The Florida Rangers, populated by seven NABA Palm Beach players, lost a 13-11 slugfest to the NYC Metros in the 18A championship game of the NABA's second annual Blue-Gray Classic at Prince William Stadium in Woodbridge, Virginia on Monday.
After dropping an 8-5 decision to tne NYC Metros on Saturday, the Rangers had roared back to win their final two pool games on Sunday, qualifying for the championship game. The Rangers edged the Pittsburgh Blues 2-1 in the morning game on a home run by Braulio Alfinez in the bottom of the 9th inning. Then, they defeated the Lancaster (PA) Illusion 7-4 on a route going pitching performance by Alfinez.
Leo Merced was managing the Rangers in their second NABA tournament of the year, and their second runnerup finish. They also reached the 18A title game in the NABA Hall of Fame Classic at Cooperstown, New York on the Independence Day weekend in July, and lost by an 8-4 score to the Albany (NY) Black Sox. Merced will be bringing the Florida Rangers back for fall league play, and plans to enter the Rangers in the Florida World Series in Jupiter in November. Merced is also President of the NABA Northern State Florida league, which has plans to open for play in the spring of 2009.
Palm Beach League players who made the trip to Virginia included Jose Pena Jr, Alfinez and his brother Michael Alfinez, Kelvin Jimenez, Anthony Munson and Junior Reyes from the Mets Spring 2008 Western Division regular champions. Also on the tournament team was Jesse McGregor (Royals). Jamie Priester of the Orioles had planned to join the team, but those plans were altered and he did not make the trip.
OTHER LEAGUE NEWS-Steve Grove's Braves have informed the league that they will not be entering a team in the fall league, but plan to return in the spring of 2009. Steve may play some Palm Beach League games with another league team.
Michael Morrison, who has been in the league for three years with the Brewers is bringing a new team into the 18AA league this fall. Originally called Nicoya, the team name has now officially been changed to Costa Atlantica. Luis Gonzalez, who played with the Warriors, is also starting a new team called the Pirates in 18AA.
The league is still working on fields and division alignment for the coming fall season. Will keep you posted.
We've just completed the first phase of our PRO-FILES project, in which we have rounded up playing records of many present and former NABA Palm Beach League players who have played pro baseball, including several former major leaguers. Check out their career stats by clicking on HANDOUTS---PRO-FILES on the left hand side of this home page. This is a work in progress, and if you know of any other Palm Beach League playes with professional experience, please contact the League President.
Click on the headlines below to read summaries of the championship and midseason All Star games in both leagues, including photos.
Check out the Home Run Sports Bar and Grill Player and Pitcher of the Week awards for the spring 2008 season. Click on the link below.
Scroll down for lots more Palm Beach League stories and information.
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