Charlotte Adult Baseball
League
News
CONGRATS COACH MAC!!! - September 18, 2007
The CABL welcomes its newest addition to the family. Coach Mac with the Fungo has announced that at 7:55 on Monday, his beautiful daughter Dakota was born. Both Mother and Daughter are healthy and looking forward to watching some great CABL baseball played over the coming years!!
Congats Coach Mac!!!
[Top of Page] [Close]
Commissioners, League division directors, Board members and Head umpire,
We're beginning to wind down each of our divisions and starting to enter our tournament phase for our league. I just wanted to follow up with each of you to tell you how much I and many others appreciate your efforts on our behalf.
Many of us don't realize the extraordinary work efforts you have in place to not only craft the CABL divisions seasons, but the support in place behind each of our divisions.
In my opinion, I truly appreciate the umpire crews and Clint for managing this effort in a timely and effective means for us. In most games, the umpire crews are so silent, you don't even know they're there. I have always seen control established by the umpire crews and I also believe many umpires have bent over backwards to accommodate CABL players and truly represent us very well and work in our benefit on multiple occasions. I think that is most relevant to Clint ,his style of management and support for us and the profesional umpires he employs for us. Thank you Clint !
The CABL Commissioners, League Directors and Board members who sacrifice their time and efforts for us to play competitive baseball, on a professional level, is so very much adored and appreciated by our players, I am truly humbled by your gifts to us. Thank you !
Personally, I would like to thank you for each of your efforts on and off the field in support of the players in our league and to also acknowledge your efforts in continuing to build an outstanding organization and a home for our baseball endeavors. Thank you !
The talents, knowledge, skills, and professionalism each of our players brings to this league is with a doubt the cornerstone of our league. It has always been and will always be a pleasure playing with so many fine players this league has to offer and I always cherish my time with each of the players on the field. Thank you !
One final and very important comment I want to make is about Bob Rhodes, who is the baseball coach at Olympic HS. Bob is a golden individual who has supported our league since it's existence twenty years ago. He is a friend and a trusted person who always give mores to us than we ask of him. His tireless efforts to provide us a beautiful playing field is sooo very much appreciated. His time to assist with field accomodations and reconciliations is highly admired by all of us. They do not come any better than Bob.Thank you sir !
I know they are some addtional board members who I don't have an email for. Please forward this to them for me.
Maurice L. Brines
[Top of Page] [Close]
On Sunday, July 22nd was the first Masters Division All-Star game at Harding University High School. It was a great day for a baseball game and our all-stars provided a great game for a fun crowd of spectators. We had a moonbounce to entertain the kids, gave away over $200 of prises to the fans, and the free food was a hit (no pun intended). We even honored baseball, by acknowledging the 7th inning stretch by singing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game!"
The National v American all-star teams squared off for 9-innings of competitive baseball and they played with gusto making diving plays, base stealing, turning double-plays, and Benjy Brown making history by hitting the first all-star game home run. Congratulation Benjy! The game ended with the National Team winning 13 - 12 after both teams battled back-n-forth by 1 run for 5 innings until the American Team ran out of scorebook with the National Team in the lead.
At the end of this good-hearted competition, each player and manager was award a medal for their selection to the all-star team by the CABL Commissioner Jennifer Herny and the Masters Division Director Shawn Moore. The hurt pride of the American Team was the only dissapointment of the day, but that was quickly wiped away with the smiles of the camaraderie we had shared as honored participants of a truly stellar day.
The game was so competitive that everyone wanted recognize Most Valuable Players. So the CABL commissioner and Masters Division Director agreed to recognize MVPs from each Team, those players are: American Team - Hank Chan (Bats); National Team - Benjy Brown (Angels) and Maurice "Mo" Brines (Angels) were awared co-MVP. Trophy bats are awarded to the MVPs, personalized with their name and accomplishment. Congratulations!
I wanted to acknowledge the umpires: Daniel Cox (Plate); Steve Huddleson (1st Base); and John McNeely (3rd Base) for their stellar performance. Their professionalism gave the game the prestige it deserved. Thank you Clint for selecting a top-notch crew of umpires. To our commissioner Jennifer Herny and the CABL board member for supporting this event from it's conception to completion. Thanks to CMS Schools and Harding University High School for allowing us to use their facility. To our sponsors: Tom Poppino (The Natural Marketplace) and Frank McFadden (Maaco of Matthews) for their donations to the event; Jan Tiffany (Jumpin' Jacks) for supplying the moonbounce for the kids, popcorn, and sno-cones, I think I saw as many adults indulging as I did children; Dave Howe (Anzi Pizza & Pasta on Independence) for the donation; and Cliff Carattini (Bojangles) for supplying the cup holders and coupons.
Most importantly I want to give a big THANK YOU to all of the volunteers who stepped up at a moments notice to make the game a success: Jennifer Herny, Greg Amick, Scott Buzzard (food and setup); Joe Aiello (press box); Robby Bolick (Official Photographer); and the tall-silent young man who walked up and asked to help (your parents raised you right!).
Thanks to everyone for a memorable All-star game and I hope that enthusiasm for this annual event will continue to grow and every year it gets better!
 |
| Final Score of the 2007 Masters All-Star Game. |
Shawn F. Moore
CABL Masters Division Director
[Top of Page] [Close]
It is with deepest regret that I have to inform you of the passing of one of our CABL Masters Division members. On Saturday, April 2nd Randy McCorkle, a veteran of the CABL, died of complications related to his heart. Randy has played in every age group and on several teams within our league where he was known by his pleasant and can-do attitude. Randy's amazing speed made him one of the fastest players in the league and at 54 he was undisputedly one of the most fit. He has always proven himself to be a valuable player by his relentless competitiveness and hustle on the field and his pleasant demeanor off the field.
Randy, was currently playing with the Cardinals in the Masters Division where he was known a Mr. Hustle by his teammates. He was instrumental in helping his team win the 1st Masters Division championship in 2007 where he went on to the Roy Hobbs world series to help that team win there division's championship! A respected player, competitor, and friend, Randy will be missed by not only his teammates, but also the CABL.
Sorrowfully,
Shawn F. Moore
CABL Masters Division Director
[Top of Page] [Close]
CABL looses league veteran, Kent Long, to a heart attack on Friday, December 1st. - Dec 1, 2006
Kent Long, a long standing Giant player, who's competitiveness is respected
by all of us in the Charlotte Adult Baseball League. Kent, a Charlotte
Mecklenburg
Firefighter, was at work on Friday when the heart attack happened. A valiant
rescue attempt by Kent's firefighter colleagues could not sustain him.
As a veteran player for the Giants, Kent was respected on and off the field. We will miss Kent, competing against him, talking with him, and just having him around. On behalf of the CABL we would like to offer our condolences to Kent's family and friends on this tremendously sad occasion.
The funeral and visitation will be this Monday, December 4 at Hickory Grove
Baptist Church; 6050 Hickory Grove Rd,
Charlotte. Visitation will be 9:30 - 11:15 am, and the service will be
at 11:30 am. The Funeral home handling the arrangements is
McEwen - Mint Hill Chapel.
Donations can be set to:
Kent Long Children's Memorial Fund
c/o Charlotte fire dept credit union
OR
Contact Stan Morgan to contribute to the Funds that CABL will make directly to Kent's family.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences go to the family and friends of Kent.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Shawn F. Moore / Maurice L. Brines
============================================================
A message from our Commissioner:
I want to take this time to express my deepest sympathy regarding the passing of one of the great players and people to ever play in the CABL. I am not ashamed to say I cried when I heard of the passing of Kent Long on Friday. Although I only knew him from competing against him and my experiences with him on the baseball diamond Kent was more than just a great baseball player. He was a great father and family man. He was a great son husband and friend. He was a great teammate and as I knew him he was a great competitor. Kent played for the Giants - one of the great teams in the CABL. I know I can speak for everyone who ever played with him and against him that Kent played the game with a quiet elegance and grace. He was so talented but never acted like he knew he was incredibly gifted. He not only played the game at the highest level but he touched so many players lives by the manner in which he played the game. For Kent understood that winning and losing is important but what is more important is how you play and respect the game and the players playing in it. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends. He will be an inspiration to us all through the way he touched all of our lives if only for a brief moment. God Bless you Kent Long. You will remain in our hearts forever.
Sincerely
Stan Morgan
Commissioner CABL
[Top of Page] [Close]
KINGS OPEN TEAM WINS AAAA ROY HOBBS WORLD SERIES! - October 31, 2005
The Kings Open team won 7 straight games in four days
to capture the RHWS AAAA championship late Saturday
night. Kings had to beat Harry Young Builders (OH)
7-6 in dramatic style to win our 2 title in the last 3
years.
The Kings Vets are trying to make it 2 in a row this
week.
Special thanks for all who support the Kings team and
Charlotte league.
.Bill Clary
[Top of Page] [Close]
CAROLINA RANGERS INVITED TO PLAY THE GASTONIA GRIZZLIES IN AN EXHIBITION GAME
The Carolina Rangers (11-1 Overall Record, 2-0 Central Division) of the CABL Summer League have been invited to play the Gastonia Grizzlies of the Coastal Plains League in a 5-inning exhibition game at Sims Legion Park on June 1, 2005 at 7:00 PM. The wood bat game will conclude media day events for the Grizzlies.
The Gastonia Grizzlies play in the Coastal Plain League, a collegiate wood bat summer league. The 14-team league showcases some of the best college players from across the nation. In its 9th year of existence, the Coastal Plain League has teams from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Rangers' manager Bryan Walsh is honored by the privilege to showcase the CABL against one of the best amateur teams in the region. "Our guys are looking forward to the challenge. We see this as an opportunity to get better. When you play great competition, you learn to elevate your level of play."
.Bryan Walsh
[Top of Page]
[Close]
THE PASSING OF A LEGEND AND FRIEND
I want to take this time to pay tribute to a very special manager and member of our league who God took home this week. Othonell Hemphill known to all as Big O passed away on Tuesday morning.
Big O managed the Rock Hill O's and built one of the great adult baseball organizations ever. His many championships and wins as a manager are a small part of his legacy. For he built a truly great baseball organization through the values and discipline he taught and preached to his students. He was a man of great character and substance. He helped build character in the individuals he coached teaching them that winning and losing is not as important as how you play and respect the game and the players playing it. His teams exemplified his love and passion for not only the game of baseball but the game of life. He won at the highest level at both. Big O was an inspiration to all of us especially this past year. He would not allow his illness to keep him away from the game and the team he loved. We are all better people for having known him for the way he touched all of our lives if only for a brief moment.
God Bless You Big O. Thank you for touching my life and all of our lives in such an inspirational way. We love you and will miss you. Your contributions to adult baseball and the CABL and society will never be forgotten.
Sincerely
Stan Morgan
Commissioner CABL
Top of Page]
[Close]
KINGS MAKE VALIANT SHOWING AT WORLD SERIES
The Kings Open team went 5-3 in AAAA finishing
in 4th place overall. Kings lost to Harry Young Builders 3-2 in the
semi's (our 3rd game of the day). The Kings Vets also made the AAAA
playoffs only to get ousted by the Cincinnati Astros 6-1 and finish
in 7th overall. Both teams made a good showing...just falling short
this year.
I would like to thank the entire CABL for your interest and support
.Bill Clary
[Top of Page]
[Close]
KINGS OPEN ROY HOBBS WORLD SERIES RESULTS
Kings Open team has won 2 of our first
3 games at the RHWS. Kings lost to the Akron A's 9-0, then beat the
Southside Atlanta
Orioles 12-2 and Cincinnati Cobalts 6-0. Tonight, a Kings win will put
us in to the AAAA playoffs starting on Thursday. Click on http://www.eteamz.com/kingsbaseball
(it will take you to our web site) for further details.
Bill Clary
[Top of Page]
[Close]
KINGS WIN 5th STRAIGHT FALL LEAGUE TITLE
After the Combos defeated the Expos in
the losers bracket game, the Combos took on the Kings only to lose 19-8.
This is Kings 5th straight fall league title in 5 tries. Kings now prepares
to defend our Roy Hobbs Open title Oct. 30-Nov.6, and win a Vets AAAA
title a week later. Schedules for both teams are found below.
Open Schedule:
Sat. 10/30, Kings vs. Akron A's @ 7pm
Sun. 10/31, Kings vs. Southside Atlanta Orioles @ 6pm
Mon. 11/1, Kings vs. Cincinnati Cobalts @ 1:45pm
Tue. 11/2, Kings vs. Fort Myers Pirates @ 6pm
Thu-Sat. 11/4-6, Playoffs
Vets Schedule:
Sun. 11/7, Kings Vets vs. Palm Bay Americans @ 10am
Sun. 11/7, Kings Vets vs. Livingston Dodgers @ 1:45pm
Mon. 11/8, Kings Vets vs. Minnesota Bulldogs @ 10am
Tue. 11/9, Kings Vets vs. Chicago Knights @ 8pm
Thu-Sat. 11/11-13, Playoffs
Bill Clary
[Top of Page]
[Close]
The CABL would like to extend a heartwarming congratulations to our league's Vice-president and his wife on the birth of their daughter Catherine Grace Walsh. Holly Walsh gave birth to their daughter on October 19, 2004 at 9:39 PM, Catherine is 20" long and 7lbs 14 oz. Catherine is Bryan & Holly's first child and we wish the newlywed couple many more. Bryan is the manager of the highly competitive Charlotte Ranger's in the summer season and has managed competitive teams in the EUSA tournament and Fall Season as well. When asked for a statement Bryan responded, "Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers! We will have our hands full, but it is very much welcomed!"
Shawn Moore
[Top of Page]
[Close]
KINGS RHWS TEAM NEEDS PITCHERS!
The Charlotte Kings is out to defend their 2003 Open division title at Roy Hobbs World Series October 30-November 6 in Fort Myers, FL. Kings needs pitchers who will turn 28 this calendar year or older to step forward and let Kings manager Bill Clary know of your interest. Bill can be reached by cell at 704/236-1899. Please call ASAP for consideration. Thanks.
Bill Clary
[Top of Page]
[Close]
CHARLOTTE KINGS TO BUILD TRAVEL TEAM FOR INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT.
The Grand Forks International Invitation - One of the most highly recognized International tournaments of the year has invited Kings to participate in their annual Labor Day week tournament, August 31-September 6 in Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada. It's an Open age event with no roster limitations. So there are no restrictions to roster size or player backgrounds.
We have already paid the team entry fee, so we're in. The tourney is limited to 16 teams. Thus far, the Cincinnati Cobalts (RH), Los Angeles Tinseltown Terror (MSBL Champs), Lewis-Clark State College (winner of 14 of 21 past NAIA college Championships), Team Canada (Olympic team), Team Italy (Olympic team), Team Taiwan (Olympic team), and several other top amateur teams will compete. It's also a wood bat tourney.
Due to Kings obligation to the RHWS in Florida in November it will not be possible to field just a Kings team. We have about 7-9 players committed and plan to take 15-18 players). Our goal is to recognize this leagues best players willing to pay their way (approx. $275 in airfare) and hotel expense to help form a highly competive team and win it all. I believe we've got the talent in our league to win not just compete. This is a money-tourney. It takes a semi-final appearance to figure into the BIG cash awards. A Kings championship would allow players to evenly split $14,000. A second place finish pays splits $6,000. Some money is split on just playoff appearances, amount unknown. So a championship game appearance is critical to all. (An even share is given to those attending all of our tourney games. Partial shares go to those attending less than that.)
If you or any member of your team wants
to be a part of something special please call or have them call me ASAP
for consideration. I can be reached at 803/547-7313 (office) or 704/236-1899
(cell).
Bill Clary
[Top of Page] [Close]
CHARLOTTE TEAMS DOMINATE AT RHWS!
The 3 teams that represented Charlotte at the Roy Hobbs
World Series made the most of their opportunities and came away with
a AAAA Open Championship, a AAA Veteran Championship and a Runner-up
Legends outcome. Here's the way each team fared.
Charlotte Kings Open team, 8-0 and won AAAA. We only trailed 1/2 inning all week. Craig Zedalis got the win in the championship game a 7-3 win over Toledo, OH.
The Charlotte Kings Vets went 8-1 and won AAA. We beat up on Tallahassee 16-2 in the championship game.
The Charlotte Chiefs Legends went 6-2 and lost to Detroit 4-1 in their championship contest.
That's a collective 22-3 record for the 3 teams!!
Thanks to all for your support.
Bill Clary
[Top of Page] [Close]
KINGS WIN RHWS!!
The Charlotte Kings Open team won the 2003 RHWS last
night in Fort Myers, FL!
We went 8-0 for the week and beat Harry Young Builders (Toledo, OH)
7-3 in the championship to claim the title.
Thanks for all your support in helping to make this possible.
Bill Clary
[Top of Page]
[Close]
COMPETITIVE BY NATURE - A quick story of a true athlete. - May 22, 2003
A thoughtful insight to one of my White Sox players.
About thirty minutes prior to the start of one of our Saturday games,
one of my pitchers called me. He was scheduled to start the second
game that day. He mentioned that his wife, Kris, was going into labor.
He thought he would be able to make the first game though and was
asking if it was alright if he could pitch the first game. He felt
certain he would be able to complete the game and get to his wife's
bedside, prior to the birth of their new baby.
It's instances like this that show the true competitive nature of
an athlete. I really got a deep-down, great feeling from Mike's desire
to compete that day and so did his teammates. Mike pitched six very
strong innings and captured six strikeouts along the way. I'll always
remember events like this.
I just wanted to share with you the life's and times of the most valued
fun times we share with one another.
As it turned out, all was okay and actually Mike could have stayed
for the second game too. Mike and Kris's new baby son was born the
following Wednesday at 09:47AM. His name is Ryan McNeill Viruso, nine
pounds, 20.5" long. Both mother and baby are doing great.......thank
you Kris for puttin' up with us, and Mike for your true dedication
!
Maurice Brines
[Top of Page]
[Close]
Angels Congratulate a New Daddy. - April 24, 2003
The wife of Scott B. (Graduate Pub Angels) gave birth
to a baby girl Anna Ray on April 16th at 12:27pm. She weighed 6lbs.
10oz. and was 19.5 inches long. We hope mother & baby are doing
well!
[Top of Page]
[Close]
Johnny Donaldson Jr. died Wednesday of undetermined causes. Johnny was a teammate of many Giants and Kings players and I know we all share in the loss. Our prayers go out to the parents, Johnny Donaldson Sr. and Barbara.
Calling hours will be this evening from 7:00-8:30pm at McEwen Funeral Services in Charlotte. A funeral service will be held at 11:00am Saturday at McEwen Funeral Service (Charlotte Chapel). I urge as many former players as possible attend to show respect to Johnny and support for the family.
I knew Johnny for more than 16 years. He used to follow me around Ricky Steamboats Gym and ask questions about lifting constantly.
The next time I was to see Johnny was playing for the Giants fall team years later. He was known for his free spirited play and awesome display of power. He never saw a fastball he didn't like.
In 2000 Johnny made a comeback and played about half the year with Kings before his personal training commitments took over. He was a great guy to have around and put a lot of pressure on himself to perform at a high level.
Johnny you will be missed!
[Top of Page]
[Close]
Newly
elected board member to conduct practices for prospective players. (By
Cliff C.)
- February 12, 2003
The first New Player Practices & Draft will be held on Saturday, March 1st and Saturday, March 8th from 10 am to 12 noon. We have secured the baseball field at Olympic High School located at 4301 Sandy Porter Rd in Charlotte, NC for our event.
C. Carattini, the newly
elected board member and Player/Manager of the regular season expansion
team, Carolina Crawdads, has volunteered to conduct the practices for
prospective players. He and several volunteers will conduct the practices
while the Managers evaluate. "I am hoping that we allow the players
a couple of sessions in case nerves take over one week", says Carattini.
After the second practice, the Managers will select the players in a
draft. The new players will be contacting their prospective players
following the draft to begin practicing with their new team. We are
selecting from a database of 50 or so players, I expect 10-20 to show.
Contact Carattini or the league phone to sign up or for information.
[Top of Page] [Close]
