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Santa Barbara Wins 2022 NBC World Series Title

Posted on by katiewoods

 

WICHITA, Kan. – The Santa Barbara (California) Foresters won their 10th National Baseball Congress World Series title Saturday with a 12-1 win over the Hays (Kansas) Larks in the 88th NBC World Series at Eck Stadium.

The Foresters (6-0), who led the tournament in both hitting and fielding, became the third team to win three consecutive titles, joining Fort Wayne (Indiana), which won four straight from 1947-50 and Fairbanks (Alaska), winners from 1972-74 as part of a seven-year run of NBCWS Championship game appearances from 1971 to 1977. Santa Barbara also extended its string of wins to 15, tying Boulder (Colorado) for consecutive wins.

The Foresters took control early with six runs in the first two innings and never looked back. Five more runs in the sixth put the game out of reach. Gavin Kash was one of four players with two hits and drove in three runs to pace Santa Barbara’s 14-hit attack against five Hays pitchers. Miguel Santos and Nate Rombach each scored twice and had two RBIs, and Nick McLain was the other with two hits. Parker Smith won his second game of the tournament, scattering four hits and striking out five over six innings. Three relievers worked an inning each to complete the 7-hitter.

Hunter Rosson homered in the fifth for Hays (4-2). He and Palmer Hutchison finished the tournament with two home runs, joining the Foresters’ Rombach for the home run lead. Hunter Marshall (1-1) was knocked out in the second inning and was charged with six runs. Hays collected its sixth runner-up finish, tying Fairbanks for second, one behind seven for Liberal (Kansas). Santa Barbara led the tournament with a .376 average and a 1.29 ERA. The Larks entered the game with a 1.02 ERA, but exited it with a 2.94 mark.

The was the second time that Hays and Santa Barbara met in the championship game; the Foresters won the 2016 title 6-2. The 88th NBC World Series is powered by Evergy.

2022 NBC World Series – Players to Watch

Posted on by katiewoods

 

The 2022 NBC World Series, powered by Evergy, continues on August 4th with the start of single elimination play. Eight teams remain as they compete for the 88th NBC World Series Championship, to be played on Saturday, August 6th at WSU Eck Stadium. Learn more about the matchups, and the players to watch.

The Haysville Aviators will play the Liberal Bee Jays at 12:00pm on Thursday. Liberal was undefeated in pool play, following a forfeit, while Haysville was 2-1.

Cade Baker (Nebraska – Omaha) and Arturo Ramirez (Vernon CC) are among the players to watch for the Aviators. Baker is 5-11 (.455) with 1 HR and 4 RBIs. Ramirez has thrown most of the innings for the Aviators. In 6 innings of work, he has a 4.50 ERA and 8 strikeouts while only walking 1.

Ryan Leary (Texas State) and Jackson Berry (Tennessee Tech) are the players to watch for the Bee Jays. Leary is 4-7 (.571) in the tournament with 2 RBIs and 2 doubles. Berry leads the Bee Jays staff with 7 innings pitched and 6 strikeouts. He has only given up 1 ER and has a 1.28 ERA.

The Hays Larks will face off against the Lonestar Baseball Club at 3pm, Thursday as both teams look for a win in bracket play. Lonestar Baseball Club went 3-0 in pool play while the Larks were 2-1.

Larks to keep up with through bracket play include Leo Jiminian (East Tennessee State) and Hunter Marshall (UT Arlington). Jiminian is 5-9 (.556) with 3 doubles so far. Marshall has a 0.00 ERA and 3 strikeouts in 7 innings of work.

Brendan Ryan (TAMUCC) and Nathan Medrano (Houston) are the players to watch for the Lonestar Baseball Club. Ryan is 4-9 (.444) with a double, a homerun, and 5 RBIs. Medrano has been dominating all summer. So far in the NBC tournament, he has 7 strikeouts and a 0.00 ERA in just 5 innings of work.

Hutchinson Monarchs and Seattle Studs play their first game of Bracket at 6:00pm Thursday. Both teams went 2-1 in pool play but the Studs were the 1-seed coming out of their pool while Hutch was the 2-seed.

Studs to watch include Charlie Larson (Central Washington) and Anthony Brady (Northern Colorado). Larson is 4-10 (.400) with 3 stolen bases and 3 runs scores. Brady has a 2.00 ERA and 9 strikeouts in 9 innings of work.

Sawyre Thornhill (WSU) and Dakota Palmer (SHSU) are the players to watch for the Monarchs. Thornhill is 7-11 (.636) with a homerun, 3 RBIs, and 5 runs scored. Palmer has gone 6 innings and maintains a 0.00 ERA to go along with his 6 strikeouts.

After going 3-0 in their pool, Santa Barbara Foresters will play the TBT Ballers in the nightcap on Thursday. The Foresters are the overall 1-seed for bracket play.

Ballers to keep up with through bracket play are Gabe Irwin (SFASU) and Peyton Carson (Emporia State). Irwin is 4-8 (.500) with a double and 2 RBIs. Carson has a 0.00 ERA and 6 strikeouts in 4 innings of work.

Payton Tolle (WSU) and Nick McClain (Arizona St.) are the pair of Foresters to watch. Tolle is scheduled to throw Thursday on his college field to make his NBC debut. Tolle has a 3.03 ERA in 29.2 innings of work this summer with the ‘Sters. McClain is 8-12 (.600) with 3 doubles, a homerun, and 4 RBIs. He hit his homerun with a broken wood bat!

Live streaming video and live stats for all games are available on nbcbaseball.com, or by downloading the 2022 NBC World Series app, available for both Apple and Android.

Cron Named Graduate of the Year

Posted on by katiewoods

The National Baseball Congress announced today that Colorado Rockies first baseman C.J. Cron is the 2022 NBC Graduate of the Year. Cron played in the NBC World Series in 2009 as a member of the Anchorage Glacier Pilots of the Alaska Baseball League. During the 2009 NBC World Series, Cron played in four games, starting in two of them, and recorded nine defensive putouts.

The Graduate of the Year Award has been presented to an NBC alumni member every year since 1975, based on their MLB performance in the previous season. Past winners of the award include Aaron Judge, Hunter Pence and Ian Kinsler.

Born in Fullerton, California, Cron was drafted as the 17th overall pick of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft by the Los Angeles Angels, and made his MiLB debut with the Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League. His Major League debut came in 2014 with the Angels, and he spent time with the Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers before joining the Colorado Rockies in 2021.

During the 2021 season with the Rockies, Cron batted .281 with 28 home runs and a career-high 92 RBIs and 70 runs scored, and he was named an MLB All-Star for the 2022 season, representing the Rockies in Los Angeles.

Liberal Bee Jays vs. Waco Winners Game on Tuesday, August 2nd Cancelled

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MEDIA ALERT – Liberal Bee Jays vs. Waco Winners Game Cancelled

The 88th NBC World Series, powered by Evergy, announced the cancellation of the Liberal Bee Jays vs. Waco Winners game scheduled for 12:00pm on Tuesday, August 2nd due to forfeit. The game will not be made up, and the Liberal Bee Jays will be awarded the victory.

Updated game schedule for Tuesday, August 2:

  • 3:00pm – Cheney Diamond Dawgs vs. TBT Ballers
  • 6:00pm – Haysville Aviators vs. San Diego Stars
  • 8:30pm – Santa Barbara Foresters vs. Denver Cougars

National Baseball Congress Announces 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees

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Gillick, Storrs Sr. and Walker are the newest members

The National Baseball Congress is excited to announce the 2022 NBC Hall of Fame inductees. Staying true to our legacy, we want to remember the legacy these men created and look forward to honoring them during the 88th NBC World Series powered by Evergy, on Friday, August 5 at Wichita State University’s Eck Stadium, following the 6:00pm game.

Pat Gillick was a gifted pitcher and member of the 1958 College World Series champion USC Trojans before spending five years in the minor leagues. The Chico, California native started working in professional baseball, but still dabbled as a player. Gillick earned Pitcher of the Year and All-American honors in 1965 for NBC Champion, Rapid Transit Dreamliners. Pat pitched 13 innings and gave up only one earned run, with 18 Strikeouts. As a Major League Baseball executive, Gillick served as General Manager for the Blue Jays, Orioles, Mariners and Phillies. Becoming a 3-time World Champion as the GM of the Toronto Blue Jays (1992 & 1993) and Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. In 2011, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

William (Bill) Storrs Sr. founded the Crestwood (IL) Panthers in 1976 and managed the team for 41 years. The Panthers participated in the NBC World Series 21 times from 1991 to 2016, finishing 3rd Place twice (2006 & 2007) and were a top-ten team for 8 years. During his time as Manager/General Manager of the Crestwood Panthers, the Panthers won 26 Northern Illinois Baseball League championships and 4 Chicago Suburban League championships.

Dennis Walker umpired in the NBC World Series for 25 years, spanning the 1970’s, 80’s & 90’s. He spent three years in professional baseball umpiring in the Northern League and Florida State League. After that, he turned his attention to college baseball, working games in the Missouri Valley and the Big 8/Big 12 conferences. In addition to his college duties, Walker umpired summer league baseball which eventually led him to the NBC. He also officiated college football and basketball during those years. Following the 2006 season, Walker retired after 43 years of umpiring and officiating.

2022 Terry Brewster Award Recipients Announced

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The National Baseball Congress, in conjunction with Spirit AeroSystems, announced the 16 community members who will be recognized as Terry Brewster Community Volunteer All-Stars at the 2022 NBC World Series, powered by Evergy.

The Terry Brewster Community Volunteer Award is given annually in honor of long time NBC supporter and former board member Terry Brewster. Volunteers are nominated by members of the community, and then winners are selected by a committee. More than 50 nominations were submitted in 2022 for local volunteers.

The 2022 honorees receive four tickets to an NBCWS game where they will be recognized during the feature game, and have their story shared. The community is invited to attend the games and help celebrate these dedicated residents who volunteer their time, talent and resources for the benefit of others.

2022 Terry Brewster Community Volunteer Award Honorees

NCWS Game Honoree Company Volunteer Organization(s)
Thurs July 28 Richard Gadbury JohnsManville Founder and head coach of Reno County Boxing Academy
Thurs July 28 Zak Kirk Home Plate Baseball Club and Drake Plumbing Softball & Baseball Coach and owner of Home Plate Club
Fri July 29 John Wright KQAM Radio and USD 259 Coach and mentor for basketball and track & field student athletes
Sat Jul 30 Becker/Heimerman Families American AgCredit Youth recreational sports leaders in Garden Plain
Sun July 31 Jim Snodgrass Snodgrass and Sons Construction His Helping Hands volunteer & board member
Sun July 31 John Newsom Boeing (retired) Long-time volunteer for The Women’s Network- TWN
Mon Aug 1 Jeff McCausland Gray Media and KWCH 2022 Riverfest Volunteer & Volunteer Coordinator
Mon Aug 1 James Roseboro Wichita Independent Neighborhoods Founder of the Wichita Independent Neighborhoods and President of the Northeast Heights Neighborhood Association
Tues Aug 2 David & Lynn Gilkey Rise Up For Youth Co-founders of Rise Up For Youth in Wichita
Tues Aug 2 Teon Wilson Prime Fit Youth Foundation Founder of Prime Fit Youth Foundation
Thurs Aug 4 Linette Brungardt Spirit AeroSystems Longtime Chair of Spirit AeroSystems’ Adopt A Family & Toy Drive
Thurs Aug 4 David Jabara David Jabara CPA Member of League 42 board of directors and leading force of Kids First fundraising campaign
Fri Aug 5 Ian Worrell INTRUST Bank Volunteer and Board of Directors member for HumanKind
Fri Aug 5 Skip Moran Retired Volunteer driver for Passageways
Sat Aug 6 Carol Brewer Dorothy’s Lane Head of Dorothy’s Lane social service agency
Sat Aug 6 Sherri Hamilton Grant Thornton Volunteer for Junior Achievement of Wichita and The Pando Initiative

2022 NBC World Series Dates Announced

Posted on by katiewoods

The Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission and National Baseball Congress Foundation are proud to announce the 88th NBC World Series, powered by Evergy returns to Wichita State University – Eck Stadium later this summer. The NBC World Series will be played July 28 – August 6, with Wichita hosting the last six days of the event, August 1 – 6. The first four days will be played in Hutchinson, KS at Hobart-Detter Field, July 28 – 31.

“We’re pleased to renew our partnership with Wichita State and the City of Hutchinson. Both have grown to be amazing partners over the last few years”, said Kevin Jenks, NBC Tournament Director. “Playing at Eck Stadium ensures the NBC tradition stays in Wichita, while the energy and hospitality of the Hutchinson community continues to grow”.

The format for this year’s event returns to a 16-team field. Four pools of four teams each will compete over a six-day period, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to a single elimination bracket to determine a national champion, Saturday, August 6. Four games per day will be played July 28 – August 2. The NBC Hall of Fame Induction is scheduled for Wednesday, August 3. Single elimination bracket games will be played August 4 – 6.

“The return to pool play with a single elimination bracket meets the requests of our teams that travel hundreds of miles to compete in our national tournament. Qualifying for the NBC World Series is difficult enough. Now our teams have the chance to play more games with more rest for much needed pitching.” Jenks added.

The NBC World Series was created in 1935 by local sporting goods salesman Raymond “Hap” Dumont. This year will mark the 88th continuous year for the annual tournament.

Tickets will go on sale later this spring.

Posted in NBC

NBC All-Americans Announced for 2021

Posted on by katiewoods
NBC All-Americans Announced for 2021

WICHITA, Kan. – The 2021 NBC All-Americans all played key roles in advancing their respective teams through the 87h NBC World Series powered by Evergy. The Santa Barbara Foresters claimed their 9th National Championship with a 5-0 record in the double-elimination format. Lonestar Baseball’s Aaron Smith was selected as Manager of the Year. The presenting sponsor for the NBC All-American Team is Hook Bats, www.hookbats.com. Each All-American will receive a customized commemorative bat.

Pitchers
Nathan Medrano Lonestar, TX Baseball Club 0.00 ERA, 2-0 Record, 15 Innings, 10 K’s, 1 BB, 4 Hits
Justin Eckhardt Santa Barbara, CA Foresters 0.00 ERA, 2-0 Record, 12 Innings, 13 K’s, 0 BB, 4 Hits
Ben Abram Santa Barbara, CA Foresters 0.96 ERA, 2-0 Record, 9.1 Innings, 12 K’s, 2 BB, 7 Hits
Jarrett Seaton Great Bend, KS Bat Cats 1.12 ERA, 1-0 Record, 8 Innings, 14 K’s, 2 BB, 3 Hits

Catchers
Dylan Leach Santa Barbara, CA Foresters .600 BA, HR, 6 Hits, 3 RBI, .900 SLG% 1.000 FLD %

Infielders
1B – Max Puls Lonestar, TX Baseball Club .320 BA, 8 Hits, 3 2B, 7 RBI, 1.000 FLD %
2B – Jordan Ardoin Hutchinson, KS Monarchs .333 BA, 4 Hits, 1.000 FLD %
3B – Charlie Larson Seattle, WA Studs .350 BA, 7 Hits, 3 RBI, .950 FLD %
SS – Seth Stephenson Santa Barbara, CA Foresters .421 BA, 8 Hits, 6 Runs, 4 RBI, 2 HR, 1.000 FLD %

Outfielders
Ryan Koval Cheney, KS Diamond Dawgs .476 BA, 10 Hits, HR, 4 2B, 11 RBI, .810 SLG%, 1.000 FLD %
Jaxson Syring Cheney, KS Diamond Dawgs .438 BA, 7 Hits, 12 Runs, 3 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 4 SB, 1.000 SLG %
Josh Stinson Santa Barbara, CA Foresters .500 BA, 8 Hits, 7 Runs, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 5 SB,

Utility
Nolan Riley Great Bend, KS Bat Cats .333 BA, 6 Hits, 6 Runs, 5 RBI, HR, 1.000 FLD %

Designated Hitter
Jonas Kim Seattle, WA Studs .467 BA, 7 Hits, 5 Runs, 6 RBI, 4 2B, .733 SLG %

About NBC: The NBC World Series is the premier summer showcase for college-age amateur players since 1935. This non-profit 501c(3) foundation operates under the supervision of the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission. To learn more, visit www.nbcbaseball.com.

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McNeil Named 2021 NBC Graduate of the Year

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McNeil Named 2021 NBC Graduate of the Year

Former Santa Barbara Forester and NY Met joins prestigious group

 

WICHITA, KANSAS – The National Baseball Congress is proud to announce Jeff McNeil as the recipient of the 2021 NBC Graduate of the Year Award. This award has been presented to NBC alumni since 1975 and is based on prior season performance. McNeil was born in Santa Barbara and grew up attending Foresters youth camps, but eventually moved to Nipomo, CA for his high school years. He decided to attend Long Beach State and returned to Santa Barbara during the summers of 2010 and 2011 to play for the Foresters in the California Collegiate League.

McNeil was a crucial piece of the Foresters’ 2011 championship squad. He batted .345 with 4 RBIs and 8 runs scored in the NBC World Series that year and was honored with a selection to the tournament’s All-American Team as a utility man. This selection would serve as foreshadowing for the first two seasons of his career. Additionally, McNeil has become a permanent member of Foresters history with his induction into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2019.

After three seasons at Long Beach State, McNeil was drafted by the New York Mets in the 12th round of the 2013 MLB Draft. He was called up to the big-league roster in 2018 and experienced immediate success, batting .329 with an OPS of .852 as a rookie. The best was yet to come, as he would be named an All-Star the next season as a left fielder. He would bat .318 with an OPS of .916 this season, adding 23 home runs. This success would continue in 2020, with a .311 average good for 11th in the NL and an 11.5 strikeout percentage being the 9th-lowest in the MLB.

Nicknamed “The Flying Squirrel” for his leaping grabs in the outfield as a college player, McNeil has transitioned from a utility role with the Mets over his first two seasons to a more everyday role as their second baseman. He has earned himself a reputation as an “old-school” hitter who excels at making good contact and putting the ball in gaps. The NBC is excited to officially honor McNeil with this deserved award.

Of his time with the Foresters, McNeil said: “Thank you to the National Baseball Congress for naming me the 2021 Graduate of the Year. I have very fond memories of my time with the Santa Barbara Foresters. It was an experience I will never forget.”

Former NBC Graduate of the Year honorees include Tim Anderson, Aaron Judge, Albert Pujols, Paul Goldschmidt and several others.

The 87th NBC World Series, powered by Evergy, is scheduled for August 4-14, 2021. Games will be played at Hutchinson’s Hobart-Detter Field and the brand-new Riverfront Stadium, home of the Wichita Wind Surge. Tickets and premium hospitality options are available for purchase online at www.nbcbaseball.com or calling (316) 265-6236.

2021 NBC Graduate of the Year

National Baseball Congress Announces 2021 Hall of Fame Inductees

Posted on by katiewoods

Robertson, Deal, Deutschman and Homolka are the newest members

WICHITA, KS — The National Baseball Congress is excited to announce the 2021 NBC Hall of Fame inductees. Staying true to our legacy, we want to remember the legacy these men created and look forward to honoring them during the 87th NBC World Series powered by Evergy, on Friday, August 13, 6:00pm at Riverfront Stadium.

Ellis Fergason Deal, or better known as Cot Deal, played in the NBC during the 1940’s. He played for the Enid Army Air Field team from Oklahoma known as the Enidairs. An All-American in 1943, 1944, and 1945 as a utility player, Deal would play in the outfield as well as pitch. In 1944, the Enidairs were the runner-up in the NBC World Series, however, Cot was named the Most Valuable Player. The following year, the Enidairs returned and won the 1945 NBC World Series. For the second year in a row, Cot was named the MVP. He is the only player in NBCWS history to win MVP in back-to-back years. Sadly, in 2013 he passed away at the age of 90.

Bob Homolka

Mickey Deutschman, also known as Mickey D., served eleven years in the United States Navy prior to his baseball career. In 1984, he became the owner/manager of the San Diego Stars, leading his team to a 5th place finish in the NBC World Series beating a Hutchinson Broncos team that featured Barry Bonds and Rafeal Palmeiro. Mickey D. coached the Stars for 35 years, finishing his career with over 1,100 wins at the semi-pro level and appearing in the NBC World Series 23 times. His most recent appearance was in 2019 with his team finishing 3rd. Their season was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19, and sadly Mickey D. passed away in September of last year.

Robert Homolka has been an umpire for nearly 50 years working more than 4,000 games. He umpired his first college game in 1973. Since then, he has worked the Big 12, Big 10, Missouri Valley, Metro, and Summit conferences. He has umpired in 27 Division I Conference tournaments, as well as two NCAA Division I World Series. Homolka played in the NBC during the 1960’s and has continued to work with the NBC for over 34 years, serving as NBC assignor from 1999-2015. He is currently the Umpire in Chief for NBC affiliate Alaska Goldpanners in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Nate Robertson is a Wichita native, graduating from Maize High School and then played baseball at Wichita State University. While in college, he played for the El Dorado Broncos when they won the 1996 and 1998 NBC World Series. Robertson was the 146th pick in the 5th round of the 1999 Major League Baseball draft by the Florida Marlins and would later play for the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies. After his career in the majors, Robertson again played in the NBC World Series. In 2016, he helped form the Kansas Stars, who finished third in the series. He then led the Stars to his third NBC World Series championship in 2017.

The 87th NBC World Series powered by Evergy will be played August 4 -14. The nation’s premier tournament will be played in Hutchinson’s Hobart-Detter Field, August 4 – 8. The final six days of the NBC will be played in Wichita at the newly opened Riverfront Stadium, home of the Wichita Wind Surge. For more information about the NBC World Series or to purchase tickets, visit nbcbaseball.com.

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