Photo by Elaine Freda & Gary Leone

 

NATIONAL PASTIME A BIG HOLIDAY HIT

IN KISMET/SALTAIRE RIVALRY

                                                            By Jeannie

 

It looked like something out of the Saturday Evening Post, small town
Americana in a Rockwell painting as Saltaire graciously invited Kismet to their well kept playing field with its new bases in a match up between the Saltaire and Kismet Fire Departments. Coach/player Lou Romanzi negotiated the deal with Saltaire for months.  As DH Greg Weiser said “it was great way to get to know each other instead of just during emergencies”.

Tony Manzo, third baseman, who played with a broken finger, said “We looked like the Bad News Bears… when we arrived nobody thought we had a chance of winning.  They should have put a defibrillator on second base. It was a phlebotic team of varicosities”.
 
Kismet took up 90% of the bleachers.  Everyone got into the act. The loudest and funniest cheers were led by Roz.  Previously low profile Marilyn made 6 Pom Poms, one of which Dr. Zev unceremoniously wore like a bunny tail. There were chants like “We don’t Shuffle, we Play Bal!” and waves.

 

                                                   

Special thanks to Mike D for keeping score & providing stats.

Saltaire got on the board first with a long home run by the barefoot lifeguard. Kismet bats were quiet until the 4th inning.

Coach Lou led off with a double off the fence & short stop Dave hammered  one over the fence putting Kismet on the board.  Kismet's bats came alive and the crowd went wild. Fireperson Krisha, the only gal on the team, provided spark both behind and on the plate. Jim S was rewarded “most improved” by Coach Lou as he led the Kismet line up with 3 hits & 3 RBI's.

Gary L ran bases like the wind and showed off some spectacular slides but got picked off twice at 3rd (he has the raspberries on his leg to prove it). Steve of MM filled in for shortstop Dave, who had to go home to grill some steaks. Thanks to Chilly Willy, Dominick, a southpaw, was able to fill in with his glove (both are New York firemen).
                                                

Pitchers Tony F, player coach Lou R, pitcher Charlie U

After Saltaire's early home run our Pitcher Charlie U kept the Saltaire line up in check and gave way to Tony F, who never pitched before, took over the last three innings. “I didn't give up any earned runs, allowed only one base hit.  I had a technique with a snap of the elbow which proved deadly”.  After the game Tony was like a Pharmaceutical Parfait of Advil, muscle relaxers and sleeping pills.
                                       

Tony at work

In the 9th with a lead of 11 5  Kismet plugged in the kids and young Jack M hit a line drive that drew cheers.

 

When Coaches Lou for Kismet & Verne for Saltaire said  “ We are trying to make it a bi-annual event” Tony F. said “It will take a year for us to heal”.

Gary L said “The game was great, we all walked away a little sore but it doesn’t hurt as bad when you win.”

 

The Kismet Fire Dept, Softball Team & spectators would like to thank Verne H & Saltaire for hosting the game and BBQ following and look forward to the next game.