Two "rookie" pitchers who are worth checking out are the Playwright's, Jerry Thomes and the Anchors, Sean Richards. Thomes is an experienced veteran pitcher who will get batters out with both speed and movement. He was nearly un-hittable in his first win over the Beer Garden, an 11-0 nine-strikeout performance. Richards, is a hard throwing lefty (a rarity) who relies on his power to get outs. Both of these pitchers will have many batters talking to themselves as we move through the season.

While we are on the topic of crafty pitchers, Il Giardino's second year pitcher, Nick Kleimola recorded the year's first no-hitter! Kleimola defeated Richard's Anchors last Monday evening. After getting his feet wet on the mound last year, Kleimola worked very hard on his pitching form in the off season. His speed and control is much improved and with results like last Monday, he is well on his way to becoming a top-notch pitcher. Nick is a great kid and the league wishes him continued success.

Al Newcombe, who is a friend and a great fan of M Street Softball since the league inception, recently lost his life long partner, wife, and friend, Helen. In the most difficult time of his life, Al will still greet you with a smile, a friendly hello, and a warm handshake. Players, if you know Al please take the time to say hello and see how he is doing. For those of you that don't know him follow your nose to the scent of a "Philly" cigar.

The heavens gained another angel this past December with the passing of M Street Softball's chief umpire, Harry Holt. Holt provided the umpires, discounted equipment, guidance, and friendship to the league over the past five seasons. Above all, Harry became a true friend to this writer as he often extended himself well beyond the role of umpire. He will never be forgotten.

League roundup:
the Dorset Club has to be one of the most improved teams in the league thus far. An impressive win over the Anchors in the first week was followed by a huge upset win over Sidewalk on Monday. Coach Mike Sweeney has added a very good fielding second baseman who has plugged the hole with great plays.

Coach Peter Hourihan, has his Boston Beer Garden club looking very good and in mid season form. The BBG have depth, talent and will compete with victory in mind every game they play.

The Hit Dawgs got off to a very slow start but coach Jeremy Beauchemin reports that his team is deeper in talent than last years top hitting team. They may need to add a pitcher to keep the scores close while the offense gets it's groove going.

The first year Brewers will experience some growing pains but so far have shown (two wins already) that they can compete in the league. Coach Kevin Coyle, is so fired up about his team and the league that it won't be long before this team is celebrating on a weekly basis.

The Junction is also a first year team that has already shown that they should not be taken lightly. After two wins in their first week, the Junction nearly took down the defending champs Sidewalk Cafe. Tim Joyce and Craig Galvin have assembled a good team that is very capable of competing for the title this year.

Shannons Tavern (formally the Seapoint team) has a much-improved team from last year's club. Coach Brian Ahearn made some great moves in adding John Gregorio, Rob Rogers, Paul Gurley, Ed Rogers, Steven Couturier, and Eddie Fletcher to an already talented group.

With lefty pitcher and Coach Sean Richards, the Anchors should put up some wins this season. However, the defense and offense has been questionable, so far which has put added pressure on the pitching. The Anchors will need it to all come together soon if they are to contend this year.

Jimmy Fitzpatrick and Mario Perella have assembled a very competitive Playwright team. They could be the team that ends Sidewalk's four-year championship run. They have all of the ingredients (two effective pitchers, offense, and defense) to make their season a successful one. Fitzpatrick has even managed to talk bar owner, Julian Bolger, into taking his cuts and playing ball. Although Bolger didn't play any baseball growing up in Ireland he has handled himself very well in the field.

Kevin Bradley's Il Giardino Cafe, are off to a great start this season with a 5-1 record. Pitcher Nick Kleimola is much improved, which will keep them in the games against the top teams. With the great start, Giardino's may top the eleven-win mark they achieved last season.

Until the title is taken from them, the defending champion Sidewalk Cafe will remain the team to beat in the M Street Softball league. As they found out last week in a loss to the upstart Dorset Club, Sidewalk will have the bull's-eye on their backs all season long.

The Spartans split their first two games and looked very good in the process. Veteran M Street pitcher, Jim McNiff is onboard and is pitching better than ever before. Coach Peter Brennan reports that all of his top players are back from last year's club that will give his team a shot at contending for the title.

Games are played at M Street Park (Feeney & Moran field) Monday through Friday beginning at 6:15 pm. Have a great week and we hope to see you there!