finally meeting Eric Naftaly, one of the former APBA Journal owners/editors/publishers. Eric could not have been a nicer man.
I also was able to witness the celebration of the latest entrants into the APBA Hall of Fame on the Friday night of the convention. A BIG congratulations to the new entrants: Ted Knorr, Ken Schulz, Gilles Thibault!!!
I met many more in person than I have been able to mention, and each and all are worth mentioning. Below, you will find every picture I was able to take and a few that Kevin Cluff provided me (the only pics my ugly mug might appear in). I am mentioning the names of people in order to ID them with the photos below. If I have a ? for a name or left out a name, for someone you see pictured, please do not hesitate to let me know the name (email me at “jwfraasch AT gmail DOT com”), and I will update the photo. I did my best to take as many pictures as I could, but my goal at APBACon 2023 will be to take more photos.
Peter Winske on the left, and Skeet Carr on the right.
Kevin cluff on left, Steve Ryan on right.
Ted Knorr.
Skeet Carr and Kevin Cluff. After all these years of ordering APBA products going back to 1978 for me, it was a dream come true to finally meet Skeet Carr. A true APBA legend!
Negro League Historian, Ted Knorr with part of his display. All that Ted was able to show was awesome. Ted also gave a nice talk at the convention.
Jim Fraasch and Ted Knorr. I will cherish the time Ted Knorr took to talk to me. Awesome guy!
Greg Wells and John “The Cooler” Kalous.
John Herson and Ted Knorr.
Room with a view.
Dick Moore and back of Mike Harlow.
Billy Bell, and the back of Randy Coryer. Billy Bell was in my division. Great fun playing vs Billy Bell.
John Asalon on right, the “This Week in APBA” podcaster! Jack Dolan is 2nd on left. Pat McGregor is back right, 2nd person down. I would like to get the names for all around the table since they are all visible.
Paul McEvoy and Jim Fraasch. Paul reminds me of a stock broker … when he talks, you listen. I had the pleasure of getting reaquainted with Paul after a chance breakfast meeting with Paul and Jim Sce in Phoenix, AZ several years ago. Wonderful man!
Steve Schmitt on left, Richard Golden (standing), Greg Barath, Mike Harlow, Steve Skoff in background and back of Dick Moore.
Steve Schmitt, Roy Langhans, and Rebecca Peterson.
Darren Schulz on left, Dave Sweeley standing, TBo (Gilles Thibault) sitting, and Chuck Sorce on right.
Randy Coryer on left, John Duke opposite left and Chris Sorce on right.
Eventual tourney champ, Mike Kehrer on left and Jack Dolan on right.
Steve Ryan (L) holding court with Brian Wells (R) Sunday morning, Jim Berry (foreground) taking notes.
Might be my favorite picture I took, Pete Simonelli on left and John Asalon on right. Both wonderful people. Pete, I am so happy I finally got to meet you. A big thank you for the finishing touches on my formerly incomplete 1953O set. John, your podcasting is amazing.
Background, John Herson talking to Dan Pierce. Back of Billy Bell opposite of Randy Coryer.
Steve Ryan and TBo (Gilles Thibault). I would bet Steve is giving TBo “the business” here.
Chuck Sorce and Jim Fraasch. I had a great time getting to know each member of the Sorce family! What a crew! Also, I do not think Chuck was too impressed with my knowledge of Elio Chacon and the 1962 NY Mets. Thank you Kevin Cluff for capturing this photo and the couple others which I happened to be in.
Tourney Champ, Mike Kehrer on left and his championship opponent, Greg Wells on right. Congratulations to tourney champ Mike Kehrer … and I do not think anyone felt too bad for Greg Wells, and his long list of tourney titles at various APBA tourneys …
I wish I had a better picture of Mike Kehrer, but at least here you can see his face. Another picture facing off vs Jack Dolan. Jack Dolan ran the APBA Soccer tourney, another wonderful person. I had a front row seat as I scored the HR Derby championship between Jack Dolan and Kevin Cluff, each using the 1961 Roger Maris card. My ’61 Maris bowed out in the round of 16. Jack Dolan won the HR Derby in extra innings over Kevin Cluff.
I know I did not get everyone in a picture. I wish I could have. I will try to get each division pictured on Saturday, as that might be the best way to get almost everyone pictured at the convention.
Also, I may have made a typo or mistake in my postings above. I will correct those if found or brought to my attention.
Thanks for following along. Hope to see you all back in Alpharetta in June of 2023!
66’s – Jim F.
An after-dinner (perhaps late night) gathering around a table at the hotel … Left to right around the table: Jim Fraasch, Kevin Cluff, Greg Wells, Steve Ryan, Greg Barath (standing), Mike Kehrer, Kevin Burke, Gilles Thibault (Tbo), Brian Wells. (Note, John “The Cooler” Kalous was there as well, so he is either taking the photo or he is restocking his cooler …)
This photo was provided by Tbo after my post, so I have added it now. Thanks Tbo!
Standing: Dan M., Leroy A., Bruce T., Monty S., George A., Chris K., Jim H., Garth A., Kevin C., Phil G., Fred J., Steve W., Gregg N., Nick T. Kneeling: Jim F., Barry B., Ben L., Brian D., Gary B., David J., Jeff B. (and pictured directly below, our volunteer photographer for the day: Terry B.)
Hard to believe, we just completed our 9th year of bi-annual regional tournaments in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. If you are reading about us for the first time, we host a regional APBA Baseball Tournament twice a year, always the first Saturday of April and the first Saturday of October (with exceptions during the CovID outbreaks). If you have not had the chance to make one of our bi-annual tourney events, the choice is yours, April and/or October. 33 entrants were on hand for our April 2022 tourney and 21 entrants for our October 2022 tourney. A total of 54 entrants for our 2022 calendar year.
Terry Borthwick catching a break from her camera.
TCABT-XVIII Standings Review:
The 4 division winners plus the next 4 best records, with run-differential as the tie-breaker, made our 8-team, best-of-three bracket play round. 11 of our 21 entrants finished with a 4-4 (.500) record. Only 5 of the 21 entrants were above .500 with 5 of the 21 entrants below .500.
3 of the 11 .500 teams made our bracket play with 8 of the 11 .500 teams failing to make the cut based on run-differential.
Early round action at TCABT-XVIII, with Fred Johnson and Jim Hall in foreground.
Jeff Boeding contemplating that last H&R call as David Jones updates his scoresheet.
David Jones wishing 66’s with another drop into the dice tower, as Brian DeSanto counters with a telepathic call for a double-play.
One of the longest running APBA rivalries on the face of the Earth, Bruce Tyler and Leroy Arnoldi square off in division play. They have been playing APBA Baseball vs each other since 1962, and in TCABT play since our inception in 2014.
Nick Tegeler’s t-shirt says it all as he battles long-time TCABT veteran, Gregg Nelson in division play.
Ben Lofgren scoring his game using his iScore app vs Bruce Tyler.
George Adams using one of his generic rolling baseball diamond surfaces vs Monty Stranski. Monty wins the “Longest Distance Traveler” award, making it to the Twin Cities from near Seattle, WA.
Phil Geraffo waiting to pull a rabbit from his bag of tricks vs Gary Borthwick.
Garth Andersen dreaming of a new set of dice vs Chris Kaufmann.
Kevin Cluff finds a worthy opponent in newcomber Dan Mueller. Kevin and Dan would each finish .500 and have a run-diff of +1, left out of bracket play due to Barry’s 2019 Dodgers, whose .500 record had a +2 run-diff.
Jim Hall, Steve Woodward and Ben Lofgren share a break. Ben Lofgren wearing the Vikings #82 jersey, a student he taught in the 4th and 6th grades, MN Vikings’ Ben Ellefson.
George Adams attempting to play spoiler vs Barry Boevers in division play.
We witnessed each of our last 2 tourney champs, go from tourney champ to worst record the following tourney. Made even more memorable by the prize awarded to the worst tourney record, a brand new set of 100 dice. Garth Andersen (1914 Braves) was the proud new owner of a new set of dice this time around. Garth had won our previous TCABT tourney, taking the XVII Championship with his 1908 Cubs.
TCABT-XVIII QUARTER-FINALS
With the bracket field set, it was a chance for those teams able to qualify with a .500 record to either get hot at the right time, or fade away into the sunset. For the top seeds, would they be able to continue their hot hand, or would cold dice spell doom?
The #1 seed, the surprising 2005 Cardinals (1st time team entry) guided by Monty Stanski, were “rewarded” with playing the #8 seed, 2019 LA Dodgers skippered by Barry Boevers. The Dodgers were one of the heavy favorites heading into the tourney. While they barely made bracket play with their 4-4 record and +2 run-diff, they finally caught fire and swept Monty’s Cardinals, 2 games to none with convincing tallies in quarter-final play.
QF1: Barry (2019 Dodgers, 8 Seed) vs Monty (2005 Cardinals, 1 Seed)
The #2 seed, another 1st time team entry, the 1953 Yankees, managed by Phil Geraffo, traversed the 5-team Darryl Strawberry Division with a commanding 6-2 record. Phil’s Yankees survived a 3-game, 2 games to 1 series win over the #7 seed, 1976 Reds skippered by Chris Kaufmann. This was the 2nd meeting of the day between these two foes.
QF2: Chris Kaufmann (1976 Reds, 7 Seed) vs Phil Geraffo (1953 Yankees, 2 Seed)
The #3 seed, 1905 Athletics, yet another 1st-time team entry in our top 3 bracket seeds, managed by Jeff Boeding, were handled in sweep fashion by Gary Borthwick and his #6 seed 2019 Yankees, 2 games to none.
QF3: Jeff Boeding (1905 Athletics, 3 Seed) vs Gary Borthwick (2019 Yankees, 6 Seed)
Rounding out the Quarter-final round, the #4 seed, 1906 Cubs (Bruce Tyler) kept the scoring low and swept Gregg Nelson and his #5 seed 1941 Dodgers, 2 games to none.
QF4: Bruce Tyler (1906 Cubs, 4 Seed) vs Gregg Nelson (1941 Dodgers, 5 Seed)
TCABT-XVIII SEMI-FINALS
Each of the even numbered seeds survived the Quarter-finals on their way to the Semi-finals.
The #2 seed, 1953 Yankees (Phil Geraffo) succumbed to the favored #8 seed, 2019 Dodgers (Barry Boevers), as the Dodgers make it a quick sweep, 6-3 and 3-0.
SF1: Phil Geraffo (1953 Yankees, 2 Seed) vs Barry Boevers (2019 Dodgers, 8 Seed)
The #4 seed, 1906 Cubs (Bruce Tyler) also on speed-dial, with a 2 game sweep of Gary Borthwick and his #6 seed 2019 Yankees, 7-3 and 2-0.
SF2: Gary Borthwick (2019 Yankees, 6 Seed) vs Bruce Tyler (1906 Cubs, 4 Seed)
TCABT-XVIII CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Pictured in the gathering around the championship table: Bruce Tyler and his 1906 Cubs (4 seed) vs Barry Boevers and his 2019 Dodgers (8 seed), with Jeff Boeding running the boards and Kevin Cluff providing the sharp-witted analysis/humor.
It would come down to the #4 seed, 1906 Cubs (Bruce Tyler) vs the #8 seed, 2019 Dodgers (Barry Boevers). Each manager had one a previous TCABT title. For Bruce Tyler, it was his 1930 Cardinals in TCABT-VI, 6 years ago to the day, in October of 2016. For Barry Boevers, it was his 1998 Braves in TCABT-XV in April of 2021.
Game 1 was a rout for Bruce’s 1906 Cubs, 12-4.
Down but certainly not out, Barry and his 2019 Dodgers would rally and force a game 3, with a 5-4, 11 inning, walk-off win in game 2.
For all the marbles, in game 3, each team would trade leads, but tied through 9, this deciding game would go 12 innings, with Barry’s 2019 Dodgers taking the last 2 games to win the best-of-three series, 2 games to 1. The 2019 Dodgers are now eliminated from future TCABT action with their championship run.
Congratulations to Barry Boevers 2nd TCABT Championship, and his 2019 Los Angeles Dodgers!
Our next Twin Cities APBA Baseball Tournament Event:
From L to R: Craig Christian, Brian DeSanto, Darrell Skogen, Fred Johnson, Scott Dike, Ben Lofgren, Bruce Tyler, Dan Skillings, Brad Logan, Dave Norlander, Leroy Arnoldi, Marty Lee, Jerry Jacobs, Kirk Davis, Barry Boevers, Jim Hall, Bob Long, Garth Andersen, Robert Elley, Dave Jones, Monty Stranski, John Kalous, Alec Otto, George Adams, Jeff Boeding, Rob Skogen, Dave Dawn, Kevin Cluff, Gregg Nelson, Paul Van Beek, Nick Tegeler, Dave Chestnut, Jim F. (A tremendous “THANK YOU” to Gary and Terry Borthwick for taking the group photo and each of the photos you will see in this post!)
Another grand day in the not-so-frozen tundra. We had a record number of entrants for our 17th bi-annual tournament, 33. 16 of the 33 are from out-of-state, representing 10 different states. 8 are “first-time” entrants.
Mingling during division play, Paul Van Beek on left, Dave Jones on right, with Robert Elley and Rob Skogen in the background.
The Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers/Robins represented 7 of the 33 teams: 1930, 1953, 1956, 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2021. No fewer than 4 of the 33 teams entered were Chicago Cubs selections: 1908, 1929, 1930 and 2016. In other words, one-third of the 33 team selections were either Cubs or Dodgers/Robins teams. By the time we eliminated 31 of the 33 teams, there was 1 Cubs team and 1 Dodgers team left standing.
Garth Andersen (1908 Cubs) on left, Jerry Jacobs (2019 Dodgers) on right.
Garth Andersen and his 1908 Cubs and Jerry Jacobs and his 2019 Dodgers would meet for the coveted TCABT-XVII traveling April trophy, in our best-of-three championship series. How we got there …
TCABT-XVII: Saturday, April 2nd, 2022
Division Play Summary
TCABT 1st-timer, Monty Stranski of University Place, WA, was able to maneuver a tough division with the 2004 Cardinals, finishing 1-game up on the 2021 Dodgers (Kevin Cluff) and the 1930 Cubs (Dave Norlander). The 1986 Mets (Jim Hall) and 1999 Braves (Ben Lofgren) finished tied for 4th in the division, 4 games out. Dave’s 1930 Cubs fell 2-1 in their final division game vs the 1999 Braves, knocking them out of contention. Monty’s 2004 Cardinals clinched the best record in the division with a 7-2 win in the opener of their final series, over Kevin’s 2021 Dodgers.Kevin Cluff (2021 Dodgers) on left, vs Monty Stranski (2004 Cardinals) on right. Jim Hall wearing Mets jersey looking on.Jim Hall (1986 Mets) on left, vs Ben Lofgren (1999 Braves) on right.Dave Norlander (1930 Cubs) on left, vs Monty Stranski (2004 Cardinals) on right.For the first time in TCABT history, a division ended up with all teams tied with the same record. The 1st tie-breaking rule for this scenario was the overall Run-Differential. With a +7 run-diff, Barry Boevers of Champlin, MN, rose to the top with his 2017 Diamondbacks and their 4-4 record. The 1980 Astros (John “The Cooler” Kalous) finished in 2nd place in the division with his +2 run-diff. The 1939 Yankees (Bob Long) and the 2010 Rangers (Dave Jones) claim 3rd and 4th place.Dave Jones (2010 Rangers) on left, vs John “The Cooler” Kalous (1980 Astros) on right.Barry Boevers (2017 Diamondbacks) on left, vs Bob Long (1939 Yankees) on right.It was smooth sailing for Bruce Tyler of Elk River, MN, and his 1911 Giants. A comfortable 3 game advantage over the 2nd place 1976 Yankees (Dave Chestnut). The 1959 Braves (Darrell Skogen) and the 1979 Pirates (Gregg Nelson), finished in 3rd and 4th place.Darrell Skogen (1959 Braves) on left, vs Gregg Nelson (1979 Pirates) on right.Dave Chestnut (1976 Yankees), as he awaits his opponent, Bruce Tyler (1911 Giants) … the only evidence that it is Bruce Tyler who is missing in this photo, is that his pile of “hot” dice are ready next to his spot at the table.The Mark Grace Division would work overtime to determine their division champion. After the 2018 Dodgers and 1953 Dodgers finished tied for 1st with 5-3 records, the tie-breaker for a 2-team tie was an automatic 1-game playoff. Alec Otto of Green Bay, WI, with his 1953 Dodgers was the victor in the 1-game playoff over Robert Elley of Longview, TX, and his 2018 Dodgers, 7-6. The 1985 Cardinals (Brian DeSanto) and the 1961 Yankees (Paul Van Beek) finished tied for 3rd with 3-5 records.Brian DeSanto (1985 Cardinals) on left, vs Robert Elley (2018 Dodgers) on right.Paul Van Beek (1961 Yankees) on left, vs Alec Otto (1953 Dodgers) on right.2 teams making their first appearance ever in a TCABT tournament, the 1930 Robins and the 1941 Cardinals, found themselves in a battle for 1st place. Jim F of Minnetonka, MN, and his 1930 Robins used an early 2-1 series win over Jeff Boeding of Platte City, MO, and his 1941 Cardinals, to help propel them to a 6-2 overall record, good enough for the division title. Jeff’s Cardinals were busy winning 4 of their final 5 games, coming up a game short. The 2016 Cubs (Nick Tegeler) and the 1976 Athletics (Dave Dawn) finished in 3rd and 4th place.Nick Tegeler (2016 Cubs) on left, vs Dave Dawn (1976 Athletics) on right.Jeff Boeding (1941 Cardinals) on left, vs Jim F. (1930 Robins) on right, with Kevin Cluff looking on.Jerry Jacobs of Fort Myers, FL, found himself in a West Coast haze of competing Dodgers and Giants teams. His 2019 Dodgers would rise above the haze with a 7-1 record and a tournament best, +34 run differential. His most ardent competition would be George Adams of Liberty, MO and his 2021 Giants. A 2-game sweep over the last 2 games vs the 2021 Giants provided Jerry’s 2019 Dodgers the division championship. The 1956 Dodgers (Kirk Davis) and the 2015 Dodgers (Marty Lee) found themselves in 3rd and 4th place.Marty Lee (2015 Dodgers) on left, vs George Adams (2021 Giants) on right.Kirk Davis (1956 Dodgers) on left, vs Jerry Jacobs (2019 Dodgers) on right.TCABT newcomer, Scott Dike of Bicknell, IN, wasted no time in competing with his 1976 Reds, a tight division race with Dan Skillings, of Edina, MN, and his 1991 Braves. The 1976 Reds 6-2 record placed Scott 1-game in front of Dan’s 2nd place 1991 Braves. The 2021 Brewers (Craig Christian) and the 1988 Twins (Rob Skogen) finished in 3rd and 4th place.Rob Skogen (1988 Twins) on left, vs Craig Christian (2021 Brewers) on right.Scott Dike (1976 Reds) on left, vs Dan Skillings (1991 Braves) on right.The Camilo Pascual Division was dominated by the 1908 Cubs, another team making its first ever appearance in a TCABT tournament, guided by seasoned TCABT manager, Garth Andersen, of Ramsey, MN. Garth’s 1908 Cubs completed the rare feat of finishing undefeated in division play, which I believe has only been accomplished once previously in TCABT history, by Kevin Cluff’s 2011 Rangers. Fred Johnson of Cottage Grove, MN and his 1929 Cubs finished in 2nd place, at 4-4. The 1971 Pirates (Leroy Arnoldi) and the 2015 Royals (Brad Logan) finished in 3rd and 4th place.Leroy Arnoldi (1971 Pirates) on left, vs Fred Johnson (1929 Cubs) on right. Note, if it were not for the “Do not use the Fireplace” sign, both Leroy and Fred would have lit a match and tossed their teams into that fireplace …Garth Andersen (1908 Cubs) on left, vs Brad Logan (2015 Royals) on right.
Bracket Play Summary
Quarter-finals
The top seed, Garth Andersen (1908 Cubs) on left, would suffer his first loss of the day, in the opening game of the best-of-three quarter-final series vs the #8 seed, Barry Boevers (2017 Diamondbacks) on right. Jeff Boeding looks on, as Garth wins the final 2 games of the series in commanding fashion to advance to the semi-finals.The #2 seed, Jerry Jacobs (2019 Dodgers) made quick work of the #7 seed, Alec Otto (1953 Dodgers), winning 7-2 and 9-1, as Jerry and the 2019 Dodgers advance to the semi-finals.The #3 seed, Bruce Tyler and his 1911 Giants need 3 games to upend the #6 seed, Jim F. and his 1930 Robins. Game 1 was a close 2-0 pitchers dual, in favor of the 1911 Giants. Game 2 saw the 1930 Robins facing elimination down 8-3 in the bottom of the 9th, before a 6-run outburst in the bottom frame kept the Robins alive with an improbable 9-8 walk-off comeback win. But Bruce’s 1911 Giants would prevail with a 10-3 rout in the series finale, as Bruce and his 1911 Giants advance to the semi-finals.Somehow Gary, Terry and I each failed to get a photo of the 4th quarter-final series between the #4 seed, Monty Stranski (2004 Cardinals) pictured below and the #5 seed, Scott Dike (1976 Reds) pictured above. A closely played series saw the 2004 Cardinals jump out to the 1-0 series lead after game 1. Facing elimination, the 1976 Reds would respond with a 6-1 win in game 2 and a 4-3 win in the deciding game 3, as Scott Dike and his 1976 Reds advance to the semi-finals.
Bracket Play Summary (continued)
Semi-finals
#1 seed, Garth Andersen (1908 Cubs) faces off vs the #5 seed, Scott Dike (1976 Reds) as Dave Dawn, Jeff Boeding and Dave Chestnut look on. The ’76 Big Red Machine ran out of gas, as the 1908 Cubs blanked the Reds in 2 straight games, 9-0 and 4-0. This would mark the first time in TCABT history that a team was blanked in 2 straight games in bracket play. Garth and his 1908 Cubs head to the TCABT-XVII Championship.#2 seed, Jerry Jacobs (2019 Dodgers) in a back-and-forth semi-final battle vs the #3 seed, Bruce Tyler (1911 Giants). After Jerry’s Dodgers swept the 1953 Dodgers in the Quarter-finals, the 1911 Giants won the opener over the 2019 Dodgers in a nail-biter, 4-3. Facing elimination in game 2, the Dodgers bounce back with 7-2 and 5-1 wins in games 2 and 3, as Jerry and the 2019 Dodgers advance to the TCABT-XVII Championship.
Bracket Play Summary (continued)
TCABT-XVII Championship
For all the marbles, the #1 seed, Garth Andersen (1908 Cubs) taking on the #2 seed, Jerry Jacobs (2019 Dodgers). Garth opens the championship series with his 3rd straight shut-out in bracket play, a 1-0, 10-inning walk-off win over the 2019 Dodgers. The 1908 Cubs would make it a quick 2-game sweep for the championship, with a decisive 7-3 win in the 2nd game. Congratulations to Garth Andersen and his 1908 Cubs, who finish the tournament with an all-time TCABT record 14-1 overall record!!! The 1908 Cubs were a 1st-time entrant into TCABT tournament action. They are now officially “retired” from TCABT play. Jerry Jacobs 2019 Dodgers dominated their opponents throughout most of the day, until the meeting with the 1908 Cubs. The 2019 Dodgers have now been entered in 3 TCABT events, making it to the finals twice, but losing each time. The one tourney where the 2019 Dodgers did not make the finals, they failed to advance to bracket play. Congrats as well to Jerry Jacobs and his overall 11-4 record with the 2019 Dodgers and their runner-up finish. Garth and Jerry were each making their first ever appearance in a TCABT Championship series. In the background of the above photo, Barry Boevers (looking away), “The Cooler” John Kalous, and Jeff Boeding.TCABT_XVII Champion, Garth Andersen on left, receives the April TCABT Championship trophy from Jim F. on right.
Garth Andersen found a team that had never been entered in TCABT tourney play, proceeded to roll this team to an overall 14-1 record, claiming his first TCABT Championship in commanding fashion. Hats off to Garth Andersen and his accomplishment, including the best record ever by a tourney team in a single tournament. With the 1908 Chicago Cubs now retired from TCABT competition, they will sport a nifty .933 winning pct. for TCABT eternity. Our tournament has seen a total of 2045 games rolled. The 3 straight shut-outs by his 1908 Cubs during bracket play were not only improbable, but had never occurred previously in TCABT play, including both division play, or bracket play. In fact, it was not just 27 consecutive scoreless innings. When all told, it was also 8 innings from the previous game before the shut-out streak started, plus the 9 innings in each of the first 2 shut-outs, and another 10 innings in the 3rd consecutive shut-out, followed by another 6 innings in the following game when the streak ended. That is 42 consecutive scoreless frames his opponents put up offensively.
Jerry Jacobs and his 2019 Dodgers would suffer the 10-inning loss to Garth’s 1908 Cubs in game 1 of their championship series. However, Jerry also saw his 2019 Dodgers out-score his opponents, 91-41 for the entire tourney, as the runner-up team. His +50 run-differential may be a tourney record as well. The 2019 Dodgers out-homered their competition 25-10 during division play, a miraculous 12-1 advantage in homers during bracket play, totaling 37-11 overall, but somehow could not overcome the 1908 Cubs.
The “Coldest Dice” award. There is consideration to rename this award in future events as the “John Kalous Cooler” award.
Marty Lee, won a dubious prize of sorts. While in last October’s TCABT-XVI tourney, Marty rolled his way to a championship with the 2019 Twins, he found himself in the opposite direction in TCABT-XVII. The worst overall record, 1-7, and a minus 19 run differential. Marty is the proud owner of a new bag of 100 dice (10 different colors) as the prize for the “Coldest Dice” award. This will continue to be a new prize given out to the owner of the worst tourney record at each of our TCABT events. I can attest, Marty was just as happy to win the bag of dice as he was to win the TCABT trophy last October.
Marty Lee on left, George Adams on right.
Leroy Arnoldi, and his 1971 Pirates, during a loss to Garth’s 1908 Cubs during division play, the ’71 Pirates had 8 hits, consisting of 7 solo-homers and 1 single. The game was lost by 1-run. This was another example of the kind of day it was for Garth and his Cubbies, not just pitching shut-outs, but also winning games while giving up 7 solo-homers.
Dan Skillings, and his 1991 Braves, reported that his lead-off hitter, Otis Nixon, reached base no fewer than 23 times in 8 games played, via either a hit or a walk. He also scored 9 runs and stole 12 bases.
Robert Elley (2018 Dodgers) accomplished maybe one of the rarest feats of all during TCABT-XVII … with the bases empty, he managed to roll 3 consecutive “42” dice rolls with the “39” outcome, meaning his batter just struck-out, 1-strike at-a-time, over 3 dice rolls.
My apologies to others who may have submitted a unique game or stats. I went with what I was able to dig up from my emails. Thanks to everyone who submitted their results, good and bad.
And thanks to everyone who attended, including Gary and Terry Borthwick, who stayed all tourney long to take photos and enjoy conversation. It is each of the persons in attendance who make this tournament a wonderful day.
Looking ahead, the Neil Ess Memorial Twin Cities APBA Baseball Tournament plans for their 18th bi-annual event to take place Saturday, October 1st, 2022 back at the Youth Building at Lyon’s Park in Shakopee, MN.
Cut-off for entering tournament is Friday, March 18th, 2022.
$20 entry fee covers the $200 site rental with all funds collected above $200 going towards APBA Gift Certificates for 1st and 2nd place (and possibly 3rd and 4th place) finishers.
Jim's APBA Barn 