Month: July 2024

Under the leadership of Bryan Dabe, the Top Gun Renegades 50AAA team dominated the 50/55+ Gold division. They effortlessly outplayed their opponents, not needing the open inning in any of their first four seeding and bracket games. In the championship, they triumphed over a strong Simply Aloha team. This victory follows their recent win at the Top Gun Tune-Up in Perris, marking their second consecutive tournament success. Remarkably, this streak comes after the team nearly disbanded last season, proving their resilience like a Phoenix rising from the ashes.

All-Tournament Selections:

• Ray Cho, leadoff hitter, batted .682
• Ramon “Bama” Johnson, stellar 2B, hit .750
• Marion Ramsey, lockdown 3B, hit .800
• Rick Markle, outstanding outfielder
• Dave Perez, ace pitcher, went 4-0

The Top Gun Storm 55AAA team excelled in the 55+ AAA division, emerging victorious in their six-team bracket. With a robust roster of 15 players, they maintained their energy in the 100-degree heat, rotating players effectively. This strategy paid off, especially in their championship game against Venom, which they won 23-11. Notably, they overcame deficits in the open inning twice during the tournament, showcasing their resilience. Against Lokahi AZ in their first bracket win, they overcame a 15-run deficit by scoring 15 runs in the open inning. In the A-side final, they came back from a 5-run deficit to reach the championship game. Dave Alofaituli summed it up best: “Every tournament game has two parts – the first 6 innings and the final open inning where you are never out of it.”

All-Tournament Selections:

• Ed Nunez
• Frank Ramirez
• Gene Leves
• Sean Jones
• Alexander Sandozequi

The Top Gun Warriors 60+ Major team had a unique path to victory. Seeded second after a 2-1 pool play record, they lost their first bracket game to a hot Vegas Elite team. However, on Sunday, they surged, batting .750 and winning consecutive elimination games. They capped their run with a dramatic double victory over Vegas Elite, scoring the maximum runs in each inning of the final game. This marks their third straight tournament victory in recent months.

Standout Performances:

• Dennis Carvalho, 2B, led the team in BA at .846
• Mike Berg, led in extra-base hits (16), SLG% (1.567), ISO (.833), and OPS (2.264)
• Roy Alberts, most hits (24), runs scored (19) and had two outfield assists on Sunday
• Tom Mott, hit .724, frequently pinch-ran and also had several outfield assists at critical times

Defensively, Dave “Buck” Buckles made diving catches, while Dan Wray (3B), Joel Glassman (SS), Dennis Carvalho (2B), and Rich Cruz (1B) provided stellar infield play. Tom Larson’s pitch calling and Ron Keil’s versatility in playing six positions were invaluable. Designated runners and base coaches Mike Price and Lee Bade were crucial in the extreme heat.

The Top Gun Old Dawgs 75AA won their 3-team division (75/80/85+ Gold). According to coach Rick Fisher, the key to their win was having 18 players, allowing them to rotate and keep fresh deeper into the tournament. Finishing with a record of 4-1, their only loss was in a seeding game to a 70s team not in their division. Regardless, they secured the #1 seed and went undefeated through bracket games in hard-fought, close matches.

Standout Players:

• Bruce Nelson
• Tom Salinas
• George Arnold
• Tom Townsen

Top Gun D&K won the 65/70+ Gold division, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and resilience under challenging playing conditions. After losing their only game in seeding to a team out of their division, they came together and sailed through bracket play undefeated. They won several close games when it really counted, showcasing their determination and skill.

All-Tournament Selections:

• John Benedict, batted .786 and pitched all the bracket games
• Rich Pratt, led the team in hitting at .875 and played multiple defensive positions
• Steve VinCurek, led the team in extra base hits, many at critical junctures, and excelled defensively in left field
• Mark Purdy, played great middle infield and had timely hits, keeping the team loose in the dugout
• Dave Lacey, solid infield play and contributed with big hits

Additionally, the Top Gun Old Dawgs 70AAA was extended a TOC berth despite finishing second in their 65/70+ Silver division as the highest 70AAA team.

All five teams earned Championship jerseys from Elite and an invitation to the Tournament of Champions in Florida next January.

Congratulations to the Top Gun Renegades, Storm, Warriors, Old Dawgs, and D&K for their outstanding performances and well-deserved victories!