DRESL's 35th Season Begins!

To think it all started on a makeshift, broken glass-strewn field in Oz Park 35 years ago. This season the league kicks off with 16 teams repping every major brokerage firm in the area. (Above: Some of the guys snapped with Lord Stanley last summer.) Here’s how week one went down:

Field 1 - JF McKinney 14, Klein’s Corporate 2: Klein’s Corporate started the defense of its crown by getting absolutely clocked by JFM in five innings. No obvious highlights for Klein’s besides bringing back Matt Cohen after an eight-year absence to take right field. JFM will always be a tough night on anybody’s schedule, but with the average age receiving social security, they may not have the legs for intense playoff competition.

Field 2 - DTZ 9, The Retailers 8: Always tough DTZ beat the team formerly known as Mid-America, whose new name reflects players from other companies. Jeff Laski was on the hill and shut down The Retailers in the 7th with excellent defensive help from Matt Kapusta and Greg Moy. Bright spots for The Retailers included Peter Caruso, Jose Gonzalez, and Danny Levy. Expect both teams to compete into the playoffs.

Field 3 - Cushman & Wakefield 16, Colliers 14: In an extra-inning thriller, CW’s defense was exemplified by John Kinsella handling the hot corner and taking one in the old schnozola. Colliers put up a brave fight, especially knowing that star pitcher Jordan Kaufman is out all season with a blown Achilles. Hard to imagine they’ll get through the first round of the playoffs.

Field 4 - Inland 14, Bradford Allen 4: Inland got a victory after last year’s early exit from the playoffs, carrying a chip on their respective shoulders as big as a condo. The name of the game was power, and the aggressive style of play on the basepaths had the Loveable Losers on the North Side peppering the team with questions and begging for a demonstration after their embarrassing loss to the OTHER Boys in Black at the Friendly Confines.

Field 5 - CBRE 15, JLL 13: CBRE won a classic back and forth battle with rival JLL. Pete Marino was 5/5 for CB, but entered DRESL’s Hall of Shame for getting picked off twice and had to do wind sprints after the game. Coach Trombley is not worried about his offense this year, but the defense is another story. Both teams are perennial contenders and will be tough all season.

Field 6 - CTK Chicago Partners 8, MB Real Estate 4: CTK’s bats were hot and Goose was once again dominant on the mound. Add the cold and it was a lethal combination. Rookie Mike Weiskircher gets the game ball for not cracking under first game jitters, going 3-4 with a run scored. Cap Aaronson went 2-4 with two runs scored and two knocked in... and a triple over the head of opposing cap Mark Buth.

Field 7 - Golub 22, Cresa Partners 3: Golub’s new look almost 100% broker licensed team is going to be tough to beat this year. Newcomer Brandon Barry sparkled at the plate with a dinger, triple, and five RBIs. Golub’s Steve Degodny was in mid-season form, knocking a two-RBI double down the opposite left field line. Coach Golub had to leave after three innings with a 21-0 lead, and Steve came in to pitch, giving up three earned runs.