The poll for the Top 5 Pitchers heading into the 2024 season is now open!
3.7.24
Head to the Rankings page to cast your votes!
Impact signs brother duo.
2.13.24
After a long run with Flashback, Liam Mulcrone is heading to Impact and bringing his brother, Mikey, with him. After losing a few key veterans, Impact is looking to replace them with young talent and recruiting players from the Indian Road team, Mud Dogs.
Results for the Top 5 Defensive 1B heading into 2024 are in!
1.18.24
1. Kevin Johnson (High Y) – 84 Votes (22% of the votes)
2. Joe Filomeno (Meatball City) – 53 Votes (14%)
3. Shawn Burke (Circus) – 50 Votes (13%
4. Mattie Richard (Chicago Dynasty) – 30 Votes (8%)
5. Joe Welgos (Iron) – 30 Votes (8%)
6. Adam Hoss (45’s) – 29 Votes (7%)
7. John Zawaski (Flashback) – 29 Votes (7%)
8. Other – 26 Votes (7%)
9. Anthony Micek (FatKids) – 25 Votes (6%)
10. Leonard Harris (BTA) – 18 Votes (5%)
11. Mike Greco (Hexx) – 11 Votes (3%)
12. Peter Corral (Demons) – 4 Votes (1%)
1. Kevin Johnson (High Y) – Playing 1B just comes natural to KJ. The king of fielding a short-hop, he learned the right way to play the position at a young age. We’re not sure who showed him the ropes, but shoutout to whoever did because this kid brings it every game. He is one of the strongest pieces on a loaded High Y team.
2. Joe Filomeno (Meatball City) – Joe makes plays that make you ask the guy next to you…”did he just catch that one handed”? Having some of the strongest paws in the game, it really looks like he picks the ball out of the air. Joe, along with his teammate, Pops Alejandro, who took 1st in the SS poll, take a lot of pressure off of their IF as they make a lot plays that most can’t.
3. Shawn Burke (Circus) – Mr. Consistency…not many have been able to stay at the top of their game for as long as Shawn has, especially at 1B. It takes a lot of grit to field throws with balls right out of the box. He is your typical hard nosed, smash mouth type of 1B that every team wants.
4. Mattie Richard (Chicago Dynasty) – Mattie is another one who has been at the top of this game for a long time. He’s been part of the core for some programs that have made a lot of noise in Signature, Donuts, and now with Chicago Dynasty, among others. With the recent departure of Alongi and Cherwin, we expect Mattie to carry the load for Dynasty this year and get them back to the top.
5. Joe Welgos (Iron) – Rounding out the top 5 is Joe Welgos. Iron picked up a player that you can build around. A lot of players can catch a ball right at them, but it’s digging a ball out of the dirt that separates you from the rest…and that’s what joe does best. We expect Iron to make a jump with their offseason moves, Joe being a great pickup for their young team.
Dig Deep Series: Episode 4 with guest, Nate Mercado of the 45’s is now posted.
1.8.24
Head to the “Media” page, or click the link below.
Dig Deep Series: Episode 4 – Nate Mercado (45’s)
Poll for Top 5 Defensive 1B is now open.
1.4.24
Head to the Rankings -> Polls -> 1B page to cast your votes!
Dig Deep Series – Episode 3 with Guest, Joey Igyarto of Flashback is posted.
12.26.23
Results for the Top 5 Defensive 2B heading into 2024 are in!
12.20.23
1. Mark Munizzi (Signature) – 57 votes (26% of the votes)
2. Kevin Duff (Circus) – 47 votes (21%)
3. Danny Villareal (45’s) – 29 votes (13%)
4. Mike Meyer (Flashback) – 28 votes (13%)
5. Kevin Knorr (Moneyline) – 13 votes (6%)
6. Steve Messina (Chicago Dynasty)- 11 votes (5%)
7. Tommy Lentine Jr. (March Impact) – 9 votes (4%)
8. Chris Rogers (High Y) – 9 votes (4%)
9. Other – 9 votes (4%)
10. Billy Quirke (Iron) – 8 votes (4%)
11. Arion Gipson (BTA) – 2 votes (1%)
1. Mark Munizzi (Signature) – One of the staples of the Signature program is Mark Munizzi. Mark is in the prime of his career and is a big reason why the Signature program is a contender year in and year out. He’s been “that guy” that is needed to make a big play in a big spot of the game and more often than not, he delivers. As solid as he’s been, we believe his ceiling is so high that he will continue to get better with age, which is scary for all of the other teams in softball.
2. Kevin Duff (Circus) – One word that comes to mind when you hear the name Kevin Duff is longevity. He’s been playing this game at a high level for a very long time. He’s the type of leader of the defense that never seems to get rattled. He has a quiet confidence about his play that is infectious to the rest of his defense which puts everyone at ease, regardless of the situation. We knew he’d be at the top…the only question was if it would be #1 or #2?
3. Danny Villareal (45’s) – Another player who seems to have been around forever is Danny Villareal. He’s been a rock for the best program in 16 inch softball, the 45’s. He is as smooth as it comes at the second base position. You always feel comfortable when the ball is hit his way as he’s a veteran that will always make the right decision with the ball.
4. Mike Meyer (Flashback) – Mike Meyer a.k.a. Mr. Reliable was a big part of what some called the best infield in 16 inch for the 2023 season. While the left side of Flash’s infield gets most of the attention, his teammates know as good as anyone that he was going to crack the Top 5. He’s another one of those players who lets his play do the talking. Any ball within his reach is almost a guaranteed out.
5. Kevin Knorr (Moneyline) – Kevin has been part of an infield for a couple of teams that have made deep runs in the Forest Park – No Glove National tournaments. Once a shortstop, he made a selfless choice moving over to 2B and it’s worked out perfect. He’s a vital piece to a strong Moneyline program who’s one more deep run away from rising to a perennial threat from “up and coming”.
Dig Deep Series: Episode 2 with Guest, Chris Rieger of Whale is posted.
12.17.23
Dig Deep Series – Episode 2: Chris Rieger (Whale)
Free Agent opts out.
12.13.23
Menace was working on a deal with Free Agent Collin Farley, however it didn’t work out and he will not be joining the club next season.
Results for the Top 5 Defensive SC heading into 2024 are in!
12.12.23
1. Joe Yarus (45’s) – 41 votes (18% of the votes)
2. Vito Iovino (Flashback) – 39 votes (17%)
3. Mike Hickey (Chicago Dynasty) – 20 votes (13%)
4. Marco Macias (Free Agent) – 19 votes (8%)
5. Jordan Dean (March Impact) – 18 votes (8%)
6. Other – 16 votes (7%)
7. Shavonte Samuels (BTA) – 15 votes (6%)
8. Gardner Huff (High Y) – 15 votes (6%)
9. Danny Marston (Signature) – 13 votes (6%)
10. Nick Drehobl (Moneyline) – 11 votes (5%)
11. Jack Doss (Hexx) – 8 votes (3%)
12. Sammy Bertucci (March Impact) – 6 votes (3%)
1. Joe Yarus (45’s) – Joe has done several stints between the 45’s and Flashback and it seems like everywhere he goes, he wins. The team ends up being top 3 and he’s the cornerstone of that defense. He has the old school style of play having the strength and confidence in his hands. It also seems like every time you see a ball hit to him, he’s making the putout. He’s definitely in the category for one of the best players in all of 16 inch softball.
2. Vito Iovino (Flashback) – Fresh off a No Glove Nationals Tournament championship, Vito had a strong case for Co-MVP of the tournament. It’s hard to stick out with a loaded team like Flashback, especially playing next to Joey Igyarto, however Vito did just that. He has as much range as anyone at the position and it’s his instincts of seeing the ball come off the bat that makes him one of the best.
3. Mike Hickey (Chicago Dynasty) – Long time veteran of majors softball, Mike Hickey, is as strong defensively as there is. He really understands the craftiness it takes to the play the position…staying low the ground, the footwork around the bag, and getting the ball in and out quickly. Dynasty has lost some massive names over the last couple of years and instead of calling it quits, Mike, along with the other Dynasty veterans, have decided to retool the program and work at getting back to competing for No Glove National Championships.
4. Marco Macias (Free Agent) – The entire 2023 Signature infield was one solid unit. Names like Scarlatta, Mahoney, and Munizzi will get most of the attention (and well deserved), however if you watched closely, you noticed this kid can ball. He’s another one of those “I let my play do the talking” type of player. We’re unsure of where he’s going to end up in 2024, but he’s a player you can start to build a team around.
5. Jordan Dean (March Impact) – Rounding out the top 5 is Jordan Dean, who moved from Hexx to March Impact this offseason. Jordan was a standout middle infield on an always competitive Hexx program. Some ex-baseball players catch onto this game right away and some struggle to figure it out. Watchin him play, you can see that he’s transitioned his baseball mechanics to this game perfectly. The handspeed and awareness around 2B is second to none. He’s going to be a very nice pickup for the March Impact team.
Poll for Top 5 Defensive 2B heading into 2024 is now open.
12.12.23
Head to the Rankings tab to cast your votes!
Demons keep us guessing.
12.12.23
After a source close to the team confirmed they were calling it, new reports came out that they had a team meeting and have opted in for 2024. We continue to hear both sides of it, so we’ll have to wait and see if they make a return next season.
Iron makes first moves of the offseason.
12.12.23
There were several rumors flying around about where the package deal of CJ Nietupski, Joe Welgos, and Chapo Zaul from Signature would end up. Some said they were staying with Signature, others said they were bringing Smackout back, and recently Iron became a front runner to land them.
It’s been reported they inked the deal with Iron. These are great signings for a young Iron team. The three bring veteran leadership and a ton of experience playing in big games, which is crucial for the development of young players.
Dig Deep Series has launched!
12.7.23
Check out our interview with the 2021 Forest Park – No Glove National Tournament MVP, Chris D’Agostino of Circus.
Click into the video description and see the chapters of the interview under the timestamps.
Dig Deep Series – Episode 1: Chris D’Agostino
“Dig Deep” series debut is coming!
12.6.23
Episode 1 will be released this Friday, December 8th. Our first featured guest is the 2021 Forest Park – No Glove National Tournament MVP, Chris D’Agostino of Circus. The link will be posted right here in our News feed, along with in our Facebook group (Click Here)
Chicago Dynasty signs 2 players
12.6.23
They add to their rotation signing P Vince Fanelli (Players Inc). They also add another big bat grabbing Mike Maize Jr. (Snappers).
Poll for Top 5 ShortCenters is open.
12.5.23
Head over to the “Rankings” page and cast your votes for the Top 5 Defensive ShortCenters heading into 2024!
Demons not returning in 2024.
12.5.23
After some conflicting rumors, a source close to the organization said they have opted out of returning in 2024. That team had a strong 2023 season with a solid roster. Free Agents are available and are looking for teams to join.
Sauce signs Matt Ortiz.
12.3.23
Matt comes over from APB.
Good Wood’s new pieces help them win the 2nd Winter Tournament at the Go Pro Sports Dome.
12.2.23
Top Row (Left to Right): Macho Soto, Steve Burke, Anthony Cosentino, Andrew Saez, Rocco Curio, Jeremy Fahler, Tommy Gonzalez, Will DeAndrea, Joey Diaz, Brett Winger, Matt Harriety
Bottom Row (Left to Right): Silas Burke, Mike Lemus, Hector Melendez, Jay Melendez, Mikey Szopinski
Good Wood Manager: Steve Burke
The results for Top 5 Defensive 3B headed into 2024 are in!
12.2.23
**Please note this is all in good fun. Each one of these guys are great ballplayers and there will likely be good arguments made for others who should have made the list. We consulted with players and managers who have played with and/or against them.
Let us know your thoughts on what it takes to be a top defensive 3B on our Facebook group (Click Here).
1. Mike Alongi (Circus) – 61 votes (20% of the votes)
2. Joe Piscitelli (Flashback) – 59 votes (19%)
3. Anthony Scarlatta (Signature) – 42 votes (14%)
4. Chris Stout (Moneyline) – 28 votes (9%)
5. Lenny Cunzalo (Players Inc) – 27 votes (9%)
6. Scott Horodecki (Circus) – 21 votes (7%)
7. John Banks (High Y) – 20 votes (6%)
8. Other – 14 votes (5%)
9. James Hopson (BTA) – 12 votes (4%)
10. Jack Landwehr (Chicago Dynasty) – 9 votes (3%)
11. Eddie Gil Ramos (March Impact) – 4 votes (1%)
1. Mike Alongi (Circus) – Mike, who we thought was the favorite to win the 3B pool, did just that. He’s “that guy” your coach yells “anybody but him” when you hit the ball in his direction. He has mastered the nuances of playing 3B between knowing how to handle a short hop vs. a long hop, throwing across the diamond from many arm angles, etc…While it seems like he’s been playing the game forever, he’s still in his young 30’s and with a Forest Park Tournament championship, multiple FP Tournament 2nd Place finishes, a Forest Park Tournament MVP, batting titles, all star appearances, the list goes on…he has built a resume that some veterans playing 30+ years won’t come close to seeing.
2. Joe Piscitelli (Flashback) – Coming up at a close 2nd is Joe Piscitelli. Having mainly played Shortstop in his career, he was in a Jeter & A-Rod situation with Igyarto joining Flash last season. Joe took the selfless route and moved over to 3B in order for Flash to have arguably the best IF in the game. When moving from short to 3B, it’s not uncommon for it to take time learning the position. He picked up 3B right where he left off at SS locking down the left side of the IF.
3. Anthony Scarlatta (Signature) – Anthony Scarlatta’s talent and versatility had him bouncing around between 1B and 3B last year. From what we’re told, Signature will try to use him at 3B as much as possible in 2024. His style is similar to Koronkowski’s, the Circus Shortstop, in that they have strong hands, are fundamentally sound, and always seem to play under control. Nothing is rushed when the ball is hit his way. The young up-and-comers can learn a lot watching him play.
4. Chris Stout (Moneyline) – As one of this teammates said, he’s the “linchpin” of our IF. Chris Stout is lockdown at 3B for Moneyline team that was strong in 2023 and has big expectations heading into 2024. Chris is “that guy” you can rely on to make a big out in a big situation. That ability takes the pressure off the rest of his defense, which in turn makes them better as a unit. We’re expecting even bigger things for Chris in the 2024 season.
5. Lenny Cunzalo (Players Inc) – Rounding out the top 5 is Lenny Cunzalo. With 2023 being his first true year playing majors, he is likely an unknown name, however if you’ve seen him play, you’d know he’s the real deal. His teammates said he single-handedly won them a couple games last season. He’s one of those guys that plays with energy and brings it every single game he plays, which makes the guys around him better.
Smackout turns to Iron?
11.29.23
Rumblings are the core that were going to bring Smackout back could be heading to Iron.
Veteran remains unsigned.
11.28.23
Brian Davis’ (Signature) name has been thrown around several circles. Initial reports were that he’s staying with Signature, however his name has also been linked to Circus and Chicago Dynasty. Recent reports stated he could be following his brother to Moneyline. Wherever he ends up, it instantly makes that lineup better.
Chicago Dynasty could be shopping around.
11.28.23
Earlier this offseason, Dynasty signed OF Jamie Jacoby. Word has it his work scheduled has changed and availability will likely be low. Dynasty may be in the market for adding another OF.
Good Wood picks up another Demon.
11.28.23
Right after P Hector Melendez came over from Demons, Good Wood makes another deal with C/EH Rocco Curio.
Hexx continues to make moves.
11.27.23
It’s been a busy offseason for Hexx. With OBI not making a return in 2024, there were a handful of solid players looking for a new team. They were able to snag IF Smokey Krueger.
Good Wood picks up a bulldog on the mound.
11.27.23
P Hector Melendez comes over from Demons.
The poll for the Top Defensive 3B heading into 2024 is now live.
11.26.23
The poll will expire on 12.2.23 at 12:00 PM CST. The results will be posted in the B.B.A. Facebook group (Click Here).
The results for the Top 5 Defensive Shortstops heading into 2024 are in!
11.25.23
*Please note this is all in good fun. Each one of these guys are great ballplayers and there will likely be good arguments made for others who should have made the list. We consulted with players and managers who have played with and/or against them.
Let us know your thoughts on what it takes to be a top defensive Shortstop on our Facebook group (Click Here).
1. Popz Alejandro – 81 votes (20% of the votes)
2. Joey Igyarto- 74 votes (19%)
3. Nate Mercado- 55 votes (14%)
4. Spencer Mahoney – 49 votes (12%)
5. Tim Koronkowski – 31 votes (8%)
6. Tray Johnson – 30 votes (8%)
7. Tommy Washington – 26 votes (7%)
8. Julian Russell – 17 votes (4%)
9. Keenan Connelly – 17 votes (4%)
10. Other – 14 votes (4%)
11. Rob Scahill – 6 votes (2%)
1. Popz Alejandro (Meatball City) – He has that Javy Baez feel to his game (Sorry if you’re a Sox fan Popz!). He has some of the fastest hands in the game. Very good at getting the ball in and getting it out. Makes the routine plays look pretty. He’s a big advocate of the game and is well known in the softball community…a lot of people get to see him play and make the arguably the hardest position to play look like the easiest.
2. Joey Igyarto (Flashback) – Having won a Forest Park – No Glove Championship with Chicago Dynasty, winning another with Flash, and winning Co-MVP of the 2023 No Glove Tournament, it’s no surprise he was going to finish in the top 3. Making the move from Chicago Dynasty to Flash was arguably the biggest move of last offseason. With Flash going all in to sign him, there were high expectations for him going into the 2023 season. That didn’t phase him at all as he played MVP level defense all season long.
3. Nate Mercado (45’s) – Another lock to finish top 3 was Nate Mercado. He’s been the best player on the best program for many years. There aren’t many Shortstops who can play as deep as he does and still make putouts at first base. His knowledge of knowing hitter’s best balls and aligning the defense to take those away is second to none. You would think it’s a little surprising he didn’t get a few more votes, but we’d imagine having “winning fatigue” from seeing the 45’s dominance has something to do with it.
4. Spencer Mahoney (Signature) – If you haven’t had a chance yet, find a way to watch this kid play. Quite possibly the most athletic Shortstop in the game. With 60 foot bases, it’s not often we see a putout made off a diving play in the infield, but cameras have caught him make several. With how many “Wow!” plays he’s made on the stream, we are surprised he didn’t receive some more votes. Nonetheless, he’s one of the best players in the game and believe it or not, the field believes he still hasn’t reached his ceiling.
5. Tim Koronkowski (Circus) – Rounding out the top 5 is Timmy Koronkowski. He is quietly one of the best defensive Shortstops in softball. He’s a steel curtain on the left side of the infield, making nearly every play you’re “supposed to make”. His style isn’t the most flashy, but he plays very confidently and is always under control.
6. Tray Johnson (High Y) – Falling one vote short from cracking the top 5 is Tray Johnson from High Y. He’s another player that makes some of those “WOW!” plays. One play stands out from the 2023 Mid Summer Classic…a ball hit up the middle and Tray ranging to his left…he knew he didn’t have time to collect himself and throw cross body, so he flicked it to first base left handed for the out. One of the best plays we’ve ever seen!
7. Tommy Washington (BTA) – Still in his 20’s, Tommy has already proven to be one of the most talented Shortstops in the game. He plays like a veteran, which you don’t see much out of a young guy in this game. He has one of the strongest arms out there as we’ve seen him make many plays ranging to his right. The future is bright for the young kid.
8. Julian Russell (Dirty 38’s) – A young up and comer in the softball world is Julian Russell. He has a lot of raw talent being a college baseball player. He has the potential to be as good as he wants. We think he’ll need to get some more majors games under his belt (which potentially could happen soon) to continue climbing up this poll.
9. Keenan Connelly (Shooters) – Being in the top 10 is nothing to sneeze at, however we were surprised Keenan didn’t contend for a top 5 spot. Having been on some very solid Shooters teams and making play after play, we thought he would have received more votes. It may have something to do with Shooters coming off a rebuild season.
10. Other – Check out our Facebook group (Click Here) for who are some of the “others” that received votes.
11. Rob Scahill (Hexx) – Rob is a “I let my play do the talking” type of player. That said, he could be a relatively unknown name to some of the softball community, however he’s the playmaker for an always talented and competitive Hexx program.
“We’re not going anywhere!”
11.21.23
Several players on Demons have confirmed they are running it back in 2024 and looking to get into a majors league. Good to see a team with a strong 2023 campaign coming back next season.
Hexx Lands Grassano and Holstein
11.21.23
From what we heard, a few teams had their eye on Rob Grassano (Signature), but Hexx was able to lock him down. They also picked up Mark Holstein (45’s) last week. This gives Hexx a lot of added offense.
The deal with Scott Vickers has fallen through. Have not confirmed where he’s playing next year.
High Y wins Fall Dome Tournament at the Go Pro Dome in Shorewood, IL.
11.19.23
Top Row (Left to Right): Coach Biggs, Coach Dale, Travis Smith, Chris Rogers, Mell, Lavell, John Banks, David Bradford
Bottom Row (Left to Right): Justin Mack, Jasper Golden, Gardner Mann Huff, Jackie, Terrell Peterson, Kevin Johnson, Cordell, Charles Golden
Fall Tournament at the Go Pro Sports Dome in Shorewood, IL
11.17.23
1st Round:
– Circus beats Menace
– Hexx beats Meatball City
– Signature walks off Sauce
– High Y walks off BTA
2nd Round:
– Signature beats Circus
– High Y beats Hexx
Championship:
– High Y beats Signature.
Rumormill
11.17.23
It’s been confirmed that Smackout will not be making a return in 2024.
Rumors are swirling that Demons may not be returning. Free Agents could become available.