It is just halfway through the season and although anything can happen in the next month, the Champs have been known to covet their lofty place at the top of the pack.

The Acers came through last year and could possibly catch up, but only if the Champs have a major setback, a couple of bad weeks to a couple of great weeks for Len Cortez's team.

The Acers beat the Blue Sox, 9-6 last week and beat the Gilbillies 12-5. The Champs played only one game and beat the Blue Sox, 18-8.

Although the Ned's Double black Diamond team is in last place, they have every hope of rallying before the end of the season. Team manager Bee Brogan says the team came about one evening when she asked Jae Rosenthal if he was going to play this year.

"He sounded skeptical at first, then I said I really wanted to play. Neither one of us have played on a team in couple of years, but we have subbed in and always have a great time."

They decided to start a team. Derek and Becky Dwyre, the owners at Ned's, and Bee's best friends, offered to sponsor the team, and then people started signing up left and right. Bee said there was a good combination of Ned and Eldora employees, as well as some of Ned's regulars.

"Eldora has become part of our family at Ned's. After games, we all go back and celebrate whether we win or lose. Out of all our players, only four have ever played in this league. It is super exciting to meet up as a team and play ball. I believe after a long day's work that putting on a glove, swinging a bat, and cheering your friends on is a healthy way to end the day."

Bee and her teammates also like to cheer for everyone on the field whether they are on their team or not.

She has known most of the league players for years, and says she just loves seeing everybody having fun

Ned's boasts a few star players like Michael Pedulla who had two homeruns in one game, and another one in the following game. Neil Sullivan's pitching has kept Ned's off the field and swinging the bats. Kristen Webb has been diving for balls and making outs like she has been playing for years.

Ned's double Black Diamonds may not have the best record in the league, but they have a winning heart.

Week 4 Standings:

Champs- 7-0

Acers- 5-2

Blue Sox- 6-3

Players- 2-7

Ned’s- 1-8

Scores for 6/20:

Blue Sox-6

Acers-9

Blue Sox-8

Champs-18

Scores for 6/22:

Players-5

Acers-12

Players-10

Neds-8

(Originally published in the June 29, 2017 print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)