Brian Cavanaugh participated in this year’s Robert Henry Memorial Tournament in Willow Grove, PA and emailed me this report on the tourney. Thanks Brian!!
This past weekend, the members of the Bridesburg APBA league participated in the second annual Robert Henry memorial tournament in Willow Grove PA.
A brief history on the tournament
This tournament was first discussed at the final Lancaster PA APBA tournament and fan convention. Through a series of emails the location an dates were selected. The tournament, organized by John Cochrane and Rebecca Peterson is a invite only tournament to include the members of the Bridesburg APBA league in a tournament style competition. It is a day that the kids look forward to and enjoy.
Here is a quick rundown of my tournament experience.
Team selection: I had narrowed my choices down to the 1993 Phillies and the 1991 Twins. The ’93 Phillies are far and away my favorite Phillies team of all-time. They get on base and score runs, but with only 2 B starters, I would have had to send out a C every third game. In addition, the Phils have 2 W relievers.
The ’91 Twins were another favorite of mine. I jumped on the Twins during their 1987 title run and made them my "American league team". Not to mention one of my all-time favorite non Phillies player, Kirby Puckett. A fielding 1 and 3 B starters doesn’t hurt either, so I chose the Twins.
Game 1: vs 2010 Texas Rangers and played by fellow Bridesburg APBA leaguer Josh Rhoads. My Twins got off to a nice start with Chili David hitting a 2-run HR in the bottom of the first. Cliff Lee was able to settle down and held my bats in check as the Twins fell 5-2.
Game 2: this game was the sign if things to come, vs 1949 Boston Red Sox.
Scot Erickson tied the rubber against Ellis Kinder and my Twins recorded 3 walks and nothing else. That’s right, we were no-hit in a 8-0 loss!!
Game 3: vs 1976 Cincinnati Reds
Finally a well played game by the Twins as Kevin Tapani held the Reds offense to 1 run and the bullpen survived a late rally as the Twins pick up their first win of the day, 5-4.
Game 4: A game I was looking forward too, a match up against 2 time champion Brian Wells and his 1911 Giants. Brian had blew my 1964 Phillies out the year before, so I was looking for some paybacks.
It was a well played game, and the Twins trailed 2-1 heading into the bottom of the 9th inning. Chuck Knoblauch led off with a single and stolen base and 1 batter later, Kirby Puckett ignited the homer dome with a walk-off 2 run home run. As the dice settle on "11" , I could just hear Joe Buck calling out once again "and we’ll see you tomorrow night!!!"
Game 5: vs 1929 Athletics
Another match up with a Bridesburg APBA leaguer, first year tournament player Tom Madden. My Twins were never in this game as the A’s cruised to a 9-2 win. My hopes of winning the division were starting to be dashed.
Game 6: vs 1982 Milwaukee Brewers
This looked like a good matchup on paper, as the teams seemed to be evenly matched. The game was right until the "wall bangers" scored 3 late runs and went up 5-2. The Twins would make it interesting, but still fell 5-4
Game 7: vs 1969 Mets
Another game against a Bridesburg APBA leaguer, 2 time tournament player Joe Clawges. This was a solid game all around as the the Twins held a 1-0 lead until late. Before the game, I was notified that Joe needed to win to stay alive and I suddenly had a decision. Do I tank the game for Joe, or do I play spoiler? I started my regular 9 and got out to a 1-0 lead on a 3rd inning HR by Shane Mack. It was around the 5th inning that I decided to give Joe every chance to win. I made several defensive changes that brought me from a "1" to a "2" and even inserted Steve Bedrosian, a "D" reliever. Despite my efforts, the Twins walked away with a 2-1 win.
With a record of 3-4, I missed the playoffs, but we all had a great time with the amazing people of the APBA community. The kids did good as league member Jason Stengal lost in the championship game to APBA hall of famer David Small.
Congratulations to David Small on his tournament win! Thanks to Brian for the great report and photos!!
