2002 DENVER LEAGUE WEB PAGE INCLUDING SCHEDULE, RESULTS, & STANDINGS

Updated as of August 26, 2002

CLICK HERE FOR THE FINAL STANDINGS OF THE "2002 HOME RUN CLUB"

Howard Rollin (league president) howard@over50baseball.com

8/26/02 - Chad's Cubs capped off a very successful season by defeating the Denver Juggalos 11-3 to win the 50AA championship, after taking the 50AA division title a month ago.  It was their first championship since the 1998 inaugural year of the league when they used to be called the Ancient Mariners.  The Juggalos made a gallant effort this year, going from "worst to (almost) first," and they'll be back as a force to be reckoned with next year.

In the 50A division, the Golden Oldies won their first title in 3 years of league play by holding off the North Stars 20-15.  Both teams overcame a lot of adversity during the earlier part of the regular season to shine when it counted.  Although the Golden Oldies won only 2 regular season games, they went undefeated (3-0) in the playoffs.  The North Stars, who won the 50A division title, overcame a lackluster start at the beginning of the season to rack up a perfect record (3-0) during the second round-robin.

8/12/02 - Now that 2 weeks of playoff action have been completed, only 6 teams remain in the championship hunt in their respective divisions.  Two teams, the Codgers and the Fossils, have been eliminated and their season comes to an abrupt end.  However, it should be pointed out that the Codgers significantly improved from last year's 50A runner-up performance and competed well in the tougher 50AA division.  Although the Fossils, as an original team member of the league since 1998 are still striving for their first championship, they have always understood and applied the basic principles and philosophy of Over 50 Baseball.  Playing the game as fairly as possible, to insure the integrity of both teams involved, and eschewing a "winning at all costs attitude" is commended by the league president.  The Fossils may not have a trophy to place on a mantel this year, but they do have their integrity and spirit of fair play.  At our age, it may be the most important thing we possess.

7/29/02 - In what was the greatest All-Star Game in the history of the Denver League, the American Division won the 9-inning slugfest and roller-coaster game 10-9.  Marty Stenzel (North Stars) was presented with a specially carved wooden MVP plaque that was provided by the National Adult Baseball Association (NABA).  He batted 3 for 3, scored 2 runs (including game winner), and drove in 2 runs (including the tying and go-ahead run) with 2 outs in the top of the ninth inning for his (eventually) winning team.  Immediately following Marty's 9th inning at bat, Bill Smedberg of the Cubs (who batted 1 for 3) smacked a base hit to right field, driving in Marty with what proved to be the winning run, since the National Division scored a run but could not tie the game in the bottom of the 9th inning.

All players, managers, and coaches from both teams were presented with commemorative NABA All-Star T-Shirts to recognize their participation.  The following pictures of both teams combined plus the presentation of the MVP award to Marty Stenzel by League President Howard Rollin were taken at the conclusion of the game by Nettie Wood.  Thanks Nettie, and another big thank you to Rhonda Hardcastle for keeping the official scorebook during the game and helping with the decision for the presentation of the All-Star MVP Award.

7/24/02 - In 50A, the North Stars went from worst to first during the same season and won the regular season 50A Division Title. After losing their first 5 games this year, the North Stars have "gone on a tear" winning 4 of their remaining 5 games, including going undefeated during the second round-robin. Their only loss during that stretch was a one-run decision to a 50AA team before the league split into 2 divisions. Rumor has it that the North Stars are looking forward to challenging any Denver league team in early October that is planning to go to the Over 50 Baseball National Fun Tournament later that month in Las Vegas.

In 50AA, Chad's Cubs (Chad's Restaurant in Lakewood is one of the team's current sponsors) avenged their only defeat to the Juggalos earlier this season to claim the 50AA Division Title. Although the Cubs have been a consistent contender since the league's inception in 1998 and won the league championship that year, this is the first year that the Cubs have won a division title.

7/15/02 - During the upcoming weekend games, both league division titles will be decided.  If the North Stars defeat the Golden Oldies, the North Stars will not only win the second round-robin, they will win the 50A division title.  If they lose, the winner of the Coots vs. Fossils game will probably win the division.  However, the scores of the 50A games could be a deciding factor, if there is a tie in the standings.

In the 50AA division, if the Juggalos win or tie, they will win the division title.  The Cubs must win the game by any margin of victory in order to win the division title.

Also during the upcoming weekend games, all teams will select their All-Star Game representative players.  Based upon the present standings of all combined 9 regular season games played to date (7/14 cutoff), the following allotments for all-star players, managers, and coaches are as follows:

Updated 7/29/02:

1) Juggalos - 5 players (including 2 pitchers) & manager (National Division) - Richard Ayala, Robert Pershouse, Mark Rucker, Mike Sausser, Danny Wood, and mgr. Phil Gallegos (batted for Roy Wyatt-Codgers)

2) Cubs - 5 players (including 2 pitchers) & manager (American Division) - Al Bucholtz, Ron Maxwell, Jan Sumner, Lynn Tomjack, Phil Towe, and mgr. Wayne Snow (who could not attend and was replaced by Bill Smedberg)

3) Codgers - 4 players (including 1 pitcher) (American Division) - Kit Bradshaw, Tim Hickey, Steve Umbro, and Roy Wyatt (could not attend)

4) Bears - 4 players (including 1 pitcher) (National Division) - Joe Carriero, Kip Hardcastle, Bob Heid, and Esteban Rodriguez

5) Stars - 3 players plus coach (American Division) - Dave Bray, Ron Mares, Marty Stenzel, and coach Mike Claps

6) Fossils - 3 players plus coach (National Division) - Terry Barton, Jeff Donberger, Mike Price, and coach Ken Ayers

7) Coots - 2 players (American Division) - Theresa MacGregor and Mike Rossi

8) Oldies - 2 players (National Division) - Mike Carroll and Stan Jackson

The National Division will be the home team (1st base dugout) wearing white pants.  This special game will be 9 innings or 3 hours, whichever comes first, and the game will begin at 11 AM on Sunday, July 28th at Denver West H.S.  All participants are requested to be at the field no later than 10:30 AM.  Also, each pitcher may be required to pitch at least 3 innings, and the league president reserves the right to specially assign any league player in order to insure the viability of the game.  There will be no tie game.  We'll play till there is a winner, and the league will cover any additional costs.  Gifts and awards will be presented to the All-Star Game participants at the conclusion of the game.  In addition, the league president will announce the game, and it should be a great fun event.  All non participating players are encouraged to attend and support their league. If you plan to attend the game and would like to assist as an official scorekeeper, please email the league president ASAP.

Keith Bleyer of Fox Sports Net sent a video cameraman to the Bears vs. Cubs 9 AM Sunday game.  More camera work and interviews by Keith with teams will occur during the next week or so.  This kind of TV sports coverage is a boost for Over 50 Baseball.  When it finally airs, if you subscribe to Fox Sports Net, please video record the report.  Thanks!

7/1/02 - With the start of the second round-robin, the first week's results have confirmed the need for having revised division play.  It is sometimes much easier to just let the overall records decide who wins a division.  If the league didn't split into 50AA and 50A, I would agree.  However, going the easy way may take some of the spirit out of the principles of Over 50 Baseball.  Giving the hope of success to as many teams as possible is what our league has been and should be about.  That's why splitting the league into 2 divisions is very important.  Yes, tinkering with the rules may at first seem unfair to a team that may have an apparent "lock" on their newly-created division.  At second glance, fairness to teams means more than old-fashioned traditions, as long as the teams at the top of the standings are not penalized for being so good.  As a result, the second round-robin will give hope (although not much) to those teams that are just now coming around.  No, those teams will probably not win a division title.  However, those teams should be encouraged to play their best and not have to wait until a supposedly meaningful playoff game.  Trying to avoid meaningless league games will always be the goal of the president's office, and that has been one of the reasons for the success of Denver Over 50 Baseball, the best 50+ baseball league in the U.S.

6/27/02 - Because of the uniqueness of the Denver Over 50 Baseball League in establishing a 2-division split after the first round-robin, scheduling problems have arisen in the second round-robin.  The league president has diligently researched ways to alleviate some of these problems.  Unfortunately, a fair assigning of home and away games for all teams is impossible.  Not only that, but to follow the same basic format as last year is also somewhat unfair.  Therefore, the league president has decided to implement new rules, which have its basis contained within the procedures of minor-league baseball.  The following addition to the Addendum to the Rules reads:

Rule #25b)  During the second round-robin, each team in each division will start with a new, blank record.  If the same team wins the shorter second round-robin, that team wins the division title.  If another team wins the second round-robin, the overall records of both round-robin winners will be evaluated.*  If their total 10-game record is equal with wins and losses, their head-to-head play will determine the outcome according to official NABA rules.  If their total 10-game record is unequal, then the team with the worst overall record will have to had defeated the other round-robin winner at least once with a better run differential in total head-to-head play.  Anything less and the team with the better overall record wins the division.  If the round-robin winner with the worst overall record can accomplish the above requirement, a special divisional playoff game will be played on Sunday, July 28th, just prior to the All-Star Game to determine the division winner.  If such a game is held, that divisional playoff game will start at 9:00 AM, and the All-Star Game will follow at approximately 12 Noon after a minimum of a half-hour break plus pre-game festivities.  *(Please note, if any additional team that didn't win either the 1st or 2nd round-robin finishes with an overall 10-game record equal to the best round-robin winner, that additional team will be considered as part of a 3-way (or more) tie.  The round-robin winner with the worst overall record will have to had defeated both teams with better overall records and have a better run differential against both teams to force a playoff game.  They would then play the team that emerges with the advantage according to the NABA tie-breaking rules between 2 teams.)

The Denver Juggalos have won the 50AA first round-robin.

The Southside Fossils have won the 50A first round-robin (by tie-breaking rules).

Rule #26)  The 2002 All-Star Game will be held on Sunday, July 28th at Denver West High School.  The game is scheduled to start at 11 AM.  This year, the game will be 9 innings or 3 hours, whichever comes first.  This will allow all players on both large teams enough at-bats and defensive playing time.  After the games of the July 13-14 weekend are played, the standings (including 9 total games played by each team) will then determine the player allocations to the All-Star Game.  All league teams should elect their representative players on the weekend of July 20-21.  Standings positions #1 and #2 (50AA) will each elect 5 all-star players, two of which must be pitchers from each team.  Standings #3 and #4 will each elect 4 all-star players, one of which must be a pitcher from each team.  Standings #5 and #6 (50A) will elect 3 all-star players, and standings #7 and #8 will elect 2 all-star players.  The managers of the teams #1 and #2 (50AA) will be all-star managers, and the managers of the teams #5 and #6 (50A) will be coaching assistants.  Managers and coaches in the All-Star Game are not permitted to play, unless they are elected as all-star players.  The all-star teams will be the National Division (home team in white pants), which will be made up of players from standings #1, #4, #6, and #8.   The American Division will be the visiting team (gray pants), and will be made up of players from standings #2, #3, #5, and #7.  There will be no regular scheduled or playoff games on that date, except as specified in rule 25b.  League players not involved in the All-Star Game do not play that weekend, but they are encouraged to attend and support this annual league event.  

6/24/02 - Now that the first round-robin is complete, the new split standings shown below are final.  However, the schedule for the second round-robin is subject to manager's approval, which is due no later than Wednesday 6/26.  If you, as a player, find any discrepancy or problem with the schedule, please contact your manager or the league president immediately.  Please note that home and visiting team assignments during the second round-robin are the opposite of what was assigned during the first round-robin when the same two teams played against each other.  Therefore, an unequal number of total home and away games assigned is possible and not repairable.

It was easy to determine the top 4 teams in the 50AA division.  However, the order of the teams in the 50A division was more involved.  Since there is a 3-way tie for first place, the official tie-breaking rules come into effect.  Since there was no one team that beat the other two, the runs-allowed rule had to be implemented.  As a result, the Southside Fossils win the top-seeded position during the second round-robin, since they gave up the fewest total amount of runs versus the other teams they were tied with in head-to-head play. 

6/10/02 - With only one game left for all teams in the first round-robin (June 22-23), the standings are becoming clearer as to who will play in 50AA and 50A during the second round-robin and into the playoffs.  All positions are set except for the last 50AA team (fourth place).  If the Bears can defeat the Juggalos, they will take fourth place no matter what.  If the Golden Oldies defeat the Coots and the Bears lose to the Juggalos , then the Golden Oldies will take fourth place even though both teams will have the same record, since the Oldies defeated the Bears in head-to-head play.  However, the Golden Oldies must defeat the Coots in the Sunday morning game to have a chance at fourth place.  The Bears will challenge the Juggalos in the Sunday noon game, and there may be "a lot on the line."

Please note that during the second round-robin and any future Saturday scheduled games (including playoffs), those Saturday games will be played starting at 10 AM instead of 1 PM.  This is possible because of the rescheduling of the sprinkler system this year, which allows the league field usage on Saturday morning.

6/3/02 - The proposed Independence Day Weekend Fireworks Tournament has been cancelled.  Unfortunately, the South Dakota Rushmores cannot participate, but they will participate in Las Vegas this fall to defend last year's championship.  Please plan to enjoy the Independence Holiday weekend without baseball.

5/19/02 - Rumor had it that the Cubs were invincible.  Surprise!  In a battle of the "unbeatens," the Juggalos defeated the Cubs 5-4.  Who says that there isn't some parity in the Denver Over 50 Baseball League?

It has just been confirmed that a brand new OVER 50 BASEBALL FIREWORKS TOURNAMENT will be held during the Independence Day Weekend.  All managers will be requested to provide all-star qualified player names for possible participation in that tournament through a special draft.  Of the four teams that will enter the tournament, two of the teams will come from our league, the Cubs and our own All-Star Team.  The other teams will be the South Dakota Rushmores (Las Vegas 50AA champions) and the MSBL 50 and Over All-Stars.  All games are presently scheduled to be played at Denver West High School.  Details will follow.  It should be an exciting weekend of competitive baseball.

On a more serious note, the league president is disappointed by the lack of proper field maintenance by winning team players at the conclusion of league games.  If, in the opinion of the league president, the field is not "prepped" properly for the next game to be played, that team will be fined $25, first offense, starting now.  Additional offenses by the same team will result in a double fine.  The most important aspect of field preparation is the work necessary to repair the mound, especially in front of the rubber, and the holes/trenches around home plate.  However, even if you fill in the holes with very dry, dusty, sandy dirt, you have not repaired the field properly.  Water must be added to solidify the surface, but not too much water which will create mud.  If you're not sure about what you're doing, just ask, and I'm sure that somebody will advise you properly.

Also, scores must be reported (called in) to the league president within 3 hours of the conclusion of the game.  The winning manager or a team representative should also report any home runs hit in the game, including homers hit by their opponent.  Failure to report a score will result in a $10 fine, first offense, starting now.  Additional offenses by the same team will result in a double fine. 

5/12/02 - Your league president, Howard Rollin, will be managing a 50 and over team called the "Las Vegas Grizzlies" in the NABA's annual Memorial Day Weekend Tournament in Las Vegas.  The games will be played starting Friday evening, May 24, through the following Monday morning's championship game.  Most of the players that will play for the Grizzlies reside in Las Vegas.  By the way, the Grizzlies will be playing against the Colorado Gray Sox and two California teams during the tournament.  It should be a lot of fun!

5/6/02 - To All Managers and Players - Ignorance of the rules is no excuse for making a fool out of yourself during a game. Click on the above link to the "DENVER LEAGUE RULE ADDENDUMS" and make yourself smart once again. After four years of Denver Over 50 Baseball, I'm amazed at the weird, crazy, and dumb things that are happening out on the diamond.

April 28, 2002

To All Managers and Players - Please note that the following "mercy-run rule" has been fine tuned and changed to the following:

15. A 12-run mercy rule will be instituted at the end of six innings.  Also, A 10-run mercy rule will be instituted at the end of seven innings.

4/22/02 - During the past full year, the League President has accumulated a significant amount of personal player items that have been left behind at the field on a weekly basis.  However, very few participants have ever called to check what's in the "lost and found" department.  If you've lost something and can describe it accurately, it will be returned to you.  There's a lot of quality merchandise waiting to go back to its owners.

April 16, 2002

To All Managers and Players: Please note the following modification to the Addendum to the Rules concerning the time limit of games.

7.  All games will be 9 innings or 2 and one-half hours, whichever comes first. However, if after 7 innings have been played and 2 hours and 20 minutes have expired, the game will be considered official and completed. An eighth or ninth inning will not begin if there is 10 minutes or less of official time remaining. If a new inning up to and including the seventh inning is started before the 2 and one-half hour time limit is reached, that inning will be completed according to traditional NABA rules. If, after time has run out and the score is tied, the game will end in a tie. Also, a game is considered official after the losing team (or both teams when tied) has been to bat at least 4 times (4 innings). This may occur when a game has to be stopped because of unplayable conditions (rain, lightning, sprinklers, etc.). Also, during the Denver League playoffs, all games will be played to completion to determine a winner, and any extra umpire costs will be paid for by league funds.

ALL LEAGUE GAMES ARE PLAYED AT DENVER WEST HIGH SCHOOL

(SPEER BOULEVARD AT 11^thAVE. AND ELATI ST.)

*Winner of the 50AA first round-robin

**Winner of the 50A first round-robin by tie-breaking rules