Submitted photo The Minnesota Masters/Red Cow Mens softball team took first in the recent NAFA Nationals tournament in the 70 and over division, and 2nd in 65’s held at Rockford, IL. Local team members include: Back Row, from left: Buck Uecker-Waverly, Brett Klabunde-Brownton, Dolf Moon-Hutchinson, Dick Klitzke-Hutchinson, and Scott Luhman-Chaska. Front Row: Dave Dewitz-Vernon Center, Lou Heller-Odin (he was the 70’s Pitching MVP, and Jim Bartels-New Ulm.

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The Minnesota Masters men’s fastpitch softball team had another successful NAFA National Tournament in both 65-and-over, and 70-and-over tournaments Sept. 5-7 in Rockford, Illinois.

This year the roles reversed on the two teams, as the 65’s team finished second, going 4-1 before bowing in the finals to the Texas Stars 3-2. The 70’s team went 5-1, and finished first with an impressive 14-2 win in the finals. The Minnesota Masters were sponsored by Red Cow Restaurants.

The 65’s team beat ‘The Free Agents’ 13-0, then Insurance Center from Wisconsin 8-1, and Savala Painters from California 6-0, before a semi final win over Nohren Farms of Illinois 11-1.

In the title game, Minnesota lead 2-1 going into the bottom of the seventh, before giving up an earned run for the tie, and then an unearned run for the loss, also in the seventh inning.

The 65’s batted .496 as a team, and pitcher Scott O’Brien pitched every game and had a ERA of .84. All World team members included Scott Luhman, a native of both Brownton and Hutchinson.

This was the fifth year in a row the Mn. Masters 65’s team was in the finals.

The 70’s Masters Northwest Fastpitch from Washington 12-2, then Ron Fosters from Iowa 12-8, before falling 10-11 to the Texas Stars – all in Pool Play. In Bracket play, the Masters defeated Northwest Fastpitch again 8-6, and then beat the defending Ntl Champion Village Creek of Wisconsin 2-1 Sportsmans Park of Michigan was the victim of the Red Cow team 14-2 in the finals.

The team batted .485, and Lou Heller from Minn. Masters was named the MVP Pitcher in the Tourney. Lou lives by Odin, Minnesota, and already is a NAFA Hall of Fame Member. It was the third straight year in the finals for the 70’s team.

Co-Manager Dolf Moon noted, “Heller is a Bull Dog on the mound. He pitched three innings in a early game, and then had complete games in both the semi’s and finals. The 2-1 win in the semis in 70’s over the defending champions was said by many to the top game in all six divisions.”

Co-Manager, Jim Bartels pointed out the local flavor of the team again, that is based out of Southern Minnesota.

“We build the team around our Minnesota members, and included from the greater New Ulm and Hutchinson area are: Dave Dewitz-Vernon Center, Lou Heller-Odin, and Jim Bartels-New Ulm. Also-Buck Uecker-Waverly/New Germany, Brett Klabunde-Brownton, Dolf Moon-Hutch, Dick Klitzke-Hutchinson, and Scott Luhman-Chaska. Our goal was to make the finals in both divisions again this year, and we did that also gained one title again. And almost had two titles.”