As the weather warms up and the trees start blooming, spring heralds a great tradition: P-cup softball. P-cup, officially known as the President’s Cup, is an annual rite that has lasted many years. Commissioners Johnny Ball ’08 and Connor Goggin ’08 are present on Mem Field at nearly every game, taking scores and deciding controversial calls. The commissioners’ responsibilities are substantial; they involve scheduling the games and making sure they go smoothly.
Houses play each Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday after sports, and on Sunday (weather permitting) almost every team has a game. At the end of the season, which lasts over a month, the top eight teams continue in the playoff bracket. These teams play for the prestigious President’s Cup, which is awarded to the best team in the League.
Each boys’ dorm fields a team and plays in a certain number of games before a final playoff tournament. This year there are ten teams, of which a few are combinations of multiple dorms, such as Spencer/Quantrell and the Cottages. The teams are initially divided into two brackets, the American League and National Leagues.
For those who are new to the great recreation of boys’ softball, there are several rule changes that affect how the game is played. The pitcher must throw the ball slowly underhand, known as a “slow pitch.” Two strikes is a strikeout. To be a strike one must swing and foul the ball off or miss contact entirely. Also, because there are no walks, if the ball hits the plate it is a strike—with the one condition that the pitch must have some sort of arc. Another important rule change prohibts bunting. The final rule that differentiates the game from regular softball or baseball is that each team is made up of ten players, not nine. This usually means that there are four outfielders, which is important considering the size and topgraphy of Memorial Field.
With these different rules, the composition of a great team differs from the norm. Commissioner Johnny Ball feels that “a great P-Cup team embodies star players mixed with role players who get on base for the power hitters.” He also feels that “teams that field the ball well and make minimal errors are usually the best.” Pitching is also a key component of a good team and can determine who eventually wins the cup. But pitching isn’t everything. Last year, legendary pitcher Corey “Darkness” Sherman ’07 was the best pitcher in the league, but his team, the Mem House Tunas, didn’t bring home the cup. Sometimes a great offense is a great defense, as proved by the last year’s champions the Woodhouse Muddawgs, whose lineup was packed with potent hitters. There are several dangerous teams this year, so the title will be won by whoever leaves everything on the field. Teams to watch are the perennial powerhouses of Combination, Woodhouse, and MemWater, but attention needs to be paid to capable underdogs, such as the Lancers of Clinton Knight and the Hombres de Hill House. Even if they are playing for a team, many fans will enjoy the chance to bring a lawn chair out to the field and, relax, watch some softball, and be part of great Choate tradition.
Nick DeChello ’08 attempted to lead Spencer to P-Cup glory last year. Phil Risman ’08
