Get Your Popcorn Ready; MVP & Bagas to Square Off in 2-Game Series

For the 1st time ever, DSSL Commissioner, Scott Schmidt, has green-lit a highly-requested 4th of July game. Sandlot Style. It is only fitting that the two teams slated for this monumental game are, of course, the best of the best: The Stoners and Sizzlin.

While that is true, I’m obviously talking about MVP and the Bagas. A heavy-weight match-up that has slow pitch softball purists drooling in anticipation.

These two teams have had quite a history dating back to the league’s origins as both are members of the “Original 6.” However, it has been the last 5 seasons (2017-2019, 2021-2022) that have heightened tensions and expectations when these two teams collide.

How have the two fared against each other in that time?

• 2017: Bagas defeat MVP in semi-finals*
• 2018: Bagas defeat top-seeded/undefeated MVP in semi-finals*
• 2019: “Young Douchebags” MVP defeats top-seeded Bagas in finals
• 2021: Boys’ cheating scandal spoils the finals rematch we all deserved
• 2022: Ryan James hands Bagas’ Week 1 win on silver platter (see “Dismal Opening Day for MVP“)

*The Bagas would go on to win both the 2017 and 2018 (as well as the 2016) championships following their victories over an MVP squad that was transitioning from their original core to a new generation.

In those 5 years, MVP and the Bagas would go on trading punches in the regular season, usually going MVP’s way. However, King James and his reign of terror in the postseason (3 straight championships and 5 straight appearances) has been a nightmare for the rest of the league, including MVP.

After recognizing the success the Bagas have enjoyed since their transfer of power, Tom Loesch decided that the 2021 season would be his final at the helm. He acknowledged it was time for a new face to represent the bright future for MVP.

His successor?

A young douchebag.

Half kidding.

The new GM was thrown into the fire as his first match-up was his toughest test: the Bagas. It did NOT go well to say the least as the Bagas won in what is now known within the MVP circle as “The Ryan James Debacle.” Since then, the young GM has led a rejuvenated MVP to 6 straight wins in which they have outscored opponents 104-41. In the meantime, the Bagas have been taking care of business only dropping one game to the Bullworms due to a shortage of regulars as well as a 44-run performance against the Stoners.

Safe to say that these teams can absolutely swing it.

Both teams have 1 loss as MVP (6-1) comes in with a league-high 6 wins and the Bagas are right behind with a 5-1 record heading into the 2-game series in early July.

These match-ups seem more excitement-driven than hate-driven as they were in the past. This is likely due to the fact that many Baga and MVP players play together on Thursday nights and talk about life atop the DSSL food chain and their least favorite teammates. I’ll let you decide who they might be. *Ryan James* The two parties have even entertained a potential collaboration to overrun the league in 2023 and the years to come. (DEVELOPING…)

Regardless of the outcomes, this blogger can guarantee these things:

• The winner of this series will be the top seed
• Ryan James WILL get bullied by both benches
• The Bagas will have more children in attendance
• MVP will have better uniforms
• This rivalry’s final chapter will be written in August

Fans can expect quite the experience as the first match-up will be capped off with a fireworks show and series finale will be Ryan James Bobblehead Day Presented by PwC.