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There was a lot of news surrounding the league last week which included two ugly incidents, one off the field and one on, that will not be discussed in this article. Instead, this article will focus on those players and individuals that play by the rules and make playing softball a fun experience for all. On Friday, twenty-nine of the leagues finest players took part in the annual homerun-hitting contest, which has become a fan favorite. After three batters had taken their turn, Sam Moran Club's, Jim Fitzpatrick got the contest moving. Fitzpatrick, who hails from Roslindale, launched nine homeruns in a row before recording an out. He was only the fourth batter and he already had all the other contestants eyeing second place. The tall left-handed hitter eventually tired and finished the contest with fourteen homeruns. A few batters later, Bob Sweeney and Rob Rogers both managed to muscle seven balls over the fence which put them in the running for the runner up prize. Later, last years second place finished Bob Dobay, had his turn at bat. Dobay, who is also a left handed-hitter, got the crowd cheering for the hometown boy. He eventually tied the contest and nearly won it when his last hit fell five feet short of the temporary fence in right field. The last batter in the contest was Brian Linehan, last years "Homerun King." After a slow start, Linehan found his swing and had eight homeruns with three outs remaining. He connected for four more homeruns, for a total of twelve, before his last attempt hit the upper portion of the fence in left field. It was another awesome performance from a gifted athlete and great kid. After a short discussion, Fitzpatrick and Dobay decided to split the winnings and be co-champions. Following the homerun-hitting contest the league held its annual all-star game. The all-star teams were picked this year from the statistics compiled by the league and were based solely on player performance. This method caused some concern as a few of the players who have played on all-star teams in the past felt that they belonged again this year. But the league stuck by its decision to field the players whose statistics proved that they belonged and not include the players that were having sub par years. All in all, the game itself turned out to be exactly what all-star games should be, a lot of fun! Besides that, nobody lost as the game ended in a 6-6 tie. Looking back to Wednesday, an afternoon storm had put that evening's slate of games in jeopardy as the playing field from first to third was completely under water. But with pure determination and manpower, over twenty leagues players from various teams pulled together and restored the field. The job could not have been completed without the help from league supporter, Nick Sheehan, who provided the league with a pickup truck that was used to haul dirt. Speaking of Sheehan, he and Olde Time Hardware are the two responsible parties for the new American flag hanging from the left field foul pole. During a game last week, the patriotic Sheehan balanced himself on the left field fence and fastened Old Glory to the pole. The process took about ten minutes and it would have made for a great photograph. Thank you Nick! Finally, the league standings are really heating up. Several teams have really put their game together and are challenging some of the upper teams. Olde Time Hardware has moved up four notches to seventh place and is putting the pressure on sixth place Quencher Tavern. Molly Darcy's and the Boston Beer Garden continue to keep pace as one game separates them from Seapoint's third place slot. Knocking on the playoff door is Bay View Liquor, Corner Tavern, Sullivan's Pub, and Hub Video. It could come down to one game that makes or breaks the season for these four teams. Coach Rich Linehan, of Sullivan's Pub, vows that his team will be there in the end. The regular season will continue for three more weeks, as each game becomes more and more important. See you at the park!
STANDINGS
Sam Moran Club 15-1 |