15th Season to Kick Off April 14/15
Posted on 29 March 2012 | 1 response
What started as an after school activity for a few has blossomed into a summer long passion for many.
Veto League Baseball will kick off a historical 15th season April 14th and 15th at Ridgewood Field in Rock Island. Expect a large turnout– and double headers — for opening weekend. Last year’s opening day brought 21 to the ballpark, however, the opening day record was set in 2009 with 34 players showing up at Ridgewood. A crowd of at least 30 is expected to show for opening day 2012.
The annual Winter Meeting was held on March 11th as 10 members were in attendance. In addition to discussion of this year’s start date, members voted to purchase new equipment (two new bats, 36 baseballs, grip tape, and a clipboard), Jeff Kilgard volunteered to become the new Vice President of Veto League Baseball, a rule was implemented that the pitcher always fields (the previous rule had the pitcher not fielding when pitching against his own teammates), and captains were announced for the new season.
The Black Hawk Division will see veteran captains Anthony Reese and Kilgard bring back their teams (Playaz and Crushers) while Adam Chard resurrects the Shockers, who haven’t seen action since 2009. The Saukie Division will include rival captains Josh Paul and Josh Smith — the Gooonies and Turtles, along with new captain Mike Holst unveiling his High Rollers opening weekend.
Finally, this winter long time member Tony Zier announced his unofficial retirement from Veto League Baseball.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity you have given me, the friends I have made, and the records I have chased,” Zier said during a phone interview, “However, at this time I am unable to commit to another season of Veto League Baseball.”
Zier is the proud father of a daughter, Emma, and husband to his wife, Meggan. Zier, known for his relentless banter with Dan Tomlin about time machines, walks away from the game in the top 10 all-time for games played, at bats, hits, triples, runs scored, sacrifice flies, and total wins. When asked what he plans to do with his summer away from the game, Zier says he intends to sleep more. Veto League wishes him the best in his future endeavors.
RIP Kaylen Eickstaedt 8/29/86 – 11/15/11
Posted on 20 November 2011 | 3 responses
Story by Josh Paul
In 1998, Matt Veto created Veto League Baseball with the purpose of giving less-than-stellar guys and girls the opportunity to play baseball, get exercise, and build friendships. Over time, Veto League has seen a wide variety of athletes, from those who never picked up a baseball to a few who had college level success.
Kaylen Eickstaedt passed away on November 15, 2011, at the young age of 25. He was the prototypical VLB player. No high school or college baseball experience. He wasn’t a spectacular athlete, usually picked at the tail end of the draft. But what Eickstaedt did on the field was more than most Veto League players can claim. He never once talked negatively about another player. He always hustled. He never complained about playing catcher, batting at the bottom of the order, or being forced out at second base. He gradually got better as the season progressed. He consistently kept his teammates motivated with high fives and words of encouragement. And while on the diamond, he always had a smile on his face. Eickstaedt had a passion for our league unmatched by most.
Veto League first met Eickstaedt in 2010. It was a forgettable July 25th for the majority of the 23 players, as the Juice Boxes beat the Goonies 11-10. But for Eickstaedt, it was the beginning of one of the highlights of his life. After his debut in 2010, Kaylen posted on our VLB Facebook group message board, “I loved playing yesterday. I look forward to playing more, just let me know when the next game is.” Eickstaedt was 0-2 in his debut — hardly what anyone would publicly admit, “Loved playing yesterday” or “Look forward to playing more.”
After just two at bats, Eickstaedt had a spirit for our league that many players have never felt.
I made Facebook connections with Eickstaedt and invited him to play in 2011. I remember him being very excited, recalling how much fun he had in the one game he played during the previous summer when his buddy John “Ceno” Rasso had brought him out to Douglas for the first time. The first weekend he played he made sure to buy two jerseys, making him an “official” VLBer — #27.
Whether it was his job, car, or life in general, he was always down on his luck. He always brought a frown to the field, but never left without a smile on his face. He showed up nearly every weekend, leaving after the first game so he could spend time with his family. He gave it his all every at bat. And he had loved the camaraderie of the players. After a dozen players failed at pronouncing his name “Eezeckstayad-t,”, Kaylan told us with a smile, ”Just remember it like this — Ike-Is-Dead”. I’m not sure why, but it’s one of those small Veto League memories I’ll never forget.
In Eickstaedt’s last game, he batted 2-for-4 under the lights at Modern Woodmen Park, scoring two runs for Veto’s Meteors. His family was in attendance to watch their son play hardball on a minor league baseball field. He was this year’s Commissioner’s Award runner-up.
He always kept me updated on his status for weekend games. This told me that he looked forward to the weekend, when he could spend time with his baseball family. He came to my house for a Fourth of July get-together. After he left, he sent me a text message saying, “Good times. More to come I’m sure.” He’s shown up for flag football games and poker get-togethers. Even though he was quiet and reserved, he always loved being in a social environment with others. I’m positive this is what he loved the most about Veto League.
The worst part about our lives is that we can’t change the past. You don’t know how much someone means to you until they’re gone. It’s a life lesson that we all take for granted — cherish those around you; you never know what tomorrow will bring. Eickstaedt had a lot of anger, frustration, and pain in his life. I talked to him a few times about his issues, but my only advice was, “Keep your head up. Things will turn around.” I regret not doing more to help him. Depression is an illness — like alcoholism, drug addiction, and cancer. Unless you’ve been through it, you can’t understand it. I don’t think there’s anything anyone could have done to change Eickstaedt’s mind last Tuesday. He is finally at peace. I know I will miss him. His smile. His energy. His high fives. His excitement. His motivating words. His gratitude. And most importantly, his friendship.
At his funeral on November 19th, eight Veto Leaguers made it to say our final goodbyes. Ironically, Eickstaedt filled our team as the ninth player. His obituary listed his favorite activities. “Sandlot baseball” was #1 on that list. I spoke with his grandmother and mother. Both said he always talked about how much fun he had playing sandlot baseball. It was one of the few things he seemed to enjoy in life.
Never forget #27. RIP Kaylen, you will be missed.
I’m honored to announce (props to Wesson for the idea) that the 2012 and beyond “sportsmanship” trophies will be given away as the Eick Award in memoriam of Eickstaedt’s dedication and passion for our league.
Matt Veto Leaves Unforgettable Legacy, Bids Adieu to the VLB
Posted on 22 September 2011 | No responses
In 1998, an outspoken Moline High School sophomore wasn’t ready to give up his love for playing hardball. While labeled “not good enough” to play for the varsity Maroon squad, Matt Veto created his own baseball group – designed for anyone of any skill level. Like anything, it took time for word to spread.
In its inaugural year, Veto rounded up 25 players – most of whom were Moline High School colleagues – to come out to Saukie Field in Rock Island to play sandlot style baseball. What started as eight guys having batting practice expanded to 10 guys playing “right field out” rules, and soon word of mouth was out and the league had enough players to play an entire field.
Veto recalls his high school pal Scott Boruff being so excited to play baseball that he asked, “When are we playing ‘Veto League’”? Needless to say, the name stuck.
The next three years didn’t see much growth in the league, as only 25 new players tried out the sandlot style baseball league. As Veto’s high school friends graduated and traveled away to college, he didn’t know if the league would survive, so he had to do something different to keep guys interested.
“This league changes every year. We’ve gone from cardboard beer boxes to actual bases. We’ve organized ourselves enough to have a set schedule with designated captains,” recalled Veto, “But the most influential and beneficial change was incorporating stats into our league.”
In 2002, Veto unveiled his box scores, which kept track of the lineup, at bats, hits, extra base hits, and runs batted in. In 2003, Veto League began tracking runs scored. Stats, box scores, and stories went onto Veto League’s Geocities website. These changes are no doubt why the participation in the VLB has soared over the next decade. In ’02-’03, 68 new players came out to try Veto League.
In 2004, Veto unveiled official Veto League jerseys. They were navy colored and cotton, and included “VETO LEAGUE” screened on the front and the players name/number on the back. In ’05, they began selling orange jerseys and hats.
Today, Veto League is host of its own web domain, www.thevlb.com, and is probably as organized as any sandlot baseball league in America. In 2011, Veto League played a record 63 games, featuring 101 players and 55 debuts – by far more than any other season.
This year marked the first year any other Vetos made it out to the ball park. Matt invited brothers Jason and Jim Jr., along with his father, Jim Sr. Said Sr., “It’s been many years since I’ve had the pleasure of playing basbeall with all three of my sons at the same time.” Veto made that work on a day the Vetos are sure to remember for years to come.
Matt Veto considers Veto League his greatest creation, but not because he’s been keeping it afloat for 14 years. Not because career stats have been tracked since 2002. Or because interest in the league has exploded with social networking facets Facebook, CraigsList, Twitter, and even e-mail (a new concept in 1998). Veto is responsible and deserves credit for the hundreds of new friendships that have sparked though his baseball league. Guys (and girls) who would have never known each other had it not been for the common interest in playing casual backyard baseball.
Midseason 2011, Veto announced his unofficial retirement from his own league. Moving on to bigger and better things, Veto married his best friend in September, then two weeks later 
moved to Columbus, Missouri, to focus on getting a Masters’ Degree at prestigious Mizzou.
Veto may not be around to play at all next year, but he left behind a legacy that will last an eternity. The way Veto played the game of baseball is unmatched by any other Veto Leaguer. Leaving the competitive side of sandlot baseball, Veto led by example and always had a smiles on his face. He taught myself and others to enjoy every day on the field. We play baseball not to win, but to have fun, get a little exercise, make ourselves better, and above all else, build lasting friendships.
As president of Veto League Baseball, I thank you, Matt Veto, for your countless hours of time, hundreds of dollars of your own money, unwavering patience, and infinite amount of heart you have given toward the league we all love. #9 will never be forgotten. You’re Hall of Fame in my book.
Josh Paul
VLB Assists River Bend Food Bank in Throwing Out Hunger
Posted on 22 September 2011 | No responses
Story by Josh Paul
Veto League Baseball’s most successful season ended with a league record which had nothing to do with baseball.
On Monday, August 16, Veto League Baseball showcased its 24 most dedicated participants to hundreds in attendance for the annual night game, once again hosted by Modern Woodmen Park. Players, family, friends, volunteers, and attendees helped out by donating non-perishable food items, which were donated to the Quad City River Bend Food Bank. The VLB shattered their previous record by raising 890 pounds of food. The non-perishables were much needed, and within 24 hours, had already been distributed to Quad Citians in need.
As for the game, it was a typical VLB contest, as Commissioner Matt Veto’s Meteors’ high scoring offense enough to fend off a fierce Goonies team that that won 24-17. The home team Meteors found themselves trailing early by a 7-0 score. They rallied for eight runs over the next three innings to take the lead. After veteran Josh Paul’s Goonies regained the lead, the Meteors bats caught fire in the bottom of the sixth, as they scored seven times, including a line drive two-run homer by sophomore John “Ceno” Rasso.
The Goonies responded by having a huge inning of their own, batting around in the top of the 7th. Included during the rally was a behemoth shot by Bob Zerull – his 3rd homerun in three career MWP games – and an inside the park homerun by rookie Kevin Powell. The Goonies scored nine runs in that frame and allowed just one run by the Meteors over the last three innings to secure the victory.
In addition to the big game by Rasso, the Meteors were also led by two time Glove Glove recipient Scott Ellefritz’s 5-for-5, four RBI effort. The 13 year veteran cracked two extra base hits, including his second career triple.
Zerull was named Night Game MVP after collecting three hits and a game high six RBI. The Goonies’ top three hitters – Anthony Reese, Paul, and Jeff Kilgard – went a combined 10-for-15 with nine runs scored and four triples. The game marked Reese’s 171st consecutive game played.
Before the contest began, awards were given for the 2011 season. Fellow Veto Leaguers voted on trophies for Most Valuable Player, Playoff MVP, Rookie of the Year, Gold Gloves, and Sportsmanship. Veto handed out the Commissioner’s Award and Player of the Year awards while captains voted for Most Improved. Ryan Barton took both MVP trophies and Mike Holst took down the Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Infield Gold Glove prizes. Rookie Scott Raes was awarded with Outfield Gold Glove, Paul with Sportsmanship, and Veto as Most Improved.
Matt Veto, who announced his unofficial retirement midseason, was given a player autographed #9 jersey, as he was inducted as the first member into the Veto League Hall of Fame.
The showcase game marked the end of a 63-game summer that brought 101 players out to the sandlot, included 55 debuts, ages ranged from 18 to 85, and most importantly, marked the beginning of many new friendships. All these records set the bar high for the future of Veto League.
Night Game Approaches as World Series Starts
Posted on 31 July 2011 | No responses
Modern Woodmen Park hosts Veto League Baseball
Fourteen years ago, then Moline high schooler Matt Veto came up with a simple idea that over time would spread to more than 400 people. He didn’t make the cut to play on the varsity Maroon baseball team, but he wasn’t ready to give up on his love for playing hardball. Matt Veto rounded up 25 players in 1998 to play pick-up style baseball. It wasn’t very organized. They didn’t have much for equipment. And they came up with a simple name — “Veto League Baseball”. But what started over a decade ago has grown into a passion for many during the summer months.
Veto League Baseball is nearing the end of its most successful season in history. 53 games have been played — approaching the single season record of 60 set in 2009 — with two weekends of baseball left in the 2011 campagin. To date, 97 players have made it out to attend at least one Veto League game during extraordinarily hot summer months in 2011. This number features an amazing 52 VLB debuts. 2009 had the previous record debuts of 44. Anthony “Ironman” Reese’s streak is still active at 161 consecutive games played.
Monday, August 15, will showcase the 24 most dedicated players from the most successful VLB season ever. These players have earned a spot on either Matt Veto’s “Meteors” or Josh Paul’s “Goonies” squad. They will play a game under the lights of Modern Woodmen Park — a Single A ball field that is just as luxurious as some AAA fields. While the rosters won’t be finalized until after this weekend, the night game will feature at least nine rookies making their VLB showcase debuts. Commissioner Veto will address the crowd and hand out player awards at around 6:30, with the game starting around 7pm.
Cost to enter Modern Woodman Park on August 15 is just a canned food donation. In the last three years,
Veto League has collected over a half ton of canned food, donated locally to the River Bend Food Bank. Veto League is hoping for another record of non-perishable food donations. Helping in the cause is Schnucks in Bettendorf. The owner of Schnucks, Ammar Mahmood, provided free advertising for the Veto League Showcase, as well as placing a donation bin at the front of their store in hopes that customers will help out the cause. At last check, at least a couple cases of goods have been graciously donated by shoppers.
Each fan who attends the night game and donates a canned good will receive a raffle ticket. Between innings, fans will have an opportunity to win prizes, ranging from golf to jewelry to dance lessons to food vouchers. Sponsors for these gifts include Palmer Hills Golf Course, Necker’s Jewelers, Quad City River Bandits, Quad City Mallards, Two Rivers YMCA, Noodles & Co., Hungry Hobo, iWireless Center, Davenport School of Yoga, Quad City Motion Dance Company, Tailz’ Er Waggin’ Bakery, and more.
Meanwhile, the post season is in full throttle as Reese’s “Playaz” swept Tony Zier’s “All-Stars” in the Saukie division. Paul’s “Goonies” won the final two of the best-of-five series against Scott Ellefritz’s “Talons” in the Black Hawk division. The Playaz will host the Goonies this weekend in the scheduled best-of-seven World Series. Games will continue to be played at Douglas Park in Rock Island.
Johnny Fourdyce preps for his night game debut
Playaz Take Early Series Lead
Posted on 17 July 2011 | No responses
Players were scarce, but runs weren’t in the Playaz opening round victory against the visiting All-Stars.
Just 11 Veto Leaguers met for the post season opener at Ridgewood Field on Sunday afternoon. After a successful 45-game regular season featuring a record number of newbies, the post season success wasn’t as great. Saturday’s game was cancelled due to lack of player turnout. Sunday’s game was played with “right field out” rules in play due to not having enough players to fill an entire field.
After splitting their heads up regular season three games a piece, the Playaz (1-0) took advantage of home field. They rallied from three runs down early to take a 4-3 lead going into the third inning of the predetermined five inning game. The All-Stars (0-1) , captained by Tony Zier, followed up with a five-run third to take an 8-4 lead. The Playaz scored three runs in the bottom frame. Both teams went into the final inning with the All-Stars up by one run. The Playaz managed to tie the game on a sharp grounder to the right side by Jim Wesson and were able to walk away with a victory after winning the contest 9-8.
The Playaz were helped by Ryan Barton’s three extra base hits, including two doubles and a homerun. Scott Ellefritz had four hits, including a game high three RBI to secure a victory. Zier and Dan Tomlin batted a combined 12-for-14 in the top two spots for the All-Stars, also accounting for five of the teams eight runs.
The Playaz took the lead in the best-of-five divisional playoff. They will play games 2 and 3 this Saturday as Veto League returns home to Douglas Park.
Our Own Ironman
Posted on 7 June 2011 | 4 responses
Story by Josh Paul
He’s still 2,500 games shy of Cal Ripken Jr.’s record, but Anthony Reese has set a Veto League feat that is sure to never be broken.
Reese is this league’s Ironman. To date, 131 consecutive sandlot games played – a streak that has spanned an unbelievable four seasons.
Veto League met Anthony Reese in 2006. He played one game, debuting a woeful 0-for-6 at the plate with no runs or RBI. Who would have thought that five years later Reese would have made VLB history?
After a strike-shortened 2007, Veto League’s 2008 saw the emergence of Reese. After missing the majority of the first half, he played 22 games (including 21 of the final 25) and batted .522, good enough to win the vote for Rookie of the Year honors.
The streak began on Monday, September 28, 2008. It was the Veto League Showcase at Modern Woodman Park. Reese batted 6th and had a 3-hit night, helping his team to a 16-8 victory.
Then came the 2009 season. Remembered as the most successful season in VLB’s 14 year history, Anthony Reese made it out to the ballpark a record 60 consecutive games. He didn’t miss one weekend, not even one second game of a double header. Reese went on to win trophies for Most Valuable Player and Commissioner’s Award.
2010 was more of the same. Reese making a weekend of baseball was as expected as the sun rising after dawn. Though not getting the turnout like 2009 brought, Veto League still played 47 games last season. Reese, of course, made it out to all 47. He defended his Most Value Player award. He also earned a captain spot in a tight night game, falling to the All-Stars 18-17.
As of the first weekend of June 2011, Reese had played in 23 of 23 games. He leads the league in nearly every offensive category. He holds a career best .564 average.
Many wonder how Reese has been able to maintain his streak. He has a job, a 7-year old son, a girlfriend, and a 20-minute drive to Douglas. As with any record breaking performance, Reese’s streak hasn’t come without several close calls and a lot of luck.
Twenty three games through the season in 2009, Veto League played a double header at Ridgewood Field. Reese, who lives in East Moline, was a no show during game one’s pregame draft. Commissioner Matt Veto called him to make sure he was alive. Reese said he was having car trouble. But he ended the conversation by saying, “Don’t worry. I’ll be there.” Reese’s desire to play ball overwhelmed his car issues. He showed up to that game in the 6th inning, recording one at bat.
In 2010, Veto League was struggling for players and, on one particular Saturday, a diamond. 11 players wound up at Saukie Field for a late start. Reese was not among them. He was called and said he was on his way. The game commenced with “right field out” rules in effect. It was decided the game would be just seven innings. Through six innings, Reese was no where to be seen. However, scoring was strong my both teams, combining for 22 runs through six innings. This prolonged the game just enough for Reese’s arrival in the 7th frame. He recorded two at bats, helping his team score five runs in the 7th.
The 26-year old Reese announced on Saturday, May 14, 2011, that his streak would end the next day, as he would be in Iowa City. The streak was set to conclude at 118 consecutive games. Apparantely God had other plans. By chance, Veto League had to cancel this particular Sunday, as rain combined with a field conflict postponed the scheduled double header. Via Facebook, Reese said, “Hahahaha long live the streak.”
And just last weekend, Reese was among the 22 players who met at Douglas Park for a Saturday double header. The heat was a sweltering 89 degrees with little wind and no shade. During game one, Reese slumped over and passed out while in the dug out. Players attempted to cool him with water and ice packs. He was helped into a vehicle. Veto was going to drive Reese home, meaning he would miss game two and the streak would finally come to an end. Reese would have nothing of it. After taking about a 30 minute cool down, Reese said, “I’m good” and came back onto the field to finish the day. In the second game he was 5-for-6 with 5 RBI, 3 runs scored, and a double during a 21-4 victory. Heat? What heat?!
There are a number of Veto League records that may never be broken. Ashley Engstrom’s 18 RBI game (which included five homeruns – another record). 11 hits in one game (shared by Nick Benson and Steve Roberts). Matt Veto’s 320 at bats in 2004. Bob Zerull’s 30 homeruns in 2005. 69 combined runs scored in a 9-inning game (even the 7-inning record of 59 will be hard to top). Or perhaps Ryan Barton’s 38 doubles in 2009. But Reese’s 131 and counting games played is at the top of an impressive list of Veto League records.
Eventually, the streak will come to an end. Maybe it’ll be next weekend, maybe next year. Reese can’t keep this up forever. Of course, if Cal Ripken can do it for 16 seasons, who knows how long Anthony Reese can keep it up?
Reese, congratulations on your streak, and thank you for showing dedication that this league has never before seen. Veto League can’t survive without guys like yourself.
Still Going Strong After Five Game Weekend Series
Posted on 31 May 2011 | No responses
story by Josh Paul
Forecasted rain didn’t wash away the entire weekend at Douglas Park for Veto League Baseball.
Saturday’s rainy weather still brought out 24 men to the diamond in a rare triple header. Game one was dominated by Scott Ellefritz’s Talons, as they prevailed over the Goonies 11-2. The Talons were led by Dakota Bacus’ debut 4-for-4 performance and Brett Highly’s three runs scored.
Game two featured Ellefritz hosting the Turtles. The Turtles, led by sub-captain Adam Chard, found themselves up 8-1 after 2.5 innings. The Talons then scored nine unanswered runs to take the lead. The Turtles plated two in the final frame to tie the game at 10 a piece. The Talons walked away with a win on a sac fly by rookie Chris Bliven, taking the game 11-10. Bacus had another solid game, going 3-for-3 with three runs and three RBI.
Game three featured another big comeback. The away team Crushers were up 9-1 after 2.5 innings against the All-Stars. Tony Zier’s All-Stars had huge third and fourth innings, scoring a combined 13 runs in the final two frames to keep Jeff Kilgard’s Crushers winless after six games. Ryan Barton went perfect at the plate while Josh Paul drove in four runs. Rafe Thrasher belted his first career home run in a losing effort. Final score 14-10.
After a rained out Sunday, 14 players participated in a rare Memorial Day Monday double header. Defense played a huge role in both contests.
Game one featured the Goonies at Talons. The Talons were only able to plate four runs against the visitors, but that proved to be enough as Ellefritz’s squad gave up just three runs to the Goonies and won 4-3. The Talons remain undefeated at 6-0. Josh Paul’s Goonies fell to 2-4.
Game two began 2011’s interleague play, as the Turtles hosted the All-Stars. In the first inning, All-Stars captain Tony Zier drove in two runs on a single to right field to put his team up early. However, those were all the runs the All-Stars would see, as the Turtles shut them down for the final six innings. The Turtles (2-5), captained by Matt Veto, cruised to a 7-2 victory. The Turtles were led by rookie Johnny Fourdyce’s three RBI.
After just one month into the season, Veto League has played 19 games, hosted 63 players, and had 27 debuts. Interleague play will continue this Saturday and Sunday.
Debuts Highlight Explosive Weekend
Posted on 11 May 2011 | No responses
by Josh Paul
Veto League Baseball has hosted 373 players in its 14-year history. This weekend alone saw a 2.5% increase on the all-time roster, as nine guys made their career debuts.
Responding to a post on Craigslist.com, Veto League saw five family members in attendance over the weekend (four brothers + one cousin) and one new guy, Justin Todd, drove all the way from Long Grove, Iowa – a small town outside Eldridge.
Todd said he recently moved to the area and was looking for a baseball league to join. He had given up hope until he found Craigslist, and TheVLB.com. Todd debuted by going 3-for-6 and supplied solid defense.
Stroemer was one of nine VLB debuts last weekend
Other debuts were made by Jared Hurlbut, Mitch Stroemer, and David Flores. All three flourished in debuts. Hurlbut knocked three doubles in two games. Flores went 8-for-13 at the plate with a perfect 4-0 record, and Stromer had perhaps the best debut – 4-for-5 at bat with two doubles and a triple.
Kenneth Morlock provided three RBI. His cousins, Kyle, Vincent, Zach, and Tony Clark combined for four runs and six RBI.
Meanwhile, the Talons dominated the Goonies 20-3, All-Stars nudged the Playaz 18-16, Turtles scored their first win by beating the Goonies 13-5, and the highlight of the weekend were the All-Stars knocking out the Playaz 18-17 in extra innings.
The Talons (2-0) are the last remaining undefeated team. Talon Coach Scott Ellefritz will have his record tested this weekend as they play in 3 of the 4 games.
VLB 2K11 to be Featured on NES
Posted on 9 May 2011 | 6 responses
By Josh Paul
May 9, 2011 (TOKEYO, JAPAN)
Move over John Madden, there’s another video game sports czar in town.
Long time Veto League Baseball player and supporter Jeff Kilgard might have struck gold with a sponsorship deal from Nintendo Entertainment System. Kilgard is famously known by Veto League players for holding the record for career strikeouts thrown (Kilgard knows the exact number – he keeps track of his Ks in a diary). With the aid of various black market connections, Kilgard recently held a press conference to announce the arrival of VLB 2K11.
“Ever since Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball for SNES, it’s always been a dream of mine to incorporate Veto League players into an actual sports game. We tried VLB Water Polo ’06 for the Sega Genesis, but it failed in the test audience phase,” said Kilgard. “NES CEO Reggie Files-Aime came to me with the idea of VLB 2K11. I just ran with it from there.”
Featuring past and present players from the VLB, Kilgard has modified NES’ RBI Baseball. Kilgard altered player attributes for power, hitting contact, and speed from previous RBI Baseball players to match those of actual VLB stars. For example, Jesus Apodaca is the speediest VLB 2K11 player.
Veto League Commissioner Matt Veto, President Josh Paul, and Kilgard held a VLB 2K11 fantasy draft several weeks ago to create rosters for Kilgard’s new video game. Member and coach of the Talons, Scott Ellefritz, was invited, but said he had, “More important things to do.” Included in the video game are eight teams (two division): SNK Crushers, All-Stars, Goonies, Playaz, Talons, Turtles, and defunct classics Meteors and Vandals.
The game features 128 of Veto League’s most dedicated members (the cut-off to be eligible for the video game was five career games). Each team has two starting pitchers, two relief pitchers, eight starting positional players, and four bench guys or girls. Yes, two females made the cut for the NES game. Amanda Zerull is a relief pitcher and Cara Rexroat is a bench player – both for the Goonies.
Kilgard’s own SNK Crushers selected Robert “Bob” Zerull with the first overall draft choice. The All-Stars followed up by selecting Ryan Barton second overall. The Meteors took Steve Roberts and the Goonies picked Tom DeBroeck. The Playaz then drafted Adam Chard fifth overall, followed by the Talons taking retired Hall of Famer Lance McCafferty. The Vandals took Brad Jackson and the Turtles rounded out the first round with the 8th overall pick of former SAU Fighting Bee Andrew Moeller.
While the terms of the deal between NES and Kilgard were not disclosed, rumors have filtered that Kilgard sold the rights of Veto League Players after xeroxing copies of player’s signatures from Veto League waiver forms signed at the beginning of the 2006 season. In return, Kilgard received from Nintendo Entertainment Systems a pair of NES Super Mario one-size-fits-all socks, a poster autographed by Mega Man himself, and $40 in Nintendo Bucks.
Kilgard has plans to release the video game (compatible only with the NES) in the upcoming weeks. Price has yet to be determined, but is estimated at $30.
Here is a list of the in-game rosters…
SNK CRUSHERS ALL-STARS METEORS GOONIES PLAYAZ TALONS VANDALS TURTLES
SP Jim Wince Chris Millar Cory Fineran Andrew McCalley Ian Letherman Ian Strathdee Eddie Cupp Brandon James
SP Ryan Schilb Noah Roberts Travis Swanson Joe Zerull Andy Round Joseph Dallas Josh Bender Chuck Noyd
RP Jon Weber Alvin Carbajal Alex Tschopp Mike Cunico Don Stoddard Rory Kepple Chad Williams Sean Bachman
RP Matt Carter Alex Leutzinger Flynn Schultz Amanda Zerull Tony Powell Greg Asleson Ryan Williams Nate Spivey
1 Ryan Nettleton Jon Escajeda Jesus Apodaca Jason Jones Josh Francque Ben Kratz Casey Thomas Josh Smith
2 Jeff Kilgard Tony Zier Matt Veto Tim DeBroeck John Rasso Scott EllefritzJosh Kallman Jon Kelley
3 Bob Zerull Ryan Barton Steve Roberts Jason Nunn Adam Chard Beau Nickerson Kiel Engstrom Ashley Engstrom
4 Bobby Carter Dan Tomlin Brett Carlson Tom DeBroeck Anthony Reese Lance McCafferty Brad Jackson Andrew Moeller
5 Kevin Powell Kevin Grady Jake Vandemoortel Josh Paul Josh Traub Jeff Darras Scott Boruff Adlonis Hopkins
6 Nick Benson James Quick Mitch Heckenkamp Shawn Wynes Brad Ryan Mike Myers Josh Lawhorn Brett Highly
7 Cortez Jarrett Ryan Wiggins Howard Zimmerle Rafe Thrasher Brandon Jones Joe Campagna Erik Lindberg Adam Gustafson
8 Kenny Swanberg Doug Scott Craig Fyfe Ryan Thrasher Amos Whiting Dave Anderson Rowdy Fredricksen Jeff Shadden
BN David Garrison Kelly Sullivan Vinny Polito Aaron Remley Ben Rankin Chad Kennelly Joe Escajeda Jake Hunter
BN Colin Mildred Lorenzo Martin Ian Smith Greg Hannah Adam Hernandez Ryan Holtmann Colby Moore Nick Larson
BN Scott Malcolm Chris Polton Brian Smith Josh Flemming Bryan Mier John Robbins Ray Opiola Justin Shadden
BN Brenden Buhl Christian Smith James Francescon Cara Rexroat Josh Kane Steve Campbell John Gunter Jim Wesson
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