QML Championship Series: Hobrau Rallies To Capture 4th Straight Crown

KINCAID FIELD, W. QUINCY - Team Hofbrau tightened its grip on Quincy Merchant League softball, winning its 4th consecutive title with yet another dramatic come-from-behind victory, 8-7 over arch rival Malachy's. Hoffy took the best-of-seven series 4-1.

Malachy's started off strong with two runs in the top of the first off Hofbrau starter Steve Lannan. Hoffy quickly answered with a lead off home run from centerfielder Nelly Feliciano. First baseman Jim Dennis and second baseman Ramon followed with singles and were later driven in by outfielder Steve Yocco's line drive to center.

After Lannan shut down Malachy's in the top of the second, Hoffy added another run in the bottom of the second frame when DH Keith McCray tripled to left and scored on a fielder's choice by outfielder Dave Brolin.

The powerful Malachy's lineup exploded for five runs in the top of the third inning to retake the lead at 7-3. Crafty pitching from Malachy's starter exposed a lack of discipline from the Hoffy batters as the three time defending champs would only muster three hits over the next four innings. The side was retired in order in both the fifth and sixth innings, marking the first time all season that Hoffy had been held without a baserunner for two consecutive innings.

Hoffy ace Lannan was equal to the task, shutting down Big Green for the last four innings of the game.

Malachy's led 7-5 going into the bottom of the seventh. Hofbrau then saved its best comeback of the season for last. With one out, Brolin singled to right, bringing up the top of the lineup. Nelly reach on a fielder's choice. Dennis singled to center to put runners on the corners. Ramon then ripped a single to right center to score Nelly and make it 7-6. With two outs, runners on first and third and Hoffy slugger Scott "The Game" Logan coming to the plate, Malachy's played a hunch and intentionally walked Logan to load the bases for shortstop Bill Wysocki. Although Wysocki had been struggling at the plate earlier in the night, his longstanding penchant for delivering in the clutch came through as he drilled the second pitch he saw into the gap in left center scoring Dennis with the tying run and Ramon with the winning run.

The entire Hoffy team stormed the field in celebration before the QML Championship Trophy was brought over for its familiar annual photo session. It was another true team victory as every Hoffy batter reached safely at least once and stellar defense from Nelly, Tom Fratolillo, Ramon and catcher Greg Harper kept Malachy's at bay long enough for the comeback.

Jim Dennis turned in the greatest performance by a player-manager in the modern era. Pete Rose, Joe Torre, Frank Robinson, Hank Bauer? None of them won championships as player-managers. JD faced a daunting task in taking over for the beloved Hall of Fame Coach Murphy. Dennis quickly got the team to gel and play as a cohesive unit that never quit. Faced with the usual contenders in Big Times and Malachy's, plus solid newcomer Paddy Barrys, Hoffy won in a variety of ways enroute to the winningest season in league history.

As for the series Most Valuable Player, this was one of the toughest votes in the history of the team. Although there are many players who deserve it, the award ultimately goes to Glen Bosse. Bosse posted an other-worldly .769 batting average in the series, making only 3 outs and taking a team high five walks. If you polled the team and asked which stat Glenny would lead the team in for the series, walks would not make the top ten.

Including the post season, Hoffy is now 85-7 over the last three seasons, a .924 winning percentage.

As the champagne, Presidente and Dominican rum flowed, talk quickly turned to chasing a fifth consecutive title. Team Hoffy is well poised to do it with a number of veterans planning on returning and an impressive youth movement.

As a side note, although sidelined with yet another embarrasing late summer injury, Hoffy outfielder Joe Bosse, seen here dancing in celebration of another championship, was with the team in spirit during the playoff run.

QML Championship Series: Hobrau Wins 13-8, One Win From Title

WEST QUINCY - Team Hoffy took another giant step toward a 4th consecutive QML title last night with a 13-8 win over Malachy's.

Big Green was brimming with optimism before the game. Rumblings about winning four straight and taking Hoffy down in six games peppered the pregame warmups.

Hofbrau quickly silenced such banter as the first six batters reached and scored in the first inning. True to the team's veteran form, the Hoffy batters were patient, taking advantage of control problems by Malachy's starting pitcher, who walked four in the first and eight throughout the game.

Hoffy put up three more runs in the second on key hits from Jim Dennis and Steve Yocco to take a 9-1 lead. The game almost took a disastrous turn in the third inning when fireballing Hoffy pitcher Steve Lannan got hit in the shin with a scorching line drive by Malachy's Billy MacDougal. Lannan stayed in and completed the game to add yet another in a long list of post season victories.

Malachy's rallied back in the middle innings, posting 5 runs in the fourth inning and 2 more in the fifth to pull within one run at 9-8. Web Gem specialist Nellie Feliciano helped stop the bleeding with an incredible all-out diving catch in the fifth.

The game was eerily looking like a repeat of game 3 with Hoffy slumping and Malachy's surging. But the three time defending champs put the game away for good in the sixth inning. Glen Bosse walked after Scott Logan's single to put runners on first and second. First baseman Jim Dennis, not shaken by the David Ortiz-style shift put on by the infield, fired a single to center to score Logan. With two on and two out, Yocco delivered the crucial blow for Hoffy with a 2-run double to make it 12-8. Logan drove in the final run for Hoffy in the seventh with two on. Catcher Greg Harper scored easily on the play.

In the bottom of the seventh, Hoffy's defense squashed any hope of a Malachy's comeback. Shortstop Bill Wysocki took the wind out of Malachy's sails snatching up a grounder and starting a 6-3 double play. Two batters later, Hoffy recorded the final out to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.

"This was a total team win tonight," Logan said. "Everyone pitched in." The numbers bear that sentiment out as every Hoffy batter reached base at least once.

QML Championship Series: Malachy's Hands Hoffy First Loss of '08

KINCAIDE FIELD, W. QUINCY - "Drago's cut!"

After an outstanding 29-game winning streak, Team Hoffy fell victim to a shorthanded lineup and timely hitting by Malachy's, losing 20-13 to cut its series lead to 2-1.

Hoffy started out on fire, posting five runs in the first inning on seven hits. The three time defending champs tacked on three more runs in the second led off by first baseman Jim Dennis beating out an infield hit showing the kind of speed that made him a Salem State legend in the late 80's. Hoffy led 8-2 after the 2nd.

Never a team that backs down, Malachy's launched a powerful offensive attack, scoring 18 runs over the next four innings. Team Hoffy got three runs back in the bottom of the 5th . Neil Plante complimented his stellar defense with a lead off single. Scott Logan then got the home team charged up by legging out a double and scored easily when Glen Bosse launched a triple down the right field line.

Despite missing six starters, Hofbrau made no excuses. "We had them on the ropes early, but they're a very good team and they executed when they had to," Keith McCray said. "We didn't have the answer tonight, but we'll be back to work in game 4."

QML Championship Series: Hobrau Does It Again, Rallies To Beat Malachy's, Wins 13-11

By Keith McCray
Associated Press

KINCAID PARK, W. QUINCY - Harry Houdini, stop me when this starts to get ridiculous.

The rallies and comebacks are becoming the stuff of legend. For the past four seasons the Hofbrau has staged countless comebacks to power their championship dynasty. Last night, the team added another wild win to their impressive resume. Staging yet another improbable comeback Friday night, the Hofbrau beat Malachy's 13-11 to take a 2-0 series lead in the best of 7 Quincy Merchant League championship.

Held to just four hits and two walks through the first five innings, Hofbrau faced a 6-2 deficit heading on the sixth. The Hoffy bats then woke up as the undefeated three time defending champs came alive with 7 of the first 8 batters reaching safely. Ramon led off with a hard hit single to left. Nelly followed with a base hit up the middle. After a Jim Dennis walk, Scott Logan drove in the first run of the inning with a deep sac fly to left. Glen Bosse, Bill Wysocki, Steve Yocco and Mike Yocco ripped consecutive base hits to erase the deficit and give Hoffy a 7-6 lead.

Malachy's answered the Hoffy onslaught with three runs of their own in the bottom of the 6th to retake the lead.

Trailing 9-7 after 6 innings, and inspired by friends and family, including fans from Stop and Shop's corporate office, Team Hoffy dug down one more time. A heads-up walk by Dave Brolin got things started. Hoffy then retook the lead for good with back to back doubles by Ramon and Nelly. Dennis started the insurance runs with a single to knock in Nelly, who toughed it out to score depsite injuring a hamstring in the second inning. Scott Logan kept the inning going with a single. Glen Bosse's third hit of the night, a line drive double to left center, and a sac fly by Wysocki gave Hofbrau a 13-9 lead going into the bottom of the seventh.

Malachy's looked as if they might come back to win in the bottom of the seventh with the heart of the batting order coming up, but conservative base running left the bases loaded. Big green plated two runs in the inning, but stellar defense saved the day again for Hofbrau. With a man on first and the tying run at the plate, Ramon turned in the defensive play of the night when he snagged a hard grounder in the hole at second and fired to second for the second out. Wysocki almost turned it into a game ending double play, but the Malachy's batter just beat the throw. Hofbrau ace Steve Lannan put the final nail in the coffin as the next batter grounded to third to end the game and close the book on another Hofbrau comeback.

"Deep down I knew we were going to win," Jim Dennis said after the game, "but I can't believe what we just did."
"This is what we do," Tom Fratolillo added, "it's another classic Hoffy comeback."

NOTES: The Hofbrau improves to 27-0 on the 2008 season. . . Game one hero Jon Bosse was a last minute scratch due to a prolonged nap. . . Hoffy rightfielder Tom Fratolillo sustained in injury to his ego, popping up in three staight at bats en route to an 0-4 night, he is listed as day-to day.

BSSL Championship Series: Flanagan's Wins 7th Consecutive Title

LABRECQUE FIELD, HOUGHS NECK - The Flanagan's dynasty rolls on as the John Cascarano led club won in a blowout to capture it's seventh consecutive championship Wednesday night in Houghs Neck.

The Morrell Club put up a valiant effort, losing game one by one run and games two and three in extra innings. "They're a tough team to beat." said M.C. pitcher, dh Mark Nutley "They pick up the blitz better than any team in the league. They don't get rattled and can also adjust and adapt on the fly very, very well. Smash-mouth or finess, they can do it all."

For Flanagan's, it is their 11th overall title, winning four as the Sons of Italy in the early to mid 90's. The team has won more championships than any other in league history and there is no signs of them slowing down. "It feels great", said Cascarano "It never gets old. Even though we are head and shoulders above the rest of the league, and win most of our games by blowout, it's fun. It's good to be on top. We'll be back next year. It should be easy, but there's always room to improve. Those first three games were way to close for comfort. . . we'll pick up a few guys to strengthen up our weak spots."

BSSL Championship Series: Flanagan's Squeaks Past Morrell Club In Extra Innings Again, Takes 3-0 Series Lead

LaBRECQUE FIELD, HOUGHS NECK - Super-Flanagans is on the verge of capturing their seventh straight Boston-South Shore League championship. The Morrell Club has proved to be a worthy opponent for the Flanny's juggernaught, but have fell short in each of the first three games of the finals.

With last nights 10-9, 8 inning win, Flanagans will look to wrap it up tonight in Houghs Neck.

QML Championship Series: Jon Bosse's Slam Sparks Hofbrau To Game One Rout

By Keith McCray
Associated Press

KINCAID PARK, W. QUINCY - The Hofbrau came from behind once again to win it's 26th consecutive contest with a 19-5 blowout win over arch-rival Malachy's to take the first game of the Quincy Merchant League best of seven finals.

Playing without Nelson Feliciano, Steve & Mike Yocco and Keith McCray, the three-time defending champs came out flat, mustering only 3 hits in the first three innings and trailed 5-2 after three innings.

Down and seemingly on course to a repeat of last years game one loss, in true Hoffy style, they reached into their bag of tricks and came alive in the 4th inning, sending 14 batters to the plate. A walk to Tom Fratolillo loaded the bases and set the stage for second year player Jon Bosse. Stealing a page from his uncle Glen, who throughout the years has delivered countless clutch hits for the maroon and gold, the 20 year old turned on a 2-1 pitch, crushing the ball to left which cleared the bases and changed the game The grand-slam gave the Hofbrau a lead which they would not relinquish.

For the young Bosse (wearing someone's #25 as opposed to his usual 17), it was the first of two home runs on the night. "I wasn't thinking up there," said Bosse "I'm just having fun and enjoying the moment. Fortunately I got a pitch I could drive and didn't miss it."

After the slam, Dave Brolin, Greg Harper and Ramon hit consecutive singles before Scot Logan knocked in 2 with a double to center. Glen Bosse kept the inning going with a walk, which set up a 2-run triple by Jim Dennis.

Ramon and Logan fought through injuries to provide offensive production and the defensive stability that the Hoffy has relied on throughout the year.

Fireballing pitcher Steve Lannan shut Malachy's down the rest of the way. Hoffy put up 7 insurance runs in the bottom of the 6th on nine more hits, including a 2-run bomb from Jon Bosse. In all, five Hoffy starters had at least three hits, including a 4-4, 4 rbi night from Dennis and a 3-4, 6 rbi performance from J. Bosse.

"That's what this team is all about," McCray said. "The minute you think you have us...you don't."

NOTES: Bill Wysocki returned to the lineup, playing solid defense and going 2-3 with 2 RBI. . . Malachy's pitcher Jack Manning was fined for an undisclosed amount for use of foul language during the game. . . for more information on the Hofbrau visit official team site at www.hoffyblogspot.com

25-0 Hofbrau to Face Malachy's for Merchant League Crown

QUINCY - The Hofbrau is back in the finals against their greatest rivals, Malachy's.

The North Quincy based club is the last team to beat the Hofbrau. Malachy's will be looking for a repeat of last year's game one where they handed the Hoffy it's first loss of the season.

Despite the series opening loss the Hofbrau prevailed in one of the greatest Merchant League finals of all time, winning in seven games.

Last year the Hofbrau entered the finals with a 25-0 record and had won an astounding 44 consecutive games dating back to the '06 season. They won the last 10 games of that year, then ran the table in the playoffs (9-0) en route to their second consecutive title. Since the 10 game winning streak the Hofbrau has compliled a mind-boggling 73-3 record, with all three losses coming from Malachy's.

The team features a balanced attack of solid defense, pitching and hitting led by leadoff batter and speedster Nelson Feliciano, gold glove thirdbaseman Scott Logan, flame-throwing all-star pitcher Steve Lannin, powerhitting infielder Ramon, veteran 1b Jimmy Dennis and the clutch hitting of infielder/outfielder Glenn Bosse.

The club also showcases several stars from McInnis Carpentry of the Boston South Shore League (aka the Houghs Neck League). Pitcher/Catcher Greg Harper, outfielders Steve Yocco & Tom Fratolillo, ss/2b Bill Wysocki and 3b Scott Logan.

The Hofbrau boasts incredible depth with dependable players such as catcher/dh Keith McCray, outfielders Dave Brolin, Mike Yocco and Joe & John Bosse. Yocco has been a force in the lineup while McCray, Brolin and the Bosse's have provided clutch hits in dire situations to deliver wins for the team.

Game one is at Kincaid Field Tuesday night. The start time has yet to be announced.

Flanagans Sinks Morrell Club In Extra Innings, Take 2-0 Series Lead With 19-13 Win

HOUGHS NECK - The Morrell Club is giving Flanagans all they handle, but fell short once again 19-13 in extra innings last night at LaBreque Field.

The Morrell Club held a 10-8 lead going into the seventh. Flanagans scored three to go up one but M.C. came back, pushing one across and almost won the game on a low line drive by pinch hitter Brian "Boofa" Clifford. A sliding catch by Lou Venterelli saved Flanagans and the game moved to extra frames.

In the 8th Flanagans rallied with two outs, capitalizing on an error in right field. Flannys shortstop Sean Lynch had two big hits in the inning as the champs plated seven big runs.

Hofbrau Rallies Twice, Advances To Finals

Keith McCray
Associated Press

KINCAID FIELD, W. QUINCY - Team Hoffy endured a tough challenge from Paddy Barry's, needing 8 innings to post a 12-11 win to advance to their 4th consecutive Merhcant League finals.

Hofbrau was its own worst enemy in the early going as baserunning mistakes killed what might have been rallies. The three-time defending champs found themselves continaully in counter-punch mode. PB put up a 3-spot with some clutch hitting in the top of the seventh to put Hoffy on the ropes, 11-10. Scott Logan (4-4, 3 rbi) knocked in the tying run in the bottom of the seventh. Logan almost scored the winning run when Glen Bosse ripped a base hit to center field, but was gunned down by a good relay throw to the plate.

After letting up a run in the top of the 8th and having to endure the most trash talk in recent Merchant League history (most of it from the PB peanut gallery), Team Hoffy stepped up and took what was theirs again. A single from Tom Fratolillo sandwiched between walks by Jim Dennis and Mike Yocco loaded the bases for Greg "Hop Sing" Harper, who silenced the loadmouths with a solid base hit to left. A slight bobble by the PB left fielder was all T-Frat needed to cruise in with the winning run.

"The good news is we're going to the finals," second baseman Glen Bosse said, "But we're gonna need to play a lot better than this in the next series."

As for the finals, it's a rematch of last year's classic 7-game final between Hofbrau and Malachy's, which completed its sweep of Big Times in the other semi-final match up.

For more information and updates on the Hofbrau please visit www.hoffysoftball.blogspot.com

Flanagans Edges Morrell Club 8-7 In Game One Of Finals

Morrell Club Advances To Finals With 10-5 Win Over Chefs

LaBREQUE FIELD, HOUGHS NECK - The Morrell Club completed their surprising semi-final upset of the top seeded Chefs with a 10-5 victory last night in Houghs Neck Softball playoff action at LaBreque Field.

The Chefs offense, which looked so good for the second half of the season, stalled and struggled to score throughout the series. "We just couldn't get it going," said Chefs outfielder Dennis Joyce "It's frustrating, But hats off to the Morrell Club, they hit well and made big plays when they had to."

The Morrell Club pushed runs across in the first and second innings. For most the game it seemed thats all they would need. The 2-0 lead held until the fifth inning when the Chefs offense finally showed signs of life. Getting hits from Joyce and Steve Miller and taking advantage of Morrell Club errors, the Chefs took a 5-2 lead in the top of the 5th.

After cutting the lead to one in the fifth the Morrell Club exploded for a six run sixth on hits by Sean McDonald, Jaime Shatzle, Matt Fratolillo and Mark Nutley. The inning was highlighted by Nutley's three-run triple to right. "Just trying to drive the ball with no outs and the bases juiced," said Nutley "I was looking for something down and in. . . fortunately I got it, put good wood on the ball and it found a gap in their defense."

The Morrell Club's 10-5 lead held as the Chefs went quietly in the seventh. With the win the number five seed Morrell Club (16-11) advances to the finals and will attempt to derail six-time defending champion and number two seed Flanagans (22-3). Flanagans is undefeated in postseason play and is coming off a semi final sweep in which they outscored McInnis Carpentry 56-16.

Bulldogs Edge Quincy 10-7, 15-13 For Second Straight Sunday Title

FORE RIVER FIELD, QUINCY - After losing to Quincy two weeks ago, the defending champion Bulldogs were faced with the daunting challenge of winning four straight games to defend their title. They were up for it, winning a wild game against the Dirt Dogs, ousting the number 1 seed Brew House and then coming back from a 10-1 deficit in the deciding game to win their third Sunday Night Softball League championship.

"It feels great!," said Bulldogs rightfielder Wally Galuski "It was tough run to just get back to face these guys again. But once we made it through last week we felt confident about our chances."

After winning a defensive grudge match in game one the Bulldogs found themselves in trouble as the Quincy bats exploded for 10 runs in the first two innings of the final game. Quincy left fielder Ray Phillis connected on a three run homer to left-center to give Quincy a comfortable nine run lead. Unfortunately Quincy would not score again until the 7th, leaving the bases loaded twice in the 4th and 6th innings.

The Bulldogs took advantage of Quincy's stalling offense, cutting lead in half with a four-run fourth inning. The offense finally came around in the 5th as Bill Clarke, Jesse Winter, Josh Preble and Henry Martin all had hits during a big seven-run outburst to push the Bulldogs ahead 12-10.

Quincy loaded the bases in the sixth on hits by Tom Fratolillo, Bill Marchand & Dean Salvatori and seemed poised for a big inning. After a pop up to third, Steve Waas lifted a shallow fly ball to left center field. Fratolillo, tagging from third, gambled and lost on a great throw from Bulldog outfielder Jesse Winter and was called out at the plate on a very close call to end the threat.

Merchant League Playoffs: Brolin's 7th Inning Triple Helps Hoffy Beat Paddy Barrys

KINCAID FIELD, W. QUINCY - The bats were silent for most of the night, but the Hofbrau showed just why all 7 innings count, coming from behind with a 6-run seventh inning to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the semifinal series.

Paddy Barry's put the three-time defending champs in an ealry hole, scoring five times in the third inning. The Hoffy responded by getting three runs back in the fourth inning before going hitless in both the fifth and sixth. Stellar defense from Nelson Feliciano in centerfield and Glen "Chico Lind" Bosse at second base prevented the game from getting away.

Down 6-3 after six innings, the Hofbrau turned in clutch performance to add to their long list of improbable, thrilling comebacks. Tom Fratolillo got things going by reaching on an infield error. After a hard line drive out by Mike Yocco, Keith McCray shot a base hit to center field. Dave Brolin then launched a two-run triple in the gap to left center to make it 6-5. Steve Lannan then tied the game with an infield single. A base hit from Jon Bosse and a heads-up walk from Feliciano loaded the bases for Steve Yocco, who knocked in the go-ahead run in a close play at the plate that might have resulted in an out had Paddy Barry's catcher been standing on the plate (as opposed to two feet in front of it and trying to put a tag on a force play). Scott Logan and Glen Bosse cleaned things up by knocking in two more runs to give Hofbrau a 9-6 lead going into the bottom of the seventh.

In the bottom of the seventh, the two mainstays for Hoffy, solid pitching and good defense took control and shut PB down.

With the win the Hofbrau improves to 24-0 on the season and is one win away from reaching the finals for the 5th straight season. They have won the last three and will be looking for an unprecedented 4th consecutive title.

Greatest Of All Time? Flanagans Sweeps M.C., Makes Run At Unprecedented 7th Straight Title

HOUGHS NECK - John Cascarano's Flanagans team took care of business last night, beating a depleted but resiliant McInnis Carpentry team 14-9 to advance to their 8th straight championship appearance and are looking to defend their title for a record 7th consecutive season.

No team in Boston South Shore League history has won as many consecutive titles. Not even the legendary Legion teams of the '70's or the powerhouse Louies & Hobrau squads of the 80's and early 90's.

"These guys are quite possibly the best this league has ever seen," said Houghs Neck sofball/baseball guru Dave MacMillian "The Post had a dominant run during the '70s. They won 5 or 6 but not all in a row. Louies and the Hofbrau were great teams but they kept each other in check. . . it was a toss up when those two met in the finals. This Flanagans group can hit. There are no soft spots in their lineup. "

Flanagans has been on the scene since the early 90's and won several titles during the decade, they were then known as Sons of Italy.

"Most of the names are different since those early Sons of Italy squads," said Hammers GM Tom Fratolillo "But the one constant is the guy who pulls it all together, Johnny Cascarano. He's obsessed with winning and brings in only the best players. They are loaded with top tier players, 1-11. To beat them you have to play your best and even then catch a few breaks on top of that. I'm proud of our club, despite being shorthanded for most the series we gave them a tough run the last two games."

Flanagans will face either the Morrell Club or Chefs in the finals. The Morrell Club stunned the top seed Chefs again with their second straight blowout win, 17-7. The Chefs, who's torrid play for the last month of the season, had many believing Flanagans run may be challenged. They now find themselves in a big 0-2 hole and face elimination tonight at LaBreque Field.

M.C. Affiliate Quincy to face Bulldogs for Sunday Softball Title

QUINCY - McInnis Carpentry affiliate Quincy will take on the Quincy Bulldogs this Sunday in the South Shore Sunday Night Softball League championship game.

Quincy comes in at 18-4, is 4-0 in the tournament and needs to be beaten twice for the championship. This years game is a rematch of last year's final in which the Bulldogs won easily 22-6.

Quincy features several McInnis Carpentry players: Thirdbasen Scott Logan, 2B Mark Free, outfielders Neal Plant, Sean Munro & Tom Fratolillo, 1b Chris Smith and pitcher Greg Harper.

The Bulldogs are led by former Hammer shortstop Mike Palmer. Both Palmer & second baseman Bill Clarke played for the Hammers (then known as the Manet) during the '01 season.

Summer Olympics: Cream Team

BEN RADCLIFFE
M.C. Foreign Correspondent

BEJING, CHINA - So Last night I went to the 2008 USA Dream Team vs. China Olympic basketball Match. It was raining outside and there were tons of people trying to score tickets for the match.

One american guy was shirtless trying to trade a spurs jersey for tickets. I have heard the going rate for scalped tickets were 3000 yuan ( $450usd I only paid $12 per ticket ) but there was no amount of money that would convince me to sell my tix and give this experience up. Can't really put it into words.

The gang was all there me, E.L.S., Kobe, Yao, LeBron, Henry Kissinger, the old George Bush, the new George W. Bush but more importantly the beers were only 72 cents. No event ever will compare to seeing this live. it is expected to be the most widely watched television event in world history with over 1 billion viewers ( china is a big country full of chinese people ).

The energy in the stadium cannot be described when Yao hit a 3 pointer for the first points of the game. You cannot even imagine the vibe of 1 billion people in china awestruck with that one shot from the most famous athlete ever in china. At the second half it was clear that yao and his rice eating teamates were no match for kobe, lebron, and wade but it didn't matter the crowd cheered for both teams. The people were all decked out in NBA jerseys and zhong guo jia you kung fu headbands. They cheered at every play for every player it didn't matter who won or lost all the mattered was the game. At the end when china was down everyone was still going nuts every time kobe dunked. This was THE event of the Olympics and I still can't believe I was really there to see it! Sometimes life truly is a gift.

The only negative points were that concessions were geared more to chinese tastes. meaning the hot dogs didn't have buns and instead of nachos they had noodles.

READ MORE on the travels of G-Towns favorite son, the professional man of leisure at www.professionalmanofleisure.blogspot.com

Flanagans Pushes Carpentry To The Brink, Win 14-6

HOUGHS NECK - Coming off of their worst loss in team history and missing several key starters, the McInnis Carpentry softball club faced the daunting task of beating a high-powered Flanagans team that appears to be peaking in search of it's 7th straight championship.

The Hammers hung tough and took a 3-1 lead in the top of the third. Flanagans could not duplicate it's spectacular display of hitting from game one but did manage a steady attack, building a 10-3 lead through 5 innings of play.

"We gave them a good fight, we we're competitive", said Hammers GM Tom Fratolillo "We just couldn't get the bats going again tonight. Our defense and effort was much better than game one. Unfortunately we were one or two hits away from making a serious run at these guys. We'll be back Wednesday night to take another crack at it and see if we can get this thing to 2-1."

Flannys outscored the Hammers 4-3 through the final two innings to secure the 14-6 victory and take a commanding 2-0 lead in the best of five series.


Notes: Rich Brill was named Bud Light player of the game by going 2-3 with 2 RBI. Brill is 3-4 in the semifinals. . . Tom Fratolillo's playoff start in left was the first his 15 year career. . . Steve McInnis continued to hit well in the playoffs, going 2-4. . . The Morrell Club (25-6 game one winners) looks to put the number one seed Chefs in an 0-2 hole tonight in the other semifinal contest.

PLAYOFFS: Champs Rock Hammers 28-1

HOUGHS NECK - After cruising through the first round of the playoffs the McInnis Carpentry softball club was feeling confident about their chances against 6-time defending champion Flanagans.

The Carpenters were coming into the matchup after outscoring a tough Local team an impressive 53-21. Flanagans brought the high-flying Carpenter offense to the ground, rocking the black and orange 28-1, their worst loss in club history.

"They gave us a wake-up call tonight," said Hammers GM Tom Fratolillo "The delivered a knockout blow early. . . at 21-0 after only three innings, that's tough to come back from against any team, let alone Flanagans. The good news is this is a best of five, not a one and done tournament. We're a better team than what we showed tonight. There's really no where to go but up from here."

There were few, if any, bright spots to game one of the semifinal matchup. The Hammers were held to only five hits through six innings and sent no more than four batters to the plate in any of those innings. "We laid an egg tonight," said team captain Scott Logan "Simple as that. But we'll bounce back . . . 'cause I said so."

The Hammers didn't have a runner reach second until the top of the 5th. With one out and runners at the corners in the 7th, Neal Plant's hustle down the line to beat out a close double play saved the Carpenters from their first shutout ever.

In three game against Flanagans the Hammers have been outscored an alarming 61-9 and currently own a 11 game winning streak over the M.C. club.

PLAYOFFS: Morrell Club Routs Chefs 25-6 In Semifinal Opener

Former SCAD Pitcher Zink Gets Call For Sox

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Charlie Zink will become the first Savannah College of Art and Design baseball player to pitch in a major league baseball game.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound right-handed pitcher from El Dorado Hills, Calif., will toe the rubber as the starter for the Boston Red Sox as they entertain the Texas Rangers at venerable Fenway Park Tuesday (Aug. 12). The knuckleball pitcher is replacing starter Tim Wakefield, who went on the 15-day disabled list Monday (Aug. 11).

Zink, who was 13-4 overall with a 2.89 earned run average in 25 starts for Class AAA Pawtucket (R.I.) was selected to the International League All-Star team, registered two complete games and one shutout for Pawtucket. He has limited the opposition to a .228 batting average in 152.1 innings in 2008 with 94 strikeouts and 43 walks. Zink was chosen to play in the 2007 Eastern League All-Star Game.

Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Red Sox in 2002, Zink played three seasons for the Bees from 1999-2001. He went 9-17 in 35 games for the Bees with a 3.76 earned run average in 210 1/3 innings of work. He allowed 184 hits, while striking out 263 batters and walking 110. He holds the college mark for strikeouts in a game (14 against Savannah State University, 2000).

Zink is one of three SCAD baseball players - all pitchers - currently playing professionally. Ryan Pope, who was selected in the third round of the 2007 draft by the New York Yankees, is currently playing for the Class A Tampa (Fla.) Yankees. Pope was named to the Florida State League's All-Star team in June. Richard Sullivan, who was taken in the 11th round of this year's draft by the Atlanta Braves, is pitching for Rome (Ga.), which is the Braves' Class A affiliate in the South Atlantic League.

"This is great," said McInnis Carpentry GM and former SCAD outfielder (1994-97) Tom Fratolillo "A Bee making it to the bigs and for the Sox too! I'm happy for him. We never did play together but I'm proud of him for representing SCAD. I wish him the best. If things don't work out with the Sox we have a spot for him here with the Hammers."

PLAYOFFS: Semi Finals. M.C. vs. Flanagans

M.C. Affiliate Quincy Advances To SNSL Championship

WEYMOUTH - McInnis Carpentry AA affiliate Quincy advanced to the Sunday Night Softball championship Sunday with wins over the defending champion Bulldogs 12-8 and number one seed Brew House 18-6 on Sunday in Weymouth.

Quincy came from behind to top the Bulldogs. Down 8-7, Sean Munro blasted a one-out grand slam to left center to put the big Q on top. Quincy added another run in the top of the 7th and held on for the win.

In the semifinal matchup with the Brew House, Quincy raced out a 9-2 lead after two innings. The Brew House scored four in the 5th to cut the lead to 9-6. Quincy answered right back with a three run 6th. A six run seventh put the game away and moved Quincy into the championship game a league record 10th time.

Quincy (formerly Tru-Wheels) is making it's third straight championship appearance and is looking to capture it's fifth title and second in three years.

Hammers Beat Local 23-8, Advance to Semifinals

PLAYOFFS

15 Run First Powers Carpentry Over Local, 30-12

HOUGHS NECK - The McInnis Carpentry softball club opened the playoffs in a big way last night by sending twenty men to the plate which resulted in a first inning 15 run explosion. The 15 runs tied a McInnis Carpentry playoff record and the thirty runs was the second highest ever scored in team postseason play.

"A crucial win for us," said Hammers GM Tom Fratolillo "There's no time to blink in the first round. The series is so short, you lose that first game your backs are immediately to the wall. We came in knowing we have our hands full with Local. They are a tough team that can score."

It looked like it would be a rough night for the Hammers as Local came out swinging in the first. Local sent ten men to the plate and scored five runs on five hits and walk.

Down 5-0 the Carpenters responded. Greg Harper (4-5, 2 RBI, 4 Runs) led off with an infield single. After a Steve Yocco (4-4, 2 RBI, 3 Runs) hit, Jimmy Dennis (3-4, 2-RBI) walked to load the bases. Scott Logan (3-4, 3 RBI) stepped in and delivered a two run line drive to center field to get the Hammers on the board. Two batters later Gary Smith (2-4, 2 RBI, 2 Runs) drew a walk to load the bases for Steve McInnis (4-5, 2 RBI, Double, 3 Runs). McInnis continued his big season with a double to right center, which cleared the bases and tied the game at five all.

"I feel very comfortable this year," said McInnis "It helps when you finally have the trust of your coach. Last year I wasn't comfortable because these guys didn't have a clue where to play me. One day it's third, the next firstbase. . . I mean, how the hell am I suppose to find a rhythm? So I said the hell with it and just drank a few extra beers before each game. This year I'm where I want to be and where I should be, and that's on the mound. They keep playing me there I'll lay off the booze."

The Hammers big first inning continued, after Player Of The Game winner Mark Free (3-3, 2 HR's, BB, 3 Runs) took first on a four pitch walk, Chris Smith (3-4, Triple, 4 RBI) delivered a triple to score both McInnis & Free. Sal Buonpane (2-4, RBI, 2 Runs) knocked in Smith from third with a single and Tom Fratolillo (1-4, 2 Runs) kept the offense rolling by ripping a double to left center. When the dust settled the black & orange had scored an astounding fifteen runs.

"You couldn't have asked for a better start to open the playoffs," said Hammers DH Gary Smith "This team can hit. We expect to score each and every inning, there's really no let downs in this lineup, one through eleven is an offensive threat. We had good at-bats tonight, guys were focused and hitting the ball hard. This team is for real and we do believe we have a chance to win every time we take the field."

Local came back with two runs in the second to cut the Hammer lead to 15-7 to stay in the game. 104 swung the bats well but just couldn't get that extra hit to match the Carpenters torrid attack. Local left 10 runners on base.

Any hopes of a comeback were dashed with a nine run third inning to put the Hammers up 24-7. Mark Free connected on a grand slam, his first of a two home run night.

Carpentry outscored Local 6-5 through the last three innings to cruise to their first playoff game win since the '06 semifinals. The win broke a six game playoff losing streak (0-4 to Flanagans in the '06 finals & 0-2 last year to VFW).

NOTES: The Hammers were without ss Bill Wysocki, outfielder Sean Munro, Jeff Sheehan and Neal Plant. All are expected back for game two. . . Tom Fratolillo's first inning double broke an 0-6 drought against Local. . . Mark Free's 6 RBI tied a team postseason record (Logan '02 vs. Mauri Electric, Wysocki '05 vs Local 103). . . Rich Brill made his first playoff appearance in 8 seasons. (last was with Cagney's in '00). . . the 30 runs was the second highest scored in team history since a 44-17 win over Mauri Electric in 2002.

Carpentry To Open Playoff Series Monday Aug. 4th Against Local

The Neck League playoffs are here! The 2008 postseason begins tomorrow night with Flanagans vs. Yesterdays. The number three seed, McInnis Carpentry opens up on Monday, August 4th against Local 104. Here are the matchups:

Tues, July 29: #1 Chefs (17-3) vs. #8 Yesterdays (7-13) Chefs Lead Series 1-0

TBA: #2 Flanagans (17-3) vs. #7 Manet (9-11)

Mon. Aug. 4: #3 McInnis Carpentry (15-5) vs. #6 Local 104 (11-9)

TBA: #4 S6 vs. (12-8) vs. #5 Morrell Club (11-9)

Yocco, Logan Power Carpentry Over New Team 22-4

HOUGHS NECK - The McInnis Carpentry softball team went about their business last night by dishing out a steady barrage of hits to coast to their 14th win of the season over the "New Team" 22-4.

Steve Yocco and Scott Logan continued their monster seasons by combining to go 7 for 7 from the plate & scoring five times. Yocco had went 3-3 with a HR, Triple and career high 6 RBI's. "I'm seeing the ball real well right now," said the Hammer outfielder. "Not trying to do to much with it. Just keeping my eyes on the ball and driving the ball wherever it's pitched."

Logan, in a tight race for the team batting title with Yocco, had three straight hits before lifting a 5th inning sacrifice fly to left-center. The Carpentry thirdbaseman raised his average to .688 which trails only Yocco by seven points (.695). "The Game is here to take what is his," said Logan "I am the king of kings when it come to softball! Stevie's got an edge now and I suggest he enjoys it. . . because it won't last."

Greg Harper (4-4, 4 Runs, 2 RBI) sparked the Hammers offense by hitting the first pitch of the game to center field. After a walk by Yocco, Jimmy Dennis line a two run double to right. Logan followed with a hit to left. After a force by Steve McInnis (HR, 3 RBI), Sean Munro tripled to clear the bases and give the black & orange a quick 4-0 lead.

The Hammers used the long ball in the fourth to push the lead to double-digits. Mike Berry (3-4, 3 Runs, RBI) and Harper stared the inning and scored on a three run homer by Yocco. After hits by Dennis & Logan, McInnis connected on another three run bomb to right field. Two batters later Munro launched a solo shot to left center to close out the scoring.

The New Team were unable to produce much offense, scoring only two runs on seven hits through the first four innings. The Carpenters broke the game wide open in the fifth, scoring six runs behind hits by Tom Fratolillo (2-3, Double, 2 Runs), Rich Brill (2-4, 2 Runs), Berry , Yocco & Logan.

"We hit tonight," said Fratolillo "They were a bit overmatched tonight. We have a veteran group who had just lost two in row and was hungry for a victory. Whoever we played tonight would have had their hands full. Give them credit for hanging in there though. We needed this to get back on track."

S6 Routs Carpentry 21-8

HOUGHS NECK - S6 took advantage of a slumbering McInnis Carpentry, jumping out to a big 16-4 lead after four innings and cruising to the 21-8 victory.

"We got hit hard early," said pitcher/owner Steve McInnis "They grabbed the lead but I still felt good about our chances. But we were a bit flat tonight, it's tough to keep your energy up for twenty games. Every team has a let down at some point and you hope it just doesn't happen on a night when the other team is on. Unfortunately S6 came to play, we would have had our hands full even if we played well tonight."

Down 5-0 in the second inning the Hammers mounted a comeback behind hits by Gary Smith, Steve McInnis, Sal Buonopane and Mark Free. Free's bases loaded single scored two and Neal Plant followed with an RBI hit to make it a 5-3 game. That was as close as the Hammers would come all night.

S6 exploded for 9 runs in the fourth, sending 13 men to the plate to take control of the game. "We hit the ball well tonight," said S6 catcher Joe Mariano "One through eleven hit. When we play like that we can run with anyone."

The Carpentry offense sputtered the rest of the way, never threatening the S6 lead. The loss dropped the Hammers to 13-5 on the season.

Lomo, Miller Help Chefs Upend Hammers 19-15

HOUGHS NECK - Once again the Hammers took on a red hot Chefs without several key starters, but unlike their first meeting the Carpenters put up a fight.

The Chefs came out swinging in the first, sending twelve men to the plate en route to scoring seven big runs to put the Hammers on the ropes early. Getting big nights by Rob Lamonica (5-5, 2RBI), Brian Dunn (4-5, 2 Runs) & Steve Miller (4-5, HR, Triple, 4 RBI) the Chefs built a 13-4 lead through 5 and a half innings.

"They are playing great ball right now", said Hammers GM Tom Fratolillo "Probably the best we've seen from this group in years. They have a good mix of young & veteran players, they will be tough to beat come playoff time."

The Carpenters got back in the game with a big five run fith inning. Steve Yocco (3-4, 2 RBI) scored on an RBI hit from Scott Logan (4-4, HR, Triple, 4 RBI). After another RBI hit from Steve McInnis (3-4, Triple, 2 RBI), Sean Munro (3-4, HR, Triple) connected on a long three run homer to center field to pull the Hammers within four runs.

The Chefs responded right back in the 6th. Johnny Johnson led off with a double and scored on a one out single by Lamonica. After an RBI single by Mark Robertson, Josh Giordani's hit to center plated another run to put the Chefs up 16-9.

Down 19-11 in their last at bat, the Carpenters took advantage of a tough sun in left. Logan led off the inning with a home run and after a McInnis sun-aided hit to left, Munro lined a triple to left center. The Chefs turned a big double play to slow the Carpenters attack down. After another hit by Chris Smith (3-4), Neal Plant hit a liner to left which was lost in the sun again, scoring Smith while Plant ended up on third. Brian Dunn got Tom Fratolillo to fly to left to end the Carpenters comeback bid and win the game 19-15.

With the win the Chefs improve to 11-3 while McInnis Carpentry drops to 12-4.

Shedding The Monkey? Late Inning Surge Helps M.C. Topple Morrell Club 22-13

HOUGHS NECK, MA - For years the Morrell Club has owned McInnis Carpentry. No matter how successful the Hammers season was going there was always the boys from the Morrell Club lurking in the shadows, ready to crash the party.

After a four game losing streak that spanned two years the Hammers took a step in the right direction to shedding the monkey off their back as they outscored the Morrell Club 17-3 in the final three innings to win 22-13 last night at LaBreque Field.

"Well, it's certainly a big win and it feels good to finally beat these guys," said Hammers GM Tom Fratolillo "But we still have the playoffs and they're going to be around for a long time. We'll just take this win and enjoy the moment."

Down 10-7, the Hammers scored 7 in the top of the sixth to take a 14-10 lead. The Morrell Club answered right back with 3 to cut the lead to one. With two outs and a run in the Carpenters strung together 8 straight hits to push the lead to nine and complete the season sweep.

Fratolillo Places 4th at Northeastern Surfing Championships

PEDDOCKS ISLAND, MA - Service on the Peddocks Island Ferry was suspended as a terrific storm system barreled up the east coast and through New England on Friday, bringing torrents of rain and winds that were relentless. The surf was 8 to 10 feet on Saturday, but completely out of control. When ESA officials put the contest on alert for Sunday morning, the forecast was for diminishing offshore winds and over head surf.

“We knew the waves would hold for the contest,” said ESA Competition Director William Weed. “But we assumed from the forecast, the winds would ease up. They did not.” With the town beach all but closed out and hopeless, the contest machine moved to a reef break near the Pt. Judith Lighthouse. “The surf was great, but the winds were really strong,” said Frade.

With wind gust up to 50 knots, competitors had to dig deep, to get into the 6 foot plus waves that pumped all day long. If they made the drop, the ride was spectacular. If they took off in the wrong spot, it was a long way back to the line up. Heats were extended up to 20 minutes, to allow for the extra time for the long paddle out.

Everyone who did show up for the 34th Annual Northeast Surfing Championships, were stoked with the waves. “A bunch of us came from Cape Cod for the contest,” said ESA competitor, Mike Bamber of Orleans, Massachusetts. “And this is much bigger and cleaner than the surf on the cape right now.”

As expected in adverse conditions, the best action came in the Men’s Open division. Boston’s Bobby Clarke found a 8-foot screamer on the outside reef, and finished off a solid barrel ride with a spectacular floater, to top Gary Shaw for the Men’s title. Shaw came back with two solid, charging lefts, to edge out Connecticut's Mike Hattfield and Quincy's Tom Fratolillo.

"The sea was angry today", said Fratolillo "Big waves and big action, she really chewed up and spit out a few of us. But that's the way we like it, the best conditions one could ask for, really."

Nantucket’s Jeff Beard topped Hendricken Surf Team’s Ari George for the Junior Men’s title, hanging inside for a solid left that lined up into the shore break. Narragansett’s top two women went head to head in both the short board and long board finals. Jen McCall found two inside rights to win the short board, while Katie Charles captured the long board title.

In the oldster categories, it was Narragansett’s Jake Salvatori taking the Grandmaster crown, while Peter Pan won the Legends, Legends Long board, and Open Body board divisions. Wellfleet long board stylist, Edgar Valli, nose rode to the victory in the Men’s Longboard Final, while Curtis Fenton took the Junior log title.

At the conclusion of the last heat, the trophies were awarded right in front of the break, with ESA officials forced to hold down the trophies, which were ready to blow away in the wind gusts. “It was certainly a wild day of wind,” said Women’s winner, McCall. “But the waves were worth it."

Mardo Resurfaces at Houghs Neck's 3rd of July Festival

John "Mardo" Martin who retired from the Hammers at the end of the '07 regular season and has not been seen since, recently resurfaced at the McInnis Carpentry Compound on Manet Ave. during 3rd of July festivities.

He hasn't made a public appearance at a softball field in 11 months, has declined interview requests and passed on annual invitations to visit his former team, the McInnis Carpentry Hammers.

"The perception of Mardo is so completely different than the reality," says Mike Shaw, a friend of Martin who often sees and talks to him. "People think he's out of the game, but they have no idea just how much he's still in the game."

Although Martin declined to comment for this story, friends, colleagues and those in the game say he is slowly returning to softball. They point to the secret hitting lessons he gives to a small group of Neck leaguers and patrons of Cronin's Bar & Grille, and the time in November he nearly became the hitting coach of Yesterdays.

"He would be a tremendous hitting coach," Yesterday's general manager Mike Aupperlee says. "Really, he'd be great at just about anything he wanted to do in softball. He has so much passion for the game, and so much to offer."

Hammers Pound Yesterday's 21-4

BISHOP FIELD, NORTH QUINCY- The McInnis Carpentry softball team once again had little trouble getting by the new look Yesterday's team, cruising to a 21-4 win to improve to 11-3 on the season. Steve McInnis put up an almost identical pitching line from the team's first encounter, allowing only 8 hits in the game to run his record to 7-1.

Yesterday's got off to a good start as Justin Ellwood led off the game with a triple to left field and scored one batter later on Ray Phillis's sharp single to right. Poised for a big first inning the Stinga's then hit into a double play to squash any chance of extending their lead.

The Carpenters bounced back in a big way in the home half of the first, as the first four hitters combined to hit for the cycle. Greg Harper & Steve Yocco singled to set the stage for a three run home run to right center by Scott Logan. Billy Wysocki followed with a triple and scored on a sacrifice fly by John Gray to give the Hammers a 4-1 lead after one inning of play.

Big Yellow struck back and looked to make a game of it as John Southern, Mike Aupperlee and Mike Downey all had hits to start the inning. Dean Salvatore delivered a clutch hit to tie the game at 4 all.

The Hammers again had an answer, scoring 8 big runs to go up 12-4. The Black and Orange sent 12 batters to the plate, receiving hits from Sal Buonopane, Mark Free, Jeff Sheehan, Neal Plant, Yocco, Logan & Wysocki.
"We hit the ball real well tonight", said Hammers 1st Baseman Jeff Sheehan "They have a good team over there. Unfortunately they ran into a buzzsaw tonight. They way we were swinging the bats tonight, it we be tough for anyone to match that."

The Hammers outscored Yesterday's 9-0 through the last four innings to close out the game 21-4. "We had a tough night," said Yesteday's infielder Bill Marchand "They hit the ball well and we didn't. We'll turn this thing around though, we have the players here to do it and I believe we will. Our goal is to simply make the playoffs at this point. Once your in the postseason tournament anything can happen."

Carpentry Wins Battle of the Manets 18-7 for 10th Win

The McInnis Carpentry softball club defeated the Manet 18-7 Wednesday night at LaBreque Field. The orange raced out to a 9-2 lead after two innings and went to the bench early in cruising to their 8th win in 7 games to improve to 10-3 on the season. Their only losses have come from Flanagans (0-2) and the Chefs (0-1).

McInnis Carpentry was the second incarnation of the Manet and the most successful in the bars history. They compiled an impressive 48-12 regular season record from 2002-2004 and reached the league semi-finals twice.
Steve McInnis was awarded ownership in 2005 and has sponsored the team since, which reached the championship series in '05 & '06.

Recap to come.

Cinquegrano Released, Career Possibly Over

QUINCY CENTER PLAZA, MA. (AP) — Fans were reacting with concern and dismay Friday to the news that the Hammers released shortstop Rob Cinquegrano after he was schedued to undergoing shoulder surgery next week that will end his season and possibly his career forever.

On WEEI radio's "Dennis & Callahan Show," Cinquegrano said, "We're still nailing down exactly what kind of surgery it's going to be. When asked if he thought it would end his season, Cinquegrano said yes. "My season is over, and there is a pretty decent chance I have played my last game in the Neck forever."

The former Carpentry star shortstop was re-signed in May despite reports of shoulder problems. He has yet set foot on the field this season.

"It got to a point where we had to make some decisions, and I'm going to have shoulder surgery on Monday of next week and then we're going to just kinda go from there," Cinquegrano said on the air. "If you use a scale of 1-10 and 10 is playing effecively in this league, I'm at about 3 right now."

Hammers manager Tom Fratolillo said the team hoped for the best for the ailing All Star.
"I think we always knew that this was a possibility. Something was wrong with his shoulder. We don't know how it happened. The most appropriate treatment was what our doctors recommended, you know ... the conservative route, strengthen it, see if he can get back and play effectively. I wish him the best and that he comes back and catches on with another team"

Fans at LaBreque Park were upset.

"That's too bad. That's too bad. I really like Cinka, and I was hoping he could come back by July and really help us. He's a great guy. I hope it isn't the end of his career," one fan said.

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T-Shirt Of the Week: Wolly Beach Surf Club

This week's item features one of the most popular designs from Mile Ends. Wollaston Beach Surf Club was also one of the first t-shirts we made. We now also have "Edgewater Drive Surf Club" for all you die hard Neckers.

Check out this week's shirt and many more at www.mileends.com

If you've got any suggestions, questions, or comments about our products or our site, shoot us a quick email at tom@mileends.com. We hope you find something you like.

McInnis Helps Hammers Wax Bees, 14-4

LaBREQUE FIELD, HN - Steve McInnis scatterd 8 hits through seven innings to improve to 5-1 on the season and went 4-4 from the plate to help the Hammers to a 14-4 win over Yesterday's Friday night in Houghs Neck.

The Hammers jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. Steve Yocco (4-5) singled to get the Carpenters offense going, then scored on a hit by Scott Logan (4-4, 2 RBI's). A sacrifice fly by Bill Wysocki followed by a Gary Smith (3-3, RBI) double put the black & orange in control.

Yesterday's answered back with a run on an RBI hit by Mike Aupperlee (2-3, 2 RBI's). After shutting the M.C. club down John Southern hit a one out solo home run to center field to pull the Bee's within two. "I knew it was gone when I hit it, " said Southern, playing against his former team for the first time. "It felt good. Specially against these guys . . . I love em but it's great to stick it to your old teammates once in a while."

The Yesterday's offense sputtered all night as it's five through eleven hitters went a dismal 3-19. "Well, we need to get more production from the rest of the team," said Yesterday's manager Mike Aupperlee "We won't win many games with that stat line. But we'll bounce back, we'll be ok. It's the first time this unit has played together in a long time. We are finding each other out and have half a season to get on the same page."

A five run Hammers fourth followed by a three run 5th snuffed out any chance of a comeback as they extended the lead to 12-2.

With the win the Carpenters improve to 9-3.

Flanagan's Stop Hammers 14-6

HOUGHS NECK - The McInnis Carpentry softball club saw their 6-game win streaked snapped by dropping a 14-6 decision to league powerhouse and six time champion Flanagans.

"Well, both teams were flat tonight", said Hammers manager Tom Fratolillo "We had a golden opportunity because these guys are always playing at such a high level. Tonight their enegy was down and that's the time to jump on them. Unfortunatley we were a bit flat as well."

The Carpenters jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first on a triple by Jimmy Dennis (2-4) and hits by Scott Logan (2-3, RBI) and John Gray (1-3, RBI).

Flanagans tied the game in the second and pushed ahead 5-2 with a three run third. Steve Tooma's two out base hit to left scored Dave Tocchio (2-4) and Lou Venterelli (2-3). Bobby Dion (3-4) followed with a single to plate another run.

The Hammers responed in fourth, tying the game at 5 on hits by Steve McInnis (2-3, 2 RBI's), Jeff Sheehan and Sal Buonopane (2-3, RBI). An inning later they took the lead an RBI hit by Gary Smith.
The lead was short lived though as Flanagans came out swinging in the home half of the 5th inning. Five straight hits led to three quick runs before the Hammers could get an out. When the dust settled seven runs had crossed the plate and Flanagans held a firm 12-6 lead. A two-run shot by Tooma padded the lead as Flanagans secured the win to improve to 11-1 on the season. With the loss the Hammers drop to 8-3.

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First Half Season Stats

Clipping from this weeks Quincy Sun.
Team leaders are in bold/italic writing.

Jimmy Dennis, Steve McInnis & Steve Yocco are off to terrific starts to the '08 season.
Scott Logan, last years triple crown winner, has returned from "season ending" shoulder surgery and is looking to defend his title. Bill Wysocki and John Gray continue to put up big numbers in the RBI and runs scored category.
Sal Buonpane has been rock-solid as usual and is on pace for another 30+ hit season.
Neal Plant has proved to be a big addition to the Carpenters success, cranking out 11 hits through only 8 games for a .579 avg.
Newcomer Gary Smith (.611 BA) has provided the team with another bat that can hit for power and average. Despite being away from the game for six seasons Smith is showing no signs of rust at the plate.

M.C. Tops S6 18-9 For Fifth Straight Win

HOUGHS NECK - Steve Yocco continued to tear it up, going 4-5 with 3 RBI and scoring four times to help the McInnis Carpentry softball club beat S6 18-9 for it's fifth straight win.

Sal Buonopane, Steve McInnis & Jimmy Dennis all had big nights as well. With the win the Hammers finish the first half of the season at 8-2 and face Flanagans (9-1) on Wednesday night in a battle for first place.

While the Hammers offense sputtered for the first two innings S6 came out swinging, building a 7-0 lead heading into the third. Hits by McInnis (2-4, 2 RBI), Buonopane (4-4, 2 runs) and Yocco set the stage for Jimmy Dennis, who connected on a bases clearing triple to right center to pull the Carpenters within one. The black and orange went on to outscore their opponent 12-2 the rest of the way and move within a game of first place.

"This was a great win over a solid team", said Hammer outfielder Neal Plant "Their lineup can hit, this game was much closer than the final score indicated. We had our hands full tonight, they certainly missed a few opportunities to make this a tighter game . . . but give our guys credit, where they failed we succeeded. Our hitters were clutch all night, just like we've been for most of the year."


NOTES: Rich Brill was unable to attend tonites game due to a strained left hamstring and could possibly be placed on the IR as soon as tomorrow morning . . . It was the first meeting between the two clubs since last seasons playoffs. Last year, known as the VFW, the #2 seed Hammers were upset in the playoffs by the #7 seed club from Germantown.

T-Shirt Of the Week: Pumpy Spring Water

Now that the summer is in full swing we are proud to bring back "The T-Shirt of the Week!"

All season long we will feature a new design with a local theme . . . Houghs Neck, Germantown, Adams Shore, Wollaston, Merrymount, Quincy Point.

Check out this week's shirt and many more at www.mileends.com

If you've got any suggestions, questions, or comments about our products or our site, shoot us a quick email at tom@mileends.com. We hope you find something you like.

Yocco, McInnis Power M.C. to 18-7 Win Over Hofbrau

BISHOP FIELD, N.Q. - Steve Yocco went 5-5 from the plate and Steve McInnis continued his monster season by going 2-4 with a long home run to power the M.C. club to an 18-7 win over the Hofbrau last night in North Quincy.

McInnis is batting .684 with 10 RBI and 2 HR's through nine games. "I feel good," said the team starting pitcher and owner "I'm just seeing the ball real well and feel very confident every time I step up to the plate. Maybe the manager will take notice and move me up in the order for once."

The Carpenters broke open a suprisingly tight game in the 5th inning. Leading 5-4 over the young, winless Hofbrau Yocco singled home Tom Fratolillo and Scored on Scott Logan's RBI double to right field. Home runs by John Gray and Sean Munroe pushed the Hammers lead to 13-4.

"That was a nice win against a team desperate to break into the win column," said Carpentry infielder Mark Free "They have some good talent on that club and played us tough for five innings. If they continue to play like that and cut down on some errors they will surprise someone."

The win is the Hammers third straight and fifth in their last six games. They improve to 7-2 and trail only Flanagans (8-1) in the standings.

Hammers Rip Cagneys 28-10

LaBREQUE FIELD, HN - The Hammers were hitting on all cylinders against an overmatched Cagneys club, racing out to a big 18-4 lead after only two innings of play last night in Houghs Neck.

Steve McInnis was solid on the hill, improving to 4-0 on the season and also helped hmself at the plate by going 3-4 with a double and three RBI's.

"It's good to get a win like this", said Hammer outfielder John Gray "After coming of a tough win the other night over Local, it's nice to pile up the runs, relax and enjoy a few frosties with the boys."

Every player in the lineup had at least one hit for the M.C. club.

NOTES: Rich Brill pulled a hamstring and had to leave the game after scoring on an RBI single by Greg Harper, his statis is day-to-day . . . With the win Hammers improve to 6-2 on the season . . . Gary Smith continued his torrid hitting and has eight hits in his last nine at-bats . . . The league announced the Hammers will play Yersterday's Friday, June 20th as part of a make-up game for a May rainout.

Harper Answers Challenge, 7th Inning Single Lifts Carpentry Over Local

LeBREQUE FIELD, HN - Greg Harper singled home the winning run with one out in the 7th inning to propel the McInnis Carpentry softball club to an improbable 17-16 win over Local 104 Monday night.

Bill Wysocki continued to pile up the RBI's by hitting a bases loaded triple to help the Carpenters jump out to a 3-1 lead. Hits by John Gray and Mark Free made it 5-1 after one inning.

Local, coming off back-to-back blowout wins over league powers the Chefs and Morrell Club, bounced right back by scoring 15 runs over the next three innings behind hits by Diaz (4-5, 3 RBI) and shortstop Tom Daley (2-5). Unfortunately Local couldn't maintain it's torrid hitting and fizzled when it mattered most, going down in order in each of the last three innings.

Trailing 16-9, Sal Buonopane (2-4) started the Hammers comeback with a leadoff hit to begin the 6th inning. Jeff Sheehan and Yocco delivered key hits and Harper's sacrifice fly to left pulled the black and orange to within three.

After holding Local in the seventh the Hammers got right back to work. Neal Plant singled to left and scored on another big hit by Buonopane. Things then began to unravel for Local 104. With Sheehan batting and representing the winning run, Local called for an intentional walk. After a brief huddle with teammates he retracted his request. Sheehan then laced a sharp single to left, scoring Steve McInnins with Buonopane taking third. Local then intentionally walk Yocco, putting pinch runner Mark Free in scoring position with only one out and one of the Hammers best hitters at the plate. "I was shocked," said Harper "But as surprised as I was I was also excited. I love being in a position to win a game for the team . . . it was hard to keep the smile off my face during that at bat." Two pitches later Harper delivered the game winner to complete the Carpentry comeback.

With the win the Hammers improve to 5-2 on the season, Local drops to 6-3.

M.C. Cruises Past Young Hofbrau, Win 16-2

HOUGHS NECK, MA- The McInnis Carpentry softball team took care of business Wednesday night against a very young Hofbrau team, winning easily by the score of 16-2.

The Hammers used a big nine run second inning to put the game away early. After Jeff Sheehan reached on an error, Steve McInnis began a six hit rally which saw the Black & Orange plate five runs before making an out.

"We looked good tonight", said Carpentry manager Tom Fratolillo "We had good, strong at bats...when we do that, and the other team doesn't make plays it can make for long night for the opposition.

The Hammers called off the dogs the rest of the way, going base to base after each hit.
Scott Logan went 3-4, Neal Plant 2-3 and Bill Wysocki had six RBI's to give the black and gold their 4th win of the season.

Short Order Special: Chefs Rout Carpentry 22-8

LABREQUE FIELD, HOUGHS NECK - A depleted McInnis Carpentry squad was no match for the shorthanded Chefs last night as the Hammers were pounded 22-8 in a game that went only 5 innings. Despite fielding nine players, the Chefs blitzed the Hammers for 14 runs after just two innings.

Missing five starters, it appeared the carpenters had caught a break against their long time rivals. The Chefs barely got a team on the field by 6:15. "We thought we were in big trouble there," said Chefs manager Steve Miller "We had to make some phone calls. Fortunately for us, they had some number problems as well and we just got off to a hot start."

"This was a battle of back-ups. We were missing so many guys tonight... everyone was out of position," Hammers manager Tom Fratolillo said. "It's an ugly loss and you've just got to put this one aside."

With the loss the Hammers drop to 3-2 on the season. Both losses have come via the mercy rule.

Game On! Logan Receives Medical Clearance

QUINCY, MA-- The Hammers issued a statement today concerning All-Star thirdbaseman Scott Logan, who had shoulder surgery in February, saying that he has received medical clearance to play tomorrow night against the Chefs.

The statement comes as a complete surpise as it was reported in February that Logan would miss the entire '08 season.

The statement said, ''The McInnis Carpentry Softball Club have been advised that Scott Logan has received unanimous medical clearance from outside specialists. He has also passed multiple physical examinations by team doctors and has been cleared to resume playing as early as tomorrow night. The organization is satisfied that he has received the best medical attention possible and has been assured that he is medically cleared to resume his playing career. Scott Logan has worked very hard throughout his rehabilitation to return to full health and has been assured by all who have examined him that he has a clean bill of health."

Edward G. McFarland, M.D., vice chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Mass General and director of adult orthopedics in the Division of Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery said ''I have had the opportunity to care for Scotty since the day of his surgery four months ago and have closely monitored his rehabilitation and remarkably rapid rate of recovery, physically, Scott still has a way to go to perform physically at a very high level. Throwing will be his biggest challenge right now, as far as hitting.... he is completely back to normal."

Carpentry Stuns Morrell Club With 7th Inning Rally

BISHOP FIELD, NQ (AP)—Down by nine with one out in the bottom of the 7th, Jimmy Dennis doubled to bring McInnis Carpentry within one run and scored the game-winner on a long single by Bill Wysocki, giving the Hammers a wild 22-21 win over the Morrell Club on Friday night.

It was the largest 7th inning deficit the Hammers have ever overcome.

“This is a big one, you really don’t ever come back down nine with one at bat left,” said Wysocki, who homered and had two hits in the 7th inning. “You don’t want to make a living out of it, but this was probably the biggest carpentry win I’ve seen as far as just a full team effort.”

The Hammers had a big start, exploding for nine runs in the first inning powered by HR's by Dennis and Sean Munroe. Everything seemed to point to a Hammers blowout. Carpentry pitcher Steve McInnis was solid but left the game with an 11-2 lead after only two innings. "I injured my foot last week," said McInnis "We thought the game was in control and I could come out early and rest. I guess I came out a little too early."

The Morrell Club bounced back in the third inning, cutting into the Hammers lead with a 5-run inning to pull within 11-7 against Greg Harper on RBI singles by Sean McDonald and Doug Nolan.

A big nine-run 6th by the Morrell Club gave them an 18-12 lead. Robbie Kane & Matt Fratolillo had big nights, combining to go 8-10 with 3 RBI's and crossed the plate 8 times.

On an ordinary night, that would have been enough to win. But the Hammers rallied against Joe Kelly in the 7th, using key RBI hits by Mark Free and Neal Plant to begin the rally. Newly acquired free-agent Jeff Sheehan connected on a long 3-run shot to left to make the score 21-18. Singles by Chris Smith, Greg Harper, Steve Yocco and Dennis set the stage for Wysocki's game winning hit.

NOTES: The win snaps a four game losing streak to the Morrell Club that stretched two years... Sean Munroe homered in his first career at bat for the Hammers... Morrell Club shortstop Rob Kane went 5-5 with an RBI and 5 runs scored... Jimmy Fidler was back from Florida to watch the game... Hammers leadoff hitter Greg Harper went 5-5 with an RBI and two runs scored... Steve McInnis finised a six pack before the 3rd inning.

Rivalry Renewed: Hammers Face Morrell Club Friday Night

BISHOP FIELD, NQ - It was nearly a week ago that Rich Brill fired a shot at Paul Galligan, calling him a "mouse." But, with the first McInnis Carpentry-Morrell Club series of 2008 beginning tomorrow, Galligan was asked, again, if they had made up.

"I didn't know there was a hatchet to be buried, to be honest with you," Galligan said. "I said what I needed to say. I mean, I'm not going to sit here and get into a childish yelling match with Ritchie or whoever it was. I said that not really directing it towards him.

Two weeks ago, after the Hammers announced the signing of Brill, Galligan said, "Wow, they're really scraping the bottom of the barrell now. I'm not sure what they're trying to do over there. Rebuild? You don't rebuild with 40-something year old wash ups."

Then Brill said, "Being insulted by Paul is like being attacked by a mouse."

Galligan, who is rarely seen at the field, serves as the President and Chairman of Softball Operations for the Morrell Club and is running the show. It's a show that, despite being a bit battered and bruised, comes to Bishop Field tomorrow night for the first meeting between the teams in 2008. Neither team is where it wants to be and, given the Hammers decision to place Scott Logan & Jeff Sheehan on the 15-day disabled list, nor are they fully healthy.

Morrell Club catcher Brian Clifford was diagnosed with a strained right shoulder Wednesday. Shortstop Rob Kane has a strained quadriceps that might keep him out awhile. Not that Hammers manager Tom Fratolillo is eager to see Kane back in the lineup.

"You can never be too careful with those quads," he said, in a bit of good-natured advice to Morrell manager Doug Nolan.

Gary Smith, who has been with Flannagans and the Hofbrau, gets his first taste of the rivalry. He's been warned, he said. He knows the games take quite awhile. He's prepared, too.

"I guess you just got to get your bubblegum ready," he joked.

It's also a rivalry he looks forward to seeing up close. He's seen it from the safety of his living room (On Quincy Cable's Game of the Week), but he anticipates this will be an entirely different scenario. "I think every player, if you played Quincy Softball, at some point you'd like to experience this rivalry firsthand. So it'll be cool to get out on the field and feel what that rivalry is like."

The Morrell club has always given the Hammers a hard time. The Hammers hold a 10-7 career record against them. After beating the Morrell Club 4 times in '05 (regular season & 1st round playoff sweep), the Hammers arch-rivals have bounced back with a four game winning streak of their own.

Carpentry Pounds Team No Name 28-11

HOUGHS NECK, MA - The McInnis Carpentry softball club welcomed the newest team to the BSSSL with a 28-11 thrashing Thursday night at LaBreque Field.

The team, which has yet to declair sponsorship, hung tough with the Hammers, tying the score at 6 after two and a half innings.
But the Hammers unleashed the thunder in the bottom of the third, scoring 13 runs behind hits from Mike Berry, Steve McInnis, Sal Buonopane, Tom Fratolillo and Chris Smith.

Berry had a career night, banging out three hits (2 doubles) & three RBI. "It feels good to contribute", said Berry "It's tough to get playing time on this team, with all the great players we have. I can't really worry about that though. I just have to stay loose and whenever my number is called to do my best. Tonight it worked out well. I had a good time and I'm glad we got the win."

After shutting down the "New Team" in the 4th, the Black & Gold struck again for 9 big runs to put the game out of reach. Buonopane pitched 4 innings of 8-hit ball and helped his own cause by going 3-4 from the plate.

New Look Yesterday's Confident Heading Into Friday Night Showdown With Hammers

Promotional video featuring Yesterday's new uniforms and theme song.

Smith Announces Comeback, Signs With Carpentry

HOUGHS NECK, MA-- The McInnis Carpentry Softball Club continued their aggressive hunt to build a title contending team by agreeing to terms on a deal with power hitting outfielder/DH Gary Smith (no relation to current Hammer Chris Smith). The Weymouth resident and former Hingham High star brings an explosive bat to a Hammers lineup that is in need of production. He was a member of Flanagans for several seasons and retired in 2002

"Well, they came and got me out of retirement, and I can tell you it's a privilege to be playing again," said Smith. "Make no mistake about it, I've come back with one thing in mind, and that's to play for a championship. Anything else is a failure, and I know that."

"Gary Smith is a winner and a champion, and he is someone who can be counted on to help make this season one that all McInnis Carpentry fans can be proud of," owner Steve McInnis said in a statement. "The sole mission of this organization is to win a championship."

M.C. vs. Manet Washed Out

Friday nights game against the Manet has been postponed due to rain.
A makeup date has not been scheduled.

Flanagans Rips M.C. 18-2

HOUGHS NECK, MA - Hammers hitters continued their early season slumber by managing only nine harmless hits in seven innings off Flanagans backup pitcher Bobby Dione (1-0), who worked quickly and at times effortlessly.

The lack of hitting & intensity is becoming a disturbing trend for the once-high flying Hammers, a team known more for it's offense (except when it encounters the Morrell Club) than anything else. The decline in production began last season as the Carpenter's had major power outages, failing to reach double digits in runs scored four times. The erratic '07 season came to a shocking end with the #2 seed Hammers being swept out of the first round by the #7 seed VFW.

"Is it a hangover from last year? I don't know.", said M.C. owner Steve McInnis. "Either it's rust or old age is setting in. But it doesn't help when there seems to be a general lack of intensity right now. We may be the quietest team in the league. Am I going to lose sleep over it though...no. I'm actually feeling pretty good about this season, I've got my old warm-up partner Ritchie Brill back!!"

In the season opener the Hammers struggled to push 8 runs across the board in 6 innings against a Cagneys team that won only four games last year. A 5-run seventh keyed by poor Cagneys defense helped the M.C. club escape with a 13-12 win.

"We're accustomed to fast starts and big numbers with this team", said Hammers outfielder Steve Yocco. "So this is different for us, but there's no need to panic after only two games. We, and all teams, have stretches like this. Unfortunatley it's happening at the beginning of the season, where problems are magnified. We have good players on this club, eight teams make the playoffs. I think, in the end we will be one of those eight teams."

Flanagans led 3-0 after one inning and built a 12-0 lead after a big seven run fourth inning, keyed by hits from Mike Matson & Sean Lynch. The Hammers answered with their only two runs of the game on a sacrifice fly by Gary Smith and an RBI single by Chris Smith.

With the loss the Hammers drop to 1-1 while Flanagans improves to 2-0.

Hammers Bring Back Brill

QUINCY, MA. (AP)—The Big Hurt is back in the Neck—and it’s as if he never left.

The McInnis Carpentry Hammers agreed to terms Thursday with designated hitter Rich Brill, released last weekend by Dee Dees Pub after getting frustrated with his lack of playing time.

He will be the team’s new backup designated hitter, just as he was while a catalyst in Post 380's 1995 playoff run and second place finish that year. Brill received a warm reception when introduced to the media at the Manet Bar & Grill. Bobby Miller shouted from his stool at the bar, “Welcome back you @#*&%!”

Brill, with his larger-than-life personality and 5-foot-8, 237-pound frame, will be back in the black and orange and wearing No. 00. He began his second stint in with the Hammers/Manet/Legion sporting that big grin that’s such a part of him.
“It feels nice to be back with these guys,” Brill said. “It’s great to be back. I’m ready to go. This is where I want to be.”

The deal came together in a matter of hours Wednesday after Brill cleared waivers. Things were finalized in the early evening, and Brill had about an 15 minutes to get to the Manet and sign his contract.

“Bottom line, this was a risk worth taking,” team owner Steve McInnis said. “He's in fantastic shape. Obviously we had a great run with him in the past and he was a great influence on the club. It would be foolish on our part not to consider it.”

To clear roster room, the Hammers placed outfielder Dan Loring on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 19 with shin splints and transferred six-time Gold Glove third baseman Scott Logan to the 60-day disabled list.

“He has a presence to him,” Hammers outfielder John Gray said of Brill. “Somebody of his background with his accomplishments and someone of his size, when he’s on the field it has a powerful feel to it.”

Brill previously fit in well in the laid-back Hammers clubhouse. Gray and McInnis both have said they would welcome Brill.
“He’s an experienced guy,” Gray said. “That can only help out, and he’s another right-handed bat. I’m excited to play with a guy like that.”

McInnis and Brill have played with each other for years.

“Rich Brill is a great player—one of the best club house guys we ever had,” said McInnis, who went 1-4 in the Hammers 13-12 opening day win Tuesday night.

Brill left Cagney's/Post 380 after the 2000 season, playing in pick-up games and various Sunday leagues throughout the Greater Boston/South Shore Area. He had hoped to stay put in Houghs Neck but couldn’t turn down the oppoutunity for more playing time with other teams . “I love it here. I didn’t want to leave,” Brill said. “I’m here to provide a spark.”

Brill remade himself with The Legion in the early to mid '90's. In 1994, he batted .418 with 17 RBIs in 13 games. In 1995, his best season, Brill played in all 20 games to help the Legion to a 15-5 second place finish. He batted a career-high .515 with 22 RBI and 2 HR's.

Now, he hopes to retire with his old team.

“I hope so,” Brill said. “That’d be great.”