The Columbus Lodge #2143 Order Sons of Italy in America's Jeff Saviano has flourished in the early weeks of pre-season without having to look over his shoulder. The monkey that has been on his back the past two seasons seems to have faded away and Saviano looks comfortable both at the plate and on the outfield.

Saviano, who went 4 for 6 Sunday morning, with a homerun and four RBIs, was at it again scoring the winning run in the seventh in a Columbus Lodge split-squad game that saw squad A defeat squad B 18-15.

"I'm just having fun, man," said Saviano, who was 11-for 17 with 4 homeruns his last three games and is batting a sizzling .647 (over 200 points higher than last year). "I'm being more aggressive at the plate. Sometime too aggressive."

The 24 year old outfielder for the Columbus Lodge has shown the power on both sides of the plate. His four homeruns this spring has already surpassed last year's total (3). "Jeff's really come a long way." said manager Ed Bochnyski. "He's got a lot of ability, and as long as he stays within himself, he'll be fine."

In addition to his on the field activities, Jeff has spent the past winter representing the Columbus Lodge #2143 at various charity events for the Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Arthritis Foundation. Last week he was at the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island with Columbus Lodge softball chairman Ed Bochynski and co-chairman Peter Gisonda.

Next week, the Columbus Lodge will make their debut in the South Shore Softball League. Anthony Curran, Joe Pasale and Daron Tripoli are in mid-season form and Ron Garofola and Vinny Batista should add raw power to this year's lineup.

The Columbus Lodge is located at 2143 Boundary Avenue in Farmingdale and is a member lodge in the Order Sons of Italy in America, a not-for-profit fraternal organization. The Lodge offers its members various social and recreational activities, as well as community and charity involvement. For information on membership, one may contact Pete Gisonda at 798-3972.