Chicago River Bandits Baseball Club: Bandit News
Thursday, September 25AA Bandits & CRB Teams To Play In Championship
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The Chicago River Bandits win three Division Titles for the 2008 season entering the Playoffs which begin September 6 & 7th.
AA Bandits (13-8-1) by winning their last 6 games win their second Division Title in a row and beat the Red Sox & Tigers in a best of three series to move on to the American League Championship. The Bandits will take on the Sound Saturday with Game 1 & 2 being played at 9am &12:30pm at Grosche Field in Waukegan, Game Three if necessary will be played on Sunday at Grosche.
The CRB (16-6) squad who set a single season MSL All-Time Record by scoring 331 runs this season, beat the Thunder & Rhinos to advance to the Central League Championship. The CRB squad will take on the Firebirds on Saturday at 4pm & 7pm at Grosche with a Game 3 if necessary on Sunday at Grosche.
In 2002 all three River Bandits squads made the Playoffs winning the American League, Central League and NABA League Championships.
This season the Skyscraper River Bandits made it to the Skyscraper Championship and finished with a 19-9 record & the AAA River Bandits made it to the second round of the MSL National League Championship.
HOTLINE NUMBER
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When you need team info press
#1 for AAA/Collegian River Bandits,
#2 for AA MSL Bandits &
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updates & rain out information.
Sunday, February 3
2007 Award Winners Announced At Team Party
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| 2007 Awards Party | |
The 2007 Chicago River Bandits Awards Party was held at Durkin's on November 17. Awards were given to all three MSL teams for their Silver Slugger (Best Hitter), Best Pitcher, Best Defensive Player, Best Arm, Sportsman Of The Year and Rookie Of The Year.
Winners for the AAA River Bandits awards included Mike Flood for "Silver Slugger", Nick Marascia for "Best Pitcher", Matt Koenig for "Best Defensive Player", "Best Arm" went to Brandon Wiley, "Sportsman of the Year" was given to Scott DeBoor.
AA Bandits "Silver Slugger" Award went to Mike Bryant, "Best Pitcher" was awarded to Andrew Feller, "Defensive Player of the Year" went to Eris Solis, Mike Bryant also won the "Best Arm" Award & "Rookie Of The Year", "Sportsman Of The Year" went to Terry Wellman.
CRB gave Jason Rivero their "Silver Slugger" Award, Tony Simon was voted "Best Pitcher", "Defensive Player & Sportsman of the Year" went to Jerome Merritt, "Best Arm" was given to Ryan Kirby and "Rookie Of the Year" went to Jason Rivero.
All Award winners were given a 2007 River Bandits Award T-Shirt at the party. If players are interested in purchasing a shirt a few are available for $15.
Photos from the 2007 Awards Party click Title or go under "Bandits Photos".
Saturday, April 12
River Bandits One Run Shy Of Playoffs In Florida
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The Chicago River Bandits once again played baseball in January. The Bandits traveled down to West Palm Beach and attended the Citrus Classic Wood Bat Tournament on January 19-21.
The River Bandits have made the trip down to Florida since 2002 making the Semi Finals in all but one year.
The 2008 team unfortunately missed this years Playoffs, the Bandits finished 1-1-1 in their division tieing with three teams for one of two Playoff spots. In the deciding tie breaker the River Bandits allowed 1 more run which eliminated their chance of moving to the Playoff Round.
The 2008 Florida team includes AAA members Scott DeBoor, Bob Doyle, Chris LaPorta, Michael Schweda, Matt Smith & Jon Stasiek. AA Bandit's Mike Bryant, Eric Solis, Mike McCotter & Terry Wellman. CRB members Gary Farr, Jerome Merritt, Joe Ona, Jason Rivero & Jeff Waller. New Bandit team members Alex Rogocki, Chris Stewart, Robert Garcia & Rich Meyers all plan on making the trip to Florida to defend our Division Champion title.
Click the title or photo for pictures of this years Citrus Classic Team.
For pictures from the Citrus Classic from 2002-2007 go to "Bandits Photos" on the left menu screen.
Friday, August 31
Mid-Season Party a Big Hit
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The Party included a Buffet and all you could drink Domestic Drafts, Well Drinks, Wine and Soda.
Photos from this years Bandit Bash can be found under "Bandit Photos" or by clicking the title.
Saturday, August 11
Mike Bryant wins MSL Home Run Hitting Contest
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AA Bandits Outfielder/Pitcher Mike Bryant won the 2007 Midwest Suburban League Homerun Hitting Contest at the League's All-Star Games August 5th.
Mike also pitched one scoreless inning in the American League All-Star Game that the North lost 4-1. Also playing in the American League North team was Catcher Marty Glowik, Shortstop Eric Solis, Pitchers Mike McCotter and Andrew Feller. Managing the North team was Michael Schweda.
In the Central League game Jason Rivero and Kevin McBee played for the North squad which won 10-5.
In the AAA Division Rico Duca and Matt Assad represented the River Bandits for the National League North team which lost 10-7.
Friday, May 11
River Bandits Opening Day Party Draws Over 100 people
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April 14, Saturday "Opening Day Party" @ McGee's, Chicago 8-11pm
Photos of this years Opening Day party can be found by clicking title or under "Bandits Photos"
Monday, July 30
Collegian River Bandits In Playoffs
The Collegian River Bandits have clinched a Playoff Spot for the 2007 season by winning their last 5 games.
The Collegian River Bandits start Playoffs against the Canadians on Friday at Concordia College with Game 2 being played Sunday at Noon and if necessary Game 3 to follow at Concordia College.
The Collegian River Bandits finished 15-11 under new Player/Manager Ryan Reynolds from Lewis University.
Saturday, April 14
River Bandits Go Undefeated In Pool Play
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Results of 2007 Tournament:
Jan 13, Saturday, vs New York Thunderdogs (Win 9-8)
Jan 13, Saturday, vs Culver City (Tie 4-4)
Jan 14, Sunday, vs Palm Beach Pirates (Tie 7-7)
Jan 14, Sunday, PLAYOFFS vs Culver City (Lose 10-0)
Monday, March 26
End of the Year Awards Party
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For the AAA MSL National League Champion team, Mike Flood was named the Silver Slugger for the seond year in row, Nick Marascia picked up his second "Best Pitcher" Award, Defensive Player of the Year went to Jason Williams and Matt Wiske, "Best Arm" Award went to Andrew Hacker, Rookie Of The Year went to Jason Williams, Sportsmen of the Year was given to Scott DeBoor and Post Season MVP went to Chris LaPorta.
AA awarded Rich Kopec with its Silver Slugger Award, Best Pitcher went to Andrew Feller, Best Defensive Player was Eric Solis, Billy Gonzalez won the "Best Arm" Award and Rookie of the Year Awards, while Kevin Kayser was voted the Sportsman of the Year.
CRB gave its Silver Slugger Award & Rookie of the Year Awards to Al Hoebl, Best Pitcher Award went to Tony Simon, Best Defensive Player was Joe Ona, "Best Arm" Award went to Al Anderson and Sportsmen of the Year went to Gary Farr.
All award winners received a 2006 10th Anniversary T-Shirt. The Award Party marks the 10th Anniversary of the Chicago River Bandits who celebrated another Championship Season.
Photos from the party can be found under "Bandits Photos" on left menu.
2005 Collegian River Bandits go to Norridge League Championship
For the first time in seven years the Collegian River Bandits sqaud will play in the Norridge League Championship. The team won the first two rounds of playoffs defeating the Knights two games to one and then beating the number one ranked Melrose Park Indians two games to none. Melrose lost only three games all season until they met the River Bandits who won Game One 4-2 behind the pitching of Geoff Blahnik (Beloit University) who pitched seven innings for a complete game victory.
In Game 2 the River Bandits had to win the game in extra innings as catcher Mike Erickson (IIT) hit a single up the middle to win the game and the series. Mario Leggero (St. John's University) pitched seven innings and Tino Villasenor (Benedictine University) pitched the top of the eighth for the win.
The Norridge League Championship will be a best of five series and will be played at Concordia College Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 5:45pm, with Games 4 and 5 being played Saturday starting at Noon. Directions to Concordia College can be found on the left menu under "Field Directions" or at the bottom of the Home Page under "Upcoming Games."
2005 River Bandits Awards Announced
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The AAA River Bandits awarded their "Silver Slugger Award" to Mike Flood. The "Best Pitcher Award" went to Nick Marascia, "Rookie of the Year Award" was Joe Wollscheid. Matt Wiske and Matt Koenig tied for the "Defensive Player of the Year Award" and Mike Flood took home the "Best Arm Award." Scott DeBoor was given the "Sportsman of the Year Award."
AA Bandits gave their "Silver Slugger Award" to Terry Wellman, while Neil Carney took the "Best Pitcher Award" for the second year in a row. "Rookie of the Year Award" went to Rich Kopec. While the "Defensive Player of the Year" & "Sportsman of the Year Award" went to John Nolan. The "Best Arm Award" landed in Andy Rzotkiewicz lap.
A CRB team voted George Tijerina their "Silver Slugger Award" while rookie Tony Simon walked away with the "Best Pitcher Award". "Rookie of the Year Award" went to Victor Salinas and "Defensive Player of the Year Award" went to Eric Solis. Brad Baglien won the "Best Arm Award" and Manager Brad Marr was voted ""Sportsman of the Year".
All winners received their 2005 Award T-Shirt at the party. Managers Scott Deboor, PJ Stallone and Brad Marr received long sleeve Starter shirts for their hard work. Scott DeBoor received Starter shorts for managing the Fall League Team.
The team presented General Manager Michael Schweda a brand new Rawlings Pro Preferred First Basemens Glove for his work during the 2005 season which included a National League North Division League First Place Finish by the AAA team, Collegian team making the Norridge League Championship Series, a playoff appearance by the CRB team and a successful debut in the Illiana League by the AAA River Bandits.
Click photo or title for photos from the 2005 Awards Party.
Bandits Win Pool Play in Florida
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The River Bandits will field a mix team with players from all three levels. Scott DeBoor, Matt Wiske, Joe Ogrodnik, Michael Schweda and new player Jason WIlliams will be playing from the AAA River Bandits.
Terry Wellman, Rob Deignan, Andy Rzotkiewicz and newly promoted shortstop Eric Solis will come down to Florida from the AA Bandits team.
From the single A CRB sqaud Victor Salinas and Garrett Calhoun will man the outfield.
Photos of the tournament can be found under "Bandits Photos."
2005 River Bandits (AAA) Eliminated in Second Round Of Playoffs
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By outscoring the Legends 24-0 the Bandits will moved to the Second Round of the National League North Division Championships against the Northsiders. The Northsider beat the Titans in two games to advance to the second round.
In the Semi-Final the River Bandits dropped two games to the Northsiders 9-7 and 9-3. In the first contest the River Bandits had the lead going into the top of the ninth inning but starting pitcher Nick Marascia ran out of gas and gave up the tieing run in the ninth. In the bottom frame of the ninth the River Bandits thought they had the game won when Mike Flood unleashed a towering fly ball to right field that somehow stayed in the park. The Bandits proceeded to load the bases but did not score. This was Marascia first loss of the season finishing 8-1.
In Game Two it was all Northsiders with Chris Payne taking the loss, only his second all season after finishing the regular season 6-1.
During the two rounds of playoffs the River Bandits hit .323 as a team with Mike Flood (.600), Scott DeBoor (.500) and Matt Wiske (.417) leading the way in average. In the four playoff games Glen Ducharme (9) and lead-off man Bob Koeller (5) lead the team in Runs Batted In.
The River Bandits look to improve on their 2006 season after winning the League Championship in 2004.
River Bandits enjoy a day at Silver Cross Field
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Game One saw the Single A CRB team battle the Red Sox with the Bandits team needing a must win to make the playoffs. Manager Brad Marr did not disappoint with a 8-4 win behind the pitching of Carl Meyocks and Doug Brymer. The CRB team finishes the season at 16-6 in second place in the Central League North Division. The CRB team will face the South Division winners in the first round of the Playoffs. Which will be either the Punishers or the Bulldogs who are both tied with a 14-7 record.
Game Two had the Double A Bandits face the Diablos with the Diablos handing the Bandits their sixteenth lose of the season to go with only 5 wins. The Bandits were in the game early but faltered down the stretch to loose 11-5.
Game Three was between the National League Division leaders River Bandits (North Division Champions) and Ravens (South Division Champions). The River Bandits and Ravens battled it out with no runners crossing the plate until the top of the ninth when the Ravens scored a run and then held the Bandits in the bottom of the ninth to send the Bandits home with a 1-0 defeat.
Over all it was a great day for baseball at one of the best fields in all the Minor League baseball. Some of the off field highlights was Chris Payne doing the PA announcing for the Double A game and his dancing between innings just outside of the pressbox.
The Bandits would like to that the Joliet Jackhammers for being such great hosts and Scott DeBoor, Chris Payne, Jennifer Payne and Sabrina Jablonski for working the scoreboard and the PA system during the games. The Bandits are locked in for another year at Joliet and look forward to returning for the 2006 season.
2005 River Bandits play at Hawkinson Ford Field
The CRB, Bandits and River Bandits all played league games at Hawkinson Ford Field, home of the Windy City Thunderbolts.
CRB played a close 1-0 lose to the Punishers.
Bandits battled the Chicago's Finest in their 9-3 lose.
River Bandits defeated the Legends 9-5 in the night cap.
2004 Awards Winners Announced
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Former Minor Leaguer enjoys summer with River Bandits
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Former Minor League Player joins River Bandits
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2004 River Bandits play at Comerica
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Chris Payne pitched and hit in the tournament. The team consisted of Dom Buttitta & Todd Schavilje behind the plate. Infield was Michael Schweda, Bob Koeller, Matt Wiske & Scott DeBoor from First to Third. Joe Ogrodnik, Brandon Wiley and Jim Danko made up the outfield. Pitchers included Kevin German, Chris Payne, Bob Doyle, Neil Carney, Steve Podolski, Nolan & Jamie.
The River Bandits for the first year did not come home with a trophy but it is safe to say a good time was had by all. Photos of the event will be posted soon and can be found under "Bandit Photos" in the left menu.
2004 Collegian River Bandits Announce Award Winners
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If your interested in joining the Collegian River Bandits for the 2005 season send us your name, phone number, positions you play and college you attend to chicagobandits@aol.com.
River Bandit selected by Cincinnati Reds
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Former River Bandit Twirls Professional No-Hitter
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It was an unbelievable performance for such a pressure-packed stage. The Angels had a few hard-hit balls, but the Mustangs played perfect defense behind Paduch, who struck out Reggie Willits on a 3-2 pitch to end the game and start a Mustangs' dog-pile in front of home plate.
Thanks to an eighth-inning double play, Paduch faced just 28 batters, one over the minimum. Paduch's gem was also the Mustangs' first complete game of the season.
"Once I made it out of the eighth, there was no question that I was going back out there for it," said Paduch, who did not realize that had a no-hit bid until the crowd let him know with their excitement. "The fans were on their feet the entire ninth. It really gave me a boost."
Selected in the 12th round of the June draft out of Concordia College, IL, Jimmy was the ace of the Mustangs' staff, Jimmy went 7-1 in 15 starts during the regular season. The former River Bandit finished second in the league with a 1.94 ERA and limited opponents to a .242 batting average.
Click on title or photo for story on Jimmy from MLB.com
2004 Collegian teams makes Playoffs for third straight year
NBL Bandits made the playoffs for the third straight season. The team finished in third place with a 17-10-1 record. Unfortunately the Bandits lost the best of three first round to the Canadian's 2 games to none. The NBL squad had 26 new players with Manager Rick Horvath and General Manager Michael Schweda the only returning players for 2003. The Bandits featured players from Beloit College, Joliet Jr. College, Oakton Community College, Harper College, Grinell College, Cornell College, Oak Park High School, and Lewis University. The team looks to build on this years success and will be looking to improve on their third place finish and make it to the Norridge League Finals for 2005. Thanks for a great season.
2004 Bandits finish in top 4 down in Florida
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Marty Breeden, Bill Brescia, Chris Brescia, Ryan Crooten, Rob Deignan, Bob "Hunter" Doyle, Rico Duca, Brandon Jones, Chris LaForge, Sean Oliver, Michael Schweda, Terry Wellman and Brandon Wiley played for the River Bandit sqaud down in the sunshine state.
Photos from lasts years tournament can be found under "Bandits Photos" or by clicking on title.
2003 River Bandits win at Comerica
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Photos from this years tournament can be found under "Bandits Photos" or by clicking on the this title.
This year Carl Brann, Jim Danko, Mike Dorsch, Kevin German, Jason Heires, Bob Koeller, Joe Ogrodnik, Steve Podolski, Mike Pierce, Jerry Rzotkiewicz, Matt Rzotkiewicz, Michael Schweda, Ryan Shattuck, Larry Singer & Anthony Sulceski made the trip to Detroit.
River Bandit at Flyers Game
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Click on title for photos from this years Flyers game. A good time was had by all.
Bandits attend Quad City River Bandits game at Kane
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For photos of this years and previous Kane County outings go to "Bandit Photos"
2003 MSL All-Star Game
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Representing the Bandits for the American League All-Star team from the East Division was Anthony Sulecski & ALejo Torres. Michael Schweda & John Nolan were elected but could not attend the game.
Tim Foley & Mike Kelly represented the River Bandits for the National League West team. Kevin Crowe was elected to the squad but could not attend.
For more info on the All-Star Game and its contests click on title.
Bandits First Ever No-Hitter
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2003 Florida Trip
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Returning from lasts year squad was PJ Stallone, Dan Milinko and Michael Schweda. Mike Magliano was scheduled to play injured himself before the tournamentMike Kelly, Tim Foley, KC Lange, Terry Wellman, Rob Deignan, Dave Ipjian and Bob "Hunter" Doyle made their first trip to Florida.
The River Bandits added Pitchers Chico Lamboy & Russelle "The Muscle" from Orlando, FL along with Keith Davis, Rob Farina, Rusty Sams & Andrew Alfaro from West Palm Beach, FL.
Click photo or title to view 2003 Citrus photos.
Chicago River Bandit pull off three Championships in 2002
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The MSL Bandits swept the Sun Devils with 10-5 & 17-4 wins. John Nolan pitched 13 innings to get a 9 inning complete game win in Game 1 and then started Game 2 pitching 4 innings to get the win in the 7 inning contest called by the slaughter rule.
For the MSL River Bandits Chris Payne started Game 1 going five innings giving up 2 runs then Kevin German pitched the last four innings to perserving a 4-3 River Bandit win. Bob Koeller & Mike Dimaria came up big in the 8th inning driving in back to back runs to give the River Bandits the lead breaking a 2-2 tie with two outs.
In Game 2, pitcher Andy Jacobson came to play going 7 strong innings to get the win in the 14-4 slaughter rule game.
The NABA River Bandits won their best of five series 3 games to one over the Knights. Bob Doyle won Game 2 & 4 on the mound.
All three Championships were the first for the Chicago River Bandits in the MSL & NABA.
2002 River Bandits win at old Tiger Stadium
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Mike Kelly, KC Lange, Mike Dimaria, Tim Foley, Larry Singer, Dan Lewis, Jim Danko, Kevin Crowe, Joe Ogrodnick, Ryan Shattuck, Kevin German, Anthony Sulceski, Nick Opitz, Michael Schweda & Mike Dorsch all participated from the Chicago River Bandits.
Photo Album is can be access by clicking on title or photo. DVD of the game was available to players.
2002 Team Awards/Party
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Best Pitcher awards went to Chris Payne for the MSL River Bandits, Scott Schweda for the MSL Bandits, Eric Drake for the NABA River Bandits and Nathan Lowe for the NBL River Bandits.
Rookie of the Year Award went to Tim Foley of the MSL River Bandits, Anthony Sulceski of the MSL Bandits and Tim Tredwell of the NABA River Bandits.
Best Defensive Player Award went to Dan Lewis of the MSL River Bandits, Terry Wellman of the MSL Bandits, George Tijerina of the NABA River Bandits and Rodger Fegan of the NBL River Bandits.
Best Arm Award went out to Tim Foley of the MSL River Bandits, Anthony Sulceski of the MSL Bandits, Darren Wolfberg of the NABA River Bandits and Jimmy Paduch of the NBL River Bandits.
Other Awards included Sportsman of the Year & Playoff MVP. Photos from the party are located under "Bandits Photos" on left menu.
2002 MSL All-Star Game
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The American League team had six River Bandits players including player/manager Michael Schweda, Mike Kelly, Bob Koeller, Dan Lewis, Dan Milinko & Ryan Shattuck for the West Division All-Stars. Photos coming soon.
Bandits make it to Semi-Finals of 2002 Mid-Summer Classic
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Stats will be on the site soon, photos from the tournament can access by clicking on image.
Bandits make it to 2002 Citrus Classic Championship Game
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2001 NABA & MSL River Bandits Stat Leaders
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Runs Scored leaders are PJ Stallone (NABA River Bandits)with 33 and KC Lange (MSL) with 30. RBI leaders are Terry Wellman (NABA River Bandits) with 25 and Mike Kelly (MSL) with 28. Hits leaders are Dan Milinko (NABA River Bandits) with 32 and Ryan Shattuck with 37. Slugging Percentage leaders are Rob Deignan (NABA River Bandits) at .676 and Ryan Shuttuck (MSL) at .523. On Base Percentage leaders are Mike Magliano (NABA River Bandits) at .607 and Bob Koeller (MSL) at .509. The NABA Bandits stat leaders will be announced soon.
2001 NABA Bandits announce offensive leaders
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Kevin Pak led the team in Runs Scored with 25, Walks (16), Stolen Bases (5) and On Base Percentage (.544). Todd Schavilje led the Bandits in RBI's with 21, Home Runs with 3 and Slugging Percentage (.623).
2001 Awards/ End of Year Party
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For the MSL Ryan Shattuck also won the Best Pitcher Award, Bob Koeller was the Rookie of the Year, Best Defensive Player went to shortstop Dan Lewis, Rich Mele won the Best Arm Award & the Sportsman Award went to manager Mike Kelly.
For the NABA River Bandits Devin Rosen was awarded Best Pitcher, Mike Magliano Rookie of the Year, catcher Mike Schyman was given the Best Defensive player award, PJ Stallone once again takes the Best Arm Award & co-manager Dan Milinko gets the Sportsman Award.
Jordan Neuman was at the party long enough to take his Best Pitcher Award for the NABA Bandits, Kevin Pac & Jim Bianca couldn't make the party but Kevin was voted Rookie of the Year & Best Defensive player, while Jim was voted Best Arm for his squad, hopefully Jim's fall season arm injury wouldn't take away his cannon. Six year veteran Don Jonasse