To the editor: The definition of the word dynasty is “a powerful group or family that maintains its position for a considerable time.” The Valley View Pub Raiders softball team fulfills the first half of the definition but what constitutes a considerable time? To this writer, more than a decade answers the question. The Valley View Pub Raiders made it to the Men’s Over Forty-Softball League play-off finals 12 years in a row. The team has won the championship nine times out of 12. The Raiders have amassed an amazing over-all record of 189 wins while losing only 21 games. Attaining a .900 winning percentage for twelve years confirms the dynasty. But statistics only tell a small part of the story. Everyone knows winning is certainly fun. But it’s most satisfying when you’re having fun with guys who know how to play the game well and have a good time while they’re doing it. My Raider teammates are some of the most competent ball players I’ve ever played with and some of the funniest people I’ve ever known. I’ve seen our bench not being able to catch its collective breath because we’ve been laughing so hard and yet, a minute later we play with the intensity of a major league ball club. We take care of business and a few minutes later, we’re back on the bench laughing and carrying on again. Does a laugh come quicker with a big lead? Absolutely. We’ve been fortunate during the past 12 years to have a big lead in many games. But laughter and good softball skills still don’t tell the entire story of this team. There is that intangible aspect that cements us together heart. Some of the biggest demand comes a month before the season starts. Softball is a warm weather sport. You’re not supposed to play softball in March when there’s still snow on the field or a wind chill factor. Aluminum bats break in cold weather. I’ve seen it happen. The ball stings your hands whether you’re catching or hitting. Most of us will complain that it’s just too darn cold, but we practice anyway. Why? Heart. Everyone knows the aches, pains and stiff joints will last for the next few days but we’re taking a third round of batting practice on each of those Sundays in March. Why? Heart. Heart the desire to be the very best and knowing every team in the league will be trying to knock you out of first place is the best incentive to get us out onto the field on those cold March Sunday afternoons. Sometimes heart needs some help. Thank goodness that Advil and Motrin come in the large economy size and Chris McCarthy always has some to share with the team. With Chris taking care of the body aches, it’s Mike Giannattasio who keeps our spirits high with his comments. Mike supplies most of the one-liners that keep the team in stitches all season long. The beauty of these one-liners is that they’re directed at the Raiders only. And no one is exempt. If you made an out, well then the Doctor will make a house call at the Valley View after the game. Hit into a double play and you’d better bring your American Express card to the pub because the Doctor will make multiple house calls. Over the course of the last twelve years players have come and gone from the team. Some have moved away like John V., Paul D., Tony F,, Bo H and others have bid us farewell due to family obligations. Ralph M. was part of this team for many years before he decided to move on. The last original Raider, Jim Hinton retired a few years ago. Thanks to all of them for their contributions in this 12-year run. How much longer will this dynasty last? I don’t know. All things must come to an end someday. We’re all getting older. Retirement is on some people’s minds. Maybe some faces will be gone and replaced by new ones next year. Thanks for another great season, guys. As the Tina Turner song goes, the Raiders are “Simply the best, better than all the rest.” Gerry Scheil West Milford