Sliding in head first, the Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions will be heading to Bellport's Martha Avenue Softball Complex to participate in the Hooters ASA Qualifier Series. The ASA sanctioned event is one of over 300 local qualifying tournaments that will be held throughout the country. A good showing by Golden Lions could be the first step toward advancing to the east coast regional series in Orlando, FL followed by the Hooters Championship Series in Oklahoma City, OK.

The Hooters event is a national softball tournament that promotes amateur softball, while providing on-site hospitality by the "nearly world famous" Hooters girls. Formerly known as the ASA National Championship Series, the Hooters ASA Qualifier is set within the guidelines established by the Amateur Softball Association (or ASA), which is a not-for-profit organization that is the governing body of amateur softball. This is the Golden Lions' first attempt at a national title.

CL's roster leads-off with a quartet of outfielders that have extra base power without sacrificing a high average. Dave Saviano, who has surprising opposite field power, is coming off another stellar season in which he finished with a .750 BA and for the fifth straight season led the team in runs scored. Massapequa's Frank Battista, whose raw power and ability has already established him as one of the team's most dangerous hitters, returns with renewed desire.

Their most imposing hitter is Jeff Steinberg, who makes opponents think about weather they want to pitch to him or pitch around him. He is a home run hitter with a classic lefty swing and is not afraid to take an occasional free pass. A curious eye will be on outfielder Daron Tripoli, who returns to the team after a 5-year hiatus. During his first tour of duty, Tripoli demonstrated tremendous power and run-producing abilities. If Tripoli can resemble his old form, then this lineup just got deadlier.

The left side of the infield is stacked with sold defensive performers. Joe Percella still plays shortstop like an acrobat. He makes diving plays in shallow left field, has good range, and turns the double play quickly and effectively. Moving to third is Dennis "D-Train" Tranchina who led the Lions in HRs, RBIs last season and has batted .700 or better three of the past four seasons. Statistics aside, at 27, Tranchina continues to blossom as a leader in the dugout.

The right side of the infield is also impressive. Like "Old Man River" Ed Bochynski keeps on going. At 46, Ed still demonstrates an exquisite glove at first base, mainly because of his ability to turn throwing errors into outs. Second baseman Angelo Petrone has good range, plays hard, and knows how to get on base in crucial situations. And infielder Mooky Castillo continues to hit at a high rate however the tender back that has plagued him the past two seasons has raised concerns about his durability.

Pitcher Anthony "Big Sausage" Curran draws his energy from unbridled emotion and has a knack for hitting in the clutch. Not many hitters are more reliable, with the game on the line, than Curran. A decade ago, Lee Miceli (30) was labeled "the fastest man in lodge history." That statement still holds true today. Miceli's roll as catcher will ensure plenty of playing time; however, his ability to play multiple positions well makes him indispensable at tournament time when versatility is at a premium.

The most notable change to the 2006 lineup will be the absence of veteran leftfielder Ron "Gondo" Gandolfo. During his seven seasons with the Golden Lions, Gondo (37) led the team in home runs twice, in RBIs and average once, and leaves the team ranked 4th on their all-time lists in tournament games played, tournament games won, and tournament appearances. The Lions have left the door open, should Gondo decide to return later this season.

The Columbus Lodge Golden Lions are a competitive softball team that is dedicated to community service through fund-raising softball events. Since the team's inception, they have helped raised over $685,000 for local charities. The Columbus Lodge #2143, a member of the Order Sons of Italy in America, offers its members various social and recreational activities, as well as community involvement. To become a member of the lodge, one may contact Stephen LaScala at (516) 735-2535.

Other OSIA News: The Sons of Italy-Columbus Lodge Annual Charity Golf Outing on May 18th at the Timber Point Country Club is rapidly approaching. To sign up as a single or foursome see the Community Calendar for details or contact Tony Ragno at 586-4117. The Columbus Lodge membership recently approved the sponsorship of Farmingdale Baseball's Cooperstown team. The lodge wishes success to the local boys who are competing upstate and hope they hit a home run.