OTHG Charity Softball Benefits Carman Family
The Over the Hill Gang softball league would like to thank everyone who turned out for its recent charity event at Allen Park. More than $20,000 was raised to help purchase a wheel chair accessible van for Jennifer Carman and her family. The evening was a moving example of a community in action with hundreds of people coming together to help one of their own.
The festivities began when Legislator Joe Belesi called on the Honor Guard from American Legion Post 449. The Blue Devil Band played, Councilwoman Rebecca Alesia recited the Pledge of Allegiance, Emily Kann sang the National Anthem and there was a moment of silence in memory of “Fast Eddie” Shillitto. Many people made the night possible: Christine Restani, JoAnn DeTurris, Ruth Ferrugio, Joe Cordi, Joe Reilly, Ed Reilly, Rob Rubino, Joe Traina, Maria Ball, Ed Shillitto Jr., Jillean Reilly, Megan Epitane, Joseph Reilly, Fabrinna Restani, Sienna Restani, Gabby Cordi, Christine Cordi, Rebecca De Turris, Dylan Reilly, Al Palleschi, Ann Jambor, Nancy Maghakian, Bill Murray and his staff at Allen Park.
Zwanger Pesiri Radiology opened tournament play with a solid 15-11 win over McCourt and Trudden Funeral Home. ZP got right down to business in the first inning. Jerry Mazza led off with a triple. He was doubled home by Rich D’Amico and two batters later Marc Fischer made it 4-1 with a three-run homer. Fischer was not the only one to bring his heavy lumber. Vinny Foppiano belted a solo shot in the third inning and Tommy Dittmeier slammed two balls off the fence. In the fifth inning, ZP scored eight times with Bino Reverberi and Ira Berger got key hits. Brian Tinney got the win holding down a tough M&T lineup that exploded for 23 runs against ZP during the season. Tinney helped his cause with an RBI double in the eighth inning. For the night, Dittmeier was 4-4. Pete Mendelson and Mazza were 3-3. John DeFalco, Foppiano, Reverberi and Fischer had two hits each. The team received word that Marc Fischer may miss the remainder of the tournament. We know he’ll be there in spirit and everyone is certain he’ll be back soon, better than ever.
