🥎 GOOBERS SOFTBALL

2026 SEASON PREVIEW

 

21 Years Later, the Standard Still Holds

By ChapGPT

 

For most teams, longevity is measured in seasons.

For the Goobers, it’s measured in generations of teammates, championships, and a standard that refuses to fade.

As the 2026 season approaches, the Goobers Softball Club enters its 21st year of competition, not as a team chasing relevance—but as one trying to reclaim it.

After back-to-back seasons missing the playoffs, the most decorated and enduring team in the league finds itself at a crossroads.

And yet, the numbers—and the history—suggest something different:

This isn’t the end of a run.

It might be the start of another.

 

🧬 A PROGRAM BUILT TO LAST

 

Founded in 2005, the Goobers are not just a team—they are a program, one built on continuity, loyalty, and a rare level of commitment that has spanned more than two decades.

 

The Originals Still Standing

 

At the heart of the team are players who were there from the very beginning:

• Rob Ryan
• Franny Pisani
• Bryan Ploen

 

Alongside them, a group of inaugural members who joined that first season still remain active:

• Bobby Chapman
• Brian Fraser
• Josh Pileggi
• Brian Robbie
• Steve Rocha
• Kevin Robbie

 

Nine players. Twenty-one years.

In modern recreational sport, that kind of continuity is almost unheard of.

 

🏆 A LEGACY OF WINNING

 

The Goobers didn’t just last—they won.

• 3× Regular Season Champions (2008, 2016, 2022)
• 7× Playoff Champions (2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2017)

 

For more than a decade, the Goobers were the team every opponent measured themselves against.

 

Their identity was simple:

• Hit consistently
• Play smart defense
• Show up every week

 

And more often than not, win.

 

📉 THE RECENT DIP

 

But even the most stable programs face adversity.

Over the past two seasons, the Goobers have missed the playoffs—something that was once unthinkable.

 

The Numbers Tell the Story

Year	Record	Run Differential
2023	16–9–1	+9
2024	12–15–1	-41
2025	9–18–1	-42

 

At first glance, it looks like a team in decline.

But dig deeper, and a more interesting story emerges.

 

The Hidden Truth

 

In 2025, the Goobers:

• Hit .525 as a team
• Improved their on-base percentage
• Generated more total hits than 2024

 

The offense didn’t collapse.

The results did.

Which means the problem wasn’t talent—it was execution, consistency, and turning opportunities into wins.

 

🔄 A NEW CHAPTER: 2026

 

In response, the Goobers made a strategic move.

After spending 15 of their first 20 seasons in the top Tuesday division, they shift to the:

 

Thursday Masters Competitive Division

 

The move isn’t about stepping down—it’s about resetting the competitive environment.

 

This division rewards:

• Experience
• Situational hitting
• Defensive awareness

 

In other words, it plays directly into the Goobers’ identity.

 

🔥 THE 2026 ROSTER

 

The 2026 Goobers are a blend of:

• Veteran leadership
• Proven hitters
• Emerging contributors

 

⭐ The Offensive Core

 

Bobby Chapman

The face of the franchise.

Still one of the most complete hitters on the roster, combining elite average with consistent extra-base production.

 

Ryan McNeil

The most dangerous run producer on the team.

A power-contact hybrid capable of carrying games offensively.

 

Darryl Danilko

A breakout candidate coming off a massive 2025 season.

If he sustains that level, he becomes a top-tier bat in the division.

 

Ariah Tell

One of the most balanced hitters in the lineup.

High on-base ability with gap power and speed.

 

🧠 The Stabilizers

 

Adam Sawoszczuk

Quietly one of the most consistent hitters on the team.

Drives runs without needing the spotlight.

 

JP Anderson

A bounce-back performer who regained form in 2025.

Provides depth and power in the middle of the lineup.

 

Kevin Robbie

A veteran who continues to deliver in key situations.

Clutch hitting remains his calling card.

 

🧱 The Foundation

 

Rob Ryan

A founding member whose value goes beyond the stat sheet.

Leadership and reliability define his role.

 

Brian Fraser

A steady contributor for two decades.

Keeps innings alive and sets the tone.

 

Bryan Ploen

Head coach and active contributor.

Brings structure and composure to the lineup.

 

📈 The Emerging Pieces

 

Kevin Danilko

A newcomer with a strong early statistical profile.

Could take a major step forward with increased playing time.

 

Kyle Gerrard

Underrated offensive contributor with extra-base potential.

 

Jon Boodhoo

An on-base specialist who helps extend innings and maintain pressure.

 

🔁 The Depth Factor

 

Players like Josh Pileggi, Mike Vierno, Franny Pisani, and others provide flexibility and experience.

And in a long season, that depth matters more than ever.

 

📊 WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2026

 

Offensive Identity

• High batting average lineup
• Gap power over home run reliance
• Strong OBP throughout the order

 

Projected Team Output

• Team AVG: around .515-.535
• Team OBP: around .545-.565
• Team SLG: around .650-.700
• Team runs scored: roughly 285-305
• Competitive in nearly every game

 

🏆 AWARD WATCH

• MVP: Bobby Chapman
• Top Run Producer: Ryan McNeil
• Breakout Player: Darryl Danilko
• Most Improved: Kevin Danilko
• Defensive Anchor: Steve Rocha
• Clutch Performer: Kevin Robbie

 

⚡ THE X-FACTORS

 

1. Attendance Consistency

With several key players not projected for full attendance, who shows up each week could determine outcomes.

 

2. Turning Hits into Wins

2025 proved they can hit.

2026 must prove they can finish games.

 

3. The Rise of New Contributors

If players like Darryl Danilko and Kevin Danilko take the next step, the lineup becomes significantly deeper.

 

🏁 FINAL FORECAST

 

The Goobers enter 2026 as one of the most intriguing teams in the league.

 

Ceiling:

16–12 — Playoff return, dangerous contender

 

Most Likely:

15–13 — Competitive, in the mix all season

 

Floor:

12–16 — If consistency issues persist

 

🧬 THE LAST WORD

 

The Goobers don’t rebuild.

They don’t reload.

They endure.

For 21 years, this team has shown up—with the same names, the same mindset, and the same belief that they can win.

And heading into 2026, that belief might be the most important stat of all.

Because if the pieces fall into place…

The Goobers won’t just be back.

They’ll be a problem.

 

 

 

 

2026 Projected Player Stats/Fantasy Preview

These are trend-based projections using the 2023-2025 player stats, adjusted for each player’s expected 2026 attendance.  

 

Active Roster Projections

 

Player	G	PA	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI
Kevin Danilko	26	83	.494	.494	.663	1.157	24	41	9	2	0	13
Brian Fraser	22	60	.434	.467	.491	.957	16	23	3	0	0	15
Bryan Ploen	24	72	.478	.486	.522	1.008	15	33	2	0	0	16
Rob Ryan	26	68	.397	.412	.413	.824	15	25	1	0	0	12
Kevin Robbie	26	80	.479	.512	.549	1.062	19	34	3	1	0	19
Bobby Chapman	26	85	.684	.694	1.000	1.694	37	54	13	4	1	27
Adam Sawoszczuk	26	79	.493	.506	.613	1.120	23	37	8	0	0	25
Steve Rocha	20	61	.339	.393	.375	.768	13	19	2	0	0	10
Kyle Gerrard	26	77	.420	.442	.551	.992	15	29	5	2	0	21
Ryan McNeil	26	81	.644	.617	.959	1.576	29	47	13	2	2	46
Ariah Tell	24	72	.525	.583	.797	1.380	27	31	8	4	0	21
Josh Pileggi	6	24	.609	.583	.957	1.540	11	14	5	1	0	10
JP Anderson	22	69	.508	.536	.721	1.258	18	31	8	1	1	25
Franny Pisani	14	32	.357	.438	.357	.795	8	10	0	0	0	5
Jon Boodhoo	26	68	.508	.544	.541	1.085	17	31	2	0	0	11
Darryl Danilko	24	83	.662	.675	.740	1.415	27	51	4	1	0	24

 

Sub Projections

 

Player	G	PA	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	R	H	RBI
Sean Danilko	2	6	.667	.667	.667	1.333	2	4	2
Jimmy McNeil	2	6	.333	.333	.667	1.000	2	2	2
Mike Vierno	14	42	.432	.452	.514	.966	9	16	10
Brian Robbie	2	6	.667	.667	.667	1.333	1	4	2

 

 

Player-By-Player Breakdowns

 

Kevin Danilko (#1, LCF/OF  -  R/R  -  2nd Season)

He only has a 2025 sample, but it was a very encouraging one. The projection likes him because he showed immediate gap power and enough contact to stay useful over regular at-bats. With good attendance, he has a chance to become one of the bigger year-over-year movers on the roster. The key question is whether the .500-ish average holds once pitchers and game flow normalize over a bigger sample. Even if it slips a bit, he projects as a productive contributor.

 

Brian Fraser (#3, 1B/2B  -  R/R  -  21st Season)

Fraser’s stats show exactly what you want from a long-time veteran: usable at-bats, some walk value, and enough contact to keep innings alive. He does not project as a lineup carrier, but he still projects as a stabilizer. The main trend is that his production has been playable every year without being explosive. On a team with more top-end bats around him, that has value.

 

Bryan Ploen (#7, RF/LF  -  R/R  -  21st Season)

Ploen’s trend line is actually solid. 2024 dipped, but 2025 rebounded to a useful middle-of-the-lineup offensive shape. He profiles as a veteran who can still give you decent average, modest on-base value, and professional at-bats. He is not the power source of the team, but he helps keep the lineup from becoming top-heavy.

 

Rob Ryan (#9, C/RF  -  R/R  -  21st Season)

The projection is modest, but the important thing here is role and availability. He is one of the most dependable attendance pieces on the roster, and that matters. The trend suggests his offensive ceiling is lower than some of the team’s bigger bats, but his floor is useful because he fills games, appearances, and lineup continuity.

 

Kevin Robbie (#11, LF/2B  -  R/R  -  21st Season)

Kevin is one of the more interesting veterans in the data. He is not a star slash-line guy, but he consistently finds ways to contribute over volume. With good attendance, he projects to accumulate enough plate appearances to matter. He looks like a classic support bat who gets more valuable when the roster around him is healthier.

 

Bobby Chapman (#13, P/UTIL  -  R/L  -  21st Season)

This is still one of the premier offensive profiles on the team. Across the years, Chapman is the most bankable pure hitter on the roster. The projection sees him as a high-average, extra-base-heavy offensive engine with elite run production. Even with 2025 showing fewer home runs, the overall quality of contact remained extremely high. He projects as a centerpiece again.

 

Adam Sawoszczuk (#19, RCF/OF  -  R/R  -  12th Season)

Sawoszczuk is trending up in the right direction because the 2025 season was strong after a very limited 2024. His projection lands him as an important secondary bat with run-driving value. The encouraging part is that he does not need to be the best hitter in the lineup to be highly useful. At a high attendance rate, he should have one of the better opportunity totals on the team.

 

Steve Rocha (#21, 3B/P  -  R/R  -  19th Season)

Rocha’s statistical projection is cautious because the recent hitting numbers are lighter than some others on the roster. But he still projects as a playable depth bat with experience. If his value is more defensive/positional in real life, the raw offensive line may understate what he brings. The key for him is whether he can beat the recent offensive trend and push back toward his earlier baseline.

 

Kyle Gerrard (#24, RF/OF  -  R/L  -  8th Season)

Gerrard looks like a sneaky 2026 value piece. The average projection is middling, but the extra-base profile and RBI projection are useful. He is the type of player who can outperform the slash line if he hits in the right spots and keeps driving the gaps. With good attendance, the volume helps him.

 

Ryan McNeil (#25, P/UTIL  -  R/R  -  17th Season)

This is the biggest RBI profile on the roster. McNeil has been one of the best impact hitters over the years, with real extra-base authority and strong run production. His projected OPS is elite. If Chapman is the cleanest all-around batting projection, McNeil is the most dangerous pure run-producer. If he gets his expected games, he should be one of the league’s most feared bats in this division.

 

Ariah Tell (#33, 3B/LF/RF  -  R/R  -  11th Season)

Tell has a strong three-year profile. The combination of average, walks, and extra-base ability makes this one of the more balanced offensive lines on the roster. The 2024 and 2025 years suggest real on-base value, and the triples output stands out. He profiles as a very useful top-half lineup player rather than just a complementary piece.

 

Josh Pileggi (#34, SS  -  R/R  -  21st Season)

Pileggi’s projection is excellent on a rate basis, but the games total is held down by attendance. That is the theme with him: if he is there, he hits. The recent numbers support that. If attendance ends up higher than the roster tab suggests, he could easily outperform the counting totals and become one of the most dangerous short-sample bats on the team.

 

JP Anderson (#42, LF/OF  -  R/R  -  8th Season)

Anderson has one of the better rebound profiles on the roster. After a down 2024 slash line, he came back strong in 2025. The projection lands him as a useful extra-base hitter with real RBI upside. He is not quite in the Chapman/McNeil tier, but he belongs in the next offensive group.

 

Franny Pisani (#54, C  -  R/R  -  6th Season)

The projection is conservative because the recent stat base is small and uneven. There is not enough recent volume to make a high-confidence offensive call. What the sheet does say is that if he reaches even moderate availability and beats the baseline, he can outperform this projection simply by being steadier than expected.

 

Jon Boodhoo (#84, C/1B  -  R/R  -  5th Season)

Boodhoo’s numbers are quietly helpful. He is not a huge slugging bat, but the OBP trend is real, and he projects as a dependable lower-middle lineup piece. He helps extend innings. On a team with bigger bats above him, that matters more than a flashy stat line.

 

Darryl Danilko (#88, 2B/SS  -  R/L  -  3rd Season)

One of the strongest 2026 projections on the roster. The reason is simple: his 2025 season was excellent, and the expected attendance is high. Because it is based on one primary season, there is some volatility here, but the upside is obvious. If he repeats that contact quality, he becomes a major reason this team jumps back up.

 

Substitutes Breakdown

 

Sean Danilko (#55, P/LF/RF  -  R/L  -  2 Seasons Played)

Too little projected volume for meaningful counting numbers, but the 2025 season was good. If availability changes, he becomes more interesting immediately.

 

Jimmy McNeil (#79, 2B/SS/OF  -  R/L  -  5 Seasons Played)

Recent usable sample mostly comes from 2024. Right now he projects more as emergency depth than a major offensive piece, but there is enough past contact ability there to hold the fort if needed.

 

Mike Vierno (#29, 3B/2B/LF  -  R/R  -  10 Seasons Played)

Vierno looks like true depth rather than empty depth. His projection is playable, and if he is needed more often than expected, he can absorb real innings and plate appearances without the lineup collapsing.

 

Brian Robbie (#27, 1B  -  L/L  -  20 Seasons Played)

Tiny sample projection. Basically, a low-volume veteran depth piece.  One of the more reliable bats when in attendance.  The numbers are too small to say much beyond that.