Again in 2011, a two division play-off format was used at the Minnesota Twins Baseball Fantasy Camp. Following seven games of pool play, the two divisions were established on Thursday afternoon.  The Blue Division was comprised of the following four teams: "The Cuban-American Connection, "T-Rexes", "96 Tears" and the "Coomdogs".  The Red Division consisted of the following four teams: "The Stingers", "The New Years", "The Rebels Without a Cause" and "The Avengers".

The final 2011 camp pool standings ended as follows:

Team                                 Wins                       Losses

Cuba-American Connection      6                             1

The T-Rexes                         4                             3

96 Tears                              4                             3

The Coomdogs                     3                             4

The Avengers                       3                             4

The Stingers                         3                             4

The New Years                     2                             5

Rebels W/O a Cause               2                             5

In the first round of the Red Division games played on Friday, January 14th, the Stingers defeated the New Years and the Rebels topped The Avengers to advance to the Red Division Championship Game.  First pitch in the Red Division Championship was 9:45 AM at Hammond Stadium, spring training home of the Minnesota Twins.  The Stingers held off a late charge by the Rebels to claim the Red Division Crown, 7-4.   The Stingers were managed by former relief pitching great and 2011 rookie coach, Rick Aguilera and Twins starter from the 60's, Lee Stange.  The roster for The Stingers included:

Doug Borgeson                     Tarron Borgeson              Kenny Myers           Bob Zuckerman

Rick Casselbury                     Bob Garvin                       John Moore             John Cook

Stan Mader                           Dan Williams                    Chris Williams           Allen Day  

James Vaughn               

In Friday's Blue Division first round play-off action, "The Cuba-American Connection" defeated the "Coomdogs" and the "96 Tears" bested the "T-Rexes".  The "Cuba-American Connection" led by managers Tony Oliva and Lee "Stinger" Stange, made a come from behind run to down a feisty "96 Tears" squad, in one of the camp's most classic championship game, 4-3.  Paul Bennett was the "Cuba-USA" starter and rookie camper, Van Beach, came on in relief in the 6th to get the win.  Leading this year's Blue Division Champions were Eric Rasmussen and Tony Oliva.  Members of the Cuba-American Connection squad were:

Brad Puetz                           Ken Sczublewski                  Paul Bennett                       Dick Bremer

Ryan McDougall                   Bob Bykofsky                      McLean Sieverding               Brent Sieverding

Scott McDougall                  Ed Joyce                              Fritz Friedl                            Van Beach

Brad Vought                      

Again this year we were thrilled to have the radio voice of the Twins, John Gordon, on hand to call the play by play of both championship games.

2011 CAMP AWARD WINNERS

Cy Young > 50           -       Nominees included: Dick Washburn, Jim Lundeen, Tony Basile, and John Torniero. 

                                          The 2011 Cy Young Award Winner is - Dick Washburn

Cy Young < 50           -       Nominees included: Brent Sieverding, Will McMacken, Dave Hinnenkamp, Lance

                                          Anderson, Dave Roiger, Bob Zuckerman, Tim Nelson and Nick Ciola.

                                          The 2011 Cy Young Award is: Will McMacken

Gold Glove > 50          -       Nominees included: Steve Jarvi, Scott Willis, Lloyd Pallansch, Ken Sczublewski,

                                           and Jim Sullivan.

                                           The 2011 Gold Glove Recipient is: Scott Willis

Gold Glove < 50          -       Nominees included: Bob Garvin, Chris Trela, Paul Bennett, Randy Beran and

                                           Van Beach.

                                           The 2011 Gold Glove Recipient is: Paul Bennett

"Kirby Puckett" Award    -   Nominees included: Lloyd Pallansch, Ed Litman, Dave Jensen, and Carolyn Held.

                                           The 2011 Kirby Puckett Award Winner is: Carolyn Held

Rookie of the Year         -    Nominees were: Bob Bykofsky, Dick Washburn, Warren Nelson, Lance Anderson

                                           Brad Vought, Bob Garvin, Ed Joyce, Van Beach & McLean Sieverding.

                                           The 2011 Rookie of the Year is: Lance Anderson

MVP > 50                    -      Nominees Included: Lloyd Pallansch, John Moore, Tony Basile and Jim Lundeen.

                                          The 2011 MVP for the Over 50's is: John Moore

MVP < 50                    -       Nominees were: Dave Hinnenkamp, Dave Roiger, Van Beach, Will McMacken,

                                           Ed Joyce, Bob Garvin, and Paul Bennett.

                                           The 2011 MVP for the Under 50's is: Dave Roiger

HITTING LEADERS FOR THE 2011 CAMP                           

Dave Roiger           .800                                                  

John Moore           .789 

Randy Sampson     .632                                                   

Mike Muggli            .579                                                   

Shawn Roerick       .579                                       

Bruce Grachek        .571                                     

Ed Joyce                .571                                      

Bob Garvin             .555                                                  

Scott Willis            .555

Dave Hinnenkamp  .545

While the baseball was fantastic once again in 2011, it's the people that participate in this week of baseball heaven that make it such an incredible and memorable experience!  Thanks to the Campers, members of our Pro Staff and the support team of the camp for an incredible week!  See you next year!