Softball News: Highlights & Lowlights for the Last Two Games & the Championship

Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Good afternoon, dear friends. Another great Wednesday Night of BVM Summer Softball.
I worked through the night to get these “LIGHTS” to you so you know what you missed and so you make an attempt to be there next Wednesday.
There are only 2 more Wednesdays left: 8/12 and 8/19 and then we go through WITHDRAWAL until Summer Softball 2027.
Please make the attempt this Wednesday or Next Wednesday- you will have fun.
And just FYL: Wednesday the19th will start in the Chapel, at 5:30 if you can, to recite the Rosary in front of Our Lord in the Tabernacle on the Anniversary of the 4th appearance of Our Blessed Mother to the Fatima Children.
Let’s start the last Summer Softball Wednesday in prayer for our families, our priests, our Church, the FSSPX and the Souls in Purgatory.
Here goes the HIGHLIGHTS:
1. OG’s team finally won a game this year! See lowlights.
2. Nick Halligan led off his team’s first at bat with his 9th Home Run of the Season and his 4th Lead Off HR. Both are Records.
3. Tom Lapertosa made his initial appearance, and I think he enjoyed himself- getting two hits, but 1 K (oops that should be in lowlights.) And he displayed amazing speed for a guy in his 80s! Just kidding Tom!
4. Brian Petersen, Lance Mader and Loren Mader all played on the same team for the first time ever – Grandfather, Son in law and Grandson – And it was part of the winning team!
5. Jeshua Llamas made contact and almost caught a few balls in the outfield. He really is a basketball player, so he is more familiar with A BIG BALL.
6. Jeshua also helped fetch some ICE from the FD, though reluctantly as the word “ICE” scares him!! Buenos Dios my friend!!
7. Fr. Boyle led off the game with a double which Br. Timothy LOST IN THE SUN (Yes, this also is a lowlight!) And to make matter worse – see lowlight #4!!!
8. Shawn Lynn – CHEF SHAWN LYNN did a great job cooking the dogs and sausages – even with C. Mader pestering him like he was one of her chosen 10! C’mon mom – you came to enjoy yourself – but THANKS for the help. And THANK YOU SHAWN for getting the grill going – see Raph and Gerard lowlights #2.
9. Raph has still not thrown the bat this season -- a league record for him!
10. I noticed that Thomas Edwards is probably faster than Adam from Home to First!!! Keep it up Thomas! And Patrick Edwards might just be faster than Mr. Lapertosa – but it will be close!
11. There was a very good crowd and all enjoyed the night – I think!

THE FOLLOWING ARE LATE COMING OFF THE VIDEO RECAP OF THE GAME.
12. Connor Hoffman and Declan Roberts both hit 3run HRs – BUT see lowlight #15. 
13. Patrick Edwards made a great catch of a foul ball behind the plate. 

Now the lowlights.
1. OG was not there for his team’s First Victory of the Season. Do you think there is something to this???
2. Raph and Gerard Roberts forgot to bring the grill! I guess they can’t handle things without Krystina to help them.
3. JC threw the bat after missing a pitch and it hit Tom L. in his 80-year-old legs. Tom immediately called the Law Firm, “Dewey, Cheatum and Howe”, to initiate a lawsuit. But he was told that “He Does Not Have a Leg to Stand On”! Tom then said, “I know, that is why I am calling you”! But all was resolved peacefully. Deo Gratias!
4. The CASSOCKS lost 14-4, BUT the worse of it was they conceded after the 8th inning. WHY, you ask! Because some of the PLAYERS GAVE UP! What is that all about? Who gives up in SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL. Even the Slow Pitch Team from The Helen Keller School for The Blind knows not to give up in SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL! After all, it is SOW PITCH SOFTBALL! It’s not MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL.! No! It’s SLOWPITCH SOFTBALL. Am I getting my point across?
5. Fr. Boyle left the game in the second inning as he claims he was double booked with a Catechism Class. REALLY? I think I know who needed the instruction and I am glad for it! BUT, how about Monday or Tuesday or Thursday or Friday or Saturday night? And her husband LOVES TO PLAY BALL and he was not there! What is that all about??? C’mon Jim!
6. That kind of explains why the Cassocks quit. Where was their leadership? I know he returned late in the game BUT he did not have enough JUICE to fuel his teammates! So SAD!
7. Matthew Babson missed a TAG at the plate claiming 
     1. the sun was in his eyes (wrong, he had his back to the sun) 
     2. The ball curved because of the wind (there was no wind last night) and 
     3. He didn’t want to hurt the runner (that was Loren Mader, who is bigger, faster and stronger). So, thanks for ALMOST TRYING Matthew!
8. JESUS played for the first time ever. He told the Commish that he played baseball before but after seeing him hit (?) and run and field, I’m not sure that was 100% correct. He did hit the ball (not far). He did run the first (not fast) and he did almost come close to catching something in the outfield (maybe a cold). In any case THANKS for coming Jesus!
9. The BICYCLE BUNCH is at it again after the game using the cemetery service road to perform their TRICKS. I just hope one of them doesn't land in the cemetery because of their ANNOYING BICYCLE TRICKS!
10. James E. and Jeshua L. left the the game quciker than you could say, “¡Vamonos R’apide, Amigos!” so, they didn’t have to help clean up. I hope James stays after HIS soccer games to make sure all the equipment is put away, all players are picked up, the refs are paid and he knows he did a good job, before, during and AFTER the game!!
11. Only 3 Cassocks showed up. Thank you, Fathers Boyle and Webber, and Brother T! Where was the rest of the Clerical support for a Parish activity? I just can’t wait until Father DeLallo asks for help with a boarder project. Remember “What goes around, comes around.”
12. Henri Forget is still annoying and may get the PITD* award at the end of the season. * See me for the acronym!
13. ALL TOO MUCH COMPLAINING. Everything from the “makeup of the teams”, to the “out of line pitcher’s mound”; to the “Illegal Pitches” and “Balls and Strikes”. To which the Commissioner says: STOP COMPLAINING and PLAY BALL.
14. Also on the video tape: Adam and Stephen both calling for the catch on several occasions and NOT MAKING THE CATCH.
15. Again, off the video tape: D. Roberts caught on tape that his Triple and HR last week did not make the highlights last week. Join the list of complainers Declan. Be HAPPY you are playing!!
16. K’s: JC, Tom “I’m not 80” Lapertosa, Lance and believe it or not Jesus. Just as a last note: voting for this year’s MVP is going on now through the end of our last game, which should be August 19th. You can email or text or tell me in person who you are voting for. No Adam you cannot vote for yourself – 10 times! Not even 1 time!

OK FOLKS, enjoy your week . Say your prayers. See you at Mass. And come back next week.
The Commissioner

Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Good afternoon, dear friends, 
Well, whoever did not come to softball last Wednesday night – and there were many – missed out on the FREE HOT DOG and DRINK NIGHT, courtesy of the Commissioner! Sorry folks.
It was a bit rainy and I understand why many did not come. You are certainly excused. But you better show up for the SEASON FINALE! 
AND THERE WILL BE NO EXCUSES FOR ATTENDANCE NEXT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19TH. 
It is our last Wednesday Softball Night for 2026 and BIG THINGS ARE PLANNED.
We will have special concessions for your eating pleasure – no they are NOT FREE Henri!
We will have a very Special Award to the 2026 Blue and Gold Softball Slugger!
Fr. Boyle will give a SHORT talk about this Parish Summer event! 
AND we will have a closing ceremony like no other!
Hopefully our Four FSSPX Sisters will be attending, and you will get a chance to say hello.
So, clear you schedules and come prepared for a great time.
Now for the HIGHLIGHTS and lowlights.
First of all, I want to thank the Roberts men and the Halligan men who braved the elements (a little rain never hurt anyone) as well as the Pee Wee players who helped us have a “GAME!”
The BIG BOYS played the Pee Wees for 5 solid innings – only interrupted by a 15-minute HOT DOG break. And the Pee Wees beat the BIG BOYS 15-14!!!
Before the HIGHLIGHTS I first must explain the “RULES” we used:
1. The Pee Wees got 4 outs
2. The Big GUYS had to play the field with their BACKS TO THE PLATE until the ball was hit!
3. The BIG GUYS had to bat opposite hand!
4. The BIG GUYS had to close their eyes once the pitch was delivered!
5. The BIG GUYS had to make it to second before being called safe!
6. Raph as a pinch runner had to run backwards!
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Henri Forget DID NOT ASK THE COMMISSIONER FOR SOMETHING FREE! DEO GRATIAS!
2. The Commissioner pitched and K’d 3 batters.
3. Chris Halligan homered from the opposite side of the plate with his eyes closed (I think). Maybe he should hit that way in our regular games.
4. Thomas Babson was a POWERHOUSE at the plate.
5. Jeshua Llamas played his first baseball game and did very well.
6. Declan Roberts played a very good first base even though he was overshadowed by his brother Colin, who is an excellent hitter – with a two run double!
7. The FREE HOT DOG BREAK between the 3rd and 4th innings was a GREAT IDEA. Maybe they should try that in the World Cup in 4 years instead of the hydration break, which is really a TV Commercial break – they can’t fool me!!
8. Even though it was wet, Raph did not throw his bat!
9. Krystina did a great job at the Concession Stand.
10. Mark and Adam Edwards showed up – late but still showed up – with a HEALTH CARE PACKAGE for the Commissioner and it was appreciated.
11. Adam Edwards had 1 at bat and hit a HR batting lefty with closed eyes. It was actually a single and he probably had 1 eye open and there were no outfielders there to run down the ball. BUT GOOD JOB ADAM!
12. The FUTURE of MDA Baseball looks like it is in good hands and bats as Michael, Thomas, Colin, Henri and David all have POTENTIAL.
13. The Tucker family showed up and YES, they had a good time.
 And now the lowlights: 
1. OG was on the losing side once again and he only has next Wednesday to possibly play on a winning team. No one has ever played all season without a WIN! You can do it OG! But don’t be surprised if you are the last player drafted next Wednesday!
2. Colin Roberts ran into an illegal bat being illegally swung by David Melnick and drew some blood. But he survived as he is a SOLDIER!
3. Chris Halligan was traded to the PEE WEES in the last inning because he wanted to be on the winning team. Perhaps OG should do that next week!
4. NO CASSOCKS SHOWED UP. I’ll bet they show up next week to show the Sisters that they care. But do all of them really care? One Wonders. 
5. James Ermold was too tired to play softball after putting up one soccer goal net. He went to his apartment to watch SPIDER MAN. Boy what a role model for his players on the soccer team.
6. OG was caught peeking over his shoulder as the pitch was made – which is against the rules! See you in the Confession line OG. 
7. OG had several errant throws to first base (at least he says he was throwing to first base) that nearly took out Krystina and the camera filming the game. And then it recached in the bleachers like in a Pin Ball Machine!
8. David Melnick was using his hat for a glove, and it did not work. REALLY?
9. Henri, David and Gerard Roberts played in bare feet! UGH! But that is better than CROCS!
10. OG and Raph forgot the condiments (mustard, relish and sauerkraut) for the hot dogs! C’mon guys!
That is all for now. Have a good weekend. Say your prayers. Ask Our Blessed Mother to watch over us!
The Commissioner
P.S. There will be a Rosary Rally at 5:30 in the Chapel - 15 Decades honor of Our Lady of Fatima and Her appearance on August 19th to the little children of Fatima!
Please join us for a decade or all 15 before the softball game. Lots of graces to be had and lots to pray for.


Wednesday August 19, 2026
Good Monday friends.
Before you read these HIGHLIGHTS/lowlights, please look at the picture and just think about what I am asking for.


I need 100 sponsors, either PER Lap or One-Time Donations. I hope to do 40 laps as I did last year, so if you sponsor me for 50 cents a lap that is only $20. I am very blessed to still be participating. God is good!I am sure I will be sending more requests BUT I thought this would be a good opportunity to get the requests rolling.
Love you all. The Commish
  
Hello dear softball enthusiasts.
I apologize for my delay in delivering you my final LIGHTS for 2026 Summer Softball Season.
Fr. Boyle has me doing so many jobs that I am busier than “A ONE-ARMED PAPER HANGER.”
Before I list the LIGHTS, I would like to thank all the players, fans and support workers for making this 2026 season very memorable – mostly in a good way.
I would like to give a special THANKS to the following: 
Fr. Boyle’s support has been wonderful. His encouragement has been so positive. And his suggestions have been mostly well received.
The Roberts family did more than their part to help set up and tear down every single week. Shawn Lynn was key to keeping the field in good shape. Krystina Roberts was just the best concessioner you could have. And Melanie Zapp would have been a bigger help if she knew where her keys were every week and did not take so many Wednesdays off. Part Time Help is one thing BUT Part Time Part Time is basically not HELPING!!!
And a very special thanks to all those who helped make the lowlights so low. I could mention their names, but they have already had enough publicity throughout the season. AND they know who they are!!!
 
OK so here are the HIGHLIGHTS!
1. Alex Roberts won the #1 Loser Award for having never been a WINNING TEAM this summer. And since this award was presented before the final game, he did not spoil it by being on a winning team this night. Even his brother Gerard was hesitant to draft him for his team. Gerard knew it might be a BAD IDEA. The team came close but LOST 15-14. Congratulations Alex. Sorry Gerard – but I did tell it was a BAD IDEA.
The #1 Loser - what a guy!

2. Nick Halligan was awarded the 2026 BVM SUMMER SOFTBALL SUPER SLUGGER AWARD, a beautiful personalized wooden bat made by Gerard Roberts. Well done, Nick, especially having a 2 HR night and leading your team to victory and winning the HR title too!!
3. Anthony Zapp also had 2 HRs in a gallant attempt to win the HR title. His title went to Nick because Anthony missed too many Wednesday games as Melanie insisted on a vacation with Anthony so Anthony could keep tabs on where Melanie’s car keys were. Another Melanie SITUATION! Sorry Anthony!
4. It was the best crowd ever with EVEN FR. DELALLO making an appearance!
5. Peter Halligan had a 3-run homer – maybe he’ll compete for the HR Title next year!
6. Tom Halligan and Conor Hoffman get the Gold Glove Awards for their defensive skills for the night!
7. Conor Hoffman had a BIG Sac. Fly to tie the game late in the game.
8. Alex Roberts in his efforts to not be the #1 loser had a 2-run triple – IN A LOSING EFFORT!!
9. Anthony Zapp JR. played a superb outfield.
10. John Rowe finally came to a second game this year and had 2 key hits.
11. Fr. Enriquez also came to a second game this year and brought energy, excellent play and lots of enthusiasm, a triple E performance. Thank you, Father.
12. Brian Petersen tried to decapitate Br. Timothy on a play at first Base. Maybe this should be a low light!!
13. The FIREWORKS at the end of the night were a great treat! 

And now the lowlights:
1. Chris Byrne made his FIRST appearance for the season and played well defensively and offensively.
Thus is a lowlight because it was his FIRST APPEARANCE. He was also robbed by Conor Hoffman on a screeching line drive to third.
2. Dominic Babson K’d AGAIN! His K average is higher than his batting average. OH DOMINIC! You are such a nice young man it is easy to put you in the lowlights, knowing you can take it! Bravo!
3. Fr. Boyle had an average game. And the crowd was expecting his AAA game.
4. Br. Timothy after nearly being decapitated just could not get his bat stroke in rhythm.
5. The Commissioner did not get an at bat! And that was for the WHOLE SEASON.
6. It was a comedy of errors in right field on a ball hit by Nick Halligan. All three outfielders fell down on their own, or tripped over one another, and needed help from two infielders to get to the ball and weakly throw it in the direction of home plate. It was pretty pathetic. I won’t mention their names but WHY NOT:
Tom Lapertosa, Paul Bushnell, Xavier Forget, Peter Halligan, John Halligan and even more contributed. 
Had they thrown out Nick at the plate, the score would have been 10 to 9 to 8 to 7 to 4 to 6 to 2 and 1. Wow! 
7. Three customers put ketchup on their hot dogs and DID NOT pay the extra 50 cent charge. I will get them next year, for sure!
8. Gerard had the worst pitching night of his CAREER and could not hold off the Cassocks to give his brother Alex a victory. 
9. Henri still managed to annoy me. He’s good at that.
10. Again, not enough people stayed to help clean up. Well, as the song goes “Maybe Next Year”!
I wish you all a wonderful rest of the summer and a good school year for the students.
Please let’s pray for each other this year and hope we all return to BVM Summer Softball in 2027!
Deo Gratias for all the blessings we received this summer. God is good!
The Commissioner


2026 BVM SUMMER SOFTBALL BLUE-GOLD SUPER SLUGGER AWARD
Winner, Nick Halligan, not pictured.