It all started with the Cubs vs. the Mariners, or shall we say Gary vs. Karen. After being rivals for the first 10 years of their softball careers, Erin and Erica finally shared the same uniform for the Bacon Academy Bobcats. College brought them both to New York City, where they kept close over quarterly dinners at Deluxe. Careers kept them in the city after graduation, and, alas, chapter one of the E&E saga begins. Erin’s addictive personality, contagious laughter, and ability to brighten any room she enters are just a handful of benefits to spending time with this gal. Erica finds it truly a honor to be able to call Erin her best friend.

Roar, Lions Roar. It’s a toss who wore Columbia light blue better. Erica was lucky enough to cross paths with Deanna on the softball field, bonding in the bullpen and rivaling who could throw a faster curveball. As if they couldn’t get enough, they followed one another to Macy’s (unplanned) where they spend more time shopping than actually working. From pizza tours to tramp-o-lean classes, Deanna is always up for trying something new and has one of the biggest hearts in the big apple.

Erica hit the jackpot in meeting Lauren sophomore year of college, who else could have weaseled their way out of Dean’s Discipline for throwing a wet party in a dry dorm? The two were inseparable from that year on and shared everything—a semester abroad in London, a love for soft cheeses, and, most importantly, each other’s wardrobes. These days the two can be found sharing a bottle of red, swapping travel stories and coming up with the next grandiose idea to be featured on Shark Tank.

The oft-desired Future Sister. Proud mother of Chloe and Matthew, arguably the most beautiful babies who hold the Guinness world record for longest eyelashes. Her banana pudding rivals Magnolia’s, inspiring the little miss to record her own “Chloe C” cooking series. (Coming to a YOUTUBE near you.) Years of art study and teaching classes, Alex is the go-to for style advice and interior design.

The Fairy Goddaughter. Lover of high heels, sparkly dresses, and selfies, Peyton takes after her godmother in more ways than one. She spends her time rehearsing both song and dance of the latest Disney movie, and closely rivaled the wedding band to be booked as the evening’s entertainment. Peyton was instrumental in saying “yes to the dress”, as she was an avid viewer of the show and an advisor of silhouette and fabric.

Has always been Nick’s best man. Nick’s not only been protecting him since Day 1, but cleaning up after all of his messes. And let us tell you, there were quite a few. From Oreos and Ovaltine, to K-NEX and PUBG, Nick and Dean have always been side by side. Dean looked up to Nick and the TEAM X guys, followed them through their experiences and diligently learned from their many mistakes. Now, in Nick’s old age, he often looks to Dean for the same guidance he had provided all those years ago and help cleaning up some messes, and again, quite a few.

The Doctor will see you now. Erica’s younger brother, Gary won Nick over when he suggested a guest appearance at his Surgical Conference in Philly. Nick relived his glory days of working as an EMT when he saved a dummy’s life by giving him warmth in a trauma simulation. Gary graduated from medical school this past year (sans Nick) and now the two spend quality time teeing off on the front nine and chasing down Nick's shanks.

The brains to Nick’s brawn. The two had a mutually beneficial relationship when they met freshman year at Manhattan College. Tom coached Nick through the rigorous chemical engineering program, while Nick schooled Tom on style and finesse. We’re happy to report that Tom now owns more pullovers than just his green Manhattan College sweatshirt.

The new kid on the block. Elan moved from Brooklyn to Tuckahoe in high school, sporting his red hair and tight V-necks proudly. They became close friends quickly, always trying to one-up each other on the lacrosse and football fields. To this day, Elan is still trying to convince Nick to take his Transform class. We’re hoping Nick eventually caves (as he always does) and may even pick up some of Elan’s fancy pilates moves.

Friends since Kindergarten, Liam has always been the teacher’s pet. Among many life skills that Nick has learned from Liam, snapping, whistling and funneling beer are arguably the three most important. The two lived together in NYC, and despite his hot-headed Irish ways Liam has a heart (pot) of gold and is always up for a citi bike adventure; and Making America Great Again.

“The price of freedom’s high. Always has been. It’s a price I’m willing to pay.” Could be a quote from Captain America: The Winter Solider or could be the motto for Joey’s lifestyle. A fellow Marvel fanatic, Joey is Nick’s sounding board for predicting superhero sequels. He is also the only member of the group licensed to carry and has been known to open up the United Nations for personal after hour tours.

When one Nick isn’t enough... Phil Nardini coached these two on the diamond, and they forged an off-field friendship usually found over a wedge at Zuccarelli’s or hanging piano side while Ghost plays some Billy Joel. Gizzo taught Wallace how to ride the NYC bus, while Nardini continues to advise on fiscal responsibility and tax law.