In 1988, a grand tradition was started that began a long legacy. That tradition is known as the Brass Beat. The Brass Beat represent the heart and soul of the Beat; a player who inspires his teammates both on and off the field. The Brass Beat was first presented by Kevin Austin to manager Jim Harvey following the 1988 season. From Jim it became a status symbol of hard work, dedication and devotion. The keeper of the Brass Beat holds it for one year and following the final game of the season presents it to the player that he chooses as the most inspirational player of that year.

Mondo

2005 – Armando Lopez (aka "Mondo", "A-Lo", "Slo-pez").  Well, you can look below (2005) for Mondo's history because in 2007 he became the second repeat BB winner and did that in just three years.

Mondo dealt through spousal complaints, gave up playing with the Toys on weeknights, and posted a career year not only becoming the first Beat player since John Palmer to drive in 30 runs in a season, he blew past John’s 1994 record 34 to finish with 40 RBI for the year and 26 for the summer season, both team records. He hit over .500 with 5 home runs and another Beat record 7 triples. The triples, home runs, and RBI were all personal bests and he also set personal bests in hits (28), runs (21), and slugging percentage (1.036). Mondo solidified the left side of the infield taking over the hot corner and backing up at short, but he has the temperament and skill to play wherever you ask and injured if necessary.

Mondo, when complimented on raising the bar this year responded “I did not set the bar this year, you guys set the bar. The team set the bar.” The guy is a gamer and a deserving repeat winner. Congrats Mondo!

 

2006 – Brian Greenblatt (aka "White Lightning"). Brian came to the team in 2005 via an ad at the league office that boasted that he would come in "as the fastest player on your team." I can think of a couple guys that might dispute that, but no one has taken him up on it yet (I'm hoping this remark might help to induce the Beat's first annual "Race against Greenblatt" contest).

 

Brian quickly made a place for himself through effort and determination, and I'll have to admit he's pretty damn fast on the bases too. With one year under his belt, he came out driving the ball in 2006. A lefty with a line-drive stroke is always an asset, and Brian posted a hot .585 average and led the team in hits and runs scored. His legs cover a lot of ground in the outfield and with an unorthodox style that scares the hell out of me every time he keeps runners off base.

Brian

 

Mondo

2005 – Armando Lopez (aka "Mondo" or "A-Lo").  Mondo came to the Beat in 2003 following a winter league in which he played for the Beat’s ugly sister, the SF Park Ratts. Greg Lukoski and Javy Urdiales picked him up for the Ratts where Pete got a good look and invited him to try out for the Beat.

In 2005, Mondo lead the team in slugging at .900 and was on pace to be the first Beat 30-RBI man since John “The Bomber” Palmer drove home 34 in DD back in 1994 when he went on the IR for the last game of the season. What we found most impressive about Mondo this year was his ability to step up in the clutch. In a very tough spring division, Mondo had a 1.529 slugging percentage and .706 batting average with runners in scoring position driving in 18 runs in just 8 games. 

 

2004 – Jim Colletto (aka "The Thrill" or "Jethro"). Jim Colletto became the Beat's first cyber-rookie in 1998 and he's not called "The Thrill" for nothing...he has the look and stature of Will Clark and the lefty hammer to boot. Colletto hits for average and power and has quietly been the team's most consistent hitter over his 6-plus years and winning three batting titles.

When 2003 brass winner Jacq Wilson passed the award on to Jim, he said “any time I see Jim’s name in the lineup, I know we have a chance to win.” Jim has been one of the team's most efficient hitters batting .536 over his 7-plus years. He was the undisputed MVP of the spring 2004 season when he led the team with 16 hits, a .696 average and .714 on base percentage.

The Thrill

The Brass Beat Winners
Parkside - June 26, 2004
Back:  Jacque "The Jet" Wilson (2002), Mark "MSG" St.Georges (1990, 1999)
"Pistol Pete" Wenner (1993), Frank "Pepe" Green (1994), Kev "Special K" Austin (1996)
Donnell "Big Daddy" Moody (1998)  Front: Gunnar "The Splendid Stump" Rosenquist (2000)
Jacq "The Rock" Wilson (2003), Jim "Leather" Harvey (1988)
Eric "Wax" Meyer (1989), Denny "O.B." O'Brien (1992)

 

The Rock

2003 – Jacq Wilson (aka "The Rock"). Following the spring of 2001, the Beat was so impressed with new rookie Jacque Wilson, that we jumped at the chance to see his twin brother Jacq in action. Jacq made his debut at the SWC tournament that summer and sealed his fate by batting .600 with 2 doubles, a triple, and  4 RBI while walking away with a tournament MVP award. The following summer he made a statement on defense with a couple incredible shoestring catches to seal an important 3-2 victory over the Other Guys (he was so annoying to the OGs they were calling him Rod Woodson in the dugout). He has excelled in right field, a very difficult position at the wind-blown Jackson 1 that the Beat calls home, covering more ground and following the hook of the ball better than anyone before him. He has the speed to go back on deep flies but still cut off the short slap hits, effectively closing down right field to Beat opponents.

In mid-2002, Jacq took over the leadoff spot in the batting order which had been a revolving door for a number of years. He is, without a doubt, the best leadoff hitter the Beat has ever had, consistently hitting over .500, taking walks when necessary, and he already leads the team in career On Base Percentage. He's also an aggressive base runner who will often take second on a single and goes first to third without a second thought. Jacq Wilson is a star–an incredible 5-tool player and very deserving of the Beat's 16th Brass Beat Award. 


2002 – Jacque Wilson (aka "The Jet"). Jacque came to the Beat in the Spring of 2001 as Gunnar's first (of many) recruits, and he did not disappoint. Solid on offense and possessing great defensive range, what sets Jacque apart on the field is his incredible speed. Jacque is most likely the fastest player ever to wear a Beat jersey and proves that point by turning routine drives to shallow left into doubles on a regular basis. Jacque tied for the team lead in RBI for the championship summer season and for the year placed in the top 5 on the team in 6 of 8 offensive categories. Speed and power, what more could you ask? Jacque is only the third player to win this award in his sophomore year and is a highly deserving recipient of the 15th Brass Beat Award.

Due to the absence of 2001 Brass Beat winner Mike Weiss, the 2002 Brass Beat was awarded by a popular vote of the players for the first time ever, and it was damn close. When the final votes were cast, Jacque won the honor outright with 4 votes followed closely by brother Jacq and Brian Arcuri with 3 votes each. Jim Colletto and Donnell Moody garnered 2 a piece, and Pete, Kev, and Jav rounded out the voting with 1 each.
The Jet
Pizza Man
2001 – Mike Weiss (aka "Pizza Man"). Pizza had been the Beat's best defensive player for many years, possibly the best ever. Unfortunately, as the best defensive player, sometimes you must play where the team has the greatest need and until the summer of 2001, that need was primarily in the outfield. After years of waiting, Mike finally moved into the starting shortstop position in the summer of '01 and became one of the greatest softball shortstops to play in S.F. City league. He quietly went about his business logging a 9-game error free streak in his first season as the starting shortstop. In Mike's opinion, if you don't hit the ground a few times and leave the game dirty, you didn't give your best effort, and Pizza Man always gave his best effort. (Mike left the team in the spring of 2002 and is currently MIA somewhere in Southern California)
2000 – Gunnar Rosenquist (aka "G-Man" or "The Splendid Stump"). In one word: Sparkplug. Not since the likes of Jim Harvey has the Beat experienced a personality like G. Gunnar joined the Beat as the team's second ever cyber-rookie in the spring of '99 and quickly fell into the starting catcher's role. He's the Pete Rose-type of competitor that plays all-out, 110%, whether in a game or just in practice. While not leading the team in any hitting categories, Gunnar placed in the top 5 in every category except base on balls. He gets on base in his own way, and when he does, he makes the most of it. He hits, he drives in runs, and he drives defenses crazy with his aggressive base running. What more could you ask? (G left the team in the summer of 2002 and currently lives in D.C.)
G-Man

MSG
1999 – Mark St.Georges (aka "MSG" or "The Cottonmouth King"). Tip your cap to Mark (Cottonmouth King) St.Georges, who responded to what he considered a managerial slight in batting him 8th on opening day, to solidify the number 3 spot in the batting order. Mark became the first player in Beat history to be awarded the Brass Beat for the second time--MSG's first Brass Beat season was 1990. MSG put together the single most impressive offensive season since John Palmer won the triple crown in 1992. Mark set a single season team record with an incredible .667 batting average in over 50 at bats. He also led the team with 34 hits (one shy of Palmer's team record 35 in 1991), 22 runs scored, 22 rbi's, and a .792 on base percentage. Mark scored two game balls, one for a 6-rbi performance against HGA, and finished the season with team career records of 244 hits and 193 runs scored.

1998 – Donnell Moody (aka "D" or "Big Daddy"). "I have always believed that the Brass Beat has symbolized more than a player's statistics," said former coach and presenter Wilfred Spoon. "I also believe it symbolizes dedication, teamwork, enthusiasm and leadership. This year's recipient has over the years demonstrated these qualities along with the stats and more." Donnell hit a team high .682 in the summer with a 1.091 slugging percentage. 'D' led the team with 22 hits, 17 RBIs, 2 home runs, and a .705 slugging percentage for the year. He tied for the team lead with 13 runs scored and finished third on the team with a .500 batting average and .583 on base percentage.
Big Daddy

Spoonman
1997 – Wilfred Spoon (aka "Spoonman"). When Jim moved back east in 1993, Wilf was the concensus choice for the new BEAT Manager. Wilf saw the team through two championships in just over two years, the second one with an overwhelming 8-0 team that outscored opponents 106-54. Wilf had taken The BEAT to 'C' League for the first time, and although the team struggled through the first three seasons, The BEAT took off again in the Summer of '97. With Wilf behind the plate, the team went undefeated in their first six games. The BEAT held sole possession of first place for a month before faltering and ultimately finishing in second. Wilfred had carried this team to the highest level it had ever achieved and the selection of Wilf as the 10th winner of the Brass Beat Award was a no-brainer. (Wilf left the team after the 1997 season and currently lives in South Carolina)
1996 – Kevin Austin (aka "Special K"). Kevin was one of the original founders of The BEAT in 1987 with Jim Harvey and Dennis O'Brien. He originated the Brass BEAT in 1988 as an honor to Jim, then coach and chief motivator, for all of his hard work and devotion to the team. For eight long years he quietly awaited the opportunity to win back this treasure. With determination toward this goal, he spent an offseason of hard work and weekly trips to the batting cages, finishing the season with a career best .538 average, an 18 game hitting streak and the team batting title. He led the team (or tied for the lead) in five of eight batting categories and won back the leadoff spot that he anchored in the earlier years. Off the field, Kevin spent many hours bringing back the grand tradition of "On The BEAT" and updating this ten year old tabloid to the electronic media of the '90's.
Special K

 

Rocks
1995 – Jeff Ricketts (aka "Rocks" or "the Rocket Man"). Jeff joined The BEAT in 1990 with a few friends of his from Connecticut, all affectionately known as "the long hairs". Over the years, Rocks has shown a Pete Rose-like hustle that has earned him great respect from his peers. Over the years his batting has improved as he has learned to "drill" line drives down the third base line. Defensively, he became one of the most talented and acrobatic left fielders in the league. In 1995, he posted a batting average of .543, on base percentage of .683, and a slugging percentage of .714. Jeff scored 17 runs and drove in 13 RBIs in just 35 plate appearances and was in the team's top 5 in 6 of 8 major categories. But Rocks didn't win this award because of his statistics, he won it based on the true essence of the award, hard work, hustle, determination and dedication to the team. (Rocks left in the summer of '98 and was last seen somewhere on the eastern seaboard)
1994 – Frank Green (aka "Pepe"). Frank came to The BEAT in the summer of 1988 with a few friends of his from a local ad agency team. He immediately fell into the catcher's position vacated by Dave Hamner, and prior to Dave, T.J. McHose. Frank became the rock in the battery and held tight to his position until he moved back east following the 1996 season. Frank earned his Brass Beat from an offseason of hard work on his swing which finally made him a force to be reckoned with in the batter's box. But what really sealed it was Pepe's vocal tongue lashing that he gave the team during our worst performance, when we were shutout for the first time ever by O'Shea's Mad Hatters. That verbal outburst put Frank in a position that had been vacant since the 1993 departure of team founder Jim Harvey, that of the motivational leader. (Pepe left the team following the '96 season and currently resides in St.Louis)
Pepe

Pete
1993 – Peter Wenner (aka "Pistol Pete"). Peter Wenner joined the team in 1988 with Frank and the rest of the ad league group. Pete worked his way into a solid position as the starting first baseman. Never known for his blazing speed, Pete was always a good hitter and did an adequate job at first...until '93. Pete turned his game up a notch in '93 and you could just feel the renewed intensity. He learned to hit the other way and took his average over the .500 mark working his way into the top five in the batting order. But what sealed the decision in O.B.'s mind was the second to last game of the season when recapping after the game Pete injected a tidbit of philosophy that lingers to this day: "Savor these moments" for soon they would be lost for another year.

1992 – Dennis O'Brien (aka "O.B."). O.B. is one of the Iron Men of The BEAT. One of the original founders, he worked his way into a pitching position by his second year. It wasn't until 1992 that he came into his own as other prospective pitchers fell back in his dust. With a couple years under his belt, O.B. learned how to work the corners, increased his arc, and found himself a groove--or in his words, got his "mojo rising"! He put the ball in play and let a solid defense pick up the pieces. Although he has had his share of injuries in the past, The BEAT knows that if O.B. is pitching, the game is ours to win.
O.B.

J.P.
1991 – John Palmer (aka "J.P." or "The Bomber"). John Palmer picked up with The BEAT when we were still forming in the spring of 1987. A young 19 year old with pop in his bat, John filled the cleanup role that The BEAT so desparately needed. John has lead The BEAT in most slugging categories (Home Runs, RBI's, Extra Base Hits, Slugging Percentage) for most of his career, but when it came to the Brass Beat, there seemed to always be someone else that snuck in. 1991 was finally John's year as he set team single season records for hits (35) and runs scored (32). John holds the distinction of having won more game balls, by far, than anyone in BEAT history. How many has he won? You don't have enough fingers and toes. (whereabouts unknown)
1990 – Mark St.Georges (aka "MSG"). Mark St.Georges was another member of the ad league to make a name for himself on The BEAT. As a starting second baseman, Mark is an adept fielder with a bat that always seems to find a hole. MSG has demonstrated his staying power by becoming the all time BEAT leader for At Bats and is poised to set team records for hits and runs scored this Spring. Mark finished the 1990 season with a low (for him) .404 batting average, but managed an on base percentage of .707 and finished the season with 15 RBIs and 23 runs scored in 52 at bats. Over the years, Mark has become, without a doubt, one of The BEAT's Most Valuable Players.
MSG

Wax
1989 – Eric Meyer (aka "Wax" or "E. Gwangwa Meyer"). Eric Meyer joined The BEAT in the spring of 1988. Desparate for help at second base, Jim and I spent a great deal of time in the preseason looking for help, and what we found was, well, a natural. Eric was one of those individuals that fits in right away and he soon became a close friend. When Mark St. Georges took over at second base, Eric became the starting center fielder and gained quite a reputation for his long five-hop throws to nail runners out at the plate. Eric played with an intensity that we hadn't seen before or since. He is baseball! Following two strong years with The BEAT, there was no doubt who the logical choice for the 1989 Brass Beat was. (Eric left The BEAT after the spring of 1992 and is currently living in Toronto)

1988 – Jim Harvey (aka "Gym", "leather" or just "the Man"). Jim Harvey was one of the three founding members of The BEAT. But unlike myself and O.B., Jim took on the thankless task of manager and motivator. Jim is the stuff that legends are made of. At just a few inches over 5 feet tall, Jim was the scrappiest player since Ty Cobb. An excellent third baseman with quick feet and a strong arm, Jim played the field and played the bench. He is the single most responsible person for The BEAT being where it is today. When I presented the very first Brass Beat to Jim Harvey, it wasn't for his play on the field, it wasn't for his bat, it was for all of those extra intangibles that he brought to the team. I felt that something needed to be done to make note of the devotion that he brought to the team and the pride that he gave us all. Jim Harvey is and will always be The BEAT. (Jim moved to Minneapolis after the spring of 1993.)
Jim