The Barton Braves(22-5) once again reach the top of the OVBL, snagging their 3rd title in 4 years! The team closed out the best of 5 format in Neffs to end the series at 3-1. Rookie Tyler Kurtz(Barnesville/Bethany College) was named Series MVP securing 2 wins on the hill. Other notables include a walk off base knock to end a 10 inning thriller in Game 1 at Henning Field by veteran Vinny Kirkpatrick, who was also the backbone of the Braves all season long. Rookie Jourdan Yager provided key, timely hits all season long while killing teams with his speed on the bases. (Yagerbombs). As always, Captain Nick Rocchio showed off his gold glove work, providing consistent defense at short, while setting the table from his leadoff spot with a team leading 3 round trippers. 8 game winner Mike Muklewicz tossed a Game 2 winning mound performance during the championship series. Dustin Hynes put in tireless work behind the plate in the late July heat, limiting opposing base runners to a minimum, while also being the catalyst of the Braves lineup leading the team in hits and average. Joel Atkinson provided clutch hits, solid defense, and veteran leadership all season long for the Braves. Thriving in the 9 spot, Ryan Kreiter accumulated 20+ runs, hits, and a high on-base percentage in his fourth season as the Braves' left fielder. Tom Pasco's sweet swing and powerful right arm did damage to opposing teams throughout the year. Coming off vacation, Derek Miller reunited with the Braves during game 2 of the championship series and provided a huge spark to the offense, capping off a great offensive year. Long time Brave and Barton native Nick Koval had a solid season hitting .300 in utility roles. Jordan Barbina proved that speed kills as he was a constant threat to swipe a few bags every time he reached (often on bunt singles!) Anthony Rocchio aka Pebbles caught fire in the OVBL playoffs, putting together several multiple hit, multiple RBI games. Young catcher Jordan Murry brought his knowledge of the game to the Braves, calling several good games from behind the plate and also proving that his arm is made of rubber. Mike Michelli hit for a high average and high OPS this season. Manager Bill Timko provided guidance, motivation, leadership and would stick up for his players in the face of any OVBL umpire. Kirk Smolenak was instrumental in the Braves' success, coaching first base and not only playing in a few games, but also getting hits and providing solid D. Web Bishop always kept the grass cut and the water jug full! OVBL scorekeeper of the year, Mark Chillog, was a fixture on the Barton bench this summer. The Braves would like to thank all the Barton fans for the support throughout another successful season! Throw up the Z!

Braves lost game 3, but not without a fight. The Champion Red Dons scored a run in the bottom of the 9th to seal their 4-3 win. Braves had rbi's from George Laase, Ryne Romick HR, Darrin Young Single. Congrats to the new Champions and Thank All you fans for your support in 2011. In the coming months we will be posting the history of the braves to keep you entertained during the off season. Click on the photo of the run down involving Ryne Romick and Mike Kolvek to read Kim North's article from the Times Leader covering game three of the finals.

Click on the link to read the unparrelled Steele and Cook Insurance OVBL Off Season Coverage. Thank you Kim North and the Times Leader for your hard work and excellent coverage of our great league!

Off Season Times Leader Article

http://www.timesleaderonline.com/sports/local-sports/2018/07/home-sweet-home-2/

Braves lost Game 2 to the Red Dons 4-2. Jonathon Duncan drove in both runs with a double in the 6th. Chris McIntyre threw a 2 hitter for the Braves and suffered the loss. The next game is Friday at Weirton at 6:00 in game three. Barton is now 19-7 on the season. Click on the photo of Jonathon Duncan to read Kim North's article of game two.

Braves lost game 1 of the series tonight 8-1. nick rocchio scored the lone run on a passed ball after doubling in the 3rd. Ryne Romick took the loss. Barton had 6 hits on the night led by Chris Leasures a double and single. Barton is back in action again on Thursday night at home in game two against Weirton at 6:00. The Braves are now 19-6 on the year! Click on the photo of Nick Rocchio sliding into to home to read Kim Norht of the Times Leader's coverage of the game.

Barton took a 1-0 series lead against Maynard in a dramatic extra inning game. The Braves won 1-0 in 8 innings as Nick Rocchio scored the winning run with 1 out in the 8th on a George Laase single. Ryne Romick pitched a complete game gem for the the win! We are back in action in game two Thursday at Maynard at 6:00pm! Barton is now 18-5 on the year! Click on the photo of George Laase being congratulated by Mike Kolvek and Darrin Young to read the Timesleader's Kim North's coverage!

Click on the photo of George Laase and Nick Rocchio turning two to read Kim North of the Timesleader's article previewing the 2011 Steele and Cook Insuracne OVBL Finals.

Click on the photo of Ryne Romick to read the great article from Seth Staskey of the Timesleader on Barton's 6-0 win at Maynard.

Thursday night Barton completed the sweep in the Steele and Cook Insurance OVBL Semi-finals of our rivals, Maynard by a score of 7-3. Chris Mcintyre pitched a complete game 2 hitter with 12 K's. Barton used a total team effort for the win. The Braves will face Weirton in the Finals set to start Tuesday at Weirton at 6:00. Game two will be back in Barton on Thursday. Click on the photo of Chris Mcyintre to read Kim Norht of the Timesleader's coverage of game two. Barton is now 19-5 on the year!

Click on the link to read the Timesleader's Rich Gibson's article about Barton's Friday night's win over Shadyside in game one!
Game One Win!

Click on the link to read the Timesleader recap of the game. Braves down The Casketmakers 7 - 0 behind the strong 12 strikeout , 3 hit pitching of Chris MacIntyre. Nick rocchio blasted a 354 shot to start the game and Ryan Krieter 2 run Double off the left field fence. We are back in action Friday at Maynard at 6:00. Barton is currently 12-5 on the season.
Wednesday recap of Shadyside win

Braves dropped a 5 - 1 decision to Weirton. The Red dons garnered 7 hits to the Braves 6 but put them together when it counted. The Braves dropped to 11 - 4 and are on a 3 game road trip this week. Click on the photo of Joel Atkinson running the bases to read the Timesleader's Kim North's article from this game. The Braves next game is Monday @ West Liberty @ 6:00. Barton is now 11-4 on the season.

Braves Defeat Maynard 2 - 1. Braves turned over the most unusual double play in history of baseball. Watch for link & photo tomorrow and in The Times Leader. joel atkinson & Nick Rocchio rbi'd the two scores. Mike Kolvek picked up the win with Rocchio in relief. Click on the photo of the wierdest doubleplay ever to read the Timesleader's Kim North's aticle. Barton is back in action Sunday at home against Weirton at 1:00 PM. The Braves are now 11-3 on the season.

Braves Shutout the Pirates 15 - 0 tonight. Dustin Hynes Hit 2 Hr and garnered 3 Rbi to lead the 18 hit attack. Mike Muklewicz got the mound win Barton. Click on the photo of Dustin Hynes being oncgratulated by Manager Bill Timko to read the Timesleader's Seth Staskey's article from the game. Saturday Barton Welcomes their cross road rivals in Maynard to town for a 2:00 first pitch. Then Sunday Barton plays Weirton at 1:00. The Braves are now 10-3 on the season!

Barton @ Maynard 6/3/11
Click on the link to read the Timesleader's Kim North's take on the the Barton loss at Maynard from 6/3/11.

Barton received some good pitching and a lot of timely hitting to top the Wheeling Yankees Saturday 12-1 at a sun soaked Henning Field. Mike Kolvek picked up the win going 5 strong innings and Joel Atkinson closing the final two. Dustin Hynes hit a first inning 2 run Jack and Mike Muklewicz knocked in two runs. The Braves are back in action on Sunday @ home against Shadyside @ 1:00 PM. Barton is now 3-2 on the season.

Click on the picture of Dustin Hynes to read Kim North's Article from the Timesleader covering the game!

Click on the link to read the Timesleader's Rich Gibson's take on West Liberty win at Barton by the score of 1-0. Thank you Timesleader, keep up the great work!West Liberty V. Barton Article

Click on the Photo of Tome Pasco and Manager Bill Timko to read Kim North's Timesleader article covering this game!

Kim North of the Timesleader conducted his annual Steele and Cook Insurance OVBL preseason report. Click on the photo of Commissioner DelGuzzo and the other league managers to read the article. Go Braves!

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The Barton Braves are proud to announce Bill Timko as their new manager effectively immediately. Bill takes over for former Barton Skipper Mike Kolvek who is stepping aside but will still be on the Braves Roster in the starting pitching rotation. Bill is a Bartonite who has over 20 years of OVBL experience. Bill served as the Braves manager in the 90's and early 2000's and brought Barton their first title in 1996. Bill has a vast knowledge of the game of baseball will be an asset to our franchise and we are excited for his opening day debut.