The Bones divisions marquee matchup this week featured the 1-1 Butter Tongues and 0-2 Weemen. This game held importance for both teams; the Weemen struggling to earn their first victory and the BT’s hoping to avoid back to back loses in the division. It was the Weemen who struck first with Ellis’s sacrifice RBI in the opening inning. Bay State fans would not have to hold their breath long however as the tongues tied the game up in the very next inning. Offensive powerhouse Kyle Defrancesco drove in the runner with the help of a Weemen error that would prove to be very costly. Weemen ace, Colin Amidon, seemed to back to his old form. Aside from the run off an error, Colin was near perfect in this outing. Amidon records 11 k’s while allowing only 4 hits in 5 innings. Unfortunately for Worcester, Kyle Defrancesco of the Tongues, was able to prove why The Bay States pitching depth is praised so highly this season. In the absence of Ace Nick O’Keefe, Kyle allows only one run off of 5 hits and earns 15 k’s in 7.

That’s right folks, it took 7 long innings for this tilt to come to a close. Due to Amidon’s Inning count, Ellis came in for Worcester in the 6th and retired the side facing only 3 batters. It would take DeFrancesco 5 batters to finish the inning but after allowing no runs the game continues. The NEAWL implemented a strict extra innings rules years ago to restrict game length and it comes into effect here. Much like the first meeting of these two teams in January of this year, this game starts its 7th inning with bases loaded for each side. In the top of the inning Ellis lets up only a single hit but two runners come home after some crafty base running. In the bottom of the inning the Weemen were feeling the pressure and their bats whould show it. Defrancesco strikes out the side as the Weemen press the action at the plate hoping for that walk off grand slam.

For the Butter Tongues this is an encouraging victory, proving they have what it takes without star Nick O’Keefe in attendance. The Weemen too should consider this a step in the right direction. This is likely the best outing ace Colin Amidon has had since late winter season. If Amidon is able to keep up with these numbers the Weemen will quickly rise from the bottom of the division.

Written by Jon Anderson, NEAWL Staff

In this week 3 divisional matchup the XL Tribe played host to the Billerica Beasts.  The XL Tribe were looking to record back to back wins after defeating the Worcester WeeMen in week 2.  NEAWL rookie Szymon Godzina started the game for the Tribe, for his first regular season appearance.  While Godzina had only seen minimal pre-season action, he had no problems finding the strike zone, walking only a single batter the entire game. He did get touched up for few runs early on off of some small ball by the Beasts’ bats.

The Beasts were without ace Brian Consentino, and GM David Grubb would be the one to try and fill his shoes.  Grubb, the second pitcher in this game with very minimal pre-season action, also looked seasoned on the mound.  He retired the side in order in the first, and only allowed 3 base runners on 1 hit and 2 walks through three.   

The fourth inning is where things got interesting.  Beasts’ slugger Matt Austin lead off the top of the inning with his second home run of the season (second RBI of the game), before Godzina sat down the next three batters.  Between half innings, the Tribe must have done an ancient offense summoning dance, as their bats awoke, closing the gap to one run.  Godzina retired the side in the fifth, and gave the Tribe another chance to steal the lead.  After a lead off single and a walk, the Tribe had two men on and only one out.    Grubb managed to settle down, and sent the tribe packing.

Though many thought this game would be offense heavy, it wound up being an unforeseen pitcher’s duel.  Both teams are looking like they have found their stride, and will be looking to continue making noise in the Bones Division.  Greig Guluzian was overheard saying the following about his team post game, "“We found a way to grind out another close game.  Grubb really stepped it up on the mound tonight.  Austin provided the difference maker at the plate.  Overall, solid win. We haven’t reached our full potential yet....Beast mode is coming.”


 Final  Score
 Beasts 3
 XL Tribe 2




Written by Dave O'Grady, NEAWL Staff

"Brooksie is 50% Sullivan and 100% Basshole," said Flushing Pond Basshole GM, Dave Sullivan.

On the first big trade of the season, the Lowell Chiefs send slugger Justin Brooks to the Flushing Pond Bassholes for pitcher TJ Deignan and a first round pick in the Winter season.  This is not a shocker as the Chiefs are trying to bolster their pitching rotation.  The Bassholes now have an even more powerful offense with every member able to hit the long ball.

When asked about the trade, Chiefs' GM, Jon Gryckiewicz, had this to say.  "We are confident that Rubera and Leahy will produce big this season and having TJ's arm makes the Chiefs a legitimate force in the league."

With Tim McGeown helming the pitching rotation and Mike Thompson proving he can pitch, the Bassholes should have a balanced attack.  Both teams need to make a change starting off the season 0-2.  Could this be a boost for both teams?  Next week will be interesting.

Written by Nick O'Keefe, NEAWL Staff

The Nashoba Valley Sasquatch took the field looking to remain undefeated versus the Flushing Pond Bassholes who were looking for their first win.  Jon Anderson and Tim McGeown got the nod for starting pitchers.  The Sasquatch took and early lead going up 3-0 in the first Inning.  They would later tack on 3 more runs in the second inning.

Newly signed Sasquatch, Lekan Bamgbose, was the biggest story going into this game.  The spotlight was on Bamgbose to see how he would perform in the big show.  Needless to say, he did not disappoint.  Bamgbose went 3-5 with 3 RBIs and led the Sasquatch bats to victory.  Jon Anderson had this to say about his new player.  "I can't ask for more of any of my guys.  The kid has smart at bats and went 3 for 5.  He is lightning on the base path and that will help us all year."

Another highlight of the 'Squatch game was pitcher, Jon Anderson.  Anderson throw a complete game shutout only allowing 3 hits and struck out 8.  The Sasquatch remain on top of their division with the Burlington Blaze whom they face next week.  The two teams face each other next week, and with the top spot on the line, should make out for a great game.

Written By Nick O'Keefe, NEAWL Staff

After a walk off loss last week, the Weeman traveled into Tribe territory for a battle of two winless teams. Mike King took the hill for the Tribe for the second straight week, and got off to a rough start with Colin Amidon hitting a homerun in the first. King continued to struggle in the second inning, giving up 2 more runs. From then on he settled down nicely and really stifled the Weeman bats. Jeremy Ellis got the start for the Weeman, and also ran into some trouble early on. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the second, Tribe Captain Phil Naylor hit a 2 run single giving the tribe the early lead which they never relinquished. Colin Amidon had this to say after the game…

"Well, from a pitching perspective I think we have the strongest rotation in the league. The first inning has been a struggle for us, no doubt. And certainly we need to get our offense running on all cylinders. Once that happens, watch out for the Weemen."

It was a true team win for the Tribe, turning two double plays and getting solid production at the plate up and down the lineup. Up next for the winless Weemen is a home game against their Winter season rival Butter Tongues, while the Tribe face off with the undefeated Beasts.

The Tribe win with a final score of 4-3.

Written by Devin Amidon, NEAWL Staff

In their week two match-up, the Billerica Beasts hosted the Bay State Butter Tongues in a battle for first place in the Bones Division.  The weather was cold, and the wind was blowing in hard.  Brian Cosentino took to mound looking to match his performance from week 1. Cosentino seemed to have the wind figured out; not allowing it to affect his location.  When Cosentino did miss, the wind had his back; knocking down what looked to be a few potential home runs.  He went the distance, striking out 9, and only allowing 2 hits.

Nick O’Keefe also performed well on the mound; starting off the game striking out 5 through two innings work.  His only blemish came in the first at bat in the bottom third when Beast rookie slugger Matt Austin hit his first home of the season.  If that phased O’Keefe, he didn’t show it; finishing the game striking out 3 more, and never allowing another base runner. 

Wind or not, this was game was going to be a pitchers duel.  Both teams will now be preparing for their week 3 opponents, but don’t think they aren’t itching for their next rendez-vous.

Written by Dave O'Grady, NEAWL Staff

In a strange turn of events, the Nashoba Valley Sasquatch added Lekan Bamgbose to their roster last night. Some may say the winds of fate were at work as former Nashoba 4th man, JP Keating, texted his resignation to GM Jon Anderson at 8:58 PM, a mere 3 hours after Lekan became unrestricted. This sequence vaulted the Sasquatch to 3rd in the Free Agency line. Stranger still is the assumed interest from the Weemen and Blaze that never developed into an offer or claim to Lekan’s rights. When reached for comment both the Weemen and Blaze GM’s were brief: “we are all set” – Amidon “there is no one to blame, but myself” – Taft. The Weemen had all the time in the world to make their move and it is assumed they were unwilling to take the risk with out seeing Bamgbose work in the field first. After a few failed attempts at a try out the Weemen passed on the new rookie. The Blaze however were rumored to have interest and sources close to the team report that this was all an unfortunate slip of the mind. If Lekan is able to produce on the field this could be a costly mistake for Burlington as they are expected to rival Nashoba for the division this season.

GM of the Squatch, Jon Anderson, had this to say about the acquisition. “We are all happy to see Lekan land on the Nashoba Valley this season. With JP withdrawing, we knew we would need to make a move in free agency. I am surprised he (Bamgbose) slipped far enough for us to make the move, but I am confident he will be a worthy addition to the team.”

Following the official announcement, Lekan met with the press:

Were you glad to hear you were added to the #2 ranked Nashoba Valley Sasquatch? Or did you have hopes of making your home elsewhere?

Any team that  has the privilege of having me play with them is lucky…as far as being glad, my teammates are glad!!

There was a considerable amount of hype surrounding your free agency even without any wiff experience, does this add pressure to compete at the level expected of you?

HYPE????  What’s your name?  That’s what I thought, you don’t know my name because of hype, but because of my game.  Next question!

Being committed to so many other sports and leagues, do have any concerns of wearing out before playoffs ramp up in August?

I am built like Hercules himself! Chiseled out of black marble stone and allegoric to refs! The only thing that’s going to break down is my BAT!

While the games are vastly different, do you expect your softball swing to translate into effective wiffle ball batting?

I intend on hitting home runs on my bunt attempts.  Imagine what would happen if I swung the bat!

Knowing that you fell to a team 3rd in the free agency line, will you hold a grudge or feel you need to prove yourself to The Weemen and Blaze who passed you up?

Who said they passed on me? I merely declined their offers! Their team names repulse me!  Maybe the Weeman should urinate on the Blaze.

This Nashoba team has proven to have a fiery offense and good pitching depth, it is known they were on the market for an above average fielder. Do you think you will fit well in that role and do you have any aspirations of getting into the pitching rotation?

FIT into a role!?  When you get Ruth on your team do you say, “well babe we have a good thing here, you think you fit here?”  If MJ is on the court along with HOULE do you to MJ “do you mind if Houle takes this final shot of the NBA finals?”  Im Great and great players only know one thing… HOW TO BE GREAT!!

Since your wiffle ball carrier is in its infancy, do you have any concerns or are there any area’s you think you will excel?

What’s your name? I want to know who to call Thursday morning after I bat 1.000!! EXCEL is my middle name along with lekan, shaniqua and any other I can think of along the way.

Any teams you hope to find the Sasquatch in a rivalry with?

The only Rival for us is...WELL, US!!!  Im on the team!  I am putting the whole league on NOTICE!

Written by Jon Anderson, NEAWL Staff

General Manager Mike Taft, of the Burlington Blaze, had the number one pick in this spring's draft and it appears he made the right choice. He selected lefty Devin Amidon to headline his rotation and lineup and did just that. Amidon was a game time decision to start the game due to a sore shoulder and back, but was able to take the mound against the Flushing Pond Bassholes, and was impressive. Amidon would struggle early but settled down to the tune of 9Ks and no runs for his first start of the season. In addition to his pitching performance, he also cranked a home run over the right field fence to give the Blaze the early lead. Jon Costanza got in his first NEAWL swings as well and was solid at the plate, on the base paths, and in the field. General Manager Mike Taft had this to say following the game:

"We played a tough team last night in the Bassholes and we take our hats off to them for a great game to open the season. We came in to the game unsure of our starting pitching and this was also our first real test both offensively and defensively. I feel like we have some work to do but I am very happy with our progress and production at the plate."

The Bassholes entered last night a complete unknown due to their expansion team status, but proved worthy to join the league, despite the outcome. Basshole's ace pitcher Tim McGeown had a very solid perfomance as well and also settled down as the game progressed. Basshole's offense was inconsistant, but still has time to work out the kinks. Expect big things from this team once they get settled into the season and don't count them out as a top 4 team.

These teams will meet up again in Week 4 and it is sure to be another great game. Stay Tuned

Written by Colin Amidon, NEAWL Staff

2nd overall draft pick, Dave Tammaro, showed why he was an elite prospect this offseason.  Tammaro went 7 for 7 with two home runs and 7 RBIs against the Lowell Chiefs on this dismal evening.  In his first plate appearance, he ripped a two run home run to start off the scoring.  Not only was he perfect at the plate, but he was perfect on the mound as well, throwing 3 shut out innings.  Dave O'Grady got the nod in the top of the fourth and closed the door on the Chiefs.

Captain Jon Anderson must be very pleased with his club this upcoming spring.  "I'm real proud of my club and the effort they gave tonight," said Anderson.  "I've always wanted to be the worst player in my line up and it looks like I have my chance."  While Anderson did not have his best outing at the plate, the other two Nashoba Valley Sasquatch combined for 13 RBIs and 3 Home Runs.  Dave O'Grady blew the game wide open with a grand slam which led the Sasquatch to a 7 run tear in the bottom of the 2nd inning.

Chief's GM, Jon Gryckiewicz, has a lot of work ahead of him to find the starting pitcher for the rotation.  He gave himself the start in the opener, but may have to rely on newly acquired free agents Brendan Bob Leahy or Justin Brooks to helm the rotation.  The Chief's bats made contact against the Sasquatch pitching, but could not put anything together.  The closest they came to scoring was stranding runners with the bases loaded in the top of the 3rd.

We'll see how the Sasquatch fare against the handful of elite pitchers, but they look like they have one of the best offenses in the league.

Written by Nick O'Keefe, NEAWL Staff

Opening day in the Bones division pitted once under dogs Billerica Beasts against the leagues number two ranked Worcester Weemen. No one can be sure what changed since the leagues power rankings earlier this year, but the Beasts entered the game favored at -375 in the Vegas odds. New comer Brian Cosentino got the nod in this season opener from the mound for the Beasts.  Cosentino earns 11 K’s in his debut and only allows 2 earned runs. Brian didn’t leave much to be done in the field so we don’t yet know much about this Billerica teams defense, but Beasts fans will have a hard time complaining about that. It looks as though GM David Grubb scored well with his first round draft pick Greig Guluzian this spring. Guluzian does the brunt of the offensive work, claiming half of the teams hits and driving in the winning run with his powerful walk off single.

The once mighty Weemen had a rough outing. Their biggest spark came in the games first at bat where Pat Scoops Keating welcomed Cosentino into the NEAWL with a check in the Home Runs given column. While Scoops started to develop his power swing in Winter league, it is widely known that the Weemen organization drafted him with fielding in mind. If Keating can continue to be a menace at the plate, Worcester will be very pleased with their own first round pick, especially if the rest of the Weemen bats get hot. Captain and GM Colin Amidon showed signs of his old self on the mound, earning 10 k’s in the outing. Unfortunately some of Amidons off season struggles followed him into Spring, manifesting as 2 RBI’s on 6 walks. Worcester may slip in the power rankings this week but the team still possess all of the elements needed for a great wiff team and will surely make a run as the season moves on.  Final Score, Beasts 3, Weemen 2.

Written by Jon Anderson, NEAWL Staff.