Master's League
starts 36th season

By Mike Bates

The Men’s A Division Master’s League got off to a roaring start last week. The league, which boasts being the top league in the country proved it once again.
In Cricket, the league welcomed back Dave Fatum as a captain and he wasted no time cranking it up with a 4.73 Cricket night. Dave wasn’t the only player on fire in Cricket; a mere 13 players were over a 4.0 with five (Derek Walton, 4.63; Mike Bates; 4.53; Ted Martinez, 4.48; Rick Schoen 4.48) jumping off to great starts.
In ’01, it was Jimmy Damore leading the way, shooting well over 36 points per dart. Brad Halley proved to be the steal of the draft, at least the first night, firing off a 34.91.
The league has continued to get stronger, with 10 teams competing in the B Division. The 15 nine-marks thrown the first night is a record and Hat Tricks also top the best night.
The B Division continues to impress, with 14 shooters topping The 3.30 mark in Cricket. Two players, Mike Bates and Chicago Bob Bretz, have played all thirty-six seasons. Rik Scherbing, Brad Halley, Tom Slivka, Derek Walton, and Lonnie Malchow have all missed less than three seasons.
Bob Christman took the season off; it would have been his 31st. The league has set the pace for the rest of the country over the past 14 years. Twenty-three players have been named to Team USA, not to mention five ladies who had competed in the Ladies Masters League. The ladies have gotten back with the draft league and things seem to be moving smoothly on Tuesdays.
Look for all the leagues to continue to grow and get better!