The Columbus Lodge #2143 (CL) softball committee paid tribute to the Dave Saviano and Jeff Steinberg by naming the two men as co-winners of the 2004 Joe Bermudez Award for their on-the-field performance and off-the-field excellence relating to community service. The two were presented their awards at a ceremony that followed the Columbus Lodge Golden Lions 12-6 doubling-up of the Silver Bats.

"Both Dave and Jeff have been integral parts of this team's success," said Golden Lions Manager Ed Bochynski. "We're happy to have them as part of our team." The award was named after retired player/manager Joe Bermudez, a Farmingdale resident who managed the Columbus Lodge softball program for nearly 20-years. Bermudez's volunteer efforts have been recognized by various local charitable organizations.

On the field Dave Saviano, a 14-year veteran outfielder for the lodge, batted a lofty .680 and led the Golden Lions in hits and runs scored, while providing flawless defense in the outfield. Centerfielder Jeff Steinberg batted an admirable .667 with a .720 OBP and led the Lions in both homeruns and RBIs. Earlier this season, both men were instrumental in the Columbus Lodge obtaining its first McDonald's Sports Festival championship title.

Off the field Saviano donates his time to the Telecare Telethon and annually participations in the lodge's biggest fund-raiser, the Italian Feast & Festival (this year scheduled for September 26th on N. Broadway in No. Massapequa). Jeff Steinberg volunteers his time and provides financial support to the Roy White Foundation, which raises money for needy graduating high school athletes who are heading to college. Having won the award in 2001, Saviano becomes only the second player to win the award twice.

Preceding the J.B. Awards presentation was the Golden Lions final game of the summer, in which the team pounded 12-runs on 15-hits. First baseman Ed Bochynski, who accumulated 3-hits and drove in 4-runs, collected his first 2-RBIs on a 2-out single up the middle in a 6-run first inning. During a 4-run third, Lions' Jeff Steinberg homered with (ironically) Dave Saviano on base to extend the lead to 10-4.

The game featured a gutsy performance by Lions pitcher Anthony "the Big Sausage" Curran, who played through pain, after pulling his hamstring in July. Curran pitched seven indomitable innings. The defensive plays of the game came in the fifth inning when, with runners on first and second, shortstop Joe Percella made an improbable over-the-shoulder catch down the left field sideline for the first out. On the next batter's ground ball, Percella turned a 6-6-3 double-play to end the inning without any damage.

In the sixth, after the Silver Bats scored a pair of runs, Ed Bochynski's one out double to right-centerfield scored Ron Gandolfo and Joe Percella to cap the scoring in the Lions 12-6 victory. Bochynski, who is in his eight season as player/manager, has left his teammate uncertain about his future with the team and has said he would wait until after this season before deciding on whether he will return for a ninth season. "It all comes down to whether I want to continue to do this."

However, after the game, Bochynski spoke about returning as both a player and manager beyond this year, but wasn't ready to declare it with any certainty. "Right now, the way I feel, I'm not sure I'm ready to quit," said Bochynski. After beginning the season with nagging injuries and a slow start at the plate, Bochynski has hit a blistering .722 the second half of the season and currently maintains a respectable .609 BA.

The Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions is a team dedicated to community services through softball fund-raising events. This season, their participation in such events has helped local charities to raise over $43,000 and since the team's inception their participation has raised over $622,000. Currently, the team boasts a tournament record of 37-14. To become a member, one may call Steve LaScala at 735-2535.

OTHER OSIA NEWS: Despite the Golden Lions reaching the semi-finals at last year's NYC Mayor's Cup, the team has declined an invitation to return this September, citing scheduling conflicts ... Congratulations to Rita DiSalvo, who successfully completed her first season as assistant softball coach at Dowling College. Dowling advanced to the third round of the NYCPC Playoffs.