2023 Season

The 2023 SJMSBL regular season has officially concluded, and the Philadelphia Wolves finished in first place in their first seaosn in the league. The team went 13-4 in the Mid Week Semi-Pro Division The Wolves had a mini bye into the semi-finals of the playoffs. They took on the Philadelphia Athletics, who defeated the Corinthians in the 4v5 Wild Card Game Monday, July 24th.

Game 1 of the semi-finals was played Tuesday, July 25th at Deere Field. The Wolves lost in crushing fashion, surrendering a 5-3 lead to the Athletics, eventually losing 8-6 after a rough 5th inning. The bats did what they could to come back, but it was too little, too late.

Game 2 was played Wednesday, July 26th at Notre Dame Field in Delran and the Wolves came back in dramatic fashion. The Athletics got out to a 2-1 lead and eventually growing the lead to as many as 7 runs, 8-1. The Wolves clawed their way back, nehind strong pitching from Walmsley, Leto and Fresta. They came back to make it a 1 run game in the top of the 6th inning before scoring the go ahead run in the top of the 7th on a Paul Cotler single. Another two runs scored on a wild pitch during an at bat where the A's pitcher tried to stall in order for the game to be called for darkness. The Athletics' efforts were all for naught, as the Wolves won 12-8, with Louie Fresta shutting the door in the bottom of the 7th inning in less than 5 minutes, as the umpires would have likely called the game for darnkess and reverted the score back to what it was at the end of the 6th, in essence, eliminating the Wolves on a complication.

Game 3 was played Monday, July 31st at Lindenwold Sports Complex. In a classic pitchers duel, Sean Ahrens and Steve Gallagher each went the distance, as the A's edged out the Wolves, 3-2 in a highly competitive game 3. The A's scored their runs on timely hits and defensive miscues from the Wolves, and the Wolves' late rally was cut short as the tying run was stranded on third base, winning run on second, on a 2-2 swinging strikeout.

All in all, while disappointing, the 2023 season can be looked at from a few different angles. Few will deem it a success, but there is plenty to build on. Setting a single-season record for wins (14) and getting a bye into the playoffs, the Wolves were the favorite to win the championship, but just came up short. In spite of this, the team boasted nine all star nominations (Cotler, Dellavecchio, Dunn, Gallagher, Gemberling, Oliver, Powlus, Schaming, Smart), the league leaders in innings pitched (Gallagher), ERA (Gallagher), saves (Powlus), extra base hits (Dunn) and home runs (Dunn). Patt Dunn took home team MVP and Silver Slugger, batting .500 on the season. Steve Gallagher and Bruce Leto won their second consecutive Pitcher of the Year and Infield Gold Glove award(s), respectively. Newcomers Brian Smart and Zach Gemberling took home Rookie of the Year and Outfield Gold Glove honors.

The team boasts a lot of accolades but is searching for that elusive third championship entering Fall Ball. They will be given the chance to defend their 2022 Fall Ball championship beginning Sunday, September 10th, 2023 at Berlin AA Field at 9:00AM as they take on the Dirt Bags. Manager Rob Grabel will be taking a back seat this fall, stepping out of Center Field and into the coaching box and dugout to manage the team. He has high expectations for his club, boasting arguably the deepest roster in team history.

The Wolves are also entering into the NABA Labor Day Tournament in Atlantic City, managed by Bruce Leto. Their first game being Saturday, September 2nd. The tournament will consist of 4 teams who will all face each other once in round robin play. The #1 seed will be awared a bye into the championship Sunday at 4:00 The wolves will face Nutmeg State Baseball and Teaneck Titans on September 2nd at Somers Point Field, followed by the Springfield Giants on Sunday the 3rd at Margate Field. If they qualify, the semi-final game will be played Sunday at 4:00 at Margate Field and the championship, Monday September 4th at 8:30AM at Margate Field.

We wish the team the best of luck in both the 2023 NABA Labor Day Tournament and 2023 SJMSBL Fall Season! For updates, follow us on twitter @PhilaWolves and on Instagram @philadelphiawolvesbaseball