Two weeks ago we previewed the top four teams in the M Street Softball League. We will now look at the remaining four and what it will take for them to contend for the title.

Sitting in fifth place is the Terry Flaherty led Cornerstone Pub. Terry has assembled a talented bunch of players who are young and eager to make their mark in the league. Flaherty has added a few players with years of M Street experience under their belts. Mark Dillon, Jay Malley, and Tommy McGrath have provided talent and leadership to this young upstart team.

With McGrath and Malley on the mound, Cornerstone has two pitchers who can give them quality innings throughout the playoffs. Malley has had shoulder trouble in the past but now has McGrath to split time with which should benefit him in the long run.

Brian Fromm, Tony Lamonica, Steve Tallent, Ryan Wynne, and Matt McDonaugh have all played very well for Flaherty this year. The combination of these youthful players along with the veteran presence could be the winning combination that is needed to go far into the playoffs at M Street.

Trailing Cornerstone and in sixth place is the Boston Beer Garden. Peter Hourihan is the coach of this team and will be looking for some key performances out of his veteran players come playoff time. Pitcher, Jimmy McNiff is the ace on the team as he leads from the mound with determination and will power.

Over the past three years the Seapoint Restaurant softball team has changed their appearance more than any other team in the league. Gone are the mainstays of Pat Sullivan, Jay & Timmy Malley, Jim Burgio, and Mike Whitney. Replacing talent like those mentioned above is a difficult task that hasn't come easy for coach Brian Ahearn. The wins may not be as plentiful but Ahearn says the aggravation and headaches of keeping such a competitive team together is also gone with the talent.

Instead, Ahearn has found friends and former players who just want to play and not take the game too seriously. Many of them work together in the correctional facilities throughout the area so playing softball outside of work gives them an outlet.

Dave Taylor, Tommy Mullry, PJ Stack, and Mike Prendergast are just a few of the players who have made a return to the league this year. Rob Impemba, David Kenneally, Derek Basciewicz, and Ahearn are back from last year's team. They will not win the championship this year but they will have some fun playing the games and that is often lost in competitive sports.

Sitting in last place are the winless Dogs. The team name of "the Dogs" comes from their thinking that they are the underdogs of the league. So far through eleven games they have lived up or down to their name. With that said, it should be noted that this team shows up for every game and competes to win every game. Although the wins are not coming, they do not quit and are even managing to have some fun along the way.

Jim Sullivan is the skipper of the Dogs who leads with by example. His no nonsense attitude is visible within all of his players. Steve Ferradino, Joe Kalil, and the three Matt's - Nuhn, Stone, and Widiger are all examples of Sully's positive influence.

The Dogs will most likely draw the first seed in the playoffs and will have a very difficult challenge before them. However, the game is played between the lines and upsets can happen even at this level.

The move to dedicate the M Street Softball diamond in honor of Sam Moran and Bucky Feeney has moved forward. Tommy McGrath and myself went before a committee for the Boston Parks and Recreation Department on Monday and they unanimously approved of our request. Thursday, August 22 looks like the date for the dedication and possible and all-star game or two. Please read this column for further information. Have a great week!