The 2025 JCNSL by Tripping Kosher has officially closed out its regular season, and what a season it was! The playoff picture didn’t crystalize until the very last pitch on Sunday night, leaving fans and players alike glued to every score.
That morning, things weren’t looking too sunny. A bout of rainfall had players nervously eyeing the skies, unsure if the fields would even be playable. But thanks to the tireless work of the Donny Ankri Architects Grounds Crew, the Tidy Up Fields were drained, raked, and — true to their name — tidied up to perfection. By evening, the diamonds were gleaming and ready for one final night of regular-season drama.
All eight teams took the field, and several games came down to nail-biting finishes in the ninth inning. When the dust settled, the standings were locked, and four teams booked their tickets to the NIV Advisors Postseason — with dreams of hoisting the Premier Financial Trophy.
Here’s who made the cut:
- Miracle Massage – Last year’s champs, now chasing a historic back-to-back title run.
- YL Waitering – Fresh off their JCSL Morning League crown, they’re aiming to be the first team to capture both morning and night league titles in the same year.
- Aisle 9 – The rookie squad with the poise of veterans, turning heads week after week.
- Tov Pizza – Back for revenge after last year’s heartbreak, and determined to write a new ending.
But before we dive into the recaps, a big shoutout to the I Heart Remodeling Umpiring Crew. Officials like Robbie Meehan, Mike Slawinsky, Tuttie, and Ric Kahoe brought consistency, professionalism, and just the right sprinkle of humor to every game. Without them, the JCNSL wouldn’t shine nearly as bright.
Game Recaps
Miracle Massage 17, Ambush Law 10
It wasn’t pretty — more errors than runs — but it sure was entertaining. Miracle Massage, gunning for the top seed, found themselves locked in a dogfight against Ambush Law. Tzvi “Swines before” Perlman racked up singles like it was batting practice, while “Super Sub” Frosty launched a homer to keep things tight. Tied in the bottom of the ninth, with a runner on third, Meir “SAMBana Banana” Samberglived up to the nickname, blasting one over center to seal Miracle Massage’s third walk-off win of the season.
Tov Pizza 16, Clothier 5
The stakes couldn’t have been higher: win and you’re in, lose and you’re waiting 12 months for redemption. Tov Pizza wasted no time, exploding for a 4–0 lead and never looking back. Ace Barry Rosenbluth controlled the mound with zero walks, backed by slick defense led by captain Shua Novograd. When it was all over, Tov Pizza had punched their postseason ticket in decisive fashion, cruising to a 16–5 victory.
YL Waitering 8, Aisle 9 6
In what felt like a playoff preview, YL Waitering edged out Aisle 9 in a thriller. Yoni Levin went 3-for-4, Yoni Frager was unstoppable at 5-for-5, and Avi “The Kid” Abramson teamed with Benzion Shamberg to turn three double plays in the first three innings alone. DY Green vacuumed up everything in the outfield, while Shlomo Fantl crushed a triple and dominated at first. Mayer Goldsmith pitched strong, Brian Ponczak delivered a clutch 2-run double, and the entire squad rode the momentum to clinch the #2 seed.
MDSC 7, The Fireside Bakery 4
This one didn’t change the standings, but it was history in the making. Team MDSC, otherwise known as the “Traveling Strum Family Softball Experience,” walked away with bragging rights — and likely the record for most immediate relatives on a single roster. Between father Tali, sons Rafi, Ori, and Ezra, son-in-law Aharon Leib Wealcatch, plus honorary cousins and teammates like Shai Sheller, the game was less about wins and losses and more about family memories. Still, a 7–4 victory was a sweet way to close their season.
What’s Next?
The stage is set. Miracle Massage, YL Waitering, Aisle 9, and Tov Pizza are gearing up for the NIV Advisors Postseason, where one team will etch their name on the Premier Financial Trophy. Will we see a repeat champion, a double-league dynasty, a rookie miracle, or a pizza-fueled revenge tour?
Baltimore softball fans won’t have to wait long to find out.
