Facilitating successful Hero-transition by creating community relationships through sports
"VICTORY Together!"
After winning back-to-back summer and fall division championships in 2024, the Heroes Thursday Men’s Open team was excited to return to the diamond for 2025. Based on the Heroes’ recent success the team was placed in Thursday Division 2 against many familiar opponents from the previous season.
Week one started off slowly and we lost game 1 by 9 runs and then proceeded to give up 10 runs in the first inning in the second game. But the Heroes battled back and were trailing by 3 going into the last inning when the bats came alive. The Heroes scored 18 runs before making an out and ended up scoring 24 runs overall in the inning to ensure our first win of the season.
With the momentum of that massive Game 2 win, the Heroes swept the double-headers the next two weeks, including a walk-off win in Game 4.
Three out of the 4 games in weeks 4 and 5 were decided by one run and the Heroes split with their opponent each week. After 5 weeks/10 games the Heroes were in first place with a 7-3 record. And then “the rains” came.
There was an unprecedented 4 straight weeks of rainouts.
But thankfully, the month-long layoff didn’t affect the Heroes as we returned to the field with a sweep of the previously second place team. Troy Weatherholz had a walk-off hit to win the first game and we scored 10 runs in the second game to complete the sweep.
Week 6 is a rematch against the Week 1 opponent while Week 7 is another rematch, but also against the new second place team. With only a one game lead, the Heroes will need to win 3 of the 4 remaining games to complete the Heroes Slam – 3 consecutive division titles.
Week 7 is a rematch against the Week 1 opponent while Week 8 is another rematch, but also against the new second place team. With only a one game lead, the Heroes will need to win 3 of the 4 remaining games to complete the Heroes Slam – 3 consecutive division titles.
Week 7 featured the debut of Craig Bolin. Craig is a veteran who showed up at a Heroes Saturday practice looking for a team. As Tyler, our regular first baseman was injured, we invited Craig to play with us. After three rainouts, Craig was finally able to make his Heroes debut.
Unfortunately, the bats were cold for game 1 and the Heroes lost by 7. But we rebounded and went ahead 12-3 in the bottom of the last inning only to allow the opponent to score 9 runs to tie it up. We then went to one pitch and scored 4 in our half of the inning and held the opponent scoreless to win 16-12.
After the week 7 split we were now tied with The Warning at 10-4 and scheduled to play them for the title in Week 8. As we had beaten them twice earlier in the season, we just needed to win one to secure the title.
As visitors in the first game, we scored 2 runs in the first but allowed six in the bottom. Defense ruled the rest of the way as we were down 10-5, going into the top of the 7th. We managed to score 4, but the rally fizzled, and we lost 10-9. So now it was down to one game, “winner take all.”
Game 2 started badly as well as we gave up another 6 runs in the first. We responded with 4 in the bottom, and then the bats went cold. Each team scored just one run each over the next 2.5 innings, so the Heroes were down 7-5 going into the bottom of the 4th. As we were preparing to bat and take the lead, the skies opened; it poured and poured and poured. Within 10 minutes of waiting in the dugout, the field was saturated, and the umpire called the game. Since it wasn’t an official game, a one game makeup was scheduled for July 3. As the makeup was scheduled the day before the 4th of July, The Warning could not field a team and had to forfeit. This left both Heroes and The Warning with identical 11-5 records, but the Heroes had a 3-1 record in head-to-head play to take the division.
With three consecutive division titles, the Heroes expect to be promoted in the summer season to Division 1.
Heroes Athletic Association entered the Spring 2025 Senior Division 1 season with high expectations. Not only did we return the majority of our 2024 squad (minus Patrick who missed the season recovering from triple bypass surgery) but also added 2 new players that we thought would help push us over the line and take the title from the Mud Dawgs. While Brian White and Justin Allen proved to be outstanding additions to the team, both battled injuries (along with a handful of others) throughout the season and missed multiple weeks. The season was also marred by an unusual amount of rainouts that not only prevented the team from really getting in a good rhythm, but also led to a scheduling quirk that saw us playing Team Rage 7 out of our last eight regular season games, and if you count the tournament than the number was raised to 9 out our last 11.
With all, we finished the regular season 8-12 and in 3rd place, but only a half game out of second. However, we finished 8.5 games behind the champs (Mud Dawgs yet again). I say both Time Bandits and Team Rage improved their team, and the Division remains highly competitive despite the results. Too bad there were not a few more Division 1 teams. As far as the Heroes, we just couldn’t put it all together in a consistent fashion. One night we seemed to hit well but played sloppy defense, while on other nights the defense was superb, but the bats were silent. The season started with us going 2-2 (2 splits) before hitting a rough patch for a couple of weeks. In the regular season, we finished playing good ball but could not carry that over to the tournament. In terms of the tournament, we played one of our worst games of the year (both offensively and defensively) in game one against Team Rage and lost 11-5. The teams bounced back in game 2 against the Time Bandits (who were fresh off blowing a 8-run lead in the bottom of the last inning against the Mud Dawgs) which we beat 16-8. That brought us to a rematch with Team Rage. Despite leading 7-0, we dropped a heartbreaker 15-12. And with that, the season was a wrap.
While I would say it was a disappointing season (perhaps I set expectations too high), I think the future is tremendously bright. Most importantly, once again, we did not have to forfeit any games and never failed to have at least 10 guys (though some weeks it was a challenge) show up to play. We also have more flexibility with guys being able to play multiple positions. If I had to give out a Team MVP (luckily I don’t), I would say it would be Chris Mariani for his all-around play. Chip once again led the team in Home Runs. We thought Brian White may give him a run for his money after a 3-homer night early in the season, but that was the it for the most part.
Once again, a huge Thank You to my co-coach Gino!! I could not do this without him, and he helps keep me sane with not being able to play and help this team. A special thanks to our GM Carl for making this all possible. All the guys really appreciate the support. I just wish I could have gotten more of them to order the shorts and bag tags. Lastly, a huge THANKS to all our GENEROUS sponsors who support Heroes Athletic Association.
Since joining the Arlington League in Fall 2021, the Heroes Athletic Association Men’s Softball Team has embodied resilience, camaraderie, and competitive spirit. In what became their final season, the team battled fiercely until the last week of regular play, clinching a playoff spot as the 8th seed. In a stunning upset, they toppled the No. 1 seed, proving that heart and grit can defy expectations. Though their playoff run ended shortly after, the legacy they built goes far beyond the scoreboard.
Over the years, the Heroes evolved from a group of athletes into a true brotherhood—bound not just by the game, but by shared memories, mutual respect, and a chemistry that will endure long after the final pitch. Their story in Arlington may have closed, but the bond they forged will live on.
As the dust settles on the Spring 2025 season, it’s time to reflect on a journey filled with grit, laughter, and just a few pulled hamstrings.
We wrapped up the season with a 6–14 record, which, while not exactly championship material, was a testament to our resilience. And let’s not forget our third-place finish in the end-of-season tournament—a glorious reminder that underdogs bite back!
The season started with a curveball (literally and figuratively) when we lost three starting outfielders just a week before opening day. Add in a few injuries, some scheduling conflicts, and the occasional “I have a work conflict” moments, and you’ve got a recipe for chaos. But through it all, we fielded a competitive team every single week, with close scores and even closer friendships.
What we lacked in wins, we more than made up for in camaraderie, sportsmanship, and post-game storytelling (some of which may have been slightly exaggerated). Whether it was the heroic diving catches, the questionable base running decisions, or the epic debates over base line violations, every moment was a memory worth keeping.
This team is more than just a group of players—it’s a family. A slightly bruised, occasionally limping, but always smiling family.
As we look ahead to the Fall 2025 season, we’re excited to sharpen our skills, stretch a little more before games, and maybe even remember to bring both cleats. With our spirit and determination, we’re ready to get back to our winning ways—and if not, at least we’ll have a blast trying.
Thanks to each one of you, the HAA Board, and all the Sponsors for making this season unforgettable. Let’s keep the laughs coming and the bats swinging.
The Vintage Heroes were moved up a division. The competition was much more challenging, yet, the D2 had some new young players to compete. Freddy Butts proved to be the most valuable new addition with his fabulous speed and hitting prowess reminding the Vintage squad of Troy Weatherholz. With quite a few injuries and an ambitious travel schedule for many of the players, the lineup seemed to change weekly. Regular Dennis K was much improved at third base this season with strong defensive play and a renewed and successful approach at the plate. Unfortunately, the Vintage Heroes finished 6-14 having too many innings of play without a run. Yet, the attitudes remained strong. As the playoffs approached, the team was missing 11 of their 19 regular players and relied on the faithful Heroes Steve Well and Paul Miller. The Vintage Heroes were eliminated by the tournament’s runners-up providing a strong fourth place finish.