2009 Medford Lakes Men's Softball Champions-StewDoggz
Front Row (L to R): Brooke Summerville, Nate Summerville, Brac (mascot) Back Row (L to R): Alan Anton, Lleyton Coughlin, Jared Coughlin, Joe Sorino, Brett Summerville, Bryan Livingston, Scott Kentrus, Dan Schaeffer, Dan Nixon, Jason Shields, Mike Collins, John Demski, Brian Anton, Justin Daley, Zach Magulick (coach), Kirk Frazier, Aaron Harty
StewDoggz Go Back-to-Back for a Six-Pack
The StewDoggz ended the 2009 season as champions for the 2nd straight year and for the 6th time in the team's 11-year history. By tying the Lakes Flakes for most all-time championships, the 'Doggz have cemented their place as one of the best franchises the league has ever seen. This season's run to the title was propelled by a 9-1 regular season record, and that included them avenging their only loss of the year. That record was good enough for 1st place and the all-important top seed in the playoff tournament. Earning a 1st round bye, the StewDoggz had the shortest track to the finals and took advantage of it by beating both ABCO and Road Kill to get to the championship game, where they defeated Road Kill once again. The victory over ABCO came by a score of 24-8 which was highlighted by the 13 runs the 'Doggz put up in the 1st inning. The game was over as quick as it got started. Shortstop turned 1st basemen J-Rod went 4 for 4 scoring all 4 times at the top of the order. Gold Glove leftfielder Larry was 3 for 3 including a home run, and shortstop Big Al went 2 for 2 with a homer as well. The StewDoggz next win came against Road Kill by a score of 7-6 in a classic battle that will be remembered by all. Defense was king early in this one as the game went scoreless until Road Kill's 4-run 4th inning. Down 5-0 coming to bat in the bottom of the 5th, the 'Doggz finally scored their first run, but they ended the inning in a verbal altercation with the Kill. The 'Doggz took exception to Road Kill's catcher applying a tag in a not-so-very-nice-way to a runner that had all but given himself up. Tempers flared, players emptied onto the field, and words were exchanged. It turned out that this was exactly what the StewDoggz needed to fire them up for a come back. They then came to life with 5 runs in the bottom of the 6th inning, with the big hit being a 3-run blast off the bat of Schaeff to tie the game at 6 apiece heading to the final frame. After the Big Voo pitched out of a 1st and 2nd no-out jam in the top of the 7th, Danny Nix came to bat to lead off the bottom half. He then smoked a line drive to left center field that split the outfielders and rolled all the way to the far backstop for a walk-off inside-the-park home run. The look on his face as he rounded 3rd base was priceless, and he was mobbed by his teammates with a beer shower at home plate. Great game, great finish. The 'Doggz were now in the finals for the 7th time in the last 8 years, and ended up with a rematch against Road Kill. The championship game was a little less competitive than the previous matchup as the StewDoggz scored early and often. Scoring 6, 5, 4, 4, and 3 runs in the 1st through 5th innings respectively, they built an insurmountable lead and won by a final score of 23-10. Co-MVP's were awarded to both Larry and the Big Voo as both of their performances stood out during the championship run. Larry stole many-a-hit playing left field and batted .750 at the plate in the very important 2-hole. The Big Voo was perfect at the plate the entire championship weekend, pitched some of the best ball of his life, and shut down the middle defensively. Every other member of the team contributed in some way as well. Newcomer Frazier played a stellar 3B and had the biggest day at the plate in the championship game going 3 for 4 with a triple, a homer, and 7 RBI's. Joey Sorino played a solid LCF and came up huge at the plate in the finals by going 4 for 4. J-Rod did his usual damage in the leadoff spot and posted a .636 avg in the playoffs. Danny Nix created the most memorable moment with the walk-off homer that sent the 'Doggz to the finals. Schaeff, just activated from the DL with an oblique tear, hit .600 in the 3-hole and came through yet again in the clutch. Utility man extraordinaire, Big Al, held his own all season playing SS for the first time, and once again proved he can play anywhere. Summertime played a lock-down right field while going .556 at the dish, combining with the Big Voo at the bottom of the order that's the toughest in the league to get out. Like he always does, BA flashed the leather in RCF in spite of another Gold Glove snub from the voters. Nothing ever gets past him out there. Shields came to the party just like he did last year, coming up with many key hits. JD did his usual magic to keep everyone off balance, including even himself sometimes. Last but not least, Animal actually decided to show up for a change, and earned himself a batting average for the first time all season. The StewDoggz celebrated the win with a party at the Summerville's, which was attended by many of the Road Kill clan who were, as always, great sports. The StewDoggz want to thank the entire league for another fun year. Next year may bring a few changes, including a new commissioner, and the StewDoggz hope to see everyone back out there to go at it again in 2010.