Who We Are: We're the Conundrums, a non-profit, non-fictional mysterious band of self-delusionary, self-centered rag-tag softball dudes playing a game we've loved since we saw our first "King And His Court" contest.
What We Do: To scores of empty crowds, play low-quality softball at hallowed Lakewood Park.
Why We Do It: It's in our blood, it's what we live for, it's why we exist - and besides, it keeps us off the streets.
In April 2010 the Conundrums embarked upon their 13th year in the Lakewood Leisure Softball League. But as the team entered training camp, questions remained unanswered. The team's crushing loss in the 2009 tournament left the players devastated. And after yet another second place finish to arch rival Rusty Machine, the club's future remained uncertain. Free agent Brandon Casey was expected to help bolster the infield, yet he was an unproven commodity. The club was aging. Would player/coach Bob Tomey's decrepit back hold up to the rigors of the new year. Would the middle lineup of Aubin/Emmot/Ries/Wilcoxen provide clutch hitting at crucial moments? What about the pitching? Sean Butcher had been the workhorse (really?) for years but upstart Dale St. Aubin was knocking at the ace's door (or mound). The Year of the Puzzler examines these issues as the film chronicles the Conundrums' 2010 season, the quest for the championship that has alluded them since 2004. But the film is more than just a highlight reel - it's a critical documentary into the many nuances of the many players throughout that glorious season. Paul Ries' amazing hit streak, Jason Emmot's scruffy beard in need of a serious shave, Bob Tomey's penny folly. At times funny, occasionally incomprehensible, yet always informative, the film provides a window into the lives of the players and their fans. There's even a surprise interview with former Conundrum Mark "Comrade" Satriano. Two years behind schedule, The Year of the Puzzle was fraught with many post production problems - filmmaker Bob "Spongpants" Tomey nearly abandoned the project after falling asleep in his studio, awakening to find dried up saliva on his laptop keyboard. But with many of life's endless challenges, Mrs. Tomey's Son found inner strength after receiving a vision he claimed was delivered from Martin Scorcese's key grip, prodding the troubled soul to press on, and on and...
Though no awards have been handed out for the film (nor are any expected), The Year of the Puzzler is must-see for any connoisseur of low budget amateurish beer league softball entertainment. (This film has not been rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.)
Top Row: Tim Doherty, Randy Dickman, Ben Kessel, Bob Tomey, Tom Hodorff, Sean Butcher, Brandon Casey, Dan Steel. Bottom Row: Mark Satriano, Eddie Layton, Ryan Wilcoxen, Jason Emmot, Eric Swanson, Paul Ries, Ben Metz
