Sam Sutton
The 2025 M&S Softball season has arrived – and it’s louder, deeper, and more competitive than ever. With over 50 names on the waiting list, one thing’s crystal clear: if you’ve got a spot this year, you earned it.
This offseason wasn’t just about stretching hammies and oiling gloves. It marked a cultural reset. A new energy. A different intensity. Every captain came locked in, and the draft room felt more like a war room. No picks were wasted. No names taken lightly. And as the rosters took shape, so did the storylines.
Let’s break down the squads that’ll write the next chapter of M&S:
King Salomon Part Deux
Captain: Michael Sabon Salomon
Sabon set the tone for the entire draft by pulling off a pre-draft trade to acquire the #8 overall pick – giving him the coveted 1-and-8 combo. He used his top selection on Zack Ashkenazi, widely considered the best all-around player on the board. At #8, he snagged Yitz Sutton, the top arm in the draft – giving his team a bona fide ace from Day One.
From there, Sabon stacked the deck with playoff experience and big-game DNA. He reunited the veteran duo Teddy Ishak (TI) and Sammy Esses, a pairing with years of chemistry and hardware. He brought back Morris “Mo” Shamah, one of the league’s most dependable bats, and added Eric Cytryn, a respected defensive anchor and proven playoff performer.
Vandelay Industries
Captain: Sammy Seruya
Rookie captain – rising star. That’s the book on Sammy Seruya, the slick shortstop with who hit superstar status. But Seruya wasn’t shy on draft night – he took a big swing on unproven slugger Howie Hoffman, betting on upside and power. And he’ll be riding with rookie pitcher Abraham Benhamu to anchor his defense and set the tone on the mound.
Backed by key pieces like Sauly Esses, Jimmy Malakh, Bernie Pindek, and Yossi Abramson, Vandelay is an intriguing mix of high potential and proven leadership. It’s a team that could click fast – or grow into a monster by playoff time.
Texas Longhorns
Captain: Max Yedid
A familiar face is back in the saddle – Max Yedid, former M&S Cy Young winner and championship pitcher, makes his return to the captain’s chair. He drafted a veteran-heavy roster built to win. Names like Allie Marshall, Butchie Cohen, and Maurice Haber headline a squad that’s been there, done that, and knows how to get it done when it counts. Max is back – and so is the fear factor that comes with playing against his team.
Sephardic Bananas
Captain: Edmund “The Phenom” Beyda
The reigning World Series champ is back and looking to repeat. Last year, Edmund “The Phenom” Beyda captained a magical playoff run, and this year, he ran it back with a nearly identical core. His draft centerpiece? None other than his clutch companion David “Buca” Cohen. With names like Isaac Sasson, Jack Sutton, and Alan Jemal rounding out the roster, the Bananas have chemistry, confidence, and championship DNA.
Kaboom!
Captain: Uri Adler
Let’s just say… Uri changed it up this year – and it might be his best build yet. Gone is the typical Uri mold. In its place is a sleek, powerful new roster led by Sol Fallas, Nadav Auerbach, and Abraham Saka. On paper, Kaboom has speed, power, arms, and attitude. It’s a no-nonsense team that could light up the scoreboard or lock down your offense. If the vibes hold, this group is a serious title threat.
Thundering Hooves
Captain: Gabriel Abadi
Gabe Abadi did what Gabe does – drafted a crew full of high-character, high-talent, high-vibe guys. With Mark Barsano, Carlos Abadi, and Ricky Rothstein in the mix, Thundering Hooves are built for deep playoff runs. Gabe’s squads always play loose, play hard, and play for each other. He’s still searching for that elusive first title – but don’t be surprised if this is the team that finally delivers it.Stayin’ Alive
Captain: Michael Melech Solomon
He’s back. A former fan-favorite captain, Melech Solomon returns with a roster full of loyalty and edge. He went straight to the well early, drafting his longtime guys – Steven Gindi (SJG), Joe Sefaradi (Joe S), and Saul “Soco” Cohen. But what makes this team fascinating is the youth infusion. Melech rolled the dice on wild-card youngsters like Sol Assis, one of the most polarizing players in the league. High ceiling, high volatility – and if they click, Stayin’ Alive might stay alive deep into the postseason.