The Boston Metro Baseball League is buzzing with excitement as two legendary franchises, the Boston Havoc and the Waltham Cutters, commemorate their 30th year of participation.

Throughout the past three decades, these two teams have left an indelible mark on the league, showcasing their skill, determination, and unwavering passion for the game. Let's take a look at the rich history of both teams and their notable achievements over the years.

The Boston Havoc's Transformative Journey

The Boston Havoc franchise, originally known as the Boston White Sox (1994-2006 & 2010-2017), Ben's Dream White Sox (2007 & 2008), and the Boston Sox (2018-2020), has gone through several transformations to become the formidable team they are today.

Under the guidance of their first manager, Gary Howard, the Boston White Sox began making their mark in the league in 1994. However, Howard's career came to an abrupt end one evening in 1997 at Clifford Field in Roxbury when his pitching arm became dislocated mid-pitch.

Brett Rudy took over the team for the remainder of the season and went on to lead the squad for another decade before he advanced himself to the BMBL 30+ Division. During that time, Rudy led the team to their first championship victory in 2005, defeating the Reds in five games.

Mike Pollak led the team in 2008 & 2009, the second year the team went by the name Ben's Dream White Sox, in honor of Ben Siedman, a brave child with a rare disease with whom Pollak shared a personal bond. Pollak had taught Ben at the Perkins School for the Blind from 2004 to 2007, and Ben unfortunately passed away in 2014. Under Pollak, the team made it to the championship finals in 2009, but fell short to the Cutters.

In 2010, Jonathan Naumowicz managed the squad for a single year before Matt O'Hara took over, bringing a fresh perspective and steering the team to new heights. O'Hara led the team to a championship victory in 2013 against the Cambridge Spinners and also to the championship finals in 2012 and 2014, where they finished as runners-up.

Veteran Mike Lembo ran the squad in 2017 before Omar Ortiz took over in 2018 and shortened the team name to the Boston Sox. Ortiz, who joined the White Sox in 2007, led the team to a championship victory in his debut year as skipper against the Cambridge Spinners, and also brought the team to the championship finals in 2019 and 2020, finishing as runners-up both times.

In 2021, Ortiz truly made the franchise his own as they became the Boston Havoc. Ortiz guided the Havoc to a championship triumph over the Middleboro Mocka Rays that year.

Today, the Havoc are still managed by Ortiz, who continues to build upon the legacy of his predecessors. Brett Rudy re-joined the Havoc as an assistant coach in 2022 and remains with the team today.

With a total of four championships under their belt, the Boston Havoc/White Sox have etched their names in the annals of the 18+ Division history, cementing their legacy as one of the league's powerhouses.

The Waltham Cutters' Remarkable Run

On the other side of the diamond, we have the Waltham Cutters, a team with a remarkable history and an impressive championship record. The Cutters' origins date back to 1994 when the team was initially known as the Orioles (1994 & 1995).

In 1996, under Daryl Terry's leadership, the team changed its name to the Yankees (1996-2006). Mike Ganley, the creator of 400Hitter, took over the Yankees' reins in 1997, steering the team until 1999.

From 2000 onwards, the franchise has been under the expert guidance of current League President and BMBL Hall of Famer, Jeff Coveney. The Yankees, with Coveney at the helm, secured back-to-back-to-back championships in 2000, 2001, and 2002, becoming the second team in 18+ Division history to pull off the three-peat.

In 2004, the Yankees made it back to the finals once again, but fell short to the Dodgers, losing the series in five games.

Three years later in 2007, the team changed their name as part of an amusing marketing stunt created by the Lowell Spinners called the Yankees Elimination Promotion (Y.E.P.). The Spinners had challenged all amateur baseball teams named the Yankees to change their name to the Spinners in exchange for free jerseys.

The Yankees obliged, until they realized the new jerseys were youth-sized, leading the squad to discard both the jerseys and the new team name. They instead chose to adopt the name "Cutters", establishing a unique identity that persists to this day. Their first year as the Cutters, they triumphed once again, winning a championship over the top-seeded Tigers.

Their championship victories didn't stop there. Under Coveney's leadership, the Cutters added to their tally in 2009 and 2011, solidifying their status as one of the league's most successful teams. Coveney has compiled 326 wins as a manager — 146 more than the next closest skipper in the division.

Today, the Waltham Cutters/Yankees proudly hold the record for the most championships in the 18+ Division's history, with a total of six titles to their name. Their journey has been shaped by the long-serving commitment of their manager, Jeff Coveney, whose leadership and dedication have been instrumental in cultivating a winning culture within the organization.

The Legacy Continues

As the Boston Havoc and Waltham Cutters celebrate their 30th year in the Boston Metro Baseball League, their accomplishments stand as a testament to the dedication, perseverance, and skill of their players and managers, both past and present. These teams have become an integral part of the baseball fabric in Boston, captivating fans with their thrilling performances and championship pursuits.

The journey of the Boston Havoc and Waltham Cutters is a testament to the enduring spirit of baseball and the unwavering passion of its players. As they enter their fourth decade in the league, one can only imagine the excitement and anticipation that lie ahead. Here's to another 30 years of unforgettable moments, fierce rivalries, and the eternal love for America's favorite pastime.