The Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions held their end-of-season luncheon, which gave them the opportunity to reflect on the current softball season, recognize individual accomplishments, and announce player(s) selected to their softball Hall of Fame (HOF). The team began the season by competing in the ASA Hooter's Qualifier in May, their first national tournament, and concluded with their second McDonald's Sports Festival championship in September.

Current third baseman Jackie Pasquerella took top honors by being named the recipient of the prestigious 2006 Joe Bermudez Award (JB Award), named after 83-year-old Farmingdale resident Joe Bermudez, whose great passion for softball is only exceeded by his commitment to help those in need. Players from the past were also honored as Tallyann Byrne and Frank Curran were selected into the team's Softball Hall of Fame. Receiving HOF honorable mention was Rocco Reese.

Jackie Pasquerella became the first woman selected for the JB Award, which recognizes a player's accomplishments during the season and takes into consideration which player exemplifies sportsmanship and community involvement. An educator by profession, Jackie is coming off an outstanding season in which she batted .714, tied a Lioness record for RBIs in a tournament, and fielded play-after-play at the hot corner. She also contributed countless hours to programs that focused on children's athletic development.

The selection of former Farmingdale High School softball standout Tallyann Byrne into the Lions' softball Hall of Fame was viewed as a tangible example of the progressive impact women have had in sports and is a testament to the softball skills of Ms. Byrne. Byrne becomes the first woman to enter the team's HOF, not because she was a woman, because her abilities transcended gender and paved the way for other women players.

For seven seasons (1995-2001) Byrne displayed sure hands, a lethal throwing arm, and versatility. That versatility was best displayed at the 1999 McDonald's Sports Festival ("MSF") when she played second base, caught, and pitched. The four-time MSF participant has the unique distinction of having played at every infield position for the Golden Lions and is the only Lioness to have played on three ESSC Co-ed Championship teams (1998-2000).

The second HOF selection was Frank Curran, who roamed centerfield for nine seasons (1992-2000) and served as bench coach for three more (2001-2003). During his playing days, Curran was always a calming influence for his teammates. Not concerned with the score, Curran would often profess to younger players that "you have to have a plan" and then emphasize the importance of focusing on scoring one run at a time.

Known as a player that could elevate his game at crucial times, Frank's contemporaries will tell you that he never let the situation of the game change his even-keel demeanor. In his final plate appearance, Curran pinch hit a two-out, run scoring single during the championship game of the 2000 McDonald's Sports Festival. All totaled, Frank Curran played on six ESSC trophy winning teams. Frank Curran's positive attitude and his contributions to the team make him a popular choice for this year's HOF.

Receiving honorable mention in this year's HOF balloting was Farmingdale native Rocco Reese. Reese, a third baseman, played five seasons for the Golden Lions. The Farmingdale High School alumnus helped the Lions take home both co-ed and men's trophies at the Easter Seals Softball Classic (1998) and made his final appearance in the 1998 McDonald's Sports Festival.

The Columbus Lodge Golden Lions is a softball team that is dedicated to community service through fundraising softball events. Since the team's inception, they have helped raise over $701,000 for local charities. The Columbus Lodge offers its members various social and recreational activities, as well as community involvement. To become a member one may contact Sam Novarro at 694-9732 or Stephen LaScala at 735-2535.

Other OSIA News: Columbus Lodge Past President Tony Ragno announced next year's annual golf outing would benefit the Wounded Warrior Project . . . Members from the Lodge participated in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides breast cancer walk, which was held at Jones Beach on Oct. 15 . . . The lodge was honored before the LI Ducks baseball game during Italian night at Citibank Park this past September.