It’s been an extra long off-season for the Thunderbirds, but the 2020 NTABL Veterans season kicks off this week as the Thunderbirds take on the Dallas Cardinals. Always an even match up, often ending in the very unbaseball-like tie, it seems appropriate that these two teams kick things off after a two-plus month extended off season thanks to a worldwide pandemic.

With new faces, and a new look, the Thunderbirds look to make the 2020 season their most successful yet. If it’s live sports you need, the Thunderbirds are set to provide. Leave the masks at home and prepare to get loud, but please, no fires.

Your Thunderbirds gathered together Saturday night with family and friends to celebrate a record breaking 2019 season at The Truckyard in The Colony.

It was a great night had by all where a few awards were given out to deserving members of their season performance:
Batting Champion:* Brian Synatzske
Co-Offensive MVPs:* Brad Bode & John Menth
Team MVP:* Brent Smerczynski
Thunderbird Award: Jody Nicewonger
Lifetime Achievement and Farewell: Bodie Wilson

There were laughs, some beers and definitely some heartfelt emotion as we bid adieu to not just another season but a dear friend and teammate. This night embodied everything the Thunderbirds stand for:

• Love of our Families
• Love of one another as teammates and friends
• Love of this beautiful game we call Baseball

Until next season……

The Thunderbirds kicked off the playoffs in grand fashion drubbing the Knights 15-1 Thursday night. It was an offensive onslaught as 6 birds had multiple hits. Brian Synatzske, John Menth and Mac Hansen each had 3 hits while Brad Bode, Rob Carroll and Jody Nicewonger each had 2. Other birds collecting hits on the night include Brent Smerczynski, Ron Short, Bo Vaculik, Jeff Whanger and Brad Petty

Bodie Wilson was stellar on the mound going the distance to stay undefeated on the year. Wilson was in complete control by facing the minimum in 3 of the 6 innings and only 4 batters in 2 others while notching 6 strikeouts.

The birds return to action this Thursday against Modoc in the 2nd round at 9pm.

The Thunderbirds closed out the regular season Thursday night with a sound defeat of Modoc 9-2 at Reverchon Park. With the win, the birds set a new franchise record with 13 regular season wins and secured the #2 seed in the playoffs.

Four pitchers combined hold Modoc to 2 runs on the evening. Brent Smerczynski was the opener going the first 2 innings. John Menth picked up the win going the next two. Ron Short went 1 1/3 and the game was closed out by Brad Bode, picking up the final 2 outs in the 6th.

At the plate the birds were led by Brad Petty with 3 hits and 2 RBIs. Rob Carroll was 2 for 3 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI and 3 runs scored , Brian Synatzske had2 hits, Menth added 2 hits and 2 runs scored while Short was 2 for 2 with 2 walks and a run scored. Other T-birds collecting hits on the night included Smerczynski, Bode and Jody Nicewonger.

Please congratulate the 2019 Thunderbirds All-Stars who will be play this Sunday August 4 at 11am. The game will be held at Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, TX.
John Menth
Brad Bode
Brent Smerczynski
Bodie Wilson
Jody Nicewonger
Brian Synatzske