The Sons of Italy-Columbus Lodge #2143 softball committee has selected two new inductees into the Softball Hall of Fame. On Thursday, a spokesperson for the lodge announced Joseph Contorno and Tommy McLoughlin would be inducted, in a ceremony to be held prior to the start of the 2003 softball season.

Joseph ("The Hitman") Contorno played 10 seasons including two years as a co-chairman and manager of the lodge's softball program (1995-1996) and three seasons as assistant manager (1992-1994). His compassion toward his teammates and his quiet, competitive nature on the field made him a unanimous selection. Contorno was a member of the 1997 Golden Lions that won the NYS OSIA Championship and the 1998 Lions that won the Easter Seals Softball Classic.

In 1995 Contorno (and fellow lodge member Nick Bonsignor) provided as smooth transition when taking over the lodge's softball program; replacing 20-year manager and Hall of Famer Joe Bermudez. Former teammate, Anthony "Big Sausage" Curran described Contorno as "one of the most knowledgeable and competitive players I've every met." Today, Contorno serves as chairman of the Columbus Lodge's Health and Welfare Committees.

Thomas ("Tommy-Gun") McLoughlin graced the outfield for the Columbus Lodge for 13 seasons (1987 to 1999). McLoughlin wasn't one to give speeches. He led by example. His professional approach to the game earned him the respect of his teammates and provided leadership on the field. A "5-tool" player, McLoughlin could hit for average, hit for power, run, field and throw. An outfielder by trade, his strong, accurate throws earned him the nickname "Tommy-gun."

During the decade of the 90s, McLoughlin was one of only two Golden Lions (the other Daron Tripoli) to hit for the cycle (a single, double, triple and home run in the same game.) He led his teams to trophies in both men and co-ed competition at the 1998 and 1999 Easter Seals Softball Classic. In McLoughlin's final game he collected 3-hits, including 2-doubles, as the Golden Lions won the 1999 Arthritis Foundation Softball Challenge. McLoughlin moved to Pennsylvania after the 1999 season.

The Columbus Lodge #2143, located behind the Stuart Thomas Manor on Boundry Ave. in South Farmingdale, is a member of 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 more information on the lodge's softball program or on becoming part of this organization one may call 876-6611.

Other OSIA News: Each year the Columbus Lodge gives scholarships to local high school seniors from Bethpage HS, Farmingdale HS, Massapequa HS and Plainedge HS who will be enrolled in a college program in the fall. To fund the scholarship program the lodge publishes a scholarship journal. Those who wish to make a donation to the scholarship journal are encouraged to call Al Paresi at 799-2607 or Pete Gisonda at 798-3972.