Beth Tzedec’s championship squad, back row from left, David Eisenstadt, Daniel Berholz, Noah Mintz (captain), Bill Greisman, Mike Yermus, Randy Flom, David Mann, Robbie Schachter. Front row from left,  Daniel Rethazy, Mike Flom. Not shown, Adam Dean, Allan Eckhaus, Jonathan Freeman, Adam Mintz. [Bill Greisman photo]

Two for two.

That’s the Beth Tzedec “Boys of October” record in back-to-back seasons after defeating a team from Beth Sholom synagogue 32-13 to win the 2008 Inter Synagogue Baseball League (ISBL) title. Beth Sholom finished first in regular season play, losing only two games.

For the second year in a row, Beth Tzedec, under team captain Noah Mintz, came through in a big way, despite struggling early in the season. The team won its final three regular season games to finish fifth in the 11-team league.

Steaming ahead, Beth Tzedec dispatched a powerful Junction Shul team two games to none in the quarter-finals, allowing fewer than four runs per game. Beth Tzedec then defeated second place Temple Emanu-El 17-15 in a do-or-die semifinal contest.

The rematch of the 2007 title game with Beth Sholom saw the defending champs – who ended a 20-year drought last season –jump to a 5-0 start as Randy Flom singled home two and son Mike Flom followed with an inside-the-park homer.

After giving up two runs to Beth Sholom, the hit parade continued with consecutive hits from Bill Greisman, Robbie Schachter and David Eisenstadt, who combined for 11 hits on the day. Dan Rethazy hit a bases-clearing triple, but not before Beth Sholom scored five runs to narrow the gap.

Dave Mann, Mike Yermus, Daniel Berholz and Noah Mintz combined to go 17 for 19, each homering for the third straight playoff game. Prior commitments kept stalwarts Adam Dean, Allan Eckhaus and Jonathan Freeman from playing in the final game.

Holy Blossom Temple took the consolation championship on total runs scored despite being defeated by a team from Adath Israel Congregation in their final game.