2025 Champs
2025 Champs

The regular season is over, and what a season it was! We saw Green dominate like a freshly mowed lawn, Blue confuse us with their Jekyll-and-Hyde record, and everyone else just trying to remember which base was next. Now, it's single-elimination, baby! One loss, and you're relegated to the sidelines, cheering awkwardly while trying not to pull a hamstring.

The Standings (A Quick, Slightly Judgmental Recap):

  1. Green (14-0-1): Undefeated, untied (mostly), and probably insufferable. They're like the New England Patriots of kickball, but with more dad bods.
  2. Blue (7-7-1): The definition of "middle of the pack." Can they turn it on when it counts, or will they just continue their streak of polite mediocrity?
  3. Gold (6-7-2): Reigning champs, but looking a little tarnished this year. Are they saving their energy, or just getting older?
  4. Purple (6-7-2): Tied with Gold, proving that sometimes, two wrongs do make a right... into the playoffs.
  5. Pink (5-9-1): They're here! That's the important thing.
  6. Orange (3-11-1): Bless their hearts. They showed up, and that's half the battle in this league. 

Quarterfinal Showdowns (5:00 PM – Kennedy Field A & B):

#3 Gold vs. #6 Orange – Kennedy Field A

 Oh, the drama! The two-time defending champions, Gold, led by the strategically brilliant Captain Brian Belthoff, are looking for the elusive three-peat. With Home Run Steve still hitting dingers that occasionally clear the fence (or at least the infield), and “textbook” Dara showing everyone how it's supposed to be done, they're a formidable force. But their 6-7-2 record this year suggests they might be vulnerable. Did they spend too much time polishing their past trophies instead of practicing?

Then there's Orange. At 3-11-1, they're the Cinderella story, if Cinderella wore mismatched socks and tripped a lot. Captain Jess Yager has somehow wrangled this crew into the playoffs. They might not have the wins, but they've got heart! And by heart, we mean all hustle Jon Sprance, who probably runs through walls, and veteran Maurilyn, who's seen it all, probably even a few of these Gold players when they were rookies. Can Orange pull off the upset of the century, or will Gold remind them why they're the reigning monarchs of the diamond? My money's on Gold, but I'll be cheering for the chaos.

#4 Purple vs. #5 Pink – Kennedy Field B

This is where the real rivalries simmer! Purple, the 2022 champs, are captained by the ever-stoic Frank Salvano. They've got speedster Corizzi who can turn a single into a triple if the outfield isn't paying attention (which, let's be honest, is often). And adding a spicy twist, they've got old Pink player Brian Costello! Is this a tactical move, or just a way to get free pizza from his old team? The psychological warfare is real.

Facing them is Pink, led by the charismatic Captain Melody Anderson. They've got old Orange player Peaches, who probably brings a lifetime of kickball wisdom (and maybe some good gossip). But the real wildcards are the new players, the Sharkey's. Are they a dynamic duo, or just two people who share a last name and a general confusion about the rules? This game is going to be a battle of wills, questionable calls, and probably a few groans as players bend over to pick up the ball. Expect a nail-biter, or at least a hangnail-biter.

Semifinals (6:30 PM): The Big Guns Enter the Fray!

#1 Green vs. Lowest Remaining Seed – Kennedy Field A

The juggernaut, Green, finally takes the field! Captain Jay Levine has steered this team to a near-perfect season. With all-star Chad seemingly able to kick the ball to the moon and Pitcher Gita throwing pitches that defy physics (or at least, gravity), they are the undisputed kings of the regular season. Their 2021 championship is a distant memory for them, but a painful one for everyone else.

Whoever emerges as the "lowest remaining seed" from the quarter-finals will face a truly daunting task. It's like bringing a spoon to a knife fight. Good luck, brave underdog. You'll need it.

#2 Blue vs. Highest Remaining Seed – Kennedy Field B

Blue, under the leadership of Captain Kristen Leibowitz, is a bit of an enigma. They finished 7-7-1, which means they're either incredibly consistent at being inconsistent, or they're just waiting for the pressure of the playoffs to unleash their true power. With intense Mike Pec bringing the fire and newcomer Nick trying to figure out what's going on, they're a wild card.

They'll face the "highest remaining seed" either Gold or Purple. This game promises to be a true test of grit. Can Blue rise to the occasion, or will they revert to their mid-season form? Will Mike Pec's intensity be enough to carry them, or will Nick accidentally kick the ball into the wrong dugout? This is where legends are made, or at least where someone pulls a hammy trying to be a legend.

The Grand Finale (7:45 PM – Connelly Field):

The moment we've all been waiting for! The two best (or luckiest) teams will square off under the lights on Connelly Field. Will it be Green completing their dominant run? Will Gold secure their dynasty? Could Blue or Purple pull off the ultimate upset? Or, dare we dream, will Orange or Pink defy all odds and make it to the big dance?

One thing's for sure: by 7:45 PM, everyone will be tired, sore, and probably a little gassy from the pizza. But the glory, the bragging rights, and the sheer satisfaction of knowing you survived another season of over-30 kickball will be worth every ache and pain. May the best team (and the one with the fewest pulled muscles) win!

The New Milford Over 30 Co-Ed Adult Kickball League is open to all New Milford residents age 30 and over regardless of ability. It’s a social and “minimally” competitive league with a goal of promoting community, sportsmanship and fun. 

2025 season begins May 29th and ends on July 24th.  A single elimination playoff will be held on a Saturday July 26th.  Regular season games will be played on Thursday nights at 7pm.  Games will be played at Kennedy Field. 

If you are new to the league we will place you on a team.  Generally teams do not practice, at least mine doesn't ha.  Just show up and have fun.

 

Email kickball@newmilfordnj.gov or recreation@newmilfordnj.gov with any questions.

NM Rec Over 30 Kickball Rules 2025_Page_1