Volume I: The Anatomy of a Championship paid homage to the 2024 Royals, a team that etched its name in TSSL history. This epilogue is the final chapter detailing the Royals’ incredible journey to the title. It's not just a team story – it's my personal story.
Capturing the 2024 Spring Championship and the Coveted Bob Weinfeld Trophy
How do you capture lightning in a bottle?
The 11 extraordinary men who joined me on the 2024 Royals gave me the most unforgettable six months of my TSSL career. The 2024 Spring Championship was woven from the threads of elite pitching and defense, indomitable heart, unshakeable resilience, and an unwavering commitment to team and excellence. The crowning achievement was lifting the Bob Weinfeld Championship Trophy during the League’s 50th anniversary spring season – a moment that transcended the game.
The extended postseason transformed this team into a family with a singular mission. When you have a brother juggling family responsibilities and cross-country travel, all the while making incredible sacrifices to be able to take the field with you each Sunday, it’s like this dedication stripped away life's superficialities, leaving behind a profound appreciation for the game and each other. You find yourself in a deeper state of mind, which has stuck with me even after winning the Championship.
After devoting over three decades to the League it was undoubtedly a life-changing event to finally win the Spring Championship. So much of my identity is wrapped up in the League. But as monumental as that victory was, what resonates with me most is the journey that got us there. It was a journey full of challenges, planning, and obstacles that we overcame together, and it was way more immersive than anyone could imagine. But we were somewhere beautiful for a really long time; we worked hard, we grew stronger, and now I’m left with not just a Championship, but a wonderful collection of memories and experiences. And that's what I find most important.
In my 15 years of being a Captain, I’ve always had a handful of players – some years more than others – who bought into the process, the scouting reports, the strategic planning, the postseason BP sessions, but I’ve never had the collective buy-in to the process from 1 – 12 like I had this year. All 12 of us shared the same vision, and as the season progressed, our cohesion only grew stronger. You cannot force this kind of commitment; it has to resonate naturally. I’m a hands-on Captain, but once the postseason scouting report was finalized and sent out, I found myself with little to do. With each postseason game, with each opposing batter, my players were in sync – their execution of defensive strategies was nearly flawless. The team's plate discipline was unparalleled; the best of any team I’ve ever been a part of, Captain or player. It was like conducting a symphony where every note was played in perfect harmony.
All TSSL teams aim to draft a strong core with their top six picks, but what truly determines a Championship-caliber team is the strength of their 7th through 12th picks. These players' commitment to the League, the team, and their own self-improvement makes the difference between a good team and a great one. My bottom six draft picks – without exception – exemplified these qualities in abundance. Their infectious passion for the game, exemplary sportsmanship, tireless effort, and relentless drive for victory were the foundation of our success.
Over the previous 14 years, I chased the elusive Spring Championship as a Captain. My Royals teams won our division twice and made it to the Division Finals four times, only to be eliminated each time. Significant injuries were a common denominator in almost every season. In 2024, the Royals entered the playoffs as the 3-seed, a position I was pleased with because it meant we avoided the month-long layoff that the 1- and 2-seed earned; the same layoff that derailed the 2023 Royals. We stayed relatively healthy, though we lost our left fielder, Ryan Greenberg, for the ALCS and Championship Series. In postseasons past, such a loss might have been catastrophic. But this year, HOF Kyle Casper stepped in to play left field seamlessly, and we didn’t miss a beat. This resilience in the face of adversity set the 2024 Royals apart from their predecessors.
My Journey as a Player
I owe my 34-year connection to the Temple Shalom Softball League to a Jewish Community Center party. That’s right. It was the Summer Luau of 1991 where I first met former TSSL Commissioner, HOF Eddie Tann. In 1991, he was the current TSSL Commissioner, just finishing the first year of his four-year term. Fresh out of The University of Texas at Austin, I had just moved to Dallas in June 1991. The Luau, an annual December 24th event now known as the Matzoh Ball, had not yet grown to epic proportions and thus, was thrown around the perimeter of the JCC pool. I went there to meet women but ended up forging a lifelong friendship with Eddie instead.
As fate would have it, that serendipitous night marked the beginning of my 34-year odyssey in the League. Eddie and I quickly hit it off, bonding over racquetball, dinners, and his band’s performances at Soho. One February night, during a break between racquetball games, Eddie casually asked if I played softball. Naturally, I did. He told me about the League and suggested I try out at the upcoming evaluation.
I had never encountered a League with the structure and organization that the TSSL had. That tryout led to a moment I’ll never forget – I had the privilege and honor of being drafted by Bob Weinfeld himself. Yep, my rookie year was spent as a Pirate. I am one of the few active players left in the League who can say he took the field with Bob. Bob was the Pirates’ pitcher that year. When Bob founded the League, he was a left fielder. Like me, as he grew older, he moved himself to the infield, and – in my rookie season – was our pitcher.
Though I was never a star player in the League, my speed earned me the leadoff spot for the Pirates in my rookie season. From 1992 to 2009, I was typically drafted in the 9th round. But in 1992, I was young and fast. The League looked a little different back then. It had grown from its original six teams to 14 by 1992. We played at Fretz Park in Addison on fenceless fields that rewarded gap hitters with endless running opportunities. We had 13 players on each team, so it was challenging for Captains to ensure everyone got enough innings on the field. Our jerseys didn’t have our last names, and the annual All-Star Game was held at Churchill Park in Dallas.
In 1993, the League moved to High Point Park in Plano where three of the five fields were now fenced, a significant shift considering – unlike today – all the players lived south of the new fields. When I moved to Dallas in 1991, Frankford Road was considered far north Dallas. Legacy Road was merely a two-lane road tunneled by old, mature trees, but beyond Legacy was nothing but farmland. Despite some initial apprehension about the location being too far north, the move proved successful, allowing the League to continue its growth.
The talent level in the League during the 1990s and 2000s was notably different from what we see today. Back then, there were no sluggers capable of launching three or four homeruns in a single doubleheader. With the introduction of fences, hitting a single fence-clearing homerun per doubleheader was a rare accomplishment, with most homeruns being the inside-the-park variety.
During my first decade in the league, I was primarily drafted as a corner outfielder, though I played every outfield position except left center. In my second decade, I continued in the outfield but eventually moved to the infield in 2013, my fourth season as a Captain, allowing younger, faster players to patrol the outfield.
Over those first 20 years, I appeared in three Spring Championship Series, all as a player, going 1 – 2. I won my first Spring Championship in 1993 with Hank Weinstein’s Reds, just my second year in the League. I thought winning a Championship that early meant more would follow, but it took 31 years to claim my second Spring Championship. Here are the 13 men who etched their names into TSSL history in 1993:
The Fall League, however, brought more success. Between 1992 and 2016, I appeared in seven Fall Championship Series, winning four in 1992, 1999, 2010, and 2016
Before the internet became mainstream, the League published a weekly “T.S. Sporting News” newsletter. HOF Fabian Sandler started the newsletter, and when he moved away, HOF Mark Fishkind took it over with HOF John Unell serving as the editor. Each Captain had to submit summaries of their team’s doubleheaders to Mark, who formatted, published, and distributed the newsletter, often printing it at Kinkos late Saturday evening so everyone in the League would get their copy the next morning. It was a huge morale booster, allowing players to read about their and other teams' exploits each week.
By 1996, I found my stroke as a hitter and started garnering some attention in the T.S. Sporting News.
Player of the Week honors were also recognized through the newsletter and each honoree was presented a certificate.
In 1998, the League embraced modern technology, transitioning from the printed “T.S. Sporting News” to a home on an AOL-hosted website, and finally to its own domain in 2000.
crginc@mymail.com was Mark’s old business email address.
I was honored to be selected for the TSSL All-Star team multiple times, as the starting right fielder in 1998 and 2009, and as the starting first baseman in 2017.
The 2009 TSSL All-Stars
The 2017 TSSL All-Stars
By 2000, the League had its own website, marking the beginning of its digital presence through a single-page website:
Article by HOF Captain, Irwin Kaufman
In 1999 the League relocated to Heritage Yards in Plano, where all the fields were now fenced. For roughly 15 years, we had exclusive access to all nine fields on Sunday mornings, creating a vibrant atmosphere for our games. The League continued to grow, expanding to 16 teams in 2002, to 18 teams in 2013, and reaching its current size of 20 teams in 2017. In 2020, the League found its new home at Spirit Park in Allen, where we continue to build on our storied history.
In 2012, our one-page website was redesigned by HOF Kyle Casper to include what is now called, the “Captain’s Corner” page, where League standings, stats, and Captain’s articles, each had their own dedicated web page.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of playing alongside and being drafted by many Hall of Famers. These experiences have not only shaped my play but also deepened my appreciation for the game and the League’s rich history. Eddie drafted me twice, and the Hall of Famer I played with most was Mark Fishkind. We were teammates on five different teams, with Mark drafting me twice. Years later, I returned the favor, drafting Mark to pitch for the Royals in three different years.
My Journey as a Captain
Every year, when registering for the upcoming season, I would eagerly check the box that read, “Check this box if you’re interested in becoming a Captain.” But for years, nothing came of it. In 2009, when HOF Paul Rakofsky and HOF Wayne Casper became Commissioner and Vice Commissioner, respectively, Wayne began holding informal meetings for aspiring Captains. These meetings were an opportunity to learn about the responsibilities and expectations of a Captain in our League. I attended these sessions, hoping to put myself on the radar for consideration.
In 2010, Paul finally gave me the opportunity to become a Captain for the Spring season. Although I was born in Des Moines, Iowa, my family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, when I was just a year old. I grew up a Royals fan, and for the first 20 years of my fandom, I never knew baseball without George Brett. That's why I proudly wear number 5 in honor of Brett, and in 2010, Lachman’s Royals were born. It’s worth noting that my Royals were not the first in the League; HOF Irv Munn and HOF John Unell captained Royals teams in 1990 and 1994, respectively.
From day one in my pursuit of a Championship as a Captain, I understood that I was a part of something greater than myself. I love our League, and I wanted to make a meaningful impact on my players’ lives, especially considering that our Spring seasons last six months. I also wanted to differentiate myself from other Captains, and what better way than through leveraging my strengths as a Data Scientist. With a data-driven, analytical mindset, extensive experience with computers, and a passion for creative writing, I developed my own approach to being a Captain. This led to the creation of my detailed scouting reports and the evolution of my Captain’s Corner articles. I always appreciated it when Captains I played for wrote about me, so I decided to elevate our T.S. Sporting News game summaries, transforming them into professional-grade sports journalism.
My methodologies as a Captain were unorthodox, but my philosophy was simple: if you want to be the best, you have to do the things that other people aren’t willing to do. While I don’t have an eidetic memory, my three decades in the League have given me an encyclopedic knowledge of the League's 239 other players, which proved invaluable in team strategy and player development.
The first Royals team I drafted in 2010 won our division, earning us a bye in the first round of the playoffs. However, as a rookie Captain, I was unprepared for the extended break between the end of the regular season and the second round of the playoffs, and we were quickly eliminated. That team featured the 2010 TSSL MVP, Doug Storm at third base.
Subsequent years saw steady improvement. The second Royals team I drafted in 2011 featured HOF Randy Ransom in his rookie year. That team made it to the final four – the Division Finals – as did the 2014, 2017, and 2019 Royals.
In 2023, my Royals once again won our division, and I was determined to handle the month-long layoff better than I did in 2010. While I managed the break more effectively, the result, unfortunately, was the same. The challenges of winning in the postseason remained immense.
In my 15 years at the helm, I've had the privilege of drafting stellar pitchers – control artists with leather to match and softball IQs off the charts. Three Hall of Famers in particular, donned Royal Blue for three-year stints: Michael Barth, Barry Epstein, and Mark Fishkind. These collaborations not only enhanced our team's performance but also led to lifelong friendships.
One of the most poignant moments in my Captaincy came in 2022. My 2020 Royals team featured the late Max Henry, whose untimely passing occurred just before the 2022 TSSL draft. As a tribute to Max, the 2022 Royals (as well as many other TSSL teams) started our season opener with only nine men on the field. Our third baseman, Donnie Holtman, knelt at the dugout entrance during the first pitch, followed by a moment of silence. It was an emotionally charged moment that exemplified the deep bonds formed within our League. Reflecting on that moment still brings a wave of emotion over me.
We knew Max was with us that day, and the best way to honor Max’s legacy was to play our hearts out. The 2022 Royals dedicated their Opening Day, doubleheader sweep to Max, and it was a privilege to present the game ball, signed by the entire team, to his widow, Melanie, and son, Beau.
As I reflect on my journey from player to Captain, I'm struck by the growth, challenges, and profound moments I've experienced. It's been a platform for leadership, innovation, and building a strong brotherhood.
I know my approach as a Captain has not only shaped my teams but also contributed to the ever-evolving culture of the TSSL. As we continue to write new chapters in the League's history, I remain dedicated to pushing boundaries, honoring our traditions, and fostering the spirit of camaraderie and brotherhood that makes the TSSL so special.
My Journey with Charles
One of the most cherished traditions that make our League so special is the opportunity for players to share the field with family members. The bonds formed on the diamond go beyond the game, weaving family ties into the fabric of our League. For me, this tradition took on a profoundly personal meaning with the birth of my son, Charles, in July 2004.
Becoming a father has definitely lived up to the hype. Charles has never known life without the League being part of our family. From the time Charles was five years old, he eagerly counted down each year, reminding me how many more years it would be before he could join the League and play by my side. Here are two of the earliest pictures I have of him at the fields:
At the 2009 All-Star Game, August 2009
October 2009
These images capture the beginning of a journey that would transform both our lives and our relationship.
As a Captain, I drafted every imaginable combination of family members to play on the Royals – fathers and sons, brothers, uncles and nephews, cousins, etc. Each pairing added a unique dynamic to our team. However, nothing could prepare me for the joy of finally drafting my own son. I couldn’t wait for the day when it would be my turn. In 2022, that day finally came. Charles joined the league and we played together for three seasons (two spring, one fall).
This shared experience forged a deeper connection between us, transcending our roles as father and son. Charles quickly proved his worth, becoming a significant contributor to our Division-winning team in 2023 and our Championship team in 2024, subbing three consecutive doubleheaders at the end of the regular season after returning home from his freshman year at KU.
For me, playing alongside Charles was so much more than the obvious of getting to play with my son and just share a passion for softball. It was about filling a void that had existed in my life since I was five years old when my own father passed away. As Charles left for college last year, I penned a heartfelt letter to him, concluding with these words:
“Finally, … Charles, with you I’ve been given the greatest gift; to be the father I never got to have, to share your childhood with you; and see life through your eyes. The death and absence of my father from my life since I was five left an enduring void, one that persisted until 2004, the year you were born. You may never fully comprehend how profoundly you've gradually and graciously filled that void with healing, love, and shared moments. Your arrival didn't erase the emptiness, but it marked the beginning of a journey to heal and fill that space with the beauty of your existence.”
Our time together in the TSSL has created memories that will last a lifetime. Through Charles, I also found a way to honor the memory of my own father. In Charles, I see not just my son, but a reflection of the father-son relationship I once longed for, now beautifully realized on the softball fields of the TSSL.
June 30, 2023, at the K to see the LA Dodgers take on the Royals
The Long Road to Glory
After a 31-year drought, the 2024 season finally saw me capture my second Spring Championship, this time as both player and Captain. The tidal wave of raw emotion that we, as a team, felt and released when the final out was made is something I’ll never forget. It was a profound experience that moved me in ways few other moments have.
Hoisting the Bob Weinfeld Championship Trophy, I could feel the energy and joy radiating from within me – a culmination of decades of dedication, perseverance, and love for the League. One is fortunate at some point in their life to have one of these moments. Winning the Spring Championship stands alongside my marriage to Jenny and the birth of Charles as one of the most significant moments of my life. As we celebrate the 2024 Royals, this victory, coming in the League's 50th anniversary season, serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the TSSL and the lifelong passion it instills in its players.
From its humble beginnings to its current 20-team format, the TSSL has been more than just a softball league to me. It's been a brotherhood that has embraced me and provided a platform for personal growth. It has been a chronicle of friendships, some spanning decades, others newly forged but equally profound. Through triumphs and setbacks, the League has been a constant, shaping not just my athletic journey, but my life's path. It has allowed me to honor the memory of my father, to create indelible bonds with my son, and to be part of something greater than myself. I carry with me the lessons, friendships, and memories that this extraordinary League has gifted me.
As I reflect on my 34-year journey, I'm reminded that in the Temple Shalom Softball League, every at-bat, every play, and every season writes a new chapter in our collective story that binds us all together.
Photo by Cesar Garza
Front row l – r: Aaron Bartelson, Ronel Martinez, Scott Greenberg, Kyzer Hoover, David Fiorello, Adwild Perez
Back row: l – r: Kyle Casper, James Keller, Andy Wetterlin, Charles Lachman, Drew Waggoner, Larry Lachman, Ryan Greenberg, Chris Peterson, Dakota Wetterlin, Tommy Apligian
Photo by Cesar Garza
l - r: Aaron Bartelson, Chris Peterson, Kyzer Hoover, Drew Waggoner, Andy Wetterlin, Ryan Greenberg, Adwild Perez, Larry Lachman, James Keller, Scott Greenberg, David Fiorello, Charles Lachman, Tommy Apligian. Not pictured: Ronel Martinez, Kyle Casper
The 2024 TSSL Spring Champions: Lachman's Royals
Celebrating the League's 50th Spring Championship
