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News From August 17...

It's Mike & Sons vs Townsend Comeau in Championship

"The season starts today", "Regular season records are thrown out once the playoffs start" were just a couple of many sayings by players in the 1st round of the Ipswich Men's Over 30 softball league held Sunday August 17th at Doyon and Grimes field. By the end of the day another cliché was put into play of "the more things change the more they stay the same."

Over on Doyon field Institution for Savings, with the best record in the regular season took on Townsend Comeau Oil in the best out of three games. Game one was a closely pitched game with hits kept at a minimum with Institution for Savings squeeking out a 5-3 win. Rick McDonald limited the T/C crew to 7 hits over 7 innings, and striking out three for the win. Leading the hitting for the bankers was Kevin Kirk with two hits. Larry White pitched well in defeat allowing just eight hits. Leading hitters for the T/C crew were Tommy Spinhurn with three hits, and Larry White helping his cause with two hits.

In game two the Townsend Comeau bats came to life with 24 hits, out slugging IFS by a score of 17-6. With T/C down by 4 runs in the second inning Pete Rockett cleared the bases with three run double and cut the lead to one run. Tommy Spinhurn and Marc Comeau followed suit knocking in three more runs to give Townsend Comeau a 6-4 lead and they would not look back from there scoring 11 more runs on their way to a victory and tying up the best of three series. Bill Knovack got the win and helped his own cause chipping in with two hits. Also leading the hitting attack for T/C were Matt & Marc Comeau with three hits apiece. Dave Wood took the loss for IFS. Leading hitters for IFS were Rick McDonald, Ed Perkins, and Tom Ewing.

In game three T/C scored eight runs in the first two innings and survived a late game rally by Institution for Savings and held on to 14-9 win to advance to the championship. Bill Knovack kept his pitching momentum going to take the win. Leading hitters for T/C were Marc Comeau and Mike Dupray with four hits apiece. Also helping the cause with timely hitting were Steve Murdoch and Marc Hardie with two hits. Rick McDonald took the loss for IFS. Leading hitters for IFS were Jason Montiero with three hits along with Rick McDonald, Ed Perkins, and Chris Connoly.

Over on Grimes field club 498 took on Mike & Sons with Mike & Sons sweeping a pair and to earn a return trip to the finals for the second consecutive year. In game one Scott Garand led the hitting attack with four, assisted by Mike Stasiuk on route to a 11-5 win. Jimmy Edwards earned the win for the Oilers. Brad Hill took the loss for 498 despite pitching well and kept his team in the game. Six 498 players had at least two hits.

Game two saw a sea saw battle with Mikes getting clutch infield hits to edge out 498 9-8 in the bottom of the 7th. Brendan Kennedy, and Jim Restucci lead the hitting attack with three hits apiece. Mike Blake got the win for Mikes, while Brad Hill took the loss for 498. Leading hitters for 498 were Mike Sweets, Scott Hunt, Greg Fuller, and Judd Daly led the hitting for 498.

The championship on Sunday August 23rd will feature a rematch of last year's championship match with Mike & Sons taking on Townsend Comeau Oil at 9AM.

Field Observations

  • In between games the league's yearly awards were handed out to the following players. Brother Roxie was awarded to Mike Schaff, Tom Sullivan award to Brad Hill, and the Rookie of the year to Brendan Kennedy.
  • Spotted in the crowd this week were former Over 30 legends Tom Dudek, Tim St. Peter, and Mel Blaquiere taking in this week's action.
  • Townsend Comeau's Mark Hardie was flying around in the outfield and making critical catches along with Jamie Morely.

News from August 10

Sweeps Highlight Final
Week of Season

The final week of the regular season in the Ipswich Men's Over 30 Softball was an opportunity for all four teams get in playoff rhythm by showing off what they have and get ready for postseason 08 at Doyon & Grimes Field. At the end of the day there would be a change in the firstst round playoff format for two teams.

On Doyon field Mike & Sons swept two from Townsend Comeau Oil behind the pitching of Mike Blake while on Grimes field Institution for Savings took two from Club 498 behind the pitching of Rick Macdonald and Dave Wood.

The playoffs are now set for Sunday August 17th. Institution for Savings will take on Townsend Comeau Oil on Doyon Field while Mike & Sons takes on Club 498 on Grimes field.

Field Observations:

  • Mike & Sons Jimmy Gallant had a Manny Ramirez green monster moment and had to be summoned to the batters box or face a team penalty of batting out of order.
  • The election for league officers was conducted with all four officers returning for 2009. They are as follows: Scott Garand; president, Jake Gibbs; treasurer, Pete Rockett; secretary, and Joe Rosenberger as league historian/director.

News from August 3...

A Sweep and a Split

With two weeks to go in the regular season in the Ipswich Men's Over 30 softball league three out of the four teams were fighting for playoff positions in the hopes of getting an advantage in the post season. By week's end no clear cut deciding factor was in place.

On Doyon Field Club 498 took on Mike & Sons with the two teams splitting a pair.

In game one 498 gave the Oilers plenty of extra outs with leaky fielding and lost by the score of 25-8. Jimmy Edwards got the victory for Mikes while Brad Hill took the loss for 498. For 498 Bob Aiken, Mike Powers, and Joe Rosenburger all had two hits.

Game two saw Brad Hill plug the leak with strong pitching. 498 battled back from a 5-4 deficit to win 9-5. Several players had multiple hits while Bob Aiken continued his power surge leading with three hits including a triple. Jay Lesard showed patience at the plate by drawing three walks. Jeff Graffum made the play of the day diving to snare a line drive and shut down a rally in the 7th inning.

Over on Grimes field Institution for Savings took on Townsend Comeau Oil. Townsend Comeau Oil was looking to continue their winning ways after sweeping the week before against 498.

In game one Institution for Savings took a close one by the score of 7-6. Dave Wood got the win for the bankers while helping his cause with a couple of hits. Dom Dellavelle with two hits to lead the hit attack for Institution for Savings. Larry White took the loss for Townsend Comeau Oil despite pitching a great game and had good command of the strike zone. Leading hitters for Townsend Comeau Oil were Mark Meaney, Jamie Morely, and Paul Montiero who all had two hits.

Game two saw the Oilers dig for more production spirited by a 9 run explosion in the 4th inning taking the 2nd game by the score of 13-6. Manny players for Townsend Comeau Oil had two hits including Tommy Sphinhurn who scorched a HR to left center. Bill Knovack took the victory for Townsend Comeau Oil with his floating knuckle. Craig Dupray took the loss for Institution For Savings. Leading the hitting attack for Institution for Savings was Dom Dellavalle who continued his hot hitting from game one.

Field Observations:

  • The trading deadline came and went without any league member being traded. Rumor has it that Institution For Savings called the Red Sox to try and make a deal to get Manny Ramirez but were hung up on repeatedly.
  • The Home Run hit by T/C'S Matt Comeau from July 27th was still traveling and was expected to land in Montreal by Monday August 4th.
  • There is no shame in striking out in Over 30. Tell that to Mike Dupray who was struck by his cousin Craig during the T/C and IFS games this week.
  • After game two between T/C and IFS, IFS managers Chris Connelly and Tom Ewing were seen heading for the exits. When asked what the rush was they declined comment.

News from July 27...

Townsed Comeau swept 498 while Mike & Sons split with Institution for Savings.

News from July 20..

Week of Sweeps

Institution For Savings swept Townsend Comeau & Club 498 swept Mike & Sons.

News fromJuly 13

The Over 30 softball boys of summer got back into action this past Sunday July 13 in the friendly confines of Doyon and Grimes field. After a week off from the July 4th holiday weekend, not much was lost for skill and bat speed as the four teams started the final drive for the post season.

Over on Doyon field Institution for Savings swept Club 498 in two close affairs. In game one the bankers prevailed 4-3 behind the strong pitching of Rick Macdonald.

Was he out or safe? According to managers Chis Connolly and Tom Ewing, everyone provided a spark for the win. Brad Hill took the loss for 498. The game might not have been close as it was had 498's Scott Hunt not made a great catch in left field to keep the lead to one run.

Game two was another nail biter as IFS just got by the battling 498 for a score of 7-6. Dave Wood took the win for the bankers, while Brad Hill was the tough luck loser for 498.

Over on Grimes field Townsend Comeau Oil and Mike & Sons split a pair. T/C scored 12 runs in the first inning as their bats came alive on route to a 22-7 over Mikes. Everyone in the TIC lineup had at least two hits. Mike Blake was the tough luck loser for Mikes. In game two the two teams battled back and fourth for the lead with Mike & Sons prevailing 8-3. Mike Stasiuk took the win for Mikes while Bill Knovack took the loss for TIC. Scott Garand had a big hit for Mikes with a HR to left center. Mike Dupray had a strong game for TIC.Oh those SOCKS!

Field Observations:

  • The magic number for Institution for Savings to clinch the regular season title is two.
  • Rumors are abounding that a clinching party is in the making at an un-disclosed location following games on Sunday July 20".
  • Universal Studios has called the Over 30 league office and has requested that Bill Knovack of Townsend Comeau return the socks used for the munchkins in The Wizard of Oz.
  • TIC'S Lany White and Mark Hardie re-invented the rabbit drill which would make former Ipswich High School baseball coach Steve Hopping proud.
  • T/C'S Pete Rockett and Mike & Sons Mike Blake had some great trash talk going on recalling memories of baseball games between the two years ago while growing up in Pinefield.

News from June 29...

Offense was in the air Sunday June 29 as Townsend Comeau took on Club 498 on Doyon Field, while Institution for Savings took on Mike & Sons. At day's end no significant injuries were reported except for a few bruised egos.

On Doyon Field Townsend Comeau and 498 split two games. In game one Townsend Comeau found their batting stroke on route to a 25-10 win. Larry White took the win for the oil drillers while Charlie Michaud took the loss for 498. Big bangers for Townsend Comeau were Marc Comeau with four hits, Marc Meaney with four hits and rookie Steve Murdoch with 4 hits as well. Everyone else in the lineup had at least two hits. Joe Rosenburger for 498 continues to turn in some nice plays at second base.

Game two saw 498 get revenge with a winning score of 14-7. Brad Hill got the win for 498 while Larry White, who was unable to duplicate his game one gem, took the loss for Townsend Comeau.

Everyone in the 498 lineup contributed with offense and displayed some fine leather on defense including a nice stop at third base by Jeff Graffum. Leading Townsend Comesu in hitting in the second game were Marc Comeau and Mike Dupray with three hits apiece.

Over on Grimes Field Mike & Sons split a pair with Institution for Savings. The Bankers defeated defeated Mike and Sons 12-11 in game one behind the pitching of Dave Wood . Institution for Savings; comanager Chris Connolly stated that everyone in the lineup contributed to the win and an outstanding performance by Dave Wood. Leading hitters for Mike & Sons were Scott Garand with three hits, who was equally matched by Jim Racca, who also had three hits. Chris Perna also contributed with a two-run homerun.

Mike & Sons got revenge by taking the second game 8-3. Kevin Powers went 2-4, Mike Stasiuk 3-4, and Scott Higgins blasted a two-run homer to propel the defending champs to victory.

Field Observations:

  • Conspicuous by his absence was Townsend Comeau manager Matt Comeau. Managing duties were filled in by Pete Rockett who was on the DL this week with an elbow injury and was advised not to play by his doctor.
  • Players were greeted by a fresh cut field by Pro Turf who was there on Sunday morning to make sure the field was in playing shape after a week of rain.
  • Mike & Sons Jake Gibbs kept a mean book and kept order on Grimes field.
  • Mike & Sons Mike Blake had a "Manny Being Manny" moment.

Standings are as follows:

Institution for Savings: 9-3
Club 498 7-5
Townsend Comeau 4-8
Mike & Sons 4-8

The league is off for the 4th of July holiday. The league officers would like to wish all players, their families, fans, and sponsors a happy and safe 4th of July weekend

News from June 22....

Week six of the Ipswich Men's Over 30 softball league was a statement week for two teams trying to get back on track and back into the win column. At week's end the two teams needing to improve in the standings both took steps forward.

On Doyon field club 498 was the victim of a Mike & Sons sweep. Jimmy Edwards got the win for the Oil Drillers despite a battle back by 498 to tie it. Late in the game Mike & Sons were on the verge of a big rally only to be stopped by a great defensive play by Scott Huntsbury. Leading 498 for hitting was Bob Aiken, Steve Sadaway, and Huntsbury.

In game two 498 fell short again to Mikes despite a raucous game played by both teams. Leading hitters for 498 were Charlie Michaud, Steve Sadowski, and Scott Huntsbury. Poor fielding by 498 lead to the second game defeat.

Over on Stephen Grimes field league leading Institution For Savings split a pair with Townsend Comeau Oil. Rick MacDonald got the win for the Bankers in game one, while Bill Knovack took the loss for the T/C contingent.

In game two Townsend Comeau OIl got back into the win column by beating the Institution for Savings. Larry White got the much needed win for the Oil Barrons while Dave Wood took the loss for the bankers.

Field Observations

  • 498 's Charlie Michaud left cleat looks like a lot like the cleats worn by former Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner with a high top style.
  • It was amazing to see umpire Angie Perna carry on a conversation with a batter at the plate while still calling balls and strikes.
  • Townsend Comeau pitcher Larry White is so dedicated to Over 30 he drove all the way from Springfield Sunday morning and arrived 45 minutes before game time.

News from June 15...

Heavy rain washes out competition. All teams split.

News from June 8...

The second week of June gave an early indication of the dog days of summer for the Ipswich Men's Over 30 Softball League Sunday June 8th. Record heat for the month of June showed who could adapt to the heat and who could not. By the end week four the standings gave more of an indication of who were the haves and have nots.

On Doyon Field Institution for Savings took on Mike & Sons. The Bank wasted no time setting the stage with scoring five runs in the first inning to power their way to a 21-3 victory over the local oilers. Leading the hit attack was Paul James, Paul Porier, and Ed Perkins who was MIA the week before due to being under the BL weather. According to manager Chris Conley all members of the team hit well and should not be singled out. Rick MacDonald got the win for IFS pitching in CY Young form with Dave "Woody" Wood calling the game behind the plate. Jimmy Edwards took the loss for Mike's.

Game two was a nail biter to the last at bat. Again, the Bankers showed their offensive power by scoring two runs in the 1st inning to tie the game behind the hitting of Paul James, Kevin Kirk, Chris Montiero, and Rick MacDonald. After a doormat second inning IFS put more runs on the board in the third behind the timely hitting of Craig Dupray and Paul James. Kevin Kirk knocked in both James and Dupray with a scorching double. Trailing 8-4 in the bottom of the sixth, the Bankers once again rallied to put three runs on the board to come with one. After shutting down the Oilers in the top of the seventh the bankers scored two runs in the bottom half of the seventh powered by a game-winning drive to left field by Kevin Kirk to give the Bankers a 9-8 victory completing a sweep.

Over on Stephen Grimes Field Club 498 swept Townsend Comeau Oil by the scores of 8-6, and 8-4. Brad Hill pitched both games for 498 and picked up the victories. Tough luck losers for T/C were Larry White and Bill Knovack respectively.

Field Observations

  • Bottled water was the hot seller at the refreshment stand this week according to Meg Edwards as players attempted to keep hydrated. At day's end not one cold drink was available.
  • Despite being swept two weeks in a row there is nothing but love and harmony on the Townsend Comeau Team. According to one T/C player who wished to remain anonymous " We rather go through this losing streak now, get it out of the way and catch fire going into the playoffs."
  • Townsend Comeau catcher Pete Rockett continues to struggle behind the plate and is rumored to be headed for the minors if he can't get his act together.
  • Institution manager Chris Conley continues to press the right buttons leading his team to a 7-1 record. The off season conditioning program he set forth after last year has apparently paid off for all players involved.

News from June 1...

Sweep was the theme for Ipswich Mens over 30 League on Sunday June 1st at Doyon and Grimes Field. At the end of the day League standings painted a clearer position of who has started off strong and what teams are still looking for an identity.

Over on Doyon Field Institution for Savings took two from Townsend Comeau Oil with scores of 4-2 and 8-3.

In game one Institution for Savings got off to a three run lead, played great defense and held off Townsend Comeau Oil. IFS manager Chris Conley explained that it was a total team effort and that all players from 1-11 all chipped in for the win. Rick MacDonald got the win for the bankers, while Larry White took the loss for T/C. Hitting stars for T/C were Mark Hardie and Will Maker with two hits apiece.

Game two again saw IFS get off to a quick lead hitting early and often. Dave Wood got the win for IFS while Bill Knovack took the loss for T/C. Hitting leader for T/C was Mark Hardie who continued his hot hitting from game one while chipping in with two hits. Mark Meany contributed with a homerun late in the game for T/C as well. IFS manager Chris Conley reiterated that game two was no different than game one citing that all players from 1-11 made a significant contributions for the win.

Over on the Stephen Grimes Field It was a sweep for the 498 over 2007 defending champs Mike & Sons.

In game one 498 scored seven runs on their way to a 7-3 win on solid defense by Mike Sweetsbury in center field and a strong pitching performance by Brad Hill. Greg Fuller, Steve Sadaway and Scott Hunt led the hitting attack for 498. Jim Edwards took the loss for Mike & Sons.

Game two was a seesaw battle between 498 and Mike's with 498 edging out a 10-9 victory. The 498 team had a balanced hitting attack with everyone in the lineup getting at least one hit. Todd Delano scored the tying run for 498 on a clutch base hit from Bob Aiken. Brad Hill got the win for 498.

Field Observations

  • Veteran Mike Shaft of Institution For Savings continues to fly under the radar providing solid defense for the Bankers.
  • Welcome to Over 30 Softball Townsend Comeau rookie Steve Murdoch. Unfortunately for Steve his first at bat in Over 30 was against softball veteran Rick Macdonald who threw him a nasty change up to strike him out.
  • Refreshments were bustling this week according to refreshment attendant Meg Edwards. At the end of the day not one refreshment was available.

News from May 18...

Splitting double headers in over 30 softball is like breaking even when going to a casino. You'd rather win big, but you can settle for leaving without a total loss. That's how week two went for all four teams down at the fields on Sunday May 18th.

On Doyon Field 498 and Institution for Savings squared off in what amounted to be two moderate level scoring games when it comes to softball. In game one Institution for Savings scored early and often and prevailed 6-1. Brad Hill took the loss for 498. Leading the team in offense for 498 were Charlie Michaud and Steve Sadaway, who went 2-3. Jeff Graffum also went 1-2 while playing stellar behind the plate catching everything his way.

Game two saw 498 going into the 7th inning with an eight run lead. Institution for Savings mounted a strong comeback and cut the lead in half but just came up short as 498 won 8-4. Hitting stars for 498 were Brian Story; 3-4, Brad Hill; 3-4 with two HR's and also taking the victory. Bob Aiken; 3-3, and Greg Fuller also had a HR. Jeff Graffum continued his solid defense in game two. Hitting leaders and pitcher for the bankers were not available at press time.

Over on Stephen Grimes field the two games were like night and day for Townsend Comeau. Losing the first game 18-3 to Mike & Sons and taking game two 4-2.

Comeau, struggling to field a team, recruited retired legend Richy "Manny Being Manny" Dodson to play first base. Bill Knovack took the loss for T/C while Mike Blake took the win for Mike & Sons.

In game two Larry White found his groove and was the star of the show and holding off Mike & Sons by 4-2 and giving T/C the much needed and moral building victory.

Field Observations:

  • Week two saw a lot of players hobbling around and making the whole scene look like a M*A*S*H unit. Several players have been put on the DL with replacements coming to their teams in the next two weeks. Most notably is Jake Gibbs. Reports are that he is flying down to North Carolina to see highly regarded sports orthopedist Dr. James Andrews.
  • 498's Paul Porier was caught standing on 2nd base after a deep fly ball without tagging up. Institution for Savings manager Chris Conley advised Paul it was OK to tag up and run.
  • 498 pitcher Brad Hill missed his coffee before the first game and had bed head eyes.
  • Joining the K of shame club this week are Charlie Michaud, Brian Story, and Todd Delano.

News from May 11....

After a cold, and snowy winter, it was time to dust off the bases, polish the bats, and start the 36th season of Ipswich Mens Over 30 softball season under a beautiful blue sky at Doyon, and the Stephen Grimes field this past Sunday May 4th.

On Doyon One 498 and Townsend Comeau Oil split two games. In game one, 498 played flawless defense, hit the ball hard and beat Townsend Comeau by the score of 11-2. Leading the hit attack for 498 were Mike "Sweets" Powers, Bob Aiken, Jeff Graffum, and Brad Hill who also picked up the win. Joe Rosenberger flashed some fine leather at second base. 498 also turned an impressive 1-5-3-5 triple play against the Comeau tandem that all but locked up a win for 498. Larry White took the loss for T/C despite pitching very well after a tough first inning. Mike Dupray and White lead the hitting attack for T/C.

Game two saw a complete slugfest with T/C coming out on top 17-15. The whole lineup contributed to the hitting attack. Bill Knovack earned the win for T/C while Steve Sadowski took the loss for 498. Leading hitters for 498 were Charlie Michaud, Steve Sadaway, and Greg Fuller with three hits.

On Grimes Field Institution For Savings took two from the 2007 champs Mike and Sons Oil. Game one had hits going in every direction for the bankers. Craig Dupray, Kevin Kirk, Jason Montiero, and Chris Conley all had multiple hits. Dave "Woody" Wood took one for the team and got the win for the bankers. Rick Macdonald came on in the 7th inning for the save.

Jimmy Edwards was the tough luck loser for the Oil men. Leading hitters for Mikes were Jim Racca, rookie Wes Pirece, John Bell, and Kevin Powers.

In game two Institute for Savings came right back and scored early and often and beat Mike's 15-7. Rick Macdonald got the win while Mike Stasiuk took the loss for Mike & Sons.

Field Observations:

  • All players with a exception of a few rookies failed the physical conditioning test. Most players attributed the poor performance of taking the wrong carbohydrates over the winter.
  • Another opening day, another descrepency on where the foul lines are painted for right field for Doyon Field. Despite the confusion, Angie Perna did a fine job preparing both fields.
  • Rumor has it that Townsend Comeau may be headed for extended spring training in Ft. Myers to work on the fundamentals before next week's games.
  • Mike Powers is doing everything in his power to bring back the 70'S look.
  • Spotted in the crowd this week taking in the action were Over 30 legends Dick Merry, Jim Collins, Joe G of Gage Associates and Kevin Pierce.

News from May 4- Week One

All games washed out by rain. They wiill be played Sunday, August 3.