Sam had given a great deal of his time and dedication to the league over the last forty years. When he was the acting commissioner in the early eighties he organized some memorable events at M Street Park. One of them that is still talked about today featured M Street's all-stars playing the Boston Bruins. Another had softball legend and pitching sensation Eddie Feigner and his team of three taking on the over matched M Streeters. Sam was great at promoting interest and raising funds for the league.

Besides organizing those great events Sam always fielded a very competitive team. He demanded that his teams play hard and play to win. Playing poorly and losing was not something that Sam would tolerate. He was very vocal on the sidelines, which gave his team another weapon to use. Sam would often let the umpire have it if they missed a call or get into it with a fan who was razzing him or one of his players. Knowing they had his support his teams would always work and stick together no matter how bad or good the situation was.

In 1986, I had the wonderful experience of playing for Sam's team - the M & M Club. At the time I was a nineteen-year-old rookie who had never played organized baseball or softball. That year Sam was looking to add a few players and was holding an open tryout. He held two practices a week and promised that those that showed up for the practices would play in the games. In the first few weeks there were only a handful of us that were showing up but as the season opener drew nearer that number grew. I figured Sam would have to go against his word and start his veteran players over me even though I hadn't missed a practice. To my surprise he didn't and on opening day he handed me the number twenty-five jersey and started me in left field. I am forever thankful to Sam for giving me the opportunity to play a starting position on a very talented team.

A few years later I would return to the league with my own team (Shannon's Tavern) and would have to play against Sam and my former teammates. I got to experience first hand of how hard it was to beat his team. It would be accurate to say that we lost every game to Sam's teams those first five years in the league. His infield of Joey Magee, Ronny Gurley, and Billy Morin were solid. He had two power pitchers in John McGrath and John Gregorio who made it exceptionally hard to get on base. The combination of pitching and defense led to several championship-winning years for the Moran led club.

One of the great memories associated with his teams winning fortunes was seeing the joy in Sam's face at the league-sponsored banquet in 1999. His team presented him with an award and accompanying speech that brought tears to many in attendance that night. It's a memory that I will keep with me forever.

In honor of Sam and Bucky Feeney, who passed away on May 22, 2001, the league is currently working on dedicating the M Street field in their honor. Details will follow when they become available and it is hoped here that all of you show up for the dedication. They were two great guys who are both missed by family and friends.