Team of the Week: Lob-Stars

June 12, 1:42 pm by merlisa

Once a tiny team that split off from Snowe Business, the Lob-Stars have clawed their way into playoff contention in the Senate Softball League.

The Lob-Stars represent the office of Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). Last year they beat Sen. Olympia Snowe’s (R-Maine) team, their rivals, by one run. This year they trounced the team, 17-2, on Snowe Business’ home turf and are now in third place in Division 2.

The difference? Organization. “We’re gaining in popularity,” said captain Brandon Milton, mail coordinator in Collins’ office. “We’re attracting a lot people who want to be a part of our team because we’re organized. It lets everybody know we’re serious.”

So serious are they that their squad ballooned to 38 players. This year players pitched in to purchase a permit for a designated field at 23rd Street and Constitution Avenue Northwest. “It helps to know where you’re playing every week,” Milton said.

They developed a team logo — a red lobster, of course — and purchased customized red and white uniforms for players and additional uniforms for their fans. When opponents arrive for a Lob-Stars game they see a sea of red.

Lob-Stars assistant coach Nikki McKinney boasted about stealing a “franchise player” from rival Snowe Business: Matt Kinsman, who played baseball at Merrimack College. “He’s really good,” said Milton, putting it mildly.

Although Kinsman is the only person on the team who played at the collegiate level, most of the Lob-Stars played softball or baseball in high school. And unlike many teams stacked with hired guns and unaffiliated friends, 75 percent of the Lob-Stars are from Maine.

Last year the Lob-Stars made the playoffs and lost in the second round. “This year we’re hoping to get further into the play-offs,” said Milton.

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