Playwright - the Jim Fitzpatrick led team is nearly a lock for finishing the regular season in first place with the best overall record. Since week one their only setback was to the upstart Spartans who outlasted them 12-11 on July 7th. The Playwright has turned up their level of play when matched against the teams closest to them in the standings showing that they are in the elite class of the league. Fitzpatrick, Charlie Connors, Joe Broderick, Mike Smith, and Tommy Russell are leading Playwright's attack as each are hitting above .500 and driving in plenty of runs. Not needing many runs to win is their pitcher Jerry Thomes, who has been dominant on the mound for the Playwright this season. He has given up less than two runs a game and has only walked three batters in fifty innings of work. The Playwright will be playing long into the season and appear ready to take on all challengers.

Sidewalk Café - once struggling with a 4-3 record, the four time defending champions have found their groove and have won nine straight games in the process. Recently acquired players Steve Passatempo, Derek Milano, Jason Allen, and Michael Donovan have brought new life to the team. Each have found a way to contribute to the teams success and look forward to contributing in the playoffs. Charles Zaniboni, Marty Jimenez, and Bobby Dobay bat in the middle of the lineup and each are having tremendous success for Sidewalk. Passatempo and Mark Senna toe the mound for the boys in green and both are looking towards continued success into the playoffs.

Shannon's Tavern - much improved from last year's team Shannon's Tavern is hoping for a successful campaign in the playoffs. They dropped two frustrating games to rival Sidewalk last week and will be challenged again this week when they face the Spartans. They have the talent to win it all but their season will depend on how they handle themselves in close games. Coach Brian Ahearn will have to do more coaching than hitting (batting .600) this year if he is to guide this team to the championship. Pitchers John Gregorio and Jay Malley have given Shannon's plenty of strong starts and great innings all season long and will continue to do so into the playoffs.

Spartans - the much-improved Spartans are a serious challenge for the championship this year. They added another pitcher to the mix last week in Maurice "Mo" Wiggins. With veteran Jimmy McNiff pitching better than ever the Spartans know they will get quality starts from both pitchers. Chris Aprile (.561), Kenny Brunini (.600), and Matt Rogers (.575) pace the offense for the Spartans. There isn't any doubt that Coach Peter Brennan will have his team playing hard down the stretch as they ready for a possible rematch against last year's playoff opponent - Il Giardino Café.

Il Giardino Café - the Café benefited from a schedule that has them playing the iron of the league the last four weeks of the season. Before taking them on the Café did exactly what they were supposed to do in going 12-1 against their opponents. Over these next few weeks they will be tested and will find out if they have what it takes to win it all. Greg Carr (.609), Mike Kenny (.475), Ed McKenna (.611), and Dave Riberio (.500) lead the way for the potent Café attack. Pitcher Nick Kleimola will look to limit the number of walks down the stretch and into the playoffs.

Boston Beer Garden - a couple of weeks ago the Beer Garden was hammering the Sidewalk Café late in the game. They didn't put the game away and Sidewalk came back to win it. They quickly put the loss behind them and went on to big wins against the Spartans and the Il Giardino Café. Adversity is something this team of friends can handle and that quality could take them very far into the playoffs. Jon Batchelder (.517), Peter Drummey (.538), Mark Hindman (.511), Mark Landolfi (.500), and Danny McElaney (.585) provide the big hits for the Beer Garden.

Next week we will recap the regular season and preview the other three teams that qualify for the playoffs. Games are played Monday through Friday starting at 6:30 & 8:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing you at the park.