Team of the Week: Natty Boh All Stars
September 11, 2:18 pm by jpfinlay
The Natty Boh All Stars finished the regular season with a 12-4 record, the best ever for the 4-year-old team. As a result, the All Stars will make their first appearance in the House League Tournament as the No. 33 seed.
The team debuted as the Old Bay Bombers with the inception of the House league in 2006. Originally a Maryland delegation team, the squad grew over the years, bringing in players without Free State ties. In 2008, they became the Natty Boh All Stars, though both names have strong Maryland ties. (Old Bay is the spice made famous on Maryland blue crabs, while Natty Boh, otherwise known as National Bohemian, is a beer originally brewed in Baltimore.)
“We wanted a change,” captain Beth Pramme said. “We wanted something a little bit more fun.”
The name change may have proved the catalyst for a more successful team. “Our record in the past has certainly not been anything to get excited about,” Pramme said. “So we are totally excited now to be going to the playoffs.”
The All Stars are led by a powerful offense, best shown in a 30-8 victory over fellow tournament team the Jolly Rogers. In their 12 victories, the All Stars averaged more than 17 runs per game. Perhaps the most impressive game of the year was a 9-8 victory over 27th seed the Brew Crew. That victory solidified the All Stars’ first tournament appearance.
The team is led at the plate and on the field by Sam Dennis, John Noble and Caroline Goodbody. Despite any personal accolades, the All Stars are quick to point out that it is a team effort. “In the past we have had one or two good players, but this year everyone has stepped up and played great,” Pramme said.
But the All Stars don’t lose perspective. “We are a fun team. Some teams take this way too seriously,” Pramme said. “The fact that we had a good season and are making the playoffs is just icing on the cake.”
The All Stars’ first game is against defending champions the Blue Pups, and if they win that game they will face the No. 1 overall seed, the Dead Presidents. That is arguably the toughest opening draw of the entire tournament.
The All Stars certainly are approaching the tournament looking to advance, though the team has already had a season to be proud of. Anything else would be icing on the cake.
Permalink
