Sports Saturdays: Inside Mountainside's Aces Softball League

The Mountainside Aces softball league has grown from a dozen players into an 11-team recreational program with close to 165 participants. The league's story begins with passion, persistence, and community building in the small town of Mountainside.

The league began in 2019 when Matt Leonardelli, who had played softball in his 20s, sought to recreate that recreational experience in Mountainside. After moving to town, Leonardelli asked residents if they played softball and eventually recruited enough players for a team in the Tri-Town League. Though the team struggled initially, losing games 20-1 and 18-2, the players enjoyed the experience.

When the Tri-Town League folded during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Leonardelli had recruited enough players for two teams. He approached the Mountainside Recreation Department with an ambitious idea. Jeff Crone, who shared similar goals for the town, became his partner. "The town basically said, 'Matt meet Jeff, Jeff meet Matt. Figure it out,'" Crone recalled.

Adam Nord was part of the original group that started with about a dozen players. "We started with one team, and now we're up to 11," Nord said. "Going from 12 guys to now close to 165, of just locals, is pretty incredible for such a small town."

The league operates on a competitive but community-focused model. Orange won the summer championship on August 9, with more than 150 players participating in the summer league. The league has since shifted into fall ball, mostly comprising players 30 and older with games played Sunday mornings at Deerfield. Current rules call for 12 regular-season games per team followed by double-elimination playoffs.

Teams carry the Aces name, including Green, Gold, Purple, Orange, Red, Blue, and Carolina. Though players compete on the field, they maintain strong friendships off it, going on golf trips, participating in fantasy football leagues, and helping each other move.

The league's success reflects volunteer effort from community members. Michael Streaman, whose son Andrew plays in the league, has volunteered cooking for players and families. After watching his son play and seeing families spend long days at the field, Streaman stepped up. "I thought to myself, you know, it's a long day. They really should have something to eat," Streaman said. One taco night involved making about 150 tacos. Steve Giordano maintains detailed statistics through a league website, compiling data dating back to 2019.

FAQ

Q: What is the Mountainside Aces softball league?

A: The Mountainside Aces is a recreational softball league founded in 2019 by Matt Leonardelli and Jeff Crone. It has grown from a single team of 12 players into an 11-team league with close to 165 participants, serving players of various ages.

Q: When did the Mountainside Aces league start?

A: The league began in 2019 when Matt Leonardelli sought to recreate a recreational softball experience in Mountainside. He recruited players and initially entered the Tri-Town League. After that league folded during COVID-19 in 2020, Leonardelli partnered with Jeff Crone to establish the independent Aces league in Mountainside.

Q: How many teams and players are in the league?

A: The league currently has 11 teams with close to 165 participants, a remarkable growth from the original dozen players.

Q: What are the team names?

A: Teams carry the Aces name: Green, Gold, Purple, Orange, Red, Blue, and Carolina Aces.

Q: When does the league play?

A: The league operates summer and fall seasons. Summer league runs competitively with double-elimination playoffs. Fall ball games are played Sunday mornings at Deerfield, mostly comprising players 30 and older.

Q: What are the game rules?

A: Teams play 12 regular-season games followed by double-elimination playoffs.

Q: Who won the summer championship?

A: Orange won the summer championship on August 9 with more than 150 players participating in the summer league.

Q: Is the league just about competition?

A: While the league is competitive on the field, it emphasizes community and friendships off the field. Players go on golf trips, participate in fantasy football leagues, and help each other move, building lasting bonds beyond softball.

Q: How is the league organized and maintained?

A: The Mountainside Department of Recreation partners with the league. Steve Giordano maintains detailed statistics and the league website, compiling data since the league's inception in 2019.

Q: How can I get involved or volunteer?

A: The league welcomes volunteer support. Contact the Mountainside Department of Recreation for information about joining the league or volunteering for the program.

Q: What inspired the creation of this league?

A: Founder Matt Leonardelli wanted to recreate the recreational softball experience he had enjoyed in his 20s. After moving to Mountainside, he began recruiting local players. Though the original Tri-Town League team struggled, the players' enjoyment of the sport motivated Leonardelli to establish an independent league when the opportunity arose.