Gap 77 wins softball tourney, repeat title on ladies? side

by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor

Mike Gapczynski Jr. was remembered in fine fashion during the annual Nautical Festival men?s softball tournament played last weekend in Rogers City. A team called ?Gap 77,? led by Eric Brege of Rogers City, and a sprinkling of other local players, including co-most valuable player Tommy Catalano of Rogers City, ended a team from Clio?s run of six championships. This year the group dubbed themselves ?Not That Good (NTG).? Gapczynski Jr. lost a courageous battle against leukemia on New Year?s Eve 2009. During last year?s tournament, ball players from in and out of the community rallied around Mike to show their support. GAP 77 knocked off NTG in the battle of undefeated teams and waited to see who their opponent would be. NTG mercied Shoe?s Corner and moved into the finals, needing two wins against Gap 77 to win it all.

NTG took the first one 27-22. Gap 77 came back from 14-2 to get within a run, but NTG put the contest away and forced what every fan loves at ?The Hole? on the last day: one more game. Gap 77 went up 9-0, before NTG trimmed the lead to one, 10-9, at the end of three. The fourth inning belonged to NTG as they took a 15-14 lead. Nobody scored in the fifth. In the sixth, Gap 77 would get nine across and hold on in the seventh. With the score 23-21, and two on, a ground ball was hit to Catalano who dove on first base to end the game.

Other locals on the winning team were Eric?s son, Austin, who played right field and was

an extra runner. Roger Wenzel also was an extra runner. There were 25 men?s teams in the tournament this year, nearly the same as 2009. THERE WERE 16 teams in the women?s tournament, won for the second straight year by BMV Mizuno, 7-2. They knocked off two-time runner-up Glaza Farms. In third was McLean Pharmacy, who was undefeated Saturday, before losing to Glaza and BMV on Sunday. ?We had pouring rain Saturday night,? said tournament organizer Karl Grambau. ?The Little League fields were in great shape for the finals, and I want to thank Gary Bisson for taking care of them for us, they were in great shape.

?It was a very successful tournament. There were a lot of good comments.? Proceeds form the tournament will go to the Huron softball program. Wenzel was credited for keeping the hole in good shape and the Nautical Festival Committee was commended for their assistance for help in making the tournament a success. ?They?ve been great to work with,? said Grambau. The committee gave away 650 complimentary tickets for free admission to the tent.