Notebook - CABA World Series

Four Ohio teams in finals: The tournament saw four Ohio teams reach the final four as the Astro Falcons, Rondinelli Tuxedo, Ohio Warhawks, and Diamond Premier made it to the last three games. The Warhawks lost four games in the tournament, three of them to Diamond Premier. Rondinelli lost three times in the tournament to the Warhawks

Big league connections: The manager of the Diamond Premier was former Cleveland Indians pitcher Sean DePaula. He had former Indian pitcher and current Red Sox John Farrell’s son Luke as a pitcher, and Cleveland vice president of public relations Bob DiBiasio’s nephew, James DiBiasio, as second baseman. Major league umpire and Austintown native Brian O’Nora was at the tournament Saturday.

All-tournament team: Outfielder Shane Wagner and catcher TJ Rosenberg of Astro Falcons, and Rondinelli Tuxedo’s Phil Double (DH) and Robert Switka (pitcher) were named to the all-tournament team. Diamond Premier, the champion, and runner-up Ohio Warhawks each had three players selected. Outfielder Kyle Schultz, catcher Kody Krizman and pitcher Jason Pascuzzi were selected, as were outfielders Elliot Williams and Akil Cavin, and infielder Tristan Moore of the Warhawks. Also named to the all-tournament team were infielders Rennie Troggio of Indiana Mustangs, Brian Sagun of Team San Diego and Andrew Nemecek of Northern Ohio Hurricanes, and pitcher Brandon Cooper of Andy’s 9ers.

Special awards: Wagner was the tournament’s batting champion with a .581 average (18-of-31) and Pascuzzi was the most valuable pitcher with a 2-0 record and 1.17 ERA. Aaron Klinec of Diamond Premier received the Golden Glove award, and his teammate Anthony Pucci was named the George “Hats Omachi” Mr. Hustle Award winner.

Paul Trgovac