Pictured from left to right John Leto, John Derby,Peter Karikas, Mark DiPierro, Bill Sollin,Richard Carppentiere,Gerrard Stigliano,Kurt Spotte, Angelo Conetta,Mike Lynch,John Wein and Bobby Hand The Defending Champions GC Defectors, (formerly known as the GC Pub Sopranos) proved too strong for Leo’s in the over 35 softball championship. What figured to be an exciting game was anything but. Leo’s appeared to be old and slow and was no match for the younger more athletic defector squad.

This was the third year that the two teams have met in the finals. The Defectors took home field advantage based upon their stellar winning record of 11 wins with one loss. Leo’s , who usually portray themselves as lions ready to do battle in a jungle, appeared to be neutered cats stuck in an air conditioning duct. They could not stop the Defectors barrage of hits throughout the game. The Defectors netted 4 runs in the first inning and added insurance runs in every other inning for a total of 11.

There is a saying in baseball that good pitching always stops good hitting. The Defectors have counted on Richie Carpientire to pitch for them. His outstanding control and pitch location enabled him to win his second MVP award in as many years. The stingy Defectors pitching and defense allowed Leo’s only 2 runs to cross the plate. Leo’s star hitters were kept in check by stellar defense and spectacular plays late in the game.

A sure sign that defeat was looming was when Leo’s starting pitcher pulled himself off the mound. He realized the mechanics of his “wind mill” style of pitching was not effective and he needed to “cool” down. The pitching change, which was only “a different chef with the same menu” , could not stop the arsenal of hits. The final score of this epic meeting was GC Defectors 11- Leo’s 2.

Defense and pitching was the anchor all season for the Defectors. It should be noted that only 9 runs in 12 games were allowed, and 4 of the games were shut outs.

The offense was just as spectacular as they provided the run support to put most games out of reach in the early innings. The head coach could “flip” the line up and achieve the same results every game.

The season was filled with great laughs and great memories. The team overcame a multitude of setbacks from hamstring pulls ,gluteus maximus strains, lost teeth, bleeding ears and a sponsorship breakdown. Their previous sponsor decided to drop them early in the season despite bringing a championship trophy the prior year. This pitfall only proved to be motivation for the team to move forward.

Rumor has it that the owner of a local HVAC company, who was at the game, is interested in sponsoring the team after realizing the Defectors are a team with dynasty in its future. Salary cap negotiations are in the final stages.

Even with the sponsorship snafu, good times were had by all as they celebrated their victories at a fine local establishment , JP McGeevers.

In closing, the team would like to recognize the following people for their support:

JP McGeevers Linda, John, Bill and “Coach” Rich for dealing with the team after their victories and the wives/families of the entire team who lived thru yet another year of the perils of Sunday night Softball. Until next year.........