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? Regular season pitching is one thing. The luxury of having a ball of 2 to waste is nice. When you have exactly one pitch to throw and it has to be there, well... that is quite another thing and it can play havoc with the psyche. 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. I don't profess to be an expert. In fact, quite the opposite. I would have trouble picking the winner of a 1-team tourney. Wasn't it Einstein that defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results? 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. 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 I picked on you and hurt your feelings, grow a pair.

Team 1: Lauren Wood and Rob Lyons are no strangers to 1-pitch success. They've found their way to the winner's circle on multiple occasions. There appears to be ample outfielders. The middle infield is covered and Lauren Wood is a more-than-capable pitcher. With 3 girls and 1 male eddie, the team is protected in the event of eddie injury.

Team 2: As a 1-pitch managing tandem, Stephanie Thrasher and Scott Flaherty will be making their maiden voyage. In fact, both had completely forgotten they signed up as managers for the fall tourney. Let's see how they did. Outfield covered. Infield covered. A little weak at the SS position (sarcasm). There was a pitching void up until they snagged veteran Buddy Schwarz in the 10th round. Eddie requirements covered with a reserve in the event of injury.

Team 3: Second time 1-pitch manager Alexis Roscioli and newcomer Kyle Rizzi are pairing up to make a run for the 1-pitch Promised Land. Solid outfield with multiple choices. Shortstop looks to be either/or Andrew Werkheiser/Josh Owens. Jon Poore will handle the pitching chores. 3 females and one older gent covers eddie requirements.

Team 4: Brandon Birkhead and Chelsea Detwiler did a nice job in the draft in spite of the pressure Brandon put on himself in the process. I guess draft anxiety is a good thing for some. Lots of versatility defensively with lots of options. Veteran pitching. Solid stable of eddies with an extra should one go down.

Team 5: Defending champs Bill Brancato and Lissa Freeman will attempt to go back to back. Billy was dressed to the 9's, had his 'war room' set up, and was ready to do draft battle. Based on position preferences, I see another team with lots of versatility. More than one middle infielder/outfielder. Lots of options defensively. Veteran in more ways than one, Dan Vescovi (thank you for your service) has become a solid hurler. Eddie situation more than covered. After sliding to the 9th round, Curtis Hensman now has a serious chip on his shoulder much like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Opponents beware!

Team 6: Corey Wambold is no alien to 1-pitch drafting. This time he paired up with Rebecca Brennan. Good mix of infielders and outfielders. Multiple combinations of middle infielders. Pitching more than covered. While all 3 eddies are excellent ball players, there are only 3. Let's hope they stay ambulatory. Should one be unable to play, the team will end up taking a batting out.

Team 7: Jason McLaughlin and Brittany Ullman paired up in last spring's tourney and proceeded make a nice run, finishing a close 2nd. Very solid outfield. Shortstop covered. 4 solid female eddies. Pitching will fall on the shoulders of Harry Steglich. Harry's last tournament was Memorial Day of 2024. He listed pitcher as his 3rd option. I can't recall if he garnered any 1-pitch pitching experience in that tournament. If he did, that will go a long way in helping him for this tourney. The only other option I see is to place Mark Rothenberger on the mound with exactly zero 1-pitch pitching experience.

Team 8: John Erb and Mary Kate Smith are back. Having a 1-pitch draft under their belt should go a long way in helping them navigate things this time around. Outfield more than covered. Skeeter (Wayne Horger, Jr.) will handle the shortstop duties. Veteran hurler in Ron Pulli. Eddie situation more than satisfied.

Let's pray for good weather. I truly hope everyone goes into this 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!

The Labor Day 1-pitch tourney and Stephanie Hines fundraiser is shaping up to be another great day at the Quarry. Mother Nature is being kind with an absolutely magnificent forecast.



I love the draft tourneys. Instead of teams coming in stacked, teams come in constructed from scratch with the same tools available to all managers. Nobody really knows who will end up on top.

The refreshment stand will be open for snacks and drinks.

Be sure to look pretty. I will be taking action photos throughout the day.

It is critical that we leave the ball field grounds in good condition at the end of the night. The last thing we need is for the property owners to drive by and see refuse strewn all over the place. As the old saying goes, "Don't defecate where you dine". Please do your part.

Have a great day!