2021 Season
Monarchs Retain Crown
Reds game, but fall short of first title
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Grand Park
ABOVE: Scott Metzinger's arm proved to be insurmountable as his three innings on the mound shut down the Reds offense in the championship game.
As you get older, birthdays seem to become less relevant. Of course, there are the milestones: 40, 50, etc. But 52 isn’t typically one that would stand out. For one player Tuesday night, his 52nd will likely be one that he recalls for years to come.
The first seven games of the 2021 HABL season saw the Reds, led by Coaches Tom Weesner and Andy Straatman, race out to a 6-1 start. In those wins, they averaged 11 runs per game. That start was followed by four losses in a row. But the Reds regrouped. They won the week 12 matchup with the Rockies, securing the 2 seed. Next, they scrapped and clawed their way to a 3-2 semi-final win over the Black Sox, making it to their first Championship game. Tuesday night, they faced the 2-time defending champion, top-seeded Monarchs, for the 2021 HABL title.
A team, missing two very impactful players, knew it had a big challenge against a stingy Monarchs pitching staff, and a defense that doesn’t typically open the proverbial door by giving extra outs. But things started well for the visitors.
The Reds had been in a bit of a scoring drought recently, but it looked like that was changing in the season finale. Leading off the game, shortstop Chris Ehrgott legged out a one hopper to short. Rod Decker fielded it cleanly, but Ehrgott, flying down the line, beat the on target throw by a step. Second baseman Bobby Yeary followed with a beautiful bunt down the third base line that 3rd baseman Scott Metzinger could only watch, in hopes that it would roll foul. It did not, and the Reds were in business with 2 on with no one out. Catcher Mak Knowles, who played a terrific all-around game, made it three straight hits, lacing a line drive single to left off of M’s starter Steve Powell, scoring Ehrgott, giving the Reds a 1-0 lead. It could have been more, but Powell was able to shut down the rally, stranding Yeary and Knowles, sending the Monarchs to the bottom of the beginning frame down just a run. It didn’t take long for the M's to respond. Left fielder Geoff Woodman opened with a ground-rule double that rolled under the fence in the left field corner. He would ultimately score on a sacrifice fly to center by Jerry Shipman, tying the contest at one apiece. End of 1: Reds 1 Monarchs 1
The Monarchs would take their first lead in the second. Powell singled to start the home half with a base hit to right, advanced to second on a ball in the dirt, and then reached third as catcher John Gibbons singled to center. Doug Phillips executed situational hitting beautifully, bringing the run home with another sacrifice fly, providing the M's with a 2-1 margin. End of 2: Monarchs 2 Reds 1
In the 3rd, the Reds would respond. With 2 out, Knowles singled again. Third baseman Mike Elkin followed with a base hit of his own, just beyond the reach of Decker at shortstop. That set up Tom Weesner with an RBI opportunity. The lefty slugger delivered with a line drive base hit to right, scoring Knowles to knot the game at 2. Reds starter Donnie Noel was doing his part, keeping the game tied through three innings, with defensive help from his catcher. Knowles, one of the quietest, but best all-around players in the league, hopped out from behind the plate to field a slow roller, making a strong throw to first to nab a would-be Monarchs base runner, keeping the reds momentum intact. End of 3: Reds 2 Monarchs 2
The Reds went quietly in the 4th, but the Monarchs finally found a little separation in the bottom of the inning. With 2 out, M’s infielder Jody Donaldson singled, then advanced to second on a hard-hit ground ball by M’s centerfielder Jeff Johnson. With runners at first and second, Decker doubled home Donaldson for a 3-2 lead. Powell followed with a two-run single, just out of the reach of the rangy Ehrgott at shortstop, scoring Johnson and Decker taking the lead to 5-2. Metzinger doubled to right center to score Powell and the Monarchs were in business with a 6-2 lead. End of 4: Monarchs 6 Reds 2
Not going quietly, the Reds once again responded. With 2 out in the top of the 5th, Donnie Noel singled to center off of M’s reliever Scott Metzinger, scoring Mike Elkin to cut the lead to 6-3. Noel would finish his five innings of solid work on the mound allowing six runs, but just two of them earned. After five innings, the Reds were still in striking distance down three. End of 5: Monarchs 6 Reds 3
Throughout their 3-year run of excellence in the HABL, the Monarchs always seem to find a way to come up with the offense they need to get the job done. That happened again in the M’s 6th. With the bases loaded, Johnson, who has been the M’s top RBI man all season, laced a sharp grounder into the hole. Ehrgott made an incredible diving play to reach the ball, but he could not come up with an out on the play. The Monarchs would end up scoring six runs in the inning, and move out to a comfortable 12-3 lead. End of 6: Monarchs 12 Reds 3
As we have seen many a time in his three seasons of HABL ball, Metzinger proved to be a relentless out-getter on the mound. He shut down the Reds in the seventh, completing three innings of work, allowing just one run. With the 10-run mercy rule in effect after 7 innings, the Monarchs needed one run in their at-bat, to cement their third straight championship. With 2 out and the bases full, enter birthday “boy” Jody Donaldson. At the plate, with an opportunity to halt the game in walk-off fashion on his 52nd birthday, he came through with a liner to center, ending the game, ending the season, and ending the Monarchs successful quest for a third straight HABL title. 13-3 was the final. Final/7 innings: Monarchs 13 Reds 3
Metzinger’s three innings earn the win. Powell did his job in the starting capacity, pitching four strong innings, allowing two runs. After starting their first seven games at 4-3, the Monarchs won their final seven games to close out the season. There is no question the M's were pushed harder in the 2021 campaign. But once again, their formula of pitching and defense, along with good fundamental baseball bore out. Coach Robert Newton wins his third title as skipper. The Reds complete a season in which they showed at times, when at full strength, they were the team to beat.
This game saw tremendous effort on both sides. Notably, Reds’ first baseman Randy Stimac, trying to find a way on with his team trailing, doing his best in hustling to beat out a terrific bunt. He also made a diving attempt to come up with an out for the Reds in the 6th. Stimac is the eldest player in the HABL, and his smart play is only an indication of his experience, not his age. He left it all out there on this night, and his effort and contributions are noted and appreciated. Ehrgott dove twice for ground balls, and almost came up with the miraculous aforementioned play to stymie a Monarchs rally. For the M's, Newton showed the on-field exuberance that can be contagious. After cracking a line drive to center, he thought double, rounding first too far, then getting cut down attempting to get back to first base. But that is baseball, and that is fun. The players on the field Tuesday, and the players from all teams during the entire season demonstrated why 2021 was the most competitive, and arguably the most fun of the league’s four thus far.
Congratulations to the Monarchs, Reds, Rockies, Clowns, Fusion and Black Sox for putting together a great 2021 season.
Semi-final Recap: Monarchs, Reds Advance by Thinnest of Margins
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Grand Park
In what has been the most competitive and compelling season of Hoosier Adult Baseball in its four years of existence, it was only fitting that the semi-finals saw both games decided by one run.
Monarchs 3 Clowns 2
ABOVE: Clowns first baseman Randy Schuller awaits the throw to end Jody Donaldson's attempt to get on base.
To offer some context, we go back to June 2021. The league was searching for someone to lead an expansion team, which would become the 6th member of the HABL. The goal was to find someone willing to embrace what the league is about, while putting together a group that would be competitive with the existing five teams. That search ended with a member of the 2-time defending champion Monarchs, who stepped up to take on that challenge. Darren George started with a number of players new to the league, along with a trio of veterans, who were willing to help complete the roster by migrating to a new squad. That team became the Indy Clowns, and their first season can only be considered an overwhelming success. Tuesday, they had a chance to dethrone the league’s most dominant team historically, and they took them all the way to the wire.
In what would ultimately be a low scoring affair, the Monarch’s jumped out to a 2 nothing lead in the bottom of the opening frame. Jeff Johnson, the M’s RBI machine, plated a pair with a 2-run single up the middle. On the mound, Steve Powell was doing his best to slow a potent Clowns offense. The righthander managed four strong innings, allowing two runs, both unearned. Powell gave way to Scott Metzinger in the 5th, who kept the Clowns at bay, setting the stage for the Monarch’s 8th. Powell led off with a single, and was sacrificed to second by HABL rookie Doug Phillips. The small ball approach paid off, as catcher John Gibbons followed with a double to right center, bringing Powell across and bringing the M’s a 3-2 lead. The Clowns made it interesting in the top of the 9th with the tying run reaching base on a single to left but Metzinger was able to conclude his five innings of scoreless pitching and get the win by the final of 3-2. Robert Allen and Guy Vreeman pitched a terrific game for the C’s. The win propels the Monarchs to their third consecutive title game. The Clowns conclude an extremely successful inaugural season, which saw them emerge as legitimate contenders to win it all.
Reds 3 Black Sox 2
ABOVE: Brian Kelley of the Black Sox fouls off a pitch late in the semi-final game. Kelley drove in both Sox runs in the game.
The second seeded Reds had been searching for offense as of late. In the final game of the regular season, they found it just in time, rallying for four runs in their final at bat, to complete a comeback win versus the Rockies, and nail down the second seed in the post-season. Tuesday, they ran into excellent pitching against the 3-seeded Black Sox, and in the end, it wasn’t hitting, but perseverance that ultimately paid off.
The Sox, looking for a return to the finals for the first time since 2019, where they lost 3-0 to the Monarchs, had the start they were hoping for. Lead-off man Johnny Moore used his legs to beat out a slow roller to third. He would come around to score on Brian Kelley’s RBI single to left, giving the Sox a 1-0 lead. Moore would score the Sox second run in the 4th. With one out, he singled to right and then advanced to third on an infield single. Kelley brought him home with an RBI ground out and the Sox were up 2-0.
But that was all Reds starter Donnie Noel would surrender on the mound. He pitched very effectively, allowing 8 hits, but matching that total in strikeouts, and he found those strikeouts when needed. He pitched out of a no-out, 2nd and 3rd situation for the Black Sox in the 4th, getting a comebacker, and then striking out the final two batters to keep the visitors off the board in the inning. On the other side of things, Sox starter Todd Grote was fantastic, holding the Reds to just one infield hit in five innings of work. He allowed just three baserunners, one erased by a double play. His line was five innings pitched, one hit, one walk, no runs, only allowing one runner, who reached on an error, to get past first base.
The Reds scratched a run across in the seventh, as John Williams scored from third on Randy Stimac’s ground out to the right side, cutting the lead to 2-1. The game turned in the home half of the 8th, with one out and runners at first and second, the Sox clinging to a 2-1 lead. Andy Straatman laid down a bunt to the right side, and Sox pitcher Brent Steele made a terrific play in an attempt to retire Straatman to no avail. The fleet footed Chris Ehrgott scored to tie the game, and the Reds would add another run on a fielder’s choice to go up 3-2. The Sox were able to get the tying run on base in the top of the 9th, as Brent Steele battled his way to a 2-strike, 2-out single. Jeff Keen followed with a hard hit fly ball to left, but Lou Weesner made a terrific running grab to end the game. Jeff Johnson pitched two innings without allowing a baserunner to notch the win, while Mike Shadoan faced just seven batters in the final two innings for the save. All-in-all, Noel, Johnson and Shadoan struck out 15 Sox hitters. The Reds move on to face the Monarchs in Tuesday’s championship game. The Black Sox conclude a season where they were playing their best baseball at the right time but couldn’t find enough offense on this night to get past the tremendous pitching of the Reds.
Championship Tuesday, October 19th at 6:30 pm: Reds at Monarchs on Field D3.
Playoff Playin Recap: Black Sox, Clowns Advance
October 7, 2021
Grand Park
After a busy three weeks, the 2021 Hoosier Adult Baseball League’s semi-finals are set. Thursday night at Grand Park the third seed Black Sox and fifth seed Clowns both advanced with 7 inning victories.
Black Sox 12 Fusion 2
ABOVE: Brent Steele loads the cannon for the Sox.
On D3, the Black Sox rallied for six runs in the bottom of the second inning, highlighted by Tim Berry’s 3-run double. With one out and the bases full, the Sox leading 2-0, Berry laced a line drive into left center field. Fusion Centerfielder Kent Works made an athletic effort on the play but could not cut the ball off in time to prevent all three base runners from scoring. Berry would come in to score a few batters later to post the host teams sixth run. The Fusion came back with two in the top of the third, but with the bases loaded and one out, a hard hit ball turned into a 6-4-3 double play to squelch the rally. The Sox added on in the fourth, thanks to a 2-run single from Joe Clark taking the lead to 8-2. The Black Sox got three hits out of Chris Schmidt, and two each from Todd Grote and John Gould. Brent Steele pitched three innings allowing two runs, 0 earned. Todd Grote pitched the final four innings, scattering four hits.
The Fusion wrap up a season which saw them defeat the Monarchs, the Clowns, The Rockies, Black Sox and Reds, joining only the Monarchs to garner wins against all five opponents during the regular season. They have taken steps forward each of the last two seasons, and will certainly be a threat to win a league title in 2022.
The Black Sox will visit the 2 seeded Reds Tuesday on D5, with the winner advancing to Championship Tuesday.
Clowns 11 Rockies 0
ABOVE: Jeff Pittard batting for the Clowns.
On D5, the Clowns visited the Rockies, trying to break through against a team that won all three regular season matchups between the two clubs. Thursday, the Clowns had it all going. Guy Vreeman and Robert Allen combined on a 2-hit shutout, while the offense saw every player reach safely via the hit. The defense was solid, with just one error for the Clowns, who move on to face the top seeded Monarchs Tuesday on D3. Randy Schuller was 2-4 with three runs scored, Andy Coxe and Kevin Steel each had two hits, while Vreeman added three hits of his own.
The Rockies end an up and down season, which saw them look like last years runner ups on occasion, but the R’s battled injuries to key pitchers this season. Jeff Schmitt’s squad will look to 2022, with a talented group that is capable of winning every game they take the field when healthy.
Thank you to the Fusion and Rockies for their sizeable contributions to a terrific 2021 season.
Tuesday, October 12th semi-final matchups: Clowns at Monarchs on D3, Black Sox at Reds on D5.
Week 10 Recap: Reds Win, Secure 2 Seed, 4-Way Tie For 3rd Place
October 5, 2021
Grand Park
ABOVE: Chris Kania delivers the curve ball for the Fusion. Photo by Mathieu Simoneau.
It took 12 games to determine 5 of the 6 seeds in season 4 of Hoosier Adult Baseball. Tuesday night, those seeds were determined, as the regular season concluded in what was easily the closest, and most competitive season in league history. On Diamond 5, the Reds scored five runs in the 6th inning, to topple a Rockies team that was fighting for the 2 seed as well. A win for the Rockies would have cemented a bye, but the Reds found a way to end their recent 4-game losing streak, to hold off the charging Rockies, who enter the playoffs as the 4 seed at 5-7.
On D3, the Monarchs dispatched the Clowns by the final of 14-9, and head into the bye week for the league’s top seed at 9-3, winners of five straight. The Clowns could have ended as high as a 3 seed, but instead finished 5-7, and will visit the Rockies in Thursday’s first round as the 5 seed. The winner moves on to meet the Monarchs.
Over on Diamond 4, the Fusion scored 5 in the second, and added on from there, defeating the Black Sox 16-3, assuring a 4-way tie for third place, as both teams finish 5-7. The Black Sox win the tie-breaker as the 3 seed, among those four teams, while the Fusion will be the 6th seed. The two teams play each other again Thursday, for the right to meet the Reds in the semi-finals.
Full standings, scores and TIEBREAKER explainations can be found on the Standings Page.
Thursday, October 7th games: Clowns at Rockies on D5, Fusion at Black Sox on D3.
NOTE: Friday October 8 is the make-up date in the event of cancellation due to weather. If 5 innings are completed Thursday, the game is official. If the game is halted and is NOT an official game, it will be resumed from the point it was stopped and played to complete the full 9 innings on Friday.
Week 9 Recap
September 30, 2021
Grand Park
Part Two: 5 Seeds to be Decided in Season Finales
The Results from Hoosier Adult Baseball’s Thursday’s penultimate game made things as clear as mud in the chase for playoff seeding. After 11 games, only one of the 6 seeds has been decided. The 2-time defending champ Monarchs clinched the top overall seed, their 3rd consecutive regular season championship, with a 10-4 victory over the Clowns. The victory ensured the Ms of a first round bye, as they now sit at 8 and 3 with their 4th straight win. The Clowns drop to 5-6, joining 3 other teams who still don’t know their final place in the standings.
The Reds dropped their 4th straight, falling to the Rockies by the final of 3-2. The loss dropped the Reds to 6-5, sole owners of second place, but still unsure of their final seeding entering Tuesday’s 12th and final game of the regular season. The Rockies win, their second straight, improves their record to 5-6, among the 3 team mix in the middle.
The final contest of the evening saw the Black Sox manage a 5 run 3rd, which propelled them to a 7-0 win against the Fusion. With the win, The Sox enter the 3-way tie for 3rd with the Clowns and Rockies. The Fusion are now 4-7, but can still finish as high as the 5th seed, with a win and some help from the Reds and Clowns.
There are a myriad of seeding scenarios going into the final game, and the only teams controlling their seeding destiny are the Reds and Clowns. A win this coming Tuesday vs. the Rockies, and the Reds will secure the number 2 seed, and a first round bye. The Reds cannot be the 2 seed with a loss. The Clowns cannot reach the 2 seed (due to tie-breakers) but can secure the 3 seed with a win. The, Rockies, Black Sox and Fusion will have to see where things land following Tuesday night’s results.
The Rockies and Black Sox can both ascend to as high as the 2 seed, but need to win and have help. The Rockies would need a win, a Black Sox loss, or a Black Sox win AND a Clowns win. The Black Sox have one path to the 2 seed, with a win, a Reds loss, and a Clowns loss.
The Fusion will be the 5 seed with a win, a Reds win and a Clowns win. In that scenario the Rockies would fall to the 6 seed.
Next week features games on both Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday's games are 7-inning contests. Tuesday, September 28: Black Sox at Fusion on D4, Clowns at Monarchs on D3, Rockies at Reds on D5. Thursday, September 30: games to be determined by seeding.
Part One: Monarchs, Fusion, Rockies Win
Monarchs Hold Off Black Sox
In the first of two games this week, the Monarchs seized control of their own destiny in the race for the top seed, while the league race tightened in the middle. The Monarchs got four strong innings from Steve Powell and three from Rod Decker, as they took advantage of some Black Sox miscues in the 5th inning en route to a 9-4 victory Tuesday night. Scott Metzinger led the way offensively for the M's with three hits including a triple. John Gibbons added a triple among two hits of his own. The Monarchs jumped out to a 4-1 lead after two innings, but the Sox made it interesting in the 3rd. With two out and a runner at first, Chris Schmidt doubled to right setting the table for Jeff Keen, who singled to center with two strikes, scoring both runners and cutting the Monarchs lead to 4-3. A 5-run 5th was the difference, as the Monarchs improve to 7-3 with their third straight win. The Black Sox fall to 4-6.
Fusion Top Reds
On D5, Corey Heniser pitched five strong innings as the Fusion downed the Reds 10-4. Heniser had strong defense in support of his effort, with the Fusion turning two double plays in the game. Nestor Porres and Dan Schroeter both contributed with nice plays. Chris Kania had an RBI triple, while Michael Seachrest and Neal Ziliak both had RBI singles for the 4-6 Fusion. The Reds have lost three straight, but still are in sole possession of second place at 6-4.
Rockies Best Clowns
On D4, the Rockies found their stride after dropping two in a row, defeating the Clowns by the final of 5-1. Mike Poore was excellent on the mound, along with Marc Rueffer, as the Rockies improve to 4-6, joining the Black Sox and Fusion in a tie for fourth place. Tony Iacobucci and Joe Durle both tripled for the R's, while Joe Orlando and Randy Kinnett both sparkled in the field. The Clowns still have sole possession of third place at 5-5.
Week 8 Recap
September 23, 2021
Grand Park
Part One: League Race Tightens from Top to Bottom
Black Sox Edge Reds
The 8th week of the HABL 2021 offers Tuesday and Thursday 7 inning games. The season has been highly competitive, and Tuesday’s action was highlighted by 2 more close affairs. On D3, the first place, 6 and 1 Reds hosted the 2 and 5 Black Sox. From the outset, the pitching was dominant. Both teams went scoreless in the first. In the top of the second, with one out, Sox pitcher Brent Steele tripled to right center, and would score one batter later, as left-fielder Dave Hearn delivered a 2 out RBI single to provide the Black Sox with a 1-0 lead. Reds starter Don Noel was fantastic, allowing that sole run in 5 innings of work. On the mound, Steele was equally impressive, posting 5 shutout innings against a dangerous Reds’ line-up. Brian Kelley came on to pitch a scoreless 6th and seventh, combining with Steele in a 3-0 shutout win for the Sox. Despite the loss, the Reds remain in sole possession of first place at 6 and 2, while to Sox inch closer to the .500 mark at 3 and 5.
Fusion Down Clowns
Over on D4, the Clowns hosted the Fusion, and 7 innings would not be enough. In another low scoring affair, defense and pitching prevailed for both teams. The Clowns retired the first 12 Fusion hitters and took a 2-0 lead heading into the 5th inning, until the Fusion finally broke through with a run to cut the lead to 2-1. The game stayed that way until the 7th and with the Fusion down to their last strike. Outfielder Andre Simoneau drew a clutch base on balls, putting the tying run on base for the visitors. Simoneau would score the tying run in a close play at the plate, as ball four scooted away from the catcher. That sent the game into extra innings, where the Fusion came up with 2 in the 8th, as Brad Schell and Chris Kania both singled, and came around to score on a pair of wild pitches. Corey Heniser pitched 5 strong innings and Nestor Porres got the win with 3 innings of scoreless relief. The Clowns are alone in 3rd place at 4 and 4, while the Fusion improve to 3 and 5.
Monarchs Over Rockies
On D5, the Rockies, winners of 2 straight heading in, ran into a resurgent Monarchs offense, falling by the final of 10-1. M’s starter Steve Powell pitched 5 strong innings, allowing just 1 run to get the win. Scott Metzinger pitched 2 scoreless to seal it. Jeff Johnson made a rally killing catch in right field, while going 3 for 3, with 3 runs batted in for the second place Monarchs, who improve to 5 and 3, 1 game back of the Reds. The Rockies join the Black Sox and Fusion at 3 and 5, with 4 games to play in the regular season.
Part Two: Monarchs Tie Reds for 1st Place
Monarchs Avenge Loss to Fusion
A busy week of action concluded Thursday at Grand Park, with the Monarchs moving into a first-place tie with the Reds. The Monarchs did their part defeating the Fusion 11-2. Scott Metzinger and Rod Decker did their part on the mound, each allowing just one run, supported by a strong defensive effort by second baseman Tony Chan. The Monarchs sit at 6 and 3, while the Fusion drop to 3 and 6.
Clowns Stop Reds
On D4, the Clowns pitching shut down the Reds enroute to a 3-0 win. The loss was the second in a row for the Reds, who look to rebound Tuesday against the Fusion. The Clowns at 5 and 4, have sole possession of 3rd place heading into week 9. The reds hold the regular season tie-breaker vs. the Monarchs, by virtue of their 2 and 0 record in head to head games.
Black Sox Win Second Straight
On D5, the Black Sox got 5 innings of one run baseball by starter Todd Grote. Grote also added 3 hits for the Sox, along with Chris Schmidt and Johnny Moore who both tallied 3 hits in a balanced Black Sox attack. The Rockies managed 3 in the 6th, and 2 in the seventh, but fell short by a 10-6 final. The Sox record moves to 4 and 5, alone in 4th place, while the Rockies mark now stands at 3 and 6.
Next week features games on both Tuesday and Thursday. Both games are 7-inning contests. Tuesday, September 28: Fusion at Reds on D5, Monarchs at Black Sox on D3, Clowns at Rockies on D4. Thursday, September 30: Reds at Rockies on D4, Fusion at Black Sox on D5, Monarchs at Clowns on D1.
Week 7 Recap: Reds, Clowns, Rockies Post W’s
September 14, 2021
Grand Park
Rockies Win Second Straight
The 2020 Rockies finished second in the league standings, and lost in the championship game to the defending champion Monarchs. In 2021, they were expected to compete for their first league title since Hoosier Adult Baseball’s inaugural season in 2018. A slow start left many wondering if they could find their winning formula. Tuesday night, manager Jeff Schmitt’s R’s won their second straight, serving notice that reports of their demise may be greatly exaggerated. A resurgent offense scored 11 runs in the first 2 innings, and they held on against a Fusion team, who clawed their way back, but came up a bit shy, in a 13-7, rain shortened 7 inning game. R’s outfielder Rob Hausladen led the way with 3 hits, including 2 triples and 5 RBI. Marc Rueffer got the win, holding a good offensive Fusion squad to 3 runs over the first 5 innings. Centerfielder Joe Durle added 3 hits and 3 RBI. Nestor Porres had 4 hits for the Fusion, with Neal Ziliak and Dan Schroeter added 3 hits apiece. The Rockies improve to 3 and 4, while the Fusion slip to 2 and 5.
Reds Top Monarchs
After 6 games of the 2021 HABL season, the first place Reds, with a 5 and 1 start, made their case as the team to beat. Tuesday, they hosted the Monarchs on D-4. Often games between first and second place teams fail to meet expectations, but this one did not. The Reds scored 5 runs early and held off the charging Monarchs, winning by a final of 5-4. Don Noel hurled 5 strong innings allowing three runs to get the win. Mike Shadoan allowed one run in 4 innings to notch the save. Reds’ shortstop Chris Ehrgott hit a two-run inside-the-park-homer in the third, and Shadoan doubled home another as the Reds jumped out to a 5-0 lead. The Monarchs pitching settled in after that, as they would only allow two base-runners in the final six innings, but ultimately could not find the offense to climb all the way back. Mak Knowles added to Ehrgott’s 2 hit night, with a 2-for-3 performance of his own. The Reds stand atop the league standings at 6 and 1, while the Monarchs go to 4 and 3, with 5 games left in the regular season.
Clowns Double-up Black Sox
Over on D-3, the 3 and 3 Clowns were trying to stay ahead of the 2 and 4 Black Sox, who were trying to find their way into a tie for 3rd place. The visiting Clowns started fast, with Randy Schuller leading off the game with a single to left field. He would come around to score, as did 2 others, helped by Scott Herron’s RBI single, and led 3-0 after a half inning. The Black Sox would come back to seize the lead in the second. With 2 out and Tim Berry at first, Joe Clark singled to left, keeping the inning alive, a walk and 2 singles later, Brian Kelley delivered a 2 run double into the left field corner plating 2, to provide the Sox with a 5-3 advantage. The Clowns would come back in the 6th to regain the lead at 7-5, thanks to hits by Brad Burton and Jeff Pittard. They added 3 unearned runs in the 7th to win by a 10-5 final. Todd Grote and John Gould both contributed 2 hits for the Black Sox, who drop to 2 and 5. The Clowns jump to 4 and 3, and into a second-place tie with the Monarchs.
Weather Postpones Week 6 Action
September 7, 2021
Grand Park
All games Tuesday, September 7 were postponed due to lightning and thunderstorms in the area. The regular schedule will resume Tuesday September 14 with 9-inning contests. September 7th games will be made up on Thursday, September 30, 2021 which will all be 7-innings games. Contests that were postponed will start over, NOT continued from the place they were halted.
Here are the matchups.
| Game | Date | Visitor | Home | Visitor | Home | Visitor | Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Tues 9/14/2021 | Diamond 3 | Diamond 4 | Diamond 5 | |||
| Clowns | Black Sox | Monarchs | Reds | Rockies | Fusion | ||
| 7 | Thurs 9/30/2021 | Diamond 1 | Diamond 4 | Diamond 5 | |||
| Monarchs | Clowns | Reds | Rockies | Fusion | Black Sox | ||
Week 5 Recap
Part One: Close games Highlight
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Grand Park
Clowns Win 3rd Straight
The first place Reds opened the season with four wins against their HABL opponents. Tuesday, they wrapped up the first run through the 2021 HABL schedule in their first ever meeting with the Clowns. The C’s struck for three runs in the bottom of the first, and then took advantage of shaky fielding by the Reds to come away with a 10-7 victory. Reds Captain Tom Weesner carried the Reds' hitting banner by belting lead-off triples in the 3rd and 7th innings and scoring both times. The Reds exited with a 4-1 record, while the Clowns improved to 3-2.
Fusion Outlast Monarchs
In a sign that 2021 has become a very competitive campaign, the Fusion rode excellent pitching and an unforgiving defense to their first ever victory over the Monarchs. The Fusion, who continue to get better and better each week, put together just enough on offense to handle the 2-time defending champs 5-4. The Fusion improved to 2-3, while the loss dropped the Monarchs to 3-2.
Hearn Ignites Sox Rally
On D4, the Rockies and Black Sox, both desperate for a win after 1-3 starts, went to the last at bat before a winner was decided. The Sox got out to a 1-0 lead after one, but the Rockies came back with one of their own in the second, before taking a 4-1 lead in the 4th. Rob Hausladen’s 2-run double was the key hit. The Sox came back to claim a 5-4 lead on an RBI double by John Dunbar, who had 3 hits on the night. In the top of the seventh, the Rockies responded, scoring two, taking a 6-5 lead. The Sox, needing one run to send the game to extras, got a lead-off single from left fielder Dave Hearn. John Gould and Dunbar both singled as well, tying the game at five. That set the stage for Todd Grote, who with one out and the bases loaded, singled over a drawn in Rockies’ infield, plating Gould for the game winner. The final was 7-6, improving the Sox record to 2-3. The talented Rockies, much better than their record would indicate, drop to 1-4.
Part Two: Reds, Monarchs, Rockies Rebound
Thursday, September 2, 2021
Grand Park
Week 5 was a 2-game week, with 7-inning games on both Tuesday and Thursday. The Reds, Monarchs and Rockies, all of whom came up short on Tuesday, flipped the script and came away with wins Thursday night. The Rockies cooled off the hot Clowns by a 13-6 final, improving to 2-4. The Clowns are now even at the season’s midway point at 3-3, alone in third place.
The Reds came back from their first loss of the season, winning 15-7 over the Fusion. The Reds remain atop the league standings at 5-1. Fusion are now 2-4.
The Black Sox entered the bottom of the 6th with a 6-4 lead, thanks in large part to a big night at the plate by Jeff Keen’s two hits and three RBIs. The Monarchs rallied in the bottom of the penultimate inning, getting key hits from Jody Donaldson and Doug Phillips, to snare a 7-6 lead, and that’s how it ended. The Monarchs notch their 4th win against 2 losses, and sit a game behind the Reds in sole possession of second place. The Sox 2-4 record has them in a 3-way tie for 4th with the Fusion and Rockies.
A note regarding Tuesday September 7: The Monarchs vs. Clowns game has been postponed until a later date TBD.
Week 4 Recap: Reds Improve to 4-0, Monarchs, Clowns Win
August 24, 2021
Grand Park
Knowles Sets the Tone
The first place Reds continue their hot start Tuesday, defeating the Black Sox 14-8 on D5. The win improves the Reds record to 4-0, and only the Clowns stand in their way of a perfect 5 for 5 run through the first cycle of the 2021 schedule. The visiting team put up five runs in the first, with the Sox coming back with two in the bottom of the opening inning. The Reds added four in the second to go up 9-2. The Black Sox didn’t quit, scrapping to put up six runs through the next five frames, to make it an 11-8 ballgame, but ultimately fell short. Mak Knowles had an unusual, but extremely productive batting line for the winners. In six plate appearances he walked five times, had a sacrifice fly and scored three times. Mike Shadoan continued his hot hitting going 3 for 4. The Black Sox were bitten by the walk bug, surrendering 12 free passes. Don Noel caught three innings, pitched three innings, then returned to catch the final two, and earned the win on the mound. Brent Steele mustered three hits for the Sox, including a double driving in three. Johnny Moore, Chris Schmidt, Tim Berry and Brian Kelley added two hits apiece, as the Sox drop to 1-3.
Monarchs Outlast Rockies
On D4, the Monarchs looked to rebound from last week’s loss as they faced the Rockies. The M’s jumped out to an 8-1 lead after three and held the lead throughout, en route to a 13-7 win. Timely hitting and solid pitching aided their cause. In a solid game all around, pitchers yielded just three walks combined for both teams. There were a few defensive miscues by both teams, but the tone was set when the Monarchs scored four with two out in the first, and four more in the 3rd inning. The defending champs improve to 3-1, while the Rockies fall to 1-3.
Clowns Win Second Straight
On D3, the Clowns managed a hard fought 11-7 victory over the Fusion. Scott Herron and Darren George both belted inside the park home runs, with Herron tallying three hits and two RBIs on the night. George drove in four for the Clowns who improved to 2-2. For the Fusion, Nestor Porres had three hits and Terry Wright had a clutch single to extend a Fusion rally in a game that saw four lead changes. Fusion pitching managed 12 strikeouts on the night, but see their record fall to 1-3.
Week 3 Recap: Reds Seize First Place; Clowns, Fusion Notch First Wins
August 17, 2021
Grand Park
Reds Win, Stay Unbeaten
Tuesday marked the quarter pole for the 2021 HABL season, highlighted by an early season battle of the unbeatens, as the Reds and Monarchs hooked up on D3. The Reds did all of their damage in the middle innings, as the visitors plated 4 in the fourth, and 6 in the fifth and kept the Monarchs off the board for a 10-0 win.
Mike Elkin, Mak Knowles and Jeff Johnson each belted two-run doubles during the uprisings, with Bobby Yeary going 3 for 3 on the night. The Reds were solid on defense, with contributions from Lou Weesner, who made a fine play throwing out a would-be Monarch baserunner at first, while Yeary made a nice play to track down a tailing fly ball in left. The pitching trifecta of Don Noel, John Williams, and Mike Shadoan combined on the shut-out. The Reds move to 3-0, with the Monarchs dropping into unfamiliar territory, second place, at 2-1.
Fusion Top Rockies
Over on D4, the Fusion got into the 2021-win column, beating the Rockies by a 12-9 final.
The Fusion jumped out to a 9-2 lead early, scoring three runs in each of the first, third and fifth innings. The Rockies dominated the middle innings, and were able to make it a 2-run ballgame after 8. But the Fusion added two in the top of the 9th and held on for the win. Leadoff man Andre Simoneau, who reached base 5 times and scored 5 runs, sparked the Fusion attack. Brad Schell had 3 hits and scored 4 runs and Dan Schroeter also had 3 hits. Michael Sechrist contributed with a bases clearing double and an incredible diving catch in left field to thwart a Rockies rally in the win. The Rockies and Fusion both sit at 1-2 on the young season.
Pitching and Defense Propel Clowns Past Sox
Pitching to contact and solid defense proved to be the right formula, as the Clowns notched their first ever win in Hoosier Adult Baseball League on Tuesday, beating the Black Sox 6-1. Starter Guy Vreeman went five innings to get the win, with Darren George pitching four scoreless innings in relief. The two pitchers scattered 9 hits and the Sox were never able to put together a big inning. The Clowns jumped out early, taking advantage of three Sox errors in the first to take a 3-0 lead. The Black Sox sent one across in the 3rd, making it 3-1, but the Clowns answered with two of their own in the home half, to stake themselves to a 5-1 margin. Vreeman contributed with two doubles on offense. John Dunbar had two hits for the visiting Sox, including a double. Both teams join the Rockies and Fusion at 1-2, two games back of the league leading Reds, one back of the second place Monarchs.
Week 2 Recap: Johnson and Johnson lead Reds and Monarchs, Stay Unbeaten
August 10, 2021
Grand Park
Reds Top Rockies
Week 2 of the 2021 HABL season concluded Tuesday night with the Reds and Monarchs both winning in convincing fashion to stay unbeaten at 2-0. On D3, the Reds got the bats going with a 21 hit attack, turning a tight game into a 17-7 victory over the Rockies in eight innings. They key frame was the 4th inning when the host Reds sent 13 batters to the plate, getting eight of them across to take a commanding 12-3 lead. The Reds' Jeff Johnson led with the lumber, getting 5 hits in 5 at bats, scoring 4 times, driving in 4. Mike Elkin added three hits with a pair of doubles, leading a quartet of Reds hitters with three hits apiece: Bobby Yeary, Mike Shadoan (who notched 3 RBIs), and Andy Straatman. Tom Weesner drove in three for the winners. Johnson pitched five innings to get the win, leaving the game in good shape for Shadoan, who pitched the final three to close it out. The league runner up Rockies from a year ago, find themselves at 1-1.
Monarchs Best Clowns
Over on D4, the Monarchs and Clowns met for the first time ever, with the 2-time defending champions winning by a 15-2 final. The Monarchs' Jeff Johnson pitched five shutout innings and nine different Monarchs scored runs on the night. The M’s move to 2-0, leaving the Clowns still in search of their first HABL victory.
Black Sox get the Bounces, Defeat Fusion
It is undeniable that baseball is a “game of inches”. Tuesday on D5, you could argue it was a “game of bounces” that went the Black Sox way. In the top of the 4th, with the Sox leading by a 2-1 margin, with two on and two out, catcher Tim Berry found the gap in right center, tripling home Jeff Keen and Todd Grote, increasing the lead to 4-1. Fast forward to the Sox 6th, and the Grand Park bounce showed up. With runners at second and third and two out, Sox batter Todd Grote, protecting the plate down two strikes, hit a flare over Fusion pitcher Kent Works that took a Sox bounce allowing a run to score making it 5-1. The next hitter, Berry singled home a run, followed by a Joe Clark single to make the score 7-1. The play of the game came in the bottom of that frame.
In response, Fusion worked the bases full with two out and Chris Kania smacked a deep drive over right fielder Todd Grote. The ball took two hops to the wall, clearing the bases. Kania tried to stretch the triple into an inside the park home run, but was cut down at the plate by what may best be described as a relay that is not ordinary. The Sox went 9-8-1-2 from the depths of right-center field, to barely nab Kania at the plate, exiting the inning with a 7-4 lead. The visitors were able to tack on four in the 7th to go up 11-4. Andre Simoneau’s single would lead to a Fusion run in the 7th to make it 11-5, but the Sox added one in the ninth for a 12-5 win. The Sox evened their record at 1-1, while the Fusion slip to 0-2.
Week 1 Recap: Three Tight Games Cap Opening Night
August 3, 2021
Grand Park
6-Run 8th Lifts Monarchs
The fourth season of Hoosier Adult Baseball commenced Tuesday night under clear skies and near perfect weather at Grand Park in Westfield. All three games were highly competitive, with one affair going to extra innings. On D3, the defending champion Monarchs tried to avoid just their third loss since the beginning of the 2019 campaign, as they took on the home Black Sox. Finding themselves down 4-1 after seven, the M’s proved up to the task, scoring six in the 8th, adding one in the 9th to escape with an 8-5 win. The Monarchs were unable to break through against Black Sox starter Todd Grote, who allowed just one unearned run in five innings of work. On the other side, Scott Metzinger came on for the Monarchs in the second, trailing the Black Sox 3-1, but kept it there though the sixth inning, striking out 10 in five innings. Jeff Johnson delivered the big blow for the defending champs. In the top of the 8th, with the bases loaded and no one out, the Monarchs slugger tripled off of Sox reliever John Dearth, clearing the bases, knotting things at 4. The Monarchs would score three more in the frame, exiting the inning with a 7-4 lead. Jeff Keen’s RBI double in the 8th cut the lead to 7-5, but the Monarchs added one in the 9th to make it 8-5, and that’s how it ended.
Rockies Rally Late, Spoil Clowns Debut
Tuesday marked the first ever game for the expansion Indy Clowns. By every measure, they acquitted themselves nicely in the opener against the Rockies on field D5. Several newcomers to the league for Coach Darren George’s team made contributions. Guy Vreeman pitched five strong innings, surrendering just three runs. Scott Herron, Ben Aberlee, Jeff Pittard, and Kevin Steel combined for 10 hits, and the Clowns took a 9-6 lead into the bottom of the ninth. However, in what would be the game’s penultimate frame, the Rockies pushed three across the plate to send the contest to extra innings. In the Rockies 10th, Joe Durle singled home the game winner, and the Rs tallied the 11-10 victory. Jeff Schmitt was 4-4, with 2 doubles and 2 RBIs, with Durle adding 3 hits and 2 RBIs, including the walk off winner. Henry Bryant started for the Rockies, going 3 innings, and came back to pitch the 10th for the R’s to get the win. (Under HABL rules, a pitcher is allowed to appear in a total of 5 innings, and can return to the mound in non-consecutive frames.)
Reds Foil Fusion
Over on D4, the Reds and Fusion delivered yet another close affair. The key play of the game came in the top of the 8th, with the Fusion down 6-5 but threatening. With two on, Reds right fielder John Williams came up throwing on a Fusion single, delivering a perfect relay to Bobby Yeary, who threw home to catcher Mak Knowles, cutting down the would be tying run. The Reds added two in the bottom half of the inning to go up 8-5, and that was the final. Chris Kania gave the Fusion four scoreless innings on the mound, striking out four. Michael Sechrist had 2 hits, and Dale Miller, an HABL and Fusion original, made his return from a one year absence, and contributed some sparkling defense in the loss.