Yawkey Baseball League

Brighton Black Sox

2014 Record: 15-16-1

Ted Williams Division 4^th place

2014 Season Review:

The 2014 season brought several new faces to the Brighton Black Sox. While there was some level of uncertainty surrounding the amount of turnover, there was still a great deal of optimism in the promise of what could potentially be there.   Inconsistency reigned in the early months of the season.

While the Sox struggled early to beat the teams at the standings, the Sox were able to find enough wins to make it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2011. In the playoffs, the Sox would face off with the eventual champion Somerville Alibrandis. Despite solid albeit losing efforts in Games 1 and 2, the Sox would end up being swept in three games.

2015 Season Preview:

Losses —

Despite efforts to change his mind, it appears that Sox will enter the 2015 season without the services of Billy Reichmann.     Billy was often the driving force behind much of the team’s success over the years.

Billy’s leadership will be missed both on and off the field.

Additions —

While the Sox are still working to add some depth to the roster, there have been a couple of off season additions.

Joe Loynd has returned to Massachusetts from Tennessee and will be joining the Sox.   Joe played college baseball at Brandeis and has been playing in Memphis area league while living in Tennessee.

While technically an addition, the return of the Kevin Hopwood can be seen more of a homecoming. Hopwood played for the Sox in 2013.   When a few of the Sox players became coaches on the Lesley University coaching staff, Hopwood was forced to find another team for the 2014.   After playing the 2014 season with the West Roxbury Nationals and finishing his senior year at Lesley, Hopwood returns to the Sox where he belongs.

Season Outlook:

The Black Sox enter the 2015 season with a great deal of optimism, as they return the core group of players from the last year’s playoff team.

Pitching will once again be the strength of the Sox.   The rotation will again be anchored by veterans J.T. Ross, Matt Nicholson and Jared Rooney, with Joe Shebertes and Collin Geagan providing much needed depth.

The Sox offense will look to build on the solid first seasons of Kurt Beulke, Adam Sudbeck, Billy Cather and Will Cousins while looking for bounce back years from veterans Cam Owens, Tim Varakis, Aqib Shah and Will Baker.

East Boston Knights

2014 Record: 21-10-1

Carl Yastrzemski Division 2^nd place

2014 Season Review:

Coming into the 2014 YBL season the East Boston Knights felt this was their best team on the field and they did not disappoint. Although they fell short of their goal to win the YBL it was a season in which they had overcome lots of injuries and adversity. Season ending injuries to Brad Monroe, Kenny Luongo and Mikey Oliveria were thought of as devastating but this team somehow found a way to keep on and be a threat in the playoffs. It was a season in which they won their first playoff series in their short history and exercised the demons against the Stoneham Sabers in dramatic style. The season ended abruptly in a hard fought series vs the Somerville Alibrandis, getting swept by the eventual champs 3 games to none that saw historic games that one had to be there to appreciate. All in all a successful season for EBK, one to build off of and apply to 2015.

2015 Season Preview:

Once again the Knights believe that this is their most talented team in their 6 year history. Mostly all of the roster will return in 2015 to try and take care of unfinished business. The pitching staff remains intact with the exception of hard throwing righty John Tangherlini. Tango was scooped up by the Southern Illinois Miners in the Frontier League in the offseason. Jeff (Jeffy) Allison will return to the bump along with Jon Shepard, Everyday Max Ockner and Billy Riggieri. EBK veteran Branden Eaton will be returning for his 4^th season along with a rejuvenated Sean Hannon the cannon. Field captain Jose Paulino will be returning to lead the troops to the Promised Land along with most of last year’s roster still intact.

Key Losses:

The Knights suffered some losses as most good teams do. As mentioned John Tangherlini will be moving on to the Frontier League. Also moving on will be Victor LeBron. LeBron, last year’s ROY and the best leadoff hitter in the game has also signed a contract to play in independent ball for the 2015 season. Victor shattered a YBL record last year with 47 steals and was top 5 in almost every offensive category. His speed at the top of the order will surely be missed as well as him patrolling CF and tracking down anything hit near or around him. Brad Tardugno a sure HOF’r has retired after a great YBL career that sees him as the all-time single season RBI record holder with 47 back in 2010 for the Malden Bulldogs. Also moving on is Omar Ortiz, an original East Boston Knight who had a tough year for EBK nursing a leg injury that limited him last season. Also moving on another original Knight Josh Valerio who played a key role for the Knights in 2015. Another huge loss for the Knights will be veteran Kenny Luongo. The heart and soul of EBK, Kenny has an elbow injury that will require surgery and he will miss the entire 2015 season. He will be back!!!!

Season Outlook:

The Knights have lofty goals for 2015 as they always do. This team is built for the playoffs with a pitching staff that has professional talent and lots of experience. Although the team has suffered some key losses they also have added to their roster. Key veterans Wilson Mercado, Jose Paulino, Kenny Polanco and Geoff Harris will all be returning. Catchers Marty Dunlap and Brett Remon also return to form a great 1-2 punch behind the dish. The Knights welcome back senior and captain of Curry College, Kyle Connors to the squad after missing last year with Tommy John surgery. Also returning super utility man, pitcher and 2014 All Star Justin Wojcik. Wojcik spent last season with the West Roxbury Nationals. Another former Nat joining the team will be Johan Villalona. Johan is a welcome addition who will deepen the already tough EBK line-up and play DH, 1B and catch. The Knights also have Mikey Oliveria returning from his ACL surgery returning to 2B for the home town team. Bench coach Richard Soohoo will also be returning for his 6^th season. The Knights have added some depth to the roster and have a strong bench and bullpen. Another signing is former Houston Astro product Kilby Pena. Pena a hard throwing lefty is 2 and ½ years removed from Tommy John surgery and ready to return to the mound in hopes of helping EBK and hopefully returning to the professional baseball ranks. All in all the Knights are ready for the 2015 season to start after an offseason of hard work and dedication.

McKay Club Beacons

2014 Record: 5-23-2

After winning the Yaz Division and #1 seed to make the playoffs in 2012, the McKay Club has struggled to maintain consistency since. The team has suffered the loss of one top player after another. 2014 was a very difficult season for the Beacons. It seems that once some momentum was reached each of the last 3 seasons – rain came and people evaporated.

There are no excuses in baseball. Flat out this Franchise has not performed well on the mound or defensively for 3 seasons. Both of those areas must improve if the Beacons are to contend in 2015.

Pitching is the key to the success of any franchise in baseball and it is hoped that 2015 will see the addition of quality arms to bring the Beacons back to a play-off caliber team.

New Coach Brian Mylett has worked very hard to establish a solid connection with Wheaton College in Norton and 7 current and former Wheaton College players will be joining the McKay Club this season. Here are some great additions that are hoped to boost the starting lineup and starting/relief pitching staff.

Key Departures: 

The Beacons will be without the on and off field antics of LF Drew Tambling. Drew has been not only been one of the best hitters in the Yawkey League over the last 7 seasons but one of the best in the history of the league. He is, however, contemplating commuting from Singapore so stay tuned on that.

Key Additions:

The Beacons will be adding a host of players from Wheaton College. Pitchers Eric Dumas, Jared Clement, Mike Baryski, and Brady Furdon will help a pitching staff that finished at the bottom of the league in most categories last season. RF Matt Lavanchy, LF Kevin Foley, and 2B Justin Peluso have all spent the past 3 seasons in the FCBL and will look to have an impact this season. The Beacons will also welcome back RHP Paul Fahey back after a season in the NYCBL and a solid career at Franklin Pierce.

Key Returners:

The Beacons captain Jack Owens returns in CF for his 12^th season. Kyle McKay hopes to return behind the plate and help the young pitching staff with his tremendous game calling talents. Robbie Lerro can play any position on the field and will be a fixture in the middle of the Beacon lineup. Lionel Danielson OF was a silver bat winner in 2014. He is a five tool talent who came up short in the voting for YBL – Rookie of the Year honors. He plans to return to the Beacons and do his thing. Steady and solid in the field and at the plate. Dan Brien will help as a solid veteran on this young team. There is a strong wind blowing rumors of a return by Connor Reinfurt to the YBL. Connor is back in the Boston area and plans to play ball.

Dark Horses: Adam Woodhead has a big bat and a strong arm. This young man is looked upon to work at 3rd base and toss in relief. Luke Barkowski was ill most of last season and we hope he can bounce back and contribute on the bump with a strong showing. C – Reza Javaheri & P/1B – John Thomsen of Roxbury Latin are expected back. These 2 youngsters will be bigger and better in ‘15. Rookie Prospect, P – Matt Kerin of Quincy comes with a solid reputation out of Archbishop Williams.

We plan to stress “commitment and dedication to goals” this spring and summer.We fail to call this a rebuilding year. This is a year in which the McKay Club plans to WIN!

Stoneham Sabers

2014 Record: 22-10

Ted Williams Division 3^rd place

2014 Season Review:

2014 was a season where aspirations for the first playoff seed were realistic up until the last week of the season where the Sabers fell short. The mix of an injury to star rookie pitcher Corey McNamara and the Sabers losing a few close games down the stretch made the difference in the end. However, they found themselves back in familiar territory facing the East Boston Knights for a third straight year in the first round of the playoffs. At the defeat of two previous playoff sweeps against the Sabers it was a long time since the Knights were able to overcome the royal blue.

2015 Season Preview:

The Stoneham Sabers are no longer the new kids on the block. Entering their fifth season in the Yawkey Baseball League, the “Stals” enter with a veteran presence hungry for a YBL championship and remain a league powerhouse. Player/Manager Angelo Colucci, Captain Ryan Flanagan, 3 time YBL All-Star Mike Robinson, and Sam Cummings who currently holds a career 1.19 ERA, good enough for an all-time YBL’s 7^th best, are the original Sabers entering their 5^th season. Lefty specialist Chris Dion, the foundation of the pitching staff catcher Travis Adams, unsung hero Jon Chapman, and the best double leadoff hitter in amateur baseball Joe Parlow will enter their 4^th season in the league. The bread and butter of the Sabers’ infield, All-Star shortstop Stefan Botarelli will enter his third full year in the league to round up the veteran presence. Coach Joe Laurina who has been part of the Sabers’ program since day one will be back in uniform. Coach Papa, as all the Sabers know him by, is leaning towards watching from the sidelines to stay more relaxed. However, as the season nears the Sabers hope Papa cannot resist suiting up in his number 36 jersey on game days and keeping the Italian born duo coaching the bases.

Key Losses:

The Sabers will have to go once again without original Saber Jake Zelnick as he comes off his best season in the Yawkey League. Zelnick obtained his Master’s degree in counseling from Lesley University and has landed a job back home in Jersey. Peter “Moose” Creamer’s work has taken him to the Texas sun for this season and will be missed in the heart of the Sabers’ lineup. Original Saber and veteran pitcher Greg Dubela will also be missed as he makes his way to Ohio in April. Dubela signed a professional contract with the Lake Erie Crushers from his success in the California Winter League. The Sabers wish Dubela the best of luck while he pursues his professional baseball career. The East Boston Knights will be glad to hear that Saber veteran outfielder Nick Schauwecker, who has been a big part of every Sabers’ playoff campaign has tied the knot and is set not to play this season. However, Saber management is hoping Schauwecker will make an appearance this season to patrol right field to keep the original air marshals together.

Season Outlook:

With the losses of key players, the Sabers will have a new look to their roster this season. The Sabers hope to rely on pitching, defense and timely hitting to stay sharp again this year as they look to make their way to the YBL finals. Manager Colucci has recruited a handful of new collegiate stars that will be competing for a starting job in the Sabers’ lineup, along with the Sabers’ veterans. Former Bunker Hill and Intercity League All-Star Tommy Lenane will replace Zelnick’s All-Star presence as a new addition to the infield. Tommy’s teammate, Derek Pizarro currently playing at Curry College, Anna Maria’s Shawn Callahan, Patrick Henry’s Curtis Tirone and Merrimack’s Dionys Quezada will also be new additions to the Sabers’ roster.

The strongest point of the Sabers is their pitching staff. Every hurler is back with the exception of Dubela, and the Sabers are hoping to have a healthy McNamara back from St. Joes. Syed Ali who made an appearance last year to help out the Sabers is returning full time this year. Let’s not forget to check out Ali’s LoveYaLifeStyle clothing line! Former Clark ace Andrew Leblanc, Dowling’s Dave Monteverdi and American International’s Joey Zampell will be three more additions to round up the Sabers’ pitching staff.

Last but not least let’s not forget the Sabers’ tenth man, “The Beach.” Known as one of the hardest fields to play and win on for the opposition. The Sabers will continue to play their home games at Recreation Park, where on sunny weekend afternoons Daniela Colucci and Julie Dabenigno will continue to compete with the pool party next door to play Sabers’ walk up music. Once again, veteran outfielders Flanagan and Robinson will continue to patrol their waters at the sandy shore.

Savin Hill Dodgers

2014 Record: 19-12-1

Carl Yastrzemski Division 4^th place

Season Review:

2014 was a banner year for the Dodgers. With both the Savin Hill Hornets and the Boston Dodgers of 2013 suffering through diminished player bases, team franchise holders Dave Bonnell and Matthew Grimes got together and hammered out a merger that would keep these 2 long-time franchises in the YBL fold well into the future as one. The ‘new’ Savin Hill Dodgers couldn’t have realistically hoped for a much better outcome in their inaugural campaign.

A slow start to the season saw the Dodgers open at 1-4, but they rattled off 11 wins in their next 12 games to jump to the top of the Yaz Division. Unsurprisingly, the proven big bats led the offense. Nick Tapper led the offense with a .368 avg and an OPS of .948, and Jay Shatto supplied a .352 avg of his own, raking early in the lineup despite setting a career-low with 2 HBP. With Dave Clarke also getting on base early (18 runs to lead team), Nate Hodor did everything he could, leading the team with 21 RBI. Unfortunately, that was the bulk of the offense which saw Savin Hill festering near the bottom with a paltry .244 team batting average.

Thankfully, hitting isn’t the only way to win games, as the Dodgers were in the upper-tier of the league defensively thanks to having a butter-smooth middle infield of Colin Campbell and rookie Brett O’Keefe. On the bump, Brendan Huber, Eddie Samp and Kyle Breidenstine combined for a 2.20 ERA while throwing over ¾ of all Dodger regular-season innings. El Sampo and Moose were strong and steady all year, but it was Huber who seethed his way to a Cy Young-worthy campaign. The Sasquatch from Saskatchewan (don’t look that up, just assume it’s true) led the YBL with 67 innings pitched and became the league’s second 10-game winner since the dawn of .400hitter statistics.

Despite offensive struggles, the Dodgers got the timely hitting needed to go along with their defense and pitching which propelled them into the playoffs. Of course, every team wants to win the whole thing, but the Dodgers can look back at 2014 as a big step in the right direction.

2015 Roster Moves:

The core of the 2014 Savin Hill Dodgers should remain relatively intact moving into the coming year. A few long-time players are feeling that familiar tug from their everyday lives to hang up the spikes and move on. Sadly, the Dodgers may have lost one of their more promising young guns. Team brass is contemplating honorary “Rathapoom Asdornvuttikrai” patches on their jerseys in support of the ClarkU undergrad, who had recently dealt with off-season knee surgery, only followed by another leg injury which will likely cost him the 2015 season. The Funky Buddha will be missed.

Additionally, the Savin Hill squad will be moving on without long-time Hornet (and short-time Dodger) manager Dave Bonnell. For personal reasons Dave has decided to pack away his managerial cap, but the team hopes to see him at some games this year.

Inside the chalk, the Dodgers should have an influx of a few new young faces and hope to find a couple players that can contribute right away in the hopes pushing the team deeper into the playoffs.

Season Outlook:

Taking the eventual YBL Championship runners-up Athletics to a full five-game frenzy in the first round of the 2014 playoffs was the taste the Dodgers needed to immediately start thinking forward to 2015. They smell the proverbial blood in the water and have set a goal of adding to their win total and battling deeper into the tournament. In a perfect world, a Dodgers rebound from a down year offensively coupled with already strong pitching and team defense would mean that anything is possible for this squad.

2015, however, is going to be the swan song for a Dodger legend. Year after year of Beast Mode has taken its toll (along with some nagging injuries), and Jay Shatto has decided to go out on his own terms before his body decides for him. This will be the farewell tour for Shatto, his 15^th season in the YBL. He started his career with 2 seasons on the Astros, and then took his bench-warming talents over to what has become the black and blue. Since then, centerfield on the Dodgers has been locked down every year by one of the better hitters in the league, and arguably the best player in the history of the Dodger franchise. JShatts has posted a career .340 average, won 2 Silver Sluggers and 5 Gold Gloves, represented the YBL on all-star teams in 11 seasons, and he is closing in on the career 300-hit mark (predating .400hitter). His stat-keeping skills, however, will not be missed.

The rest of the league has likely noted the fact that these are no longer the Dodgers or Hornets of yesteryear, from way back, or even the olden days. Savin Hill knows they won’t be sneaking past anyone unnoticed anymore, and 2015 promises to at least be another fun season………but this year’s Dodgers wants more.

Somerville Alibrandis
2014 Record: 24-7-1
Yawkey Baseball League Champions

2014 Season Review:

Following an unprecedented 40-4 campaign in 2013, the Big Red Machine entered 2014 poised to win their 5th consecutive league title, and 15th in their Franchise’s illustrious history. They did not disappoint.

Fueled by an All-World pitching staff led by veterans Chris Foundas, Jon Morse, and closer Brian Tanguy, Somerville’s arms posted a league-best 1.58 ERA during the regular season, and upped the ante come playoff time to the tune of 0.71. Newcomer Chris McKenzie rode his blazing fastball to a team-high 4 playoff wins, eventually recording the final out in the team’s championship- clinching victory against Al Thomas.

YBL Legend Marc “Doc” Desroches capped off his Hall of Fame career with a team best 30 RBI, while also becoming the charter member of the Yawkey Baseball League 500-hit club. He retires as unquestionably the league’s most dominant player, with a 19-year career that saw him take part in every one of Somerville’s 15 league championships.

Joining Doc with a century-mark milestone of his own was right fielder Sal Mendonca who collected his 300th Yawkey League hit back in May.
In the end, it was coach Bernie Driscoll who kept the team on track despite losing 6 key contributors over the course of the season to professional contracts or personal commitments. He looks to re-tool for the 2015 campaign in search of consecutive ring #6 with a target cemented firmly on his back by a league hungry to knock him off his perch.

Key Losses:

For the first time in nearly 2 decades, Somerville will take the field in 2015 without a fiery pregame speech from their Captain, #11. Players like Marc Desroches simply do not get replaced, and Alibrandi Version 2.0 will need to find their identity in the wake of a lineup sans “The Doctor”.

Compounding this loss is the departure of infielder Logan Gillis, whose hustle and grit coming out of Bentley University were key factors in the squad’s previous 2 championships.

Chris McKenzie and Dan Mahoney are also moving on after each winning a ring in their YBL rookie seasons, creating a void in the Alibrandi bullpen that will be very hard to fill by opening day.
Though perhaps the biggest loss for Somerville is the 20 lbs of fat former All-American Bobby Barrett shed in anticipation of a resurgent 2015 campaign.

Key Additions:

David Lightbody will take the ride up I-93 to join the Somerville Alibrandi Baseball Club after an All-Star season with the South Boston Saints. The Somerville table setters (Maguire/Salines/Addesa) are salivating at the thought of David’s run producing capabilities in the middle of the lineup.
Somerville was excited for the return of prodigal son Lamarre Rey, who was slated to rejoin the Somerville staff in 2015. Yawkey League fans will remember Lamarre’s dominant 2013 performance in which he did not give up an earned run in 52.2 innings. Alas, the excitement was short-lived as Lamarre re-signed with the Frontier Greys of the Frontier Professional Baseball League. We wish him luck as he continues to pursue his career in professional baseball along with former SS Stevie Rogers who will lace em’ up for the Florence Freedom in 2015.

God-willing, the most important additions to the Alibrandi family in 2015 will be the half-dozen new faces en route thanks to Somerville’s bevy of pregnant chicks. No wonder the Alibrandi record slumped in 2014, half the roster was “drained” by game time with all the baby-making going on. We pray for the healthy arrival of the Tanguy/Sullivan/Driscoll children incoming, and send blessings and congratulations to Marc and Michelle Desroches who gave birth to beautiful Morgan earlier this year.

Season Outlook:

The league gets better and better every year, but Somerville just keeps finding ways to stay in the hunt. With its pitching staff still firmly intact, Somerville should compete with the league’s best as long as the lineup can find a way to put some runs on the board. The corner infield spots are still a question mark and offseason workouts have started alarmingly late this year, but as soon as the snow drifts on Trum Field melt, you better believe there will be a host of Red Jerseys working towards that 6th title in a row.
To quote the late, great Al Davis…”Just win baby”