With a tired and injured pitching staff having played 7 games in 9 days, the Al Thomas Club was in need of some help. On Sunday, it came in the form of yet another rookie, Steve Lambert, who had tossed 5 innings on Wednesday. "Lambo" took the hill and after an inauspicious start, settled down to earn a complete game victory, 4-3, yielding one earned run and striking out 10.

With the win, the A's still cling to the 8th and final playoff spot with 2 games remaining. The McKay Club sits at 4 points behind, with 3 games in hand...

The Al Thomas Club has opened the season  with a pair of wins over the Brighton Sox and the Brighton Braves.

In game one, Aidan Powers struck out 9 in 5 innings and George Grant threw 2 perfect innings as the A's took the opener 10-3 over the Brighton Sox.

Liam Powers, Chris Bucci, John Kostas and rookie John Foley led the offense with 2 hits apiece, while Brian Powers, Chuck Killens and Foley drove in 2 apiece. Foley and rookie Mike DeBesse and sparkling plays in the field at 2nd and 3rd, respectively, and Peter Moores gunned down a runner at 3rd to protect a 1-0 lead.

Game two saw Chris Bucci walk in the 6th, steal second and third and score the eventual winning run in a 6-5 squeaker for the A's on a freezing night at Ronan Park.

Rookie John Foley pitched 1.2 scoreless innings for the win, making his YBL pitching debut with the bases loaded. Foley relieved John Kostas who fanned 13 in 5.1 innings.

Andy Doyle went 2 for 2 with 2 walks in his return to the Thomas Club, while rookie Steve Lambert made his YBL debut and stroked a 2-run single. Bucci and Chris Malloy each scored twice for the A's.

The Al Thomas Club is excited about the influx of young, local talent to blend in with the time-tested veterans. The A's have added nine rookies, including seven 19-year-olds from Milton!

Tryouts (and practice for returning players) for the Al Thomas Baseball Club will be held this Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the Milton High School field on Gile Rd. in Milton from 5 to 7 pm.

Any player, aged 17 or older is welcome to attend tryouts. Players are asked to arrive early, dress, stretch and be ready to take the field at 5:00.

The team plays 32 games beginning in mid May, both on weeknights (starting times of 7:30 or 8:00) and weekends (varying starting times from 1:00 on). Players must attend a minimum of 17 games in uniform and play in a minimum of 5 games to be eligible for the playoffs. There is an exception for pitchers, as they must attend 8 games and accumulate 32 innings pitched to qualify for the playoffs.

Players attending the tryouts (and practice) should know up front that making the roster is no guarantee of playing time. We try to be fair and as accomodating as possible, but often times scores dictate flexibility in playing time. We are in this as a team, and everyone should be prepared to do what it takes to help the team be successful.

For further info, or to provide advanced information on yourself (baseball history, positions, availability, speed, lefty, etc.), please contact manager Joe O'Hara at joeohara64@hotmail.com.

On Friday, April 4, the Al Thomas Baseball Club held its annual Hall of Fame Awards Night at the Neighborhood Club in Quincy, MA. In addition to various team awards, the evening was highlighted by the inductions of Andrew Campbell (posthumously) and Larry Fennelly into the Club's Hall of Fame.

News Anchor Bob Halloran of Channel 5 served as the featured speaker for the event, treating  the audience with his unique perspective of Boston sports and sharing several interesting stories. Halloran also talked about and signed copies of his latest book, "Irish Thunder, the Hard Life and Times of Micky Ward", the story of Lowell's highly touted boxer.

A crowd of 125 people graced the ballroom at the Neighborhood Club, with fans of all ages mingling with players past and present. Manager Joe O'Hara emceed the gala, recapping the season and honoring Fans of the Year Bill Barrett, Dave McCarthy and Jack McCarthy with the first awards of the night.

Outfielder Matt Hallisey earned a team Gold Glove Award, while pitcher/infielder John Kostas garnered Unsung Hero kudos. Rookie Bobby Barrett collected both Rookie of the Year and team MVP honors. Andrew Besegai shared Rookie of the Year status with Barrett.

Over fifteen members of the Al Thomas Club Hall of Fame were in attendance to pay tribute to the 2008 class, which consisted of two men who were not your prototypical all star-hall-of-famers types.

The family of Andrew Campbell was on hand to accept the induction in honor of him posthumously. Andrew served as coach with the team for two years, displaying a passion and love for the game that is unparalleled.

Andrew Campbell made our passion look like disinterest. He wasn’t the most talented player around, and he wasn’t going to win any races, but his determination to learn, improve and succeed was phenomenal. All he wanted to do was be involved with the game. When he started coaching, he just wanted to learn, to get better, and to win, not because he was obsessed with winning,  but because it meant he had done well at coaching. He loved coming to games, talking about games, wearing the uniform. After the games, he wouldn’t take his uniform shirt off for hours. He wanted to absorb every second he could.

We miss his smile, his energy, his determination, and his unyielding loyalty as a teammate and as a friend. He would do anything needed to help the team or any individual player. He loved getting to know some of the umpires. It was a whole new world for him. Talking with the umpires instead of yelling at them. He loved the concept, and enjoyed the respect he received back from the umpires. He was a great teammate whose enthusiasm and love for the game were very contagious. It is unfortunate that Andrew was taken from us prematurely, but he will always be in our hearts and thoughts, and he will always be a member of the Al Thomas A’s.

The Al Thomas Athletics battled through a difficult season to win 4 out of 5 games in a 5-day stretch to win the Tarpey Conference in a fierce race against rivals West Roxbury, South Boston and McKay Club.

Finishing with a 20-14 mark, the A's captured their 14th division championship and the third seed for the 2007 playoffs. Although the defense was marginal at times, the Thomas Club led the Yawkey League in team earned run average for the second time in three years.

Degnan, Feehily, Toland Enter Hall of Fame

Former Boston Red Sox player and coach Tommy Harper was the featured speaker at the annual Al Thomas Baseball Club Hall of Fame Dinner held on January13th at the Quincy Neighborhood Club. Harper, who was the Red Sox’ MVP in 1973 and still holds the single season stolen base record for the Red Sox and the Seattle Pilots, received a standing ovation for his remarks and poignant answers to various questions from the audience.

Soft-spoken and articulate, Harper spoke of his early days in baseball, playing American Legion and high school ball, encouraging, “Never give up your dream if you really want it. Keep working hard and go for it. You never know what might happen!”

Now a Player Development Consultant for the Red Sox, Harper brought and autographed three dozen baseballs and presented each one to members of the 2005 Al Thomas Club and the American Legion Post 114 baseball team, which was also being honored at the dinner. At the program’s conclusion, he graciously met and spoke with numerous fans and admirers who sought an autograph, a handshake or a particular nugget of baseball information. He was the last person to leave the building, further solidifying his reputation as a gentleman and a class act.Former Al Thomas manager, Paul Degnan, longtime pitcher, Mike Feehily, and retired catcher, Mike Toland were inducted into the team’s prestigious Hall of Fame. Each inductee spoke of the kindness of Al Thomas, the quality of his teammates, the many friendships forged over the years, and the unabashed pride with which he wore the Al Thomas uniform. One-hundred-and-forty people gathered for this event to celebrate this wonderful family that has become Al Thomas Baseball. What started as a timid knock on a local businessman’s door some 25 years ago has flourished into a collection of friends who share a passion for the game of baseball, as well as a respect and admiration for each other. And along the way there has been some pretty good baseball, with the A’s capturing five league championships and14 Division titles. And the team has sent 30 to 40 players to Fenway Park to play in the Yawkey League’s annual All Star game.
The Al Thomas fans share the same integrity, devotion and enthusiasm as the players. Over the years, it is the fans that have inspired the team to greater glory. It has always been the fans, the loyal followers who travel night in and night out to support the club. Whether it’s a glance, a wave, a shout, a high-five or even just a smile, their presence is always felt, and it is and always has been appreciated more than any member of the team could ever communicate. Two ‘Fan of the Year’ honors were awarded to dedicated followers in 2005 - Bob Hannon and Brian & Gail Powers.

Al Thomas and his team were honored to give recognition to the Milton American Legion Post 114 Baseball team for its great run in the summer of 2005. Finishing at 18-1, the team won its district and made it to the final three teams in the state before bowing out of the tournament. The foundation of the Al Thomas Club was built on players from this Legion team. Legion coach and former Al Thomas player Pat Bryan spoke briefly of his team’s accomplishments, and then the team assembled onstage to receive a commemorative baseball, autographed and presented to them by Tommy Harper.

2005 saw the Al Thomas Baseball Club post a league best 25-6 record which included a 10-game winning streak early in the season and a six-game winning streak to end the season. Newcomer Scott Jamieson blazed his way into the league with brilliant outings game after game, including a no-hitter at Cunningham Park on June 18^th. He joined Aidan Powers, Leo Corcoran, John Kostas, Pat Dolbeare, Paul Bonner, Brian Kennedy & George Grant to form the best pitching staff in the YBL with a team 1.46 ERA, including 5 shutouts and 12 games allowing no earned runs. In the first round of the playoffs, Jamieson, Kostas and Aidan Powers picked up wins as the A’s swept West Roxbury in three games. In the semifinals, Jamieson outdueled Medford’s ace in game one for a 1-0 win, Kostas picked up a win in relief in extra innings in game two, and Leo Corcoran took a no-hitter into the sixth inning of game three before settling for six innings of one-hit shutout ball in the clinching game. Chris Bucci and Andy Doyle crushed the ball throughout the playoffs, with Doyle seemingly knocking in a run every time there was a man in scoring position.

After jumping out to a 2-0 game lead in the finals, the Thomas Club gave the six-time defending champion Somerville a little too much breathing room, and they took care of business in a thrilling seven-game series. Although the A’s didn’t achieve their ultimate goal, it was one of the greatest seasons in team history, and the team was more honorable in defeat than most teams would be in victory.

One thing that made this team stand out was that it was an incredibly unselfish team. From day one through the last out of the season, there were 18-19 guys virtually every single night. Some guys didn’t get to play as much as they would have liked to, but they never complained and kept showing up night after night. It was such a great testament to the character of this team, individually, and as a whole.

The Yawkey League awards were announced recently, and several Al Thomas players received accolades. Andy Doyle (catcher), Greg Lovely (shortstop) and Chris Bucci (centerfield) won Gold Glove Awards; Chris Malloy won a Silver Slugger Award; Scott Jamieson cleaned up with the Cy Young Award and the Rookie of the Year Award; and Joe O’Hara was voted as Manager of the Year.

Honors given at the Banquet included Mark Daly with The Tenth Player Award; Paul Bonner as The Comeback Player of the Year; Tri-Rookies-of-the-Year Chris Burke, Andy Doyle and Matt Hallisey. Paul Bonner with the Riley Rocket Award (for the longest bomb allowed by a pitcher during the season); Matt Thayer and Chris Bucci winning team Gold Glove Awards; Jim Flavin collecting The Unsunk Hero Award; and Scott Jamieson capturing the team MVP with an 8-1 mark and a sizzling 0.23 earned run average. Longtime friend and Yawkey League Commissioner Dan Tarpey was ceremoniously presented a team jacket to fittingly close out the awards program.

With a gracious host, Al Thomas, an exciting guest speaker in Tommy Harper, the Al Thomas Club, the Legion Post 114 Baseball Team, three worthy Hall of Fame inductees, and a room of wonderful friends, the event was a special night of celebrating baseball in Milton. Congratulations to Al Thomas on a night to remember!

Former Al Thomas manager, Paul Degnan, longtime pitcher, Mike Feehily, and retired catcher, Mike Toland were inducted into the team’s prestigious Hall of Fame. Each inductee spoke of the kindness of Al Thomas, the quality of his teammates, the many friendships forged over the years, and the unabashed pride with which he wore the Al Thomas uniform.

Paul Degnan managed the A’s from 1990 through 1996, guiding the team to four straight championship appearances, including the thrilling 1993 come-back title against Savin Hill after being down 3 games to none. Not afraid to sacrifice himself for the good of the team, Paul developed a healthy relationship with the umpires around the league, defending his team in the face of judgmental injustices. Paul also served as Yawkey League Treasurer for 5 years, and attended league meetings at ungodly hours and inconvenient locations.
Paul guided the A’s to 121 wins in his managerial career, 3^rd on the all-time list. With his fierce decision making and his familiar jog down to coach 3^rd base, Paul kept the team afloat for many years. Another one of those little things that often go unnoticed, Paul brought the Gatorade Jug, filled with ice and water to every game for about 5 or 6 years. On behalf of the organization, it is an honor to induct Paul Degnan into the Al Thomas Club Hall of Fame.

Mike Feehily, aka “Touchy” joined the A’s right out of B.C. High and instantly made an impact, working himself into the starting rotation, where he remained for 13 years. Sporting a sneaky fastball, a nasty deuce, and occasionally sharp penny loafers, Mike amassed 68 career regular season wins, and an additional 11 playoff wins. One of his most memorable starts was Opening Day 1997 when no pitchers had thrown much in preseason, and Mike was asked to start the game and maybe go a couple of innings against the McKay Club. He responded with a complete game, 3 hit shutout with 11 k’s and a 12-0 victory on route to a 10-0 season. Always willing to do whatever was needed for the team, start, long relief, short relief, sometimes no relief, Mike was a consummate teammate and a fierce competitor. On behalf of the organization, it is an honor to induct Mike Feehily into the Al Thomas Club Hall of Fame.

In the history of Al Thomas baseball, Mike “Slows” Toland was the fastest running catcher….who hit lefty…He was a quiet, respected leader on and off the field for 10 years.  A disciplined hitter with a keen eye for the strike zone, he boasted a career average of .335, and a .385 average in clutch situations. Behind the plate, he was one of the best signal-callers the YBL has seen, with a strong accurate throwing arm that resulted in many pickoffs at all three bases. It is safe to say that Mike picked off more than 20 runners at first base throughout his career.  With a high on base percentage and superior baserunning skills, he was always among the team leaders in runs scored, despite wearing a knee brace the last five years of his career.
Mike also helped mold the younger pitchers on the staff and once stole a base. With his patience and eye at the plate, Mike developed a strong reputation and earned the respect and admiration of umpires throughout the league. When he was upset at a pitcher for not hitting his spot or throwing a poor pitch, he would fire the ball back to the pitcher harder than it was pitched, often resulting in the pitcher having to walk around the mound until the throbbing stopped in his hand. His career on base percentage ranks among the leaders in team history, and his ability to turn it up a notch in the playoffs was uncanny. He was a 3-time all star and 2-time gold glove winner.  On behalf of the organization, it is an honor to induct Mike Toland into the Al Thomas Club Hall of Fame. 

The Yawkey League awards were announced recently, and several Al Thomas players received accolades. Andy Doyle (catcher), Greg Lovely (shortstop) and Chris Bucci (centerfield) won Gold Glove Awards; Chris Malloy won a Silver Slugger Award; Scott Jamieson cleaned up with the Cy Young Award and the Rookie of the Year Award; and Joe O’Hara was voted as Manager of the Year.  

Honors given at the Banquet included Mark Daly with The Tenth Player Award; Paul Bonner as The Comeback Player of the Year; Tri-Rookies-of-the-Year Chris Burke, Andy Doyle and Matt Hallisey. Paul Bonner with the Riley Rocket Award (for the longest bomb allowed by a pitcher during the season); Matt Thayer and Chris Bucci winning team Gold Glove Awards; Jim Flavin collecting The Unsunk Hero Award; and Scott Jamieson capturing the team MVP with an 8-1 mark and a sizzling 0.23 earned run average. Longtime friend and Yawkey League Commissioner Dan Tarpey was ceremoniously presented a team jacket to fittingly close out the awards program.

Al Thomas Club Sweeps into the Yawkey League Finals!

The Al Thomas A's have swept their first two series of the 2005 playoffs to reach the Yawkey Baseball League Championship series for the first time since 1996.

After dispatching of West Roxbury three games to none, the A's defeated a tough, young Medford team in three straight by the scores of 1-0, 4-3 (8 innings) and 10-0. In the opening game, rookie sensation Scott Jamieson outdueled Medford's McDonough with a 4-hit shutout. Brian Powers drove in Chris Bucci with the only run of the game in the 6th inning.

In game 2, the A's were held hitless until the 6th inning and overcame late deficits of 1-0 and 3-2 to win in extra innings, 4-3 on a base hit by Matt Thayer. Andy Doyle led off the 8th with a triple, and after two intential walks and two outs, Thayer ended the game with a single to left. Aidan Powers allowed 1 earned run in 7 innings and John Kostas earned the win with a scoreless 8th inning, his second victory of the playoffs.

Game 3 featured the third lefty starter in a row for the A's, Leo Corcoran, who dominated Medford hitters with a biting fastball and a nasty curve. Corcoran retired the first 12 batters and carried a no hitter into the 6th inning before yielding a one-out base hit. John Kostas pitched a scoreless 7th inning to preserve the shutout.

Chris Bucci, Chris Malloy, Peter Moores, Aidan Powers and Jim Schindler each banged out 2 hits to lead the A's balanced offense.