After winning the regular season title for the second time in three years, Grand Cafe Sir Pizza is looking to defend their tournament title from last year. Winning the regular season with 13 Wins and 4 Losses, they are the top seed and will start off the tournament against 8th seeded Northside Barbershop at 11:00 am at Benjamin Davis Park. Head Coach Janie Mena has managed to keep her family oriented team together over the years by simply being just that: Family. In what is a good lesson for us all, it has led to success on the field as well. Eight teams made the playoffs and there will be a one game playoff to decide who gets the second seed at 10:00 am. But after that the Tournament starts at 11:00 am (see schedule below) with the Championship Game set to be played at 2:00 pm. Awards and an end of the year picnic complete with music provided by Victor Vasquez. The League was fun, competitive and family oriented. I myself grew up watching the old Ingham County League, The Tri-County League playing baseball at Sycamore, and Municipal Park, Washington Ave. Park when there were two fields (before the skating rink). We traveled to Lake Odessa, Charlotte, Eaton Rapids, and Albion. Cooking out on Sundays was an event to look forward to even cooking out with the team that killed your dad’s team was fun. I miss those days. It always looked to me that “Gente” worked together. As we all know, “Gente” does not always work together for the betterment of our own Cultura. This league gives me hope as although there are many disagreements, Gilbert, Olivia and Al, serve as responsible leaders giving up their Sundays for the many families that enjoy the Latin American League. The season began on May 4th with a Opening Day remembering the lovely face and spirit that Maggie Noyola gave everyone. With Gilbert Arcaute as President, Olivia Mejarado as Secretary-Treasurer and Al Mejorado as Director and Umpire, the league once again had a steady and successful season. Al and Olivia celebrated 40 years of involvement which much credit should be given to them for all the work they do keeping the league running all these years. If you get the chance, drop by Benjamin Davis Park. I may be sentimental, but there is plenty of history in this league. Many of us grew up at Comstock Park and Bancroft Park watching the games and staying for a few hours socializing well before Facebook became the best way to see how your Compadres were doing. One game playoff: Los Locos vs. Del Rio Softball Latin American Coed Softball League Tournament Game 1 ~ 11:00 am Grand Cafe Sir Pizza vs. Northside Barbershop Game 2 ~ 11:00 am Los Locos/Del Rio winner vs. Lansing Athletics Game 3 ~ 12:00 pm Haslett Famous Taco vs. Got the Runs Game 4 ~ 12:00 pm Los Locos/Del Rio loser vs. Motorcars of Lansing Game 5 ~ 1:00 pm Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner Game 6 ~ 1:00 pm Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner. Game 7 ~ 2:00 Championship Game
