Just a week ago, Adventure Island fell 17-16 to St. Rita powerhouse Wild Bunch in 9 innings on a walk-off, 2-out walk.  With both teams coming in undefeated, the Wild Bunch took what seemed like their millionth title in a row, keeping legendary co-ed coach Terry Meredith undefeated for his career.  While Coach Meredith laughed in pity and Island coach Matt Hancock on suicide watch, the Island yet again fell short of their first championship.  The tournament was played in one night this past Friday, with the championship game set for midnight.  As the Wild Bunch meister left-center fielder said earlier in the night, "Are you ready for some Midnight Madness?" little did he know how true that statement would be!

Wild Bunch and Adventure Island breezed through their 1st Round games.  Wild Bunch won their semifinal pretty easy, while the Island had to play host team St. Rita.  With the game close early, Adventure Island's offense was keyed by a spectacular play from Jeremy "Buddha" Barker at 2nd base on a full extension dive up the middle.  He took a glove in his back that probably put a dent in his spine.  But it got the offense rolling, as the Island walked it off 19-9 in the 6th on a backside bomb from coach Matt Hancock, his 2nd of the game.

This set up the game for the ages, a rematch with the Wild Bunch.  The game was close early, with Wild Bunch shortstop Brent "Cuz" Schaber making plays and letting his friends on the other side know all about it.  But as Adventure Island's lead continued to grow, the Wild Bunch meisters looked for excuses.  When Cuz's drinking was blamed for a few bad plays by his own teammates, it was meltdown city.  While Cuz threatened to leave the field, things finally settled down.  But at this point, the Wild Bunch were too shaken up.  Even the normally vocal Coach Meredith was quiet, knowing the inevitable was near.  Capped by a 3-run blast from Jason "Meat" Betts, the Island rolled to a 16-6 5 inning run rule, taking home the title!  Adventure Island would like to thank the slew of fans that showed up to witness their run to greatness.  Look for pictures and videos soon, as Craig "Neumantor" Neumann came out with his digital.



Championship Team
P - Joe Sutherland
C - Julie Peyton
1B - Sara Daugherty
2B - Jeremy "Buddha" Barker
3B - Kristy Holland
SS - Jason "Meat" Betts
LF - Crystal Crigler
LC - Brad Selch
RC - Matt Hancock
RF - Amanda Betts
EH - Kevin "Whitey" Wilkins
EH - Keeyla Baechle

There In Spirit
Jake "Waste" Ford
Matt "Timbo" Timbario
Chuck "Papa Hancock" Hancock