Over the past year the Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions softball team have had more than their share of success on the field; last year winning a second consecutive AFSC title and their first QBC title at the NYC Mayor's Cup. But the Golden Lions have also scored off the field, as its players have done their part to help people away from the softball field.

Last year, the Golden Lions' participation in charity fund-raising events helped raise nearly $77,000, while they won nearly 80 percent of their games. This winter members of the Lions joined in the U.S. Marine Corp. Reserves' Toys for Tots Program, manned the telephones at the Telecare Telethon, and teamed up with NY Yankee first base coach Roy White to provide money for athletic scholarships.

Yet despite the team's success, last week the Columbus Lodge (CL) headed into their winter meetings with the uncertainty that two longtime veterans, Joe Pesale (a 13-year third baseman) and Dave Saviano (a 14-year outfielder), may not be returning. "The possibility of loosing men of special character is always difficult to deal with," said manager Ed Bochynski.

For over a dozen seasons these two men have been the catalyst of an offense that, a year ago, out scored its opponents by nearly 10-runs/game. The potential loss of Joe Pesale, (the team's all-time leader in walks and on-base percentage), and Dave Saviano (a perennial .600 hitter with extra base power) could greatly reduce the team's offensive production.

Saviano, who stated he was retiring from softball last fall, may push back his retirement until after this year's charity tournament games. Saviano, second on the CL all-time tournament games played list, holds the team record for most runs scored in a season (68). But Pesale's commitment with the N. Massapequa Fire Department leaves his availability sketchy.

With the uncertainty that is surrounding Pasale, the Columbus Lodge softball committee has considered the return of former Golden Lions infielder Daron Tripoli. "I'm definitely interested in playing," said Tripoli, who played nine seasons (1993-2001) with the Lions. Tripoli's last game with the team was in May 2001.

According to Tripoli, the shoulder injury that has prevented him from playing for nearly three-years has been surgically repaired. "I've been working out and I'm in better shape now than I was a couple of years ago," said the soon-to-be 29-y/o Farmingdale native. If Tripoli returns for a second tour of duty, he would likely see playing time at third base.

During his first tour, Tripoli helped the Golden Lions earn 7-Easter Seals Softball Classic trophies, a 1999 AFSC title, and led the Columbus Lodge to the championship game of the 2000 RMH Sports Festival. The power hitting Tripoli led the team in home runs on two occasions (1997 and 1999) and belted 3-HRs in a game, on July 5, 1998.

Other matters conducted at the winter meetings included Anthony Curran remaining co-coordinator of men's league activities (his third season) and Pete Gisonda returning as first base coach. In addition, the committee agreed to continue the team's long standing participation in charity fund-raising events. "Just give me the dates and I'll be there," said Lions Jeff Steinberg.

Finally, Ed Bochynski will return for an eighth season as player/manager of the Golden Lions. The 43-year old first baseman stated he was returning "for the same reason I started playing over 25 years ago - because I love it." Bochynski, who spent the winter recovering from a nagging heal injury suffered during last September's NYC Mayor's Cup, stated he would approach this season as if it were his last.

The Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions are a team dedicated to community service through softball fund-raising events. Since the team's inception, their participation in such events has helped various Long Island charities raise over $579,000. To become a member during the lodge's 40th birthday celebration, one may contact Steve LaSalle at 735-2535.

Other OSIA News: Save the Date: CL President Ragno announced he will serve as chairman of the Columbus Lodge Charity Golf Outing, which is scheduled for May 4. Also, President Tony Ragno announced the lodge would sponsor a kid's day this spring. The event would have free rides and refreshments for lodge member's children and grandchildren.