Founded in the 1990’s, the Reilly’s Rascals Thunder are one of the oldest teams in the Beantown Softball League, having won numerous league titles in Boston as well as a variety of tournament championships.
Throughout the franchise’s history, the Thunder have focused on playing winning softball with friends while eliminating drama.
Now coached by Dave Nelson, the team is the defending Division 2 regular season champion in the Beantown Softball League after coming off a 15-5 record last season.
Since being founded in 1994 as the Mike’s Gym Devils, the Thunder have won more than 250 games. Led by former coach Ken Carty, the squad earned seven Divisions 2 or 3 regular season championships, to go along with four playoff titles.
Outside of Boston, the Thunder franchise have qualified for national World Series appearances in 1997 (San Diego), 2000 (Toronto), 2005 (San Diego), 2009 (Milwaukee), 2010 (Columbus) and 2011 (Chicago). The final three World Series appearances were done in tandem with the then Thunder Alley’s sister team, the Alley Gators.
In addition, the Thunder have won tournament titles in New York City (twice 1998 and 2007), Boston (2010), and Toronto (1994) as well earning top three finishes in Ft. Lauderdale and Phoenix.
Also having served as Thunder coach is Frank Mickelson. Along with Carty and Mickelson other BSL Hall of Famers who have played for the Thunder include Eddie Banks, Frank Berardis, Matt Collins, Vinnie Peruzzi, Peter O’Leary, Manny Rebello, Kenny Sawada, Billy Story, and Joey Peltier, who is also in the NAGAAA Hall of Fame.
