A comprehensive review of the 2003 season.
BOSTON MSBL LOSES A FRIEND
December 28, 2003
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Jim Holmwood
1951-2003 |
Jim Holmwood, long-time member of Boston MSBL, passed away after a bout with cancer. Jim played the 2003 season for the Homestead Gray Sox and played/managed for the Gray Sox and Wellesley Monarchs over the last 10+ years, taking the annual trip to play at Cooperstown each year.
Just last month, Jim was featured in Hardball Magazine for his role as a member of the "Pete Rose on Trial" jury which aired on ESPN this past summer. His love for baseball and our league was abundant and will be greatly missed. |
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WINTERBALL III SNOWED OUT
December 6, 2003
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The 3rd Annual Winterball Extravaganza was canceled due to almost 3 feet of snow. Ironic.
Get details from other Winterball Games. Winterball IV will be attempted next December. |
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THREE BMBL'ers FEATURED IN FALL 2003 HARDBALL MAGAZINE
November 13, 2003
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In the Fall 2003 issue of Hardball Magazine, flip to page 34 where Jim Holmwood (Homestead Gray Sox), Jason Grenier (Worcester Giants) and Jose Medina (T's Pub Dodgers) are featured for their role in determining the fate of Pete Rose getting into the Baseball Hall of Fame on ESPN this past July.
The full-page article is in the "Around the Horn" section, and is entitled "Boston MSBL Members on ESPN Jury: The Mock Trial of Charlie Hustle." You may view the Pete Rose Hardball article here.
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MSBL WORLD SERIES SUMMARY
October 15 through November 1, 2003 |
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A record 353 teams from across the globe made the 2003 MSBL/MABL World Series in Phoenix, Arizona the largest amateur baseball event ever held. Over the last three weeks, teams competed across 24 age/tier divisions, with 7 teams coming from Boston. Of these 7 teams, 4 advanced to the Finals in their division and 2 won it all. In fact, Boston teams combined for a phenomenal 32-13-2 record overall.
And today, the Massachusetts Cardinals won the championship in the age 48+ Federal division by defeating the Chicago Fire, 14-4. And the Boston Braves won the 38+ Federal division by defeating the Inland Pacific Apache, 7-3. Congratulations to all Boston teams. |
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Week 3: Cards win 48+ Federal Division; Braves win 38+ Federal Division
This week, the final 3 Boston MSBL teams are at the MSBL World Series -- marking 7 teams overall who attended. The Boston Clippers (1-5) and Boston Braves (6-2-1) are in the 38+ Federal division. The Massachusetts Cardinals (8-1) are in the 48+ Federal division. The Braves and Cardinals both won their division.
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Week 2: Two Boston teams finish Runner-up in Finals
Boston MSBL teams at the MSBL World Series finished a combined 13-5 this week, with two teams making the finals. The Boston Wolfpack (6-2) lost to K.C. in the Age 38+ Wood Bat Division Finals. The New England Red Sox (5-1) lost to Sacramento in the Father/Son National Division Finals. In the same division, the Brockton Athletics (2-2) did not qualify for the playoffs.
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Week 1: Boston United undefeated, until playoffs
The Boston United finished "regular season" pool play at 4-0-1 at the MABL World Series to clinch 1st place in the Federal Division before losing 13-11 to Sacramento in Round 1 of the playoffs.
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MABL BANQUET AT FENWAY PARK A SUCCESS
October 29, 2003
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The MABL held its end-of-year banquet on Wednesday, October 29th at Fenway Park in the .406 Club. Located directly behind home plate, the .406 Club has three cash bars and a panoramic view of the Park. Nearly 100 players and guests were in attendance.
View the 2003 MABL Banquet Photo Album.
League individual awards and championship trophies were also distributed at this event. |
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Boston Red Sox welcome MABL
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Dodgers Manager, Scott Gilefsky
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2003 Award Winners:
Shanahan, Rudy, Kadlec & Bondola
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BROCKTON A'S SWEEP 40+ FINALS
October 1, 2003
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In MASBL 40+ Finals action, the Brockton A's sweep! With their second straight win over the Duxbury Twins, the A's pulled off the MSBL 40+ Championship.
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DODGERS CROWNED MABL CHAMPIONS
September 30, 2003
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In MABL Finals action, the Dodgers beat the Royals in Game 4 at Trum Field in Somerville by a score of 3-1 to win the series 3 games to 1. Congrats to the 2003 MABL Champions.
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SOMERVILLE & NORTH READING WIN MSBL 30+ CONFERENCES
September 26, 2003
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The MSBL Finals wrapped up today with some exciting action.
- MSBL National: The Somerville Senators win the 30+ National League Championship over the Newton Red Sox 4-0 to win the series in three games. (Click for larger picture).
- MSBL American: North Reading Vipers win the 30+ American League Championship by sweeping the Boston Mets in two games. (Click for larger picture).
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2003 MSBL National League Champions
Somerville Senators
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2003 MSBL American League Champions
North Reading Vipers
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MABL AWARD WINNERS NAMED
September 21, 2003 |
MABL awards are voted for by the league's 18 managers for MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, Manager of the Year, and Player's Choice Elite and Premier teams. Votes have been tallied. Check out all the 2003 MABL Award Winner Vote Getters.
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MVP: Kit Kadlec, Mets -- Top 10 batting, RBI, hits, steals & ERA with 4 wins. |
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CY Young: Dan Shanahan, Giants -- Microscopic ERA and tossed 3 shutouts. |
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Rookie of Year: Nick Bondola, Indians -- Led rookies in most offensive categories. |
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Manager of Year: Brett Rudy, White Sox -- Led team to MABL #1 seed. |
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Player's Choice -- MABL best by position. |
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MABL ALL-TIME CAREER & SINGLE-SEASON RECORDS SET
September 15, 2003
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The 2003 season was a record setting one, with many all-time records set. Below are some of the highlights.
- Joe Montoya (Marlins), Al Becker (Mets) and Jason Joyce (Mets) are only MABLer's to play in all 26 games in 2003.
- Jason Joyce (Mets) sets new record for walks in season with 24, walks in career with 86, and steals in career with 123.
- Dave Mitrou (Rockies) sets new record for runs, with 118 career.
- Jeff Coveney (Yankees) sets new record for hits, with 148 career.
- Mark Doucette (Braves) sets new record for RBI, with 122 career.
- Chris O'Sullivan (Braves) sets new record for wins with 29 career, strikeouts with 423 career and innings pitched with 298.1 career.
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A WILD NIGHT IN THE MABL
September 11, 2003
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In MABL Playoff Wildcard action....
Rockies 9, Mets 5
Kevin Spitz 3 RBI triple in the top of the 6th inning capped a 5 run inning as the Rockies pulled ahead. Rockies play Dodgers next.
Marlins 8, Braves 1
Neil Doherty tosses 3-hitter to help Fish swim past Braves. Marlins play White Sox next.
Also On Deck: Yankees vs. Royals and Giants vs. Cardinals |
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CONGRATULATIONS TO MABL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS
September 10, 2003
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 Dodgers, Bay State Champions
 White Sox, Atlantic Champions
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MABL DODGERS AND GIANTS HIT COOPERSTOWN
September 5, 2003
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The Dodgers defeated the Giants 8-5 for the 3rd straight year the MABL played a game at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, New York at the baseball Hall of Fame.
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2003 MABL Dodgers
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2003 MABL Giants
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MIDDLESEX THUNDER FROM BOSTON MSBL WINS CAPE COD CLASSIC
September 1, 2003
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The Middlesex Thunder won the 9th Annual Cape Cod Classic with a 1-0 win over the Worcester Stars at Chatham Field, home of the Chatham Athletics. Steve Donovan pitched a complete game for the victory. Kelley McCormick knocked in the only run of the game. Three teams from the Boston MSBL competed in this 14-team, Age 30+ Labor Day tournament played on fields from the Cape Cod League.
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More on Cape Cod Classic. |
2003 Champions: Middlesex Thunder
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Boston MSBL participants:
- Middlesex Thunder
- Duxbury Twins
- Lexington Astros/Newton Red Sox
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THE YEAR OF THE NO HITTER -- ADAM MESSOM DOES IT AGAIN
August 29, 2003
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Adam Messom
2nd no hitter
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Adam Messom (0 hits, 4 walks, 11 K's) tossed the first MSBL no hitter of 2003 on 8/29, and his 2nd in 3 years as the Arlington Cardinals defeated the Boston Hurricanes, 6-1, last night. Messom also hit a homerun to help his cause. The last MSBLer to toss a regular season no hitter was also Messom. On August 19, 2001 with the Cambridge Cardinals, he was just 2 walks away from a perfect game and won 3-0 versus the MSBL Orioles. In between, Mark Carroll of the Wellesley Monarchs threw a playoff no hitter against the Cleveland Circle Indians in September 2002. |
Jeff Cain of the D'backs added the third MABL no hitter of the 2003 season 8/19 when he no-hit the Mets (0 hits, 6 walks, 6 K's). Due to some fielding miscues, the Dbacks only won 4-2. Exactly 1 week before On 8/12, Jeff Decoteau of the Giants tossed a no hitter against the Royals (0 hits, 3 walks, 11 K's). And 6 days before that on 8/6, Al Wiesner of the White Sox no hit the Athletics (0 hits, 1 walk, 13 K's). Prior to these consecutive no-no's, the last MABL no hitter was tossed June 24, 2001 by Greg O'Keeffe, then of the Rockies, versus the Yankees.
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SAUGUS LITTLE LEAGUE 2nd BEST IN U.S.A.
August 24, 2003
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More on Saugus Little League Team
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The Saugus Little League team finished 2nd in the U.S. after losing to Boynton Beach, Florida in the Finals in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Congrats to all players, but especially Saugus catcher, Tyler Calla, godson of Brian Nolan of the MSBL Medford Mets.
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BOSTON UNITED TO PLAY BALL LIKE A ROCKSTAR
August 20, 2003
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About Rockstar Energy Drink
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The Boston United has struck a deal to obtain partial sponsorship at the MABL World Series in Phoenix, Arizona this October:
- Rockstar Energy Drink gets a free sampling program to all 6,600 players at event.
- MSBL National gets free cases of Rockstar Energy Drink to distribute to each participating team.
- Boston United gets player fee waivers for their role brokering the deal.
While airfare, lodging and uniforms will still need to be paid for, MSBL National waiving player fees will help reduce cost by about 15%, making it possible for more players on tight budgets to attend. The team continues to pursue additional funding. But this is a great start! Dates for the games are Oct 15th through Oct 19th. |
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BMBL PRESIDENT COVERED ON HARDBALL MAGAZINE
August 14, 2003
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Boston Men's Baseball League president and manager of the Boston Wolfpack, Steve Wolf, is featured on the Summer 2003 cover of Hardball Magazine. In the photo, Wolf is seen taking a cut in the 38+ Division final at the 2003 MSBL Holiday Classic at Disney's Wide World of Sports.
Steve Wolf at Disney.
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MABL HALL OF FAME GAME: Indians 12, Royals 7
July 20, 2003
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In the 3rd Annual Boston MABL game played at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, NY, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Tribe came out on top over the Royals in an exhibition.
The game's most dramatic play occurred on the 2nd pitch of the game when Corey Son of the Royals smashed a 1-0 fastball over the left field fence for the game's 1st run. The Royals proceeded to take a 7-0 lead into the 5th inning before the Indians rallied for 12 unanswered runs. For the Indians, Marco Abreu was the big stick for the day, going 3-4 with a double. Rob Linn contributed a pair of hits. Kevin Faria, Mike Everett and Mike Kiely all doubled. Nick Bondola and Linn each scored 3 runs. Jason Deveau grabbed the win for the Indians with 2 innings of no-hit ball. Jason Lewis took the loss for the Royals. (More on MABL in Cooperstown.)
MABL Indians at Cooperstown, NY
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MSBL ALL-STAR GAMES RE-CAP
July 20, 2003
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Yesterday, at Lexington High School, the MSBL National and American All-Star Games were held. View the MSBL All-Star Photo Album.
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NL East 3 , NL West 5
MVP: Ramon Antiqua, Wayland White Sox
AL South 14, AL North 10
MVP: Dave Joseph, Brockton Athletics |
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Dave Joseph wins AL MVP.
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Ramon Antiqua wins NL MVP.
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PETE ROSE ON TRIAL - BOSTON MABL/MSBL ON JURY
July 18, 2003
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Last night, three members of the Boston MABL and MSBL appeared on "Pete Rose on Trial" on ESPN and reached the conclusion that Pete Rose should be eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Two dozen members from across the Boston MABL and MSBL cast for the 12 juror roles, but only three were selected for this national broadcast:
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Background: Pete Rose on Trial. |
Jim Holmwood
MSBL Gray Sox |
Jason Grenier
MABL Giants |
Jose Medina
MABL Dodgers |
Should Rose be H.O.F. eligible?
Total: Yes - 8, No - 4 |
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YES |
YES |
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Did Pete Rose bet on baseball?
Total: Yes - 11, No - 1 |
YES |
YES |
NO |
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BAYSTATE 9, ATLANTIC 2 AT MABL ALL-STAR GAME
July 12, 2003
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With 25 hits overall from both teams, Bart Lawyer of the Rockies walked away as the MVP. Not only did he have the ONLY extra-base hit, but he went 3-for-4, and drove in 3 RBI, including the game's first run. Bill Beauchesne of the Mets recorded the win.
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Dan Dileo slides in for 1st Baystate run
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Dan Jalbert tags out Karl Cyr
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Bart Lawyer of the Rockies
2003 MABL All-Star MVP
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BOSTON MSBL BACK FROM DOWNEAST WOOD BAT CLASSIC
July 8, 2003
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July 4th weekend, 3 MSBL teams headed to Portland, Maine to compete in the Downeast Wood Bat Classic:
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Middlesex Thunder (MSBL 38+)
3-0, beat Brockton in the semis but lost to Connecticut Bristol + One in the finals 4-2. Outstanding performance was put in by Steve Donovan pitching 18 innings and allowing only 1 run with 2 wins while also swinging the hot bat.
Brockton A's (MSBL 38+)
1-3, but made the cut but lost in Semi Finals to the Middlesex Thunder 4-0.
North Andover Thunder (MSBL 28+)
0-3, but were close in all three game. |
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Angel Claudio of Brockton A's pitches to Steve Donovan of the Middlesex Thunder in Portland.
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Mark Bomback, Bobby Johnston, and Teddy Mansula relax after the game. Mansula went 2-2 and beat out a bunt but Middlesex defeated Brockton in the semi-finals.
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METS & WHITE SOX TRIP TO MONTREAL A SUCCESS
June 24, 2003
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For the second consecutive year, the Boston MABL headed to Montreal, Canada to play a regular season game at Olympic Stadium, home of the Montreal Expos. In this game, the White Sox beat the Mets 9-6. The White Sox have a bunch of Montreal photos at their team website, for those wishing to view.
In August, the Cardinals will face the Cubs up North, eh.
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Olympic Stadium
Montreal, Quebec
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Boston Baseball League
Warmly received last season
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FIELD OF SPRAINS
June 11, 2003
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The Lowell Sun published an article entitled "Field of Sprains" in Tuesday's paper with a focus on the Boston Men's Baseball League 40+ division. Many Boston Townies are featured and quoted.
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Tom Rutledge of the MSBL 40+ Boston Townies practices at Billerica Memorial High School this past Sunday (left).
"Eyesights and hairlines are fading, but baby-boomer baseball players keep swinging for their dreams." |
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WOLFPACK ROLLS INTO VEGAS
May 27, 2003
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The Boston Wolfpack competed in the Las Vegas Open from May 24th to May 26th in the Age 38+ division of this wood bat tournament. Last time the Wolfpack played, they won the National Championship at the Holiday Classic in Walt Disney World. This time, they finished 3-2, losing to the Sacramento Rivercats 5-4 in the semi-finals.
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BOSTON MEN'S BASEBALL LEAGUE GETS NATIONAL INK
May 15, 2003
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Be sure to check out the 2003 Yearbook issue of Hardball Magazine that should have arrived in your mailbox within the past week. Pictures from our league can be seen on pages 6 & 46. New players may not have received this issue, so be sure your manager has submitted your full address to the league so you may receive future issues.
Hardball Magazine - 2003 Yearbook
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HOTTEST TEAMS IN THE MABL: D'BACKS
& METS
May 12, 2003
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| Just two years ago, the D'backs and Mets finished dead last in their respective divisions. Last year, both made the playoffs. And this year, just three weeks into the season, the D'backs are the only remaining undefeated team in the Atlantic Division. And the Mets are the only team sitting at 3-0 in the Baystate. Times are changing. |
WHERE HAVE THE HITS GONE?
May 3, 2003
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Perhaps it is wood bats. Perhaps it is lack of a "real" Spring Training because of Mother Nature's intervention. Or maybe it is a new standard in pitching. For whatever reason, after 2 weeks, the MABL league average is sitting just above the Mendoza Line at a grimacing .208 -- almost 100 points below last year's average. In 13 games so far, we have seen four shutouts and three 1-run performances. But hey, let's give the pitchers some credit!
In other news, wins by the Giants (over the Yankees) and Diamondbacks (over the Rockies) may have surprised some people, but not the Giants or D'backs! These teams, and many others, have made dramatic changes this off-season, proof that any game can go to anybody. |
HUGE PERFORMANCES ON OPENING DAY
April 27, 2003
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| After rain on Saturday, the Boston Men's Baseball League finally got underway on Sunday. And there was plenty of MABL action: Mets pitchers combined for a 1-hitter vs. the 'Stros; White Sox beat the Marlins in 13 innings; Yankees blanked the Royals; Rockies outlasted the Indians. |
LEAGUE TRYOUT DRAWS HUNDREDS OF HOPEFULS
April 13, 2003 |
The Boston Men's Baseball League Open Tryout was held today at BB&N Upper School in Cambridge. Across the Age 18+, 30+ and 40+ divisions, more than 200 players were in attendance. Congratulations to pitcher, Rob Sherman, drafted by the Athletics as the #1 pick of the 2003 MABL draft and to pitcher Wade Ward, drafted by the Boston Hurricanes as the #1 pick of the 2003 MSBL 30+ draft.
See the complete list of 2003 Draft Picks.
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Prez Steve Wolf with Kristen McLaughlin & Lauren Huscher
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VP Gilefsky addresses recruits
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Pitchers trying out
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Outfielders giving it a shot
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BROCKTON A'S WIN CARIBBEAN CLASSIC
February 22, 2003 |
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For the second straight national tournament, the Boston Men's Baseball League has returned as national champions -- this time winning the Caribbean Championship! The Boston Brockton A's 45+ team swept the round robin games (4-0) and put away the defending Caribbean Champs from Puerto Rico, 21-9. The Championship Game MVP's were pitcher Angel from Brockton and Dave Valdanbrini from Hyde Park who went 3 for 4, including a 404 foot bomb to center field. Coach Tony LeGreca managed the winning team. Check out the Boston Brockton A's Championship Photo Album.
Also at the 2003 Caribbean Championship, check out pictures of the New England Bandits. |
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WOLFPACK WINS DISNEY CLASSIC
January 24, 2003 |
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Congratulations to the Boston Wolfpack! For the 2nd time in 3 years, the Wolfpack won the National Championship at the Holiday Classic in Walt Disney World during MLK Weekend. The Wolfpack is now 14-2 over three years at this event, winning the championship in 2003 and 2001 and runner-up in 2002. See the photo album from the 2003 Championship Boston Wolfpack.
The New England Stars also had a few representatives from the Boston Men's Baseball League. The Stars finished 2-2, losing in Round 1 of the playoffs to the East Coast Marlins, 8-7. |
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STEVE SIGLER, MSBL NATIONAL PRESIDENT, VISITS BOSTON
January 10, 2003 |
League President, Steve Sigler at manager's meeting. |
This past Wednesday at the MSBL Manager's Meeting, Steve & Brian Sigler from the MSBL National office made guest appearances. Kevin Moore of the Wayland White Sox and Greg "Chili" Davis of the Braintree Rockies were recognized as the only two players to play all 16 seasons of the Boston MSBL! Additionally, 2002 MSBL Championship managers were awarded their trophies. |
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