2002 Yearbook
2002 Stats 2002 Standings 2002 Awards
2002 Wolverines Summer Team Photo (above), Wolverine franchise Player Steve (right)
Wolverines say goodbye to Blue (above), Wolverines all smiles after 1 of 27 wins in 2002 (Right)
(Left) Verizon's Finest Jack and Dave, (Right) Tom (shocked) and Ben (all smiles), after Ben signs with Wolverines
Wolverines scout opponents (Left), The Walrus Umpire (looks for Marc Blue) makes his way to the field (Right)
(Left) Blue celebrating last moments of bachelorhood, (Right) Dave (late again) changing 2 minutes before game time
Following A Great 2002, Wolverines Gear Up For 2003
2002 was quite a year for The Queens Wolverines. The Wolverines began preparing for the 2002 Summer season in late February. After going 1-3 in the Spring exhibition season, confidence was still high for The Wolverines going into the Summer. The Wolverines returned a team, that barely missed the playoffs in 2001, and added pitcher Jack Schoen, and outfielder, Tom Sokolowski. Prior to week 1, The Wolverines found out, that star, Marc Bluestein, would be leaving to go to Maryland, late in the season.
The Wolverines started out 0-3, and things were not looking promising. Following a win over a very good Cut Kreator team, The Wolverines went on to win 9 out of their last 10 games. After saying farewell to Marc Bluestein (became the first member inducted to The Wolverine Hall of Fame) on July 14th, by pounding the Rogues, The Wolverines hit a skid going 2-6 to close out the 2002 Summer season and missing the playoffs by a game.
The Wolverines did finish 15-9 in the Summer season, 7 more wins then the previous years and also saw many team records broken. The Wolverines found a ace in Brian Lynch, who went 9-2 on the hill. Dave Jackson and Chris Dolengowicz both continued to be instant offense a the top of the order. Stephen Hoenigmann continued to show why he is one of the top players in the ABA, on both sides of the ball. Steve also made what many consider the greatest play (referred to as "the play") in softball history, July 28 against the Cut Kreators. The Wolverines were also able to "steal" away Ben Apel from Tom Sokolowski's, Bulldawg team. Ben made an immediate impact on the Wolverines.
With uncertainty about 2003, The Wolverines decided to play in The Fall, and looked to try out new talent. The Wolverines brought in 3B Matt Lawler, OF/1B Tracy "Tre" Johnson, OF/P Steve Bates (Bulldawgs), 1B Fran Laterra (Bulldawgs), and 2B/C Brian Bates (Bulldawgs). With 5 new players, The Wolverines found immediate success, as they flew through the Fall season, at 10-2 and winning the division.
Tracy Johnson, spanked 8 HR's during the Fall regular season (12 games), and became one of the most feared hitters in all of The ABA. Matt Lawler became The Wolverines infield version of Steve, as he vacuumed any ball that was hit to him. Matt also supplied a ton of power from the 6 hole, including a moon shot HR at Meadowbrook elementary, and a line drive, that took out The Shoguns 3B on October 6th. Ben Apel, became the 5 hitter The Wolverines desperately needed, leading the team in doubles, and finished second behind Tracy in HR's.
The Wolverines saw the playoffs for the first time ever, as they met The Metro's in the first round. After losing the first game 42-27, The Wolverines rebounded and won the next 2 games to advance to the championship, where they met The Shoguns, a team they split with on October 6th. With temperatures below 40 degrees, The Wolverines were not able to find a answer for the Shoguns, as The Shoguns, imported numerous ringers from their Summer roster to defeat The Wolverines.
Overall 2002, was a great year for The Wolverines. The Wolverines sported a record of 27-13 in 2002. Despite losing Marc Bluestein, they were able to add 3 tremendous players to the roster. With a lineup that will feature Dave Jackson, Chris Dolengowicz, Stephen Hoenigmann, Tre Johnson, Ben Apel, and Matt Lawler, the Wolverines will be one of the favorites to win it all in 2003