Semi-final games currently underway are Chicago/New York vs Italian Athletic Club and NY Gremlins vs Dominican Republic.
Italian Athletic Club over Chicago/NY 6-0 however IAC did not have players to play in the championship game due to flight schedules so Chicago/NY will play DR for championship.
Dominicans defeated Gremlins 5-4 in a controversial game and should be playing Chicago/NY for the championship however they contend that they already defeated them earlier so should not have to play them again.
They have been told they must play in the final game to win the championship trophy.
They are deep in discussion last hour now.
BallParkRadio.com had some problems last game but are live now at 3:10pm and will cover the final game if its played.
www.ballparkradio.comThe Dominican team refuses to play in the championship game so the Chicago/NY will be awarded the championship trophy.
3:20pm awards being given out.
I am not sure when I will have an internet connection again, the hotel is hopeless. Maybe at home on Tuesday. - AD
Watch
NEWS-2 for possible updates via my blackberry.
The AAU finals turned into disarray as the Dominican Republic team refused to play the championship game against Chicago/New York.
The Dominican Republic earned their berth in the championship game by defeating NY Gremlins 5-4 but even that was not without controversy.
A 6th inning 2-run home run by Sergio LaHoz was protested by NY Gremlins claiming the batter was touched by teammates coming from their first base dugout before the batted ball cleared the outfield fence. The protest was denied as all-3 umpires agreed the touching occurred after the ball cleared the fence. The home run moved Dominican Republic from a 1-run deficit into a 1-run lead and eventual final margin.
In the other semi final, Italian Athletic Club, defeated Chicago/New York 6-0 but due to flight departure times, had to forfeit the game and leave for the airport.
Dominican Republic refused to play the championship game, claiming they should play Italian Athletic Club and if IAC wasn't available, Dominican Republic should win the championship by forfeit.
The consensus of the tournament and umpire staffs was that IAC forfeited their 6-0 win and Chicago/New York was the legitimate entrant in the championship game. Dominican Republic refused to play and walked out of the park during the awards ceremony.
The official order of finish is:
Champs - Chicago/New York
2nd place - Dominican Republic
3rd place - NY Gremlins and Italian Athletic Club
Most Valuable Pitcher - Shaun Winship
Most Valuable Player - Jeff Ellsworth
Consolation Champion - Nova Scotia
Ken
