This past fall of 2024, the Minnoka Grays embarked on a highly anticipated journey to Arizona, driven by a burning ambition: to become the first team in 35+ Men's Senior Baseball League (MSBL) history to successfully defend their World Series title. With the taste of victory from the previous year still fresh in their minds and coming off another Federal League AAA title (Back-to-Back), the Grays and their supporters were determined to etch their name in the annals of adult baseball lore—or at least to snag another t-shirt and trophy.
The tournament began favorably for the Grays, as they powered through preliminary rounds with an impressive offensive onslaught. They decisively defeated their opponents, including a solid 9-5 victory over the LA Charros and an 18-2 thrashing of the Nuevo México Conquistadores. Key players like Jeff Brooks, Michael Crane, and Joey Olson consistently delivered standout performances, fueling the team's momentum toward the championship. Notably, Jeff Brooks hit a memorable homerun against the Chicago Cyclones at Tempe Diablo Stadium—an event broadcast live on YouTube for fans and players back home to celebrate.
As pool play concluded, the Minnoka Grays stood undefeated at 6-0, setting them on a collision course with their ultimate goal: the championship game. Earning a First Round bye allowed them to relax and await their matchup against the Utah Blues, whom they took down 18-3 in eight innings. Stellar performances from pitchers Bub Lovas and Cliff Christopherson kept the Blues at bay, while the Grays’ lineup exploded with a remarkable twenty-three hits.
Expectations soared as the Grays faced an exhausting semifinal match against the Indy Heat. Originally predicted to face their local buddies from Mammoth, the Grays found themselves battling for their championship hopes in a tense and controversial contest. Despite the thirty-minute hold-up due to roster issues for the Heat, the Grays pulled through with an 11-7 victory. Ben Sickler showcased his prowess on the mound, throwing seven innings with seven strikeouts and guiding the Grays to the 35+ MSBL Championship Game for the second consecutive year. The camaraderie among teammates deepened, reflecting their shared dream and hard work throughout the tournament.
However, on the grand stage of the championship, fatigue began to set in. In a closely contested battle against the Houston Gamblers—an adversary they had battled and defeated in last year's championship—the Grays faced a whirlwind of competitiveness. The game unfolded with dramatic swings in momentum, as both teams traded runs back and forth. Although the Grays rallied valiantly, showcasing their fighting spirit, they ultimately fell short, losing 15-12. The palpable disappointment lingered as players grappled with the weight of their near miss; they had set their sights on becoming history-makers but instead ended up settling for runner-up t-shirts.
Despite the setback, the Minnoka Grays walked away from Arizona with heads held high. They exhibited incredible teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. The experiences they shared and the friendships they forged transcended the outcomes of any games. The joys of ice cream parties post-game brought a playful spirit to their journey—a heartwarming send-off for Mike Weyrauch, who was retiring, and a great recruiting tool to attract new players eager to be a Gray for a week.
Though they fell short of ultimate glory, the Grays left with a renewed sense of purpose, surprising themselves yet again. They resolved to look forward to 2025 with the aim of achieving a three-peat in league play, continuing to embody the passion, fun, and determination that defined their team. Their journey was far from over; they would rise again, eager for another shot at any championship, eyes set on greatness for future seasons—or at least another celebratory ice cream social and spa visit.
### Arizona Statistical Highlights ###
**Grays Offense**
- Batting Average: .395 (135 hits including 20 doubles, 4 triples, and a home run)
- Runs Scored: 105
- Stolen Bases: 35
- Walks: 51 (44 strikeouts)
- **Top Performers**:
- Jeff Brooks: .652 AVG, .913 SLG
- Matt Carter: .778 OBP
- Dan Skog: .706 OBP
- Joey Olson: 16 hits, 20 runs
- Michael Crane: 15 RBIs
- Alex Gonzalez: 9 stolen bases
**Grays Pitching and Defense**
- Pitching Record: 8-1 with 3 Saves
- Team ERA: 4.00
- Strikeouts: 60 (40 walks against opponents hitting .278 with 85 total hits)
- Fielding Percentage: .964 (7 double plays, 12 errors)
- **Top Performers**:
- Ben Sickler & Cliff Christopherson: 2 wins each
- Cliff Christopherson: 16.1 innings pitched, 16 strikeouts
- Alex Gonzalez: 0.00 ERA in 3.1 innings
- Vince Petti: 1.182 WHIP
