DELMARVA Baseball League

[NYY #23]

Nice comeback win. I do have to say though, and nothing against Luis Martinez, that I miss seeing Dalton Whitaker closing out games.

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

Nice comeback win. I do have to say though, and nothing against Luis Martinez, that I miss seeing Dalton Whitaker closing out games.

Yeah I hear ya, when they took the lead I started to get that "here we go again" feeling. But I have a good feeling this year, we seem to be hot going into the playoffs, unlike the past years.

This is the first playoff's in Norfolk without King Brock, Augusto Rodriguez and/or Dalton Whitaker on the roster. Things have changed quite a bit and hopefully for the better.

Well don't get used to Luis Martinez just yet, I am not going to pay him what he wants to keep him around.

[illeracula]

Conference Championships (Round 1, Best of 7)

MarVa Conference

Game 2: Chesapeake Blue Crabs @ Norfolk Cavaliers

Cavs Pregame:
Well in a way the Cav's got some good news today. It looks like Claude Bond will be day-to-day for the next week (5 days) with back spasms. Tough luck for the Blue Crabs who are down one of their top hitters (Lopez) already. Bond is in the starting lineup for Game 2, and is listed at 22%. I am not sure what to expect from Bond. I hope we can contain him and I hope his macho manuver doesn't spark the fire in the Blue Crabs offense.

On the hill for us will be Miguel Contreras making his 20th career post-season start. Not bad, last season he was 0-2 in the post season, for his career he is 10-5, so I am sure he is ready for some redemption for last years performance... I know I would like to see some... We will be seeing a righty on the hill, so we are packing the lineup with lefties. I made the decision to sit Jeff Lewis in favor of Leonard Lawson. Lawson is cold, but Lewis hasn't done much in the post-season lately so I feel good with the decision.

Should be a close/fun game...



Game Time:
After a 1-2-3 inning to start the game off by Contreras, Sergio Galvez got the offense off to a good start in the first, leading the game off with a 381ft HR over the RF wall... Ruiz didn't like the way Galvez went around the bases and plunked Bob Short on the first pitch, setting off a benches clearing brawl... Both Ruiz and Short were ejected (so much for sitting Lewis).

The Cav's would tack on one more in the first, and after one the Cav's would have a 2-0 lead... but in the top of the second Monte Lyon would hit a 2-out HR (359ft) down the left-field line, cutting the lead in half, 2-1.

However the Cav's would answer right back in their bottom half of the second. A one-out single by Claudio Flores brought up Sergio Galvez who would hit the Christian Gros 1-2 pitch 424ft over the right-center field wall. After two the Cav's held 1 4-1 lead.

In the third the Cav's would add a couple more insurance runs, as Henry Hamer lead off the inning with a single, and Francisco Gallegos would follow with a 2-run HR (434 ft) over the CF wall... After 3 the Cav's held a 6-1 lead.

The game would stay 6-1 until the top of the 7th with Miguel Contreras gave up a lead-off HR to Xue-qin Xu (407ft) to the right-field power alley. Contreras would face only 3 more hitters ending the inning with a timely double-play.

That would be all the scoring, as the Cav's would win the game 6-2 and take the 2-0 series lead.

W: Miguel Contreras (1-0)
L: Orlando Ruiz (0-1)
S: Alberto Sanchez (1)
HR: CPK: Monte Lyon (1), Xue-qin Xu (2), NFK: Sergio Galvez 2 (2), Francisco Gallegos (1)

POG: Sergio Galvez: 2-4, 2 HR (2), 2 R, 3 RBI, BB, SB

Cavs Postgame:
Another day another hero... Game 1 say Gomez go yard 2 times, game 2 sees Galvez going yard 2 times... who will it be in game 3?? I can't wait to find out. I am riding high after this game 2 win.

We brought out the hitting sticks this game, collecting 12 hits and that felt good. I was hoping this offense wouldn't fall asleep in the playoffs as it has in the past. Now I just have to hope this isn't just a one-game flash. In the past every time we delivered a post-season blow-out we ended up not hitting the following game...

I was happy to see Henry Hamer hit the ball today, going 3-4. And we faced some lefties in the game, it may effect my decision for the next game. Lewis or Hamer or Rodriguez? Going to be a tough call. Lewis finished 0-4 today, making him 0-8 during the playoffs. Edgar Baez and Jeff Lewis were the only players to register and AB and not get a hit both went 0-4.

The defense turned 3 double-plays today, which we needed. Contreras allowed 10 hits over 7, but 3 timely double plays help out a lot. He was only able to strike out one batter today, goes to show you how age is affecting his stuff... I am glad he picked up the W though.

Bond playing at 22% was still able to pick up 2 hits... Orlando Ruiz took the loss. He threw 8 pitches, 5 strikes, one was hit over the wall, one is in the middle of Bob Shorts back. His line: 0.0 IP, H, R, ER, Loss...

Edgar Baez was also hit-by-a-pitch later in the game, but both teams were able to keep their composure.

We are up 2-0 heading to Chesapeake. On the hill for us Pablo Garcia, our lefty, he will be making his first career post-season appearance... hope he brings his a-game.

Delaware Conference

Game 2: Lewes Braves @ Wilmington Iron Pigs

The Braves started the game off in the first taking a 1-0 lead, but the Iron Pigs answered back with 1 in their half... In the 2nd Walt Martin hit a 2-run HR, and in the 3rd Matt Fisher added a 2-run HR of his own, and after 3 the Iron Pigs held the 6-2 lead. The Braves scored one in the 5th, but that was all they could get, falling 6-3.

The Iron Pig hero from game one Gordon Purkis added 3 hits today, including a triple, he drove in and scored one. He is hitting .571 in the first 2 games.

The starting pitching of the Lewes has always carried them, but this year they are struggling. The bullpen has kept the games close, bu the Braves are just unable to get runs. Today they left 9 runners on base, with John Bean, their offensive leader going 0-4, leaving 5 stranded. Eric Harper in for the injured Errol Williams went 0-5 leaving 4 on... If they expect to take down the Iron pigs someone is going to need to step up in game 3.

W: Dan Pierson (1-0)
L: Robert Albert (0-1)
S: Marcos Estrada (2)
HR: WLM: Walt Martin (1), Matt Fisher (1)

POG: Andres Salinas (Lewes): 2-5, 2B, 3B, R, 2 RBI

[illeracula]

Conference Championships (Round 1, Best of 7)

MarVa Conference

Game 3: Norfolk Cavaliers @ Chesapeake Blue Crabs

Cavs Pregame:
We head into Chesapeake with a 2 game lead and I am hoping we can finish the Crabs off early. It would be nice to get a 3-0 lead and just prime up for the championships... ok, you're right, I am getting ahead of myself. I need to focus on today's game, which should be a pitchers duel. On the hill for us is Pablo Garcia, making his first ever playoff appearance, for the Blue Crabs, is lefty Jorge Moran. Moran is a seasons playoff Vet making his 11th post-season start, with a recrod of 4-1 3.05 (1.11 WHIP).

I know its probably not the "brightest" move to make, but yes I am pulling Jeff Lewis and going with Henry Hamer, even if its a lefty/lefty matchup. I have lost a lot of confidence in Lewis over the past few post-seasons. Last seaosn he did ok, but after starting 0-8 this season I am going to go with the hotter bat. The only other tinker I am going to do is move Gallegos to the #3 and Hamer to #4. Breaks up the lefties earlier in the line-up and hopefully it will mean some better pitches for Gallegos with Hamer and Short coming up behind him.

For the Crabs Claude Bond is still listed at 22% (3 more days) for today's game.



Game Time:
The Cav's had a great opporutnity to break the game open in the top of the third, loading the bases with 1 out and the #2 and #3 hitters coming up... But Jorge Moran would step it up and strike out Galvez swinging on three pitches, then he would battle Gallegos to a full-count and Gallegos would go down swinging as well. A missed opportunity for sure.

In the 6th the Cav's would get the 0 off the score board. Sergio Rodriguez lead off the inning driving a double down the left-field wall. Sergio Galvez would move him over to third on a sac-bunt. with Rodriguez on third the Blue Crabs would walk Francisco Gallegos setting up the double play... but Henry Hamer would come through with a single to right, scoring Rodriquez. The Cav's would load the bases, but Alejandro Diaz would pop-out and pinch-hitter Robinson Lopez would end the inning on a ground out... but after six innings the Cav's would hold the lead at 1-0.

The Cav's pitches were in complete control, until the 7th. After 92 pitches, Pablo Garcia was removed from the game and Carlos Cononado was brought in. Raminro Herrera would start the inning iwth a single to left, and Steve Jackson would follow tthat with a double to right. With runners on 2nd and 3rd, I decided to keep Coronado in to face the left Ceaser Silva. On the second pitch of the inning Silva would hit a laser to second, Robinson Lopez leap up and pulled it in, and tossed it over to Flores to complete a double play. Alberto Sanchez would replace Coronado. The Blue Crabs would bring in Xue-qin Xu to face the righty. On the second pitch of the at-bat, Xu would pop out to second ending the threat and preserving the 1-0 Cav's lead.

Luis Martinez entered the 1-0 game in the 9th to face the Herrera, Jackson and Silva... he would retire all three hitters on ground-outs giving the Cav's the shut-out win, and 3-0 series lead.

W: Pablo Garcia (1-0)
L: Jorge Moran (0-1)
S: Luis Martinez (2)
HR: none

POG: Pablo Garcia: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K

Cavs Postgame:
A 1-0 shut-out victory what an exciting game. Both teams had some chances to score runs, but in the end pitching rule. The Cav's manufactured our only run with a Sergio Galvez bunt. How often do you see the teams best hitter laying one day to set-up the winning run? Galvez does it all...

Alberto Sanchez went 2 innings of relief allowing 2 hits and striking out 2. He is quickly becoming my go to middle man. I was surprised with how poorly Coronado threw. He came into the playoffs hot, but I guess pitching out of the pen is a little different than starting.

Sergio Rodriguez was the offensive star for us tonight. He wwent 3-5, with that key double, scoring the only run of the game. Henry Hamer earned his strips and will be in place for Lewis in game 4. Lewis did enter the game late as a defensive sub.

Francisco Gallegos wasn't comfortable hitting in the 3-hole or facing the lefties the Crabs through at us. On the game today he was 0-3, with 2 K's and he left 9 men strained. Sergio Galvez wasn't much better going 1-3, leading 8... We could of blown the game wide open a couple of times if either one of those guys came through. But as the playoffs have been, every game it is someone else...

For the Blue Crabs Alberto Molinero had 3 of the Crabs 9 hits. Both teams left 8 men on. The Cav's turned 3 double plays, the Crabs 2.

Over the past few seasons the Cav's have had issues when facing lefties. Its nice to get some wins under our belt facing left handed pitching.

Couldn't of asked much more from Pablo Garcia. He brought his "A" game and was really impressive. But he really did show off his weakness, only able to got 6 innings, or 91 pitches. I probably could of pushed a few more pitches out of him, but figured it was a nice time for a clean cut-off... With that appearance he won me over, but he is still going to be a rental.

I am happy with this team. I am not sure what it is, but for some reason I believe in these guys a lot more than I have in the past few post-seasons. Maybe its all the "new" faces, maybe its just how good we are playing. Maybe its just the luck we have on our side (ie 2nd and 3rd, line drive double play). It will be nice if Pearson can shut the door tomorrow, so I can have Brown and Contreras rested for games 1 and 2...

Delaware Conference

Game 3: Wilmington Iron Pigs @ Lewes Braves

The Iron Pigs would start the scoring off in the 2nd when a Walt Martin triple would plate one. But the Braves would answer in their bottom half of the second when Hermino Bovay delivered a grand-slam giving the Braves the early 4-1 lead.

The Iron Pigs would tie it up, however, with 3 in the 4th. Alonso Martinez started the inning off with a double, and would score on a Gordon Purkis single. After a walk, a two-out walk none-the-less, a passed ball would move the runners up to 2nd and 3rd. Setting up Julian Moran's big single to right, plating two runs and tying the game.

After 4 innings the game was tied at 4, which is how it would stay till the 8th. With their backs against the wall, down in the series 2-0 and not wanting to lose at home Mike Simmons would step it up and deliver a huge lead-off HR in the 8th (464ft). This was all the Braves would need, as Luis DeLon would strike out the side in the 9th, giving the Braves the win.

The Iron Pigs now lead the series 2-1.

W: Ed Yoder (1-0)
L: Jason Nixon (0-1)
S: Luis DeLeon (1)
HR: LEW: Hermino Bovay (1), Mike Simmons (1)

POG: Herminio Bovay: 1-4, HR (1), R, 4 RBI

[illeracula]

Conference Championships (Round 1, Best of 7)

MarVa Conference

Game 4: Norfolk Cavaliers @ Chesapeake Blue Crabs

Cavs Pregame:
It would be nice for Cornell Pearson to take home the game 4 win and just end this series now. I don't want it to drag on like it did last season. Get it over and get on with it and rest up. The longer the series goes the harder the games become to win. Henry Hamer will be in the lineup once again, replacing Jeff Lewis. Lewis will get in later in the game for Defense. I also decided to go with Robinson Lopez in place of Edgar Baez. Baez was 0-10 versus Watts during the regular season and hasn't done much in the playoffs. He may see an AB against a righty later in the game.

We go up against Dave Watts our 3rd lefty faced this series. He owned us during the regular season so hopefully we will make him pay for that this game... Claude Bond is still playing at 22%, but he is having a solid playoff series. Doesn't really look like the spasm's are bothering him.

After a lackadasical game 3 with the sticks, hopefully the Cav's break out this game. We need someone to step up and hit today...



Game Time:
The Cav's broke out the hitting sticks in the first, cracking out 5 hits. The inning started with Sergio Rodriguez singling up the middle. Then Sergio Galvez drove the 1-2 pitch 417ft over the right-center field wall. With 2-outs Bob Short got the rally going again, doubling down the right-field line, Gallegos walked. With runners on first and second Robinson Lopez singled up the middle plating Short. Gallegos went to third and Lopez to second a on the play at the plate, setting up a 2-RBI single by Mario Gomez. That single chased starter David Watts... when the dust settled, the Cav's scored 5, on 5 hits and a walk.

After Pearson shut the Blue Crabs down 1-2-3 in the first, the Cav's would get one more. A lead-off triple by Sergio Rodriguez started the inning off. He would score 2 batters later on an RBI double by Henry Hamer. That would be all the Cav's would get, but they now hold the lead 6-0 after 2.

In the 2nd the Blue Crabs would get on the score-board. A lead-off double by Alberto Molinero, was followed by a walk to Xue-qin Xu. They would move up on a balk, and then score on a Monte Lyon double. Lyon would get doubled off of second on a fly-out to left-center ending what could of been a bigger inning. After two the Cav's are holding on to a 6-2 lead.

A walk to Sergio Rodriguez would start the fourth. After two ground-outs moved Rodriguez to third. He would come home to score on a 2-run HR by Alejandro Pena (408ft). Bob Short would follow Diaz with a back-to-back shot over the right-field wall (380ft), greeting new pitcher Dave Campbell and giving the Cav's a 9-2 lead.

The Cav's would add another run in the 5th. Sergio Galvez singles to right, scoring Mario Gomez, who singled earlier in the inning. Giving the Cav's the 10-2 lead.

In the 8th the Blue Crabs would add a run. It all started with a walk to Claude Bond. Bond would move to second on a ground out by Molinero. The next batter Xue-qin Xu would rake a single to the right-centerfield gap scoring Bond. After 8 innings the Cav's hold the 10-3 lead.

Miguel Angel Gonzalez would retire the Blue Crabs 1-2-3 in the 9th ending the game, giving the Cav's the series sweep!! The Cav's are heading back to the title game, after a big 10-3 win.

W: Cornell Pearson (1-0)
L: Dave Watts (0-1)
S: none
HR: NFK: Bob Short (1), Alejandro Diaz (1), Sergio Galvez (3)

POG: Sergio Galvez: 3-5, 3B, HR (3), R, 3 RBI

Cavs Postgame:
That was how I was hoping this game would work out. I needed a big blow-out and I got one.

Cornell Pearson wasn't his best, but he go the job done. He threw 113 pitches over 8 innings, allowing 7 hits and walking 5. He usually possess better control, but we turned 3 big double plays and he was able to relaz and just throw strikes.

The offense went crazy with 13 hits. Claudio Flores was the only starter not to collect at least one. Robinson Lopez and Mario Gomez both collected 2 hits and may end up be my 2nd/3rb base combo. Moving Baez to the bench. Not sure yet, however.

Sergio Rodriguez had 2 hits and walk, and he scored 3 runs. He is quickly proving himself as the lead-off man of the Cav's future. I am excited about the way this team is playing, and now we have our starters lined up 1-2-3 for the series. I would like to get that elusive 6th title.

Seems like all things are clicking right for the Cav's, and hopefully we can take this momentum with us into the finals. I have a lot of confidence in this team and I know we can hang with anyone. I am looking forward to the Championship round...

MarVa Conference Series MVP: Sergio Galvez, Norfolk Cavaliers. Galvez hit .467 during the series, drove in a team high 6 runs and belted 3 HR's.

Delaware Conference

Game 4: Wilmington Iron Pigs @ Lewes Braves

The Lewes Braves and the Wilmington Iron Pigs battled in game 4, with each team answering back. In the 2nd the Iron Pigs jumped out to a 3-0 lead, only to see the lead vanish in the bottom of the inning thanks to a 3-run HR by Derek Campbell. But the Iron Pigs would then answer right back in the 3rd thanks to hits and errors, scoring 4 and taking the 7-3 lead. That lead would last till the 5th when Andres Salinas would hit a game tying grand slam. The Iron Pigs would take the lead again in the 8th scoring one, and then the Braves would walk off on an Andres Salinas single in the bottom of the 9th. A high scoring affair, but in the end the Braves pulled out the 9-8 win, tying the series at 2.

W: Ed Yoder (2-0)
L: Scott Wise (0-1)
S: --
HR: LEW: Derek Campbell (1), Andres Salinas (1)

POG: Andres Salinas: 2-5, HR, R, 5 RBI, Grand Slam in the 5th

[illeracula]

Hernández Selected WC's Top Pitcher: 20-year-old Joaquín Hernández of the Yokohama Baystars put together a good year in 2025 for such a young player. Hernández was named today as the winner of the World Conference GL Golden Arm.

Hernández crafted an impressive 17-4 record and a 3.13 ERA. In 195.2 innings he allowed 180 hits, struck out 192, and walked 46.

GM Notes:
One thing I looked for when I decided to trade away Wally Lambert was to get someone worthwhile back in return. That player ended up being Joaquin Hernandez. Hernandez was named the #7 prospect in the DBL and he didn't let anyone down. Hernandez won 17 games for Yokohama. He did struggle in his one start with the Cav's, but it looks like he will make a nice replacement for Manuel Contreras when his contract expires. I look forward to him being in my rotation next season.

[illeracula]

Delaware Conference Championship

Game 5: Wilmington Iron Pigs @ Lewes Braves
Game 5 turned out to be a slugfest with the teams combining for 9 HR's. Despite falling behind 4-0 the Iron Pigs didn't give up and fought back, eventually taking the lead back. But a collapse in teh bottom of the 8th, which included Mike Simmons 2nd HR of the day, the Braves scored 5 to take the lead they wouldn't give up. Eric Harper made up for his 3-error performance earlier in the series by going 4-5 with 3 RBI's including a double and a HR.

The Braves lead the series 3-2

Game 6: Lewes Braves @ Wilmington Iron Pigs
The Iron Pigs returned home for game 7 and they looked much more comfortable. The Braves lost starter Robert Albert in the first, but Terry Boone cam ein to shut down the Iron Pigs, until the 4th. In the 4th Boone game up 2 HR's, to Arturo Martinez and Walt Martin. The Braves wouldn't be able to bounce back after that inning ans Dan Pierson was able to control the Braves offense over 8.

The Series is tied 3-3

Game 7: Lewes Braves @ Wilmington Iron Pigs
The Iron Pigs would take the lead early scoring one in the 2nd and 2 more in the 3rd, thanks to an Arturo Martinez HR. The Braves would fight back in the 4th scoring 3, thanks to a John Bean double and a Totoya Ogawa HR.. But the tie game would only last till the 6th, when Arturo Martinez would touch-up Jamie Trujilio for his 2nd 2-run HR of the game. Don White would hit a solo-HR in the top of the 9th to cut the lead to 5-4, but that is all the Braves would get... The Iron Pigs have knocked off the 2x defending Delaware Conference Champion

The Iron Pigs win the Seires 4-3!!

Delaware Conference MVP: Walt Martin, Wilmington Iron Pigs: .304-3-8
(runner-up: Dan Pierson 2-0 13.2 IP, 9 H, 7 BB, 11 K)

[illeracula]

The Wilmington Iron Pigs will be taking on the Norfolk Cavaliers in the 2025 DelMarVa Championship. The Iron Pigs have waited 11 seasons to return to the Championship, where they lost to the Norfolk Cavaliers. The faces have changed over the years, but one thing is for certain the fans of the Wilmington Iron Pigs have not forgotten.

The Cavaliers however return for their 8th time, the most in DBL history, and look to win for the 7th time. From 2016-2019 there was no team better than the Norfolk Cavaliers, but the team has struggled to return to the promise land over the past 6 seasons, reaching the title game only 2 times. This season the energy in Norfolk is different and many fans in Norfolk are excited at the prospect of bringing the trophy back home to Norfolk.

Here is a look at the past Championships match-ups (bold signifies Champion):



The Cavaliers and the Iron Pigs met 4 times this season, with Cavaliers winning 3 of the 4 games. Most recently the Cav's beat the Iron Pigs 4-1 and 10-0 at home with Miguel Contreras and Pablo Garcia shutting down the powerful Wilmington offense. Earlier in the season the teams split the 2-game set in Wilmington, with the Cav's winning 8-3 in teh frist game, and the Iron Pigs pulling off a win in 10-innings in game 2 5-4.

Both teams are heading into the series healthy and playing well. The top two teams during the regular season, the top teams in Runs Against... this should make for a very entertaining series.

Wilmington Iron Pigs
Record: 97-65 .599 / +14
How they got here: Beat the Lewes Braves 4 games to 3
Playoff Appearances: 5 (2013-2015, 2017, 2025)
Championship Appearances: 2 (2014, 2025)
Championships: 0

Injuries: Closer Marcos Estrada. Marcos Estrada strained his rotator cuff during the Lewes series and will miss the Championship series. Estrada is the only player on either roster that played in the 2014 Cavaliers vs Iron Pigs series, he was on the 2014 Iron Pigs roster. He returned to the Iron Pigs this season.

Keys to Winning: The key for the Iron Pigs is simple, score runs. The offense has a lot of power and is capable of doing a lot of damage really quickly. The Iron Pigs will need it all to come together to beat the staff of the Cavaliers. Antonio Castaneda is quite possible the best hitter in the game, Alonso Martinez one of the games top power-hitters and Matt Fisher is a top young hitter in the game. If those 3 guys hit the ball and drive in runs the Cav's will have a hard time winning this series.

Interesting Fact: The Iron Pigs have 4 players on their active playoff roster who have played for the Norfolk Cavaliers: Jamie King, Julio Saldana, Tom Anderson and Jose Escamilla. Escamilla and King both have won titles with the Cavaliers.

Norfolk Cavaliers
Record: 100-62 .617 / +3
Playoffs: 11 (2014, 2016-2025)
Championship Appearances: 7 (2014, 2016-2019, 2023, 2025)
Championships: 5 (2014, 2016-2019)

Injuries: None

Keys to Winning: The key for the Cavaliers to win is the same as the Iron Pigs, score runs. The Cavaliers have the top pitching staff in the game and with 4 of the best starts on the hill. They will do their job, but they can't get wins if the Cav's don't score runs. The Cav's will rely on Henry Hamer, Jeff Lewis, Bob Short and Francisco Gallegos to hit the ball this series. If they don't hit, they won't stand a chance.

In the end this really boils down to the the experienced Cavaliers club against the young inexperienced Iron Pigs, and what team is going to score more runs. The Cav's enter the series red-hot sweeping the Blue Crabs while the Iron Pigs battled their way to a 7th game victory... will that extra rest hurt or help? Will those extra 3 games make any difference? Both teams have their staffs lined up 1-2-3, with game 1 set-up to be one of the best pitching match-ups in the game... Pitching, hitting and fielding the key to this series. Who takes home the crown? I have a good feeling about this years Cavaliers team and because of that I say we will win the title in 6 games.

(ok that maybe a little biased, but I don't think the Iron Pigs have the pitching depth to stop the Cavaliers for 7 games. We throw out an ace each game and I think that will be the difference.)

[illeracula]

DelMarVa Championship (Round 2, Best of 7)

Game 1: Wilmington Iron Pigs vs Norfolk Cavaliers

Cavs Pregame:
With the righty on the hill I decided to go with Sergio Rodriguez in RF and sit Jeff Lewis. Lewis was 0-fer in the Confernece Championships and his performance in 2 of the last 3 playoffs has really made me quesiton playing him.

Edgar Baez is back in the lineup with Gomez playing second and Lopez on the pine. That could change down the road, and will against any lefties we face, but now I think this gives us the best chance to win.

Paul Brown will be making his 6th post-season start (3-1 2.27) and is fully rested, and he is going up against 22-yr old Ricardo Gonzalez who will be making his 2nd post season start (0-0 5.14). A lot of analysts beleive Gonzalez will be the top pitcher in the game as he develops more and the reason they Iron Pigs brought Estrada back was to mentor this kid. At 22, he already has 38 big-league wins.

Here is a look at the game one lineups:


Game Time:
The Cav's would get the scoring started in the 1st. A lead-off walk to Sergio Galvez was followed by a hit-and-run single by Sergio Rodriguez moving Galvez to third. Galvez would then score on a Bob Short sac-fly. (After 1: Cav's 1-0)

The Cav's would waste an opportunity in the second, with one out Alejandro Pena AND Mario Gomez are both plunked. Claudio Flores would then load the bases up with a single to right... but Galvez and Rodriguez would fail to plate any runners. (After 2: Cav's 1-0)

The Iron Pigs would tie the game up in the 3rd, thanks to their #9 hitter, Julian Moran. Moran would benefit from a missed location on a 1-2 pitch and tie the game up with a 394ft blast over the right-field wall. (After 2 1/2: Tied at 1-1)

Sergio Rodriguez would make a possible game saving play in the 5th:
"Stepping in is Martin. Brown has his sign and delivers. Swung on and driven hard, out to ward right center. Rodriguez races back... on the track and he makes an over-the-shoulder catch! Wow! What a play!" (After 2 1/2: Tied at 1-1)

The Cav's would rally in the 5th with 2 outs. Sergio Rodriguez singled to left, which was followed by a Bob Short walk. Edgar Baez would hit a ball back to the mound, and Ricardo Gonzalez would make a bad throw to first to load the bases, bring up Henry Hamer. Hamer would single up the middle scoring Rodriguez and Short and give the Cav's the lead. (After 5: Cav's lead 3-1).

In the 7th the Cav's would chase Ricardo Gonzalez thanks to back-to-back doubles by Bob Short and Edgar Baez. Short would score on the Baez double, giving the Cav's another insurance and chasing Gonzalez... Emmett Atkins would intentionally walk Gallegos, then retire Diaz, but he wouldn't be able to Mario Gomez, who would double over the center-fielder, plating Baez and Gallegos. (After 7: Cav's lead 6-1)

The Iron Pigs would try to mount a come-back in the 8th after a walk to Martin and an error by Mario Gomez would put Julian Moran on with no-outs. But Brown would settle down and retired Santana and then get Tom Anderson to hit into the 6-4-3. (After 7 1/2: Cav's lead 6-1)

Paul Brown was left on the hill to come out and try to complete the game, but would quickly run into trouble. After getting Castaneda to ground out, Brown would give up a hit to Martinez and Fisher. With 2-runners on and one-out he would trill Barber to load the bases... Miguel Angel Gonzalez would be called on to get the Cav's out of the inning... Gonzalez would strike out Purkis and Martin endind the inning and the game. (After 8 1.2: Cav's win 6-1).

(I keep telling myself to make the recap shorter, and no matter how hard I try I can't seem to...)

Cav's win the game 6-1 and now lead the series 1-0.

W: Paul Brown (1-0)
L: Ricardo Gonzalez (0-1)
S: Miguel Angel Gonzalez (1)
HR: WLM: Julian Moran (1)

POG: Paul Brown, Norfolk: 8.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER/R, BB, 6 K's. Brown threw 113 pitches, 79 for strikes and finished the game with a solid 72 game score.

Cavs Postgame:
We collected 10 hits, including 3 doubles and that was the big difference of the game. We can through when we had the runners on on, despite leaving 9 runners on. Sergio Rodriguez the Cav's with 3 hits, and Mario Gomez had 2 hits including a big 2-run double. Henry Hamer added 2 RBI's as well.

All in all, I am pleased with the way we played today and I hope we can bring it tomorrow as well with Contreras on the hill. Contreras will be making his 20th post-season start and going for his 12th win... I don't think there is a way to look up playoff stats easily, but I am pretty sure the 20 starts, 11 wins and the 5 loses are all playoff highs.

The key to the game was to contain the offense and we did that. I know we had to stop Castaneda, Martinez and Fisher from doing damage. Together those three guys went 3-12, and that is something I'd take every playing this team.

Overall it was a great game 1. Its nice to on a hot streak at the right time that is for sure. I will be continuing with this lineup with Lewis on the bench. Hamer and Rodriguez are just playing better than Lewis, but Lewis will get an at-bat or two during this series... The only possible exception to this would be Lopez over Baez if we are facing a lefty, unless Baez continues to hit.

I am excited only 3 more wins, things are looking good... but I am not going to count the Iron Pigs out, they haven't won on the road yet in the playoffs, but that could all change in game 2. We will have to bring our 'A' game again!

[illeracula]

DelMarVa Championship (Round 2, Best of 7)

Game 2: Wilmington Iron Pigs vs Norfolk Cavaliers
Cavaliers lead the series 1-0

Cavs Pregame:
We are playing well, but this game worries me. We go up against a guy we hit really well during the regular season and that usually translates to a tough playoff game. My guess is Haney will be on point. He is a righty, which means Lewis will be back on the pine for this game. We will be going with the same lineup that we won game 1 with, hopefully that means good luck for us.

Here is a look at the game one lineups:


Game Time:
The first 5 hitters of the game were retired, but Bob Short made sure it wasn't 6-in-a-row. As he hit the Alec Haney 1-1 pitch 365ft over the right field wall to give the Cav's the early lead. (After 1: Cav's 1-0)

In the bottom of the 2nd the Cav's got their first two runners on base, as Henry Hamer and Francisco Gallegos singled. But the next batter Alejando Diaz lead to history being made:

"Haney kicks and fires. Diaz swings, hit hard on a line up the middle. Barber dives and he makes a great catch! The runners are way too far off the bases, he steps on second for the second out, the throw to Martinez OUT AT FIRST! A TRIPLE PLAY! Phenomenal effort by Barber!"

Hopefully that won't be too much of a momentum swinger. (After 2: Cav's 1-0)

In the 4th the Iron Pigs got their offense started. Pepe Santana lead off the inning with the first Iron Pigs hit a single to right, but he was quickly erased when Tom Anderson hit into a 4-6-3 DP. But the Pig didn't give up. Antonio Castaneda singled with two outs, bringing up Alonso Martinez. Martinez would double down the LF line bringing home the tying run. (After 3 1/2: Game is tied at 1)

The Cav's however would answer back in the bottom half of the 4th, with Sergio Rodriguez starting things off by beating out an infield single. He would be erased on a fielders choice by Bob Short. After a Baez strikeout, Hamer singled to left, putting runners on first and second. Gallegos would follow Hamer with a single to left, scoring Short. Then Diaz would just miss a HR, with a double off the right-field wall, scoring Hamer. The Cav's would add 2. (After 4: Cav's 3-1)

In the 5 the Cav's defense would let Contreras down. Kevin Barber started off the inning with a double to right. After a Purkis strike out, Walt Martin singled up the middle scoring Barber. Moran would walk to put runners on 1st and 2nd. On the double steal Diaz would throw the ball into left field scoring martin. Pepe Santana followed with a single up the middle scoring Moran who ended up on third during the double steal. When the dust settled the Iron Pigs would have the lead, and the Cav's would commit two errors and be in the hole. (After 4.5: Iron Pigs 4-3)

The Cav's would fight back in their half of the 5th. With one out, Sergio Galvez would single. He would then steal second. After a Rodriguez fly out, Bob Short would single to right scoring Galvez. The next batter Edgar Baez was going into the AB 0-9 lifetime against Haney, but that all changed with one swing, and 437ft shot to dead center. That would be all for Haney and the Cav's would once again have the lead. (After 5: Cav's 6-4).

The Iron Pigs would cut the lead in the 6th. Alonso Martinez doubled to get things started. he would move to third on a Martin ground out. Kevin Barber would plate him with a single to left. Then one of the oddest plays in the game would happen, as Gordon Purkis would ground out into a fielders choice, and Barber and Contreras would both pull up injured and need to be removed from the game. Alberto Sanchez would retire Walt Martin to end the inning. (After 5 1/2: Cav's 6-5)

The Cav's would add some insurance in their half of the 6th. Francisco Gallegos would single to right, and move to second on a Diaz ground out. Mario Gomez would ground-out, moving Flores to third. Then on a 2-1 count, Claudio Flores would hit a 394ft blast down the left-field line. (After 6: Cav's 8-5)

Alberto Sanchez would retire the final 3 batters in the 9th to finish off the Iron Pigs. (After 8 1/2: Cav's win 8-5)

Cav's win the game 8-5 and now lead the series 2-0.

W: Miguel Contreras (1-0)
L: Alec Haney (0-1)
S: Alberto Sanchez (1)
HR: NFK: Bob Short (1), Claudio Flores (1), Edgar Baez (1)

POG: Bob Short, Norfolk: 2-4, HR, 3 R, 2 RBI

Cavs Postgame:
I have to say we got lucky this game. I was really worried after the Iron Pigs triple play that it was all going to go to heck, but Contreras shut down the Iron Pigs 1-2-3. Made me feel better... then to see Miguel get hurt in the 6th had me worried, but Alberto Sanchez picked up the slack and went 3.1 innings, allowing just 1 hit. Hard to argue with that performance.

I am a little worried about Contreras, he is lined up to pitch game 6, and if he can't do it I will have to figure out who will get the start. I do have 3 SP's in the bullpen (Gonzalez, Lopez and Coronado) so it won't be too bad, but its hard to match Contreras playoff success.

We slugged 15 hits today, with everyone but Mario Gomez collecting at least one. In fact we had 4 guys with 2 and 1 with 3. Not a bad day for this lineup... I did almost pulled Baez and his 0-7 against Haney from the game, but I am glad I didn't. After two bad AB's he came through his final 2 AB's, hopefully meaning he is getting his swing back.

The Iron Pigs are now 0-5 during the playoffs when playing on the road, they won all four games during round 1 at home, so we will need to be on our A game to get the wins there. The next 3 games are in Wilmington so I'd like to see us pull off at least 1. I mean of course I would like to see us pull off the next two, but I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. I feel if we can one of the next 3, we are still in the drivers seat of this series.

Despite making 2 errors, our defense did pull off 3 double plays. I hate to see errors especially during the playoffs, but I think everyone made up for it on the offensive side... You win with pitching and defense, but when the offense plays like they did today, they will make up for the lack of defense.

I am feeling good about our chances... that being said I am anxiously awaiting the news from the trainers office and how my 37-yr-old ace Miguel Contreras is doing.

Here is too much luck during game 3 and Pablo Garcia.

[NYY #23]

I hate injuries in the playoffs. Hopefully it will have no impact, you are rolling right along. Let's hope it doesn't even get to game 6.

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

I hate injuries in the playoffs. Hopefully it will have no impact, you are rolling right along. Let's hope it doesn't even get to game 6.

Hopefully not. About to get game 3 going, and I think this game will be the determining factor if we are going to go 6 (or more). With a lefty on the hill it will also give me an idea if I should start Coronado or Lopez in game 6, if necessary.

It does look like Contreras will miss the rest of the series. I haven't got "official" word, but the preliminary is a strained oblique out for a week.

Like you said, hope it doesn't' get that far. This team has just been a different team since the trade for Short and Garcia.

[illeracula]

DelMarVa Championship (Round 2, Best of 7)

Game 3: Norfolk Cavaliers vs Wilmington Iron Pigs
Cavaliers lead the series 2-0

Cavs Pregame:
We head into Wilmington for our first road game of the series. The Iron Pigs are tough at home going 52-29 during the regular season and 4-0 during the Conference Championships. So our hands will be full. On the hill for us is Pablo Garcia, who has one post-season game worth of experience and that was a great game. Hopefully he will bring his A-game again today. I would really like to go up 3-0.

Our lineup will remain the same against the righty Scott. Why change it we are hot and winning. I am surprised I haven't got Jeff Lewis into more games here, but the way the other guys are playing there just hasn't be a big need.

I am anxious to get another W under our belt, hopefully we can steal the game. I don't expect it be easy however... on a side note, I haven't heard anything officially from our trainer, but it looks like Contreras is going to miss the rest of the series, which means our game 6 starter is now listed as TBD. Contreras seems to have a strained oblique that is going to keep him off the mound for a week or more.

Here is a look at the game 3 lineups:


Game Time:
The Cav's would strike first, but it wouldn't be until the third. The a bad managerial decision (by me) might of run us out of another run or two... Mario Gomez would get the inning started with a single, Claudio Flores would then walk to put runners on first and second. Galvez would single them over to load the bases. Bases loaded an no-outs, Sergio Rodriguez would hit a deep fly ball, Gomez would tag and score. Bob Short popped out for number 2, then Edgar Baez would single in Flores. With runners on first and second, the double steal was given. The Iron Pigs would throw to second gunning Baez down at second and ending the inning, with Henry Hamer at the plate. (After 2 1/2: Cav's lead 2-0)

Henry Hamer would lead off the 4th with a 339ft HR clearing the right-field fence, giving the Cav's an insurance run. Francisco Gallegos would follow with a double, but that was all the Cav's would get. (After 3 1/2: Cav's lead 3-0)

The game was very quite the rest of the way. A tiring, after throwing 96 pitches, Pablo Garcia would take the mound in the 9th, his first pitch would be ripped to right for a double and that would be all for Garcia. Miguel Angel Gonzalez would relieve Garcia to face the heart of the Iron Pigs lineup. Tom Anderson would ground out to the pitcher, moving Sanchez to 3rd. Antonio Castaneda would then pop out to first. Then Gonzalez would get Alonso Martinez to ground out to short to preserve the shut-out! (After 9: Cav's win 3-0).

Cav's win the game 3-0 and now lead the series 3-0.

W: Pablo Garcia (1-0)
L: Edmond Scott (0-1)
S: Miguel Angel Gonzalez (2)
HR: NFK: Henry Hamer (1)

POG: Pablo Garcia, Norfolk Cavaliers: 8.0 IP, 4 H, 8 K's, 97 Pitches / 66 Strikes, Game Score 82

Cavs Postgame:
There isn't much to say about today's game, except for Pablo Garcia. He was in complete control and it was fun to watch. The Iron Pigs had only 4 hits and 2 of them were by leadoff man Pepe Sanchez who happens to be a lefty. I did find that odd. Garcia held the big-three of the Iron Pigs to 1-11 with 3 K's, and they combined to leave 5 men on. Garcia was a rental for this season and its sure paying off. He was 6-1 during the regular season and 2-0 during the playoffs. Its almost as iff the 29 year old was determined to win a title this season.

The offense was ok, we collected 8 hits and got them when we needed to. Mario Gomez continues his impressive playoff run with 2 more hits. Sergio Galvez collected 2 more a well. And everyone in the middle of the order had 1. Not too bad. I would much rather a 13-0 blowout, but if its not going down that way, I will take this.

I am however glad we didn't run ourselves out of the game in the 3rd. It could of turned into something really bad.

I continue to not use Luis Martinez during the playoffs. He struggled during his one appearance and I just have faith in this group of others. Miguel Angel has been great out of the pen after a rocky start in the rotation. I still have faith he will return to the rotation but for now he will be my closer when he can be.

As it has been all season the starting pitching has carried this team. The bullpen hasn't needed to be relied on overly much and hopefully that will continue when Cornell Pearson takes the mound in game 4. Pearson will be making his 7th career post-season start. He had a rough 2023, but over the past 2 seasons he has been much better. I look for good things from Pearson, and I am looking forward to raising another banner in Norfolk, which hasn't happened since 2019. Its been a long road back to this point.

[NYY #23]

Almost time to get out the brooms. Hopefully you can out the series tomorrow!

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

Almost time to get out the brooms. Hopefully you can out the series tomorrow!

I hope so too. The sooner its over the better, that is for sure.

[illeracula]

DelMarVa Championship (Round 2, Best of 7)

Game 4: Norfolk Cavaliers vs Wilmington Iron Pigs
Cavaliers lead the series 3-0

Cavs Pregame:
Cornell Pearson will be on the bump today in hopes to close the door on this series. I have a lot of mixed feelings about Pearson, it seems like everytime I am about to trade him because he is "awful" he gets going on a hot streak. I just wish he was a little more consistent. He is 29 and if he pitched up to his talent every game he would be one of the top pitches in the game... but none of that matters today. I just need him to mow down the Iron Pigs so we can get the trophy back to Norfolk.

The Iron Pigs are going with Dan Pierson who is having a decent playoff's. Pierson hasn't given up a run or been able to get a decision against the Cav's, so it will be intersting to see how we fair... Pierson is a righty, which means our lineup will be the same as it has been the previous 3.

Something that I overlooked in the Game 3 preview was a key injury to the Iron Pigs 2B Kevin Barber. He fractured his finger an is going to miss the rest of the series. Barber is a 4.5* player and is being replaced by a 2* veteran Jose Escamilla. During the 9 games he played this post-season Barber was hitting .206-0-3.

Hopefully this will be it, the further we go, the harder it will be...

Here is a look at the game 4 lineups:


Game Time:
After 3 innings the game is a pitchers duel with each team collecting 3 hits. The Cav's have hit into double plays in the 1st and 2nd. (After 3: Game tied 0-0)

Dan Pierson made a mistake on a 2-1 pitch in the 4th to lead-off hitter Bob Short. Short would hit that mistake 390ft over the right-cetner field wall for the games first run. (After 3 1/2: Cav's lead 1-0)

In the 5th the Cav's would add some insurance with a 2-out rally. Sergio Garcia got things started with a single to right. The next hitter Sergio Rodriguez, who has a 2 power rating, would hit a 2-run HR (373ft) over the RF fence. Giving the Cav's 2 insurance runs. (After 4 1/2: Cav's lead 3-0)

The 7th would be a near miss for the Cav's, but they would get one. Claudio Flores lead off the inning reach 2nd on a walk. Sergio Galvez was intentionally walked to put runners on 1st and 2nd with no out. Sergio Rodriguez flew out to left for out number one. Bob Short singled to load the bases with 1-out. Edgar Baez hit a laser to first, the Iron Pigs decided to try to turn two, but Baez hustled down the line to prevent that, scoring Flores. Hamer would end the inning on a fly out to left. The Cav's missed a big opportunity, but did score another insurance run. (After 6 1/2: Cav's lead 4-0)

In the bottom of the 8th the Iron Pigs would finally get a run across. Walt Martin lead off the inning with a single. He would move up to second on a passed ball. Then to third on a ground-out to first. Pepe Santana then would drive him in on a fly ball to deep right. But that was all they could get breaking their Championship Series scoring drought of 19 innings! (After 8: Cav's lead 4-1)

I left Cornell Pearson on the mound to see if he could finsih off the complete game, but that only lasted one batter, as Antonio Castaneda would lead-off the inning with a 430ft shot to dead center... Miguel Angel Gonzalez would enter the game... Miguel Angel would do what he has done all series... Alonso Martinez grounds out to short... Matt Fisher flies out to center... Jose Escamilla grounds out to short... (After 9: Cav's 4-2)

The Norfolk Cavaliers win the game 4-2 and the series 4-0... there will be a party in Norfolk tonight, as the title returns to the Cavaliers!!!!

W: Cornell Pearson (1-0)
L: Dan Pierson (0-1)
S: Miguel Angel Gonzalez (3)
HR: NFK: Sergio Rodiguez (1), Bob Short (2)

POG: Bob Short, Norfolk Cavaliers: 4-4, HR (2), R, RBI

Cavs Postgame:
That was a fun game, and I am glad the title is back in Norfolk. The way the season started I never thought we would have this chance to celebrate. I guess its fitting that the hero of the series was Bob Short, part of the reason of the big second half turn around...

Cornell Pearson threw a great game today, eventhough his game score was only a 62. To me he did everything he had to, he threw 8 strong innings, allowing just 6 hits and 1 BB, while striking out 7. Both runs were his, but the HR in the 9th was more my fault than anything. I was just feeling greedy.

One thing I talk about with this team is the strong starting rotation and that really showed during this series. In 3 of the 4 games the starters went 8+ innings, and I am pretty sure that would of happened in game 2 if Contreras didn't go down injuried. The bullpen was barely used, actually only 2 guys out of then pen were used. Miguel Angel Gonzalez closed out games 1, 3 and 4, and Alberto Sanchez threw 3+ in game 2...

Speaking of subs, I don't think the bench was used at all during this series either, outside of Robinson Lopez. Lopez came in and played second during 2 games for defensive purposes.

Our offense collected 10 hits on the day, with Short collecting 4 and Gallegos 2 of them... The Iron Pigs had 6, with Castaneda collecting 3 of them. Maybe that injury to Baker was a lot bigger than I thought, as Jose Escamilla was 0-4 with 2 K's.

Dan Pierson threw 8.1 innings, 123 pitches, allowing all 10 hits and 4 runs, 3 of which were earned. Overall, he had a pretty decent game. His offense just couldn't get much going for them... I am surprised that the top run producing team in the Delaware Conference would hit a streach of 19 innings of nothing. Just amazing.

Asked after the game, what it's like to lose in the League Championship, Wilmington's manager replied, "You want the results to be different." Then he added, "They simply outplayed us, they deserve it. They beat us. They're the champions."

This is the first title for Manager Arthur Ray. There has been speculation that Ray would be let go if he didn't get a title under his belt, after Allastiar Turcotte won 5 during his 9 year tenure... I wouldn't of called Turcotte a legend, but when you win 5 titles in 9 seasons its hard to argue he isn't... And Ray has found out the hard way, how hard it is to follow a legend.

Series MVP: Bob Short, Norfolk Cavaliers: .533-2-4 (8-15), 2 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI's, 6 R's

Honorable Mention:
Miguel Angel Gonzalez, Norfolk Cavaliers: 3 G, 2.2 IP, 0 H, 2 K's, 3 SV
Edgar Baez, Norfolk Cavaliers: .294-1-5 (lead team in RBI's)

[illeracula]

This is my 6th title as the Cavaliers GM (I sim the regular season, manage the playoffs) and I have to say this was the most enjoyable one. Having to struggle to reach the playoffs, being in the division battle till the last week of the season. There is just something special about that... In the end after a long rough first half, we came through and ended up (somehow) with the best record in the DBL... There is just something to be said about this team.

I will be back in 2026, assuming Bill Parker (the owner) doesn't let me go. I am not sure when I will walk away from the Cavaliers, but I did tell myself when I signed Miguel Contreras that I would be around till he was gone. Next season, could be his last season in Cavaliers orange, as he has a vesting option for 2027 based on 150 IP. He will be 38 going into 2026, and his "stuff" keeps dropping... so maybe it will be time to walk away and find a new challenge...

Here is a look at the Cavaliers that helped us win our 6th title:

[NYY #23]

Congratulations on number 6! Those ones where it seems like you have to work the hardest are always the most rewarding. I'm glad you will be back with the Cavaliers next year. Seven seems like a better number to leave on than six.

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

Congratulations on number 6! Those ones where it seems like you have to work the hardest are always the most rewarding. I'm glad you will be back with the Cavaliers next year. Seven seems like a better number to leave on than six.

Thanks. It was a fun ride.

Very true. This one and the first were the most rewarding, but I have to admit it was fun wining 120+ games and storming through the playoffs.

I will have a very interesting off-season ahead for me, trying to figure out who to keep and who to move on so the 2026 is going to be a little different than this team, but in the end I think we will be ok.

Good point 7 does sound better than 6, and I expect 2026 to be another tough year, as the Senators have a ton of young guys.

[illeracula]

When I started this league it started with the inaugural draft, and in the 5th round I took a kid from Illinois named Mauro Candelaria. He became one of my favorite players for the Cavaliers over my tenure here. He made the team out of camp as our starting short-stop and he did so well he was voted onto his first (and only) All-Star team.

Mauro was a team leader, more by example than by words, he never complained and he always did what was asked of him. Unfair to him he was a man without a position and I moved all over the field. He ended up playing over 200 games at each of the infield positions and another 36 in RF. Over his career, an injury plagued one, he enjoyed position stability only 3 seasons, playing 100 games at SS in 2013, 158 at 1B in 2017 and 142 at 2B in 2019. As he got older, he didn't bounce back from injury and regulated to playing 1B over the final seasons of his career.

Candy, as he was known around the clubhouse, was a mainstay on the Cavaliers for 10 seasons 2013-2023. During his career he played in 155+ games 5 seasons, including every game of the 2017 season. Making the 40-man roster this season, allowed him to be part of his 6th Championship team, he is currently the only player in the DBL to be able to wear 6 rings.

He isn't a Hall-of-Famer, but his number 50 will be retired in Norfolk. A patient batter, which man Cavaliers could learn from. Not only was he patient and knew how to draw a walk he was tough to strike out. His 2017 season is considered the best of his career. During that season, Candy played in 162 games, scored 97 runs and drove in 75. He walked 97 times, and struck out an amazing 33 times over 723 PA's. He finished the season with a career high 4.9 WAR. To top that season he off, he put together a great post season. Collecting 16 hits for an average of .421 in 9 games, He drove in 9, walked 2 times and did not strike out.

In 2023, Candelaria became a free-agent, and with falling ratings, I was instructed by my scout it was time to let him go. This was a hard decision for me, but it was the right one. Later that year I was able to come to terms with Mauro on a minor league deal. He would play all of 2024 in the minors, splitting time between AAA, AA and the disables list. In 2025, he was sent to AAA and played 139 games, hitting .279-3-62 and walking 125 times.

At the end of the season with space on the 40-man roster I decided to give him the call in hopes he would finish his fading career on a high note, as I did a few seasons earlier with Don Sweetapple. He would play 2 games with the Cavaliers and in what would turn out to be his last game of his career, Candelaria started at 1B, and he would turn in show for the home crowd, going 1-3 with a HR and 3 RBI's. This game would turn out to be the division clinching game.

At the end of the 2025 season, Mauro Candelaria announced he was going to retire from the DBL. He retires as the leader in games played (1268), At-Bats (4470), and Walks (537). Candelaria is one of three players who have collected 1000-plus hits for the Cavaliers with 1265, which is 3rd most in Cav's history. If it wasn't for a string of injuries that cost him many games, he would probably be on the top of many other Career Cavaliers categories.

He may not be a Hall-of-Fame player in the DBL, but he will forever be remembered in Norfolk... Mauro is the only player, that was active on the 2013 Norfolk Cavaliers that is still in the Norfolk Organization.

He will be missed.