Nicklebee’s started the playoffs against the surprise team of the league, Vandelay Industries.  Nicklebee’s offense led by Gregg Armbruster and Jack Schaub jumped out to a fast 7-0 lead.  Despite Vandelay’s strong defense, Nicklebee’s won 11-3.  The second game against Chico’s was a turning point where Nicklebee’s,  despite Jeff Uccello nearly hitting for “the cycle”, lost their only game of the playoffs and watched Chico’s go on to win the winners bracket.

The following Saturday Nicklebee’s had a long road ahead, having to face Pete Amodeo and After Hours, the second place Flakes and last years champs the StewDoggz.  Jeff Uccello continued his hitting streak going 3-4 with a triple.  A fired up Eric Brady went “Yard”  in the first inning.  Nicklebee’s was behind 6-2 in the fifth inning, but with motivation from injured Joe Schlindwein and three innings from complete elimination, they hit for 5 runs and never looked back.  The Flakes game saw Nicklebee’s hit under pressure with MVP Chris Cavanaugh and Lou Salvatore each going 3-4.  “Rookie of the Year”  Eric Brady hit a huge 3 run Home Run in the second.  Bill Zielinski started a two out rally (one of many) hitting an opposite field double to the surprise of the Flakes.  Rob Weber’s flawless first base play finished off many ground ball outs.  Scott Kelly came up with a spectacular deep right center field diving catch to stop an inevitable 3 run homer by the Flakes. Dennis Finizio, who came in for injured 2005 “Cy Young” pitcher Gregg Armbruster, shut down the Flakes offense and went on to win the game 11-7.

Nicklebee’s now faced last years champs the StewDoggz, who just lost to Chico’s and facing elimination from the finals for the first time in 4 years.  Nicklebee’s adjusted the line up and their bats were strong.  Excellent outfield catches by Lane Lundberg, Jack Schaub, Jeff Uccello and Scott Kelly kept the run total to only 1.  Dennis Finizio (4-4) and Bill Zielinski (3-3 with 3 runs) lead the strong offense.  Power of old was shown by MVP Chris Cavanaugh and Jack Schaub each going “Yard” and racking up 5 RBI’s.  Nicklebee’s completed the game 11-1 and were going to the finals.

Chico’s came to the field Sunday fresh from their one game win over the StewDoggz and cocky.  A battered but driven Nicklebee’s had other plans.  Game 1 showed the return of injured Gregg Armbruster.  A solid infield by Eric, Cav, Lou and Dennis shut out the confused Chico’s the first three innings and Nicklebee’s were up 7-0.  Another excellent offensive show by “Boston’s” very own Jeff  “Rocket Arm” Uccello (5-5) and a 3-4 Rob Weber lead Nicklebee’s to a 12-4 win.  Nicklebee’s sensing the momentum change and the uncertain offense of Chico’s, began game 2 the same as the first.  Nicklebee’s pitching and defense shut out Chico’s again until the third inning.  Chico’s took an all to short lived lead 2-1.  Nicklebee’s came right back and scored a solid 6 runs with Nicklebee’s batting around and never looking back.  Clutch hitting by Lane Lundberg kept a 2 out rally going that scored another 4 runs.  The bottom of the 6th saw a two out Gregg Armbruster “legged”  three run Home Run, to seal the game 11-6.  The 2005 win is Nicklebee’s 5th Championship in the last 10 years.  For those who wondered…..the “curse”  is officially over.