The OTH tournament semi-finals were played Thursday, Sept. 30 with the resurgent Moby team upsetting yet another team, this time it was O'Sheas that fell victim to the Moby Men. Unfortunately no highlights were provided other than O'Sheas Robby Kirk's homerun that gave his team a brief hope for a comeback that never materialized. The other semi-final pitted Barco against Singletons, the league's two top-seeded teams who have a habit of duking it out, and this one was no exception. In another low scoring, well played contest, Singletons offense turned out to be a bit more efficient as they edged Barco 8-5. Both pitchers were outstanding, Gary Jambor for Barco (thanks Rich), and Frank (Grandpa) Gordon for Singletons. After three innings, the score stood tied at 1-1 before Singletons erupted for four in the fourth, and another three in the seventh for an 8-2 lead. Barco did stage a comeback, but it was too little, too late, as they posted three in the eighth to make it 8-5. Leading the way for the Barco Boys were Terry McPartland and Bill Stack, who were 2-3, and Kevin Moloney and Steve Schwind, 2-3 and two RBIs each. A special thanks goes out to Dave Diamond, who, even though he's going away to college, still finds time to come back to do the book (outstanding as usual) and to be the team inspirer (and his Dad's hitting coach). Also to the Barco Better Halves (Tina Diamond, Denise Falcone, Anne Jambor, Debbie White), who come each and every week in all types of weather to cheer and support us, thanks big bunches ladies.

The Championship Game was played on Friday, Oct. 1 that was well attended and graced by good weather. The game between Singleton's Restaurant and Moby Drugs started out with lots of action as Singletons opened up the game with five quick runs but Moby, showing their revitalized play, scored six over the next two innings to take a 6-5 lead. Being on the losing end proved to be the wake-up-call the Men-in-Red needed as they responded with a 10-run outburst for a 16-5 advantage. Moby attempted to get back into the game, scoring four more over the next five innings but came up just short as the game ended 16-10, earning Singletons the OTH Tournament Championship. Hats off to Singletons as they capped off an outstanding season, placing first for the regular season with 15-1 record (19-2 overall) and then rebounding from a preliminary round defeat to take the championship, starting with manager Rich Brancaccio, assistant manager and player Tom (Satch) Camarda, Ben Alberto, Steve Butcher, Tom Callahan, Paul Canalattos, Rich Cirillo, Bob Davis, John Gannon, Frank (Grandpa) Gorgon, Jack Howlett, Dennis Passaretti, Gary Saccaro, Harry Sarin, Rich Smindak, Tommy Sorrentino, and Al Veneziano.

Another winner of the night was Barco's Dave Ringer, as Dave held off Mer's George Cohen and 10 other contestants to take the OTH home run hitting Contest. It was a close battle as each had eight swings over two rounds, but Dave came out on top edging George (4-3) by one homerun. Way to go Dave.

But the big winner for the night was the Michael Mianulli Fund as the Over-The-Hill League continued its annual fund raising tournament for a worthwhile cause. Thanks to all for their time and effort in making this night a success, but especially to all who made contributions and donations.

The OTH League would like to also offer a special thanks to Mike Rauf and the rest of the Allen Park staff who did a wonderful job on this night and, as usual, all throughout the year. Thanks guys.