Bill Iezzi: Barth Reflects on World Series

Brooklawn was eliminated from the Senior American Legion World Series two days ago, so I thought I'd call Dennis Barth, the team's manager, to get his thoughts on the series and the season.

Barth, as always, didn't hold back.

"Anytime you finish in the top six in the country out of 5,000 teams you're doing good, but we didn't play the way we were capable," said Barth of the 14-10 loss to Las Vegas Sunday that knocked the Brookers out of the tournament.

Barth praised Joe Brooks, who was at bat at a critical moment in the game. With the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, and his team trailing, 14-10, Brooks slashed a line drive to center field that looked like a base hit.

However, Las Vegas' John Sewald made a diving catch that ended the game.

"Another six inches would have done it," Barth said of Brooks' liner. "He couldn't have hit it any harder. I just wanted to keep the gaame alive."

Still, Barth said the team made too many mistakes in the tournament.

Brooklawn finished the season 45-6 and was looking for its third national crown since 1991.