1998 Fall Season Federal League Champions!


November 22nd was a beautiful Championship Day at Joe Kelly Field at Pierce College. The four best teams remained from the original twenty teams who played during the 10 game fall season. The day began with the Federal Division Championship game featuring the S.C. Indians against the Mudhens. The Mudhens, who were also in the Summer Season championship game, entered the game as the odds on favorite. They struck first, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning off Indian’s starting pitcher, Mike Luketic. The Indian’s answered right back in the top of the second when catcher, Manny Soto hit a two run homer off Mudhen’s starter, Dennis Jacobson. The game was tied 5-5 going into the bottom of the eighth inning. The Mudhen’s got two runs in the bottom of the eighth on hits by Eric Orue, Grant Withers & Zach Beemas giving the Mudhen’s a 7 to 5 lead. The Mudhen’s were now 3 outs away from winning the Championship going into the ninth inning. After a strike out and a fly out the S.C. Indians were down to their last out. Charlie Hirsh then walked, Mike O’neil singled and Mike Luketic walked to load the bases. This brought up pinch hitter Martin Mays with the bases loaded and the game on the line. In heroic story book fashion, Martin Mays took a 2-2 fastball and launched it deep over the left centerfield fence for a GRAND SLAM HOME RUN! Charlie Hirsh kept the game exciting in the bottom of the ninth by walking three batters. Then finally settled down striking out two to secure the victory for the Indians 9-7.


Fall American League Champions
Federal Division Fall Season Champions - Indians defeated Mudhens (9-7)

Indians Pitcher
Indian’s starting pitcher, Mike Luketic