October 7th, 2026
CITY VS SUBURBS, BUNNIES VS PENGUINS
written by BBN Staff
TONIGHT, the Beverly Jacks host the Park Ridge Penguins in a battle of city vs suburbs. After a 15 frame match sweep against the Bucktown Billy Goats in week 2, the Jacks currently sit atop the South Division. The Penguins meanwhile dropped their week 1 match to the Elmwood Park Eagles in three games and find themselves quickly in a hole, trailing the North Division leading Highwood Stallions by 4 points in the standings. If the Penguins are going to have any hope of catching the Stallions and securing the North Division pennant, they're going to have to get to work sooner than later.
The Penguins continue to struggle with their shooting, averaging just 61% (23/38) as a team in their first match. They'll turn again to their newest acquisition, Raul "On the Prowl" De Leon, for help in that department. After a solid 70% (16/23) shooting debut, De Leon slots in again at first shooter. The only change in the lineup this week for the Penguins will be in the lead pointing position, where Brigid "Queen Bee" Reidy will replace "Saratoga" Dave Krone. Reidy posted a 56% (55/99) pointing percentage in season 1. Krone was a serviceable 67% (16/24) in week 1 for the Penguins.
The Beverly Jacks are off to a hot start in season 2, shooting a blistering 94% (17/18) in their week 2 sweep of the Billy Goats. Lio "The Godfather" Giannotti led the team with a perfect 12/12 shooting performance and the Jacks took a total of only 15 frames across two games to dispatch the faltering Billy Goats. The Jacks currently sit two standings points ahead of the second place Billy Goats in the South Division. Miles "The Professor" Russell will make his season debut at the hammer position. Russell shot 72% (84/116) in season 1, good enough for the 6th best qualifying percentage in the league.
We'll see if this lineup change for the Park Ridge Penguins will be enough to shake off the early season rust against a surging Beverly Jacks lineup that looks to have gotten even stronger with the return of Russell at the hammer position. Tonight's broadcast will start EARLY and feature a couple of very special guests. Tune in at 6:30 CT on the BBN and join the fun.
October 4th, 2026
Rookie Reinforcements: Christman and Micaletti Spark Hitmen to Opening Night Match Victory Over SVBC
written by BBN Staff
YOUNGSTOWN, OH — The Mahoning Valley Hitmen opened Season 3 with a thrilling, hard-fought match victory over the Steel Valley Bocce Club (SVBC), relying on an infusion of rookie talent to secure the cumulative points tiebreaker (24-22) after the teams split the opening games.
With the Ohio Bocce League introducing a new double-gauntlet playoff format this season—which rewards division winners with two chances to reach the championship series—every regular-season matchup carries amplified stakes. The Hitmen answered the bell, proving that their off-season acquisitions and team-first culture could be the recipe for a South Division title run.
Game 1: SVBC's Timely Rolls Overcome Hitmen's Historic Shooting (14-10 SVBC)
The opening game presented a massive statistical anomaly. The Hitmen's starting lineup delivered a near-perfect shooting clinic, converting an astonishing 14 of 15 shot attempts (93%). Joe Palumbo (8-for-9), Mike Nardone (4-for-4), and James Selvaggio (2-for-2) rarely missed their marks.
However, Steel Valley proved exactly why they are a perennial powerhouse. Rather than trying to match the Hitmen shot-for-shot, SVBC relied on timely, precision rolling to execute massive multi-point frames. Capitalizing on crucial setups from lead pointer Sean New and Nick Capogreco, Steel Valley dropped a devastating four-point frame in Frame 4 and followed it up with a three-point dagger in Frame 7. SVBC’s ability to bunch their scoring perfectly negated Mahoning Valley's flawless hitting, allowing them to steal Game 1, 14-10.
Game 2: The Rookie Takeover (14-8 Hitmen)
Trailing in the match, Hitmen General Manager Freddy Sablack made a bold, decisive lineup shift. Opting to inject fresh energy, Sablack essentially benched his starting veterans—including team owner Joe Palumbo and franchise player James Selvaggio—to hand the keys over to rookies Dante Micaletti and Mike Christman, alongside Mike Trivisonno and Mike Nardone.
The move paid massive dividends. The rookies completely changed the vibe on the Hitmen bench, sparking a massive mid-game run. Deadlocked at a 5-5 tie, Micaletti (8-for-12 rolling) and Christman (9-for-10 hitting) fueled back-to-back three-point frames in Frames 6 and 7 to blow the game wide open.
Rather than sulking on the sidelines, Palumbo and Selvaggio spent the game cheering wildly for the rookies, highlighting a selfless, team-first culture that kept the Hitmen’s energy at a fever pitch. Mahoning Valley cruised to a 14-8 victory, securing the overall match win on the +2 cumulative point differential.
Post-Game Reaction & Match MVP
Mike Christman's surgical 90% hitting performance earned him the official Match MVP honors. Known as a club regular who excels at utilizing the sideboards, Christman looked completely unfazed by the professional spotlight.
"It really is knowing the spots and throwing a ball at a consistent speed," Christman said during the post-game interview, explaining his elite wall-shooting ability. "I see the spot from where I'm going to hit from... I've practiced so much here, I see it way back from the hitting line and I'm just incredibly comfortable hitting off the wall".
Micaletti also shined under the bright lights, pointing masterfully despite the added pressures of the OBL's brisk pace.
"It was definitely different, a little more nerve-wracking," Micaletti admitted. "With the shot clock, you have to be quick and you have to kind of just know what to do. [Bobby Mittal] made sure everyone was calm and he made it very easy for us".
Standings Implications & Looking Ahead
With the cumulative victory, the Hitmen jump to the top of the South Division standings with 2 points. They will look to keep their momentum rolling next week against the Youngstown Flash, who are coming off a Week 1 bye.
Meanwhile, Steel Valley will head into a two-week bye period to regroup. When SVBC returns to the court, they will face a massive test against the two-time finalist Wickliffe Barbarians.
October 4th, 2026
CULTURE SHIFT: Revamped Hellhounds Stun Defending Champion Gamblers in Opening Night Sweep
written by BBN Staff
If Week 1 of the Ohio Bocce League proved anything, it is that off-season culture overhauls cannot be measured on paper alone.
Entering the season in the North Division basement following a dismal 1-6 match campaign in Season 2, the Cleveland Hellhounds delivered the opening-night shocker of the year. Behind a vintage front-end performance from Steve "Bubba" Infante, an emotional debut from "Sweet" Lou Nocera, and ice-cold late-frame execution from Robert "Stuey" Stuart, Cleveland swept the defending champion Koppel Gamblers (14-13, 14-11) at Lorenzino’s Bocce Club. The sweep marked the first time in three seasons that Cleveland has sat atop the North Division standings. It also served as immediate validation for team captain Jimmy Pisano, whose aggressive roster overhaul had drawn league-wide scrutiny.
"I want to start by saying no disrespect to Ben Diaz, one of the best players in this league," Pisano stated post-game, referencing Cleveland’s decision to move on from their former ace roller. "It was never a knock towards Ben ever. Our revamping started with: we needed the picks, and when I play with Lou, we’re comfortable. We’ve played together since we were kids. Revamping the culture... Bubba Infante was unbelievable tonight. Every time he had to come up, he came up huge".
Game 1: The Grinding Comeback (14-13 Hellhounds)
The opener was an instant classic that pushed both teams to 16 exhaustive frames. For the first half of the game, the Gamblers appeared to have championship business as usual in hand. Anthony "Cap" Capogreco was lethal out of the gate, hitting 13 of 15 shots (87%), while Michael "MHP" Pisano went a perfect 9-for-9 on hits.
When Koppel blew the game open with four-point explosions in Frames 7 and 11, the Gamblers took a commanding 13-10 lead and stood on the brink of victory. Yet, rather than fracturing as Cleveland teams had in seasons past, the Hellhounds tightened up.Nocera, bringing an offensive lineman’s grit from his high school football and state powerlifting days, kept the bench grounded. He backed up his demeanor on the court, converting 9 of 11 hits (82%) in his league debut.
The turning point came when Koppel’s Levi Policaro missed a rare open-court roll to close out the match. Given new life, Cleveland chipped away with three consecutive single-point frames to tie the score at 13-13. In the decisive 16th frame, after Matt Taylor left his final roll long, Stewart stepped into the box under immense pressure. Shaking off earlier misses, Stewie smoothly walked in the game-winning point to shock Koppel 14-13.
Game 2: The 6-0 Ambush and Front-Running Finish (14-11 Hellhounds)
Carrying momentum into the second tilt, the Hellhounds ambushed the stunned Gamblers, putting up three, two, and one over the first three frames to sprint out to a 6-0 lead. Cleveland stretched the advantage to 10-4 and eventually 12-6, daring Koppel to mount a response.
Koppel adjusted by keeping Jonathon Vivo on the court in place of Policaro. While Vivo provided an offensive spark—finishing 9-of-13 hitting (69%)—a late-game shooting slump of consecutive misses allowed Cleveland to maintain control of the board.
The game was not without drama. Nocera was whistled for two separate shooting foot fouls, wiping away potential game-ending points and allowing Koppel to creep back to within 12-10. In Frame 16, Capogreco rolled in to cut the deficit to 13-11.
Frame 17 brought the finale. After Taylor forced a re-frame with a deep pallino strike, the Hellhounds methodically plugged the front of the box. Faced with a difficult clearing assignment, Vivo’s aggressive roll failed to dislodge Cleveland’s scoring ball. Stewart stepped up and iced the sweep with a clean hit-and-stick, setting off wild celebrations on the Cleveland sideline.
The Secret Weapon: Bubba’s Masterclass
While Nocera and Stewart delivered the highlight hits, Steve "Bubba" Infante was the undisputed catalyst of the match. Moving into the second rolling spot, Infante opened the night by going an astonishing 13-for-13 on good rolls in Game 1 and finished 23-for-26 (88%) across both games to capture Match MVP honors.Infante credited his flawless rhythm to grueling 5:00 AM practice sessions held alongside Nocera in the weeks leading up to the opener.
"I remember my first high school kickoff and having all those butterflies, and that’s exactly what it was," Nocera reflected afterward. "I know there was a lot of controversy with me coming to Jimmy’s team... folks that think they should be here. My big thing was coming out here tonight and proving I belong here. I wanted to come to this team because they were bottom of the barrel, and I wanted to accept that challenge".
The Road Ahead
For Koppel, despite shooting an elite 81% (43-for-53) as a team across the match, the loss sends them to the bottom of the division at 0-2. The Gamblers face an immediate litmus test in Week 2 against the Wickliffe Barbarians in a rematch of last season's legendary five-game championship series.
The Hellhounds (2-0) now enter two consecutive bye weeks perched in first place, where they will wait for an October rematch against these very same Gamblers.
"Someone said 'the joke clowns' and that we’re the worst team in the league," Jimmy Pisano concluded. "It really feels good. We beat a pedigree team. But we have two weeks off and we play them again, and they’re going to be prepared to get us right back".
Statistical Standouts & Match MVP
Steve "Bubba" Infante (Match MVP): Infante’s 5 AM offseason practice sessions with Nocera paid massive dividends. Bubba put on an absolute masterclass, rolling a flawless 13-for-13 (100%) in Game 1 (23 straight good rolls accounting for all star game) and adding a 10-for-13 (77%) performance in Game 2. He secured the Match MVP honors in the three-day open poll.
Lou Nocera: Making his debut in the Hammer role, Nocera stepped up with immense pressure, hitting 9-of-11 (82%) in Game 1.
Anthony Capogreco: The Gamblers' lead shooter performed admirably in the loss, hitting 13-of-15 (87%) in Game 1 and 9-of-12 (75%) in Game 2.
Standings Implications
The opening night sweep vaults the Hellhounds into first place in the North for the first time in three seasons. Cleveland now enters two consecutive bye weeks before facing the Gamblers again in what promises to be a highly anticipated rematch. The Gamblers, currently sitting in the basement, must immediately regroup as they face the Wickliffe Barbarians next week. That matchup will serve as a direct rematch of the greatest championship match in USA Pro Bocce history, where Koppel previously triumphed 3-2 on a legendary Policaro roll and a historic 4-point shot by Capogreco.
October 2nd, 2026
FINALLY SOME BAD NEWS: Bob Gallese Shifts to Front Office as Barbarians Sign "Bad News" Ben Diaz
written by BBN Staff
YOUNGSTOWN, OH — The Wickliffe Barbarians have made a major roster adjustment on the eve of the new campaign, as player-owner Bob Gallese will step away from active play to focus entirely on ownership duties following a back injury. In a corresponding move to reinforce their front-court rotation, the two-time finalists have signed veteran free-agent pointer "Bad News" Ben Diaz after he was not retained by the Cleveland Hellhounds.
Gallese’s decision to step off the court comes at a critical time for Wickliffe, with key roller Russ Meraglio set to miss the majority of October. Rather than compromise the lineup, Gallese moved quickly to secure an experienced pointer who could immediately shoulder the workload.
"Although I planned on playing more this year, my back injury simply is not going to allow it," Gallese said. "I had to do what’s right for the team and remove myself from the roster. Knowing that Russ was going to miss most of October I had to look for a pointer. I don’t know Ben Diaz very well but I’ve watched him play many times. He’s an elite pointer and he’s all business on the court which fits the Barbarian’s style of play perfectly. I welcome Ben, as do all of the Barbarians, to our team and look forward to him helping the Barbarians to another great season!".
Diaz lands in Wickliffe after anchoring the Hellhounds' pointing rotation across the league's first two seasons. During Season 2, Diaz delivered an elite regular-season campaign, pacing Cleveland with 77 good rolls on 105 attempts (73.3%), finishing fourth overall in the OBL rolling efficiency rankings. Over his career, Diaz has converted 187 of 281 roll attempts (66.5%), bringing proven consistency to a Barbarians squad that won the Season 1 championship and pushed the Season 2 finals to the limit in a five-game battle.
For Diaz, the sudden transition from free agency to joining a perennial title contender proved to be an ideal outcome.
"It feels good to be back and have a team want me to join them," Diaz stated. "I can’t lie, I was kinda surprised when the Hellhounds didn’t want me back and I didn’t see a scenario to end up on the Barbarians, but I honestly got lucky and couldn’t have landed in a better spot, so I’m glad the way it worked out".
Stepping into a lineup that already features Doug Carter, Ron Reeher, and Carl Greenaway, Diaz is focused on executing his role within Wickliffe's established structure.
"This team has been in the championship both seasons so they don’t need any drastic changes," Diaz added. "I’ll be ready to play whatever role Bob needs me to whenever he needs me to. This roster is loaded and I’m just happy to be a part of a winning franchise. And with all the good going on in the OBL, there’s always room for some bad news".
Diaz is expected to step directly into the Barbarians' active rotation for next Monday’s action.
September 28th, 2026
Match 2 Preview: Gamblers Begin Title Defense Against Revamped Hellhounds
written by Danny Catullo, BBN
The nightcap of Week 1 brings out the defending champions, as the Koppel Gamblers look to pick up right where they left off against a hungry and retooled Cleveland Hellhounds squad.
The Gamblers are entering the new season with a target on their backs, but they aren't shying away from the pressure. Lead Shooter Anthony “Cap” Capogreco laid down the gauntlet early, stating, “We’re excited to start the defense of our title our plan is to score more points then the hellhounds tonight and make a statement for the season”. Backed by Capogreco’s staggering 81.8% all-time hit rate, the Gamblers boast a formidable core that expects nothing short of a dominant opening frame.
On the other side of the court, the Hellhounds are banking on fresh chemistry and a rigorous offseason regimen to spark an upset. Second Roller Steve “Bubba” Infante noted the team's relentless preparation, saying, “Extremely excited.. Lou Nocera and I have had plenty of 5 am practice sessions at the club and we’re ready to go. We have to start fast and be consistent.. all 4 balls are gonna be needed every frame tonight”.
That dedication will be put to the test as “Sweet” Lou Nocera steps into the Hammer role. Despite having no recorded all-time stats to lean on, Nocera is bringing a gritty, team-first mentality to the court. "Im really hyped about getting to compete with Jimmy the Bull," Nocera said. "It has been almost 3 years since we last competed together. As far as being the second shooter it makes no difference to me. I grew up as an offensive lineman so I never paid much attention to glory positions or statistics. I will do anything asked to help the Hellhounds win!".
Here is how the starting lineups and their all-time percentages stack up for tonight's clash:
Koppel Gamblers Lineup & Stats
Lead Pointer: Matt “Jackie Moon” Taylor (71.4% Roll, 30.0% Hit)
Second Roller: Levi “Silky Smooth” Policaro (69.4% Roll, 75.0% Hit)
Hammer: Michael “MHP” Pisano (65.6% Roll, 70.1% Hit)
Lead Shooter: Anthony “Cap” Capogreco (60.0% Roll, 81.8% Hit)
Cleveland Hellhounds Lineup & Stats
Lead Pointer: Jimmy “Da Bull” Pisano (62.2% Roll, 58.9% Hit)
Second Roller: Steve “Bubba” Infante (70.0% Roll, 72.2% Hit)
Hammer: “Sweet” Lou Nocera (Unrecorded/Debuting)
Lead Shooter: Rocco “Glasses” Guerrieri (47.4% Roll, 72.8% Hit)
September 28th, 2026
Heavyweight Clash to Open Week 1: Mahoning Valley Hitmen vs. SVBC
written by Danny Catullo, BBN
The Ohio Bocce League wastes no time delivering high-stakes drama on opening night as the Mahoning Valley Hitmen take on SVBC in the evening’s headline matchup. Revered as one of the fiercest rivalries on the circuit, this Week 1 battle carries extra weight under the league's revamped playoff format, where securing a division title and a top-two seed provides the crucial "double-dip" cushion in postseason play.
Both clubs enter opening night with sharpened focus and no shortage of competitive history.
The Stakes: A Grudge Match with Postseason Implications
For SVBC, this season is about finishing the job and protecting their territory.
"SVBC vs Hitmen is Ohio State/Michigan, Red Sox/Yankees. It’s a huge rivalry. It’s 'The Game' of the OBL!" SVBC hammer Mike "Buckets" Robertson emphasized. "The new playoff structure means winning the division is a must. We must defend and we must win. Getting the 1/2 seed is critical to having that double dip path to the championship. Gotta have it."
SVBC lead pointer Sean New echoed the intensity, noting the urgency to wash away last year's finish:
"The new playoff structure adds some importance to the regular season," New said. "We’re just ready to get back on the court after how last season ended. We didn’t capitalize on the year we had. It’s always fun to battle a division foe and it’s important to set the tone to start the new year."
Across the court, the Hitmen enter the opener ready to spoil SVBC's title defense right out of the gate. Bobby Mittal recognizes that execution under pressure will decide the evening:
"As far as SVBC challenges, same as any other team brings," Mittal noted. "You have to execute four times to make them have to execute four times. Will be a great match tonight—hopefully everyone plays well and everyone gets to see a lot of great shots."
Starting Lineups & Roster Matchups
Mahoning Valley Hitmen
Lead Pointer: Bobby “Blue Eyes” Mittal
Role & Notes: Stepping into the lead roller position to start the season, Mittal is tasked with setting the floor early. As he put it: "Lead roller is a little different for me. But same object of getting close to the little one."
Second Roller: James “Sticky Buns” Selvaggio
Role & Notes: Brings reliable court awareness and placement to clean up the second frame.
Lead Shooter: Joe “Joe” Palumbo
Role & Notes: Takes the frontline shooting duties to disrupt SVBC's defensive holds and clear the pallino zone.
Hammer: Michael “Get It” Nardone
Role & Notes: Steps into the hammer spot for Week 1[cite: 1, 2]. Nardone is dialed in for the test: "Couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity. SVBC is extremely talented, facing my boy Nicky Cap, should be a fun night."
SVBC
Lead Pointer: Sean “Smooth” New
Role & Notes: One of the league's steadiest table setters, New consistently establishes inside position to put immediate pressure on opposing shooters[cite: 1, 2].
Second Roller: Nick “Nicky Cap” Capogreco
Role & Notes: A versatile mid-frame playmaker capable of tightening clusters or scoring points in congestion.
Lead Shooter: Ron “Papa Cap” Capogreco
Role & Notes: Provides veteran firepower and high-percentage contact shooting to wipe away Hitmen points.
Hammer: Mike “Buckets” Robertson
Role & Notes: SVBC's primary closer and emotional heartbeat, trusted with the last ball in high-pressure frames[cite: 1, 2].
Key Tactical Storylines
The Battle for Initial Position: With Mittal shifting to the lead spot for the Hitmen, matching Sean New’s signature opening touch will be paramount. If New claims the box early, Palumbo and Nardone will be forced into defensive shooting early and often.
Second-Ball Precision: Second rollers James Selvaggio and Nick Capogreco will dictate the tempo. Whichever side can protect their points and force the opposing hammer to shoot from distance will control the board.
Clutch Frames: Robertson and Nardone carry the final shot for their respective squads. With opening-night intensity at a peak, the match will likely hinge on who converts the frame-stealing hammer shot with multiple balls on the line.
Projected Starting Lineups (with All-Time Stats)
Mahoning Valley Hitmen
Bobby Mittal: 65.9% Roll | 63.0% Hit
James Selvaggio: 72.1% Roll | 75.6% Hit
Joe Palumbo: 39.6% Roll | 73.6% Hit
Michael Nardone: 58.5% Roll | 67.5% Hit
Steel Valley Bocce Club (SVBC)
Sean New: 75.2% Roll | 50.0% Hit
Nick Capogreco: 76.9% Roll | 83.0% Hit
Ron Capogreco: 50.9% Roll | 75.6% Hit
Mike Robertson: 62.0% Roll | 73.0% Hit
August 8th, 2026
Blockbuster Trade: Hitmen and SVBC Swap Bobby Mittal and Nick Capogreco
written by BBN Staff
The Mahoning Valley Hitmen and Steel Valley Bocce Club (SVBC) have officially agreed to a major roster swap, sending Bobby “The Natural” Mittal to the Hitmen in exchange for Nick “Cruisin’” Capogreco.
Hitmen owner Joe Palumbo expressed that moving Capogreco was a difficult choice for the franchise. "It was a really tough decision. We had no intentions of trading Nick. It was not something we were actively looking to do," Palumbo stated, noting that Capogreco is one of the better players in the league. However, the team was approached with an offer they felt they had to entertain, leading to a couple of weeks of deliberation before they ultimately pulled the trigger. Palumbo explained that Capogreco could only be traded for a player with similar positional versatility and talent.
The Hitmen found that talent in Bobby Mittal. Palumbo described Mittal as a versatile, highly experienced player who remains steady, quiet, and decisive under pressure. "Has all the shots. His championship pedigree and history with Freddy made it a decision that we felt comfortable with in the end," Palumbo noted. Mittal's ability to play any position and call the game alongside Freddy will put the Hitmen in a strong position to win. This structural shift also relieves Palumbo of play-calling responsibilities, allowing him to play loose and focus on shooting, which fills the void left by Danté's departure last year. Palumbo wished Capogreco the best, anticipating a fun year and noting that Capogreco will likely have future Hitmen versus SVBC matchups circled on his calendar.
Addressing his departure, Mittal kept his outlook focused and professional. He expressed love for the players and the owner he spent the last two seasons with, while preparing for his new role. "As for my new team I will try and bring whatever is asked of me," Mittal said, adding that he is looking forward to the new challenges ahead.
On the SVBC side, owner Jim Fisher expressed both gratitude for his outgoing strategist and excitement for his newest addition. "First, I want to thank Bobby Mittal for being a great teammate, game strategist, and a true gentlemen of the game," Fisher shared. "Bobby has forgot more about bocce, than most of us know. I wish him all the best moving forward. I’m hoping I don’t end up regretting trading him to a rival team within the South Conference."
However, Fisher is thrilled to bring Capogreco onto the roster, pointing out a historic milestone for the team: "We welcome Nick Capogreco to the SVBC along with all his talents as a player and love having the first father/son combo in semi-professional bocce!!"
Capogreco is eagerly embracing the change. "Honestly, I’m feeling really good about it," Capogreco shared, highlighting his excitement for the new opportunity. He aims to bring energy and competitiveness to SVBC, hoping to help the squad make a championship run and hoist the trophy. While he expressed nothing but love, respect, and gratitude for his time with the Hitmen, Capogreco stated that he is ready and excited to start his next chapter.
Danny “The Commish” Catullo weighed in on the league-wide impact of the move: "This is the exact type of roster shakeup that makes the offseason so compelling for the Ohio Bocce League. Both franchises are filling very specific structural needs. Mittal brings a calm, championship-level game management back to the Hitmen, while Capogreco is going to inject a massive wave of energy and pure pointing talent into SVBC. When these two teams meet on the courts this season, it is going to be absolute must-watch TV all exclusively on our broadcast partner, Bocce Broadcast Network."
August 10th, 2026
BBN EXCLUSIVE: THE FALL OBL DRAFT RECAP
HELLHOUNDS RELOAD, GAMBLERS REUNITE, AND THE NEW ERA BEGINS
written by BBN Staff
YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO — The highly anticipated OBL Fall Draft is officially in the books. With front offices feeling the pressure to lock down the final pieces of their rosters, the late rounds (5 through 7) delivered a mix of surprising reunions, massive free-agent acquisitions, and an influx of fresh talent eager to prove themselves on the courts of Lorenzino’s Bocce Club.
Here is your official BBN Draft Recap, a look at the returning veterans' career numbers, and first-look reactions from the newest pros in the league.
Cleveland Hellhounds: A Massive Roster Haul
Holding three crucial picks in the late rounds, the Hellhounds executed a full-scale rebuild. They kicked off the action in Round 5 by selecting “Sweet” Lou Nocera with the 1st pick, followed by taking Angelo “Big Ang” Catullo in Round 6. They capped off their draft class by taking Luciano “The Voice” DeSensi with the 1st pick of Round 7.
The energy coming out of the Hellhounds’ camp is electric. When asked about stepping up as a pro, "Sweet" Lou made it clear he is bringing a new culture to Cleveland:
"Through the Grace of God and my family, I have been able to refocus! This has been key for me to have this opportunity in the OBL. Not onlu do I get to participate in the OBL, but I get to do it with my cousin/best friend Jimmy P! There is alot of work to do in order for the hellhounds to be championship contenders. I am looking forward to bringing my hard work no excuse mindset to this team! My message to the Hellhounds is: Attack each day with an enthusiasm unknown to Mankind!!!!!"
Meanwhile, Luciano DeSensi is taking a highly focused, grounded approach to his 7th-round selection:
"I've truly appreciated all the love and support I've received from the bocce community. But at the end of the day, I know I have a lot to prove, especially after being considered a surprise pick in the 7th round, which I completely understand given the amount of great talent across the league and among the free agents. Honestly, being a pro in the OBL hasn’t fully crossed my mind yet. Right now, my only focus is getting ready for the upcoming season and helping the Hellhounds bounce back by contributing in whatever role is needed, both on and off the court. I’m sure once the OBL matches begin at Lorenzino’s, everything will start to sink in. Until then, I know the work we put in off the court will have the biggest impact on what happens when the season starts in September."
Mahoning Valley Hitmen: Re-Tooling for a Run
Following the retirement of veteran Freddie and an indefinite leave of absence from Dante’ DeLisio, the Hitmen’s newly minted GM needed to hit on these late draft picks to keep the team competitive. In Round 6, they grabbed Mike “The Law” Christman, and followed it up in Round 7 by selecting Dante’ “The Kid” Micaletti.
Both players are coming in hungry. Mike Christman expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to join the franchise:
"With so many accomplished, deserving bocce players, I feel especially blessed to be part of the OBL and its positive effort to grow the sport of bocce. I am thrilled to be a HITMEN and promise to work as hard as I can, and put team first by doing whatever is asked of me."
Micaletti kept it short, confident, and straight to the point regarding the level of competition ahead:
"I am very excited to compete with and against some of the best players in the game."
Koppel Gamblers: The Return of the Rain Delay
In one of the most stunning storylines of the night, the Koppel Gamblers used their 3rd pick in the 7th round to draft Jonathon “Human Rain Delay” Vivo. What makes this so wild? The Gamblers had just decided not to retain his contract during the retention window, only to turn right back around and snatch him up in the final round. Koppel clearly knows his value as an established league veteran and couldn't bear to let him walk to a rival squad.
Vivo's OBL Career Stats:
Hitting: 77.3% (51 Hits / 66 Attempts)
Rolling: 72.0% (18 Good Rolls / 25 Attempts)
With an elite 77.3% career hitting accuracy, Vivo brings guaranteed production back to the Koppel roster.
Steel Valley Bocce Club (SVBC): The Final Piece
With their lone pick of the night (Round 7, 6th pick), SVBC secured league veteran Frank “Pope” Popio. With Rocco DeLisio retiring, Popio will be stepping into a high-pressure environment for a team that historically has serious championship aspirations.
Popio's OBL Career Stats:
Hitting: 65.2% (15 Hits / 23 Attempts)
Rolling: 68.9% (111 Good Rolls / 161 Attempts)
Coming over from the Wickliffe Barbarians, Popio brings heavy rolling experience, boasting 111 career Good Rolls. His ability to consistently place the ball will be a massive asset as SVBC looks to make another deep playoff run.
July 31st, 2026
BBN Exclusive: Live Draft Special Set for Monday Featuring Deep Analysis, Highlights and Live "Bocceverse" Look-ins
written by BBN Staff
YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO — The stage is officially set for the Bocce Broadcast Network’s biggest offseason event. This coming Monday, the BBN will air its Live Draft Special, giving fans and players front-row access as the league’s general managers make the 7 critical picks that will define the upcoming Fall Season.
The Broadcast Desk
When the cameras roll at 6:00 PM, the BBN desk will be anchored by "The Commish" Danny Catullo and "The Godfather" Giuliano Romeo. Joining them in the booth for this special event will be Lee “Queen Bee” Christman, bringing their insight and analysis to the draft floor.
Draft Night Schedule & Features
The BBN production team is delivering a full-scale sports broadcast experience for draft night, expanding coverage far beyond the desk:
6:00 PM – The Pre-Show: The broadcast kicks off with a comprehensive breakdown of the league landscape. The desk will dive into team analysis, breaking player news, potential draft pick rankings, and a deep-dive evaluation of what each franchise needs to secure a championship.
Prospect Spotlights: The pre-show will feature exclusive video packages from promising draft picks, letting fans see the future of the league before their names are called.
Live "Bocceverse" Watch Parties: BBN will be tapping into the community energy, featuring live look-ins at watch parties happening across the bocceverse as teams and fans react to the board in real time.
6:30 PM – The Draft Begins: The clock officially starts. With only 7 picks available on the board, every single selection is a franchise-altering decision.
Looking Ahead to the Fall Season
The draft is the final hurdle before the highly anticipated Fall Season officially kicks off on Monday, September 28th.
This season will feature the league's 6 founding franchises battling it out over a grueling 10-week schedule at Lorenzino's. With the introduction of the brutal, newly ratified "Double-Path Gauntlet" playoff format scheduled for the week of December 6th, the margin for error is nonexistent. The gauntlet format ensures that EVERY regular-season game counts, making Monday night's draft selections more crucial than ever.
Tune in this Monday at 6:00 PM exclusively on the Bocce Broadcast Network to see exactly how the chips fall.
If you are a draft hopeful and would like to send a 10-20 second clip of a highlight to be used for BBN exclusive content, please email the highest quality version to ohiobocceleague@gmail.com
July 29th, 2026
BBN EXCLUSIVE: ROSTER SHAKEUPS, RETIREMENTS, AND RELEASES AHEAD OF THE FALL DRAFT
Danny Catullo | Bocce Broadcast Network
The retention window has officially closed, and the landscape of the league is shifting drastically ahead of the September 28th opening night at Lorenzino's. Several franchises made hard choices this week, resulting in high-profile retirements, unexpected front-office transitions, and a fresh crop of talent hitting the free-agent pool.
Here is the official breakdown of the roster moves and the resulting draft order that will define the upcoming season.
Mahoning Valley Hitmen: A Changing of the Guard
The Hitmen are undergoing a major structural shift this offseason. Veteran player Freddie has officially announced his retirement from active play, but he isn't leaving the franchise. In a major move, Freddie is transitioning into the front office, stepping up as Part Owner and General Manager.
Additionally, the team will be without Dante DeLisio, who is taking an indefinite leave of absence due to family reasons. These moves leave significant holes in the Hitmen's rotation that Freddie will now be tasked with filling from the GM chair.
Steel Valley Bocce Club (SVBC): A Key Piece Steps Away
SVBC will be losing a core piece of their roster, as Rocco DeLisio has officially announced his retirement. Rocco's departure will force the squad to look to the draft to maintain their competitive edge and replace his production on the courts.
Cleveland Hellhounds: A Full Rebuild
Holding the #1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Hellhounds are clearing the deck. The franchise has opted not to retain the contracts of Tony Donofrio, Ben Diaz, and Ray Brooke. By releasing these three to free agency, Cleveland is securing maximum flexibility and positioning themselves to make a massive splash on draft day.
Koppel Gamblers: Parting Ways
The Gamblers have also made a definitive roster cut, officially deciding not to retain the contract of Jonathon Vivo. Vivo will now test the free-agency waters, while Koppel looks to utilize their open roster spot to bolster their lineup for a deep playoff run.
Official Draft Order & Mechanics
Because each retained player counts as a draft pick in the earlier rounds, teams with higher retention rates automatically bypass the beginning of the draft. Due to the high number of retained players across the league, the draft will officially commence in the 5th Round.
Based on the recent roster drops and the overarching worst-to-first standings, here is the official draft order for the available picks:
Round 5
1st Pick: Cleveland Hellhounds
Round 6
1st Pick: Cleveland Hellhounds
5th Pick: Mahoning Valley Hitmen
Round 7
1st Pick: Cleveland Hellhounds
3rd Pick: Koppel Gamblers
5th Pick: Mahoning Valley Hitmen
6th Pick: Steel Valley (SVBC)
July 15th, 2026
Ohio Bocce League Opens Player Registration for Upcoming Fall Season
written by BBN Staff
YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO — The highly anticipated fall season is right around the corner, and the search for fresh talent is officially on. Player registration is now open for anyone looking to enter the draft or be picked up as a free agent for the upcoming 10-week season, kicking off on September 28th.
All league games will once again be hosted at Lorenzino's Bocce Club, Monday nights at 6 and 8pm.
Important Deadlines and Dates
To ensure eligibility for the upcoming draft, players must submit their registration before the deadline.
Player Registration Deadline: July 24th at Midnight
Team Re-signing & Free Agency Period: July 25th to July 28th
Opening Night: September 28th (Games played every Monday for 10 weeks)
Playoff Week: Week of December 6th
Draft Date: To Be Announced (Pending final roster openings)
Draft Mechanics and Roster Availability
Current teams will have the exclusive opportunity to re-sign their players from last season during the designated free agency window from July 25th through July 28th. Because of this retention period, the total number of players drafted this season will directly depend on how many roster spots remain open once the re-signing window closes.
Notice for Returning Draft Hopefuls: If you registered for the draft last year you are still an eligible Free Agent and DO NOT need to re-register for the upcoming season. However, if you had previously registered and would like to be removed from the Free Agent Pool, please send us an email at ohiobocceleague@gmail.com.
How to Register
Go to boccebroadcast.network/obl to register for the upcoming season! You must be 18 years or older to become a Free Agent. Anyone ages 16 or 17 who wishes to register as a Free Agen must request and be granted permission from the League. For questions on signing up or anything Ohio Bocce League related, contact ohiobocceleague@gmail.com