The Tribune

PITCHER Alfred “Skater” Munnings shone brightest during the recent Masters Softball Association’s annual All Star Classic resulting in an 11-7 triumph for his visiting Vice President’s team at the expense of the President’s select at Archdeacon William E Thompson Park.

Munnings earned the most Valuable player laurels on the strength of checking opponents over six of the seven innings before the ageless Harold “Banker” Fitzgerald tossed the final frame.

He yielded a three-run homer to left-fielder Warfield “Bugga” Bain - who was to lace an RBI triple in the fifth - but because of Munnings and company the team coasted for the most part despite trailing 2-1 early.

For his stellar efforts Munnings, who actually hurled for the side overseen by his Dozer Pros manager Jeff Willie, was unanimously acclaimed as the Classics MVP.

Replacement designated player Clifford “Jonesy” Jones’ two-out sixth frame inside–the-park shot that gave the VP Stars an 8-5 lead proved to be the key hit.

Three other victors - shortstop Keith Butler, starting catcher Greg Smith and Anthony Forbes - each swung a perfect two-for-two bat which produced six of their team’s total runs.

Third baseman Stephen “Slugger” Brown had three hits in five trips against Johnny Armbrister, who went the distance for the second straight day after Joshua Knights’ win on Saturday.

Bain, who leads the MSA with seven homers so far this this season, ripped his second classic round tripper against Fitzgerald after Ian Burgzog tripled in the seventh. He also scored twice.

Right fielder Andrew Basden legged out a leadoff solo insider in the sixth for the losers too.

Coach Ronald “Small” Russell, a substitute for Joshua manager Sammy Adderley, called the shots for the President’s Stars.

BTC Untouchables standout Anthony “Tony” Bullard switched to the President’s side at the outset and both sides consented to the change from nine to seven innings.

A moment of silence was observed after the starting lineups were announced and players aligned themselves down the first and third base lines to show their respects for Persis Adderley, the mother of Fran Adderley and aunt to Greg “Lover” Thompson, of Joshua Knights, and Randolph Coakley Sr, father of BTC players Randy Jr and Robby Coakley, who had recently passed away.