The 2008 Holy Name League playoffs concluded last night (Friday, 15Aug08) with the LCC men capturing 3rd place overall. For their efforts, LCC once again earned a very nice trophy for finishing in the top three.
During the playoffs, LCC won three games and lost one before falling to regular season champion Luther Memorial by a single run. If you combine LCC’s regular season mark of 12-5 with their playoff record of 3-2, LCC’s total win-loss record in ’08 was 15-7 – perhaps their best season ever!
After easily beating a RPCNA team that had won their last playoff game by a score of 22-4, LCC took on an excellent Immanuel team. Immanuel showed their strength early leading 6-0 after the 1st inning. LCC chipped away offensively and played great defense to get back in the game. Outfielders Steve Skinner and Mark “Goose” Avery were outstanding as Immanuel’s big hitters flirted with “over the fence” home runs again and again.
Two huge innings got LCC even and then ahead as the game neared its end. Going into the bottom of the seventh, LCC had a comfortable seven run lead. Immanuel struck back with three or four runs, but didn’t have enough outs to complete the comeback. Infielders Brett Townley, John LaValle, and Chris McKay all made solid plays on sharply hit balls late in the game. John ended the game by easily throwing out Immanuel’s final batter from his shortstop position.
LCC’s final game of the night was halted multiple times due to lightening. If LCC could beat Luther (something they hadn’t done all year), they would play St. Elizabeth Anne Seaton for the league championship. Despite being ahead late in the game, LCC ended up losing by a single run.
This year’s LCC team was much better than last year’s. When they won third place last year, the team felt like they had overachieved. This season’s third place finish was somewhat of a disappointment. They knew they could seriously complete for the championship, but came up a run short.
Additions to the ’08 squad who made a huge difference were lead-off hitter/outfielder Nate Spaulding who played solid all season and John LaValle who was the league’s best shortstop and brought much more power to LCC’s lineup. LCC also got solid contributions from a couple of “super subs” – Jeremy Lastnameunknown and Brad Moehringer.
The entire squad by position was as follows…
- Sean Davidson – Excellent pitcher all year, feisty/fiery competitor, consistent batter who can hit for average or power.
- Paul Stacey – Catcher who plays much younger than his age, doubled as the league commissioner, led the team in head-first slides, had several clutch hits last night.
- Steve Crowell – Singles-hitting 1st baseman with the reach of Yao Ming.
- Chris McKay – Rangy 2nd baseman who has improved immensely at his position – will catch fly balls over his head in shallow center and right. Consistent stick at the plate with flashes of power.
- John LaValle – Super shortstop with a cannon for an arm and a powerful bat. One of two guys who took this team to the next level this season.
- Brett Townley – Solid 3rd baseman with a great stoke at the plate. Team skipper with the courage of a lion who played hurt many times this season.
- Mark Avery – Speedy left fielder who can run down balls, has a huge arm (this I know better than most), and brings even more power to LCC’s lineup.
- Steve Skinner – The “captain of the outfield”; known for making diving catches and getting to almost everything. Solid stick at the plate. Made a twisting-turning catch last night on a ball headed for the fence; also made a great diving catch in the nightcap.
- Nate Spaulding – Rangy outfielder and solid lead-off man who led the team in several offensive categories this season. Great teammate; very dependable both on and off the field. The other guy (besides John LaValle) who took LCC to the next level.
- Ammiel Fernandez – Solid right-fielder and stick all year. “A” will hit singles and occasionally mix in a bomb that nearly leaves the yard. Unbelievable improvement in last three seasons! Despite having “A-Rod” on the back of his jersey, he’s a wonderful person and teammate.
Special thanks to team skipper Brett Townley. In addition to being one of the most talented players on the team, Brett did all the “behind the scenes” stuff that managers have to do. He was totally committed to this team and did a great job recruiting, communicating, organizing, and motivating. Brett’s leadership took this team from “middle of the pack” to “serious championship contender” in just one year. Thank you Brett and GREAT JOB!!!!