* THAT'S A BIG ASTERISK

*

"When the legend becomes fact...print the legend." The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.

In the most pathetic, and albeit predictable, move this blogger has ever seen, the new Q(W)ML has expelled 5-time defending champs Hofbrau from the league. According to sources, the league cited (I shit you not), safety concerns! This comes apparently after a number of Super Flash players joined Hoffy this season. I had always been under the impression that the only requirements for the league were that you be over 18 and be sponsored by a Quincy merchant. I must have missed the meeting where being a really good ball player disqualifies you from a modified softball league.

Now technically, the name of the league is still Quincy Merchant League (QML). I took poetic license (Hey, its my blog. Go get your own if you don't like it) and added the W for White. Apparently, other teams importing guys from the Dorchester and South Boston leagues is fine, but once Hofbrau has more than 2 Dominican's on its squad, everyone's afraid to play against them. And for those of you want to try and lump him in, Nelly is of Puerto Rican descent and is as American as any of us.

So there you have it folks. All legitimate attempts to end Hofbrau's dynasty failed (combining teams, bending long established scheduling rules, etc). So instead of getting better and trying to take the title away on the field, the new 'ahem' "leadership" has simply taken the ball and gone home.

Who's going to take Hofbrau's place? How about the Rockford Peaches. Don't worry, Rosie O'Donnell will bat lefty.

Good luck. My suggestion for the next "champion" is that a new trophy in the shape of an asterisk be the prize. I mean how can a team with any pride accept a trophy with all those nasty "Hofbrau" etchings on it?

Editor's note: I have no bias writing this entry because I retired after last season. Also, anyone who has seen me play knows I'm not including myself in the "really good ball players" group.