Daily Times, In The Community: Salvation Army the real winner in charity softball tournament
By HARRY CHAYKUN, Special to the Times
Ryan's Pub of West Chester defeated Braydon's Bombers of the Delaware Valley, 4-3, in the championship game of the Amateur Softball Association of Pennsylvania's Red Kettle One-Pitch Tournament, held last weekend at MapleZone in Upper Chichester.
The event was held to help the fundraising efforts of the Daily Times/Salvation Army Merry Christmas Fund.
"Major Ervin McKoy of the Salvation Army made the arrangements for Santa Claus to make an appearance at the tournament," ASA District 6 commissioner Joe Organek said. "And a trumpeter was there, treating everyone with his beautiful renditions of Christmas carols."
"The best part of the night was that the tournament raised $600 for the Merry Christmas Fund."
Organek pointed out that 2014 was the sixth consecutive year in which District 6 had at least one tournament and/or a league playing in each of the 12 months. The district commissioner credited MapleZone owner Jeff Randazzo and staff members Rob Itri, Chris Madonna and Ashley Eden for making arrangements to host the tournament, ASA umpire Tom Conn for donating his time to work the games, Award Connection in Springfield for the championship plaque, and Milano's Pizza Warehouse of Upper Chichester and Jacquette's Bakery of Broomall for providing refreshments.
Ryan's trailed, 3-0, in the championship game before scoring four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to pull out the victory. Kevin Kochka, who made several outstanding plays at shortstop, helped turn six double plays and reached base eight times in three games, won the most valuable player award.
Chris Zizza, who also reached base eight times, Ross McNeil (7-for-11) and Sean Calhoon were Ryan’s offensive leaders, and pitcher John Kuesel recorded eight strikeouts.
Among the members of the Ryan's Pub of West Chester softball team are: Front row, from left, Lee Tadalan, Chris Zizza, Kevin Kochka, Ross McNiel and Rich Keeley; and back row, Franco Cardillo, John Kuesel, Bill Salinsky, Chris Warner, Andrew Scott and Sean Calhoon.
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