Last weekend, the Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions (GL) got off the A-train at Columbus Circle and entered Central Park in Manhattan to play in the semi-finals of the 8th annual New York City Mayor's Cup Softball Tournament. Only three weeks ago, the Golden Lions joined approximately 60 other teams throughout the New York City boroughs and emerged from the qualifying round as Queens Borough champions, with a chance to capture the coveted Mayor's Cup.

A first-time participant in this tournament, the Golden Lions entered with impressive credentials. Under team captain Ed Bochynski's direction, the Lions have won 14 tournaments over the past seven seasons and have won over 80 percent of their games over the past two seasons. "There's no ego on this team," cited Lions catcher Lee Miceli, as the reason for the team's success.

United Athletic Association officials (organizers of the event), were impressed with the team's showing in Queens and wondered if the unknown team from Farmingdale could exorcise the Demons in the semi-finals. The Manhattan Demons, who entered the tournament as two-time defending New York City Mayor's Cup champs, were riding a 45-game winning streak. "We have a bunch of great players," said Demons captain Ivan Saez.

In the first inning, the Demons picked up a pair of runs on a two-out, two-run homerun. Not backing down, CL's Dave Saviano's lead off single (the first of five consecutive hits for the Lions), led to a CL run. Tough defense by the Demons' outfielders, to nail two CL base runners at home plate, prevented any further damage and left the Lions trailing 2-1. "They made perfect throws," said Lions third base coach Pete Gisonda.

The Demons extended the lead to 3-1 in the third but, once again, Dave Saviano's smash between the third baseman and shortstop would lead to another run for CL, when the Demons' shortstop picked up the ball in frustration and threw it into the bleachers. Saviano advanced to third, and after an Anthony Curran walk, scored on a Dennis Tranchina single to move the Lions within one run, 3-2.

Defense was the name of this game and big plays were plentiful. The Demons had a pair of runners-on in the fourth when shortstop Joe Percella made the first of two unassisted doubleplays. Outfielder Dave Saviano made a shoestring catch in right center to end a Demons' threat in the fifth. And Ron Gandolfo frustrated Demons' batters with his range in left field.

The Demons showed why they were defending champs by making defensive plays of their own. Lions' first baseman Ed Bochynski and Joe Percella were left stranded on base in the fourth and Hippy Tony Novarro and Anthony Curran were left on base in the fifth. "Both teams played awesome defense," said Columbus Lodge's Rita DiSalvo. As the game grew more intense, visitors to Central Park began to congregate around the field. By the sixth inning the bleachers were filled with spectators and cheering the quality defensive plays they were witnessing.

Tension mounted as it became clear that these were the top two teams in the tournament. The Lions' final at-bat began with a Joe Percella single. After two quick outs, Demons pitcher Ivan Saez endued veteran Tony Novarro to pop up to third for the final out. "We played hard and we played well, win or lose, you can't ask for anything more," said CL manager Ed Bochynski. The Manhattan Demons went on to lose in the finals to the Bronx Hammers.

After the game, the team gathered at Mickey Mantle's restaurant on 59th Street for a final reflection on an exciting season and a chance to enjoy each other's company as a group, till next spring. Ron Gandolfo was convinced the Lions were the better team, while Anthony Curran talked of next year. "I haven't been to Central Park in 40 years," said Pete Gisonda. "It was a wonderful experience."

The Golden Lions are a team dedicated to community service through softball fundraising events. All proceeds from their participation in the New York City Mayor's Cup softball tournament will provide uniforms and equipment for Little League baseball programs. To become a member of the lodge, one may contact Steve LaScala at 735-2535.

Other OSIA News: Columbus Lodge's testimonial dinner/dance honoring Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto will be on Friday, Oct. 24. For tickets, contact Sal Patrone at 797-0984.