Club of the Week - Rome Men's Softball Association
By Joe Fusco Jr., Rome Observer
04/03/2008


	Photo by Sharon Trela Out at first! If you recognize the speed demon headed down the base path as Rome Police Department’s Stu Rood, you’d be right. As the ump signals in the background, an aging first baseman makes the stretch and takes a powerful throw from another relic of the past, third baseman Rick Mezza. Don’t feel bad Stu, if you’re going to get picked off by a couple of gray haired old timers, be thankful it’s at least a pair with some decent credentials from the past. The scene is from last year’s Bobby Page softball tournament. The Satch’s reunion team vs. the Rome PBA. Don’t forget to sign up early for this year’s event.

This is the first time in 23 years that I won't be hearing Pat Burns say to me, "We're one day closer to spring Joe. Zeppi and baseball is right behind that."

Sometimes he would also add, "and they can't take that away from us." Pat was always a positive influence on people. If I learned anything at all from my departed friend, it's that you have to maintain a positive outlook because nothing else works. Pat loved baseball as much as life itself. As I begin this story about the start of the men's softball season, Pat's memory is on my mind.

With sunshine and blue skies on the way, the members of the Rome Men's Softball Association wanted me to let you know they have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming season.

Big emphasis this year is for players to pay close attention to the associations Web site at: www.romemenssoftball.org

There will be rule changes, schedule updates, team stats and new this year will be a community out reach program to enlist the help of public and private groups to make some needed improvements to Wright Hazleton Field.

Some of the rule changes this year, following the lead of both the Kirkland and Utica Leagues, are the bat rules. Aluminum bats, bats with an aluminum barrel and composite handle and white steel bats are allowed.

No titanium bats are allowed. No Mizuno bats of any kind. No stamp from ASA needed.

For more information go to the Web site and click on 'Rules.' Also check the Web site for information on waiver forms and policies, other rule changes and sponsorship fees. This year's fee is $375 per team.

RMSA feels that men's softball in Rome is the premiere adult recreational activity, with nearly 400 participants. RMSA strongly supports this statement and believes by following the lead of many local softball associations by banning composite bats that they are protecting the interest of participants and spectators by providing a safe and enjoyable environment.

Board vacancies need to be filled. The RMSA board of directors is looking to fill three vacant spots for the 2008 season and beyond. Interested candidates can contact Bill Menter, RMSA President at (315) 219-3240.

It's your league take ownership and get involved.

Key dates coming up:

First league meeting is on Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m. at City Hall council chambers.

The second meeting is on Thursday, May 1 at 7 p.m. at the same location. The meetings are open to the public. For more information contact Menter.

The Second Annual RMSA Open Invitational Tournament is June 22. This is a 12 team first come, first serve tournament. The fee is $200 per team.

For more information check the club's Web site.

And keep your eyes on the Rome Observer as a very talented local writer, Mike Kohli, reports on all the latest and greatest league action that RMSA has to offer. I'll be looking for some photo opportunities myself this year to highlight some of the action at Wright Hazelton and focus on some of the personalities involved.

Wright Hazelton has always been home to some interesting characters over the years. Men's softball has been the source of a lot of fun for many generations. If you're looking for some exercise and good fellowship, RMSA is where it's at. All you need is to get a bunch of your friends at work or just the guys you grew up with together, find a sponsor or make one up and you can join in on all the action at Wright Hazelton field this year.

By getting a team together now you'll be ready for the next Bobby Page Memorial Tournament later this year. It's one of the premier events in Rome and the proceeds go to benefit local causes. You can check that out on the Web at:

www.bobbypage5.com