Home Plate

MSBL Division (30+)

MABL Division (18+)

League Fields

Master Schedule

League Photos

Standings and Game Summaries

Links

League President

2001 Celebrity Challenge with Dave Parker!

2005

Game Summaries

(PP = rainout or postponed)

October 16, 2005

Championship Game 1:30pm CST Fayetteville HS Field

2005 Champion Alma Diamond Dawgs

2005 Season End Report submitted to Hardball Magazine (www.hardball.net) for inclusion in the 2005 Yearbook Issue to be published Spring 2006

The 2005 NWAMSBL Season was our first experiment in dividing a division into “competitive” and “recreational” segments. The experiment was a learning experience, but the two divisions turned out to be noticeably different. In our National Division, there was extreme parity with 7 of the 8 teams in playoff contention into the last week of the season. In the American Division, most of the losses came against National Division teams and beating each other up. In the end, three of the 5 were in the hunt for a playoff spot as well. The 2005 season witnessed some of the best baseball the Northwest Arkansas MSBL/MABL had seen in some time and some of the best officiating we had seen in at least the past 5 seasons. Arrangements with the Baseball Umpires of Northwest Arkansas (BUNWA) and its president, Alan Roper, have strengthened the relationship between that organization and the NWAMSBL. Just a few years ago, the NWAMSBL was relegated to only the “bottom of the barrel” umpires. Now, we are fortunate to have umpires that call NCAA ball, 5A High School ball, and the like. What a fantastic improvement and a great catalyst for the future of the NWAMSBL.
In mid-season, the NWAMSBL held its second annual Arklahoma Shootout Tournament. This tournament was designed by league president, Stephen Boudreaux to strengthen the relationships between the now six member leagues in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Teams were invited from the Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Little Rock, Southwest Oklahoma, Northeast Arkansas, and Northwest Arkansas member leagues. Attending this year’s tournament were the NEA MABL All-Stars (Jonesboro/West Memphis), the Tahlequah Thunder (Tulsa), Lowell White Sox (NWA), Fayetteville Deerz (NWA), Red Sox (NWA), and the Pirates (NWA). Great baseball was played in bracket/pool play format. The Lowell White Sox, last seasons’ NWAMSBL champions took the Arklahoma Shootout title going undefeated in pool play and the title game. Jason Wendt of the White Sox earned MVP honors (7 1/3 innings, 1ER, 5H, 0BB, 5K, 1 Win, 1 Save). Chad Harden of the NEA All Stars won the home run derby championship with 6 home runs that towered out of big Veteran’s Park in Rogers, Arkansas. This year, the Arklahoma Shootout benefited a terrific charity called Champions for Kids (www.championsforkids.org) a support and advocacy center for youth organizations, in the amount of $1000.00. Great photos of the event can be seen via our website at www.nwamsbl.com.
Our format for the 2005 NWAMSBL playoffs invited the top six teams over both divisions by record. In seed order, Fayetteville Deerz, Alma Diamond Dawgs, Bentonville Dodgers, NWACC Eagles, Lowell White Sox, and the Tigers, matched up in a single-elimination bracket tournament. In round one, the Bentonville Dodgers tussled with the 6th seed tigers to advance and the Lowell White Sox blanked the NWACC Eagles to move into round two. The Dodgers and White Sox met up with the first seed and second seeds, respectively. As the seeds seemed to dictate, the first seed Fayetteville Deerz shut out the Dodgers 14-0, and the two-seed Alma Diamond Dawgs pounced on the White Sox early to advance with a 10-2 score. In the championship game at historic Fayetteville High School Field on a beautiful 85 degree cloudless October day, Deerz pitcher Rick Elliot took the mound against Diamond Dawg skipper, Shane Hubbard. Both teams got it going early scoring two runs in the first inning. By the end of the second inning, thanks to 3 walks and a bases clearing triple by the Alma pitcher Shane Hubbard, the Dawgs jumped on top 5 - 2. Both teams added a few runs over the next 3 innings, but the Dawgs never relinquished the lead. Dusty Brassfield came in relief of Hubbard in the bottom of the 5th. By the end of the inning the score was Alma Diamond Dawgs 8 - Deerz 7. The Deerz were only able to add one more run but the Dawgs continued to pour it on finishing with a 13-8 victory. Leading Alma's offense was Keith Holt with a 4 hit day including 3 singles and a triple. 3 other Alma sluggers had a multiple hit day including Hubbard, Sean Hearn, and J. Cao (Sean Hearn report).  Shane Hubbard walks away with the NWAMSBL MVP trophy in earning the win on the mound and 3 RBI day. Kyle Cowan takes the loss in a four-pitcher platoon effort. As evidenced by the score, there were a number of standouts on both sides of the diamond. Complete wrap up and photos can be found at www.nwamsbl.com.
Two seasons ago, league president, Stephen Boudreaux, started a rewards program for an individual who contributes to the league unselfishly and is a standout representative to his team and community. This year’s recipient of the NWAMSBL League Ambassador Award is Jeff Kennett of the Pirates. Jeff is a standout first baseman and left-handed catcher (huh?) for the Pirates and general team organizer. Jeff works as an EMT and firefighter in the Northwest Arkansas area during the week where he drives an ambulance mostly in the Siloam Springs area. After his tireless work last season, Boudreaux appointed Jeff to a position on the league board to make his efforts officially recognized. Jeff did not take this appointment for granted. Rather, he stepped up his efforts assisting Boudreaux by working out season and tournament schedules, delivering baseballs across the region, helping with member disputes, facilitating arrangements for a community day at a University of Arkansas baseball game, and being a fine lieutenant and mouthpiece for the league. Congratulations to Jeff Kennett on this coveted honor. Jeff will be traveling to Phoenix for the World Series where he will play with fellow firefighters on the Albuquerque, NM Fire Department Blaze.
Lastly, the NWAMSBL was fortunate to have a very active and effective 9-member board for 2005: Charles Fowler, Dustin Wilson, Alex Fortin, Evan Press, Jeff Kennett, Sean Hearn, Zacc Arnold, and Robert Coffin, all assisting Boudreaux in all aspects of making the league go. Taking full advantage of technology, Boudreaux, a CE with MCI, frequently holds board meetings in a “virtual” fashion over email or chat which allows members to respond to issues when time permits and in writing; centralizes communications around the league website which posts data important to all league members (scores, highlights, schedules, etc.), and utilizes conference calling for meetings where the geographically spread out members might not be able to attend. The 2005 board members took full advantage of these small advantages in technology to stay active in league issues and matters. Kudos to those 8 volunteer members who took time out of their busy schedules to help the NWAMSBL grow and prosper. --Stephen Boudreaux, President
 

October 9, 2005

Veterans Park, Rogers

Reports to come:  Tigers take Dodgers to extra innings, but fall 7-6 in a nail biter.  White Sox rip the younger NWACC Eagles 5-0 in round one with a sensational pitching performance by Jason Wendt who throws the complete game shutout.  In round two, the Deerz crush the Dodgers 14-0, and the Diamond Dawgs get a number of runs spotted early and take advantage of the White Sox 10-2 to advance.  Deerz and Diamond Dawgs face off for the title next Sunday.--Stephen Boudreaux, President

October 1-2, 2005

Dubyas withdraw resulting in a double forfeit for Dodgers...

September 24-25, 2005

Hurricane Rita wiped out our weekend.  The Orioles failed to muster enough players for the double header versus the Tigers on Saturday, so the Orioles drop out of playoff contention with the double forfeit.  Make up games will be posted this week.--Stephen Boudreaux, President

September 17-18, 2005

Pirates 6  Athletics 14

Athletics 3  Braves 2

With the season drawing to a close the A's found themselves in a must win situation, needing 2 wins on sunday. As it turned out, they were able to win the first game easily, but the second win would require a much more effort.---The A's bats started the day with hits early and often, producing 3 runs in the 1st, 2 runs in the 2nd, and 9 runs in the 3rd innings. Standout performances included: Greg Cuzick (3-4, 2B, 3R, 3RBI), David Battaglia (3-5, 2R, 2RBI), Dave Freshwater (2-4, R, 2RBI, SB), and Kevin Kirby (2-5, R, 1RBI, SB). The Pirates effort was supplemented by two hitters with 2 hits and 2RBI apiece. A's starter (Derick Akers) allowed 6R (2ER) on 7 hits, while recording 7 strikeouts and 1 walk. The Pirates starter allowed 14R (9ER) on 10 hits and 7 walks, with 6 strikeouts over the course of 3 innings and the bullpen settled to only give up 3 hits for the remainder of the game. This closely contested game was all square at 1 after the 1st inning. The Braves took the lead 2-1 after manufacturing a run in the 3rd when the lead off hitter advanced to scoring position on an A's throwing error. However, the A's rally in the bottom of the 7th began with Justin McKissick's (1-3, 2B, R) double, followed by Kirby's (1-3, 1RBI, SB) RBI single. Kirby promptly stole second base and was driven in, to end the game, by Akers' (1-3, 1RBI) opposite field line-drive, capping an exciting come-from-behind victory for the A's. Marty Harrison (1-3, 2B, R) pitched 7 strong innings striking out 10 while allowing 0ER on 5 hits and 3 walks.--Derrick Akers, Athletics

Dodgers 11  Deerz 1

Deerz 4  Dodgers 14

In the first game Rich Conner pitched a 3 hitter, with 7 strike outs, in a 5
inning mercy rule game that the Dodgers won 11-1. The Dodgers capitalized
on some sloppy defense, and scored 7 runs in the first inning, and never
looked back the rest of the day. The Deers committed 5 errors in the game,
and hit 4 batters while walking 4 batters. The Dodgers added 8 hits, led by
Chris Ogle and Eric Exner who had two hits apiece. Zacc Arnold, Don Primm,
Jim Enneking and Charles Fowler also added singles.  In the second game, the Dodgers won another shortened game, 14-4. John Thompson gave up 5 hits, while striking out 5. He also helped himself with a 3 run homer in the 4th. Zacc Arnold had a pair of doubles in the win to help pace the 9 hit attack.--Eric Exner, Dodgers

September 10-11, 2005

White Sox 9  Dubyas 2

Dubyas 11  White Sox 1

Certainly a tale of two games...In game one, Sox pitcher, Kurt Nantkes lived up to his billing and had the best command and control of pitches I had seen in some time.  The Dubyas were stymied with only 2 base hits and 11Ks (7Inn, 1H, 11K, 2ER, 3BB, 1HBP).  The Sox bats were hot with Nantkes helping himself with a 3RHR and Robert Foshe going 3 for 4, Troy Flood 2 for 2 1RBI, and Stephen Boudreaux 2 for 3 with an RBI.  Game two was a reversal of fortune.  The White Sox committed 5 errors in the field and lost total team chemistry.  At the plate, Dubyas pitcher, Mitch Tisher kept the Sox off balance throughout 6 1/3 innings before suffering a devastating arm break on his final pitch.  Apparently, the stress of throwing from three different arm angles and with such velocity, Mitch's humorous snapped offering a loud crack heard throughout the ball park.  All witnesses were sickened by the event, but what sickens the most is the consequence of Mitch not being present on the ball field.  Great guy and great ball player.  He will be sorely missed not just by the Dubyas, but by us all.  --Stephen Boudreaux, White Sox

Pirates 9  Orioles 4

First game against the Orioles the visiting Pirates won 9-3. Keith Holt was pitching a perfect game into the 5th inning. Then in the fifth the pirates had there standard inning of hell. We got through that inning and it was smooth sailing form there on out.--Jeff Kennett, Pirates
Diamond Dawgs 5  Pirates 4
Second game against the Diamond Dawgs. This was a tight game between an obviously improved Pirates team and a Diamond Dawgs team coming off an off week. The first two innings saw no scoring and good pitching and defense from both teams. In the third inning the Pirates had an error or  two and the Diamond Dawgs scored 3 runs. They scored two more runs an inning or two later. One of those runs came on a controversial call at the plate when a Diamond Dawgs base runner was safe at the plate after a wild pitch. The pirates were fairly certain that guy was out. It was a definite blow. An inning earlier the Pirates had a base runner called out in a similar situation. The score stood at 5-1 into the bottom of the 7th when the Pirates came up for their last chance to pull out a win. The top of the lineup was up and things were looking good. The leadoff batter was out on an easy grounder to SS. Then the next 5 batters all made it on base. 3 runs had scored and with one out the Pirates had a man on third. Unfortunately the next two batters struck out. All in all though it was a good game. Everybody in attendance thought so. --Jeff Kennett, Pirates

August 27-28, 2005

Deerz 8  NWACC Eagles 3

NWACC Eagles 4  Deerz 10

On Sunday, the Deerz played the NWACC Eagles in a double header at Fayetteville hIgh School. The scores were 8-3 and 10-4. the starting pitcher for the Deerz, Rick Elliot got plunked early in the game in the back of the neck and had to be carted off the field in the ambulance. he was taken to the hospital and is doing fine now. after that Matt Villines took the bump and battled early. Brandon Atha pitched a solid game for the Eagles in game one.  In game two of the deouble header, Kyle Cowan took the hill for the Deerz and could not be touched. He threw a solid four innings of one hit baseball. The Deerz bats rallied for ten runs to allow Jimmy Coldiron to hold the game under control. Chad Lipsmeyer and Justin Siebenmorgan both had home runs on the evening.--Matt Villines, Deerz

White Sox 8  Diamond Dawgs 7

Diamond Dawgs 3  White Sox 1

In game one, White Sox pitcher Jason Wendt threw an excellent game giving up no walks and giving up only one earned run.  With the score 3-1 in favor of the Diamond Dawgs going into the top of the 7th, the White Sox were worried Wendt's efforts would be wasted.  Diamond Dawg pitcher, Shane Hubbard had thrown 6 strong innings and had the Sox bats as quiet as they were the week before.  However, Hubbard was visibly tired and the White Sox took advantage scoring 7 runs in the 7th.  The Dawgs picked up one run, but it wasn't enough to over come the comeback.  In game two, the White Sox couldn't put together any meaningful string of hits to support Kurt Nantkes' stellar pitching performance (7in, 9Ks, 1BB, 3ER).  Nantkes was also 2 for 2 at the plate with a double and a triple and the only RBI of the game for the Sox.  The playoff race is getting heated going into the stretch run with the Deerz running away with the league and the other three playoff spots up for grabs.--Stephen Boudreaux, White Sox

Athletics 14  Braves 3

Braves 5  Athletics 14

Athletics score 14 runs in each game of double-header vs Braves--Franklin Field, Siloam Springs - The Athletics wonGame One of Sunday's double-header 14-3. The A's scoring outburst began in the 3rd inning when 5 consecutive batters scored. More runs were added to the lead the following inning when 4 consecutive batters reached and scored. Athletics second baseman Justin McKissick (2-4, 4RBI) ended the game in the bottom of the 5th with a 2RBI single, invoking the 10-run rule.  At bats were plentiful with for the Athletics with all but one player having 4 plate appearances each.  Notable performances included: Dave Freshwater (2-4, 2RBI, 3R), Craig Marsh (2-3, 2RBI, 3R), Marty Harrison (2-4, 1RBI, 3R), and Greg Cuzick (2-4, 2R).  In the field, the Athletics committed two errors in the first inning leading to a run, before settling to play solid defense for the remainder of the contest. Athletics pitching (Derick Akers) was steady allowing 2 ER on 7 hits and 1 walk through 5 innings of work, while striking out 7 batters.  Highlights for the Braves included Keith Dixon (2-3, 1R) and Matt Esqoviel (1-3, 2RBI). Braves pitching gave up 14 runs (11 ER) on 14 hits. The Braves scored two in the last inning with 2 outs on a bases loaded single by Josh Norris (1-2, 1 RBI).  In Game Two the Athletics started scoring again in the 3rd inning, when 3 consecutive batters reached and scored. Adding one run in the 4th and two in the 5th, the A's posted 4 runs in both the 6th and 7th innings to win the game by a count of 14-5. The Braves scored one in both the 3rd and 4th. After scoring 3 in the bottom of  7th inning, the Braves' rally ended on a grounder back to the pitcher to close out  the game. Offensively, Dave Freshwater set the tone for the A's going 3-5 with 3RBI. Greg Cuzick (2-4, 3RBI, 2R), Craig Marsh (2-5, 2RBI, 2R), Marty Harrison (2-5, 2RBI, 2R), Matt Richardson (2-4, 1RBI, 2R) and Dave Battaglia (2-4, 3R) contributed 2 hits apiece and 8 RBIs collectively, while combining to score 11 runs.  For the A's Marty Harrison allowed 2 ER on 6 hits and 3 walks (striking out 9) in six innings. Dave Battaglia, who entered the game in the 7th, gave up 2 ER on 3 hits and 1 walk (one strikeout) in the final frame. Braves pitching continued to struggle allowing 14 runs (9 ER) on 14 hits over the course of 7 innings.  Leading the way for the Braves were Josh Norris (3-4, 2RBI), Keith Dixon (2-3, 2RBI, 1R), and Matt Esqoviel (2-4).  The Athletics improved to 8-6 on the year and are scheduled to play again versus the Bentonville Dodgers on Saturday, September 10, 2005 @ Franklin Field in Siloam Springs, while the Braves face the NWACC Eagles on Sunday, September 11, 2005 @ Veterans Park (South) in Rogers. --Derrick Akers, Athletics

August 20-21, 2005