Bolen collects win No. 1,300

~ A regional title also provided a milestone victory for the longtime Capahas manager.

Plaza Tire Capahas manager Jess Bolen somewhat downplayed his milestone 1,300th career victory on Sunday.

His players did not.

Bolen refused to take individual credit after the Capahas won their third straight National Baseball Congress Mid-South Regional title.

"I've always said managers don't win games. I don't want to take the credit," Bolen said after the Capahas beat Pine Bluff, Ark., 13-3 in seven innings. "The players are the ones that win games."

But Bolen's players said they could not help but be somewhat awed by their skipper's 1,300-338 record in 41 seasons.

"It's unbelievable. That's a lot of wins, with not very many losses," said pitcher Jamie McAlister, in his fifth season with the Capahas. "Jess is a great manager, and an even better person.

"It's a tremendous accomplishment."

Pitcher Jason Chavez, who worked Sunday's title clincher, has played for the Capahas the past six years.

Chavez said it was special that he got to pitch the milestone triumph.

"It's always great to pitch in a championship game, but it was extra special because of the 1,300th win," Chavez said. "They're [the Bolens] like my second family.

"It's a great honor for Jess and he deserves it."

The current Plaza Tire player who has been with the squad the longest felt the same way, which is understandable.

Tom Bolen, the manager's son, has been with the Capahas 12 years.

"I was out there for dad's 1,000th win, his 1,100th, his 1,200th and now his 1,300th," Tom Bolen said. "It's really special to be out there with him."

Capahas baseball has always been a family affair among Jess and Mary Bolen, and their four children.

Jess Bolen lauded all the work his wife has done over the years and relished that his 1,300th win came on daughter Michele's birthday.

"Mary is the backbone of this club. She does just about everything for us," Bolen said. "And coming on Michele's birthday makes it even more special."

Following Sunday's game, Bolen was presented on the field with an oversized congratulatory card -- courtesy of Cape Girardeau couple Wayne and Joan McPherson -- signed by all the Capahas, some of their parents and other special friends.

"We've been fans for a while and we just thought it would be nice for this great accomplishment of 1,300 wins," Wayne McPherson said. "We got all the players and any parents we could get to sign it, along with as many friends as we could get."

Capahas players honored

The regional's two individual awards were swept by a pair of 2001 Clearwater High School graduates.

Outfielder Zach Johnson was named the tournament's most valuable player, while McAlister was named the most valuable pitcher.

Johnson had six hits in 13 at-bats, including a triple and double. He led the Capahas with eight RBIs.

"I'm kind of surprised [to win the award], but it feels real good," said Johnson, in his second season with the team. "I'm playing more than I did last year, so it's nice to be able to contribute."

Johnson had the biggest hit of the tournament, a two-run, two-out single in the bottom of the ninth inning Friday that tied the Capahas' first-round game against Springfield at 5-5.

The Capahas went on to win 6-5 in 10 innings, then romped in their final two tournament games.

"Zach had the biggest hit of the tournament as far as I'm concerned," Bolen said. "If he doesn't get that hit, we're fighting out of the loser's bracket."

McAlister was honored for his performance in Friday's contest.

He replaced starter Phillip Riley after Riley was hit on the pitching elbow by a batted ball in the fourth inning. The Capahas trailed 4-0 after five innings.

McAlister got the win with 6 2/3 strong innings. He allowed five hits and two runs while striking out nine.

"It's nice to win an award, but the team winning is the biggest thing," McAlister said.

Other top hitters

Jordan Payne led the Capahas in tournament hits as he went 7-for-15, including two doubles.

Asif Shah went 5-for-10 with seven RBIs and nine runs scored.

Levi Olson was 5-for-11 with the Capahas' only home run, two doubles and four RBIs.

Daryl Graham added four hits, including two doubles.