The Topes capped off a remarkable 2024 season with a well-deserved championship win, showcasing their prowess both at the plate and on the mound. Their season journey included thrilling victories, solid defense, and outstanding pitching, ultimately leading them to triumph in the championship series.

Season Highlights and Playoff Run

The Topes entered the season on fire, winning their first game 4-0 against the West Coast Redwoods on April 6 and never looked back. They continued their dominant streak through April and May, highlighted by two commanding wins over the San Jose Rockies in a May 19 doubleheader.

The team carried their momentum into the postseason:

• Semifinal Series : The Topes faced the Santa Cruz Mets, securing a doubleheader sweep (1-0, 9-3) at Aragon High School to punch their ticket to the finals.
• Championship Series: The championship matchup began on August 25, where the Topes narrowly fell to the San Jose Marlins Showcase, 4-2. However, they bounced back to dominate the Marlins in two decisive wins on September 8 (4-0 and 10-0), capturing the league title and cementing their legacy as champions.

Pitching Standouts

The Topes’ pitching staff was the backbone of their success, turning in exceptional performances game after game. Here are the key contributors who made the Topes’ defense nearly impenetrable:

• Lucas Robinson: A workhorse throughout the season, Robinson delivered a stunning 0.14 ERA over 63.2 innings, including 4 shutouts and 3 complete games. With a WHIP of only 0.64 and an opponent batting average of .128, Robinson’s stellar command and consistency made him an invaluable asset.
• Andrew Preimesberger: With an impressive 1.75 ERA across 72 innings, Preimesberger won 9 games and allowed a mere 14 earned runs while striking out 67. His WHIP of 0.87 and opponent batting average of .194 showcased his ability to control the game and keep hitters off-balance.
• Dan March: March contributed 14.2 innings with a superb ERA of 0.61 and a WHIP of 0.75. He allowed only 1 earned run on the season and proved to be a reliable option out of the bullpen.

These arms were crucial in tight games and were instrumental in the postseason, where the Topes outscored opponents 24-6 across the semifinal and championship series.

Offensive Powerhouses

The Topes’ lineup was as potent as their pitching, with several players turning in clutch performances:

• Matt Peterson led the team with a .386 batting average and an OPS of 1.101, driving in 11 runs and hitting 2 home runs.
• Connor McWard: Hitting .355 with a .949 OPS, McWard consistently got on base and provided steady offensive production.
• Willie Hodgins contributed a .333 batting average, scoring 19 runs and providing versatility on both offense and defense.

Looking Ahead

The Topes’ 2024 season was one for the history books. With a championship title in hand and a lineup of talented, dedicated players, they’ve set a high standard for seasons to come. Congratulations to the Topes and their fans on an incredible season. Here’s to continued success in 2025!

As the summer comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who made this season one for the books. Our league’s success is driven by the passion, dedication, and sportsmanship of our players, coaches, and fans, and this summer was no exception.

One of the highlights for me this season was the expansion of new teams and players. Watching new faces join the league and seeing fresh talent hit the field was incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to the growth and vibrancy of our league, and I’m excited to see how these new teams and players continue to evolve and contribute to the Fountain Alley community.

I also want to extend a special thank you to our coaches, umpires, and volunteers. Your hard work behind the scenes ensures that everything runs smoothly, and our league wouldn’t be the same without your dedication and commitment.

As we look forward to 2025, I encourage everyone to stay engaged with our league. Follow us on social media, share your favorite moments, and keep an eye out for updates and announcements. The community we’ve built here at Fountain Alley is something special, and together, we can continue to grow and strengthen it.

Thank you all for an unforgettable summer season!

Best regards,

Max Rao
SJ NABA Commissioner

The Fountain Alley playoffs kick off on Sunday, August 11, bringing excitement and anticipation to the baseball community. With the playoffs bringing out the competitive fire, here is what you need to know:

Eligibility

To be eligible for the playoffs and consolation tournament, players must have participated in at least eight games throughout the regular season. This requirement ensures a level playing field and recognizes the commitment and dedication of players who have consistently contributed to their teams’ success.

It is the responsibility of all coaches to ensure their players and their opponent’s players are playoff eligible. 

Playoff Bracket & Consolation Brackets

• Top 3 teams in the Candlestick Conference and Coliseum Conference make the playoffs totalling 6 teams.
• #1 seed from each conference receives a first round bye.
• #2 vs. #3 seed in each conference will play a single elimination game.
• Semi-final and final rounds will be a best of three series.

Teams who do not qualify for their divisional playoffs will play in a single elimination consolation tournament for the #1 draft pick in their division for the 2025 summer season.

Championship series will be played between August 25 and September 15.

Show Your Support and Be Part of the Community

As the playoffs approach, Fountain Alley encourages all fans to come out and support their teams. The atmosphere at the playoff games is electric, with passionate supporters cheering on their favorites and creating a sense of unity. By attending the games, fans not only witness high-level baseball but also contribute to the vibrant community that make FAPBL special.

Join us for the FAPBL Summer Season Playoffs and be part of the excitement!

With the summer season in full swing, the push for the playoffs is heating up! Fountain Alley has a full lineup of events and important dates that you want to make sure you don’t miss

FAPBL All-Star Game: July 20 at Excite! Ballpark

FAPBL’s best and brightest players will take the field at the illustrious Excite! Ballpark, home of the San Jose Giants, for the highly anticipated All-Star Game. 

Our annual All-Star Game features an exhibition game starting at 2 pm showcasing the remarkable talent within each division of the league, with players competing in a beautiful, family friendly ballpark. 

New this year, our 50/50 raffle throughout the day gives you the chance to put cash in your pocket with half of the proceeds going towards FAPBL’s philanthropic and youth baseball programs. 

Concession and drink stands will be open so bring all of your friends and family to enjoy an amazing day of baseball!

Summer Season Playoffs: August 11 – September 9

Starting on August 11th, the summer playoffs kick into high gear. Here is how the playoff brackets will work:

• Top 3 teams in the Candlestick Conference and Coliseum Conference make the playoffs totalling 6 teams.
• #1 seed from each conference receive first round bye.
• #2 vs. #3 seed in each conference will play a single elimination game.
• Semi-final and final rounds will be a best of three series.

Teams who do not qualify for their divisional playoffs will play in a single elimination consolation tournament for the #1 draft pick in their division for the 2025 summer season.

Championship series will be played between August 25 and September 15. 

Get ready for an unforgettable baseball experience this summer as the Northern California Firecracker Tournament returns for its third year to the Bay Area from July 5th to July 7th, 2024. This highly anticipated event promises to deliver a thrilling showcase of talent, fierce competition, and an electric atmosphere that will ignite your passion for America’s favorite pastime.

A Premier Baseball Tournament

The Northern California Firecracker Tournament is not your average baseball tournament. It’s a prestigious event that draws top teams from across the region, offering players and coaches an opportunity to test their skills against the best of the best. The level of competition is unmatched, creating an environment where champions are made and future legends are born.

Experience the Bay Area with Family-Friendly Fun

This tournament isn’t just about the game; it’s a celebration of baseball and a chance to bring the whole family together. Local events throughout the Bay Area during that weekend include: 

• Fillmore Jazz Festival
• San Jose 4th of July Parade
• Marin County Fair
• Baltimore Orioles vs. Oakland A’s

 And so much more!

Register by May 31!

Email contact@sjnaba.com to secure your spot and get ready to join the ranks of elite teams competing in the Northern California Firecracker Classic!

Whether you’re a player, coach, or avid fan, this tournament is an unmissable event that will fuel your love for the game. 

Mark your calendars, gather your team, and prepare for an unforgettable baseball experience in the heart of the Bay Area!

We’re thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity to give back to the community that has given us so much. In partnership with the San Jose Police Athletic League (PAL), FAPBL invites you to join us for a day of community and camaraderie at PAL Stadium.

Details: Keep San Jose PAL Stadium Beautiful: Zero Litter is the Goal!

• All ages are welcome! Students will earn community service hours!
• Date: April 20th
• Time: 8:45 AM – 12:30 PM
• Location: PAL Stadium
• What’s provided: No experience is necessary! All tools and instructions will be provided
• What to bring: Bring a filled water bottle, snacks, and wear closed toe shoes.
• What to expect: We’ll be undertaking various tasks to clean and preserve PAL Stadium, from tidying up the stands to sprucing up the playing field, there’s something for everyone to contribute.
• How to sign up: Email contact@fapbl.com

Dress for the weather! The event will be held–rain or shine!

Fountain Alley’s partnership with PAL Stadium goes beyond the confines of the baseball diamond 

As members of the Fountain Alley family, we understand the importance of fostering a welcoming environment for sports enthusiasts and visitors alike. PAL Stadium holds a special place in our hearts as it serves as the home for many of our baseball seasons, including the prestigious annual Firecracker tournament. It’s where memories are made, friendships are forged, and dreams are chased.

By volunteering our time and effort, we’re not just maintaining a facility; we’re investing in the spirit of sportsmanship and unity that defines our league. It symbolizes our commitment to giving back to the community that has supported us throughout the years. 

Spread the word among your teammates, friends, and family members. 

The more, the merrier!

As the sun sets on another off-season, Fountain Alley Professional Baseball League is all buzzed up, gearing up for an unforgettable 2024 season. This year, we’re not just talking about the regular baseball shenanigans; we’re talking major growth vibes.! And let’s be real – no team’s dreaming of that championship glory without sprucing up their lineup with some fresh talent.

Record-setting Tryout

Let’s rewind to February 24th – a day that sets the tone for the entire season. The tryouts were nothing short of a baseball spectacle, with 90 hopefuls giving it their all on the field. Talent was in no short supply, as players showcased their skills, hoping to catch the eye of team scouts. It was a day filled with ambition, determination, and raw talent, laying the groundwork for the drafting frenzy to follow.

Draft Day Drama

Picture this: 12 teams huddled up, post-tryouts, in a draft room crackling with energy. The air was thick with trade whispers, punctuated by cheers for snagged desired players and the collective groans over missed opportunities. Out of 90 hopefuls showing their skills at tryouts, 75 had their names called, ready to don their new team colors. Check-out our highlight reel of our 1st round picks:

The Undrafted Gems

The draft is just the tip of the iceberg. With 200+ free agents chomping at the bit, the talent pool is deeper than ever. These are the players who, for one reason or another, didn’t get drafted or couldn’t make the tryouts. But make no mistake, these undrafted warriors are far from overlooked. Teams are already diving into this treasure trove, scouting for those game-changers to round off their rosters. 

If you’re interested in becoming a free agent, email contact@fapbl.com.

If you’re on the free agent list, stay sharp – your phone might ring any minute with a ticket to the big leagues!

Opening Night: Saturday, March 23!

For the first time in league history, FAPBL is having an official Opening Night game and festivities! 

Everyone in attendance will experience an in-game DJ and announcer, DJ Josh Hyland, on-site haircuts from Lyon Barbers plus an array of additional vendors and food! 

The season kicks off with a bang as the San Jose Marlins will be taking on the San Jose Reds at 7 pm at Baylands Sports Park in Palo Alto. Come on out for a beautiful night of baseball!

The Fountain Alley Professional Baseball League (FAPBL) is an exciting and innovative independent professional baseball league, providing a fresh and thrilling experience for baseball enthusiasts around the world.

Established in 2023, FAPBL aims to revitalize the spirit of America’s pastime by delivering top-tier talent, thrilling competition, and a fan-focused approach. 

And with the 2024 season just around the corner, the anticipation is building for what promises to be an unforgettable year in adult baseball.

Here’s a sneak peek:

Sign up for Tryouts by Feb. 21

Are you in?!  Email contact@fapbl.com by Feburary 21st to get your invitation for our 2024 summer season tryouts on February 25th in San Jose. 

Immediately following tryouts, the draft will take place also on February 25th. 

A Preview of the 2024 Season Schedule

The much-anticipated Opening Day is set for March 24th. Get ready for an exciting season as teams can look forward to playing 3-4 doubleheaders throughout the season, including some on opening day. 

Our action-packed 16-game schedule promises an unforgettable season with the highly anticipated playoffs scheduled for July. 

But that’s not all! We’re also gearing up for some preseason scrimmage dates to help prepare for the season. Stay tuned for updates on these practice sessions with limited availability. 

New for 2024: Saturday Night Lights!

Don’t miss out on the magic of baseball under the lights with our special Saturday night game for each team during the regular season. This is a perfect opportunity for friends and family to come to a game!

And speaking of excitement, mark your calendars for the 2024 FAPBL All-Star Game at Excite! Park, home of the San Jose Giants, in July. It’s a chance to witness the best of the best in our league, showcasing their skills in a spectacular setting.

The San Jose Marlins are one of the original founding teams of FAPBL. Their team manager, Andrew Kutsenda, has been at the helm of all of this since 2016. Now we hear the sun might be setting on Kutsenda’s involvement with the Marlins. We sat down to get some answers:

Q: Let’s get right into it. Rumor has it you’re stepping down from the Marlins. Is that true?

Kutsenda: Well, yes and no. A lot has changed in my life. When I first got involved with the Marlins we were just a ragtag group of adult ball players. I think we went 6-14 our first year as a team. Just a group of friends trying to squeeze the last ounces of talent out of our rapidly decaying knees and elbows. It’s been an incredible journey watching the team grow over the years and experiencing everything we’ve all accomplished together. The guys on the team today; the guys who helped me re-start the team; heck the guys who brought me onto the Marlins in the first place – will always be a family to me. 

But I’ve also found another family in the FAPBL community. I have a passion for building communities and building teams and I feel like I’ve done that with the Marlins. I’m not involved in the Marlins day to day operations anymore and haven’t been for the past couple of years. So yeah, I won’t be the team manager any more. But truth be told, I haven’t been in that capacity for quite some time.

That responsibility has landed on Zack Berman who has done an exemplary job in my stead. The Marlins have been the same core group of guys for the past several years now, so in many ways, the team manages itself. The team very rarely brings in any new players, so the veteran guys have grown accustomed to picking each other up and policing their own. I’m in absolutely no place to be throwing cogs into the gears of something that is already running so well. I’ll still be involved in the logistics end of things for the Marlins. And I’m still passionate about the team’s personnel and the Marlins tournament team. I’ll still be around in one capacity or another for the Marlins.

But yeah, I’ll no longer be involved in their game-day decision-making.

Q: How do you think this will impact the rest of FAPBL?

Kutsenda: I hope it doesn’t. Again, it is business as usual for me. My eyes are set on expanding and improving FAPBL to the best of my ability. So I want to double down and commit to making the league as strong and prosperous as possible. Max and I talk all the time about the responsibility we have to this community. And how so many people have put their trust in us and in this league. I want to continue to try and honor that trust. 

The Marlins have always been held to higher standards because of my involvement with both the team and the league. For any due process, the Marlins always had to be the example for any disciplinary situations to demonstrate league impartiality. I applaud Max and the rest of the FAPBL leadership team for being and continuing to be fair and equitable throughout the years.

Even though I’m taking a step back, I trust the coaches to continue to uphold the integrity and legacy of the Marlins organization. 

Q: What’s next for the Marlins?

Kutsenda: The San Jose Marlins have been a luxury brand of California baseball for quite some time now. They’ve won championships here locally, up and down California, and are even back-to-back reigning champions in Las Vegas.

I feel any team, at this point, has to go through the Marlins to consider themselves a championship caliber team in the Bay Area. They’re well-built. Well coached. And well run. Regardless of my involvement going forward, they’re going to be a competitive team.

A common misconception is that I founded the Marlins. That credit goes to a couple of guys who still play on the team to this very day. I revived the team in 2016 with some close friends of mine, and have been just trying to figure things out every day since then. The team existed before me, and it will exist long after me. I loved my days as the team’s manager, but truth be told I haven’t been able to make it to many Marlins games these past couple of years. My attention on Sundays has been on making sure the league games run smoothly, bouncing around field to field trying to ensure everything is operating at the highest level possible.

Q:Are you going to be returning as a player?

No. A hard, emphatic no on that from me. I loved playing when I did. But my body just can’t handle it anymore. I’m perfectly content in the third base coach’s box or, more commonly, making small talk with friends in the grandstand. Plus, I feel more like a circus act than a player these days anyway. The last time I pitched in a scrimmage game, both teams just made El Presidente jokes the whole time. I always have a great time, of course, but I feel more like a sideshow than a ballplayer when I’m in fair territory nowadays. If I ever played again, I’d probably go moonlight in another league somewhere where no one knew who I was. It’d be a lot easier if all I felt responsible for was my performance. 

Q: What’s next for Andrew?

Kutsenda: Truth be told, I don’t think a ton is going to change for me. I’ll still be at FAPBL full-time. I’ll still be traveling with the various tournament teams. I’ll still be handling logistics and personnel decisions for the Marlins and handling anything else anyone needs of me. I do look forward to spending more time with Jenna and with my family. 

I’m just formalizing what so many people already know. The Marlins have been their own thing for the past several years, and have been running great in my absence. I’ll still be available to the Marlins or to FAPBL or to anyone else who needs me.

I’m passionate about this league. And I’m passionate about building and growing baseball teams. I would like to help facilitate more FAPBL teams’ participation in national tournaments. And I would like to spend more time helping develop the newer teams. Whether it be their systems, their talent base, or their coaching – I hope to be a resource to any team that might need me.

Fountain Alley is an exciting and innovative independent professional baseball league, providing a fresh and thrilling experience for baseball enthusiasts around the world. I’m incredibly proud of all of the managers and players that make that possible. It’s an incredible time in Bay Area baseball. I’m just so grateful to be a part of it and I don’t think I could leave it even if I tried. I think I’d be a fool to be anywhere else.

I look forward to keeping my eye keenly focused on improving and growing FAPBL as a whole. Right now, I’ve got my head down focusing on getting everything situated for the 2024 Summer season. We’ve got some exciting new things for the coaches and players this year and I can’t wait to share with them everything we have in store!

As the baseball season heats up, Fountain Alley Professional Baseball League (FAPBL) has a lineup of thrilling events and important dates that will keep fans and players on the edge of their seats.

All-Star Game: July 29 at 12pm at Excite! Ballpark

On July 29th, FAPBL’s best and brightest players will take the field at the illustrious Excite! Ballpark, home of the San Jose Giants, for the highly anticipated All-Star Game. 3 exhibition games showcasing the remarkable talent within each division of the league, with players competing in a beautiful and family-friendly ballpark. Concession stands will be open so bring all of your friends and family to enjoy an amazing day of baseball!

Excite! Ballpark; home of the SJ Giants and host to FAPBL’s All-Star Game

Summer Season Playoffs: Starts July 30

Starting on July 30th, the FAPBL Summer Season playoffs kick into high gear. The culmination of months of hard-fought battles, the playoffs bring together the top teams from the regular season to vie for the ultimate prize. Expect intense matchups, strategic plays, and unforgettable moments as teams battle it out for a spot in the championship series. The Summer Season playoffs promise to deliver gripping baseball action that will have fans on the edge of their seats.

Fall Ball Tryouts: September 23

If you’re ready to take your baseball journey to the next level, mark September 23rd on your calendar for the FAPBL Fall Ball tryouts. Sign up to be a player for the fall here and you’ll receive more information from a league representative on tryout time and location. This is your chance for new players to the league to showcase your skills, meet fellow baseball enthusiasts, and potentially earn a spot on a Fall Ball team. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, these tryouts provide a platform to join a vibrant baseball community and experience the thrill of competitive play. If you’re an existing player in FAPBL, contact your manager to ensure your team is signed up for the fall.

Fall Ball Season: Starts October 7

The excitement continues as FAPBL’s Fall Ball season kicks off on October 7th. The Fall Ball season offers a fresh opportunity to stay in the game, refine your skills, and compete against other talented teams. With crisp autumn air and the thrill of the game, the Fall Ball season brings a new level of excitement and camaraderie. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this thrilling season and enjoy the spirit of baseball.

FAPBL is set to deliver a lineup of exhilarating events and important dates that will ignite the passion of baseball enthusiasts. From the highly anticipated All-Star Game at the renowned Excite! Ballpark to the intense Summer Season playoffs, and the upcoming Fall Ball tryouts and season, there is no shortage of excitement and opportunities for players and fans alike.

Mark your calendars, gather your gear, and get ready to experience the thrill of FAPBL. Let the games begin!