Is deadball dead? Nope. Scott Fennessy and his 1905 Giants take Chicagoland Tournament

I’m not sure where to start.  With so much happening at yesterday’s amazing Chicagoland Tournament, there is so much to talk about.  I’ll probably stretch it out over a couple articles.  For now, we’ll start with the “official” press release.

Clark Eichman (left) and Scott Fennessy wish each other luck before the big game

Congratulations to Scott Fennessy who managed his 1905 New Giants to the championship of the 2nd Chicagoland APBA World Series Tournament on Saturday, November 16th.  Scott got masterful pitching from Christy Mathewson who pitched a no-hitter AND a two-hitter in the finals and went 3-0 for the tournament.  Mathewson is the presumed Tournament MVP. 

Honorable mention goes to Clark Eichman who took the 1971 Pirates to the championship game.   Greg Nelson (1998 Braves), Doug Schuyler (1998 Yankees), and Curt Bartell also won their divisions and went on the finals. 

In all 22 people attended the the tournament which was held in Woodstock, Illinois at the public library.  The tournament was formatted as a round robin divided into four divisions with each team playing six games against their division opponents.  Those with the best records went on the finals. 

Here is the breakdown of all the teams courtesy of tournament Jim Saska. 

5 Division Champions

• Greg Nelson- 1998 Braves(6-1)
• Curt Bartell- 1959 Braves(5-2)
• Scott Fennessy- 1905 Giants(6-2)
• Clark Eichman- 1971 Pirates(6-2)
• Doug Schuyler- 1998 Yankees(4-3)

Overall Champion

Scott Fennessy- 1905 Giants (6-2)

Runnerup 

Clark Eichman- 1971 Pirates (6-2)

Those who didn’t make the cut

Mack Division:

• Jim Moran- 1982 Brewers (1-5)
• Michael Gaubatz- 1934 Cardinals (3-3)
• Dave Elsen- 1975 Reds (2-4)

McGraw Division:

• Don Smith- 1961 Angels (1-5)
• Randy Wooley- 1997 Mariners (3-3)
• James Welch- 1968 Tigers (3-3)

Wrigley Division:

• Jim Saska- 2001 Mariners (1-5)
• Pat McGregor- 1995 Indians (4-2)
• Thomas Nelshoppen- 1966 Orioles (2-4)

Veeck Division:

• Tom Johnson- 1976 Reds (3-3)
• Gary LongGrove- 1931 A’s (2-4)
• Shawn Baier- 1912 Giants (3-3)

Cobb Division:

• Robert Eller- 1969 Cubs (3-3)
• Rich Zawadzki- 1911 A’s (4-2)
• Bill Blair- 1970 Orioles (3-3)
• Larry Eichman- 1955 Reds (2-4)
• John Brandeberry- 1930 A’s (1-5)

Greg Nelson and his 1998 Braves gets special mention for going 6-0 against his own division, the only team to do so. 

Champion Scott Fennessy doesn’t go home empty-handed.  He received a very nice trophy courtesy of Doug Schuyler plus a bounty of other prizes.  In addition, he will get his choice of any season set from APBA.  A big thank you to the APBA Game Company for donating this prize! 

You can see photos that I took yesterday here. 

Thanks to Jim Saska and Doug Schuyler for all of their hard work in putting this tournament together!!  All of us who attended really appreciate what you did!