On Monday, April 23rd, Cornerstone Pub's Adam Mullen fired a strike to Brad Cole of the Stats Bar & Grille Brewers and the 42nd season of M Street Softball was underway. Cole would lead the Brewers with both his bat (5 hits, 1 HR) and his glove (made an outstanding catch in the outfield) as they took the season opener, 23-11.

Inclement weather would then roll into the area and wipe out the schedule for the next two days before the league got back to the action on Thursday, April 26th. This night saw the never aging Jim McNiff take to the mound for the Cranberry Café as they squeaked by the Warehouse, 8-6 in a well played game. The defending champions, Shenanigans, then picked up where they left off as they pounded the Playwright in the middle game, 14-0 behind shutout pitching from Sammy Acevedo and Nick French. The nightcap saw the George Pratt Club take down Stats - BSB, 18-6.

Friday's action saw the Stadium Stingers take the field in their new uniforms and they didn't disappoint as they cruised to a 15-8 victory over Clarke's. The middle game saw the Quencher Tavern hang on to a 12-8 win over Below Average Joe's. With a steady rain falling, Joe's fought their way back into this game in the late innings but would eventually fall a few runs short. The late game saw the Bulldogs nip Telegraph Hill 6-3 behind seven strong innings from pitcher Kevin Szczesuil, who was making his league debut.

The second week of the season saw some great individual performances by some very talented players. Sonny's Pirates (formally Nexus) got their season started on the right foot when they swept a doubleheader on Monday by the combined score of 31-3. That's impressive but wasn't the headline of the evening. That belonged to one of their ace pitchers, Jimmy Pinkston, who struck out 20 of a possible 21 batters in a seven inning game, mercy! Adding to that incredible stat line was the fact that Pinkston smashed three homeruns over the fence in left in the game too. Old friend and M Street legend pitcher Larry Lucas may have had as many strikeouts in a game before but I don't think he ever hit three homeruns in a season, never mind in a game. With that kind of dominating performance Sonny's must be feeling very good about their chances to knock Shennanigan's from the throne.

The week concluded with the Stadium Stingers remaining undefeated and in first place with a hard fought 12-9 win against Below Average Joe's. Once again, coach Chris Methe has his team looking good and playing great softball here in the early going.

While his team was recovering from a tough loss earlier in the week, former US Marine Sgt. Joe Magee (pitcher for the Warehouse) was interviewed by Jenny Dell of NESN last week while watching the Red Sox take on the A's at Fenway Park. Joe looked great and spoke well about returning vets that may need assistance. Joe is participating in the "Run to Home Base" to raise funds and awareness. You're making us all very proud Joe.

Week three of the season saw some more history being made when the Stats Bar & Grille and the Paramount Bucks handed the starting job over to a female pitcher in back to back games. Both pitchers took the loss but showed that they have the talent to compete at this level. It will be a matter of adjustments (different pitching delivery) and practice (finding their comfort zone) for them to have success at M Street. The league wants them to succeed and wishes them both well.

Monday's action also saw the first tie of the year when the Cranberry Café and the Bulldogs slugged their way to a 15-15 draw. At the conclusion of the game we got word that our first player defection might be underway as Cranberry's starting pitcher has made it known that he wants to join the Bulldogs.

Tuesday's action saw Shennanigan's trounce Clarke's 21-0 to win their third game of the year. What's more impressive is the fact that Shennanigan's hasn't given up a single run this season. Chances are that will end when they face the Warehouse this week but that's quite a streak.

Speaking of the Warehouse, Kevin Snow's group edged the George Pratt club to close out the week on Friday, 7-2. Pitcher Joey Magee was very impressive as he worked out of a couple of jams and got some solid defense behind him all game long. With that kind of a performance, the Warehouse will be a team to contend with come playoff time.

As some of you know the league is under a very tight schedule as the city of Boston Park's department will begin their field renovation project on August 15th. Because of that restriction, playing makeup games on Friday's will be the norm for teams this year so the league advises you to add a few extra players to your roster to fill the voids.

Also, just a friendly reminder to our teams this year; composite bats were banned last season. Remember folks, these bats are lethal and are causing serious injuries on playing fields and in leagues just like ours. Please check your bats and if you're not sure then contact a league official (Dave Conti, Pat Pickup, Tom Yeo, Mark Senna, or Bob Carlson).

Lastly, the league would like to send it's condolences to the family of Jamie Manning. Jamie was a friendly face who stopped by M Street to visit some of her many friends that played in the league including this author. She had a great personality to go with her winning smile and will be greatly missed by all her knew her.