By TONY BELLISSIMO
Twice a week from April through November you can find them on Field 1 at Hempstead Lake State Park, but if the weather doesn’t cooperate they’ll head over to Turf Island in Oceanside and play indoors as they regularly do from December through March.
“We’re determined to play twice a week no matter what,” manager Bob Simmons said. “We’ve got a great group of guys and a lot of strong players. Everyone has desire to play and takes pride in doing well.”
Most of the sounds coming from the field are the same you would hear at any other softball game: The ding of an aluminum bat, the pop of a glove, shouts of “safe” or “out.” There’s also musical entertainment as Simmons, 71, breaks out his collection of 50s music right from the opening pitch. “The idea is to have fun,” said Simmons, a West Hempstead/Rockville Centre resident for more than 30 years who became a Mets fan after the Giants relocated to San Francisco, “but guys are competitive and like to win. It’s nice to tell your grandchildren your team won today.”
The Boys of Summer formed three years ago when a handful of smaller groups joined forces. The minimum age requirement is 60, and this year’s roster exceeds 60 players. Seven-inning doubleheaders are held every Tuesday and Friday, and teams are chosen at random based on the number of players who show on a given day. “It’s more laid back than a regular league, but if the game is tied after seven innings we’ll play one more to try to break it,” Simmons said. “Every day we throw our gloves in a pile and pick out teams.”
For 73-year-old Merrick resident Tony Pelligrino, it’s a return to childhood twice a week. “I was too busy to play when I was younger,” said the retired school principal. “I take great satisfaction in playing and look forward to it every week.”
Having 10 or 11 players on each side is ideal, and sometimes there are enough bodies on a given day to break into three teams. The defense uses five infielders, but the biggest changes are on the bases. There are two different first bases and home plates, one for the runner and one for the fielder. In both cases if the throw beats the runner, he’s out. There are no balls and strikes, but instead a three-swing limit per at-bat. A foul pop to the catcher is not considered an out.
“We stay young and fit,” said 74-year-old Ralph Cammarota of Elmont, a lifelong Yankees fan who holds a black belt in judo. “I’ve always played ball. I had knee surgery three years ago in January and I was back in action by April.”
Dom Frisina, 72, of Island Park, always enjoyed playing ball as a kid and decided to give it another try 12 years ago. He’s a fan of the outdoor and indoor versions. “We don’t have to worry about the weather,” he said of the option to play at Turf Island. “Nothing stops us.”
Except for the occasional injury.
Staying healthy is a challenge, however, no players have missed significant time this year due to injury. Anyone banged up gets checked out immediately by Dan Kaye. The 70-year-old Valley Stream resident, a retired New York City police officer, is a registered nurse. “The injuries run in spurts,” he said. “We mostly get small bumps and bruises that require an ice pack and a little rest.”
Team members appreciate the camaraderie as much as the competition. When they’re not on the field, some get together with the wives for dinner, dances and other fun activities. “We’ve formed close friendships,” Simmons said.
Anyone interested in joining the Boys of Summer can call 516 764-1011.
Comments about this story? TBellissimo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000, ext. 204.
