Sam Sutton
The 2024 M&S Summer Softball season will forever be remembered as the year rookie captain Edmund “The Phenom” Beyda led his team, IDF, to a stunning World Series championship. From the first pitch in May, Beyda’s vision was clear: assemble a team that shared his intensity, passion, and desire to win the M&S Cup. The result was one of the most incredible runs in the league’s storied 17-year history.
Building the Roster
Beyda meticulously crafted his roster to mirror his competitive spirit. From speedy outfielders to hard-hitting sluggers and defensive stalwarts, each player fit into the grand design. In left field, the lightning-fast and tenacious Isaac Sasson patrolled the grass, while rising star David Buca Cohen locked down center field with his athleticism and range. The heart of the lineup revolved around slugger Bernie Pindek, whose power gave IDF a constant threat in the middle of the order.
At third base, Eric Cytryn, known for his clutch hitting and slick defense, anchored the hot corner and brought championship experience, having won the title in the previous season. Meanwhile, Yossi Abramson, a proven winner and a consistent force in right field, rounded out the outfield with his sure glove and veteran leadership.
In the infield, the soft-spoken yet impactful Joey “JoeCo” Cohen made the switch from shortstop to second base, instantly elevating the defense. His smooth fielding and quick throws complemented the infield perfectly. Longtime league veteran and future Hall of Famer Maurice Haber was the glue at first base, his steady presence on and off the field unifying the team. Jack Rueben Bibi, a versatile utility player, contributed invaluable perspective in the locker room, helping to maintain a calm and focused environment, while filling in wherever needed.
Behind the plate, Alfonse Missry was the heartbeat of the team, a gold glove-caliber catcher whose fiery personality injected energy into the dugout. Midseason acquisition Ricky “The Railroad” Rothstein was another rambunctious addition who made an immediate impact, especially in the postseason. Finally, the slick-fielding, clutch-hitting shortstop Mordy Chrem solidified the left side of the infield, rounding out what was, on paper, a championship-caliber roster.
A Humbling Regular Season and the Wild Card Push
Despite the talent on the roster, the regular season presented challenges. After a hot start, IDF hit a bump in the final week of the regular season, suffering a devastating loss that pushed them into the Wild Card round. That defeat was a humbling experience, but it also ignited the fire that would fuel their historic playoff run.
The Wild Card round was a test of resilience. Following a series of play-in games that determined the final postseason matchups, IDF was set to face the Bleacher Creatures. The stakes were high, but Beyda’s squad was not fazed. In fact, they dominated, winning in a blowout, 14-3, as their offense exploded and their defense held firm. It was a statement victory, and it sent a clear message to the rest of the league: IDF was not going to go down easily.
A Thrilling Semi-Final Battle
The semi-finals featured one of the most thrilling series in M&S history, as IDF took on the top-seeded Sarah’s Kibbes team. This was no ordinary matchup – Sarah’s Kibbes had been dominant all season, and many expected them to cruise to the finals. But IDF, having regained its confidence, was ready for the challenge.
Game One saw both teams trading blows in a back-and-forth contest, but it was Game Two that cemented this series as one for the ages. In a gut-wrenching 13-inning marathon, IDF emerged victorious, sealing the series and punching their ticket to the World Series. It was a battle of wills, and Beyda’s leadership and his team’s resilience shone through. The young captain was now back where he had set his sights all season: the World Series.
The World Series: A Matchup for the Ages
In the final showdown, IDF faced off against the Predators, captained by the legendary Michael Sabon Salomon and featuring MVP favorite Mark Barsano. This was no ordinary matchup – the Predators also had Hall of Famer Allie Marshal and last year’s World Series-winning pitcher, Yitz Sutton, on their side. Sutton had already made history by pitching the only known perfect game in World Series history, and he was looking to repeat the feat as champion.
Game One saw the Predators jump out to an early 3-0 lead, but IDF, as they had all season, refused to back down. Ricky “The Railroad” Rothstein delivered a pivotal triple into the left-field gap, setting the stage for IDF to get on the board. A sacrifice fly brought in their first run, and the momentum shifted. Cytryn drove in another run in the fifth inning, and Joey “JoeCo” Cohen added a clutch two-RBI base hit, giving IDF the lead.
The Predators had a chance to tie the game in the seventh inning with runners on second and third and nobody out. A sacrifice fly appeared to score the tying run, but the celebration was short-lived as the umpires convened and ruled that the runner had left third base early. IDF held on to steal Game 1, and suddenly, the Predators were on the ropes.
Game 2: The Championship Moment
In Game Two, IDF came out firing, building an early 4-0 lead. The Predators, however, were not ready to fold. They chipped away, cutting the lead in half by the sixth inning, setting up another dramatic finish. With two outs in the seventh, the Predators loaded the bases, bringing up their best hitter, Mark “Bam” Barsano. In a moment that would define the series, Barsano smoked a ball to third base, but Eric Cytryn – whose defense had been stellar all season – made an incredible behind-the-head catch and quickly tagged out Alan Jemal to end the game and the series.
The improbable run was complete. Edmund Beyda, in just his first year as captain, had led his team to a World Series title. It was Beyda’s second M&S Cup as a player, but this one, as captain, meant so much more.
The Legacy of the 2024 IDF Team
The IDF’s victory in the 2024 M&S World Series was not just about winning a title. It was about perseverance, resilience, and believing in a team when others doubted them. Beyda’s leadership, the clutch performances from players like Rothstein and Cytryn, and the steady presence of veterans like Haber and Bibi, created a championship-caliber atmosphere that carried them through the toughest moments.
As the dust settled on the field and the IDF players celebrated into the night, it became clear that this team had etched its name into M&S history. The 2024 season was a testament to the power of determination, teamwork, and a captain who refused to let his dream slip away.
The 17th season of M&S concluded with one of the most unforgettable championship runs ever, and the next chapter is eagerly awaited. For now, though, the IDF can bask in the glory of being the 2024 M&S World Series champions.