DNL all-star selections feature nine first-timers
The Daily News League, which just finished its 85th season, named its eighth annual All-Star team last week.
“The league has definitely gotten a lot better over the past three years,” Bowser manager Andy Brettschneider said. “A lot of young guys coming in. A lot of very good ball players.”
Of the 14 players selected, nine were first-time honorees with eight of them earning the distinction in their first DNL season.
Bowser's four all-star selections were the most in the nine-team league. The Twins finished the regular season 17-7 and defeated Clancy's Pub in the quarterfinals before being swept by eventual champion Quinn Construction in the semifinals.
“Our players that were selected to the all-star team, it was well-deserved. They played their hearts out throughout the regular season,” Brettschneider said. “Collectively as a team we couldn't manufacture enough runs to get to the championship.”
Bowser outfielder Kyle Lucot was the top vote-getter at his position. Lucot finished the regular season with 20 RBI and a .523 slugging percentage in 21 games.
“Kyle's a fantastic outfielder and fantastic hitter at the same time,” Brettschneider said.
“He's able to place a bunt wherever he wants or he's able to hit a triple or home run at any point in the game. He's a game changer. He's an all-around excellent ballplayer.”
Another Twin, Chad Jacob, earned pitching and designated-hitter honors. Jacob batted .510 in the regular season, hitting three home runs and knocking in 26 in 16 games. On the mound, Jacob won all five of his starts and finished with a 2.66 ERA and 26 strikeouts.
Postseason champ Quinn Construction (24-6) placed two on the team: pitcher Anthony Garofalo and outfielder Nick Yobbi. Manager Tom Simcho believes the selections are indicative of a player's success throughout the season and not based on popularity.
“We probably have the two best players in the league, and neither are on the team,” Simcho said referring to Jimmy Pasquine and Tarran Senay. “You have to prove yourself during that year, and it shouldn't be based on reputation. Everybody that was on that list deserved it.”
Regular-season champ Harvey Wilner's Tavern had three players selected: pitcher Isiah Marsh, second baseman Craig Price and outfielder Don McDuffee.
Clancy's shortstop Joe Aul was chosen for the fourth consecutive year, while Bowser first baseman Dalaine Ofchinick earned his fifth all-star honor.
Others on the team are Carriage Inn outfielder Tyler Dillinger, Clancy's third baseman Jayson Monroe and Hot Shots Saloon's first baseman and catcher Logan Corrigan and Ben Nolan.
Each manager had one vote per position and could not vote for his own players.
Justin Criado is a freelance writer.
