Associated Press

CAMDEN YARD – In a tightly contested matchup of two balanced teams, the formidable Camden Crazies were able to outlast an equally talented Mississippi Noodler roster — in a series that went the distance — to claim their first-ever ABA Trophy in 2006. In a back-and-forth struggle, the Crazies utimately scratched out wins in games 6 and 7 at their home ballpark in what is sure to become an ABA instant classic. Congrats to both teams on a well-played series!!!

The win by Josh Dyniewski also makes the Dyniewski family now the winningest family in ABA history — based on the number of family members to have won an ABA trophy (Josh in 2006, Jason in 2004). This year’s result also continues a four year streak of trophy wins by either a Fernandes or Dyniewski. And sadly, the result also perpetuates the now nine year streak since the once mighty Dammit/Blues franchise has tasted ABA glory.

The Camden Crazies now carry the bragging rights of having their championship acknowledged on the front page of the ABA website for the next year.

Associated Press

MCAFEE STADIUM – The 2006 ABA playoffs got off to a thrilling start with a seven game slug-fest between the Noodlers of Mississippi and the Texas Blackjacks. The Blackjacks looked to pound the Noodlers into submission early with three quick wins that saw an abundance of playoff scoring. However, coach Schwinger rallied his troops to four straight wins while facing elmination and stunned the Blackjacks while knocking them from the ABA playoffs, 4-3.

The Noodlers take their playoff magic into the championship series to face the Camden Crazies for the right to hoist the 2006 ABA Trophy.

LEAVENWORTH, Kansas (AP)

Due to the theft of a ballpark from Pittsburgh, the Kansas City Strips franchise has been sent up the Missouri River to Leavenworth, and will hereby be known as the Leavenworth Inmates. The Strips were found to be in violation of interstate commerce laws by moving the PNC Ballpark from Pittsburgh to Kansas City. The Inmates will be loaned out on furlough, and will play their games at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC, the murder capital of the world, and according to Mark Twain, the home of America’s only native criminal class (Congress).

AP – Heartland, USA

Officials of the Heartland Holy Cows franchise have filed the necessary paperwork with the League Office in order to change their team name to the Busch Whackers for the 2006 season and beyond. There are no plans to re-locate to another ballpark so the Busch Stadium faithful will continue to enjoy that unique brand of baseball that they have become accustomed to.

While some will accuse this franchise of yet another name change, management felt that a move at this time was good for several reasons:

(1) – While assuming the Holy Cows moniker for two seasons the franchise paid its respects to Heartland baseball history (Harry Caray) while also providing championship-caliber play which resulted in the 2004 ABA Trophy. With the ugly specter of last season’s forgettable performance coupled with looming expansion the team felt it was best to get off to a fresh start.

(2) – Changing to the Busch Whackers provides ample marketing opportunites along with solidifying the team’s physical location for years to come. Owner and GM, Jason Dyniewski, felt it particulary appropriate to field a team called the Whackers in the same division as other notable franchies as the 69ers, Noodlers and — given the publicity of Brokeback Mountain — the Rustlers.

(3) – While the Holy Cow was fan friendly, team advisors believe that the Whacker moniker will appeal to a younger crowd as well as generate a buzz at the Monday morning water cooler talk.

The team is attaching a sample of the new Whacker logo along with this communication. As you will see, the logo retains a classic, throwback look that continues a Heartland tradition of paying homage to the many historical aspects that make our game of baseball so rich.

While the name may have changed, the fundamental principles that drive this organization have not. The Whackers will be a force to reckon with — both on and off the field of play.

Media Relations
Busch Whackers (formerly the Heartland Holy Cows)