Sam Sutton
Established in 2008, M&S Softball has never just been a league. It’s been a proving ground, a stage, and for many, a second home. Now entering its 18th season, the league finds itself at a defining moment – not by chance, but by design.
The truth is, leagues like this don’t survive by standing still. They evolve. They adapt. They find ways to honor what was while building what’s next. And right now, what’s next has arrived.
Over the past few seasons, the league began quietly shifting. As some of the longtime veterans started to wind down – careers entering their later innings or coming to a close – the opportunity was clear. This wasn’t about replacing them. It was about reinforcing the future. Slowly, intentionally, a new wave of players began to enter the league. Now, that wave has become a movement.
Leadership That Still Sets the Standard
For all the excitement around the new wave, the foundation of this league remains firmly in place. The captains are the cornerstone of the M&S Softball League. This isn’t a group learning on the fly. This is a room filled with experience, championships, and years of understanding what it takes to win in M&S (see sidebar). Together, this group doesn’t just run teams. They set the tone.
Best Is Yet to Come
This season’s player pool is filled – loaded, really – with young talent. Not just bodies to fill rosters, but real players. Pitchers who can command the zone. Infielders with range and instincts. Outfielders who cover ground and change games defensively. The level of athleticism, energy, and upside across the board is as strong as it’s ever been.
But what makes this moment even more unique isn’t just the youth – it’s where they come from. Many of these new players aren’t strangers to M&S. They grew up around it. They watched it. They heard the stories. And now, they’re stepping onto the same field. Sons of former players. Brothers of current stars. Names that already carry meaning within the league. M&S isn’t just continuing – it’s circling back.
A Full Generation Later
We’re now seeing the children of the very players who built this league step into the spotlight. And with that comes something you can’t teach – pride, pressure, and a deep understanding of what it means to be here.
One of the more intriguing storylines comes from a familiar name. A league veteran and Hall of Famer now has his son entering the mix. Momo steps into the league this year, carrying both the name and the expectations that come with it.
The same can be said for Elliott Dweck, son of league legend Isaac Norwood-Dweck. Known already for a slick glove, Elliott enters with a defensive reputation and a last name that holds serious weight.
Then there’s the next chapter of the Chehebar name. Solly Chehebar – better known as Big Solly – was part of this league from the very beginning. Now, his son steps in, with big shoes to fill and a legacy to live up to.
And in a move that speaks volumes about where the league is headed, reigning MVP Mo Shama has stepped aside, choosing to watch from the outside as the youth movement takes over. In his place, his nephew Abo Shama enters the league – a highly regarded defensive player from the local circuit, ready for his shot.
Up and Coming Stars
But it’s not just about legacy. There’s another group coming in – players with no ties to the past, no names to carry – just game. And in many ways, they may be the most dangerous.
Irving Setton enters as a 20-year-old infielder with pop, already turning heads after making noise in the BKS over the past few years. He’s also the brother of Leo Setton – an impact player from day one in this league – so the expectations are already there. Now, Irving gets his opportunity to make his own mark.
Joseph Abady carries a name that already echoes in M&S postseason history. His brother, Victor “Cream” Abady, built his reputation on big moments when it mattered most. Now Joseph steps in, with that same last name – and all that comes with it.
David Hakim brings a calm, composed presence – but his game tells a different story. Alongside his brother Noah, he adds another layer to this growing youth core.
Danny Levy, just 18, now joins the league alongside his brother Momo Levy, who has already made his mark in the outfield. The bloodline is there – but now it’s Danny’s turn.
And then there’s Joseph “J Money” Dweck, a slick-fielding third baseman who brings confidence and flair to the hot corner. Smooth with the glove and steady under pressure, he’s the type of player who can lock down the left side and make the tough play look routine.
The outfield continues to get stronger with Josh Abisror, a physical presence with real upside. And he won’t be alone – his uncle, Tovi Abisror, a former league champion, returns to the field. One looking to rise, the other already knowing what it takes.
Victor Hoffman makes his long-awaited debut. A colorful personality with real talent, the infielder brings both energy and edge to the dirt.
Bruce Novick arrives as one of the top prospects out of the Yeshiva league circuits. A true center fielder with instincts, range, and feel – he’s the real deal.
Three’s a Charm
And then there’s what might be the biggest storyline of them all – the arrival of a trio of rookie starting pitchers.
Zack Kairy leads the way, an award-winning young ace known for his ability to pound the zone and throw strikes consistently. Now, he takes the mound in a league where every inning matters.
Marc Sayegh, the flamethrower out of Brooklyn, brings both velocity and roots that run deeper than most. Having pitched in the first-ever M&S Kids League, he now returns fully developed and ready to make his mark.
And MD Applegrad, one of the most highly regarded arms from the LBA, comes in with experience, confidence, and something to prove. A champion elsewhere – but now chasing to be one here.
Three different styles. Three different paths. One shared goal – to make their mark on M&S.
And as if that wasn’t enough, another wave arrives with proven credentials.
Mo Dowek, Chatz Katz, and Shloimy Zlotnick – established LBA stars – make their M&S debuts, bringing with them a level of play that demands attention.
Right behind them is another group already opening eyes – Marvin Azrak, Adam Azar, and Yaakov Goodman – players who may be new to M&S, but are quickly making it clear they belong.
The Foundation Remains
And through it all, the foundation remains. The veterans are still here. They’re not being replaced. They’re passing something down.
And the league itself hasn’t changed. The standard is still the standard. Every game is still played with purpose. Every matchup still matters. With full live broadcasts, consistent media coverage, and a growing audience, the spotlight has never been brighter.
For the new players, this isn’t just another league. This is M&S. There’s history here. There’s expectation. There’s pressure. And now, there’s a new generation ready to take it on. The next chapter isn’t coming. It’s already here. Play ball!
THE CAPTIANS
At the forefront is Uri Adler, the reigning champion, who returns looking to defend his title and prove last season was no fluke.
Edmund Beyda, a champion in his own right, is back as well. A proven leader who knows how to build and manage a roster, Beyda brings intensity, structure, and a steady presence every time he takes the field.
Michael “Sabon” Salomon is one of the most accomplished players in league history and an active Hall of Famer.
Michael “Melech” Solomon continues to be one of the league’s true staples. A former champion and respected presence behind the plate, his leadership and consistency have made him a cornerstone of M&S for years.
Maurice Haber is woven into the fabric of this league. A champion, a competitor, and someone who has been here since the early days.
Hank Dweck returns to the captain’s chair with something still missing from his resume – a championship in M&S. Despite success in other leagues and a long list of accolades, that one title has remained just out of reach. The question now is simple: has he lost a step, or is this the year he finally gets it done?
Isaac Cohen isthe lone rookie captain. While new to the role, he’s far from unfamiliar with the league. A student of the game who’s been tapped into the softball world for years, Cohen now gets his opportunity to lead – bringing a fresh perspective into a room full of experience.