The "Over the Hill Gang" league kicked off the season last Friday with all games played.

Mers Pub opened the 2001 season with an exciting 8-7 final inning victory over last year's American League championship, Moby Drugs. Mers led early in the game 5-2, but then surrendered the lead in the middle innings to trail 7-5 going into their final at bat. Mers scored in the ninth inning on a big double by rookie Byron Bodine and then a tremendous triple by veteran George Cohan. Glen Olsen then drove Cohan in with a long sacrifice fly to tie the game. Barry Booth then won it with a hard hit grounder up the middle that found its way through the Moby outfield. Mers attack was led by Barry Booth's 4 for 4 and 2 RBI night. Glen Olsen went 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs and George Cohan was 3 for 3 with 1 RBI. Pitcher Joe Fanning held last years champions to just seven runs and blanked the big Moby bats in five innings. Cohan, Tom Fitzpatrick and Ed Obloj led the defensive effort in the field.

Thirsty (oops) I mean HR Singletons defeated J-2 Lounge, 32-23. A total team effort led by Jack Howlett going 4 for 4, rookie Paul Canallatos 3 hit 5 RBI night, including a grand slam. Also super nights by Rich Smindak, Al Veneziano, Billy Langon, and Tom (Satch) Camarda each contributing 3 hits apiece and Bob Davis's 4 RBI explosion. We also would like to welcome HR Singleton's as our new sponsor.

M&T beat Barboy 28 to 4. Tony Lacorte had 4 hits while Tom Arcuri, Vince Cardulo, John Cardile, Brian Caroll, Nat Corrao and Mark Lubowsky all had 3 hits. Mark also pitched a fine game.

Barco opened up the season with a hard fought victory, edging out Changing Times 11-9. A strong defensive game by the Barco infield kept the game within reach until key hits by rookie Rick Pedone, Bob Meyers, Bob Diamond and Steve Schwind pushed across the go ahead runs in the 8th. The rumor that the team is taking up a collection for Dennis (swing and a miss) Ryan's laser eye surgery is unfounded, at this time.

Although Changing Times lost their home opener by a score of 11-9, Jack Scherer had an all-around solid game, as did Charles Connors with the bat. Jim Reilly also pitched a tough game but received the loss. "We'll get M&T next week proclaimed Changing Times." Registration has opened for Baseruning 101 and there are already a few candidates that might avail themselves of this excellent course.

Dariens started the year off with a 20-6 win over JP's Bar and Grill. Brian Tinney pitched a great game filling in for Kris Solberg and was supported by some great team hitting. Richie Degroff went 3 for 3; Tom Bailey, Pete Mendelson and Joe Manning all went 3 for 4. And rookie Jerry Mazza started his season with a homerun and a great catch in right field.

Morgan B's faced last year's division champs Granny O'Sheas. Morgans came out on top after a close match most of the game by a score of 20-10. Morgan's offense was led with home runs by Larry Lembo and Joe Lutz, and clutch hits by Frank Ortalani, Al Devine, and Dave Rubino. Bobby Joyce did a splendid job pitching being called on in the last minute.