Top Women's Softball Teams Battle For First Place

A competitive softball game took place on Tuesday at the Melrose Common field between Melrose Glass (Team Navy) and Absolutely Fabulous (Team Teal), who both have been in the first-place lead off and on this season.

Melrose Glass won 7-2 in a battle on the field with some outstanding plays from both teams. Ellen Krechmer, coach for Absolutely Fabulous, stated that her teams' errors and the superb defense of Melrose Glass were key factors in the game's outcome.

"The Blues played well, they made few errors in the field, and we didn't make some tough plays defensively," Krechmer said. "Their nearly flawless defense, aggressiveness on the bases and our errors made the difference in the game."

Melrose Glass has put a hold on first-place in the Melrose Women's Softball league the past couple of weeks, while Absolutely Fabulous continues to be a fierce competitor. Jen Gentile, coach for Melrose Glass, said that this game was not an easy one.

"We struggled against Absolutely Fabulous's pitching at times and had trouble gettting runs in," Gentile said. "They have an infield and outfield that don't often make errors. So, we had to capitalize on those errors they did make."

Both teams have respect for each other's capability.

"Most of the game we were neck-and-neck, never feeling comfortable in our lead," Gentile said.  "Our batting came alive towards the end of the game and base running was key."

 Gentile and Krechmer have been in the Melrose Women's Softball since 1993 when the league was formed.  With a league of 90 plus players, Melrose Women's Softball contains a large variation of skill level, team members from other towns, and many have careers to maintain.

Ellen Krechmer is a program coordinator at Jewish Family & Children Service and run programs for Holocaust survivors. Before her current career, she was at home with her three children, who are now 25, 23,and 21-years-old.

"I was at home for seven years while my three children were young," Krechmer said. "I began playing softball in 1993 as the manager for Team Purple along with Carol Farr and Mary Carney who were team managers as well that first year."  Both Farr and Carney continue to play softball for Melrose.

Jen Gentile had a 10-year-career as a paralegal.  Gentile is now a stay-at-home mom and a writer.

"I've been playing since 1993 and took a break. I then came back in 1996," Gentile said.   "I had a one-year hiatus after a serious injury in this league in 1997 but returned to play in full capacity since."

It's all about fun, team players and spectators say.  The league draws a local crowd of fans anywhere from husbands, parents of players, neighborhood children, and even dog-walkers.  Chris Hartung, whose wife, Joanne Hartung, on the Melrose Glass team, explained why people come to watch this softball league. 

"I enjoy watching the great softball plays.  There are some amazing athletes on each team, " Chris Hartung said.  "Even when Joanne was at our cottage in Plymouth and I was at home in Melrose, I would come down to the Common's to watch the teams play.  They have fun and they are great athletes."

 Chris Hartung knows a bit about baseball.  His father played for the Dodgers and his brother played for the Cubs.  Both Chris and Joanne are residents of Melrose. Joanne  began playing in the league years ago when a co-worker and Melrose resident asked her if she would like to join. Joanne's twin sister also plays in the softball league.

Up until playoffs, all teams can be seen at either the Common or Hesseltine Field on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. till dusk.  Playoffs start Saturday, Aug. 28. Standings and schedules can be viewed at www.quickscores.com.