Charlie Niederbrach: Player of the Week

On July 16, 1973, Charlie Niederbrach ran outside of his home at 3205 Otis Drive to get the Alameda Times Star. Why you ask? Obviously, he wanted to read the latest news about the Watergate scandal. NOT!

Charlie, like most every kid on the Island, wanted to get his hands on the latest edition of the PlayBall! baseball supplement published every Monday. This particular edition featured young Niederbrach for his pitching exploits the previous week. Unfortunately for Charlie, PlayBall! was famous for a gaffe or two in these special editions. This day, the Krusi Colt pitcher was identified as a catcher for Godfrey Park… the opposing team!

CHARLIE NIEDERBRACH            Godfrey Catcher

“CHARLIE NIEDERBRACH, right-handed pitcher for the Krusi Colts pitched his team to victory over Godfrey. 5-1, as he struck out seven batters and allowed only five hits. Charlie stopped several Godfrey rallies with great clutch pitching. The win against Godfrey keeps Krusi in the Little Coast race.

Charlie has been selected as a Player of the Week before, and was an All-Star selection last year. He attends Lincoln School and is in eight grade.”

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Undefeated 1970 Midget Champions

Over the years, Krusi Park was the home of many championship baseball and softball teams in the ARPD Park League program. The summer of 1970 produced one of the best, as the Midget Colts powered their way to an undefeated 11-0 season to capture the crown!

The Krusi sluggers took time out from their East End celebration schedule to pose for this classic photo.

The Mighty Midget Colts show off their lumber in 1970.

Left to right are, Steve Ratto, Dean Pugh, Gary Berti, Mike Long, Tony Muzio, Charlie Niederbrach, Kerry Billingsley, Steve Jackson, Bert Soffiotto, and coach, Al Thomas. Missing that day were Mike Cooper, Pat Morse, Leroy Thomas and Bob Morton, all of whom were called up to play for the A’s in a doubleheader at the Oakland Coliseum.

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