The Columbus Lodge Golden Lions softball team announced on Nov. 15 Daron Tripoli was officially sworn in as a member of the Columbus Lodge #2143 Order Sons of Italy in America. Last summer, the 24-year-old Tripoli made the move from third base to shortstop and provided Gold Glove fielding at the position.

Tripoli voluntarily made the conversion when a void became open in June, due to the sudden retirement of Rich Flanagan. The power hitting Tripoli led the Golden Lions to a pair of victories in the 1998 Easter Seals Softball Classic and to a playoff birth in the WESCO Softball Playoffs.

Also, Tripoli was one of eight players to appear in all Columbus Lodge scheduled charity softball games. His (and the Lions) participation, in these charity softball games, helped Long Island area charities raise over $106,000 in 1998. In addition, Tripoli volunteered his services to assist at the Nassau County Special Olympics, held this past October.

"Daron is a unique player and person, both on and off the field and it is important to retain the qualities which he brings to the team and the Lodge," said Ed Bochynski, player/manager of the Golden Lions. Although officially inducted in November, Columbus Lodge shortstop's application, interview and approval for membership occurred last July.

The induction of Tripoli gives the Columbus Lodge #2143 OSIA the opportunity to bring back the 1998 softball team virtually intact. "Darin is one of our core players and his induction was key to the success and growth of the team," said Bochynski.