When Dotty Clark was a child, she attended AAABA games with her father.

When her father had to be at work, she would sneak to the Inclined Plane so she could see the crowds at Point Stadium.

“I have always loved baseball,” she said.

That passion for the game shines through in Dotty’s entry in The Tribune-Democrat’s 2008 AAABA essay contest. Her essay was selected the winner from among nearly 20 entries.

This year’s question was: “Which AAABA tournament team is your all-time favorite, and why?”

She wrote about her experiences from meeting players from New Orleans in 2000.

Dotty’s prizes include four tickets to tournament games all week, two tickets to Saturday night’s Hall of Fame banquet, and other AAABA memorabilia. She will also have the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch Tuesday night at Point Stadium.

Andrew Fetsko, who wrote about New Orleans’ 1948 team, had the second-place essay. Fetsko took first place in 2007. Ed Mesnak’s essay about the 1965 Pittsburgh squad was awarded third place by editors and writers at The Tribune-Democrat. Andrew and Ed will also receive game passes.

Here is Dotty’s winning essay:



“I fell in love with baseball in 1958, when my father took me to my first AAABA game. Having attended many professional games, AAABA games and the Steal/Johnnies (minor league) games in our fair city, I have always returned to the AAABA games for maximum enjoyment. The combined attributes of all of the players from all over the country merge collectively in one city for one week, once a year.

“New Orleans is my favorite team. I have watched this team triumph, elude and rival all of their competitors year after year. The players from New Orleans emanate the best of all the players.

“In 2000, we had the pleasure of meeting the New Orleans players and families. My son made such an impression on them that the players signed the game ball and presented it to him after the winning game. That ball is protected in a plastic case and occupies a distinctive place of honor in his room.

“Give me a sunny day, a cold drink, hot dogs and nine guys on a field playing baseball; just let me know the time and place and I will be there.”

Dotty Clark

Johnstown





Excerpts from some of the other essay contest entries:





“There have been many terrific teams in the AAABA tournament, but my favorite would have to be the 1948 New Orleans team. In 1947, New Orleans played Washington, and Washington defeated them 8-3. The following year, the two teams played again in a thrilling game, but this time New Orleans won 4-3. The celebration after their victory was the most exciting celebration ever seen in an amateur game. … I would compare that 1948 celebration with the one following the Pirates' Bill Mazeroski's home run against the Yankees in the 1960 World Series, only on a smaller scale.”

Andrew R. Fetsko, Johnstown





“Since Johnstown had been eliminated early on, Pittsburgh was the only western Pa. team left in the (1965) tournament, and the Johnstown fans rallied behind them and cheered them on to victory.”

Ed Mesnak, Johnstown





“AAABA and city officials came up with a plan and scrambled to make the tournament happen, thus making the dream to represent Johnstown in the AAABA Tournament a reality for 16 players. Thirty-one years later, I still feel indebted.”

Ed Danel

Member of the 1977 Johnstown Monte Carlo, which competed in the tournament that was moved to Altoona after a devastating flood struck Johnstown before league playoffs could be held.



“The AAABA is like the all-stars, and one day I want to play for Baltimore. … I can be their catcher if I keep practicing and playing hard like they do.”

Kendall James, 10, Ferndale Elementary pupil



“Baltimore has lots of reasons for being my favorite team. … The players are real nice (and) they give kids baseballs, bats and hats when they are done.”

Kevin James, 13, Ferndale student



“My favorite AAABA team is the team that I played on, the 1956 Hahn's Packing team. … When we played against each other in high school we would do every thing to win the game, but with the guidance of Ken Keiper and Roy Johns we would run through a brick wall for each other in 1956.”

The Rev. Tony Joseph. Johnstown



“Delweld is my team. … My cousin, Brandon Varmecky, is Delweld’s second baseman and wears No. 10. … I am very proud of all he’s done for the team and that he has gotten this far.”

Amy Varmecky, 14



“While it’s nice to reminisce about some of the great AAABA tournament teams of the past, it’s even better to enjoy the present and dream of the future. Delweld, this year’s Johnstown entry in the AAABA Tournament, is a perfect example. … Who knows? Maybe this is the year Johnstown wins the AAABA Tournament. But even if we don’t, it will be great fun being part of the history and excitement that is AAABA.”

Lori Cornetti, Johnstown