Home Plate

The Team

Photos

Team Stats

Schedule

Standings and Game Summaries

Links

Tips and Drills

...and

(It's All About) 

The Front Office

Men's Senior/Adult Baseball League

 

League Standings

 

2012 Standings

FINAL

 

18+ Open Divison MABL

IL

Team W L %    
Van Buren Hogs 5 4 0.571 1 4
NWACC Eagles 4 5 0.428 5 1

25+ Division MSBL

IL

Team (Seed) W L %    
Arkansas Royals (6) 10 7 0.588 0 2
NWA Pirates (1) 12 2 0.857 2 2
NWA White Sox (4) 12 5 0.706 0 1
Springdale Rangers (7) 7 13 0.350    
Fayetteville Cardinals (2) 13 4 0.764    
Washington Senators (9) 5 13 0.278
West Beech Browns (3) 11 4 0.733    
Bentonville Dodgers (5) 9 7 0.563 1 1
FPEC Tigers (8) 4 13 0.235    
NWA Wingnuts (10) 1 16 0.059

 

September 23rd (Playoffs)

Dodgers 3  White Sox 10

White Sox 1  Pirates 7

The Sox were jonesing to defend their early season loss to the Dodgers in their first round of the 2012 playoffs.  Scheduled starter, Erin McGee, could not show to the park in time to get the start, so catcher, Chris Huebner got the nod only 2 minutes before first pitch. Huebner gave up the only three runs the Dodgers could muster in their first four at-bats before he settled down to retire that side with a strike out and a lazy pop fly to center.  McGee finally arrived to take the next two innings not letting a batter advance to first.  From there, veteran Dustin Wilson added to the Dodger frustrations facing only four batters over the minimum in four innings to get the win.  Wilson once again helped his own cause with a stellar offensive line:  3-4, 2R, HR, RBI.  Others contributing on offense were Andy Miller (2-3, 3R, BB), Patrick Taliaferro (2-3, 2R, BB), and Erin McGee (2-2, 2RBI, BB).  Matt Villines also knocked one of the sweetest swingin' home runs I have seen in a long while.

In the bracket final, the White Sox met the Pirates for the first time this season due to the previous matches being rained out.  The game looked to be a strong pitcher's duel between the Pirates' stalwart, Brett Reynolds, and our own MVP from last season, Mark Taylor.  Taylor (much like the early game) gave up three quick runs to the hard-hitting pirates but settled in the rest of the way with a stellar outing.  As much hyped (well deserved) as Reynolds is, Taylor stood toe-to-toe striking out 10 Pirates batters in 6 innings.  After Chris Huebner belted a home run off Reynolds in the top of the 5th inning the game was 3-1 Pirates.  In their next at-bat, the Pirates had a runner on first and third with one out.  Reynolds hit a sharp grounder to Mike Lopez at second base who tagged the runner and threw to first that looked like a double play.  However, the umpire reversed his call to keep the runner at second and the runner from third scoring.  Instead of the White Sox coming to bat in the sixth top of the order, the change of circumstance had the demoralized Sox down 7-1 instead following an error in left field by an injured Andy Carpenter.  Offensive bright spot was limited on the Sox side to Chris Huebner and his aforementioned HR (2-3, R, HR, RBI, K).  The White Sox settle for third place in league this season which is respectable considering difficulties fielding a full squad much of the way.  But the future looks bright and strong...--Stephen Boudreaux, White Sox

 

September 7-8th

White Sox 7  Senators 1

 

August 18-19th

White Sox 4  Royals 3

The White Sox and Royals were supposed to participate in the 2012 Arklahoma Shootout, but due to circumstances out of their control, the tournament was canceled.  Having fields and umpires at their disposal, the two teams needed to get a league game in each.  The last game between these two teams was a one-run, come-from-behind, nail-biter that mirrored the 2011 championship game between the teams.  The thoughts were that this third game in the series would be the same sort of prize-fight.  Since the book is in the uniform bucket at Patrick's house, I cannot reveal details...but what I do recall is that Erin McGee pitched strong for the Sox in the first four innings holding the Royals back, but it was Dustin Wilson's 2-hit over 5 inning pitching performance that sealed the victory for the Sox just as it seemed the Royals would mount yet another come back.  Offensive numbers and line scores to follow...--Stephen Boudreaux, White Sox

 

August 11-12th

White Sox 10  Wingnuts 1

I have no idea what it is going to take to get the White Sox to show up with full strength for a game.  As Patrick said, "We either have pitching, infield and no outfield; pitching, outfield and no infield; outfield, infield and no pitching, but never all three."  Fortunately, the Sox core group of about 7 guys show up most times and get the job done.  It's getting at least the 8th guy there to keep from forfeiting or a couple others to be competitive.  Gees.  Remember the days when the Sox had like 18 guys for every game?  I do...  Today, the Sox were fortunate that Mike Lopez was having a good day because he's not grumpy when he has a good day and the equipment is safe.  Lopez raked two line drive home runs out of Phillips III against two different Wingnut pitchers, scored three runs, three RBI, and got plunked once.  Dustin Wilson was also hot going 3-5, 2B, 2RBI and 2R.   Mark Taylor returned to the mound and was pitching lights out despite a less-than-favorable zone.  Taylor's line:  5IP, 1R, 1ER, 1H, 3BB, 2HBP, 11K and the win. Matt Mozzoni pitched 2 innings in relief and looked strong giving up no runs on no hits with 2BB and 4K (Mozzoni also roped a line drive home run of his own to help the cause).  Matt Villines closed out the affair with 2 innings with only one base hit, 1HBP, and 2Ks.  17Ks in 9 innings is a good day.  But the Sox are going to have to get with the program or crawl into the playoffs way under-manned.--Stephen Boudreaux, White Sox

 

August 4-5th

White Sox 9  Tigers 4

Tigers 11  White Sox 3

Another rough outing for the White Sox showing up to the ball park with only 8 players to start the first game.  Taking the mound was Mark Taylor who was scheduled to start game 2, but was thrust into covering for the others that didn't show.  Taylor pitched well and earned a tough win going all 7 innings striking out 11 and giving up only 3 hits.  Andy Carpenter's bat came alive despite recent injuries (3-4, R, RBI, 2B).  Also contributing in game one Tim Hooper (2-4, R, RBI, 2SB) and Stephen Boudreaux (2-4, R, RBI, K).  Game two was a bit of a disaster for the White Sox spotting the Tigers three unearned runs in the first inning on three errors E4, E5, E6.  In the third inning, the White Sox tied the game on Nick Coe's second-ever base hit who scored on Mike Lopez moving him over and Seth White's RBI base hit.  However, the next bit stifled the entire bench...  Mike Lopez got caught leaning too far off second base and was caught in a run-down pickle for the second out.  Seth White moved up to second in the mêlée but danced off the bag trying to draw a throw and got picked off immediately killing the rally.  Matt Villines was at the plate during the fracas and he was following up his line drive home run from the 2nd inning with runners on first and second.  It seems from there, the Sox were done.  In the next inning, Villines struck out on Karma and the Sox failed to threaten again.   Erin McGee gets a no-decision leaving with the game tied.  Dustin Wilson gets saddled with a rare loss for him giving up 6 runs before leaving without recording an out in the 7th.  Offensively, there was not much going on:  Mike Lopez (2-3), Andy Carpenter (2-3, R), and Nick Coe (1-2, R, K)--Stephen Boudreaux, White Sox

 

July 30th

The NWAMSBL celebrated our 2012 fundraising campaign by having the "NWAMSBL Day at Arvest Ball Park" on Monday.  It was tough to get a total count on our group's attendance, but I would say close to 300 players, family, friends, and ticket buyers from our group that showed up on a day where temperatures exceeded 108º.  The home team NWA Naturals fell to the visiting Springfield Cardinals after the game was tied in the bottom of the 8th inning in exciting fashion.  NWAMSBL League President, Stephen Boudreaux, was invited again to the radio booth for a scheduled half-inning interview.  Mark Zaiger, our liaison with the Minor League team, exclaimed that Stephen's interview last year with team broadcaster, Steven Davis, during the event was his most favorite all year and that he was looking forward to having me in the booth again to talk baseball.  Instead of the scheduled half-inning, Stephen was allowed to remain in the booth for three full innings.  After leaving the booth, his smart phone began to buzz with online registration announcements from folks that heard the interview.  A total of 6 new registrants came in during the hour following the interview.  That may not sound like much, but it is an evident spike and great exposure.  Immediately following the game, the NWAMSBL had a successful home run derby getting more than 24 contestants to the plate to try and send a ball out of the big Minor League park.  Even though a few home-run-hitting favorites could not attend, two members of the West Beech Browns showed why that squad has been racing up the standings in recent weeks.  Shannon Peterson and Sam Neal, both of the Browns, were the winners of the derby in a tie launching shots in the deepest part of the park.  Congratulations to them and thanks to our membership and the NWA Naturals for a great time at the park. 

 

July 28-29

White Sox 7  Cardinals 3

Cardinals 5  White Sox 9

Once again, the White Sox came to the field short-handed (9 players) for a double header on the hottest game day of the year at 109º.  Fortunately, our position players that can pitch, did and did well.  In game one, Chris Huebner virtually shut down the now-potent Cardinal hitting giving up only one run on only 2 hits striking out 5 in three innings' work.  Maybe just as impressive was Dustin Wilson who seems to have found his arm from the past pumping in fastballs in the mid-80's easy...maybe more?  And his curve ball seems to have found it's way back as well taking care of the Cardinal's 15-spot hitting lineup.  The Cardinal pitching in game one stifled the Sox, but a few clutch hitters found there way to a good day.  Chris Huebner (2-3, 2-2B, RBI, HBP), Tim Hooper (2-3, R, 2RBI, SB, HBP), Stephen Boudreaux (2-4, R, RBI).  Game two was much the same scenario with Seth White starting on the mound to cover for regular starters being MIA.  White shut down the Cardinals in the first three innings allowing only one run and striking out three.  Andy Carpenter tried in relief, but left after an injury and giving up four runs despite three strikeouts of his own.  Trusty Andy Miller volunteered to come to the rescue after his stellar day at the plate (3-3, 3R, 3RBI, HR(5)).  Miller kept the Cardinal hitters at bay giving up only one meaningless hit in 2 1/3 innings of relief to earn the save.  Aside from Miller's day at the plate, Seth White also helped himself (3-4, R, RBI, SB), and newcomer TO BASEBALL, Nick Coe, gets his first hit in the sport EVER going 1-3 on the day.  Nick never played the sport in Little League or any level, but absolutely loves the game and wanted to try his hand at baseball at the age of 32.  Nick started taking throwing and batting lessons last year and is making great progress.  Most importantly, he is the most enthusiastic competitor we have ever witnessed in a White Sox dugout.  Way to go, Nick, and thanks for being our teammate.--Stephen Boudreaux, White Sox

 

July 21-22

Dodgers 15  White Sox 13
The first inning was a preview of what this day was going to be. The Dodgers started the top of the first with 2 home runs, one each by Mike McAllister and Ralph Duenas, scoring 3 runs. The White Sox came back with 4 runs in the bottom of the 1st with a grand slam. The game stayed close until the 6th and 7th innings where the White Sox scored 6 runs, to take a 13-11 lead. With time running out, there was only time for one more inning. Being the visiting team, the Dodgers had to score in this inning, or end up with a tough loss. Well, the first two batters struck out to start the inning, the #11 batter in the lineup, John Finch, got two quick strikes and was in an 0-2 hole quickly. Well, Finch took that 0-2 pitch, and lined it into left field for his first hit of the day. Up came Matt Garza, who homered in his last at bat, the walked him to face Mike McAllister, who promptly took a curveball in the back to load the bases for Rich Conner. Conner ran the count to 3-1, and that is when he blasted the fastball over the left field fence for his 2nd grand slam of the season, and gave the Dodgers a 15-13 lead. Brian Tomlin came in for the Dodgers, and pitched a perfect inning, getting the save for the Dodgers victory. The Dodgers had 9 hits, 4 of them homeruns by Mike McAllister, Ralph Duenas, Matt Garza and the game winner by Rich Conner--Eric Exner, Dodgers

 

July 14-15

White Sox 15  Rangers 5

Rangers 4  White Sox 10

Defense wins ball games and championships and this is why the sox are defending champions year end and year out they find good pitching and play great defense its that simple. We beat ourselves in this double header. Clay Fecht gave up five runs in the first game and the defense played well until the last two innings of the ball game we just simply fell apart. Last year we was run ruled in both double headers this year we hung tough for a good deal of both games but it just wasn't enough we have to play better defense if we want to beat good teams. To be the men you have to beat the men.--Reggie Smith, Rangers

 

The White Sox enjoy playing the Rangers.  Not because we have gotten the best of them the last couple of years, but rather because they are good guys and enjoy the atmosphere regardless of the end result.  It wasn't obvious that the Rangers needed to improve (from last year's winless season), but it was important to them to give a better effort and recruit some help.  Winning isn't everything, but it definitely cures a lot of ails.  So, the Rangers have improved and have won a couple of games in the early season, so I am certainly hopeful for them.  As for my guys...we have some work to do of our own.  The White Sox have a great core group, but we are piece-mealing our pitching staff.  When Mark Taylor cannot make it to the ball park, we have exactly zero true pitchers over the age of 25 on the roster.  This was evidenced by the fact that I had to take the old-school knuckleball to the mound to eat a few innings.  I haven't pitched in nearly a decade (in a scrimmage game), but I will admit I enjoyed the opportunity.  Game one was a quick burst by the Sox offense scoring 5 runs in the top of the first.  Ranger pitcher Clay Fecht settled down through the 5th when the Sox struck again with 4 runs and then another 6 runs in the 6th.  Sox  pitcher, Chris Huebner, shut down the Rangers until I came in for the 4th inning.  I didn't do terrible until the 6th inning plunking 3 batters in a row to load the bases and then my little experiment was over.  Andy Carpenter finished things off for Huebner, but not after surrendering a few runs.  The second game was almost a mirror image of the first with the Sox again scoring 5 in the first.  Rookie pitcher Erin McGee took the first three innings for the Sox and didn't give up a run scattering only 2 hits and 2 walks striking out 4 Rangers.  Dustin Wilson finished things off with an impressive outing striking out 5 Rangers and giving up only one hit per inning.  Offensively on the day for the White Sox, Tim Hooper was the breakout star (5-6, 4R, 2RBI, BB, HBP, SB, K).  Seth White (3-7, 5R, RBI, HBP, 4SB), and Andy Miller (3-8, 4R, 3RBI, HR(3), 2K).--Stephen Boudreaux, White Sox

 

July 7-8

White Sox 11  Van Buren Hogs 13

This game was a test of, "which coach can get their full squad together for a ballgame" which was ultimately won by the younger bunch.  In the first of the Interleague games this season designed to match up the depleted 18+ teams with 25+ to give them some variety, the White Sox didn't answer the call with a full squad and had to rely on a prospect in Dan Nowacinski and Tigers manager, Al Hatcher, who was game enough to give the Sox a hand to field 9 spots.  Missing from the Sox lineup were 8 out of 15 on the roster including 5 of the top 9 hitters.  The Hogs were much better equipped and the game started off this way through the first 7 innings with the Hogs leading 9-2.  By the time the Hogs had shuffled in their 4th pitcher, the White Sox were ready to hit scoring 8 runs in the top of the 8th inning to knot the game at 10 apiece highlighted by Albert Swann's daring 3-run triple and Stephen Boudreaux's 3-run double.  In the bottom of the 8th, though, the White Sox had run out of pitching and gave up three runs.  In the top of the 9th, the Sox managed to plate a single run and then load the bases with a chance to steal the win.  However, Boudreaux chased a wild curve ball to strike out and Mark Taylor dribbled a grounder to first to end the threat.  Mark Taylor pitched a dandy game despite the outcome striking out 5 batters.  Chris Huebner gets saddled with the loss despite striking out 6 Hogs in 3 innings.  Offensively, the White Sox did better than expected:  Chris Huebner (2-2, R, RBI, 2B, 3BB), Stephen Boudreaux (3-6, 2R, 4RBI, 2B, 2K), Albert Swann (1-5, 2R, 3RBI, 3B, BB).--Stephen Boudreaux, White Sox

 

July 1-2

White Sox 23  Tigers 3

The White Sox rebounded from their disappointing last inning loss to the Royals last week with an offensive barrage against the Tigers.  Generally surehanded Tiger pitcher, Jeremy Travis, has faired well against league competition but the Sox were determined and amassed 11 runs against the veteran before running him out of the game.  For the Sox, the combination of pitching by Erin McGee, Mark Taylor, and newcomer Chris Currier accounted for only 2 earned runs surrendered and 11Ks in 8 innings.  Taylor was most impressive with 7Ks alone in his three innings.  Offensively, the book is hieroglyphical, but key contributors:  Albert Swann (5-5, 3R, 3@2B, RBI, BB, SB), Mike Lopez (3-5, 2R, 2RBI, 2B HR(1), BB, SB), Seth White (4-6, 3R, 5RBI, 2B, GS-HR(1)), Patrick Taliaferro (5-6, 2R, 3RBI, 3@2B, SB), Stephen Boudreaux (3-5, R, 2RBI).  Things don't get easier for the Sox...next week comes interleague play with the Van Buren Hogs of the 18+ division in Van Buren and short-handed to boot.--Stephen Boudreaux, White Sox

 

June 23-24

Royals 9  White Sox 8

It was a re-match of last year's championship game between these two squads and just as tight til the end requiring a last-inning effort to win it.  This time the outcome was different 9-8 in favor of the Royals (last year's Yankees).   Erin McGee pitched a dandy and deserved a win basically shutting the Royals down, but his bullpen faltered and let the lead slip away.  A late White Sox rally fell victim to the dreaded baseball clock. The Royals are better this year even than last year's Yankees squad we met in the championship game. But the White Sox without their pitching can still hang with them. The White Sox still lack some offensive production in key spots that we will need to improve on before the next game as the competition in the 25+ division is stronger top-to-bottom.  McGee's line:  4inn, 2R, 1ER, 3H, 0BB, 2HBP, 5K.  Wilson gave up 2 runs and Swann gave up 3 runs and gets the loss.  Miller gave up the final two runs in the margin, but hit a 2-run homer to make it that close.  Offensive producers for the White Sox:  Seth White (3-4, 2R, RBI, BB), Andy Miller (2-4, R, 2RBI, HR(1)), Dustin Wilson (2-4, 2RBI, 2@2B), and Andy Carpenter (2-4, R, RBI, 2B, BB)--Stephen Boudreaux, White Sox

For the Royals

The Royals were faced with the task of redemption from last years loss in the championship game to the Sox. With Jacob Koch and Trent Polston only giving up 1 earned run apiece and key hits by Michael Yates (1-3, dbl 2 RBI) Jacob Koch (2-3), Roger Hill (2-5) and Brice Hall (2-4, 1 RBI) the Royals were able to hang on for a 1 run win.--Justin Belk, Royals

 

June 16-17

White Sox 13  Senators 7

The 25+ division is a plus one team over last year thanks to some rebels that seceded from the Dodgers.  This new squad will fare well if Sunday was any indication.  Fortunately for the White Sox, last year's league MVP, Mark Taylor, returned to the mound to shut down the Senators through 4 2/3 innings before leaving with a 5-2 lead striking out 8 batters giving up only one hit.  Newcomer, Albert Swann, literally stepped off a plane in relief along with Andy Miller to save things striking out an additional 6 batters. Dustin Wilson should always make bets about winning some sort of slugger title, because he is absolutely crushing the baseball going 3-5 with another home run (3) (3-5, R, HR, 4RBI 2SB).  Others contributing offensively:  Patrick Taliaferro (3-4, 2R, BB, SB), Chris Huebner (2-4, HBP), Albert Swann (1-1, 2R, 2B, SB, RBI, HBP all in two plate appearances).--Stephen Boudreaux, White Sox

 

June 4, 2012

Wingnuts 2  White Sox 17

Kicking off the delayed 2012 season, the game Wingnuts and White Sox hustled out to expertly-groomed Lincoln HS Field to square off and test their squads.  These two teams actually scrimmaged twice in the pre-season in a pair of even contests.  However, when the reality of the "games-that-matter" was at hand, the White Sox proved that they might have picked up where they left off from last seasons' championship run.  Despite missing starting catcher, Andy Miller (broken foot), starting center fielder, Tim Hooper (cut open hand), starting short stop, Lincoln Garner (out for season with torn laborum), and last season's MVP, LHP Mark Taylor, the Sox looked to a couple of newcomers to take up the slack.  Erin McGee took the mound to start the contest and pitched a dandy 4 innings of 2-hit ball striking out 6.  Shortstop, Albert Swann, made a heckuva play to end the 4th when the Wingnuts were threatening.  Rookie, Nick Coe...who claims to have never played the game ever...stepped to the plate four times,  recorded an RBI and put the ball in play each at-bat.  The king of the day on offense for the White Sox was veteran slugger, Dustin Wilson who started his day off with a grand slam and ended it with a solo shot sandwiching a walk, single, and HBP and 6 RBIs.  Others atop the leaderboard were Erin McGee (2-3, RBI, BB, SB, K), and Stephen Boudreaux (2-3, 2R, 2RBI, SAC), and Mike Lopez (1-1, 2R, 2BB, SB).--Stephen Boudreaux, White Sox

 

2011 Final Standings and Summaries

2010 Final Standings and Summaries

2009 Final Standings and Summaries

2008 Final Standings and Summaries

2007 Final Standings and Summaries

2006 Final Standings and Summaries

2005 Final Standings and Summaries

2004 Final Standings and Summaries

2003 Final Standings and Summaries

2002 Final Standings and Summaries

2001 Final Standings and Summaries

2000 Final Standings and Summaries