Since joining the league in 2004 the Thunder has always been a solid middle-tier team that has competed strongly but always fallen an inning or a run short against the better teams in the league. Can't remember how many 1 run losses we had in 2008! The addition of the three stars this year in Teddy and Jonny Martin and Ron Massaroni has helped to propel the Thunder to where we were able to compete with the best in the league. What has always made the Thunder special was the teamwork and camaraderie that was shared on the field and in the dugout. What made 2009 a special season despite the early departure from the playoffs, is the addition of three great players without sacrificing that sense of team and solidarity that has been the hallmark of our team. It has always been a special team and this year it was even more so. Congratulations to my Thunder teammates and to the core that has been there from the beginning, this year was even more special. Hopefully Richie will be back to join us in 2010 and we will take another run at that championship.