One of the TBL’s best days of the year, and quickly becoming a great source of both fun and national pride. The World Cup of Burby.


On a sunny but chilly Saturday morning at Oakridge, 6 nations took to the field. 5 of them looking to capture the crown and knock off the reigning dynasty of the UK. As finalists last year, the UK and Eastern Block received first round byes. The UK awaited the winner of the Italy vs Canada game while the Eastern Block would square off with the winner of India vs the Internationals.


Italy would hold off a spirited Canada squad by a score of 2-0 thanks to the pitching of Marcus Belardi and a dominant day at the dish from Gino Collura. On the other side of the yard Andreas Constantinou was hit early and often by Team India and Naz delivered a vintage performance on the mound to secure fhe 4-0 shutout.


Italy and UK got underway and Joe Callaghan got the champs on the board fast as the howling outward winds aided a solo shot off Belardi in the 1st. The score remained that way until the 5th when Kevin Leach entered the game and had control issues leading to a run scoring on walks. To extras they went and in the 7th inning with Leach still on the bump Italy broke through with a bases loaded single by Johnny Duco and another base on balls to make it 3-1. With 1 out and 2 strikes Callaghan had a flare for the dramatic as he lunged into one and banged a ball off the fence for a game winning 3 RBI triple!


EB and India got going and the EB boys jumped out to a lead stringing together a slew of hits and being led on the mound by Matty Kowall and Marty Patience. It was a valiant effort from India to branch off and pursue the title but on this day it fell short.


The UK and Eastern Block for all the pride and bragging rights, two teams with a ton of history in this tournament. Kowall and Leach got the nods and hits were at a premium. The game remained scoreless after the 5 regulation innings. With Kowall and Callaghan rolling it seemed this may take a while. In the bottom of the 7th Callaghan worked himself a 3-1 count against Kowall. 3-2. The payoff pitch....A swing and a belt! Just over the center field fence, a walkoff grand slam! Joe Callaghan very obviously wins the tournament MVP and once again is at the forefront as the UK wins an unprecedented 5th straight title.

Rob Scotland