Markel Realty

Once again, games will need to be rescheduled thanks to thunder showers that soaked the region. Tonight's games will be played as follows: 5:30 game (Mario's-Franco) to Sunday (6/25) @ 6:45 6:45 game (Short Cut-Willis) to Sunday (7/9) @ 5:30 9:00 game (Z's-Mustangs) to Sunday (7/9) @ 6:45

Tuesday night's early game saw the bats come alive early, as Z's ran up 9 first inning runs and coasted to a 14-0 win over Mario's Restaurant in 4 1/2 innings. Somewhere on Route 495, Dave Chirokas was urging Larry Z. to give up a few runs so that he could another at bat. Matt Dolan was the offensive star of the game, going 3-3 including a double, 2 runs scored, and 4 RBIs. Kangaroo Court was rather slow. - Eric got fined for his repeated uniform violation- the blue socks. Someone find him a pair of orange socks (or black, or white, or eggplant even). - Dave Brody did something foolish on the base paths, although no one except for Dave can recall exactly what it was. Although stat-mongering could not be proved, Brody was fined anyway. - Eric yet again for trying to leave on his beer night before he even got there. Yes Jerry, justice is meted out. - A fine against Chief Justice Bodi for "violating Dave Brody's bat" was rescinded when it was proven that Bodi abused one of last year's models, not the new bat that Brody is hitting over .600 with. Apparently the Chief Justice has no tolerance for other arbitrator's who err against him. "The ball was fair!" - Finally, Manager Z gets one for going parental on Eric and listing him in the scorebook as his oldest daughter. Z, we love that you think of us as your extended family, but Erica catching for us?

In a game that only went 4 1/2 innings due to the league's 13 run slaughter rule, Z's defeated Short Cut 16-2. In keeping with the World Cup tradition as it happens around us, "Man of the Match" goes to Jeff Fuller. Jeff got the complete game victory filling in for Dave Chirokas. Chirokas was still feeling the after effects of the stunning loss to Franco less than a week ago. In addition, Fuller went 3-3 at the plate, coming as close to hitting for the cycle as has been seen in a long time at VFW field. Single, double, and triple, with 5 RBIs. And in keeping with Jeff's long-running fascination with all stats, NO runs scored. More importantly, Kangaroo Court Fines: - Eric Riseman for throwing a ground ball to 3rd base after Fuller strikes out a Short Cut player looking. - Derek Donegan for then not knowing what to do with the ball when it got to him (hint: throw it back to the 3rd baseman. Ball never goes to the 1B unless he owns the team and the ball always goes to the pitcher from the 3B, despite what other teams do. We do it right!) - Tim and Tom: Uniform violations - Eric again, for sending the sore-kneed Dave Brody to get thrown out at home. - And, volunteering for the K-3 role by virtue of his not being at the game (ON HIS BEER NIGHT) is Joe Murphy. Murphy also gets fined for no Friday food. Doesn't pay to not be here to defend yourself when the judge is hungry.

In what is already the story of the season, the weather was the dominant player of the game between Drews and Short Cuts on June 20. The Tuesday night game was stopped after 4 innings by lightning and rain. A date to finish the game is still being discussed.

* The Westford Slow-Pitch Softball League is an Over-30 League for men who live in Westford, Massachusetts. In order to qualify for the league, you must be at least 30 years of age by opening day of the season and live in Westford (and be able to prove it).  A new rule instituted in 2007 is that those who work for a Westford based business will also be allowed to enter the league. Teams are sponsored by area businesses and the sponsors provide uniforms to each player.

* It is a slow pitch softball league, requiring legal pitches to be thrown with an arc of between 6 and 12 feet. The league is ASA approved- using one umpire during the regular season and two for each playoff game. Each player pays a fee of $90.00 per year.

* The league currently consists of eight teams. We play a 24-game schedule beginning in early May and ending in mid to late August. The regular season is followed by three rounds of playoffs. The quarter-final round is best of three, with the #3 seed playing the #6 seed and #4 v. #5. The top two teams receive byes. The semi-finals and finals are both best of five series.

* Games are played at the VFW Field on Prescott Street (Route 225). Teams typically play two nights a week, with games being held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Make-ups are usually played on Sunday. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, the games are played at 6:30 and 7:45 (Friday sometimes has an additional game at 9:00). Sunday make-up games are played at 5:00, 6:15, and 7:30.

* Each player MUST enter the league through the draft. New players are always wanted- WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2010 DRAFT.  Please download and complete the draft registration form found on the handouts page and forward it to League Secretary John Bodi.

This is a competitive league, but win or lose, it is a great way to meet new friends who are a part of your town! If you would like additional information, please send an e-mail to the League Secretary.