Baseball4Causes

B4C Baseball 60+ Fall Classic

A Successful First Event

The first-ever Over 60 Fall Classic took place on October 14-15, 2023, with more than 30 players aged 60 or older ready to hit the diamond despite some wet weather to kick-off the tournament.

The John Carroll School in Bel Air, MD served as the host site for this tournament, as the three teams went to battle at Kutcher Foundation Stadium, one of the premier high school fields in not only Harford County, but all of Maryland. Rainy conditions allowed for just one game on day 1, but the sun shined bright on day 2, allowing all three teams a chance to play. After the first game on day 2, the players gathered for a group lunch before wrapping up the two-day outing.

With more than $1,800 raised from this tournament, Baseball 4 Causes was able to contribute to both Gear 4 Kids and The Joshua Hamer Legacy Foundation. You can learn more about both causes below.

Please see below for detailed game information and thank you to all players for your participation!

Teams

Destroyers

Manager: Charlie Deale / Steve Hankoff

Roster: Jeff Biedronksi, Thomas Harrington, Todd Hyson, Bill Martin, George Mullin, Frank Petrucci, and Jim Tenney.

Subs: Tim Cluney, Greg Smith, and Steve Jernigan.

Hill Gang

Manager: Bryan Adkins / Steve Zinner

Roster: Jack Conley, Tom Gerahty, Chuck Gordy, Michael Hernandez, John Huemmer, Bernie Lorenz, Jeff Phillips, Billy Ramsey Glenn Strachan, Chuck Thim, and John Wyatt.

Smashers

Manager: Paul Smeton

Roster: Michael Baum, Tim Cluney, Charlie Garrett, Rick Grote, Rick Howington, Steve Jernigan, Brian Knerr, Greg Smith, Bob Talbert, and Barry Wolfsheimer.

Game Recaps

Day 1

GAME 1 Results - Destroyers 6 Smashers 5

We had a great first game in our first ever Baseball 4 Causes 60+ Series at John Carroll. It was a gutsy call to try to get the early game of the Fall Classic in before the rain game. It was a little moist at times, but the guys had a great time and played a competitive game on both sides.

The teams battled back-and-forth with the Smashers putting up a three spot in the bottom of the eight to tie the game at 5 runs each. The Destroyers were able to plate a run in the top of the ninth which proved to be the decisive mark.

There were some outstanding plays in the field, including a great sliding catch on a foul ball by Brian Knerr and several great plays at short by Jack Conley. Charlie Garrett pitched four strong innings in relief. He can still bring it as you can see, with a nice squeeze by Brian on the strike out in this video clip. Glenn Strachan and Frank Petrucci pitched 5 innings each as starters. Steve Hankoff got the save for the Destroyers in the bottom of the ninth.

There were lots of strong hits in the game. Rick Grote had a two out two RBI clutch hit to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth. Steve Jernigan went three for four to pace the Smashers who also had a multi hit performance by Greg Smith. The Destroyers offense was anchored by George Mullen with a four hit game including a clutch hit. Duane Carr, Bill Martin, and Jack Conley also had multi hit outings for the Destroyers squad.

Everybody was good sports about the rain, and when we gave them all the option to suspend the game till tomorrow when it was coming down hard for an inning, they all shook us off. A fun morning with more to come tomorrow. The B4C 60+ Fall Classic wraps up Sunday with games at 10 AM and 1 PM and a lunch event in between at the field.

Day 2

Our second day of action occurred on a windier day, but with dry and sunshine!

Game 2 - The morning game slated the Hill Gang @ the Destroyers. Both teams came out swinging putting up 3 spots in the first inning. Then the game became more of a pitchers' duel staying tied up at 4 apiece until the 7th inning when the Hill Gang took the lead. The Destroyers answered under pressure and secured what would be their come-from-behind runs in the bottom of the 7th. The Hill Gang went scoreless in the 8th and final inning due to the time limit. Frank Petrucci, Paul Smeton, Bill Ramsey, John Wyatt, and Glenn Strachan all pitched well. Jack Conley had an inside the park home run in the top of the 1st and had a multi-hit game along with teammates Tom Gerahty, Mike Hernandez, and Greg Smith. The Destroyers got a multi-hit performance from Jeff Biedronski, George Mulligan, Steve Jernigan, and Rick Howington. Final Score: Destroyers 7 - Hill Gang 5.

Game 3 - The afternoon game saw the Smashers take on the Hill Gang after our outfield fungo practice and tournament luncheon. The Hill Gang used their same pitchers: Ramsey, Strachan, and Wyatt. Glenn's output was cut short after a nice play in which he twisted his knee -- but got the out! The Smashers used Rick Grote and Frank Petrucci. Neither team scored until the 4th inning as Strachan and Grote worked their starts to hold their opponents scoreless. The Smashers put up 3 runs in the 4th and the Hill Gang answered with 1 run in the bottom of the inning. That proved enough to win for the Smashers to win. They were aided by some outstanding defense including two diving plays by Bob Talbert. Smasher multi-hit performances included Steve Jernigan, Greg Smith, Rick Grote, and Brian Knerr. Hill Gang saw multiple hits from Jack Conley. Final Score: Smashers 4 - Hill Gang 1.

Final Standings

Final Standings

Destroyers 2 - 0
Smashers 1 - 1
Hill Gang 0 - 2

All of the teams played well and were evenly matched. In fact, if the Destroyers had not come from behind in their last at bat, all 3 teams could have been tied at 1 - 1 each. Some tremendous plays and strong hits throughout the tournament.

Who We Supported

Gear 4 Kids

The Gear 4 Kids initiative aims to provide equipment to organizations in need, recognizing the positive impact access that sports equipment can have on youth participation and development in sports programs.

Joshua Hamer Legacy Foundation

Joshua Evan Hamer, born on April 2nd, 2001, in Denton, Texas, was a talented and joyful young man. With a passion for sports, particularly baseball, Joshua excelled academically and was loved by all. Tragically, on March 2, 2017, at the age of 15, he lost his life in a car accident on his way to school. To honor his memory, the Joshua Hamer Legacy Foundation was established in 2023 building upon the tremendous impact of the Joshua Hamer Memorial. This legacy scholarship program provides financial assistance to high school seniors in Cecil or Harford County, Maryland to attend college, regardless of gender. In its first year, the scholarship has already positively impacted 3 students, and the goal is to continue changing lives one student at a time.