THE 2012 SEASON

JANUARY 5
First, I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I hope that the end of 2011 and the Christmas holidays were enjoyable for all. With the turn of the calendar thoughts turn to spring and softball. I will be contacting all of the teams that have played with Major Sports during the past year to make sure that all managers and players are aware that getting the rosters together with I.D.'s is an important first step. Last year was the first year that the Town of Islip implemented getting everyone's drivers license for the roster and it was a tremendous amount of work during the month of April to ensure that it was done right. Now, everyone knows what is expected and it will be much easier to stay on top of it week in and week out as the season approaches.

My best wishes to everyone and I will be talking with all soon.

COMETS AND GORILLAZ TAKE
PLAYOFF BRACKETS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
On a beautiful November day some of the final games in the Autumn league were being played. The Comets met up with the Sewer Rats at Venetian. I could not get them a field in Nassau, because the Town of Hempstead had shut down their fields for the year. The Comets use to play in my league years ago in the Nassau night league. I had some good competition in those days, but the Comets were always at or near the top year in and year out. With a six team Nassau morning league I just did not have the competition for them week in and week out. The Dalers, Evolution and the Sewer Rats could match up with them, but at the end of the day the Comets just had a little two much fire power. The Dalers almost beat them in two games, but in one of those games the Comets came back with 18 runs in one inning. Now, you do not so that unless you have some very good softball players, because the Dalers can get after it with some of the best. The Sewer Rats met them in the final and the Comets took them out in two games. My best to the Comets.

The Gorillaz met up with the Beavers and took two games, 18-13 and 19-4 to finish it up in the Suffolk night division. The week before their was a dust up with the umpire and the Long Shots and the Gorillaz took that playoff series.

NIGHTMARE BEATS THE MUFF DIVERS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9
The weather could not be better for this time of the year. It is hard to believe that storm on Oct. 29, but that is a distant memory, thankfully. The Muff Divers met up with Nighmare for a final and Nighmare took the series. Two good teams, unfortunately, someone has to lose.

SHAMROCKS UPSET SHOW TIME

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7
The Shamrocks met up with Show Time for a playoff final. Show Time came out smoking with a, 12-2 win. However, one win does not win a playoff series. The Shamrocks bounced back for a, 15-9 win. Now with one game to go it is anyones game. At the end of the night is was the Shamrocks pulling an upset, 13-10 victory to take the series.

COMETS, GORILLAZ, SEWER RATS
AND LONG SHOTS MOVE ON

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6
The Comets took on and beat Evolution to move on. The Gorillaz will match up with the Long Shots next week and the Sewer Rats will play the Comets.

NIGHT DIVISION PLAYOFFS MOVING INTO WEEK OF PLAYOFFS

NOVEMBER 2
With nice weather, that is after the October Storm of the Century on Saturday, October 29, has been a pleasant surprise to the night teams. With only about 5 teams left in the night playoffs this will be the last week. The Muff Divers, Silver Bullets Nightmare, Showtime and the Shamrocks look like the cream at the top. However, at the end of the day their can only be two winners, that is because their are two playoffs. So, this is the final week and I will be working on the match ups on Friday.

AFTER THE DELUGE ON SATURDAY WE STILL PLAYED BALL ON SUNDAY

OCTOBER 30
It rained all day and it felt like January. I was watching some of the Coumbia vs Yale game coming from upper New York City and it looked like the middle of January. However, the weather report for the next day was sunny and windy. So, I knew I had a chance to get in some games in Suffolk, because I could work on the fields. The games started late, but I got them all in. The Warriors beat the Gladiators in 3 good games. Now they match up with the Coaches who beat Nightmare in 3. Cobra Kai will meet 8 Men Out for another final in the morning division.

In the night divisions it was the Unigue Gorillaz taking out the Young Guns and the Long Shots beating Ashley Schaefer. What was so cool about that game was some of the players playing in Halloween costumes, now that was cool. The Shots won the games and will play the Gorillaz this week. The match up will be the Beavers and 12 Angry Men.

WE GOT ALL OUR GAMES IN
DURING THE WEEK

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27
Tonight was the last night of the night division. The Muff Divers beat Nightmare in a pair and the Raiders beat the Safelite Sluggers. Premier took a playoff win from Brentwood Liqours. The Silver Bullets move on in the playoffs as does the Shamrocks.

WARRIORS AND NIGHTMARE, COBRA KAI AND BEERS WIN IN PLAYOFFS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24
The playoffs started in the Sunday morning Suffolk divisions. The above teams won and two teams finished up and will start their playoffs this Sunday. The Nassau divsion will start this Sunday as will the Suffolk Sunday night division.

NIGHT TEAMS FINISHING UP

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20
The night divisions are just about through with their Autumn schedule. Tonight Nightmare beat Anger Management in a pair. On Tuesday night the Premier Raiders dropped two and The Safelite Sluggers and Brentwood Liqours split. The Silver Bullets split with the Muff Divers and the Shamrocks lost two to Showtime.

SUFFOLK SUNDAY MORNINGS
FINISH UP

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16
A beautiful day for softball on and ideal October morning. Moring teams finished up and they will start in the playoffs this Sunday. The Suffolk Sunday night teams and Nassau mornings have one more week of regular season play and then they will start the playoffs next week. I hope everyone is having a good time playing softball and all I hope for is two to three more nice autumn Sundays.

WEEKNIGHT TEAMS GETTING THEM IN

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12
The Muff Divers are sitting on top at, 8-0, of Division 13 To finish up I would like them to play the Silver Bullets and Show Time. However, one of their players is the manager of Showtime, Anthony Rizzo. With an 8 team division like this one there are only about 4 competitive teams and 4 less competitive. I am just trying to make it all work. The Silver Bullets, 8-2 and Showtime, 7-1 round out that top tier. All of the other teams match up real well against each other. So, with one week to go and then playoffs I just want the best match ups possible.

SUNDAY DIVISIONS IN SUFFOLK ONE WEEK FROM PLAYOFFS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9
The Comets came ready to play, but for the first time in what seems like 10 years a Nassau team did not have a full squad. The manager of that team sent me a very apologetic email that was very appreciated by me, but I felt sorry for the Comets. In the Nassau division it looks like 4 good teams at the top will have a good go at it for the playoff championship in Division 12. The Dalers, Comets, Sewer Rats and Evoultion all look good.

In Suffolk in Division 10 the Gorillaz, Coaches, Sizzlers, Nightmare and Warriors all look good.In Division 11 the Diamondbacks are having their best Autumn ever, going,8-1 up to this posting. With good weather the Suffolk divsiions could be over in three weeks.

The Suffolk Sunday night divsion looks competive. The Gorillaz and Long Shots look like the cream of the crop. However, playoffs have a way of coming up with surprises sometimes.

WASHOUTS ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7
On Monday, the fields were prepped and ready for play and then the rain. The Muff Divers and Showtime could not get their games in at Hidden Pond, but the Shamrocks and Anger Management played right through some hard rain and the Management took the pair. On Turesday both fields were done, but Old Nichols Road was a mess. Yet, the Silver Bullets and Nightmare played on and got their games in. The teams split. Premier met up with the Safelite Sluggers and the Sluggers won a pair. By Wednesday things had dried up a bit and the Raiders played Brentwood Liquors. The first game was a Brentwood Liquor's 12 run rule in 6. However, the Raiders circle the wagons in the second game and came up with a 16-8 win.

COMETS BEAT DALERS IN
A BARN BURNER

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2
More rain fell on Saturday than I had thought. When I stepped outside at 6AM I knew I had my work cut out for me. Old Nichols Road was a mess, but by time it was 8:30AM all morning teams were playing.

Only two teams played in Nassau Count and they were the Comets and Dalers. By time the doubleheader had finished 106 runs had been scored. Two good teams and a lot of fire works. The first game was a, 25-20 win for the Comets. The second was another big win for them a, 32-29 victory. All Nassau teams will be back in the mix this Sunday.

In the Suffolk Sunday mornings the Diamonbacks split with the Gladiators, winning the first game, 19-18 and then the Gladiators came back for a, 25-23 win. Cobra Kai played solid softball in a 11-6 and 10-7 win's ove The Peeshies. 8 Men Out are playing good softball this Autumn. They beat Nightmare for a pair of wins. The Beers had their way with Sloppy Seconds taking two. Two old veteran teams met up on Sunday the Sizzlers and Warriors. Some of the players on these teams have been in the legue for over 18 years. Now the son's of some of the players are on the teams. The Warriors took the first game, 11-4 and then the Sizzlers took a close, 3-1. The Coaches met up with the Gorillas and if were not for a dropped fly ball the Gorillaz would have taken the doubleheader. They won the first game, 14-9 and then loss that second game, on the dropped fly ball, 10-9.

In the night divisiion in Suffolk on Sunday nights the High Rollers took a close games from Ashley Schaefer, the first one was 4-3 and the second won was a, 15-3 win. The Long Shots split with the Gorillaz. The Gorillaz won the first one, 16-7 and then the Shots came back for a, 15-6 win. The Young Guns and the Beavers did the same splitting a pair. The Beavers won, 8-7 and the Gun's won, 7-6.

MOVING ALONG IN THE AUTUMN OF 2011

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
The last day of September will come and go on a beautiful Autumn Friday. It seems like it was last week when I was running around like a lunitic getting all the paper work ready for the start of the summer league. At this point we are about half way through the Autumn Classic league. The weather has been good and I hope that mother nature cooperates for the next 4 weeks.

Let me go over some the happenings in the divisions. In the night league the Muff Divers are off on a 6-0 run. The competition that will press them are the Shamrocks, Silver Bullets and Showtime. There is a nice mix of teams in the night division, but some have to play of Sunday to get their games in. The Unigue Gorillaz and the Long Shots meet up this Sunday in the night division. Both teams go in undefeated so something will give. In the morning division all teams are starting to get their games in and this Sunday looks like a good won weather wise. So...Let's play two!!!

The standings will be posted by tomorrow and they will be directly below the summer standings.

A GOOD YEAR TO BE UNIQUE AND
TO BE ON THE GORILLAZ

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
It took a little time, but finally the last two teams of the summer league got to play their final playoff. The Unique Gorillaz matched up with the Young Guns on Sunday night. The Gorillaz had won the Sunday morning championship and are playing some of the best softball in Major Sports. They have been going at it for years, I am going to say about 13 or 14, in both the morning division and the night division. Back then they were young and talented, but had to brush up on finishing games and playing as a team. In their early years they lost some close match ups to the Islip Cardinals and the Outfield Pub. Now, they are the toast of the town. They beat the Young Guns in two games to finish off an almost perfect summer of softball for them. They go out and play hard and smooth and you do not hear a pip out of them the whole year. I want to take this time to congradulate them on their success and good sportsmanship. A toast to Team Unigue and the Gorillaz for a job well done. They are an asset to Major Sports.

MEMO: I HAVE HAD A BAD BACK FOR A WEEK AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET NEAR A CUMPUTOR. IN THE NEXT DAY OR TWO I WILL CATCH UP WITH EVERYTHING AND POST THE STANDINGS BY FRIDAY. THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE.

PLAYER CONDUCT

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
A player on one of the Sunday morning teams, had the audacity to yell out a profanity at two woman joggers as they innocently ran by Brookwood Hall South. The profanity is so base that it boggles my mind how a young adult can shout out something like this at two young ladies in front of 25 other players and one of my umpires. The umpire quickly took the situation under control and confronted the player immediately for his disgraceful behavior. That player will not ever play in my league again. He will be sent a letter and all teams that know him will be told by me that if he ever is allowed to take the field again that team will not be allowed to play in my league. Conduct yourselves as gentleman and sportsmen when you step between the foul lines in my league or suffer the consequence, because under the velvet glove is an iron fist.

AUTUMN CLASSIC LEAGUE 2011

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
The second week of softball went off with only two teams not playing. The Dalers were ready to go, but a death in one of the families of the Comets, their opponent on Sunday, shut down that game. Bucky's Bombers, who were suppose to finish up the summer season with a playoff against the Gorillaz, could not muster a team and the Gorillaz could not play.

In Nassau, Evolution got in the win column by knocking off The Grays, 25-3 and 8-5. It looks like the Sewer Rats have the upper hand in so far in Nassau. They beat a good Upper Decker squad, 4-0 and 16-9.

In Suffolk, Cobra Kai took the first game against Nightmare, 8-7 and the Nightmare came back with a, 15-3 win. The Gladiators took two welled played games against the Warriors, 13-12 and 11-10. The Diamondbacks won a pair against The Beers, 11-7 and 15-9. 8 Men Out split with the Gorillas, losing, 20-15 and then winning, 12-11. The Peeshies took their games against Sloppy Seconds, 12-5 and 8-3. The Sizzlers came up with two big wins of their own against the Coaches. Winning, 17-16 and 17-5.

In the Sunday Night divisiion the Longshots smoke Ashley Schaefer, 14-2 and 12-0. The High Rollers and the Beavers split. The Rollers won, 11-4 and the Beavers bounced back for a 14-10 victory. The Young Guns took to the field and got the best of 12 Angry Men, 20-8 and 21-4.

STANDINGS FOR THE AUTUMN CLASSIC LEAGUE WILL BE POSTED BY THIS FRIDAY AND THEY WILL BE BELOW THE SUMMER STANDINGS.

MAX'S TIRE TAKES CHAMPIONSHIP

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Finally, the last playoff teams in the Suffolk twilight league got to play. With the rain and the tropical storm playing havoc with match ups for the last few weeks both these teams, the Gas House Gorillas and Max's Tire got to face each other on the field. Both teams had one loss, so it was one win and winner takes all. The game was played at Nichols Road and in the first inning or two both teams played tight with not much offense production. Then, Max's Tire broke out and in the end it was a, 12-2 win.

DOUBLE R TAKES IT ALL

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
The rain poured Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I had two sets of playoffs ready to go on Thursday, but it looked grim even on Thursday morning as rain fell. Tony, from Max's Tire was to meet up with the Gashouse Gorillas for a final in one playoff, but called my on Thursday morning and told me he was at the field and it was not playable. So, I cancelled that playoff. Just about that time the the rain started to ease up and the sun came out. I was just about ready to cancell the Double R vs Misfit playoff, but just held off. I can get a field ready to play with some help from the sun and I just had a feeling I might be able to get one field ready if the sun started to shine and it did. By 4pm I was at the field and it was a mess, but it was dry and sunny, so I got after it and when game time came, one field was ready to go.

Double R has played in the league for years and the Misfits had played one year about 8 years ago and they won their bracket the year they played. However, going into this game they had to beat Double R twice, because they had won all of their games. So, Double R had the advantage. The first game started off slow wiht the Misfits playing a little better early on. As the innings passed the Misfits lead by a few runs, but in the late innings the Double R bats came to life and sealed the Misfits fate with a, 12-8 victory. It was the toughest division in Major Sports in the summer of 2011 and every game in the playoff was a good match up. The best to Double R as the champions and let's say they went out and won it for Randy.

WHITE SOX TAKE
SUNDAY NIGHT FINAL

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
The weather had made a shambles out the playoffs for the Sunday teams. Heavy rain and then heavier rain had knocked out two Sundays altogether. So, it was Labor Day Sunday or nothing for the brackets and we got them in.The White Sox met up with the Bomb Squad in the night final at Venetian. Two good teams who could field and hit. The Sox started off putting up runs and did not stop until they had one two games, 19-7 and 23-9. The Sox would have played the winner of the Gorillaz vs Bucky Bombers, but the Gorillaz had a bull day on Sunday with their morning championship. The Gorillaz told me they could not play on Sunday nights so the legitimate match up was the two night teams with the best record, the White Sox and Bomb Squad.

GORILLAZ TAKE SUNDAY MORNING ROUND ROBIN

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
With the last day for the summer season being the Labor Day Sunday, I am just glad that I could get the 4 teams in the final down to the field. The Gorillaz, Outfield Pub, Bomecrushers and Rebels. The Laser Show could not make it because their manager was getting married on this very day. So, I may have changed out the Rebels or the Bonecrushers for them, but they had all won their first series and I gave the Rebels the option of playing the Master Batters in another bracket, but they wanted to be in the round robin and after being in the league for 16 years the veteran team got their wish. As the morning turned to afternoon there were only two teams left and that was the Gorillaz and the Outfield Pub. The Gorillaz had won the first game and was in the winners bracket. The final game was a good one, but the Gorillaz never let up and when it was over they had a championship and a, 14-9 win.

COUGAR BAIT BEAT THE MASTER BATTERS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Master Batters won the first game, but the bait came back and took the second and third games.

BUCKY'S BOMBERS BEAT GO HARDS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
The Go Hards played well against a formidable foe, but could not seal a win. The Bombers won, 12-3 and 7-6. As always the Go Hards were perfect sportsmen in defeat and paid tribute to the Bombers for their good play and sportsmanship. The Bombers will play the Young Guns for the final when ever the teams can meet up.

WARRIORS FALL TO DOUBLE R

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
On the first day of September the Warriors took the field looking to give Double R their first loss in the playoffs. The Warriors had played well during the playoffs and were looking forward to the match up. However, when the seven inning game had concluded it was Double R sitting in the "Cat Bird Seat" with no losses and the Warriors were eliminated. So, now it is down to the Misfits, with one loss matching up with Double R next week to finish up this bracket. The Misfits will have to beat Double R, 2 times to win the bracket and Double R will only have to beat the Misfits once.

THE MISFITS BEAT NIGHT MARE AND MAX'S TIRE BEAT HIGHWAY HOMERS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31
The last day of August had two playoff match ups in two different brackets. The Misfits and Nightmare, both teams with one loss each, match up and once again Nightmare could not get their bats to work. They had loss a week ago to the Warriors and only scored two runs and they did on this night. They could have taking The Misfits if they would have hit, because The Misfits only scored 5 runs. The final was, 5-2 and now The Misfits will move on to the finals next week. Max's Tire came out swinging and beat the Highway Homers, 16-9. They will play the Gas House Gorillas next week for the final.

GOOD GAMES, BAD SPORTSMANSHIP CONCERNING AN UMPIRE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25
There were some good teams and some good match ups on Thursday, unfortunately one of those match ups was two teams acting badly toward a good umpire. I would just like to have any player that contest every close call made by an umpire to get out from behind the bench and umpire a game or two. I know for a fact that the umpires assigned to last nights games are good umpires. To contest call after call when the umpire is hustling and doing his best is just bad form.

For the remaining games in the twilight divisions there will be two umpires per game and I will talk personally to each and every manager to let them know that every player is to respect the calls made on the fields and that the umpires will be told by me to eject anyone that steps out of line immediately. This is the warning, so there will be no warnings on the field.

The Warriors took on and beat Nighmare, 5-4. Dobuel R was down to it's last two outs and behind by a few runs against the Reruns, who pounded the ball each and every inning. However, the R came up with 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th to win, 16-15. This division will finish up next week.

BUSY NIGHT FOR TWILIGHT PLAYOFFS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24
Wednesday was the busiest day during the season for regular games and nothing has changed. Tonight 10 played and six teams were eliminated. Double R and the Apaches played and the R took it, 12-9. The Misfits were ready to play and the Reruns were not. The Misfits took it to them, 12-0. At Hidden Pond GSI took out the Weekend

Warriors, 4-1. After that game the Gashouse Gorillas beat the Raiders. In the third game of the night the two winners played, GSI and the Gashouse Gorillas and the House beat them in 8 innings, 16-14. The Nightmare eliminated the Hitmen, 7-4 and them took out the Shamrocks, 15-3. Four teams play tomorrow night and then it will be down to about 4 to 5 teams to finish up next week.

IT LOOKS LIKE A WASHOUT
FOR SUNDAY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24
Well, I hate to be the purveyor of bad news, but for the last five days the weather channel has been spewing some nasty tails about a bad storm rising. As I said yesterday, if we cannot play Sunday the last option is Labor Day Sunday and some teams have told me already they cannot play. One manager is actually getting married, Good Luck, Joe...and some teams just cannot muster. So, I will be call ing all the teams left and we will see what we can salvage from a very wet August.

SHAMROCKS AND WEEKEND WARRIORS WIN

MONDAY, AUGUST 22
This will be the last full week of playoffs for the weeknight teams. I may have two or three left for next week, but I can find a field or two to finish if that is the case. Last night the Shamrocks eliminated Lafragancia B.S. from their bracket and the Weekend Warriors took out and eliminated Sportin' Wood from theirs. We have a full week of games lined up this week.

SUNDAY PLAYOFFS BEGIN

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21
After last weeks deluge the playoffs got off to a good start, that is until the rains moved in late Sunday night to knock out a game or two. Now, I am going to have to fold two weeks of playoffs into one. I am going to try and eliminate as many teams this Sunday as I can and even add one or two more brackets, so that I can finish the season off this Sunday. My permtis end this Sunday. I might be able to get a field our two over the Labor Day weekend, but I am not sure of how many teams want to play on that weekend. I will be calling all the Sunday teams that are left by Wednesday and try and finish this off on Sunday.

REMINDER: PLAY WITH THE PLAYERS YOU DID DURING THE SEASON

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18
Just a reminder that all teams have to play with the players that played during the summer season. I know that it is vacation time and sometimes it is hard to muster this time of year. However, you cannot bring down players that did not play with you during the season.

DOUBLE R MOVING ON

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18
Double R took on and beat a tough Misfits team, 16-8. Both teams played well in the first innings and then Double R poured it on. There will be a full slate of games next week and some teams will play twice in a week and some teams will play two games at night to get this finished up. I will be calling all teams today and Saturday.

JET TICKETS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17
If anyone is interested in good Jet tickets for this weeks exhibition game vs the Bengels I have 6 tickets. Section 228a, First Row, $125 tickets for $50. I have 4 of them. Also, section 240, Club Seats, First Row, $295 tickets for $85. I have 2 of them. VIP Parking tickets $35 for $20.

BUSY WEDNESDAY OF PLAYOFF GAMES

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17
The teams keep playing and some teams get eliminated. Wednesday is a the busiest day of the week for games, it always has been. So, today there was a full slate of playoff games. The Gas House Gorillas played and beat the Muckdogs for a. 12-6 win. A big game was the Apaches and Cubs. The Cubs have played real well the entire year as have the Apaches. Both teams went into this game with a loss, so something had to give and it was the Cubs. The Apaches took a, 5-1 win to eliminate the Cubs. The Misfits are peaking at a good time. They beat the Shamrocks for with a, 13-6 victory and will play again tomorrow against Double R. The Highway Homers took their first win and tag the Weekend Warriors with their first loss. GSI beat Sportin Wood, 9-1 and then dropped a, 10-7 game to the Raiders. The Renegades match up with the Hangovas and when the smoke had cleared they took the two games, after the Hangovas had beat them in the first game.

HITMEN AND NIGHTMARE
TAKE HOME WINS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16
The Hitmen, who lost to the Reruns last week, are back on track with two back to back wins on Monday and Tuesday. They beat a good Warriors team, 16-8. They put up a bunch of runs in the first and the Warriors tried to play catch up the entire game. Nightmare match up with 12 Pack for their playoff game. The first couple of innings were close, but Nighmare started pounding the ball and won, 16-6.

HITMEN AND SHAMROCKS WIN

MONDAY, AUGUST 15
Well, after 8 inches of rain fell in Islip on Sunday I knew I would have my work cut out for me if teams were to play on Monday. Since one of my motto's is, " If it is possible it gets done and if it is impossible it gets done", I got the fields ready and the teams played. The Hitmen took out the Bulls, who had a tough time mustering a team. The Shamrocks match up with Lafragancia and took a close, 9-6 win.

THE AUTUMN CLASSIC LEAGUE 2011

If teams want to play this fall, give me a call and tell me what your intentions are. The league will start the Sunday after the Labo Day weekend.

PLAYOFF SUNDAY WASH OUT

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14
Since I had some time on my hands yesterday with no games I check all the past playoff Sundays going back 20 years. What I found was that this was the first Sunday in 20 years that a complete day of playoffs was wash out. Now, I hope it is another 20 years before the next wash out. Needless to say, all games were rained out and the playoffs will start on August 21. Most of the playoffs have to be compressed into two weeks. If a few teams want to finish up on Labor Day Sunday, that is fine. First, lets get the next to Sunday's of playoffs in.

DOUBLE R ELIMINATES A PROUD GIOS TEAM AND THE RERUNS BEAT THE HITMEN

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11
I believe Gios Pizza has won the championship in the top bracket two times. Not this year. On Thursday they had a tough time getting the 10 man down to the field and Double R smelled blood in the water and came out swinging. By time the night fell, Gios, who had lost on Tuesday, were out of the playoffs. Gios manager, Anthony Biondello, puts a good team on the field each and every year and it is always a pleasure dealing with him. I know that a bunch of teams gun for him and his squad each year. When you have won the championship at least twice going through tough competition each year, I guess you paint a target on your chest. This year they fought hard, but could not get out the the first week. I know one thing, you will see them next year. Double R, won, 16-7

The Reruns met up with a tough Hitmen team and it looked like the Run's were getting the worst of it in the first innings. When I got the score I found out that it was the Hitmen, who got the worst of it. The Reruns took them, 9-6.

A FULL SLATE OF PLAYOFF GAMES

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10
The fields were perfect and the day was perfect as the teams took the field. Lafragancia took on and beat the Apaches, 12-6. The Misfits beat a good Cubs team, 13-6. Sportin' Wood played it's best game of the season and completely shut down the Gas House Gorillas, 11-2. The Weekend Warriors took on the Raiders and beat them, 8-4. Two big night playoff wins had the Renegades winning in three over The Zoo, 4-3, losing, 14-10 and then coming back for a 10-6 win. The Hangovas beat the Sluggers, for two wins and will move on to play the Renegades next week.

THE RAIN CAME AND WENT

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9
The phone started to ring early as the rain started to fall. However, I was on the weather channel and said let's take a chance and get down to the fields and see what happens. The games at Hidden Park were rained out, but the games at Brookwood were played. Gios Pizza, always game and ready to go, could not get out of their own way on Tuesday. They dropped to fly balls and opened the flood gates for Nightmare to take a, 20-4 victory. It gets no easier for Gios, they are scheduled to play again on Thursday and I think they match up with the Hitmen. The Warriros looked sluggish in the first couple of innings, but came on to win the game against Reliable Gutters, 11-8.

SHAMROCKS AND
ON GOLDEN POND WIN

MONDAY, AUGUST 8
The Shamrocks took on and beat the Bulls as the weeknight playoffs started. They won, 12-6. GSI and the Muckdogs decided to play two games and each team took a win and a loss. A big night for On Golden Pond as they matched up in a two-out-of-three, because I had the field time, and won two, 3-2 and 13-8.

BIG NIGHT FOR THE BOMB SQUAD

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7
On the last day of make ups for the Sunday season, the rain threw us a left hook. I knew it was coming and it did. However, it did not do as much damage as I thought it was going to do. What happens on a day like Sunday mornings is a few teams wake up and decide the games are rained out. I feel sorry for the Diamondbacks, who went down to East Islip #4 and the field was playable, but the opponent did not show up. At Hidden Pond the field was not playable and 8 Men Out and the A's had to be cancelled. Every other game was played.

There were some good match ups and some barn burners as the last day of the regular season played out, but no one had a better day then the Bomb Squad. 12 Angry Men called me at around 3pm to cancell, saying they did not have a team, which is the second week in a row that a Sunday night team called to cancell on game day. Before I cancell the any game I will quickly go through my options to get a team to take that slot. I called the Bomb Squad at 4:15pm, because they were playing at Hidden Pond already in the 5pm game. It took them all of about 15 minutes to call back and say they would play four games and play fout they did much to the dismay of their opponents. The beat a good Degenerates team for a pair of wins and then had to match up with a formidable Unique Gorillaz team in games 3 and 4. When the dust had settle the Bomb Squad had won four and now sit on top of their division. A good night for the Bomb Squad to say the least.

The standings were not updated last week. Now that all teams are finished they will be completed in the next one or two days.

WEEKNIGHTS FINISH UP

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4
As I was walking across the fields at Brookwood Hall last night before the games a player yelled out to me," Great weather this year". Thankfully, he was right and we have had some great weahter with very few rainouts during the year. It is a good thing, because I have to condense all the playoffs into the next two and a half weeks. Double R took on and beat the Reruns last night,19-10 and 22-10. The Warriors won their final games against Gios. So, now the playoffs. All teams will be called by tomorrow for their first games.

The final standings will be posted by this coming Monday and the final Top 20.

FULL WEDNESDAY OF MAKEUPS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3
Another day of make ups as the weeknight teams finish up their schedules. The Raiders took on the Highway Homers, each team has played in Major Sports for 19 years, the Raiders got the best of them for two wins. The Apaches met up with the Renegades for the first time this year. The Gades got the best of them the first game, 15-9, but the Apaches took the second game, 9-8. The Weekend Warriors took on the Gas Hose Gorillas at Venetian. The Warriors won the first game, 4-3 and then the Gas House came back for an impressive win with two out in the bottom of the 7th to win, 11-10. The Misfits took on and beat Lafragancia, 10-8 and 7-3. The Cubs beat The Zoo, 18-6 and 22-14.

FINISHING UP GAMES

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2
More teams finished up their regular season games on Tuesday. Nightmare took on and beat Sportin' Wood for a pair as did 12 Pack who took on and beat the Highway Homers. The Homers have two more on Wednesday to finish up their season. Reliable Gutter couls not muster a team and I had to call the Shamrocks with the bad news. No scores from the Hogs vs Hangovas as I this was being posted.

LAST MONDAY OF REGULAR TWILIGHT/NIGHT DIVISIONS

MONDAY, AUGUST 1
July has come and gone and it was a hot and dusty month, but I like the heat and lack of rain. This is the last week of make ups for the weeknight teams. Teams will be called in by in the next couple of days for the playoff match ups.

The Hitmen closed out the regular season with two wins over Lafragancia, winning, 13-1 and 17-3. The Muckdogs split with GSI as did the Saftelite Sluggers and Kerrick Mechanical. On Golden Pond beat the Shamrocks, 9-5 and 16-4 for two wins.

SUNDAY MAKE-UPS NEXT WEEK
FOR MORNING TEAMS

SUNDAY, JULY 31
As July gracefully bowed out with a perfect day on the last Sunday of the month, the last of scheduled season games were played and next week will be make-ups for the Sunday divsisions. The Sunday night divsisions still have a week of schedule, so follow that, but the Sunday morning teams will be called this week to get final match ups before the playoffs start. There were some good games as the Sunday faded into the night.

The Outfield Pub got back on track with two wins against The Laser Show, winning 12-1 and 6-5. The Gorillaz kept pace with two wins over the Gladiators, 10-0 and 8-4. The two teams that really had a couple of excellent games, as I knew they would when I made the switch, were Cougar Bait and the Master Batters. The Bait won the first one in the 10th inning, 7-6 and they won the second game, 10-8. The Bananna Hammock 10 did what few teams have ever done in 20 years of Major Sports softball, they shut out their opponent in two games, winning against Prime Time, 5-0 and 6-0. The Bonecrushers, UTI, Cobra Kai and the Rebels all took their doubleheaders.

In the night Divisiion the Degenerates took on and beat the Load Warriors, 15-2 and 12-6. The Bomb Squad dropped the first one to the Unique Gorillaz, 15-3, but show some spunk in coming back for a 6-4 win. The Go Hards match up with the Ashley Schaefer team after both the Marauders and Brentwood Liquor bowed out. The Go's won, 10-9 and 19-5. The White beat the Young Guns, 19-12 and 23-21. and Bucky's Bombers came up big against the 12 Angry Men by winning, 13-1 and 7-3.

LOTS OF FIREPOWER AT BROOKWOOD

THURSDAY, JULY 28
The last Thursday in July had some good teams finishing up the regular schedule at Brookwood, next week will be makeups. The Hitmen, on top in the Top 25, matched up with Double R, who never shy away from competion. The first game was a, 12-10 win for the Hitmen and second game was a, 17-11 win. Over on the South field the Reruns met up with the Misfits and again that Division 9 puts some good teams on the field. The Reruns took the first one, 7-6 with both teams going back and forth the entire 7 innings. In the second game the Reruns looked as if they would sweep, but not so fast. The game went into extra innings and the Misfits took it with 3 runs in the bottomof the 9th for a, 10-9 victory.

UMPIRE MISSES GAME

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27
It has been 10 years and 15,000 double headers since an umpire missed a game. I had moved both teams to accomodate the umpire and it turned out to be big problem. Every team and every umpire knows how I work this league, by taking everything very seriously. I do my best, first, for the teams and then to accommodate my umpires. I know they all work during the day and getting to certain fields can be a problem, I know that. However, when the manager contacted me that no umpire was on the field at 6:05pm, I immediately went to my phone and called the umpire and he told me he had left me a message saying his car broke down. Every team and umpire knows what I do three hours before each game and that is I do the fields. It is tough to ansewer a phone when you are on the back of a tractor. My problem with the umpire was the lack of trying to connect with me to let me know.

The Apaches and Cubs met for the first time. I knew it would be a match up of two good teams and it turned out to be just that. The Apaches won the first game, 13-9 and then the Cubs dug in and took the second game, 11-7. The Muckdogs met up with good pals Sportin' Wood. What was a fast game turned out to be a, 5-3 win for the Muckdogs. Then Sportin' Wood settled in and took the second game, 11-9. The Weekend Warriors took on the Higway Homers. The Warriors won the first game, 9-1 and then the Homers came back for a, 9-6 win. The Hangovas hung tought all night, but Lafragancia B.S. took two close games, 12-11 and 9-7. The Zoo came up big against a tough Renegades team, winning 10-6 and 9-6.

I will be calling and/or contacting all the teams in the next couple of days to get all of the makeups in.

MEMO: THE PLAYOFFS

ONCE AGAIN AS THE PLAYOFFS APPROACH I JUST WANT TO LET ALL TEAMS KNOW THEY HAVE TO PLAY WITH THE PLAYERS THAT PLAYED WITH THEM DURING THE YEAR. THE RULE IS A PLAYER HAS TO HAVE PLAYED IN 7 OUT OF 11 DOUBLEHEADERS, THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE AND WE WILL GET INTO THAT AS THE PLAYOFFS NEAR.

TOP TEAMS WILL GO INTO A DOUBLE ELIMINATION PLAYOFFS AND TEAMS AT THE BOTTOM OF CERTAIN DIVISIONS WILL GO INTO A SINGLE ELIMINATION PLAYOFFS. OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS I HAVE HAD ALL TEAMS IN DOUBLE ELIMINATION PLAYOFFS, BUT THIS YEAR MY PERMITS RUN OUT IN THE THIRD WEEK OF AUGUST AND THE TOWN WILL NOT GIVE OUT EXTRA TIME ON THE FIELDS.

SO WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO
ABOUT THE BATS?

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26
I am always glad when late July runs into August. For me it is the end of the long season. This year, I will be happy that it is over for one more reason and that reason will be an off season for me to come up with a solution for the bats that are being used in the league. I have done this for 20 years and never have I had the amount of complaints, legitimate complaints, about the bats being used. Every time I umpire a game or stop by to see a few innings, I see softalls hit into the stratosphere and laser like line drives being ripped through the infield. I will be glad when this year is over, because next year I will do something to stop this madness.

Reliable Gutters and the 12 Pack split a doubleheader. The Reliable's took the first game, 9-3 and the Pack bounced back for a, 15-2 win. The Warriors took on the Bulls and took two, 18-6 and 23-9. Max's Tire and the Nightmares met up at Hidden Pond for the first time this year. The first game was a fast one with the Night's winning, 7-6. The second game was just as close with the Night's winning in the bottom of the 7th and a controversial play. Max's had tied the game up in the top of the 7th with 3 runs and the Nights came up in the bottom of 7th. With a long drive into the left field fence just missing a homerun by a foot the Night's had the bases loaded with one out. All they needed was one run to clinch. The batter, a lefty hit a line drive to second which was caught. Now, the man on first was off the base and as the second baseman threw to the first baseman for the double play the ball was thrown a little high and missed by the first baseman. As the ball rolled away from the first baseman, the man on third ran home for the winning run. Now, Max's protested that the runner had left early from third, but there was no way the umpire could have seen that, because he had to watch the line drive being caught by the second baseman and then he had to watch the throw to first for what would have been an inning ending double play if it was caught. It was not and the runner on third came across with the winning run. With one umpire you cannot call a man out for leaving early if the umpire cannot see it. Two tough losses for a good Max's Tire softball team. They will be heard from in the playoffs. The Hogs and Safelite split two in the rain in the late night game.

GOT THEM ALL IN

MONDAY, JULY 25
The last Monday of July. It is hard to believe. It seems as if it was just the middle of April and I was running around like a mad man trying to get ID's. With the threat of rain in the air and rain falling for about a half and hour, the skies cleared and we got them all in. The Raiders took on GSI and dropped two. GSI just came out and hit better and fielded better. It was a long night for Kerrick Mechanical and On Golden Pond. Both teams decided to play 4 games at Hidden Pond after last Monday's games were rained out. Kerrick won the first one, 15-5. The second game was a barn burner, but Kerrick came up on top, 12-11. Kerrick came out and took the third game, 24-12. What could have been a real long night for On Golden Pond turned positive in the 4th game, when they took an, 11-8 victory.

A HOT AND DUSTY SUNDAY

SUNDAY, JULY 24
Well, at least it was not as hot as Friday as all teams dug in watered up and played some softball on a hot July Sunday. I mean it is the summer so there will be some hot days. The Kore started off the Sunday at Venetian by taking two games from Chubacabras, 11-10 and 20-8. Master Batters played well by taking on and beating a solid Rebels team, 14-3 and 9-5. The Rebels can play with the best of them, so it might have been a few guys not being able to make it, or just that Master Batter's played well and beat a good team. The Laser Show got on the schedule against Cougar Bait and got beat in both games, 14-13 and 22-1. The Cougars are playing some good softball. The A's met up with the Tongue Darts and won two close games, 7-5 and 6-5. A big one at Hidden Pond had the Outfield Pub and the Gorillaz meeting up for the first time. The Gorillaz won the first game, 8-1 and then the Pub returned the favor and took the second game, 10-2. U.T.I. played well and beat 8 Men Out, 23-19 and 14-12. The Gladiators played the red hot Banana Hammocks. The Gladiators play a tougher schedule than the Hammock and that competition difference ruled the day. The Glad's won, 9-7 and 8-5.The Diamondbacks split with Cobra Kai with both teams playing well and taking home a victory. Prime Time took on and beat the Brentwook Liqours, 15-4 and 20-6.

In the night divisions the Load Warriors took on the Marauders. The Marauders got the best of them the first game for a, 10-3 and then the Warriors bounced back for a, 10-2 win. The Bomb Squad took two from the Young Guns in two well played games, They took the first one in 8 innings, 12-8 and then took a one run win in the second game, 8-7. The Gorillaz went to Venetian and split with the White Sox, winning, 16-15 and then dropped the second one to the Black's when they came back with 6 runs in the bottom of the 8th to win, 11-10. 12 Angrey Men were methodically in their first game win over the Go Hards, 7-1, but the Go Hards staying true to form came back in the second game for a nice, 11-6 win. The Degenerates split with Ashley Schaefer winning, 17-13 and losing, 12-10. A dust up down at East Marina with Bucky's Bombers and the Master Batters, who wanted to make up a doubleheader they lost in the early part of the morning summer season. The Master's won the first game, 17-7 and in the second game tempers flaired and the game was stopped after 7 innings with both teams tied. So, both teams will get a win and I will sort the stories.

DOUBLE R TAKES PAIR FROM CUBS AND GIOS AND RERUNS SPLIT

THURSDAY, JULY 21
As the dog days of summer roll on softballs filled the air. Gios met up with their arch rivals the Reruns and both teams picked up a win. The important thing is that the outfielder on Gios is alright after a scary outfield collision. I have had these fields for 20 years and this is the first collision that caused any damage to anyone. It was just one of those things. I hope that he is doing well. Double R took on and beat a good Cubs team, 14-2 and 15-13. Two more weeks of games and then we will start the playoffs that second week in August and we have to complet them by August 25. So, the bottom teams will go into a single elimination tournament and their might be two brackets in the double elimination tournament. I will start to work on what I think is the best for all the teams.

APACHES BEAT THE MISFITS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20
The Apaches have played in the league for about 6 or 7 years. They first played in the night league and could keep up with the competition at that time. They moved to the twilight divisions about 4 years ago and have always held there own. Due to the day they play they miss some of the top competition, but not last night. Last night they met up with a tough Misfits team that always comes to play. I was at the other field and watch the the teams mix it up. Sometimes you can always tell what team is schooling the other team, not last night. However, at the end of the night it was the Apaches that put two impressive wins, 9-8 and 11-10. The Weekend Warriors came off a tough doubleheader last week, but they did not take it into this weeks game. They played and beat Sportin' Wood, 5-3 and 13-5. Max's Tire took on the Safelite Sluggers and took two, 15-3 and 23-5. The Hangovas met up with The Zoo and both teams took a win. The Zoo shut them down in the first game, 8-0. However, the Hangovas shook off their hang over and took the second game in impressive style, 12-9. Over at Venetian we had the Gas House Gorillas taking on the Muckdogs. The House won two, 10-9 and 12-0.

SO YOU WANT TO BE A CLOWN...

TUESDAY, JULY 19
I have run this league for 20 years and I saw something last night that I have never seen before. I am not going to mention the teams out of respect for the players on those teams. An outfielder had a pop up hit to him in a game that his team was losing by 10 runs. As the ball came down he tried to catch it behind his back. You could almost feel the air being sucked out of the every ball player on both teams. The next play he did the same thing. The next play was an out and I went over and told the player never to do that again and he said that he was just trying to catch the ball. Well, if you ever do it again in my league it will be your last game. If you want to act like a fool, do it in your home not on the softball field.

The Highway Homers dropped two games to the 12 Pack last night on a hot night at Hidden Pond. The Hitmen took on Reliable Gutters and took two, 9-5 and 12-4. The Degenerates took on The Hogs and took a pair, 12-2 and 14-8. The Warriors were ready to go, the umpire was ready to go and the was trim and looking good. Unfortunately, the Nightmares miss read their schedule and were not there. I know this happens, but just try and read those schedules properly.

READY TO PLAY...THEN THE RAIN

MONDAY, JULY 18
We have had some great luck with rain during the week. It was only the law of averages saying that it had to rain one of these week nights and last night was it. All games were called with teams on the field.

A SIZZLING SUNDAY OF SOFTBALL

SUNDAY, JULY 17
I was up at dawn and was looking forward to a good day of softball with no rain in site. The morning started off early for some teams as they met at 8:15am to start off with a couple of doubleheaders. Besides an umpire going to the wrong field, but getting to the right field just a little late, it was a perfect day for softball from start to finish.

A big game at Brookwood Hall had Cougar Bait mixing it up with the Outfield Pub. The Bait usually gets better each week. After Sundays games they just might have peaked. They won two games in dramatic fashion, 20-18 and 13-12. Since the Pub is always one of the best in Major Sports year in and year out, I think it is always their opponents bringing their best when they play them. The Bonecrushers took two from UTI, 15-5 and 12-5. These were two teams that use to match up all the time in the past. Bananna Hammock came back with another rally in their first game with Chubacabras, winnig 10-9. The took the wind out of the Chu's in that one, because the second game was a, 11-0 win for the Hammock. The Rebels are playing good ball. They match up with 8 Men Out and took the pair, 14-5 and 14-5. Prime Time had a real long day. They played 4 games and lost them all, but every game was close. They played the Master Batters first and lost, 8-3 and 7-4. Then they played the Gladiators and lost, 8-5 and 6-5. The A's traveled to Venetian to face The Kore and they took a doubleheader, 18-16 and 17-3. In the heat at Bridge Street, the Tongue Darts dropped two to the Diamondbacks, 11-7 and 12-8. In the next match up at Bridge, Cobra Kai beat The Beers, 10-8 and then The Beers came back for an impressive, 18-11 win.

As the heat of the day subsided the Sunday night division got going. The Bomb Squad played well and as did the Degenerates. They both won a game with the Squad winning, 15-7 and the Degenerates winning, 8-5. The Load Warriors took on the Gorillaz and split. The Load won, 8-7 and the Gorillaz won, 9-7. Another split at Venetian had the White Sox and 12 Angry Men taking home one win each. The Sox's won the first game, 23-20 and the Angry Men came back with some offense to just get by in the second game, 17-16. The Young Guns met up with Brentwood Liquors. Brentwood Liquor has played well all year, but do not have a lot of wins to show. The Guns came out and played well in the first game to win a close, 12-9 victory. Both teams played good infield and hit well. In the second game Brentwood would not be denied and stayed ahead the entire game for an, 11-8 win. The fireworks at Brookwood South were the Marauders and Ashley Schaefer. The Marauders won the first game, 16-4, but Ashley came roaring back for a, 15-14 win.

The manager of the Go Hards is a classy man. Will Richardson, who always calls the scores in for his team. On this Sunday night they played at a wind blown East Islip #4 against Bucky's Bombers. The Go Hards lost both games, 9-8 and 10-9, both on the last at bats of the game. Instead of lamemting the losses or complaing about the conditions at the Marina, he heeped praise on the opponent for their tenacity and play. Now, that is class. Keep up the good work, Will.

APACHES AND GIOS PIZZA
WALK OFF WITH WINS

THURSDAY, JULY 14
Thursday is always full of fireworks at Brookwood Hall. They are the only games I have on Thursday and they are usually all Division 9 games. A tough division top to bottom. The Apaches met up with a good Nighmare team and played well enough to beat them in a doubleheader, 14-6 and 11-10. Two big wins for the Apaches. Over at the south field Gios Pizza met up with Double R. Once again two good teams and two barn burners. Gios just had a little more in the tank and they took two, 18-14 and 12-11.

MEMO: ANYONE WHO CURSES OUT AN UMPIRE WILL BE GIVEN ONE CHANCE TO SIT THE NEXT WEEK AND REFLECT ON HIS POOR JUDGEMENT. IF THAT PLAYER CURSE OUT ANOTHER UMPIRE AT ANY TIME IN MAJOR SPORTS, FROM THAT POINT ON, HE WILL HAVE TO FIND ANOTHER LEAGUE TO PLAY IN. GENTLEMEN, THINK ABOUT IT FOR A SECOND, THE UMPIRES ARE NEVER PERFECT, BUT THEY TRY. I JUST WANT YOU TO PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR PLACE FOR A FEW INNINGS AND I BELIEVE YOU WOULD THINK TWICE ABOUT THE VERBAL ABUSE.

RERUNS WIN TWO BIG GAMES

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13
The Reruns have been getting after in Major Sports for close to 15 years. They have won many a big game and, unfortunately for them, they have lost a few of those big games. Last night they matched up with a tough Cubs team, who went in to the games sporting a, 12-2 record. In the first game the Reruns, took a close, 13-11 victory. Sometimes there is a let down after a big first game win, but not on this night for the Reruns, who closed the deal with a, 8-6 win. Two good teams, too bad someone has to lose.

The Highway Homers met up with their old pals Sportin' Wood. The Homers came out and took the first game, 9-6 with two good innnings. The Wood had them, but could not hold on. The Woodsmen looked down and out going into that second game, but played hard and smart and took it, 7-5. Nightmare filled in for the Shamrocks at Hidden Pond against the Weekend Warriors. They picked up two wins. The Zoo played Safelight and took a pair, 15-9 and 12-8. The Babylon Misfits played Lafragancia and rolled to a pair of wins, 14-5 and 12-8. The Bulls traveled to Venetian where they met up with the Gas House Gorillas. The Bulls bats were hot and they took two, 22-16 and 13-6.

DEGENERATES, A.K.A. RENEGADES, KEEP WINNING

TUESDAY, JULY 12
Another hot and dusty night on the softball fields. The Degenerates, also known as the Renegades are playing some good softball. They won agains last night beating a very game Hangovas, 13-4 and 7-3, which brings their record to, 14-2. The Warriors took on and beat Reliable Gutter, 6-5 and 23-11. Max's Tire played the 12 Pack and took two, 13-1 and 11-7.

I will start calling the teams about getting their final games in during the month of July. Some teams are going to have to double up once or twice a week to get them in. I want all twilight and night teams to have played all their games by the end of July. When the permit runs out at the end of August, the Town of Islip will not give out any extra days. I want the playoffs to start in the first week of August if possible. This year there will be a single elimination bracket as there use to be. I just want to make sure I can finish the playoffs by that third week in August.

KERRICK MECHANICAL AND GSI SWEEP

MONDAY, JULY 11
Back for a full week of softball after having last Monday off being it was the 4th of July. The teams got back after it tonight and their were some good match ups. GSI came out hitting and the Muckdogs could just not catch up. GSI has had a few injuries this season and has paid for it on the field. However, last night they look good and took two from the Muckdogs, 10-3 and 12-7. On Golden Pond met up with Lafragancia B.S. and both teams took home a victory. The Ponder's took the first one, 9-5 and B.S. took the second game, 6-4. Kerrick Mechanical gave the Shamrocks their first losses of the the season. They won in 9 innings, 12-9 and took the second game, 12-4. The Safelite Sluggers took their first game against the Raiders winning, 21-11, that makes it 3 in a row for the Sluggers, but the Raiders were not going to give them 4 in a row. The Raiders took the second game, 20-6.

I still think some of these bats are out of control. I have been at some games and some of the bats just do not sound right. A legal bat is a legal bat, however, if I ever find that somone is rolling or doctoring their bat, they will never play in this league and I will do my best to make sure they do not play in any leagues. If you have a loaded bat, leave it in the garage.

THE RETURN OF SUMMER SOFTBALL

SUNDAY, JULY 10
Well, the glorious 4th of July weekend has come and gone. Now it is back to playing softball. These are the Dog Day's and from this point on as it has been for the last 19 years, it is softball with no breaks until Labor Day Weekend, by that time the summer of softball, 2011 will be a nice memory. We will play each Sunday, right through the schedule and into the playoffs and through their completion.

On a hot and dusty Sunday just about every team got their licks in. The Gladiators were the only team that did not play and the Sunday night Degenerates played a long 4 game schedule and won all four games.

Here we go. The Rebels took the first game against a talented Outfield Pub team winning it, 6-4. In a very close second game the Pub came back for a, 15-13 win. The Laser Show took two close games from U.T.I. The U had them on the ropes the first game, but let up late in the 6th and 7th innings and the Show took it, 13-9. In the secind game the U had them again, but could not close and lost, 12-11. The Chubacabras took a pair from Brentwood Liqour, winning, 9-7 and 7-6. Eight Men Out how a good morning of softball by beating the Diamonbacks, 23-11 and 8-3. Cougar Bait plays better and better as the summer moves on. They beat the Gorillaz in their first game, 6-5, but the Gorillaz always seem to bounce back and they did, winning the second game, 18-6. Cobra Kai took on and beat the Tongue Darts, 12-5 and 11-9. The A's played a pair with the Beers and won the two games, 6-5 and 14-11. The Kore and the Master Batters met up at Venetian and the Master's won the first game,11-2, but the Kore returned the favor and won the next game, 10-9. Bananna Hammock and the Bonecrushers met for the first time and the Hammocks won, 18-14 and 15-13.

In the night divisions, as I mentioned in the opening statement, the Degenerates had a good day. The beat the Marauders, 7-4 and 21-12 and then stayed right there and beat the Young Guns, 17-7 and 7-5. The Go Hards played Ashley Schaefer for their games. In the first one, A.S. won, 12-8, but the Go Hards, doing just that did not waver and won the second game, 12-6. The White Sox took on and beat Bucky's Bombers, 23-11 and 23-11. The Load Warriors beat the Bomb Squad, 9-2 and 7-6. The games that followed were between 12 Angry Men and the Gorillaz. The Gorillaz took the first won, 10-5, but the 12 wanted a split and got one, winning the second game, 10-9.

NIGHTMARE AND GIOS PIZZA SWEEP

THURSDAY, JULY 7
As the rain clouds circled and dropped some significant rain in Nassau and north Suffolk, it did not effect the games at Brookwood Hall. Nightmare, who filled in for the Bulls for the second time in two weeks, took on and beat Double R. To close games and two wins for Nightmare 8-7 and 12-7. Gios Pizza met up with their Division rivals the Reruns. When it was all over Gios Pizza took a pair, 11-7 and 11-6.

BUSY WEDNESDAY FOR SOFTBALL

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6
Wednesday is the busiest week night for softball and they were flying all over the place on the first Wednesday back from the 4th of July. The only team that did not play was Lafragancia. The Shamrocks, who usually play on Monday, did not read their schedule and did not show up. It happens 3 or 4 times a year. So, managers, read those schedules each week and find out the day you are playing. No one wants to go to a field and have an opponent not show up.

Sportin' Wood came out smoking with a, 21-0 win over the Gashouse Gorillas. Now, you know softball. When you think that the second game will be just as lop sided, guess what happens, the Gorillas come out smoking and take the second game, 13-10. The Weekend Warriors split with the Raiders. The Raides took the first game, 14-13 and the Weekenders took the second game, 20-8. The Apaches got back on the winning side after dropping two last week. They took out a depleted G.S.I. team, 14-2 and 14-6. The Zoo and the Cubs had two barn burners at East Islip. The Zoo won the first one, 13-7 and the Cubs bounced back with a 18-15 win. Two good teams. The Degenerates met up with the Hangovas and I was not sure that I heard the scores correctly. The first game was a, 2-1 win for the D's. The second was a low scoring affair, too. The D's won, 8-0.

BACK TO SUMMER SOFTBALL

TUESDAY, JULY 5
The wonderful 4th of July weekend has come and gone. The fireworks have all been shot into the cobalt blue night and the Stars and Stripes have been waved deep into that same night. Now it is back to softball as ,"Play Ball", was shouted out across the playing fields of Major Sports. For 20 years this is how it has unfolded. I remember the first 4th of July back in, 1992 like it was yesterday. Now, we finish up the last part of the season and get into the playoffs. So, far this year, even though we started a little late, the weather has been very cooperative. I am going to try and get the weeknight leagues finished up by the end of August and, hopefully, the Sunday divisions, too. So, August can be the month when all the teams are eliminated in playoffs, except of course the champions.

The Hitmen took on the Warriors, two good teams in that tough Division 9. The first game was a good one as the teams went back and forth at one another. A run here a run there, a good play here and a better play there. At the end of 7 it was, Hitmen, 10 and the Warriors, 7. The second game was a, 20-11 win for the Hitmen. The Nightmare took two by the 12 run rule vs the Muckdogs. Max's Tire looking good against the Highway Homers, winning, 17-9 and 11-4. I hope the Higway infielder that got hit in the eye is O.K. A lot of blood and a few stiches, but I think he will be fine.

Hats off the the Safelite Sluggers for taking a pair against the Hogs, winning their first doubleheader of the year, 23-13 and 11-5.

FOUR TEAMS PLAYED ON JULY 3

SUNDAY, JULY 3
Not much action on this 4th of July weekend. Usually, no teams play, but I will give teams the option of playing if they want. The Cobra Kai met up with the Diamondbacks and split a pair and so did Cougar Bait and the Rebels. So, all teams went home with one victory. The best to everyone on this weekend.

THE WEEKEND WARRIORS: SCOTT FREE...

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29
The Weekend Warriors met up with Sportin' Wood and the buzz on the Weekend Warrior bench was how good they play without one of their players. I cannot tell you the name, but you spell it S-C-O-T-T. All in good fun my friend, Scott. Enjoy the holidays and I will look forward to seeing you at the next game, even if some your teammates do not.(Scott, They told me to do it) The Weekenders, spit, winning a great come from behind game in the bottom of the 7th with 3 runs, 9-8. The Wood came back with ,10-2 win. I could here the Reruns on the South field at Brookwood as they played with a tough Warriors team. Many long balls later by both teams ended with the Reruns tallying two wins, 14-12 and 22-14. The Cubs came up with two wins beating Nightmare, 11-7 and 14-2. The Degenerates took on and beat The Zoo, 11-7 and 17-5. The Babylon Misfits won two, 34-3 and 13-8. The Raiders met up with Safelite and won, 15-3 and 23-15. The Gas House Gorillas beat the Muckdogs, 19-7 and 16-4.

HITMEN AND DOUBLE R SWEEP
GOING IN TO JULY 4YH BREAK

THURSDAY, JUNE 30
It has been a great month of softball. With very few rain outs during the week for the entire month of June, most teams have played at least 12 games and most have played more. The Hitmen met up with their neighbors Gios Pizza, a bunch of teams have known each other for a long time and this was one of those match ups. The Hitmen lived up to their name and Gios took the losses home with them. The scores were, 14-10 and 11-2. Double R had a little to much for the undefeated Apaches. The Apaches had not run into a team like Double R all year. The Apaches have a solid team, but could not keep up with the offensive power of Double R. The scores, 19-3 and 19-11.

12 PACK AND NIGHTMARE SWEEP

TUESDAY, JUNE 28
The last week of June, going into the 4th of July break, has some teams getting after it. 12 Pack met up with the Highway Homers on a sultry summer night. The was triling going into the last inning when they tied it up. In the 10 inning one of 12 Pack's players ripped a hard line drive into to center field that happened to skip under the legs of the Homer's center fielder and that was the game. The score was, 5-4 A one run win for the 12. In the second game 12 Pack got the best of them late in the game for an, 8-6. Nightmare took two from a good Reliable Gutter team. The Hangovas won the first game with the Hogs, 14-10 and the second game was a, 10-10 tie after 5 innings, so both teams will get a win.

SOFTBALLSTATS.COM

TUESDAY, JUNE 28
One of my managers in Major Sports, Ken Wilson, brought a website to my attention and if any teams think they can use it to enhance their softball experience, go ahead and use it. You can click their banner below to go to the site. There is no financial arrangement between Major Sports and the website or the person.

If any of you think that using it will add to the enjoyment of playing softball than my job is done. If any of you do use it, let me know how it is.

ON GOLDEN POND ROWS
TO TWO WINS

MONDAY, JUNE 27
G.S.I. met up with On Golden Pond on a perfect night for the game. The distant memory of March, April and early May seem like ancient history on a night like last night. The Pond came out and put 4 runs up the first inning and G.S.I. did not answer the entire game and lost, 7-1. Matt the pitcher is back from over seas, working with the Army in setting up commumications. He pitched very well, but did not get any help in the field. Some sure handed infielders that usually get the job done, did not. They came out with some spunk in the second game, but a outfielder misplayed a what turned into a grand slam and shut the door on any chance of G.S.I, coming up with a win. They lost, 12-5. Kerrick Mechanical took on and beat Max's Tire in two welled played games.

LAST SUNDAY BEFORE
THE 4TH OF JULY

SUNDAY, JUNE 26
The last Sunday in June was a beauty. The weather was hot and dry and all teams, except Cougar Bait, played. If any teams want to play this coming Sunday, July 3, let me know. Some teams are already on the schedule, so some teams will play.

Lets start with the Sunday Night divisions this week. The Young Guns seemed to be playing some good softball. They took on and beat a good Ashley Schaefer team for two, winning, 14-9 and 20-7. I will say something about one particular player on Schaefer and that is their manager, Michael Guarascio. Every time I see them play he is all over the outfield, running and gunning. He hits well and runs the bases as good as anyone. They may have dropped a few games in the last week, but the play of Michael G. has kept them in every game. The Go Hards played an improving Brentwood Liquors team. They won two, the Go Hards, 15-4 and 16-9, but the B.L. have really improved in the last month. Bucky's Bombers took two close ones from 12 Angry Men, the first one in 12 innings, 17-11 and the second one, 10-9. The White Sox and the Load Warriors split. The Sox took the first game, 21-9 and the Warriors the second game, 8-7. The Bomb Squad and Marauders did the same splitting their match up. The Degenerates wond the first game against the Gorillaz, 13-5 and then the Gorillaz bounced back for a 15-12 win.

The Outfield Pub keeps chugging along. They took a pair from U.T.I., 17-5 and 4-0. Prime Time held down the the A's for two wins as did the Laser Show, who beat the Diamondbacks, 4-3 and 12-5.The Master Batters played well against a good Bonecrushers team, winning two, 13-8 and 8-6. Eight Men Out played well against a tough Gorillaz team, but went down, 22-10 and 15-11. Bananna Hammock took out their frineds, The Beers, for two wins, 9-6 and 13-8. The Kore was ready to play at Venetian and played well they did. They beat Cobra Kai, 16-2 and 6-3. The Gladitors met up with the Rebels and rolled for two wins, 8-3 and 7-5.

PLAYOFF TIME

SATURDAY, JUNE 25
I know that the playoffs are a month and a half away, but once again here is the protocol. Players have to have played in 7 out of the 11 double headers during the season to be eligible. Of course there are exceptions to every rule. As long as teams are not bringing down players who really did not play with them during the season. If a few players due to work, injury or family issues has played in less than the 7 double headers and the manager can look me in the eye and tell me that each and every player is on the roster then I will make that call in the end. I just do not want or will I tolerate the guy who comes down the field with two bat bags and does not even know the name of the team. I have run many a team out for not playing by the rules, so lets have some fun and play the game with sportsmanship on each and everyone's mind.

THE BAT ISSUE

SATURDAY, JUNE 26
I watched a couple of games this past week and once again my jaw dropped as I saw some players pound the softball into the horizon. Every body that plays the game knows in their hearts that some of these bats are without a doubt, OUT-OF-CONTROL. They may be legal on the NSA website, but they really should not be. I am also sure that some of the players have modified bats. I have had players over the years tell me that some of their teammates have modified their bats, so the genie is out of the bottle.

I just want to say this to each and every player. My only concern is the safety of the players, especially the pitcher and the infielders. Balls that are hit into the stars are not my real concern, my real concern is the pithcer and the infielders. Just think for a minute what would happen if one of those line drives hits some one in the face or head. Is it really worth it to play with a bat that can do the kind of damage to a player that some of these lethal bats could do? Just think about that the next time you get into the batter box.

All I am trying to do is make the game as safe as possible.

GOOD MATCH UPS ON THURSDAY
IN DIVISION 9

THURSDAY, JUNE 23

All four teams that played on Thursday come out of the rough and tough Division 9. If you play in this division you better be ready to play each and every second of every game with a passion. Double R and the Warriors met up on Thursday and it was a good pair of games. Double R out gunned them in the first game with a, 21-9 win. However, the Warriors made their statement in the second game with a close, 14-13 win. The Cubs played Gios Pizza in another match of the D9. The softball's flew as did the fur with the Cubs staying undeafeted in the first game with a, 16-9 win. However, Gios Pizza came back big in the second game against a relentless Cub's team to hand them their first loss of the season, 13-10.

ALL GAMES WERE PLAYED
ON WEDNESDAY

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22

It looked like we might have had to cancell some games as it got closer to game time. The rain did come, but all teams played through it and we got them all in. The Apaches are cutting through the competition so far this season. They played the Weekend Warriors and took a pair, 16-6 and 12-0. The Bulls met up with the Babylon Misfits. The first game was a good one with the Misfits winning a close one 9-8. However, the Bulls bat's took the next game off and they dropped that one, 21-1. The Reruns met up with the Gashouse Gorillas for their only trip to Venetian for the year. They bombed the Gorillas in the first game, but had to have a walk off homerun in the 7th inning of the second game to win that one, 5-4. The Hangovas had just that after meeting up with The Zoo. The Zoo took them out, 21-11 and 12. Two good games and the Hangovas did play them two good games.

A couple of the Sunday morning teams will be moved around this coming Sunday to get the best match ups for those teams that are moved. I will call them today.

HITMEN, DEGENERATES AND
MAX'S TIRE SWEEP

TUESDAY, JUNE 21

On the first day of the summer solstice the softballs flew through the air with 8 teams meeting on the fields of play. The Hitmen, methodically, took two more from a tough Reliable Gutter's team, 12-7 and 9-7. Max's Tire met up with the Highway Homers for the first time. The first game would have been more competitiive if the Homer's were not playing with 8 men. The Tire's came out with 10 in the first two innings and that was that, winning that game, 16-8. However, in the second game the Highway Homers settled in and played well, but still dropped a close, 8-6 win. The Degenerates took on the Hogs and won, 12=0 and 17-10. The 12 Pack took on Sportin Wood and took the first game, 7-6. Then the Sportin' Wood came back for a, 18-16 win.

ON GOLDEN POND AND
KERRICK MECHANICAL SWEEP

MONDAY, JUNE 20

On a sublime summer's night the teams took the field and played some good softball. The Raiders met up with the Muckdogs and in a back and forth doubleheader each team went home with a win. The Raiders took the first game and the Mucker's took the second game. The Shamrocks are off to a sweet, 12-0 start. They met up with Lagragancia Barber Shop for the second time this year and took two more. The second game was a close, 10-8 win. On Golden Pond took out G.S.I. for two more impressive wins. In all fairness to G.S.I. they are missing some key players. One or two are over seas and one broke his coller bone last week. The Pond won, 17-6 and 14-5. The Safelite Sluggers keep going out and hiving a good. They match up with Kerrick Mechanical for two and dropped both. What matters is they go out and have fun and play the game each and every night like it is supposed to be played. Keep up the good work, Sluggers...

ALL TEAMS PLAYED ON
FATHERS DAY, EXCEPT ONE...

SUNDAY, JUNE 19
The only team that did not play of Father's was the Degenerates. They called early during the week and told me they would not have a team, but because two teams doubled up, playing 4 games each, the Outfield Pub and Ashley Schaefer, every team played except for the Degenerates.

The Outfield Pub cut through the competition in the first three games scoring, 45 runs to the opponents 9, but they ran out of gas in the 4th game, as can be expected, and dropped that one to the Gladiators, 8-4. They took Cougar Bait for the first two wins. The Laser Show and Bonecrushers split with the Bone's winning, 7-5 and then the Laser Show scoring a close, 12-11 win in the second game. The Kore met up with UTI and split at Venetian. They won, 7-5 and lost, 13-10. Eight Men Out came up with two wins vs the A's,17-5 and 10-6 were the scores. Prime Time took the first game against Bananna Hammock, 5-3 and the Bananna's won, 8-1. The Rebels are playing good softball, they took two from the Diamonbacks, 16-3 and 10-2. The Master Batter's hung in and played the Gorillaz real close in two games. They lost the first one, 9-5 and the second, 15-12. Cobra Kai and the Tongue Dart's split as did the Chubacabras and The Beers.

In the Sunday night division Brentwood Liquors played as well as I have seen them play in two years. They made some great plays in the field and scored 29 runs. The only thing is Ashley Schaefer scored one more run in each game to take a pair. Then Ashley Schaefer got after it again against 12 Angry Men, the just lost the first one, 8-6 and ran out of juice in the second one, as did the Outfield Pub, and dropped the last game, 14-2. The Gorillaz and White Sox split at Venetian. The G's won, 19-13 and the White Sox took the night cap, 25-13 in a 12 run rule. The Go Hards and Marauders split their pair with the Go's winning, 10-4 and the Marauders winning, 9-5. The Bomb Squad and Bucky's Bombers split their pair at Venetian.

KENNY ZDANIO: ONE OF
OUR MANY HEROS

FRIDAY, JUNE 17
I think George Orwell said it best, "We sleep safely in our beds, because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm."

For years I have always admired the uniforms of the Reruns. Their colors are black and gold, the U.S. Army's colors, and on their backs they have the an American flag right above their numbers. Every time I am down at a game when they are playing my eye is always drawn to,"Old Glory". Every time I see that flag a smile creases my face or a tear wells up in my eye.

My father was over seas during WW II for 29 months with the U.S. Army. He fought in North Africa, Sicily, from there up the Italian boot into France. Needless to say, he made it home and he made it home with a Bronz Star, which hangs in my den to this day with the rest of his medals. His younger brother did not make it home. There is a cross that bears his name in Lorraine Cemetary in France. He was killed in the Battle of the Bulge by a Geman sniper as he tried to pull another soldier out of the middle of a street in Rensdorf. That night they took all the U.S. wounded and dying to a church to be evacuted, but allied bombers were told to bomb the town and they leveled it that night. His body and the rest of those in the church were never recovered. His picture and his medals are next to my fathers. He looks just like me.

My respect for the military and every man and woman that wears a United States military uniform has no bounds. They are the real american heros. The ones that go into harms way each and every day to protect us from those who would do us harm. Kenny Zdanio, who plays on the Reruns with his brother, just returned from over seas for the fourth time. Built like a rock and as nice and kind of a gentleman as you could ever meet. When I saw him last night I told him that it was my honor to be in his presence and thanked him for his duty to us and the country. He is a Seabee and their motto is, "The difficult we do at once, the impossible takes a little longer".

I think we should all take a little time and reflect on what these men and woman do for us. When you see someone in uniform take a litlle time to give them a hand shake or even better and embrace and thank them for protecting us and making us proud of, "Old Glory" and what that flag stands for. This will always be the land of the free as long as it is the home of the brave.

The next time you play the Reruns, take the time and find Kenny and tell him thanks for his service. You will not be able to miss him, he is the one that looks like a golden god.

Welcome home, Kenny.

P.S. There is one of the Gashouse Gorillas that is over seas as I right this. I will get his name and put something here for him, too.

HITMEN TAKE TWO FROM THE RERUNS AND DOUBLE R AND NIGHTMARE SPLIT

FRIDAY, JUNE 17
The Hitmen put up 9 in the first inning and took the Reruns right out of the first game. They won, 16-9. In the second game it was back and forth the entire game, but the Hitmen took it, 7-5. Double R and the Nightmare spit their games.

A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT FOR SOFTBALL

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15
I was down at East Islip Marina for the first time for a doubleheader at night against two old foes, Highway Homers and Sportin' Wood, the old Techno Cats team. It was a perfect night and it brought back some old memories of when I played down there in the late 70's and early 80's. The Homers took two well played games, 6-3 and 8-7. The second game went into the 8th inning. The Bulls met up with the Weekend Warriors and the bats were red hot. The Bulls pulled out both games, 20-19 and 19-15. The Cubs met up with the Babylon Misfits and the Cubs took a pair of close games, 3-2 and 15-10. G.S.I. is missing a pitcher and one of their players broke his coller bone last week, so the Apaches got on them early and did not let up for two wins, 13-4 and 9-5. The Zoo hammered Lafragancia Barber Shop, 23-3 and then was lucky to get a win in the second game. They took a close, 9-8 win. The Safelite Sluggers look better each week, but dropped a pair to the Hangovas, 9-2 and 17-5. The Muckdogs traveled to Venetain and split with the host Gashouse Gorillas, 10-9 and 10-9. Each team got a win by the same score.

WARRIORS, NIGHTMARE AND DEGENERATES SWEEP

TUESDAY, JUNE 14
The Warriors came up big against 12 Pack winning, 23-7 and 15-9. Nightmare, the young guns of the twilight league, took two against a seasoned and verteran team in Reliable Gutter. Winning, 7-4 and 7-4. The Degenerates had a little to much for the Hogs taking them in a rain storm at Hidden Pond. Gios Pizza came out swinging in the first game against Max's Tire with about 12 runs in the first two innings and took a 12 run rule. However, what happens after is there is a let down by the team that rocks the first game. Max's Tire came out in the second game and took it, 15-9. A nice come for Max's.

MEMO: A MISTAKE WAS MADE IN MY UPDATES FOR SUNDAY GAMES. THE MARAUDERS TOOK THE FIRST GAME AGAINST 12 MEN OUT IN THEIR GAME ON SUNDAY. I WILL REFLECT THAT IN THE STANDINGS.

ON GOLDEN POND AND SHAMROCKS SWEEP

MONDAY, JUNE 13
On Golden Pond just had a little to much for the over match Raiders on Monday nightm, winning two games by the 12 run rule. The Bulls were coming off two big wins last week against the Reruns. However, the Shamrocks are playing their best softball in two years. Both teams played well, but the Shamrocks found their pot of gold with two wins, 9-3 and 10-4. Kerrick Mechanical met up with Lafragancia B.S. for a pair. Kerrick came out smoking with 12 in the first two innings to win the first game, 22-12. However, Lafragancia settle down and took the second game in 6 innings, the lights went out, 15-14.

MOST TEAMS PLAYED ON SUNDAY

SUNDAY, JUNE 12
It did not look good starting Saturday night when I went to do the fields for Sunday. I know it rainded on Saturday, but I was not prepared to see fields really unplayable late Satruday. So, when the rains came early Sunday morning I knew the early games on Sunday would be called. I just got out and hoped for the best the rest of the day and we got them all in. We even got a 9:00am doubleheader in at Brookwood North.

Cougar Bait took it to U.T.I. with two 12 run rules. U.T.I. just did not hit. They are a much better team then what they showed on Sunday. I thought it was going to be a good match up, but the Bait hooked them for two. The Rebels went into the Gorillaz games undefeated at, 6-0. They just got beat the first game, 13-10, but fell hard in the second, 12-5. The Gladiators took two from the Degenerates, 13-9 and 9-6. Bananna Hammock came up with two wins against the Tongue Darts, 9-2 and 9-2. They were the only games in the morning.

By time 5pm rolled around the fields were in much better shape.The Load Warriors came up big against Ashley Schaefer, winning, 16-4 and 10-2. The Gorillaz and Bomb Squad, split the night doubleheader. The Bombers won, 12-3 and then dropped the nigth cap, 10-6. The Degenerates traveled to Venetian where the Whtie Sox beat them in the first game with a walk off home run by Kevin the pitcher. They also took the second game, 11-6. The Young Guns came out strong against the Go Hards in the first game with a quick 8 in the first two innings. It looked like it was going to be a long night for Go's in those first two innings. They came back, but lost, 16-8. However, in the second game they settle down and showed some impressive poise with a big come back win in the second game, winning, 12-3. Bucky's Bombers had a little two much for Brentwood Liqours, winning, 12-2 and 10-5. 12 Angry Men are putting up more wins each week. They took two from the Marauders, 21-9 and 15-9.

The next two Sundays most teams are going to be playing triple headers. I will be calling all teams to get the best match ups.

THE TOP 20

FRIDAY, JUNE 10
I will post the Top 20 each Friday. It is not perfect, I know that and anyone can call me or email if they have a legitimate argument concerning their team. I just hope everyone feels that it is a fair Top 20.

A NASTY STORM

THURSDAY, JUNE 9
When I got to the field, which I had been at for 4 hours, getting a work out in and working on the fields, one the players came up to me and asked me if I thought we would get them in. I said the weather is fine, hot and humid. Little did I know that a nasty storm was heading our way. At about 6:30pm, the sky turned inky black and grey and the wind whipped up, well, it whipped up a storm. It went from daylight to darkness in two and that was if for softball. We had a good run of dry weather and it looks good for the next week.

SERIOUS BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8
No sooner than I post something on the website about hitting up the middle, the mangaer and pitcher on Gios Pizza, Anthony, almost had his head removed by a shot up the middle. He did not tell me about it, but the team that was playing on the south field on Tuesday brought it to my attention. Gentlemen, I am going to keep talking about this and the bat situation all year. When I see softball hit to the moon by softball players and line drives looking like they were shot out of howitzers, I owe it all of you to stay on the subject.

As far as bats are concerned I do not want to see bats with extra tape on them, that is modifying a the bat. I have not made it a rule, but I may have to. That is one way of a modified bat not showing the cut.If anyone is caught with a modified bat, I will post their name and they will never be able to play in my league again and I will talk to the other league about banning that person from all leagues. I am serious about and I will be on it each and every week.

If a player is hurt by a line drive I will confiscate that bat and have it checked to make sure that it is not modifield. The player will get the back returned, but if it is modified, there will be consequences. If the player does not relinquish the bat, he can not play in the league.

Pitchers have to start getting pro active, too. After you pitch the ball, break down and expect that each and every pitch is going to come up the middle. Wear mask if you have to. I have seen several pitchers with them for the first time.

A BUSY WEDNESDAY

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8
The Bulls took two from the Reruns yesterday, 10-6 and 6-5. Two big wins for the Bulls. The Raiders looked great on Monday night and were plugged in for two on Wednesday against their old rivals, they are the two longest running teams in the league, each have played 19 years. Highway Homers were flat last week and I though the Raiders were going to bust them, not on this not. The Homers came up with 15 runs in the first two innings and the Raiders never could catch up the entire evening. The Homers took two, 18-4 and 6-2. The Cubs keep rolling, taking two from the Hogs, 18-7 and 19-3. The Weekend Warriors took a pair from the Gashouse Gorillas, 19-9 and 12-9. It looked like a perfect night until I saw one of my umpires behind the backstop at Brookwood Hall. He told me the Zoo did not show up for game. I said something is not right, they never miss games. They went to the wrong field, but re-mustered and got down the right field and took two from the Hangovas, 14-3 and 13-3.

All standings will be updated by tomorrow and the new Top 25.

A HOT AND SULTRY
FIRST WEEK OF JUNE

TUESDAY, JUNE 7
Summer is hear, a little earlier than usual, but it is here. A hot week of weather and a hot week of some nice match ups. Max's Tire met up with 12 Pack for the second week in a row due to some scheduling changes, but the teams match up well. However, Big Mike of Max's Tire, turned Hidden Pond into his own little Homer Dome with 3 big blast to hamstring the 12 Pack. He did not swing n his first two at bats, two walks, but when he did swing he hit 3 majestic homers, high and deep, that would have cleared any fence any where. He and his brother are old Major Sports veterans from the Ballbreakers that played for 10 years in Major Sports. It was good to see them. 12 Pack's pither, could not find the plate all night and walked about 10. Max's Tire took two.

The Hitmen met up with Reliable Gutters. The Hitmen took the first game, 10-9 and Old Reliable took the second game, 4-3. That is going to be a good division and every week the tems in it will be slugging it out. Gios Pizza, a tough team, but one that plays in that tough division, dropped the first game against the Warriors, 14-2, but came back for a, 16-14 win. It was a big win for Gios, because they have played more games then anyone, I think 10 and have only 2 or 3 wins.

Nightmare, the new, young guns of the league. Met up with the Degenerates and took them out, 6-2 and 8-5. Now, the Degenerates were missing one of their big guns, due to a wedding, but I think these two will meet up later in the year for another showdown. The umpire told me both teams were a pleasure to umpire.

HITTING UP THE MIDDLE

MONDAY, JUNE 6
I played softball for only 5 years, 1979 to 1983. In that time I average about 40 games a year. Also, in that entire time I never once hit a ball up the middle. I will state that again, I never hit a ball up the middle in 5 years of softball. Even at a time when the balls were much softer and the bats were no where near as lethal as they are today. Every time I umpire a game I witness at least one or two scorching line drives that just miss the pitcher and if those balls were to hit the pitcher in the face it would I do not even want to think about what the consequences would be. I think it is time that we start to get pro active about this problem. I think most batters can control where they hit the softball almost anytime they are at bat. Every team has a pitcher and I think he would appreciate it if all players just try a little harder to keep from hitting that shot up the middle. When I umpire a double header, I will tell both managers to tell their players to try an avoid hitting up the middle. Just before the first pitch, I will walk over to both benches and state it to both teams. Please, keep it in mind when you get to the plate. AVOID HITTING UP THE MIDDLE. Thanks.

ILLIGAL BATS

MONDAY, JUNE 5
Every team should go to WWW.PLAYNSA.COM and click on Equipment and check the bat list. Most bats are legal, but I may have to make some dececisions if not this year, next year. One thing is for sure, the Miken Ultra is not legal. You cannot buy the bat in a store and if you order from Miken, it comes with a addendum that it is not to be use in games. If I had it my way, we would go back to wood bats.

FOUR SWEEPS ON MONDAY

MONDAY, JUNE 5
The Shamrocks, On Golden Pond, Gorillaz and the Raiders all took their games against their opponents on a beatiful night for softball. My best wishes go out to the pitcher on GSI, who on the first play of the game ran down to first base, trip over the bag and broke his coller bone.

A NICE START TO JUNE

SUNDAY, JUNE 5
Even with a few changes on Sunday, due to a race down at East Islip Marina all teams got their games in except the Degenerates in the morning division, who were off at a wedding of one of their players. The Predators are back as the Gladiators and they met up with a tough and getting tougher each week, Outfield Pub. The Pub took a pair, but the Gladiators, played well against them. UTI is getting better each year. They took on and beat Eight Men Out, 28-10 and 25-13. The Eight have been with me almost as long as I have been running this league, 18 years. The Master Batters took took from the Kore, 20-8 and 7-6. The Rebels are off to a fine start at, 6-0. They beat Couagar Bait, 15-5 and 9-8. The Laser Show, split with the Gorillaz, winning, 7-6 and dropping the second game, 10-4. The Bonecrushers look like they are starting to play some good softball. They beat the Diamonbacks, 18-9 and 22-10. The Chubacabras look like they addid some pop on offense and defense. They played well, but dropped two to the Bananna Hammocks, 13-12 and 14-9. The Beers and Cobra Kai split.

The Load Warriors took on the Degenerates and split with them. They are a new team that can play and will put some pressure on all the top veteran teams. They won, 14-13 and lost, 8-5. The Gorillaz took on the Marauders and took two, 19-7 and 10-3. Over in Babylon, the White Sox took on the Squad and split, winning, 14-8 and dropping the night cap, 18-13. The Go Hards put pressure on Brentwood Liquors all night and walk home with tow wins, 12-6 and 13-9. The Young Guns are looking real good early on this season, they are now, 6-2 after a split with Bucky's Bombers yesterday. Two good, close games. They won, 19-18 and lost 7-6. 12 Angry Men are playing their best softball in 3 years. They took two from Ashley Schaefer, 13-8 and 16-3.

FINALLY, GETTING BACK TO
PLAYING SOFTBALL

IT IS MY HONOR

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10
In life as in business, you build trust and respect over time slowly and gradually. You attempt to deliver the goods you have promised and when you do, you feel proud of a job well done. For 20 years I have run Major Sports. In that time over 3500 hundred teams have played. I can honestly say that I have recieved no more than 10 disrespectful phone calls or emails in that time frame. I have had to deal with over 50 school districts and Townships in that time frame.

Every team that has signed up this year has waited patiently for me to give them the word that the Town of Islip has passed on the permits to play to the leagues. As of 10am this morning they have not. I have done this for 20 years and I have never had to deal with anything like this before.

I found out yesterday that East Islip Marina was not playable. I was never told that by the Town, someone brought it to my attention and I went down and saw the condition of the field at 6:30pm and it was hard to believe. They have ripped up the oufield and have exposed irrigation hose's all over it, with the trenches that have to be dug to place the irrigation in. As of now you cannot play on the field. Hopefull, if they pass out the permits if they can get the field ready for this Sunday.

I just want to take this time to thank each and every manager for the absolute kindness and encouragement they have shown me in the last two weeks. Every phone call I have made in the last two weeks has been one echoing the fact that the Town has not issued the permits. Every time I have had to deliver that news, each and every manager has told me to keep up the good fight and that it will only be a matter of time. Every manager and player has been as nice as the last one.

I just want to thank each and everyone of you, it is my honor to have you in my league.

MAJOR SPORTS OPENING DAY IS MAY 1

THURSDAY, APRIL 21
First, I wish all the players and their families a Happy Easter. For those teams that have not put together their rosters and photo I.D.s, time is running out. I will be calling all the teams that play in the twilight and night divisions over the weekend.

ONE MONTH TIL OPENING DAY
APRIL 1
With Easter Sunday coming on April 24 and some teams finishing up their spring leagues the week before and on top of that having to get the paper work to the Town of Islip, opening day will be Sunday, May 1. The twilight teams will start on May 9 and the night will probably be able to start on May 2. I will be calling all the teams over the weekend and into the first days of next week to tell them when team meetings will be, so that I can stay on top of getting all of the paper work. I have to submit the paper work to the Town on April 22. Most teams have all of it ready, but I just want to make sure all the managers are being pro-active. Just about every team is back from last year and there are a few new teams. The Sunday night division is about 4 teams short of what it was last year, but two of the teams that are not in the mix were told not to come back. With a month to go before Opening Day, I am sure that a few more teams will sign up.

EDITORIAL: THE BEGINNING
OF THE END
For 16 years I have had fields in the Village of Hempstead, Kennedy Park and Lincoln Park, starting around 1995. I had 10 team divisions that played on Sunday nights and Sunday mornings. Starting about 1998 soccer players, about 80% illegal immigrants would just walk on the fields and start playing soccer in the outfield. We would call the Village police and they would come down and chase them off. As soon as the police left, the soccer players would return. When I ask the police to get a little more aggressive with them they said they were told not to by the powers to be. This went on every Sunday for years, until year end year out the Sunday night teams would left one at a time, they just did not want to deal with the hassle every Sunday. I went from a 10 team division in 1995 to no teams by 2001. They started to show up on Sunday mornings as the soccer players took over Lincoln Park. I lost that night league there after 8 years. I was down to one field at Kennedy Park and now it is being pulled for a baseball team that is made up of the same illegal immigrants that have taking over the area. The gentleman, who has giving me the park the during that duration is a gentleman and a friend. However, he was told to make it a baseball field and that is what he has to do.

I do not care if you are Irish, Russian, Mexican or any other nationality. However, when you come into this country, if you do not come in legally I will give you no quarter.

2011 SOFTBALL SEASON ONE MONTH AWAY
TUESDAY, MARCH 1
After dealing with the nastiest winter we have had in 20 years, it is now time to take our minds off the winter storms of 2011 and start thinking about softball 2011. The calls and emails are starting to pick up as the managers and players start to realize that softball is right around the corner. For those teams that play in the Town of Islip, all managers have to get proactive with getting copies of their players license. Usually I do not contact the teams over the winter until they call me, but this year with the Town of Islip requiring copies of drivers license to go along with the roster I had to let everyone know what is expected of them. So, get after it and if you have any questions, contact me.

WELCOME TO MAJOR SPORTS 2011
JANUARY 31
I want to take this time to welcome everyone to Major Sports website. This will be the 20th year of Major Sports. It seems like it was only a short time ago that I decided to get into running softball leagues. The memories seen current, but the reality is that it was February of 1992 that I decided to start Major Sports. Since that time 3563 teams have played and it has been my pleasure in getting to know all of you. Some of the teams that have played have been in the league for as many as 19 or those years. The vast majority of the teams have played for 10 years or more. I want to thank everyone for making Major Sports what it is today and I want to say that all I try and do year in and year out is get a little better everyday. So, thanks to one and all and I will look forward to a great 2011 softball season.

This year the Town of Islip wants copies of players drivers license to go along with the rosters when they are submitted by me. I have called most of the Sunday teams to inform them of this and will be sending out some paper work to those I have spoke with this week. I will be calling the twilight and night teams so that their are cognizant of that fact. Rosters have to be 75% Town of Islip residents. If anyone has any questions call me at 631.666.1360 or email me at lutherrex@aol.com.

Prices for the leagues will be posted this week.

A NICE START TO JUNE

FINALLY, GETTING BACK TO PLAYING SOFTBALL

FINALLY, GETTING BACK TO
PLAYING SOFTBALL