April 1, 2024
By Adam Ruffner
Reigning league MVP Jeff Babbitt has chosen a new team for the 2024 season, and will be suiting up for Boston Glory. Analyst Evan Lepler reported last week that the two-time reigning champion New York Empire would not be re-signing Babbitt, ending an eight-year tenure with the team. The former UMass graduate will be making a long awaited homecoming to his Boston roots.
New York carries a historic 30-game winning streak into the new season, while Boston is coming off of their first playoff appearance in franchise history. The two teams will meet twice during the regular season, with the first matchup coming in Week 4 on May 17 as Boston will host New York.
No player has scored more goals in the UFA over the past two seasons than Babbitt. And despite rookie speedster Simon Carapella finishing in the league's top 20 with 37 goals last season, Boston as a team ranked fifth worst in scoring in 2023, so the MVP's presence will be much needed in Glory's attack.
And for a franchise that has never won in the postseason, Boston adds one of the all-time playoff greats. In 15 playoff starts Babbitt has a 12-3 record with three titles, and averages three goals and 1.3 blocks per game.