From 10-Year Losing Streak to the League Finals

The Pub Ryots, a team that has totaled more losses than wins in the last 10 years, was an unlikely group to play in this year's softball championship game.

The Ryots took an unconventional route to get the Rye Recreation Women's League final, losing every game in the last decade before defeating the Davy Byrnes Rum Rummers in May. The team then went on to hand F & A, whom it faced in the championship game, its first and only loss of the season.

Though the Ryots lost 14-3 in the championship game last Wednesday, its team spirit and camaraderie has helped it survive since the league's first season in 1974.

"It's not just a softball game for the Ryots," said the team's coach, Mary Slater. "It's a family and friends outing each time out."

Slater has had five family members contribute to the team, as her mother and five sisters were all players at one time. Slater's children and husband, Matt, have been loyal fans for the past 20 years, as well.

The team, which includes long-time players such as catcher Dona Dehlorey, Goo Burgess, Joanne Ryan, Maureen Galicano, and Kiki Cocola, has forged a bond that has developed from the fun—and losses—it has had on the field.

Teammates also spend lots of time together off the field, throwing events such as pool parties and holiday gatherings and meeting at local establishments, including the Pub and Kelly's.

The players' children also have forged friendships. Slater and teammate Eileen Coughlin each have sons, Christopher and Thomas, who have grown up next to their mothers on the field for the past 15 years.

"We have the most amazing fans and more kids than any other team," Slater said. "It is a fun family event and the kids love running the bases and getting filthy!"

Slater, 38, a secretary for Pinto Electric Company in Rye who also helps her parents at their business, The Post Road Market, has lived in Rye her entire life. Slater took over coaching duties five years ago for Melora Cronin, who was the team's coach for more than 20 years and decided to step down.

"She kept the spirit of the Ryots alive," Slater said of Cronin.

The team, which is sponsored by the Pub on Elm Place, got its name because softball spectators thought the team was hysterical to watch at games, even though it kept on losing. Apparently, softball fans found humor in defeat. 

"They knew they were a comedic riot from Rye to watch," Slater said of the original Ryots.

The Ryots' worst loss came about 15 years ago to a team who scored more than 30 runs before one out had even been tallied.

"That was the worse game ever," Slater said.

The other team, whose name she can't remember, asked the Ryots to quit but Slater's team refused.

"Our motto for that game was 'We may be losers, but we aren't quitters,'" she said.

The game went five innings, ending in a 47-0 loss for the Ryots.

But this season, the Ryots had a turnaround, finishing with a 5-11 record and making it to the finals. The highlight of the team's season came when it ended its 10-year losing streak.

"We just knew we could do it," Slater said of the 4-3 win against the Rum Runners.

"Once we started putting points on the board, we could taste the win," she said. 

Slater and her fellow teammates were in awe.

"It was like winning the World Series," she said. "We were in disbelief."

The Pub Ryots hope to go even further next season, possibly taking the team from decade-long losers on the field to softball league champions.

Either way, the Ryots will continue to enjoy the game, Slater said.

"What makes our team the biggest and loudest in the league is that we are always looking to win or at least have fun, she said. "We don't waste time on the small stuff."