Chicagoland APBA Tournament: Welch, Christian combine to bring home trophy for 1968 Cardinals

James Welch took the 1968 St Louis Cardinals to the finals by winning his division.  Craig Christian finished the job. 

On Saturday July 19th in Woodstock, Illinois, the 1968 St Louis Cardinals defeated the 2001 Seattle Mariners in the final game to win the 2014 Chicagoland Summer APBA World Series Tournament.  Not unlike what happened at the National convention tournament, original manager of the ‘68 Cardinals, James Welch (above left) had to leave the tournament early.  He tabbed Craig Christian (right) as his pinch manager.  It proved to be a good move as Craig won it all by beating the Cardinals’ fellow Thomas Division representative Doug Schuyler and his ‘01 Mariners 12-3. 

Eighteen APBA fans participated in the tournament and their teams were divided into three divisions.  Each team played one game against every other team in their division.  The top two winning teams went on to compete in the finals. 

Congratulations go out to the top teams in each division:

Thomas Division

• Doug Schuyler 2001 Seattle Mariners 5-0
• James Welch 1968 St Louis Cardinals 4-1

Glavine Division

• Bradd Romant 1982 Milwaukee Brewers 5-0
• Robert Eller 1927 New York Yankees 4-1

Maddux Division

• Jim Saska 1977 Philadelphia Phillies 4-1
• Eric Berg 2006 Minnesota Twins 4-1

Indeed, it was a battle between veterans like Jim Saska and Doug Schuyer and some tournament rookies like Eric Berg and Bradd Romant.  Even James Welch and Craig Christian are new to the tournament.  Well played, new guys! 

A great new feature of the Chicagoland tournament was the consolation (or loser’s) round.  Congratulations go to Larry Eichmann (above left) who hung in there in the 12-team win-or-go-home bracket.  His ‘62 San Francisco Giants defeated Gary Lindley’s tough 1906 Chicago Cubs in the final game. 

There was no MVP announced but worthy of announcement is Jim Spencer.  Playing for Clark Eichmann’s 1979 New York Yankees, Spencer hit six homeruns in five games.  It’s amazing that the Yanks only won one game with that kind of power. 

Needless to say, a lot of fun was had by everyone.  A lot of thanks go to Jim “Mr. Logistics” Saska and Doug “PR Man” Schuyler.  These tournaments wouldn’t happen without you two.  Each one is getting better and with your help, we’re establishing a great APBA tradition.  Thanks! 

I’ll be posting some more photos and comments in future articles but if you want to see all the photos I took, they are here. 

I’ll be back in November.