On June 19 the 7th Annual Arthritis Foundation Softball Challenge, (AFSC), offered teams a chance to compete in a competitive, fun-filled environment, while raising money to support the LI Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation's numerous programs for children and adults who suffer from arthritis. "Our thanks to all our sponsors and to the Nassau County Parks employees who prepared our fields," said Special Events Coordinator Julie Viniotis.

The two-time defending champion Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions (CL) hadn't watched an opponent celebrate an AFSC win since the 2001 finals, when KPMG captured the title at Cantiague Park in Hicksville. But last month the Golden Lions witnessed the similar scenario as KPMG defeated the Lions in their semi-final match-up, 13-2. KPMG advanced to the finals and, eventually, won the championship title.

The tournament started innocently enough, as the Columbus Lodge #2143 began their title defense with a 16-3 opening round victory over the team from Computer Associates (CA). After CA took an early 3-1 lead, the Golden Lions let out a 5-run roar in the third; led by Dave Saviano's one out, 2-run homerun. Three batters later, Jeff Steinberg followed with his own 2-run blast and, with 2-outs, Ed Bochynski's RBI single scored Rob Igneri, for a 6-1 Lions lead.

Then the Golden Lions exploded for 4-runs in the fourth when third baseman Gisa Hellemier singled and scored on a calamity of CA errors; Dave Saviano's inside-the-park homerun highlighted the inning. In the sixth, the Lions put the game out of reach when Saviano's innocent 2-out single to right field set the table for a 6-run rally on seven straight hits. Ed Bochynski's 2-run triple and Joe Percella's RBI single capped the scoring attack.

Undaunted by the loss, CA's Don Belcher said, "Sure we all want to win, but the main reason we're here is to have fun and support the kids." Juvenile rheumatic arthritis has been on the rise in America and affects over 8.4-million children and young adults. Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating; progressive disease can spread beyond the joints to other organs and gradually leaves the victim debilitated. Belcher has already committed his team to next year's event.

The second round pitted Columbus Lodge against longtime archrival KPMG, who had just defeated North Folk Bank, 11-7. The defending champs started strong with singles by Dave Saviano and Anthony Curran, followed by an intentional walk to Jeff Steinberg. But KPMG pitcher Tom Galgano induced Ron Gandolfo to hit into a double play and Rob Igneri hit a rising line drive that was snatched by rightfielder Heather Brousseau, keeping the Lions scoreless as KPMG headed to the plate

Despite having lost 3-of-5 prior meetings to Columbus Lodge, KPMG was fervent in play against the team that had eliminated them the past two years. They torched CL pitching for 9-first inning hits and put the Lions into an early 7-0 hole. "There were balls that were playable," said CL's Ed Bochynski, referring to KPMG Frank Albarella's bases loaded triple over the out-stretched reach of leftfielder Ron Gandolfo. "But they (KPMG) swung the bats extremely well and you can't take anything away from them."

CL's offence remained dormant in the third, when Tony Novarro followed Ed Bochynski's leadoff single with a one out, inning ending double play. The at-bat proved costly as Novarro pulled a hamstring while running to first and had to be removed from the game. "It was a good idea not to play on it," said Novarro. Behind 8-0, CL finally scored on Jeff Steinberg's RBI triple in the fourth. The following inning, Bochynski tripled and scored on an RBI single by Joe Percella to closed the gap to within six, (8-2).

KPMG struck hard in the sixth, thanks to a pair of rare errors by CL's Joe Percella. The shortstop bobbled two routine grounders to ignite a 5-run inning that effectively sabotaged any chance for a comeback and widened the margin of KPMG's 13-2 victory. In a game where CL pitcher Anthony Curran needed all the help he could get, he received almost none from a defense that, at times, gave their opponent extra swings. KPMG's Tom Galgano boasted, "We dominated the competition."

For Columbus Lodge, the lopsided loss was indicative of a team that managed only seven hits; two erased on double-plays. "We didn't play well," said Lee Miceli, who was one-of-five Golden Lions that failed to reach base. CL finished the tournament with a combined .400 team BA, their lowest in over 3-years. CL tournament batting leaders were Jeff Steinberg (.823), Ed Bochynski (.667) and Dave Saviano (.667).

Overshadowed by the Columbus Lodge loss was second baseman Rita DiSalvo, who unceremoniously broke the CL female record for most CAPS, (recognition earned by a player for each appearance in tournament games). The milestone occurred in the opening round of the tournament. CL captain Ed Bochynski said, "Rita's accomplishment speaks volumes about her unflagging passion for the sport."

Other OSIA NEWS: At a recent Columbus Lodge meeting it was announced that Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi and Nassau County Legislature Dave Mejias made donations to support the lodge's many philanthropic programs . . . CL Outfielder Lisa Hynoski spent a week in Orlando, Florida competing in the Disney Tribute to Softball tournament ... The Annual Italian Feast and Festival is scheduled for September 26.