Stade Takes 2022 NALB Title

The 2022 NALB season had a different feel to it. Pitching dominated and offenses struggled. In this low-scoring season, the Stade Maples emerged as World Champions. Expectations were high in Stade as the season began. However, the Maples struggled with a series of injuries that decimated their pitching staff:

On May 23, starter Eriq Barber suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder.
On August 16, reliever Murray Hurst tore the labrum in his shoulder.
On August 25, reliever Hartman Ivers tore a flexor tendon in his elbow.
On September 12, starter Tyler Stivers went to the Injury List with acute elbow soreness.

The Maples led their division most of the way until they had a horrendous August. An 8-20 record for the month almost derailed their season. Heading into September, the Maples trailed the Washington Allies by three games. Washington faded, however, and Stade won the division by two games. The Maples faced the Vancouver Wild in the League 2 Series. The Wild had very good hitting, decent pitching, and the league's best fielding. The Maples won in seven games. The World Championship Series featured the Stade Maples vs. the Luisville Beasts. Just as the League 1 Series and League 2 Series had done, the WCS went the full seven games. The pivotal game was certainly game five. With the series tied 2-2, the teams battled for 21 innings. Stade fans will never forget Francisco Soa's walk-off hit to give them a 5-4 victory and the series lead. A 3-1 road win in game seven gave the Maples the World Championship, their second overall.



Click the image for the NALB 2022 World Championship roster