Softball teams beware because the Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions (CL) has loaded their guns with the intention of making some noise at the ASA Turkey Shoot Out tournament on Nov. 20 in the Township of Brookhaven. Relax animal lovers, no dead birds at this tournament, just the best softball teams on Long Island looking to avoid the Golden Lions' lethal paws and swift bats. Last year's event drew 56 teams.

According to a lodge spokesperson, this will mark the first time in CL history that the lodge's softball team will be playing in a November tournament.

"I usually don't play this time of year," said Angelo Patrone, who will get the start at second base.

Patrone has already spent time in the batting cage preparing. Patrone was joined in the cage by CL's all-star outfielders Ron 'Gondo' Gandolfo, Dave Saviano, Jeff Steinberg and Dennis Tranchina. Pete Gisonda, 72-year old third base coach for the Golden Lions, has already hinted on his reasons for passing on the event when he asked, "won't it be too cold this time of year?" While the temperatures have dipped a few degrees, the Golden Lions will hope their bats head up. Anthony 'Big Sausage' Curran, arguably the best hitting catcher in the county, will be behind the plate. Pitchers Roland 'Mookie' Castillio and Rob 'the Big Hurt' Igneri, (who is 6-0 in tournament starts over the past two seasons), are expected on the mound.

The versatile Gus Costalas, who has played both shortstop and centerfield for Columbus Lodge, will display his versatility at the hot corner. Sure handed first baseman Ed Bochynski rounds out a Golden Lions roster that can hit for both average and power. Earlier this year, the team took home the coveted bronze statuette as RMH Sports Festival champions and a year ago the Lions won both the QBC and AFSC championship titles. Yet despite their success, they are aware that entry into this tournament may be their biggest challenge.

With a $1,300 cash prize and trophy at stake, Columbus Lodge is expecting to face local, regional, and national teams of A, B, and C skill levels. The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) sanctioned tournament is the last major event of the year. CL's Ed Bochynski has already proclaimed that money won by his team will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island and to the Sons of Italy Foundation.

Now in its 40th year, the Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions is a competitive softball 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 six-hundred thousand dollars, while posting a winning percentage of .725. To become a member of Columbus Lodge one may contact Steve LaScala at 735-2535.

Other OSIA News: The annual Columbus Lodge Children's Christmas Party will be on Dec. 12 at the Stewart Thomas Manor. Farmingdale's Phil Varca and the SlamJammers will be performing at a charity benefit in Wantagh, at the Cafe Oasis on Dec. 10. All are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift for a child and all toys collected will benefit the St. Joseph's Outreach Center.

- Submitted by Ed Bochynski