Gabelsville favored to win it all in Tri-County

By Keith Groller
Of The Morning Call


For the first time in over a decade, Gilbertsville is not favored to win the Tri-County League title.

But that's only because Gilbertsville has changed names.

So, Gabelsville, with many of the same guys who took Gilbertsville to eight Tri-Co titles since 1984 and five in the last seven years -- including 1995 -- is the clearcut choice to take '96 honors.

Some other new names will be among the 15 teams this year as the Cetronia White Sox have become the Easton Bulldogs. Long-time Stahley's player-manager Ray Ganser has retired as a manager. Long-time player Dave Lutte replaces him and has secured Woody's Sports Bar as new sponsor.

Each club plays 32 games with action beginning Thursday and continuing through July. The top seven teams qualify for the playoffs with the best overall record earning a first-round bye.

Here's a team-by-team look:

CENTRAL DIVISION

Allentown -- Only six Senators return from the team's rookie campaign in 1995. Player-manager Joe Sedler combines with brother Pat to lead group of newcomers. Additions include ex-Cetronia players Ed Davidheiser, Shawn Andrews and Tom Laury.

Center Valley Braves -- League MVP Steve Rau (8-1, 1.03 ERA) led the Braves to a 20-12 mark in '95. Joining him on the mound will be Dave Arndt and Fred Delong. Shortstop Brian Spadt (.373) and catcher Kyle Fisher pace the offense along with newcomers Tucker Shive and ex-Emmaus High standout Dave Ross.

ICC Pirates -- Jim Marouchoc's club was a disappointing 17-15 last year after going deep into the playoffs in '94. Eric Steckel (6-3, 1.98 ERA, 73 K's) and Mike Brosious anchor deep pitching staff. Rich Guman (.355), Rich Gaugler (.367) and talented brothers Chris and Dave Medei pace the offense.

Limeport -- Bulls reached '95 finals via a 25-7 regular season. Player-manager Bill Fatzinger starts season with Glenn Kushma and Josh Williams, two players expected to go in pro draft. Other stars are Glenn Bubser (.370), Joe Fatzinger, Kevin Kershner and rookie Chuck Frantz, the son of a Tri-Co Hall of Famer by the same name. Ex-major leaguer Dennis Kinney (7-2, 1.35) is staff ace.

Silver Creek -- New skipper Matt Smull takes over a team in transition after the Raiders lost two-thirds of the club that went 21-11 last year. Smull (.340, 8 HR, 28 RBI), brother Steve (.347, 26 runs) and Bob Osipower are the only steady returnees.

NORTH DIVISION

Castle Hill -- In his 17th season, Dave Snyder hopes to improve on 12-20 mark in '95. Shawn Cadden (.368, 25 RBIs), Tony Toth and Dan Young should supply the offense. Returning to the Hill is the Tri-Co's all-time career leader in innings pitched, Tom Golden.

Easton Bulldogs -- The former White Sox will play at Easton High. Skipper Chris Gordon has a talented lineup led by two-time pitching MVP Jason Young. Jason Erschen joins Young on the mound, while Gordon, Dave Hartranft and Dan Roth should charge the offense.

Northern Yankees -- Coming off a 5-27 rookie season, the Yanks hope to improve behind Jason Strunk (.394), Randy Metzger and Dan Mantz.

South Whitehall -- The Serpents look to build on 20-12 mark in '95 with Jeff Erie (.426, 7 HR, 43 RBIs) and Rich Knoedler leading the offense. Vet Jim Emerick (8-0, 2.41) remains a top hurler. Randy Baer adds arm depth. Newcomers include Jud Frank, Rob Gontkowski and Paul Woodling.

Woody's Mariners -- As new skipper, Lutte hopes to maintain the success Ganser had in the Stahley's Era. Familiar faces like career hits leader Dale Weiss (.355), Tony Galucy (.434), Jay Raines (.350, 35 runs) and Mookie Smith (.386) form potent attack. Josh Gunkel joins a veteran staff that includes Ganser, Stu Link, Jim Brezack and Bob Schleicher.

SOUTH DIVISION

East Texas -- The new-look Longhorns, 17-15 in '95 after winning it all in '94, feature 1995 MVP Mike Merkel (.432, 11 HR, 37 RBI), who will also serve as manager. Jeremy Warmkessel and Chris Peischl add offensive punch, while Dan Hayes and Troy Phillips are the top arms. Additions include Pete Spisszak and Rod Strobl.

Gabelsville -- The Owls were 26-6 as Gilbertsville in '95. Doc Moyer has a familiar core back to go for another crown. Greg Gilbert (.382), Jeff Evans (.367), Bob Drumbore (.369) and newcomer Mike Drumbore (.456 at Silver Creek) head potent attack. Bob Drumbore (7-3, 50 K's) and Lou Chillot (6-0, 2.32) are top arms.

Milford -- Pioneers' boss Don Rosenberger, Sr., proclaims his club will be one of the teams to beat this year. They were beat often last year in a dismal 4-28 campaign, which, remarkably, was a big improvement over a winless '94. Key returnees include Matt Landis (.465), Chris Dauerbach (.321), and Justin Kunkle (.411).

Quakertown -- These Orioles will look like Baltimore in their new uniforms, but don't have Ripken and Co. to improve on last year's 4-28 mark. Jon Ference, a 20-year vet who batted .329 in '95, heads the offense.

Upper Perk -- The Chiefs look to improve on 19-13 mark in '95 with veteran star Bob Graber (7-3) back to lead the charge. Nate Smiley, back from elbow woes, Bob Saeger and Rick Rossier join Graber on mound. Mike Svanson (.341) and '95 batting champ Joe Ricapito (.493) head offense.



keith.groller@mcall.com

From The Morning Call -- May 7, 1996

Copyright © 1996, The Morning Call