In response to the letter posted in the July 7 edition by Donna Gianino-Dickinson, I take exception to and I am offended by the innuendo that the Over The Hill Gang Softball League is an out-of-control group of ballplayers. The league has been in existence for over 30 years, formed at the time to provide the individuals who donated their time to coaching and running the local youth programs an avenue to continue their friendship on the softball field. It is a league consisting of 192 players made up of 90 percent of residents from Farmingdale, North Massapequa and Massapequa Park (the remainder are from other parts of Oyster Bay Township), many of who still donate their time to the local youth programs. We are also local taxpayers who are entitled to use the town facilities, as is any other resident.

The league also has a history of charity work as each year the league runs a tournament, with all of the proceeds donated to the cause the league has selected for that year. Last year OTHG donated to the American Legion to purchase items needed by the 344th Combat Hospital Support Group serving in Iraq. Other recent past recipients involved a family with a sick child and another whose son was severely injured in a pool mishap.

The league has always had an excellent working relationship with not only the park but also town officials, who routinely accept the league's invitations to attend the yearly awards presentation or opening night festivities. The league is in constant conversation with town officials and do whatever they request as we pride ourselves on being not only good neighbors but responsible adults. There is no way that the league or its players would jeopardize any one's health, safety and welfare, especially our own children. Who do you think are the parents of most of the children using the park on Friday nights (outside of the handball courts)? Many of the player's wives come to the games as well making it a family activity. We are all over 40 years old and are working professionals from all walks of life. Just because there are teams in the parking lot after the game joking and laughing doesn't mean they are drinking beer and getting intoxicated. I for one have been in the league for 19 years and never had anything more than a water or soda after a game. Many players consider the time spent hanging out after the game the best part of the league. If you follow the same logic as the letter writer, I guess all of the youths that are using and hanging out at the handball courts are troublemakers as that area is the problem area of the park, all you have to do is check to see which area generates the calls for police service. It's not the ball fields that have the lights turned off due to fights, foul language and general rowdy behavior (and worse?).

Another issue is why hasn't the police department been a constant presence over the years if the Over The Hill League is such a problem? Prior to the evening in question, I'm not aware of any other call to the police department to respond to such despicable behavior. Why weren't any summonses or other police action taken that night (or any other night), could it be there weren't any violations? Or does the complainant believe the Nassau County Police Department is part of a vast conspiracy?

I for one am proud to be a member of the Over The Hill Softball League as I feel the other 191 players are as well.

Gary Jambor