Softball Champions

For the past 2 spring/summers I have played in the Sikorsky inter-department softball B league for the White Label Hitmen.

The league is set up into 3 divisions, an "A", "B", & "C" and each team puts themselves in the division they think would best fit their abilities [A being the best, B being good, and C being average]. 2008 ended in a tragic last inning loss in the semi-finals. The team, bruised and battered, filled some key positions and begin the 2009 determined to revenge the bitter defeat.

My diving grab at shortstop during a regular season game.

We improved week by week and finished the regular season 8-2. That gave us the 3 seed and put us into the semi-finals. In the semi-final we quickly went down 7-1 before we knew what hit us. However, we regrouped, and starting hitting again. We rallied and won 11-8 behind a strong outfield defense and timely, patient hitting.

Great defense and superb base running in our Semi-Final Rally

After the win we were given a 5 minute breather and then onto the Final against the #1 Mudhawks. (They were also the #1 seed last year). We struggled offensively early but Nicole deFau gave us life with another hit and finished the tournament 8 for 9. Behind the solid pitching of Mike Fox (two complete games), we kept another good hitting team off base. Determined, we rallied again from an early deficit and then hung on for a 10-5 win. CHAMPS!

Wild celebration ensued after the last out

The fans rushed the field

Next year we will be defending the title in the A League as the champs of the lower divisions move up, and the cellar-dwellar gets relegated to the next lower division.

The Champion Hitmen: Back (L to R): Dan Belber, Eric Rosier, Dan Echegoyen, RJ Wisnieski, Mike Fox, Brett Eastman, Ray Ng

Front (L to R): Steve Daddio, Nicole deFau, Dave, Durga Sharma

Missing from photo: Mark Milano, Dave Lutian, Jordan Dargon, and Dave Ramonas

Good job Hitmen! 2009 Champs!