Submitted photo/information courtesy of Jim Bartels

The Minnesota Masters Men’s Fastpitch softball ’65 and over’ team took home first place, going 5-0 in last weekend’s NAFA National tournament held in Moline, IL. Minnesota beat Sportsmans Park of Michigan 8-1, Village Green of Wisconsin 10-2 and defeated the Texas Stars in a tiebreaker in a 4-4 game, all in pool play. The Texas Stars were the defending champions.

The Minnesota crew then advanced to the Gold Bracket for Sunday’s play, and banged out a total of 32 hits in the final two games, winning in the semifinals 10-1 over Nohren Farms from Illinois, and then took down Lancaster, Pennsylvania 9-2 in five innings in the title game.

Area players include:

Scott Waldner, New Ulm

Dave Dewitz, Vernon Center: Dewitz was named to the All World team, batting .350, with four sacrifices, three walks, and 15 putouts or assists without a error at 3rd base.

Jim Bartels, New Ulm

Pat Lowther, Sleepy Eye: Was a assistant coach.

Dolf Moon, Hutchinson (and formerly New Ulm)

Lu Heller, Odin (Lu is in the NAFA Hall of Fame): He pitched 5 innings of one-run ball in the tourney.

Dick Klitzke, Hutchinson: He was also named to the All World team, playing first base, and batting 6 for 13 with three walks.

Brett Klabunde of Brownton, played with the Ohio Battery 60 and over team, that took the title.

Photo ID from left to right: Jim Bartels, Dick Klitzke, Dolf Moon, Scott Waldner, Dave DeWitz, and Brett Klabunde.