Thunder Wins Jimbo's Fall Classic

One Day Cash Tournament At Donovan & Armor Parks In Chicago

CHICAGO: Thunder (4-0) won the 2005 Jimbo's Fall Classic sixteen inch tournament held at both Donovan Park and Amour Park in Chicago on Saturday October 1st They defeated Jimbo's (2-1) 10-7 in the championship game to claim the top cash prize being offered at this event. Shinnicks (2-1) and Gatoraid (2-1) tied for third place at this annual close the season softball tournament.
Thunder was led by the play of their first baseman Carlos Leiva, short center fielder Brian Palm, pitcher Mike Gale, outfielder Tony Massarelli and outfielder Brian Miller who were all named to the 2005 Jimbo's Fall Classic All-Tournament Team for their play during this tournament.
Thunder opened play with a fist round 11-1 victory over Binge to advance into the second round of play.
In the second round it was Thunder over Outsiders 11-6 to move Thunder into the semifinal round of this tournament. The Outsiders made it to this second round game by defeating the Woodpeckers 15-11 in the first round of play.
Thunder sent Gatorade home with a third place finish after beating them 1608 in a semifinal game to put them into the championship game of the tournament. Gatorade made it into this semifinal contest by opening play with a 12-7 win over Menace in the first round of play before they defeated Step By Step 8-7 in the second round to earn heir way into this game against Thunder.
The championship game was the icing on the cake for the Thunder ball club as they complete their unbeaten day by defeating Jimbo's 10-7 to claim the tournament's top cash prize that goes to the champion.
Thunder did not provide Illinois Softball Report with any team information, stats, highlights or quotes on how they were able to win this cash tournament.
Jimbo's made it to the championship game behind the play of shortstop Keith Bernard, third baseman Rob Grassano, second baseman Mark Provenzano, pitcher Mickey Balestri and outfielder Mike Basile.
Jimbo's made it to the finals by receiving a first round bye in the bracket before taking on and defeating Caution 15-5 in the second round of action. Caution had won their first round game over Kidcocks 11-3 to advance into this second round match up with Jimbo's.
In their semifinal contest it was Jimbo's over Shinnicks 1`2-7 to put them into the finals of this tournament. Shinnicks made it to this semifinal game by defeating the Dogg Pound 10-7 in the first round of play before stopping the Raiders 6-0 in the second round to advance into the semifinal against Jimbo's
Jimbo's came up a little short in the final game and had to settle for the second place money from this event as they were defeated by Thunder 10-7 in the championship game.
Jimbo's did not supply Illinois Softball Report with any team information, stats, highlights or quotes on how they were able to achieve their second place finish at this tournament.
Tournament director Mickey Balestri said, "Thanks to all the teams that played in this year's tournament. It was a great day for softball and everyone had fun. Thanks again!"