GAME ONE: AUGUST 29, 2010 - GAME TIME: 10:00 AM

#1

11 - 3

Mike Maier

The Orioles captured their second straight regular season title although not as easy as last season. They played a lot more closer games this season than, but their veteran experience helped keep them on top. They are going for an unprecedented third play-off championship in a row. The only teams to ever win three are the now defunct Dodgers and the old Braves which are totally different from the current Braves. To do it they will have to start against the Red Sox.

The Red Sox improved by three more wins this year than last season thanks to the addition of several talented players. They still didn't reach their goal of being .500 but at least they are making a step in the right direction. Of course drawing the leagues best team in the first round is not what any team wants, but eventually you would probably have to go through them. If the Red Sox can play the way they are capable of this could be a closer game than expected.

Season Series: Orioles 2-0

Game 1: Orioles 17 - Red Sox 6

Games 2 Orioles 19 - Red Sox 4

#8

4 - 10

Rick Fleurent

MACKENZIE FIELD, HOLYOKE

GAME TWO: AUGUST 29, 2010 - GAME TIME: 10:00 AM

#2

9 - 5

Todd Allman

The Athletics finished second to the Orioles for the second year in a row. Despite being one win less than last year's record they are still a very dangerous team. When they are running on all cylinders they can be tough to beat! In fact for the third year in a row they have lead the league in runs scored averaging 9.2 a game. They have struggled with consistency during the season but they always come prepared to play.

The Pirates must feel out of their element, because for the first time in three years (07, 08 and 09) they will not be facing the Braves in the first round! They also won one less game from last season, but did score 14 more runs over all, but gave up 21 more runs on defense. The Pirates have some very good hitters in their line-up and can hit with anyone when they are stroking it well. This game can go either way despite the four win difference between the teams.

Season Series: Split 1-1

Game 1: Athletics 13 - Pirates 3

Game 2:  Pirates 11 - Athletics 4

#7

5 - 9

Larry Pietras

BOOSTER FIELD, EASTHAMPTON

GAME THREE: AUGUST 29, 2010 - GAME TIME: 10:00 AM

#3

8 - 6

Craig Kupinsky

Until the Braves swept the season series this year both of these teams have split for the last three seasons from 2007 through 2009. But even in both games this season until a late inning rally by the Braves in the second game the series would have split again.

The Tigers are like a fly, no matter how many times you swat them they never go away and if you do happen to kill the fly, another one comes back just like the Tigers do! They did win a QVOTBL championship in 2001 and several players remain from that team so they know how to win the big game. The Braves finished by winning 7 of their last 8 games after starting 1-5 on the season. Last year they did the same but fell short in the championship game  but hope they don't repeat the same let down as last season. Whoever wins this game must be taken seriously going forward for winning it all.

Season Series: Braves 2-0

Game 1: Braves 5 - 2

Game 2: Braves 5 - 2

#6

5 - 9

Chris Ciepiela

DALEY FIELD, EASTHAMPTON

GAME FOUR: AUGUST 29, 2010 - GAME TIME: 10:00 AM

#4

7 - 7

Todd Neumann

The Nationals improved this season by two wins after having a disappointing season last year. In 2006 this team won both the regular season and play-off titles which had only been completed by three other teams in league history. But they have a team that could do it every year. This season armed with only one true pitcher going .500 is an amazing feat, but why they were able to do it was because of their offense, which is just as  good as any team in the league.

The Cardinals are three time regular season champions, but have never sipped from the eternal  play-off championship chalice! The Cardinals were a dismal 2-13 in 2008 but have put together back to back .500 seasons missing the championship game by one game last season. This series would have been split, but a rules violation by the Cardinals cost them a win and the third seed in the play-offs. Despite that they have as good a chance as anyone to win it all.

Season Series: Nationals 2-0

Game 1: Nationals 7 - Cardinals 5

Game 2:  Nationals 9  - Cardinals  0 (forfeit)

#5

7 - 7

Gary Paradise

HERLIHY FIELD, WHATELY

MAKE UP GAME RECAP: SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010 - 10:00 A.M.

In the fall of 1995, two dozen baseball enthusiasts met on Sunday afternoons at Parsons Field in Belchertown MA, to play baseball "for the shear for it." During the following winter, the QUABBIN VALLEY OVER THIRTY BASEBALL LEAGUE was organized and incorporated as a Massachusetts charitable corporation. In May 1996, the first season got under way, with approximately 50 players and four teams playing on two fields in Amherst and Belchertown. Thirteen years later there is still a core of charter members playing.

From the beginning, three fundamental precepts emerged as guiding principles:

1. Playing a high caliber of baseball can  be balanced with good sportsmanship.

2. That all players are welcome to participate on a non discriminatory basis, irrespective of ability, gender, or any other classification except the minimum age of thirty years.

3. That all games and other league activities are family oriented events so that spouses and children can join in the great American pastime of playing baseball.

The league now consists of eight teams with over 125 men and women enjoying baseball in an all ability, recreational, competitive atmosphere. We pride ourselves with playing full M.L.B. rules and regulations with a few exceptions which require all participants to play and bat. Full major league uniforms, professional umpires and good playing fields have become our standards. We now play throughout the Pioneer Valley, from CT. to Vt., and have hosted teams from other leagues and states. Our members have formed teams to play at the Cooperstown Hall of Fame, and have traveled to tournaments in the winter in Florida, playing at M.L.B. facilities. Although we are a Massachusetts Charitable Corp. and do accept donations, we are self funded by our players dues. Each spring we draft new players on a first come first serve basis, no tryouts, all abilities. Register today and bring a friend or two!