After consecutive nights of rain outs, the M Street Softball League finally began play last night when The Rippers Blair Bartlett fired the first pitch for a strike. The action on the field was the first of many games to come as 26 teams will be competing throughout the season for the M Street championship. As other leagues around the state continue to downsize, M Street Softball is thriving and growing in record numbers.

It has been a very busy off season for the league. Along with getting 10 new teams signed up and ready to go the league also formed a rules committee that will meet throughout the season to better serve the interest of the players. The five appointed members have been associated with the league for at least three years and have all demonstrated dedication, fairness, and thoroughness in their handling of their teams and M Street Softball affairs. Dave Conti, Paul Gurley, Marc Cerone, Tom Yeo, and Joe Pillar are your committee members for the 2008 season and beyond.

On April 23rd the committee gathered for their first meeting to discuss some of the rules that have been an issue in past years. The group discussed each rule, gave their input, and ultimately voted on whether or not they needed a change. Some of the notable changes were banning metal spikes, establishing penalties for teams that bring alcohol onto the field and/or bench area, putting a time limit on games, and reorganizing the divisions and schedule. The committee decided to scrap the A, B, C level divisions and instead split the league into two divisions of equal talent. Coaches, players, and umpires should familiarize themselves with these changes and all of the other M Street Softball league rules.

Although the season is underway the league is trying to work around an ongoing renovation project at the playing field. Although the construction crew has done a pretty good job of keeping the field clear of equipment the grounds/conditions are still not where we would like them to be. The foul territory along the bleacher line is unplayable and there is a strip of grass missing in the middle of the outfield. I was told by the construction foreman, Jim Young, that the project is scheduled to conclude on June 19th. We simply can't wait until that date to start our season so until then we will have to cope with the situation. Upon completion of the project, the surrounding stands/bleachers as we once knew them will have changed dramatically.

Among the 26 teams competing is last year's champions, the Lynx. They are back to defend their title but are playing under a new team name - the Dawgs. The Stadium, who lost in six games to the Lynx in the finals are also back and have also changed sponsorship. They are now playing under the name of the Shamrock Pub.

The Sidewalk Café, Boston Beer Garden, Il Giardino Café, L Street Tavern, Shennanigans Bar & Grill, G-Hits, Playwright, Full Tilt, Dorset Club, Cranberry Café, The Place, Brewers, and the Bushwhackers are all back for another season.

Joining the returning teams are ten new entries: Biltmore Orioles, Southie Sox, Clough Club, ex Blue Jays, Booze on First, Clark Club, Rippers, Stadium Stingers, Doran Mechanical Contractors, and the Bulldogs. Welcome to the league boys!

M Street Softball enjoyed a similar growth spurt in the late 1970's and early 1980's but never experienced a field this large. Here's wishing all of our players and umpires a safe and fun season. Best of luck!