Innovator, trendsetter, idea man - these are words that describe Orfelo 'Pistol Pete' Gisonda. From his humble beginnings as a Sunday morning softball player to his rise as co-chairman of the Columbus Lodge softball program, Pete Gisonda has done it all and was the Columbus Lodge #2143 softball committee's unanimous choice for induction into the this year's Softball Hall of Fame.

The North Massapequa resident began playing with the lodge during the 1980s and for the next 17 seasons was a vital part in the success of the Golden Lions softball team; serving as player, as coach, and as chairman. He came up as a second baseman and quickly earned a reputation for having good hands and a reliable bat. In 1997, he became chairman of the Columbus Lodge (CL) softball program; an appointment that would change the direction of the lodge's softball program for the next decade.

When Gisonda took the position as chairman, the "idea man" went to work on marketing the lodge's softball team. As chairman, Gisonda appointed Ed Bochynski to serve as co-chairman and manager of the CL travel team. He arranged for the games to be covered by local newspapers, which eventually extend to cable TV and a national magazine. Gisonda, ever the innovator, arranged for a memorable softball series between his lodge and Gulotta Lodge. The CL swept the series two games to none.

In 1999, at the age of 66, Pete (the player) became the team's top pitcher because of his ability to remain calm under pressure and get key outs. That ability was best displayed on Sept. 25th in the AFSC championship game. In the final inning, with the bases loaded and the game on the line, the 5'6' Gisonda calmly endued the 6'7" pro-wrestler Sunny Beach to pop-up to third baseman Joe Pesale for the final out and a championship victory.

Earlier that year, in a bit of irony, Gisonda (a retired postmaster) was asked to take the mound against the team from the U.S. Postal Service, at the Easter Seals Softball Classic. Though the drama of the circumstances never lived up to the expectations, (with Columbus Lodge winning easily 24-7), Gisonda gained personal satisfaction from a victory pitched under 98-degree temperatures. All totaled, Gisonda has pitched in seven title game victories, still a CL record.

His last pitching appearance for Columbus Lodge was a victory against Metlife on July 28, 2001, for his sixth Easter Seals Softball Classic trophy winning game. "His scrungy would leave batters baffled," said Joe Contorno (teammate 1991-1999). In 2003, at the RMH Sports Festival, third-base coach Gisonda smacked a pinch hit single during the team's 35-0 victory.

Today, Pete remains active with the team by providing invaluable wisdom as a coach. In addition, Gisonda is an officer for the Columbus Lodge, where he holds the position of Principle Trustee. Also, Gisonda is the chairman of the lodge's Scholarship Journal, which provides the funding for scholarships for local graduating high school seniors and has been elected numerous times as a CL delegate to the NYS Grand Lodge convention.

Receiving honorable mention at this year's HOF balloting was shortstop Rich Flanagan. Flanagan played for six seasons with the Columbus Lodge before a sudden departure during the 1997 season. What he lacked in stature he made up for with determination. Even today, the willowy "ball hawk" is generally regarded as one of the best defensive shortstops in lodge history.

Now in its 40th year, the Columbus Lodge #2143 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 becoming part this organization one may call Steve LaScala at 735-2535.