The Algonquin Bats are looking to improve on last season's 7-9 record, but will have to do so without Bruce Marchionda their 2010 MVP.  Marchionda transferred to Texas and leaves a large hole in the offense and the pitching staff.  In addition the Bats have lost left-handed pitcher Bill Quoss and infielder Norm Scharf.  Replacing them on the roster will be newcomers to the NIMSBL, Chuck France and Andy Liebmann, along with Mike Ryan who was with the Reds in 35-and-older division last season.

The Bats will also enjoy the return of infielder Bruce Barnes and catcher Don Gragnani who both spent most of last season on the disabled list.  Barnes separated his shoulder in the first game of the season while Gragnani had season ending shoulder surgery after only two games.  The two of them will only help bolster the offense and defense in 2011. Barnes is a lifetime .330 hitter in the 45-and-older division while Gragnani has collected 7 hits in the 3 games he has played with the Bats.

Taking their place on the disabled list this season, however, will be infielder Ron Skrabacz who had back surgery on March 4 and will miss the entire 2011 campaign.  Skrabacz stepped down this season as field manager but will continue administrative duties as well as coach for the Bats this year.


Marchionda led the team in hitting last season with a .450 average and collected 18 hits.  He also led the pitching staff with 37 innings pitched collecting 23 strikeouts and an ERA of 3.97.

The B