Over Thirty Baseball News 1999 Archive

OTB News - 1999

April 25 - December 28, 1999

2000 News Archives

2001 News Page

Dec. 28

OTB board meeting
The recent board meetings in October and November resulted in some updates that players might be interested in.

For the 2000 baseball season, several rule changes/amendments have been proposed. If players would like to provide feedback or express their opinions of these possible changes, the OTB board would welcome them. Check out the changes in the document written up by John McCusker. Email your opinions on these changes to us.

The board has set up several subcommitees to be able to streamline the large number of issues that get discussed in monthly board meetings and other meetings throughout the year. The specific subcommitees will be posted here soon, and if players are interested in any of them, the board would like to see more players involved.

OTB banquet
The recent OTB annual banquet at Germano's was a success once again. Trophies were handed out to the 1999 OTB Champion Giants, as well as for many other awards. The night's festivities included a special tribute to Frank Meisel. We will be posting the winners of the awards, as well as photos taken that night by league photographer, Steve Bergholm.

Dec. 28	OTB board meeting The recent board meetings in October and November resulted in some updates that players might be interested in. For the 2000 baseball season, several rule changes/amendments have been proposed. If players would like to provide feedback or express their opinions of these possible changes, the OTB board would welcome them. Check out the changes in the document written up by John McCusker. Email your opinions on these changes to us. The board has set up several subcommitees to be able to streamline the large number of issues that get discussed in monthly board meetings and other meetings throughout the year. The specific subcommitees will be posted here soon, and if players are interested in any of them, the board would like to see more players involved. OTB banquet The recent OTB annual banquet at Germano's was a success once again. Trophies were handed out to the 1999 OTB Champion Giants, as well as for many other awards. The night's festivities included a special tribute to Frank Meisel. We will be posting the winners of the awards, as well as photos taken that night by league photographer, Steve Bergholm.

Oct. 28

OTB board meeting
The next board meeting will be Thursday, November 18th at 7:00 in the usual place, Ignacio's, and the usual time, 7:00 pm. All OTB players are welcome to attend.

OTB Managers appreciation dinner

The date has been set for the annual OTB managers appreciation dinner - December 2nd, 1999 by invitation, at a place and time to be determined. Watch here for details.

OTB annual banquet
Reminder - the annual banquet will be held on the evening of Saturday, November 6th from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am.

Oct. 28	OTB board meeting The next board meeting will be Thursday, November 18th at 7:00 in the usual place, Ignacio's, and the usual time, 7:00 pm. All OTB players are welcome to attend. OTB Managers appreciation dinner The date has been set for the annual OTB managers appreciation dinner - December 2nd, 1999 by invitation, at a place and time to be determined. Watch here for details. OTB annual banquet Reminder - the annual banquet will be held on the evening of Saturday, November 6th from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am.

Oct. 27

Tom Serafini

We regret to announce the passing of Tom Serafini, the brother of Frank and Rick Serafini of the OTB Giants, who died this past Monday. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this difficult time.

Oct. 27	Tom Serafini We regret to announce the passing of Tom Serafini, the brother of Frank and Rick Serafini of the OTB Giants, who died this past Monday. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this difficult time.

Oct. 20

OTB board meeting
The next board meeting will be Thursday, October 21st at 7:00 in the usual place, Ignacio's, and the usual time, 7:00 pm. All OTB players are welcome to attend.

Oct. 20	OTB board meeting The next board meeting will be Thursday, October 21st at 7:00 in the usual place, Ignacio's, and the usual time, 7:00 pm. All OTB players are welcome to attend.

Oct. 19

Frank Meisel
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of one of our players and dearest friends, Frank Meisel. Frank was a player/coach of the OTB Cardinals and the Over 40 NABA tournament team, and was an inspiration to all that knew him.

Funeral arrangements are unknown at this time, and will be posted here as soon as they become available.

Some of Frank's friends share their memories.

Oct. 19	Frank Meisel It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of one of our players and dearest friends, Frank Meisel. Frank was a player/coach of the OTB Cardinals and the Over 40 NABA tournament team, and was an inspiration to all that knew him. Funeral arrangements are unknown at this time, and will be posted here as soon as they become available. Some of Frank's friends share their memories.

Oct. 14

NABA National Championship Tournament
The OTB Over 40 team finished their 6 game series on Tuesday, going 2-4 and just missing the playoffs. The 2 finalists who played today were the 2 teams from Portland, the Volcanoes and the Dirtworks. The team is looking forward to next year's National Championship on October 5-12th. There also may be an Over 50 and an Over 30 team making the trip at the same time. Check here for the final box scores on all the games.

Oct. 14	NABA National Championship Tournament The OTB Over 40 team finished their 6 game series on Tuesday, going 2-4 and just missing the playoffs. The 2 finalists who played today were the 2 teams from Portland, the Volcanoes and the Dirtworks. The team is looking forward to next year's National Championship on October 5-12th. There also may be an Over 50 and an Over 30 team making the trip at the same time. Check here for the final box scores on all the games.

Oct. 10

NABA National Championship Tournament
The OTB Over 40 team got their first win today, 11-7 to go 1-1 in the tournament. The offense came alive with 17 hits behind a complete game victory by Kevin Fleming. Named "Lowell's Bench", the team plays the 2nd game of a doubleheader tonight at 7:00 pm Pacific time. Check here for updates on how the team is doing.

Oct. 10	NABA National Championship Tournament The OTB Over 40 team got their first win today, 11-7 to go 1-1 in the tournament. The offense came alive with 17 hits behind a complete game victory by Kevin Fleming. Named "Lowell's Bench", the team plays the 2nd game of a doubleheader tonight at 7:00 pm Pacific time. Check here for updates on how the team is doing.

Oct. 7

NABA National Championship Tournament
The OTB Over 40 team leaves today and tommorrow for Mesa, Arizona to compete in the NABA National Tournament. This will be the second year in a row that OTB has sent a team to the annual tournament. Check here for updates on how the team is doing.

Oct. 7	NABA National Championship Tournament The OTB Over 40 team leaves today and tommorrow for Mesa, Arizona to compete in the NABA National Tournament. This will be the second year in a row that OTB has sent a team to the annual tournament. Check here for updates on how the team is doing.

Oct. 3

OTB Championship
On a nice, cool fall day for baseball at LeLacheur Park, the Giants beat the Athletics 9-6 to become the 1999 OTB Champions! Jim Gaillardetz started and got the win for the Giants with relief help from Mike Lapointe, who held an Athletics rally back to get the save. As usual, the Giants potent offense was too much for their opponents, as they took a early 5-0 lead after the 1st inning. The Athletics, down 7-0 at one point, refused to give up, and behind a pesky offense chipped away the lead to a couple of runs, sparked by Jim Shaughnessy's solo home run over the right field fence, his AL league-tying 4th of the year.

Shaughnessy started and pitched a complete game for the Athletics, who gave the Giants and their fans cause for fear when they narrowed the lead to 3 runs and had 2 runners on base with 2 outs in the 9th innings with Shaughnessy up, representing the tying run. Reliever Lapointe induced an infield pop fly to end the game, and brought the Giants their first OTB Championship. Presenting the Championship trophy to the champion Giants was league president and founder, John Gianino.

In opening ceremonies before the start of the game, Frank Meisel, field coach and veteran OTB Cardinals player, threw out the first ball. Frank's presence on the field and in the dugout was a true inspiration for all players and everyone around the park today.

Over Thirty Baseball would like to extend a special "Thank You" to Shawn Smith, General Manager of the Lowell Spinners for his generosity in letting OTB play the 1999 Championship game at LeLacheur Park. You've let us fulfill our dreams on the big league diamond!

Photographer volunteer found
Steve Bergholm, who took pictures for the OTB Championship game today, has also volunteered to do the same for the annual banquet on November 6th. Thanks again, Steve!

Oct. 3	OTB Championship On a nice, cool fall day for baseball at LeLacheur Park, the Giants beat the Athletics 9-6 to become the 1999 OTB Champions! Jim Gaillardetz started and got the win for the Giants with relief help from Mike Lapointe, who held an Athletics rally back to get the save. As usual, the Giants potent offense was too much for their opponents, as they took a early 5-0 lead after the 1st inning. The Athletics, down 7-0 at one point, refused to give up, and behind a pesky offense chipped away the lead to a couple of runs, sparked by Jim Shaughnessy's solo home run over the right field fence, his AL league-tying 4th of the year. Shaughnessy started and pitched a complete game for the Athletics, who gave the Giants and their fans cause for fear when they narrowed the lead to 3 runs and had 2 runners on base with 2 outs in the 9th innings with Shaughnessy up, representing the tying run. Reliever Lapointe induced an infield pop fly to end the game, and brought the Giants their first OTB Championship. Presenting the Championship trophy to the champion Giants was league president and founder, John Gianino. In opening ceremonies before the start of the game, Frank Meisel, field coach and veteran OTB Cardinals player, threw out the first ball. Frank's presence on the field and in the dugout was a true inspiration for all players and everyone around the park today. Over Thirty Baseball would like to extend a special "Thank You" to Shawn Smith, General Manager of the Lowell Spinners for his generosity in letting OTB play the 1999 Championship game at LeLacheur Park. You've let us fulfill our dreams on the big league diamond! Photographer volunteer found Steve Bergholm, who took pictures for the OTB Championship game today, has also volunteered to do the same for the annual banquet on November 6th. Thanks again, Steve!

Sept. 30

OTB board meeting Thursday, October 21st
This October meeting will be held on Thursday, October 21st at the usual place, Ignacio's, and the usual time, 7:00 pm. All OTB players are welcome to attend.

Banquet photographer needed
If you're an OTB player (or a friend or relative) and are interested in taking pictures at the annual banquet, please let us know. Thanks to Steve Bergholm of the Tigers for volunteering to take photos for this Sunday's Championship game.

The annual banquet will be held on the evening of Saturday, November 6th (time still not set). If you're willing to take pictures to help the league out, it would be greatly appreciated. We would like to also publish these pictures here on the web site. Send email to Tony Coppola if you'd like to volunteer. Include the type of camera, especially if it's digital.

OTB Championship and Events
The starting time for this year's Championship game at LeLacheur Park has been set. The game is this Sunday, October 3rd. The front gates of LeLacheur will open at 8:00 a.m. and opening ceremonies will start at 9:00 a.m. Don Trudel, former OTB player for the original Pirates as well as the Red Sox, will sing the national anthem. We will also have a special guest throw out the first ball, as well as having our President, John Gianino address all the players on the field after they've been announced. The game will start immediately after the opening ceremonies, around 9:15 - 9:30 a.m. We will have full access to LeLacheur's scoreboard and PA system - a big thanks go out to the folks who run LeLacheur Park.

We hope to see as many players, family, and friends at the ballpark this Sunday to watch a new OTB Champion be crowned!

Sept. 30	OTB board meeting Thursday, October 21st This October meeting will be held on Thursday, October 21st at the usual place, Ignacio's, and the usual time, 7:00 pm. All OTB players are welcome to attend. Banquet photographer needed If you're an OTB player (or a friend or relative) and are interested in taking pictures at the annual banquet, please let us know. Thanks to Steve Bergholm of the Tigers for volunteering to take photos for this Sunday's Championship game. The annual banquet will be held on the evening of Saturday, November 6th (time still not set). If you're willing to take pictures to help the league out, it would be greatly appreciated. We would like to also publish these pictures here on the web site. Send email to Tony Coppola if you'd like to volunteer. Include the type of camera, especially if it's digital. OTB Championship and Events The starting time for this year's Championship game at LeLacheur Park has been set. The game is this Sunday, October 3rd. The front gates of LeLacheur will open at 8:00 a.m. and opening ceremonies will start at 9:00 a.m. Don Trudel, former OTB player for the original Pirates as well as the Red Sox, will sing the national anthem. We will also have a special guest throw out the first ball, as well as having our President, John Gianino address all the players on the field after they've been announced. The game will start immediately after the opening ceremonies, around 9:15 - 9:30 a.m. We will have full access to LeLacheur's scoreboard and PA system - a big thanks go out to the folks who run LeLacheur Park. We hope to see as many players, family, and friends at the ballpark this Sunday to watch a new OTB Champion be crowned!

Sept. 27

Volunteer photographers needed
If you're an OTB player (or a friend or relative) and are interested in taking pictures at the Championship game and/or the annual banquet, please let us know. The OTB Championship game will be held on Sunday, October 3, 1999 at LeLacheur Park, starting around 9:00 a.m.

The annual banquet will be held on the evening of Saturday, November 6th (time still not set).

If you're willing to take pictures to help the league out, it would be greatly appreciated. We would like to also publish these pictures here on the web site. Send email to Tony Coppola if you'd like to volunteer. Include the type of camera, especially if it's digital.

OTB Championship
Reminder - this year's Championship game will be held at LeLacheur Park on Sunday, October 3rd. The starting time has not yet been finalized until we hear from the LeLacheur officials. Expect a starting time between 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Don Trudel, former OTB player for the original Pirates as well as the Red Sox, will sing the national anthem.

Sept. 27	Volunteer photographers needed If you're an OTB player (or a friend or relative) and are interested in taking pictures at the Championship game and/or the annual banquet, please let us know. The OTB Championship game will be held on Sunday, October 3, 1999 at LeLacheur Park, starting around 9:00 a.m. The annual banquet will be held on the evening of Saturday, November 6th (time still not set). If you're willing to take pictures to help the league out, it would be greatly appreciated. We would like to also publish these pictures here on the web site. Send email to Tony Coppola if you'd like to volunteer. Include the type of camera, especially if it's digital. OTB Championship Reminder - this year's Championship game will be held at LeLacheur Park on Sunday, October 3rd. The starting time has not yet been finalized until we hear from the LeLacheur officials. Expect a starting time between 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Don Trudel, former OTB player for the original Pirates as well as the Red Sox, will sing the national anthem.

Sept. 19

OTB Playoffs decide the Championship matchup
On a perfect day for baseball, the playoffs continued with 2 games to decide the American League and National League Champions. In the American League, the Athletics held on to beat the Tigers, 6-5, after being ahead, 6-2 after 5 innings. Jim Shaughnessy pitched a complete game for the victory against Roger Jean and Craig Ramos of the Tigers.

In the National League, the Giants beat the Marlins, 12-6, behind the solid pitching of Mike Lapointe, and the potent offensive weapons of Jim Harvey, Jim Gaillardetz, and Steve Ford. We'd like to congratulate the Tigers and Marlins for such strong seasons, and for making it to the division finals. And finally, we congratulate the American League Champion Athletics and the National League Champion Giants!

OTB Championship
Reminder - this year's Championship game will be held at LeLacheur Park on Sunday, October 3rd. We hope to see many OTB players, families, and fans come out to watch the final matchup of the year, and to cheer on both division champions.

Sept. 19	OTB Playoffs decide the Championship matchup On a perfect day for baseball, the playoffs continued with 2 games to decide the American League and National League Champions. In the American League, the Athletics held on to beat the Tigers, 6-5, after being ahead, 6-2 after 5 innings. Jim Shaughnessy pitched a complete game for the victory against Roger Jean and Craig Ramos of the Tigers. In the National League, the Giants beat the Marlins, 12-6, behind the solid pitching of Mike Lapointe, and the potent offensive weapons of Jim Harvey, Jim Gaillardetz, and Steve Ford. We'd like to congratulate the Tigers and Marlins for such strong seasons, and for making it to the division finals. And finally, we congratulate the American League Champion Athletics and the National League Champion Giants! OTB Championship Reminder - this year's Championship game will be held at LeLacheur Park on Sunday, October 3rd. We hope to see many OTB players, families, and fans come out to watch the final matchup of the year, and to cheer on both division champions.

Sept. 13

OTB Playoffs now down to the Final Four
Yesterday, the playoffs resumed after the Labor Day holiday with 4 games, 2 in each league. In the American League, the Tigers beat the first place Yankees, 12-4, while the Athletics won out over the Orioles in the 2nd of their back-to-back matchups. In the National League, the Marlins beat the Cardinals, 8-5, while the Giants won a very close game in 10 innings against the Braves, 8-7.

We'd like to congratulate the Tigers, Athletics, Marlins, and Giants for advancing to the Final Four, and tip our hats to the Yankees, Orioles, Cardinals and Braves for solid seasons, and for making it so close down to the wire.

Annual banquet - mark your calendar
OTB's annual dinner banquet date has been set for Saturday, November 6th, at Germano's in Tewksbury, MA., for the second year in a row. Stay tuned for details on the time, directions, menu, etc.

Sept. 13	OTB Playoffs now down to the Final Four Yesterday, the playoffs resumed after the Labor Day holiday with 4 games, 2 in each league. In the American League, the Tigers beat the first place Yankees, 12-4, while the Athletics won out over the Orioles in the 2nd of their back-to-back matchups. In the National League, the Marlins beat the Cardinals, 8-5, while the Giants won a very close game in 10 innings against the Braves, 8-7. We'd like to congratulate the Tigers, Athletics, Marlins, and Giants for advancing to the Final Four, and tip our hats to the Yankees, Orioles, Cardinals and Braves for solid seasons, and for making it so close down to the wire. Annual banquet - mark your calendar OTB's annual dinner banquet date has been set for Saturday, November 6th, at Germano's in Tewksbury, MA., for the second year in a row. Stay tuned for details on the time, directions, menu, etc.

Sept. 6

Belchertown QVOTBL team makes a visit to Lowell
Cliff McCarthy and his gang from the Quabbin Valley Over Thirty Baseball League visited the Lowell OTB gang yesterday at Hadley Field. It was a perfect day for baseball as the teams squared off in their annual match. The Lowells came out on top, 12-5 on home runs by Ronny Perrin and Chris Augeri, both monster shots over the left field wall at Hadley. It is the first known instance of 2 home runs to left field in the same game during the league's existence. Next year's matchup will be out in Quabbin Valley at a field to be decided. There was some discussion yesterday at the official OTB town hall (The Bench) about possible tournament play next Labor Day weekend, with more games, more teams, and more players. Stay tuned.

OTBINC.COM passes 5000 hits since Opening Day
Traffic at OTB's web site continues to be strong, topping another record with 5000 hits. Keep this up and it'll be my full-time job! Wait a minute...it is!

Sept. 6	Belchertown QVOTBL team makes a visit to Lowell Cliff McCarthy and his gang from the Quabbin Valley Over Thirty Baseball League visited the Lowell OTB gang yesterday at Hadley Field. It was a perfect day for baseball as the teams squared off in their annual match. The Lowells came out on top, 12-5 on home runs by Ronny Perrin and Chris Augeri, both monster shots over the left field wall at Hadley. It is the first known instance of 2 home runs to left field in the same game during the league's existence. Next year's matchup will be out in Quabbin Valley at a field to be decided. There was some discussion yesterday at the official OTB town hall (The Bench) about possible tournament play next Labor Day weekend, with more games, more teams, and more players. Stay tuned. OTBINC.COM passes 5000 hits since Opening Day Traffic at OTB's web site continues to be strong, topping another record with 5000 hits. Keep this up and it'll be my full-time job! Wait a minute...it is!

Sept. 1

LeLacheur Park hosts OTB Championship Game!
OTB has obtained LeLacheur Park, home of the Boston Red Sox minor league team, the Lowell Spinners. The OTB Championship Game, originally scheduled for September 26th will be moved to October 3rd in order to play the game at LeLacheur Park. The Spinners web site includes directions as well.

1999 Playoff season kicks off

The OTB postseason kicked off this past Sunday in a new playoff format. The double-elimination format of the past years has been replaced with a single-elimination format, with the only exception being the highest-seeded losing team in the first round advancing to the second round.

The bye-weeks of past years have been eliminated, just as they were in the regular season. The playoffs will continue each week, except for the Labor Day weekend on September 5th, and September 26th, the week before the Championship.

In the 1st round, 8 of the 12 teams advanced to the 2nd round, with 4 teams being eliminated. The teams advancing in the American League were the Yankees, Athletics, Tigers, and Orioles, with the Giants, Marlins, Cardinals and Braves in the National League. The teams eliminated were the Red Sox and Indians of the American League and the Dodgers and Cubs of the National League. We'd like to tip our hats to these 4 teams that didn't advance to the 2nd round for having great seasons, especially the first-year Indians and Cubs. We hope the first-year players enjoyed the play in OTB and look forward to having them back next year!

Sept. 1	LeLacheur Park hosts OTB Championship Game! OTB has obtained LeLacheur Park, home of the Boston Red Sox minor league team, the Lowell Spinners. The OTB Championship Game, originally scheduled for September 26th will be moved to October 3rd in order to play the game at LeLacheur Park. The Spinners web site includes directions as well. 1999 Playoff season kicks off The OTB postseason kicked off this past Sunday in a new playoff format. The double-elimination format of the past years has been replaced with a single-elimination format, with the only exception being the highest-seeded losing team in the first round advancing to the second round. The bye-weeks of past years have been eliminated, just as they were in the regular season. The playoffs will continue each week, except for the Labor Day weekend on September 5th, and September 26th, the week before the Championship. In the 1st round, 8 of the 12 teams advanced to the 2nd round, with 4 teams being eliminated. The teams advancing in the American League were the Yankees, Athletics, Tigers, and Orioles, with the Giants, Marlins, Cardinals and Braves in the National League. The teams eliminated were the Red Sox and Indians of the American League and the Dodgers and Cubs of the National League. We'd like to tip our hats to these 4 teams that didn't advance to the 2nd round for having great seasons, especially the first-year Indians and Cubs. We hope the first-year players enjoyed the play in OTB and look forward to having them back next year!

August 23

1999 Regular Season comes to a close

Yesterday, the Yankees and the Giants clinched the AL & NL divisions, respectively. The Yankees finished 1 game ahead of the Athletics, and the Giants finished 1 game ahead of the Marlins, Cardinals and Braves in one of the closest division races in league history. All three teams finished tied at 10-5 behind the Giants, and tie-breakers decided the final standings.

Playoffs starting
The playoffs start next Sunday, August 29th. Check the playoff schedule to see where your team plays.

Team MVP voting

Players voted yesterday for team MVP's. If you weren't at your team's game yesterday and haven't already voted, see your manager ASAP to get your votes in for your top 3 choices for your team MVP.

August 23	1999 Regular Season comes to a close Yesterday, the Yankees and the Giants clinched the AL & NL divisions, respectively. The Yankees finished 1 game ahead of the Athletics, and the Giants finished 1 game ahead of the Marlins, Cardinals and Braves in one of the closest division races in league history. All three teams finished tied at 10-5 behind the Giants, and tie-breakers decided the final standings. Playoffs starting The playoffs start next Sunday, August 29th. Check the playoff schedule to see where your team plays. Team MVP voting Players voted yesterday for team MVP's. If you weren't at your team's game yesterday and haven't already voted, see your manager ASAP to get your votes in for your top 3 choices for your team MVP.

August 15

August 15th games

Today's games were cancelled due to rain and will not be made up. Next week's games will be the last regular season games of the year, and will determine the final standings for both American and National Leagues.

Regular season tie-breakers
The method for determining a tie between two teams in the final regular season standings were voted upon at this month's board meeting. In order, they are:

Record in head-to-head games against each other
Runs scored in head-to-head games against each other
Divison record (in AL or NL)
Total runs scored in all regular season games

Playoff schedule
The new playoff schedule that was also finalized in this month's board meeting is now posted on the Schedule page. Not all fields have been finalized, so check it at least one more time before the day of the game.

August 15	August 15th games Today's games were cancelled due to rain and will not be made up. Next week's games will be the last regular season games of the year, and will determine the final standings for both American and National Leagues. Regular season tie-breakers The method for determining a tie between two teams in the final regular season standings were voted upon at this month's board meeting. In order, they are: Record in head-to-head games against each other Runs scored in head-to-head games against each other Divison record (in AL or NL) Total runs scored in all regular season games Playoff schedule The new playoff schedule that was also finalized in this month's board meeting is now posted on the Schedule page. Not all fields have been finalized, so check it at least one more time before the day of the game.

August 13

Labor Day interleague game update

Space is filling up for the OTB team that will play the Belchertown Over Thirty League. If you are interested, send email. There will be a small fee to pay for the one umpire that will be behind the plate. The cost should be @ $4 per player.

Team MVP voting
Voting for team MVP's for the 1999 season will take place during the last regular season game on August 22nd. If you are unable to attend your team's game on that date, get in touch with your manager before that time. Players will vote for 3 teammates, ranked 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Winners will be announced at the annual OTB banquet this November.

OTB board meeting minutes
Minutes from this month's OTB board meeting, held this past Wednesday, will be available soon. Issues that were discussed include modifying the new playoff format, regular season tie-breakers, and playoff schedules including fields. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 8th.

August 13	Labor Day interleague game update Space is filling up for the OTB team that will play the Belchertown Over Thirty League. If you are interested, send email. There will be a small fee to pay for the one umpire that will be behind the plate. The cost should be @ $4 per player. Team MVP voting Voting for team MVP's for the 1999 season will take place during the last regular season game on August 22nd. If you are unable to attend your team's game on that date, get in touch with your manager before that time. Players will vote for 3 teammates, ranked 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Winners will be announced at the annual OTB banquet this November. OTB board meeting minutes Minutes from this month's OTB board meeting, held this past Wednesday, will be available soon. Issues that were discussed include modifying the new playoff format, regular season tie-breakers, and playoff schedules including fields. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 8th.

August 11

OTBINC.COM breaks a record!

For the week of August 1-7, our web site got 397 visits, a record for a 1-week period. We also passed 4000 visits since Opening Day on April 25th, far exceeding all of last year's total. Thanks for visiting, and make sure to voice your opinions on what you'd like to see!

OTB annual Labor Day interleague game
The 1999 OTB Interleague game between Lowell OTB and QVOTBL (Quabbin Valley OTB League) will take place Labor Day weekend on Sunday, September 5th at Hadley Field at 10 am. Former OTB Dodger manager Cliff McCarthy will bring his team to Lowell this year. Last year's trip to Belchertown, MA. was a success - lots of fun, even though we can't remember who won! First come, first served. We have Hadley Field from 10am - 2pm.

OTB board meeting on Wednesday, August 11th
This month's meeting will be held tonight, Wednesday, August 11th at the usual place, Ignacio's, and the usual time, 7:00 pm. All OTB players are welcome to attend.

August 11	OTBINC.COM breaks a record! For the week of August 1-7, our web site got 397 visits, a record for a 1-week period. We also passed 4000 visits since Opening Day on April 25th, far exceeding all of last year's total. Thanks for visiting, and make sure to voice your opinions on what you'd like to see! OTB annual Labor Day interleague game The 1999 OTB Interleague game between Lowell OTB and QVOTBL (Quabbin Valley OTB League) will take place Labor Day weekend on Sunday, September 5th at Hadley Field at 10 am. Former OTB Dodger manager Cliff McCarthy will bring his team to Lowell this year. Last year's trip to Belchertown, MA. was a success - lots of fun, even though we can't remember who won! First come, first served. We have Hadley Field from 10am - 2pm. OTB board meeting on Wednesday, August 11th This month's meeting will be held tonight, Wednesday, August 11th at the usual place, Ignacio's, and the usual time, 7:00 pm. All OTB players are welcome to attend.

July 26

1999 NABA Arizona tournament update

Interest is building in the NABA 1999 National Tournament for Over 30 and Over 40 players. If you'd like to know more about the tournaments, schedules, etc., check the NABA tournament web page. Do not register online yet, unless you're willing to be placed randomly on another team. The Lowell OTB (that's us) will register together as a team or teams. It would be nice to send a team in each division, Over 30 and Over 40. Each team we put together will need a manager and assistants. If you're interested in possibly playing and/or managing in the tournament, send email to OTB. The dates for the Over 30 and Over 40 tournaments are October 9-14, 1999. Last year, the Lowell Bench played in the Over 40 tournament for 3 days in a total of 5 games. If a team advances to the championship round, we'll stay the extra 2 days.

Ask any of the Over 40 players that made the trip in 1998: Kevin Fleming, Francisco Faria, and Mike Sherman of the Yankees, John E. Saunders, Paul Saunders, and Frank Meisel (our excellent manager) of the Cardinals, Paul Gleason of the Giants, John Taylor and Tony Coppola of the Marlins, Don Lamb of the Indians, Evan Schapiro and Dave Donahue of the Tigers, and Norm Lariviere of the Orioles.

July 26	1999 NABA Arizona tournament update Interest is building in the NABA 1999 National Tournament for Over 30 and Over 40 players. If you'd like to know more about the tournaments, schedules, etc., check the NABA tournament web page. Do not register online yet, unless you're willing to be placed randomly on another team. The Lowell OTB (that's us) will register together as a team or teams. It would be nice to send a team in each division, Over 30 and Over 40. Each team we put together will need a manager and assistants. If you're interested in possibly playing and/or managing in the tournament, send email to OTB. The dates for the Over 30 and Over 40 tournaments are October 9-14, 1999. Last year, the Lowell Bench played in the Over 40 tournament for 3 days in a total of 5 games. If a team advances to the championship round, we'll stay the extra 2 days. Ask any of the Over 40 players that made the trip in 1998: Kevin Fleming, Francisco Faria, and Mike Sherman of the Yankees, John E. Saunders, Paul Saunders, and Frank Meisel (our excellent manager) of the Cardinals, Paul Gleason of the Giants, John Taylor and Tony Coppola of the Marlins, Don Lamb of the Indians, Evan Schapiro and Dave Donahue of the Tigers, and Norm Lariviere of the Orioles.

July 16

The OTB web site just passed 3000 hits and is going strong!

The OTB board meeting took place last night. Some of the issues discussed were:

Westford VFW and Abbott Field replace Alumni Field
Directions to Abbott Field
Fall 1999 Over 40 and Over 30 NABA tournaments in Arizona

Alumni Field replacements:

Since we don't have the use of Alumni Field for the rest of the regular season, all scheduled dates are replaced by the Westford VFW Field, with one exception: the August 1st game with the Tigers and Dodgers, which will be at Abbott Field in Westford.

Abbott Field directions:

Until a map is created for Abbott field, follow these directions: Take 495 to exit 32, Boston Road. Head towards Westford (if you're travelling south on 495, take a right off the ramp, if you're travelling north, take a left). When you come to the town center, take a right on Lincoln. Follow Lincoln - it will turn into Main Street, and then into Depot Street. Take a right onto Fisher Way (it will be about 1 mile from the time you get off of 495), which will bring you into the Abbott School complex. The field is on the right. If any other Westfordians have better directions than that, send them to me!

1999 NABA Arizona tournaments

Plans for the Over 40 and Over 30 NABA National tournaments in Arizona for 1999 are being put in place. As you might have heard, last fall's trip was a success, when 13 Over 40 OTB players put together a team called Lowell's Bench and competed in the tournament, barely being edged out by the previous year's champions from Colorado. Watch this news column for updates. If you're interested in Over 40 or Over 30 tournaments and want to get email when updates occur, send email to OTB NABA. The tentative dates for this year are October 10-14, 1999.

July 16	The OTB web site just passed 3000 hits and is going strong! The OTB board meeting took place last night. Some of the issues discussed were: Westford VFW and Abbott Field replace Alumni Field Directions to Abbott Field Fall 1999 Over 40 and Over 30 NABA tournaments in Arizona Alumni Field replacements: Since we don't have the use of Alumni Field for the rest of the regular season, all scheduled dates are replaced by the Westford VFW Field, with one exception: the August 1st game with the Tigers and Dodgers, which will be at Abbott Field in Westford. Abbott Field directions: Until a map is created for Abbott field, follow these directions: Take 495 to exit 32, Boston Road. Head towards Westford (if you're travelling south on 495, take a right off the ramp, if you're travelling north, take a left). When you come to the town center, take a right on Lincoln. Follow Lincoln - it will turn into Main Street, and then into Depot Street. Take a right onto Fisher Way (it will be about 1 mile from the time you get off of 495), which will bring you into the Abbott School complex. The field is on the right. If any other Westfordians have better directions than that, send them to me! 1999 NABA Arizona tournaments Plans for the Over 40 and Over 30 NABA National tournaments in Arizona for 1999 are being put in place. As you might have heard, last fall's trip was a success, when 13 Over 40 OTB players put together a team called Lowell's Bench and competed in the tournament, barely being edged out by the previous year's champions from Colorado. Watch this news column for updates. If you're interested in Over 40 or Over 30 tournaments and want to get email when updates occur, send email to OTB NABA. The tentative dates for this year are October 10-14, 1999.

July 13

The next OTB board meeting is Thursday, July 15th, 7:00 pm at Ignacio's. All OTB players are welcome to attend.

July 13	The next OTB board meeting is Thursday, July 15th, 7:00 pm at Ignacio's. All OTB players are welcome to attend.

July 6

The 1999 OTB All Star Game took place yesterday, with the National League beating the American League, 7-5.

July 6	The 1999 OTB All Star Game took place yesterday, with the National League beating the American League, 7-5.

July 4

The 1999 OTB All Star voting is complete, and the roster has been finalized.

July 4	The 1999 OTB All Star voting is complete, and the roster has been finalized.

June 24

New issues from June OTB board meeting:

New playoff format
New All Star game format and date
Dracut HS field
Wood bat issue

Playoff format - The following was approved as our 1999 playoff format:

All teams make the playoffs and will remain by division until the final league championship game when the National League champions play the American League champions.

1st round (both leagues):

1st place plays 6th place
2nd place plays 5th place
3rd place plays 4th place

Regular season finish determines playoff seeding. Tie-breakers will include head-to-head record, then total runs scored, and then division records, if necessary.

The highest seeded losing team will advance to the 2nd round with the 3 winning teams, and regardless of regular season finish will be the lowest seed in the 2nd round. For example - if the 6th place team beats the 1st place team, the 1st place team will advance automatically to the 2nd round by virtue of best regular season record. If 2nd place and 3rd place were also winners, the 2nd round would be the following:

2nd place plays 1st place (1st = lowest seed)
3rd place plays 6th place

The remaining playoffs after the 1st round will be single-elimination format. One loss and a team is eliminated.

Playoffs are tentatively scheduled to start on August 29th, barring any rainouts. The decision on whether to make up rained out games will be discussed at a future board meeting, if necessary.

All Star game format is as follows:

The new date and time for the All Star game is Monday, July 5, 1999, 4:00 pm at Alumni Field.
Ballots have been collected from team members and the 2 top voted players available to play will be on the All Star team. If any of the voted players are unavailable to play, the next-highest vote getter(s) will be eligible.

With 2 players from each team in each league, there will be 3 remaining roster sports for a total of 15 players. The managers of the American and National League teams will select the last 3 players with preference given to 3rd and 4th place vote getters. This was intended to ensure defensive positions are covered as much as possible.

Dracut HS field:

Teams playing at Dracut HS field may pick up the key to adjacent football field gate to retrieve foul balls. The key is held at the Dracut Police station, located approximately 200 hundred yards north (still on Lakeview Ave.). Enter the front door and request the key from the officer stationed at the front desk.

Wood bat issue:

The wood bat issue was discussed. No formal vote was taken, however due to the time of year, it was suggested that the league schedule a week of games next year to use only wooden bats, instead of doing it this year as previously considered.

Reminder - any OTB players interested in attending the monthly league board meeting can do so. The meetings typically are on either the 2nd or 3rd Thursday of the month, 7:00 pm at Ignacio's on West Adams St., Lowell. Check here or with your manager on when the next meeting is scheduled.

June 24	New issues from June OTB board meeting: New playoff format New All Star game format and date Dracut HS field Wood bat issue Playoff format - The following was approved as our 1999 playoff format: All teams make the playoffs and will remain by division until the final league championship game when the National League champions play the American League champions. 1st round (both leagues): 1st place plays 6th place 2nd place plays 5th place 3rd place plays 4th place Regular season finish determines playoff seeding. Tie-breakers will include head-to-head record, then total runs scored, and then division records, if necessary. The highest seeded losing team will advance to the 2nd round with the 3 winning teams, and regardless of regular season finish will be the lowest seed in the 2nd round. For example - if the 6th place team beats the 1st place team, the 1st place team will advance automatically to the 2nd round by virtue of best regular season record. If 2nd place and 3rd place were also winners, the 2nd round would be the following: 2nd place plays 1st place (1st = lowest seed) 3rd place plays 6th place The remaining playoffs after the 1st round will be single-elimination format. One loss and a team is eliminated. Playoffs are tentatively scheduled to start on August 29th, barring any rainouts. The decision on whether to make up rained out games will be discussed at a future board meeting, if necessary. All Star game format is as follows: The new date and time for the All Star game is Monday, July 5, 1999, 4:00 pm at Alumni Field. Ballots have been collected from team members and the 2 top voted players available to play will be on the All Star team. If any of the voted players are unavailable to play, the next-highest vote getter(s) will be eligible. With 2 players from each team in each league, there will be 3 remaining roster sports for a total of 15 players. The managers of the American and National League teams will select the last 3 players with preference given to 3rd and 4th place vote getters. This was intended to ensure defensive positions are covered as much as possible. Dracut HS field: Teams playing at Dracut HS field may pick up the key to adjacent football field gate to retrieve foul balls. The key is held at the Dracut Police station, located approximately 200 hundred yards north (still on Lakeview Ave.). Enter the front door and request the key from the officer stationed at the front desk. Wood bat issue: The wood bat issue was discussed. No formal vote was taken, however due to the time of year, it was suggested that the league schedule a week of games next year to use only wooden bats, instead of doing it this year as previously considered. *Reminder* - any OTB players interested in attending the monthly league board meeting can do so. The meetings typically are on either the 2nd or 3rd Thursday of the month, 7:00 pm at Ignacio's on West Adams St., Lowell. Check here or with your manager on when the next meeting is scheduled.

May 2

The OTB web site has 280 hits in its first week!

For those players waiting for new uniforms, please hang in there. Our equipment manager has received word that the shirts have been received from the manufacturer and are being numbered. Check with your manager for updates. Thank You for your patience!

May 2	The OTB web site has 280 hits in its first week! For those players waiting for new uniforms, please hang in there. Our equipment manager has received word that the shirts have been received from the manufacturer and are being numbered. Check with your manager for updates. Thank You for your patience!

April 25

As you may have already noticed, the OTB web site now lives at it's own dedicated site, www.otbinc.com (OTB Incorporated). Make sure you bookmark it, and pass it on to your friends! Bear with us while we move all the old pages and images over from the old TIAC site. Some links will to older pages will not be active right away.

The 1999 season begins with 2 new teams, for a total of 12. Our OTB players now number 180! Welcome to all new players that have joined us, and good luck to those that could not play this year. We're happy to announce that OTB has use of Alumni Field for 1999 - the site of our annual OTB Championship games.