It must have been their superhero powers.
Green Lantern was the No. 10 seed for the D1 Division playoffs of the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association ( CMSA ) open ( primarily men ) softball season, which culminated Aug. 23. And they ended up winning the title, edging Broadway Cellars Crush. The Sidetrack Bears were third in D1.
"Green Lantern was the biggest shock [ of the playoffs ] ," said Jack Neilsen, the league commissioner. "Overall, I thought the playoffs were great, a fitting end to a wonderful season."
The CMSA softball season featured 46 teams, its most ever, and about 700 players, also a CMSA record. The CMSA softball league is the largest in the nation.
In other playoff action:
The Sidetrack Blues defeated Cattle Call Beef 11-6 to claim the C1 Division crown, highlighted by a grand slam from outfielder Chris Grasshof. Infielders Jeff Book and Mike Hendricks had exceptional defense for the Beef. Hunter's was third in C1.
Fat Cat defeated Hamburger Mary's Chargers 8-7 to claim the C2 Division title, while Caesar's Killers finished third. Mark Byrne had a home run for the victors, while Mike Pelter, Matthew Eck and Craig Nichols also had exceptional playoffs.
Steamworks claimed the C3 Division crown with a victory over Club Escape Phoenix.
Cattle Call won the championship in the D2 Division, while Hydrate Heat finished second and the Spin Bobcats came in third.
The CMSA women's softball league also wrapped up its 2009 campaign Sunday, with games played at the Waveland Fields.
"We had a great day for the playoffs and the [ playoff ] games were very competitive," said Jen Hostetler, league commissioner. "Overall, it was a great season, arguably the most successful season we've had in a while."
The CMSA women's league featured 44 teams and about 780 women.
Here are the divisional finals:
A Division: Mic's Girls defeated Joie De Vine.
B Division: Raw Energy defeated Swingers.
C Division: Closet Babes On Broadway defeated Straycats.
D Division: Sponge Monkeys defeated Ladykillaz.