Memorial Day 1-Pitch 2025 Tournament / Teams

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When examining the 1-pitch teams, I look at the overall defensive positioning of the players drafted and compare that to the player's comfort zone based on their position preferences on sign-up. I ask myself the following questions. Are there enough outfielders? Are there enough infielders? How about an experienced 1-pitch pitcher? If you've never been on the mound tossing a do or die pitch to each and every batter, you can't relate. It's tough. Think of this. Lay a 2x4 piece of wood on the ground. Walking the length of it is eezy peezy. Put the same 2x4 around 20' in the air and it's a whole 'nother story. One of the most demanding positions on the field is shortstop. Is that covered? Are there enough eddies to protect against an injury loss?

This analysis is for informational and entertainment purposes only. If I gloat over your team or have nothing negative to say, that is probably the kiss of death. If I point out what I feel are shortcomings, your chances of winning just increased. My track record with respect to predicting the winner sucks to say the least. It's all meaningless. If there is one thing I've noticed over the years, the teams with the best chemistry, regardless of talent, are the ones that are around in the end. It is not my intention to offend anyone. I'm merely pointing out what I see or don't see. If you should be offended by any of my comments, please make me aware of it and I will post a public apology.

Team 1: This is CJ Brancato's maiden voyage as a 1-pitch manager. Good thing he has a cagey managerial vet in Tess Frelick by his side. As a tandem they did a nice job in drafting a solid combination of infielders and outfielders. The only issue might be, unless I am missing something, is the lack of an experienced 1-pitch pitcher. Shortstop is covered by Brian Dart. With 4 females and 1 male eddie, there should be no issue with roster requirements.

Team 2: Brother Bill has been here before and it will be interesting to see who wins the opening contest. Never had a family managerial tandem compete against one another. Bragging rights are at stake here. Solid on offense. Solid on defense. Veteran Dan Vescovi can handle the pitching chores. Tom Koelzer can handle the shortstop duties. Ample eddies to get through the tourney unscathed.

Team 3: Brandon and Chelsea drafted 10 and will play with 12. Not sure why this tourney didn't fill fast and have a slew of alternates. First time ever. Because they will be batting 12 and turning the line-up over sooner, opposing teams will have the option to bat 12 as well. I see a good mix of infielders and outfielders. Jon Poore will be on the mound. Can't quite recall if Jon is a seasoned 1-pitch pitcher, but we will find out soon enough. Shortstop? Matty Mc more than capable. 3 girls and 1 male eddie covers the roster requirements.

Team 4: Newcomers to 1-pitch drafting, John Erb and Mary Kate Smith were flirting with a pitcher void until they nailed veteran Buddy Schwarz in the final round. Nice solid mix on defense except for a very shaky shortstop. Only 2 females puts them at risk of taking a batting out if one of the girls goes down or has to leave the tourney.

Team 5: Justin Miller and Jess Ellick will play the tourney with the bare bones minimum of 3 eddies. Again, if one goes down, a batting out will ensue. The infield and outfield are covered. Zach Lentchner is listed as a first-choice shortstop. Hurler Jamie Richards has been there and done that.

Team 6: First-time manager Jason McLaughlin has paired with tourney vet Brittany Ullman. Good, solid, and quick outfield. Lots of infielders, but a first-choice shortstop is not listed. This is not to say a 2B or 3B can't step up and handle the job. Tom Rider is more than capable on the mound. Eddie requirements are covered.

Team 7: Rhi Keppley and Gary Thompson are no strangers to 1-pitch managing. Infield and outfield looks to be covered. Joe Horchuck and Tim Frei are solid shortstops. While a few on the team have pitched, I don't see a 1-pitch pitching veteran. Meeting eddie requirements throughout the tourney should not be an issue.

Team 8: Josh Owens and Alexis Roscioli are 1-pitch manager newbies. Solid outfield. Lots of infielders, but once again a first-choice shortstop is not listed. This is not to say a 2B or 3B can't step up and handle the job. Veteran Lauren Wood can handle the pitching chores. Eddie situation is covered.

Let's pray for good weather. I truly hope everyone goes into the tourney with an expectation of having fun. While winning is a lot of fun, simply competing can be just as much fun. Winning is not the end-all and losing is not the end of the world. It's all about mindset. Have a great day!

[sixofdiamonds]

Ok, here's my first screw-up. Lauren Duchette is a female eddie. This negates my comment about Team 4 being at eddie requirement risk.

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Team 1 and Team 5 have consummated a trade. Team 5 will send Ryan Thomas to Team 1 for female eddie Liz Sebzda. This effectively takes Team 5 out of the eddie requirement danger zone.

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Dennis Storti (Team 6) can no longer attend the tournament. Because they will be batting 12 and turning the line-up over sooner, opposing teams will have the option to bat 12 as well.

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Brandon Smith can no longer attend the tournament. Brandon was a 2nd round pick for Team 5. It was proposed that Team 5 be allowed to pick up Troy Wasserleben as Brandon’s replacement. I think it’s a very fair move for the sake of the tourney.

I've reached out to 1-pitch managers to see if anyone objects to this move.

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Yet another post-draft defection. Anthony Hott can no longer attend the tournament. Anthony was an 11th round pick for Team 5. We have enough umpires so Curt Hensman has offered to take Anthony's spot. I think that's more than fair.

I've reached out to 1-pitch managers to see if anyone objects to this move