Nest 147 Wins 2006 Men's Softball Tournament

Nest 147 Wins 2006 Men's Softball Tournament

By Joe Mardeusz

The 17th Annual Polish Falcons of America Men’s Softball Tournament was held July 21-22, 2006. Nest 336, Jackson, Mich., hosted the event with Druh Gerrad Fryt as Chairman.

Members from six Nests participated this year, and they were Nest 4, South Bend, Ind.; Nest 74, Auburn, N.Y.; Nest 79, Southgate, Mich.; Nest 147 Mt. Pleasant, Pa.; Nest 336 Jackson, Mich.; and Nest 564, La Porte, Ind.

On the afternoon of Friday, July 21, the Captain’s Meeting was held at the Nest 336 Club. The tournament format and local rules were reviewed and the schedule of games was discussed.

After driving to the diamonds, we began playing the first of three rounds of the round robin tournament scheduled for the evening. At the completion of the six games, we returned to the Nest 336 Club for a pizza and salad dinner. After dinner and socializing, it was time for some much-needed rest in preparation for a busy Saturday schedule.
On the morning of Saturday, July 22, the tournament resumed at
9 a.m. with warm-ups. The games for the conclusion of the round robin began shortly afterward. We played two rounds of games under beautiful skies in comfortable temperatures before returning to Nest 336 for lunch. Hot dogs, hamburgers and salads were served.

The conclusion of the round robin had Nest 147 as the number 1 seed, Nest 336 number 2, Nests 74/564 number 3, Nest 79 number 4, and Nest 4 number 5. We returned to the diamonds to play the afternoon’s schedule of games. The temperature was warming up and the ice water coolers were a welcome sight. The first game was the play-in game between Nests 4 and 79 with Nest 79 winning and moving on to play Nest 147. At the same time, Nest 336 was playing Nests 74/564. Nest 147 won its game and Nests 74/564 surprised Nest 336, moving on to the championship game against Nest 147.

Nests 74/336 moved out to an early lead, but the depth and strength of Nest 147 prevailed as they won their second consecutive National Tournament. Con-gratulations to Coach Mike Linardi and the Mt. Peasant team.

The players then returned to their hotels to swim and soothe their muscle aches in the hot tub. Everyone then began preparing for the evening’s tournament banquet.

At Nest 336 that evening, a delicious buffet was served to the players and guests. The meal was excellent and very much appreciated. A heartfelt “Czo=em” and “thanks” to Nest 336 and the kitchen crew.
After the meal, Druh Fryt began the evening activities. Druh Fryt then introduced me to take over the program. I introduced the National Officers who were present: National Second Vice-President Druh Robert Gorny, District VI National Director Druh Bill Junk, and District XIII National Director Druhna Julia Serafin.

Following the remarks, the presentation of awards was made:
1st Place: Nest 147, Captain Michael Linardi.
2nd Place: Nest 74/564, Captains Bucky Bielowicz and Wire Albin.
3rd Place: Nest 336, Captain Gerrad Fryt.
4th Place: Nest 79, Captain Tom Rosol.
5th Place: Nest 4, Captain Bill Junk.

In addition to the individual Nest plaques, the traveling trophy was presented to Nest 147 for winning the tournament. At the conclusion of the team and MVP award presentations, the captains met to review the rules and discuss any changes needed to make this a better tournament in the future.

I would like to thank those that helped me with the pictures, Druhna Julia Serafin, Druh Ben Mardeusz and Druhna Julie Tingle. All the captains were given their team pictures and they will also be getting a CD of all the photographs taken that weekend. I also want to thank some of the fans who showed up to cheer on the Falcon teams, Druhna Julia Serafin, Druh Rich Karpinski, Druhna Sue Junk, Monica Junk and Druhna Julie.