As the calendar announced the new 2025 Hog Softball season, so did it the arrival of our rookie class. 2025 was our 46th consecutive season, the longest running softball team in America. The four new rookies, all eager to participate in the Hog Experience, made their presence known immediately by securing roster spots in the lineup. Adam 'A-Bomb' DeJesus, Jake 'Bells' Bellano, Kael 'Covid 14' Gilbert, and Jake 'Spec' Stec rounded out the new arrivals ready for years of rivalry. Perhaps Heated Rivalries, if you will, for years to come...

They all were said to have those hidden talents that would invigorate the roster with their youth and enthusiasm. Hopefully those talents won't remain hidden in the upcoming 2026 campaign. One thing for sure is that the teams' Bar Stats and Hogging percentages skyrocketed!

After waiting almost the entire month of August, The Hogs were finally determined to be eligible to continue into the playoffs. Rain outs wreaked havoc on the schedule but we emerged as the #4 seed. While very few were optimistic about our chances against the #1 seed, the game would be decided on the field not at the bar. The game was held at the Friendship Field best of 3 format. 

The stat-sensitive Hogs had a lot at stake especially since the playoff stats are now included as regular season stats. Batting Title, MVH, and LVH awards were all highlighted categories up for grabs. Crew, A-Bomb and Bear would be battling for the best average with possible Triple Crown implications. Straw, even with a .600 avg., was unable to contend for this year’s batting title. However, Straw who has suffered from moderate to severe frustration while playing during the 'Crew Era', finally broke through for a much-deserved MVH award. Way to go Bridgey!

Nixon, Cricket and Noel had their sites set on the LVH award. Erik 'E squared' played it safe and was a no show, eliminating him from the competition. Nixon secured the coveted LVH with a dribbler groundout in his last at bat.

Is Honesty the best policy? Bear, upheld the honor system, when a fielder's choice was inadvertently recorded as a hit. It was corrected at his insistence thereby knocking him out of competition. Was that a Hog thing to do? Debates followed. Crew secured the batting title and the Triple Crown with, of all things, an intentional walk. Rookie of the Year A-Bomb had one last chance to win the batting title but chocked in his last at bat.

The stats were kept continually throughout the game, at a dizzyingly rate with scenarios taken before and after everyone's AB's. Edge of your sear excitement!

Not since Areno/Briggs and Brandon/Rhino outfield combinations has the left side looked so tight. Spec and A-Bomb were in lock-down mode, during both playoff games. Spec with double-digit putouts and A-Bomb with a sensational down the left field terrace HR take away catch. Cricket, Bells and Eddie entertained the fans in a different fashion on the right side.

Shout-outs go the OG's Areno, Pung, Macos, and Spuds for their support and heckling and to Zip our founder statistician and curator of the infamous Hog Encyclopedia. The Hogs Hall of Fame Night coordinated by Zip and Macos was a great success, with the induction of Bob ‘Bear’ Speer, Dan ‘Doogie’ Sommers and Gary ‘Briggs‘ Brignola.

Macos designed the Triple Crown hat that was presented to Crew. Some are saying “A True Work of Art".

 
Fifth Triple Crown

Also, thanks to The GridIron for the laughs, comraderies, beer, wings and pizza (even on Bingo nights). So, another summer of Hogs Softball swiftly passes with fond memories and future promises for our 47th installment in 2026. 

Now That's Entertainment!!

Respectfully,

Areno #14

Hog Correspondent
HHoF
MVH
HogWild Treasurer

The Hogs finished the regular season with a five-game losing streak, dropping two to Go Green. But it wasn't for lack of offense with the Hogs scoring 37 runs in the double-header. Several Hogs had big stat lines including Yenchick going 9 for 9 with two homers, Straw going 7 for 8 with a double and a triple, Rugh going 7 for 9 with 4 doubles and 4 homers, and Brandon going 6 for 8 including hitting for the cycle in game 2. Playoffs start on Thursday July 21.

The Hogs seven-game winning streak came to end after losing the second game of a doubleheader with Collins Paint. However, the Hogs clinched a winning season with their ninth win, improving their record to 9-3 with four games to go.

Ho Hum - Just Another Sweep for the Hogs
 

The Hogs cruised with two more mercy rule victories, this time over longtime rival The Fightins.
 

Joe “The Liability” Bucci led the way for the Hogs in Game 2.  In a true full Hogs experience, Joe showed up to the game looking a little spaced out with red eyes - “must be allergies... or the joint I just smoked”. 
 

Playing the deepest right field any Hog has ever played, "The Liability" misplayed several fly balls including a can of corn that bounced squarely out of his glove.
 

HOWEVER, at the plate in Game 2 Joe lived up to the famous Bucci Last Name and came through with a bases clearing 3 run double to jump start the Hogs to victory.   He had a career night finishing the game 3-3 with 3 doubles and 5 RBIs.  
 

The Hogs sit at 8-2 with 6 games left in the regular season, needing only 1 more win to solidify an over .500 season.

The Hogs 2021 season ended with a 14-4 playoff loss to Routine Hops to finish with a 9-11 record. Manager Chris Rugh captured his sixth straight MVH, Ryan Yenchick was named Rookie of the Year in a close race with Jon Kauffmann, and Bob Speer captured his second batting title.