Mark's Quality Water wins BAJA championship tournament

And so the season which began on the windswept fields of Anamax and Sahuarita Sports park in early January came to an end under a cloudless Arizona sky Wednesday, March 23rd, as Mark's Quality Water came from behind and out of the losers' bracket to defeat Triple Play in BAJA's double elimination championship tournament.

BAJA's (Born Again Jocks Association) 15- game, three-day tournament ended when Mark's Quality Water, ahead by a one-run margin entering the top half of the final inning at 13-12, staged a two-out 11-run rally highlighted by Fred Searle's deep line drive, grand slam home run to center field, and some timely extra base hits from Jack Ahern and Orbie Farnsworth, then held off a four-run Triple Play effort in the bottom half of the inning to preserve the 24-16 victory.

Mark's had reached the championship game on Wednesday by defeating Triple Play earlier in the day, 18-13, behind Dick Purdy's fifth inning grand slam, and by picking off the Arizona Family Restaurant 20-13 in the first game of the day.

Fans and ballplayers alike were treated to hot dogs grilled by Nancy and Glenn Yauney as well as a variety of covered dishes and munchies for both Wednesday's and Monday's games.

BAJA thanks its generous sponsors: the Arizona Family Restaurant, Arivaca Realty, the Insurance Center of Green Valley, Jim Click Automotive, Keagy's Edward Jones, Mark's Quality Water, Meredith's Hallmark Cards, and Triple Play for their support.

BAJA also thanks its team managers: Bob Kaiser, Bob Epstein, Chuck Catino, Mike Sommer, Jim Mollsen, Bob Royes, Dick Portmann, and softball Commissioner Norm Brooks, each of whom combined to orchestrate a flawless season.

And a special thanks to BAJA's fans who along with the players endure the sun, wind, and the cool mornings to make the experience as great as it is for the boys of winter.

For more information about BAJA's summer ball, call Ron Klopf at 393-1484.