The 2001 Havana Club Cannons continued the winning tradition established with the advent of their generous sponsor, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. And, complemented by the tradition and history of their namesake there was another championship to celebrate. In the four years since the Havana Club became a Pikesville softball entry in the Pikesville Men's League, the Cannons have twice won the regular season championship. In a separate season they won the playoff tournament, and in year 2000, they were second in both categories. This years team brought speed on the bases to another crescendo, and as the defense was good, Mark Yokel's pitching was outstanding. A 15-2 season record could have been even better, with the two losses being one run affairs. Mark Yokel's pitching was evenly matched by the outstanding catching of Rob Isennock, and the clutch hitting of Jeff Robbins, Jeff Kurland, Dan Kassel, and Evan Kreitzer. Steve Henneman set a team record for runs scored (40), and Gerry Edelman completed his 15th year of managing a Pikesville team. Evan Kreitzer led the team with 44 RBI's, 49 hits, 8 homeruns, and 5 triples. Dan Kassel had a .553 batting average and a .614 on base percentage. Defensively Johnny Edelman was excellent in centerfield all year, additionally, a main reason for the Cannons success in 2001, was several players defensive flexibility. Neal Charkatz could play third as well as leftfield. Ernie Stephenson could play shortstop as well as first base. Jeff Robbins played five different positions. The Cannons overcame some injuries to post this championship. Jim Peterson was out two months with a fractured hand. Jeff Kurland had a month with a sprained ankle, and Dave Lohr had hamstring and other muscle pulls. Rob Isennock had some back problems and of course for all, occasionally, life got in the way of softball. The Cannons had a stretch of five games in May where they averaged over twenty runs per game, and took over first place, which they did not relinquish. With different line-ups virtually every week after Memorial Day, the Cannons first place finish was more surprising and satisfying.