The ILLINOIS SENIOR REDBIRDS flew high at the 2019 SPA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS AUGUST 5-8 at the COLUMBUS, OHIO BERLINER SOFTBALL COMPLEX to win the 75 AAA title in the five-team bracket.
After losing their opening pool game 6-20 to the INDIANAPOLIS CLASSICS the BIRDS rallied from an 8-run 7th inning deficit to edge RARE BREED 16-15 in their next game.
After that it was all over as they finished pool play with wins over DAYTON LEGENDS WHBC (17-8) and CHICAGO GRAY SOX (15-12).
In the double elimination bracket it was a straight flight for the BIRDS as they took down DAYTON LEGENDS 16-0, RARE BREED twice 15-6, 15-7 for the SPA 75 AAA WORLD TITLE.
MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD went to LENNY SEUSS while the MVP award was given to DEAN LARSON.
ALL-AMERICAN HONORS went to PAUL SMITH, ELMER CHESTNUT, GARY SHAD, JIM BEATTIE and PAT HEROD.
Other team members of the 2019 SPA 75 WORLDS CHAMPS are: RALPH GROTELUESCHEN, TOM KADLEC, JOHN LAURENTI, RON LITZLER, JOE VARADY, RICH REIM, RICK RAWKOWSKI, GERAL FELDOTTO, HERB WEAVER, ED KNARR, JERRY IMMING, BOB BAIRD and LARRY KNIGHT.