The Paul Roman Award
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Paul Roman Award Winners
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| Paul Roman, died 2002 |
The Paul Roman award is given to WCFBA players who most exemplify what we are trying to accomplish with these tournaments and league events. Just as Dodgertown West has their David Blakemore award, we will recognize one or more players each year for their contribution to the organization. Each year, previous winners will be asked to select new award recipients. Winners will be announced at the annual Lodi tournament where they are awarded a certificate and have their names etched on a perpetual plaque.
From the plaque:
To the West Coast Fantasy Baseball Association player who best exemplifies the characteristics of Good Sportsmanship, Positive Attitude, Determination, Congeniality, Compassion for his fellow players and Love of the Game.
KEITH DACOSTA NAMED 2018 PAUL E. ROMAN AWARD WINNER
At this year's Lodi tournament, previous Roman Award winners presented Keith DaCosta with the 2018 Paul E. Roman award.
Keith has served on the WCFBA Board of Directors and as Tournament Director. He also founded and hosts the Monterey tournament.
His actions and support for WCFBA truly exemplify the characteristics honored by the Roman Award: Good sportsmanship, positive attitude, determination, congeniality, compassion for his fellow players and love of the game.
MATTHEW SCHMUCK NAMED 2017 PAUL E. ROMAN AWARD WINNER
The 2017 Paul E. Roman award winner was Matthew Schmuck.
I am so grateful and honored. Our little baseball fraternity is the best. I have met so many great new friends through WCFBA. After 25 years of adult baseball I still look forward to every weekend of baseball with all of you. We have so much fun chasing that damn little white ball around. Being able to laugh at ourselves on the field is the best.
DOUG RUSCH NAMED 2015 PAUL E. ROMAN AWARD WINNER
The 2015 Lodi Tournament served as the venue for the presentation of this year's Paul E. Roman award winner. This year's sole winner was Doug Rusch.
Doug never played organized baseball as a kid, though he always loved the game. One of his bucket list items was to attend SF Giants Fantasy Camp, which he finally got to do in January, 2001. At that camp he heard about a league of former fantasy campers being organized in the Bay Area and he couldn't sign up fast enough!
Though mainly a catcher and outfielder, Doug is happy to try to play any position. He also attends as many tournaments as he can manage and has gone to either a fantasy camp or baseball clinic every year since 2001.
In addition to being involved with WCFBA as a player, coach, board member and treasurer, Doug was instrumental in getting the organization incorporated and recognized as a non-profit entity.
The picture below shows Doug on the big board at an A's game, wearing his A's propeller cap.
BOB FORD NAMED 2014 PAUL E. ROMAN AWARD WINNER
At the 2014 Lodi Tournament, Bob Ford was the Paul Roman award recipient.
Bob joined WCFBA in 2003 and is a frequent participant in our tournaments. To give back, Bob, along with fellow desert residents Carl Cardinalli and Tony Lennon, started the WCFBA's annual Palm Desert event in 2009. The May event has become a mainstay on the tournament schedule.
Bob and his wife Marilyn open up their home each year to WCFBA members participating in the event. We meet there after a long day of baseball for food, drink, fun, and friends. We thank Bob for being an excellent ambassador for what we do.
JOHN HAINES NAMED 2013 PAUL E. ROMAN AWARD WINNER
The 2013 Paul E. Roman award winner is John Haines. John has been a participant in the WCFBA since the late 90's. He frequently coaches in both league and tournament events and served on the WCFBA board.
John has a very colorful sense of humor and players often ask to be placed on his team for tournament events. He makes sure his team members get their fair share of playing time and that they have a good time. John hosts an annual Halloween party that features a broken bat burning ceremony. He invites all members of the WCFBA each year because those people are his family. He has frequently stated that while the baseball games are fun, being with his friends is what this is truly all about.
SCOTT LUEDERS NAMED 2012 PAUL E. ROMAN AWARD WINNER
The 2012 Lodi Tournament served as the venue for the presentation of this year's Paul E. Roman award winner. This year's sole winner was Scott Lueders.
Scott was a near unanimous selection. Throughout the 90's and into the mid-2000's, Scott would volunteer to coach a team at tournaments. He was meticulously organized and made sure his players had fun. You knew if you played on Scott's team, you would be treated fairly. Scott 'gets' what this is all about.
Many of us have made fun of his look of disbelief on strike calls. He laughs at the imitations just as loud as the rest of us and realizes it is all in fun. Scott is enthusiastic about leading the fantasy camper band, The Melodians, and providing entertainment for the group at tournaments and parties. These are his friends and he wants to do a good job.