At a recent gathering, the Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions reflected back at their 2007 softball season accomplishments, which included a McDonald's Sports Festival and a C.J. Rovin Foundation championship. The team announced the $43,000 raised this season by participating in softball fund-raising events allowed the Lions cumulative amount to exceed the $744,000 plateau. The end of season awards and new inductee into the team's softball hall of fame were also a part of the gathering.

Joe Percella took top honors by being named the recipient of the prestigious 2007 Joe Bermudez Award, given to the player who combines outstanding skills on the field with devoted work for the community. In his sixth season with the Lions, Percella led in doubles, RBIs, and batted .700 while having personal bests in runs scored and slugging percentage. Off the field Percella raised money for local charities at the Columbus Lodge's Italian Feast & Festival.

Jackie Pasquerella was named winner of the 2007 Golden Glove Award as Golden Lions defensive player of the year for her stellar performance at shortstop during the CJ Rovin Foundation softball tournament. Pasquerella made many great plays, taking away multiple hits from opponents and played all season without committing a single error. Her quickness, athleticism and agility are matched by few others.

Joe Pesale was selected for induction into the Golden Lions Softball Hall of Fame ("HOF"). The Farmingdale resident was considered by teammates to be the personification of a "team player". A left-handed hitting third baseman, Pesale was the Columbus Lodge (CL) leadoff hitter for parts of 13-seasons (1991-2003) because of his ability to work the count and get on base; a career .638 on-base-percentage.

Pesale played in eleven softball tournaments and caught the final out in one of the most memorable championship games in team history. With two outs and the potential tying and winning runners on base, professional wrestler Sunny Beach, a 6'6" power hitter, thumped a mammoth popup to third base. Pesale made the catch look easy and the Golden Lions won the 1999 AFSC championship game. He would lead the Lions to two more AFSC championships in 2002-03.

Pesale will be remembered for his head first slides and willingness to sacrifice personal glory for team goals. The true value of his selflessness can be measured by the team's winning percentage (.783) in tournament games in which he was in the lineup. That percentage is currently ranked second all-time among Columbus Lodge players who have played in at least 20-CAP games.

Old number 24 wrapped his Golden Lions career is 2003 and is still ranked among the team's all-time leaders in walks, on-base-percentage, tournament games and tournament appearances. He is a four-time McDonald's Sports Festival participant and, in his final season, he earned the prestigious Joe Bermudez Award for his contributions both on and off the field as an EMS volunteer. His selection into the HOF is the final chapter to an inspiring Columbus Lodge softball career.

The Golden Lions are affiliated with the Columbus Lodge #2143, a not-for-profit fraternal organization and member of the Order Sons of Italy in America. The lodge offers its members various social and recreational activities, as well as community and charity involvement. To become a member one may contact Gary Caparco at 799-2613.