Corner Café entered the North End Softball League playoffs as the number one seed after a 9-1 regular season and did not disappoint. Getting a bye into the semi-finals the Corner Café opened defense of their title by taking on longtime rival Landmark Realty.
The Corner brought their hitting shoes to the party and beat up on Landmark to sweep the series two games to none. The Corner got some big hits from the usual suspects as Mike Martignetti, Anthony Coppola, Vince DiNictolis and Ricky Martignetti sprayed line drives all over the park.
Andrew Madden, Mike Unwin and Sherm O’Shaunessy also contributed with big hits as the Corner banged out 37 runs in two games that both ended early due to the mercy rule. Pitcher Steve Passatempo was his dominant self on the mound and the Corner moved into the finals to face the Waterfront Café.
The Cafe also finished the regular season with a 9-1 record and they were the two seed due to the tie-breaker. In their semi-final match-up they easily dispatched of Cobblestone Café setting up a rematch of last year’s finals which ended with the Corner winning two games to one and each of the three games was hard fought and ended with close scores.
This year it was different. The Corner kept up their torrid hitting and when the dust settled the Corner Café were champs onceagain knocking off the Waterfront by scores of 20-10 and 13-3. Jimmy O’Connor, Stephen LaBella and Ryan Madden joined in the hit parade with their teammates and the Corner overwhelmed the Waterfront. The Corner cruised through the playoffs winning each of their four games by the mercy rule. Owner Richie Longo accepted his 15th championship trophy and the celebration was on.
