It was here at the gathering that this writer realized this (somewhat) weekly article is read by more people outside of the softball league than believed. Luau attendees, Bob O'Shea, Jimmy Burgio, and Timmy Ostiguy each stated that they read it and look forward to connecting with the league happenings. Burgio added, "My dad (Benny) says that you tell it like it is in your writing." This writer appreciates the compliments and words of encouragement. Now, turning away from the sand and onto the softball diamond with news from the last week.

With only four weeks remaining on the regular season schedule, the Boston Hawks (11-2) lead the Feeney division and the red hot Spartans (9-1) are in front in the very tight Moran division. The league's fourteen teams will be jockeying for playoff positions with each game becoming more important than the last one played.

Last Friday, the Bucky Feeney division leading Hawks ended their impressive week with a lopsided win (14-2) over the scrappy Shannon's Tavern team. Before there was an out recorded in the game the Hawks had plated six runs off Shannon's ace pitcher. Shortstop, Franklin P's long 3-run homerun to deep center was the game's highlight as the Hawks continued to open eyes with their impressive talent laden lineup of players. Earlier in the week the Hawks outlasted the Giardino Café 13-10, and whipped the Brewers 17-0.

At 7-3, the Playwright finds themselves looking up at the Hawks in the standings. The Playwright continue to get great pitching from Dominic Lemarra and Jerry Thomes so catching the Hawks is very possible for the defending champions. Last Friday, the Playwright escaped with an extra inning 3-1 win over the Sidewalk in their first game of a doubleheader. Juan Sanchez provided the game winner when he connected on a 2-0 pitch and sent the ball flying high onto First Street. Playwright was leading the second game of the set 3-2 entering the seventh inning when the game took a turn and got away from them as they fell 4-3. Lemarra, who pitched both games worked quickly and was very effective in keeping Sidewalk batters off stride.

While the Sidewalk (5-6-1) are still under .500, they have shown recent signs of playing well and feel that they are on the verge of getting back into contention. Last week, they battled the defending champion Playwright in two very close games and managed to come away with a come from behind victory to earn the split. They will have to earn their keep though as they have doubleheaders still remaining against the Hawks and Shannon's Tavern.

It was an up and down week for the Shannon's Tavern softball team. On Tuesday, they smoked the Dorset Club 27-2 and were looking forward to their upcoming game against the Hawks. However, between Tuesday and Friday they had two key players leave the team for personal reasons. The Hawks then quickly took advantage of a team trying to deal with their losses and whacked them all over the ballpark, a 14-2 pasting. It doesn't get any easier for the Shannon's club either as they are scheduled to play a doubleheader against the defending champions (Playwright) on Thursday (July 21) starting at 7:30.

Over in the Sam Moran division, the race for the top spot is raging between the Spartans, Green Team, Boston Beer Garden, and Murphy's Law. Each claim that they have what it takes and will be on top of the standings by season's end.

The Spartans of Stoneham continue to play great and are sitting pretty with an impressive 9-1 record. South Boston resident and veteran M Street pitcher, Jimmy McNiff continues to lead this youthful team with great pitching and a strong desire to win. His efforts were noticeable in huge wins over rival Boston Beer Garden last week. In what was billed as a showdown between two closely competing teams turned into a one-sided affair as the Spartans offense lit up the scoreboard and made McNiff's job easy leading to two key victories - 21-6 and 14-6.

At 9-3, Green Team (yes, that's their name folks) remains in the race for the top and is looking forward to an August 10th showdown against the division leading Spartans. However, there are quite a few games between now and then that the Green team must win to make that a key game. After pounding L Street Tavern 20-3, the Green Team fell to Murphy's Law - 13-8 on Monday. Nicholas French continues to lead his team from the mound with a very respectable 4.06 ERA, 41 strikeouts, and 7 victories.

Although the Beer Garden (7-4) lost two big games to the Spartans last week, they have the leadership and players to rebound and win the division. It will be a tough chore though as they have games remaining against the Spartans, Sidewalk Café, Playwright, and Murphy's Law. Mark Landolfi (.714 average and 25 RBI) and Danny McElaney (.733 average and 22 hits) are having an incredible year at the plate for the Peter Hourihan led Beer Garden club.

Trailing closely behind the pack is the 6-2 Murphy's Law team. They only played one game last week but it was a big one that they came from behind to snatch a victory away from the Green Team. Eric Malerba pitched great and got great offensive performances from Mike McGuirk, Bill Lynch, Brian Doherty, and Ryan Cox. Looking ahead, Murphy's has a favorable schedule that could play a huge role in their placement in the final standings.

At 6-8, the Brewers have already passed their win total from last season making this a successful year. However, this current group is playing with a bit more passion and feels that they can compete in the Moran division. Last week, they fell 17-0 to the Hawks but then rebounded to a 15-10 win over L Street Tavern. Brewers, Mike Hourihan's 25 RBI's leads the league.

The 5-4-1 Sharks could be on their way up in the standings. Collecting victories over the Dorset Club and Seapoint has put this team back into contention. Brian Scholfield (.680 average with 19 RBI), Jeremy Bridges (.667 with 19 RBI), Jake Drew (.606 22 RBI), and Todd Caschera (.600) provide them with plenty of offensive clout. The Sharks will need some great performances from pitcher, Steve Passatempo while playing great defense behind him to get back into the race.

At 3-8, one could look at the Il Giardino record and say that they are just another losing team. However, they have a talented roster and nearly pulled off an upset victory against the powerful Hawks team last week. Leading 10-4 late in the game, Giardino could only watch helplessly as the Hawks mounted their comeback on their way to the 13-10 victory. It was by far Giardino's best game and best effort of the season. Nine games remain on their schedule so a run to the top is still possible with this team.

The 3-9 Seapoint Restaurant are still showing up and competing as they go through their first season of softball in the M Street League. Brendan Trainor (.692), Roger Malouf (.643), and Jordan Berns (.619) have provided the offense for Seapoint thus far.

The previously winless Dorset Club finally broke through last week and upset Seapoint with a 9-7 win. Danny Lamonica, who was making his first appearance for the Dorsett team, pitched well at times and was cruising to victory before stumbling in the seventh. However, Dorset hung on for the win and smiles were everywhere after the game ended. "It's nice to finally win one," coach Michael Sweeney stated.

With plenty of flashy names emblazing the backs of their red jerseys, the L Street Tavern softball team is also finding that competing in this league can be a real task. L Street fell twice last week, 20-3 to the Green Team and 15-10 to the Brewers. The "Green Hornet" and "Site Guy" were observed signing autographs after the game.

In closing, Shannon's Tavern's Leo Greeley brought an autographed game ball from the late 1980's M Street All-Stars vs. Boston Sports Celebrity's charity game to the field for viewing last week. Clearly visible signatures included Kevin Stacom (Celtics), Rich Gedman (Red Sox), Mark "The Bird" Fydrich (Red Sox), Darryl Johnson (Patriots), and are own late great pitcher Larry Lucas. It was fitting that Lucas's name was right there along with the celebrities as he was a big time talent!