On the Air with Tony Pasko

I have written about Tony Pasko a few times.  He is the pitcher and leadoff hitter on our softball team.  He works for Empire Carpet and hs been known to appear in ads for them.
I always enjoy seeing Tony appear in the tv ads.  I especially like seeing if Tony appears in new ads when they appear.  He also appears in short Empire videos online.
Tony is a great guy and a great friend.  He has covered for me too many times to remember when my defensive abilities come up short on the softball field and he never complains.  He does give me a good ribbing on occasion, but that's part of the fun.
The photo below is an odd photo in that it appears Tony is alone on the field.  In reality, this is an actual game photo.  I am the catcher (but not the photographer).  One of our fans must have taken this shot, but framed it in such a way as to eliminate any trace of any other player.

Seasons in the Sun

Last season, I did a little documentary on the Dogs softball team.  I tried to capture the intensity exhibited throughout the season.  I captured the veteran Jim Gekas discussing the upcoming game with Jim Pellum the young right fielder.
As the rock solid short-centerfielder, Jim G. is a steadying force on the defense.  Jim P. joined the team and immediately sparked us with his youthful raw energy and speed.  It's really a great juxtaposition.  It's also really silly!

Seasons in the Sun

I am a bit of a scrapbooker. Well, really more of a photo-albumer. I always liked to get photos of anything in which I participated. Seriously, I think it comes from my need to feel I belong (somewhere). I have gotten several team photos of the various teams on with I played (even if only for a game).
Such is the case below with the vaunted Dogs of War softball squad. The Dogs have been together for about 20 years, although few original Dogs remain. I have been a member (of some sort) since 1997.
As players get older and lives get busier, the Dogs have expanded to about 25 players. At any given game, you might see any random 10 of us. Oh sure, it bends the roster rule a bit, but this isn't the major leagues.
As for me, I am happy to participate on any level. It's great fun. It's competitive, yet loose. It's intense, yet very calming. It's just a great summer tradition and a way to keep up (if even loosely) with some old friends.
There's long-time friend Jim Gekas in the black in the back row. Tony (from Empire Carpet ads fame), Ron (from last week's post) and Harry Comerford (one of the newer guys) round out that part of the back row. Frank Moy (long-time Dog), Pete Zundel and Jim Pellum (the rookie and nephew of Jim G.) are kneeling up front. Steve Stumpf (long-time Dog, slow-motion runner and avid Sox fan), me and OT Cano (Mr. Versatile) round out the right half of the back-ish row.
We don't have jerseys. We barely have bats. (Somewhere I found that hideous green hat, though.) Still, I am sure we all have smiles and good memories. I know I do!

The Dogs in Park Ridge, IL-Summer 2009.

Seasons in the Sun

Ron Burke has been a softball mainstay from the early days of the Dogs team. Ronnie went to Notre Dame high school with some of the other players.
Ron is passionate about softball. It is an understatement to say he is intense. He'd have to calm down to be classified as intense!
Despite being a lefty, Ron has played left and right field, first base and third base. A left-handed third basemen (ala Mike Squires)? Big Ronnie did fine there, too!
He is also known to throw out random 70's song lyrics, like "Billy don't be a hero" when Billy Frigelis was batting. He also is responsible for tagging me with the 'Chisel' moniker.
Perhaps one of the funniest things Ron does is slip into a little Mr. Mxyzptlk (one of Superman's enemies) in homage to Maury, one of the umps who does bear a resemblance to the little imp. That one never ceases to entertain the fans.
Ronnie is also a devout Pittsburgh Steelers fan and has been for as long as I have known him (meaning he is no bandwagon jumper). He also gives me endless guff over the fact that I still have myself listed as 1993 champ in a long-running football confidence pool. I know it was a long time ago, but a title is a title and Ron doesn't have one (although he is a solid competitor).
Ron has put up with some bad throws from me over the years, along with having to chase my slow butt around the bases on occasion. He's a good guy and deserves his time to shine right here.

Ron Burke in Park Ridge, IL-Summer 2010.

Seasons in the Sun

The Dogs of War might not have won a league championship yet, but we have always had fun. Even after tough losses, the boys still can laugh (and moan and cry and poke and kvetch and sometimes even imbibe a beverage or two).
After a particularly ugly loss, I caught up with left fielder Ron Burke and first baseman Steve Stumpf. Each had his own reason for the loss. I can't argue with either one, but I can certainly laugh with both of them.

Seasons in the Sun

When I first started playing on the Dogs softball team, Steve Stumpf was the shortstop. Since then, I have seen him play everywhere, except for centerfield and pitcher. I have also seen him 'inside-out' a pitch to right field about 500 times. He is a master at that.
Some say that Steve has lost a step since those days some 17 years ago. I don't think he's lost any speed, primarily because he never had any speed! Still, he is a very good base runner (even if it takes him a while to run them).
Earlier this season, according to the soft pencil in the official scorebook, Steve hit a home run. The fans who were there tell a slightly different story. Steve hit a nice shot (to right field, naturally). For some reason, he attempted to stretch his double into a triple. The throw went wide and Steve "raced" for home.
I don't think Steve even wanted to leave third base though, but he had no choice. Our team was waving him in. Steve chugged around third and 'sprinted' towards home as the third baseman picked up the errant throw and sent it sailing to the catcher. Fortunately for Steve, the throw hit him in the leg and rolled away harmlessly. Steve scored easily (although not effortlessly).
Below is Steve's take on the whole matter. It is also what a man in his mid-40's looks like after just chugging around the bases!

Seasons in the Sun

A couple weeks ago, I wrote about the end of playing Fall-ball. I pictured a very cold Billy Frigelis. Today, I am highlighting Billy's older brother George.

I met George through Louie, who had known him for years. George is a great guy. He is a tough competitor, but he doesn't let it get in the way of fun either. Even more fun however, were the after-game meals at Champ's in Morton Grove (IL).
A car accident derailed his softball career, but fortunately George recovered. He is now married with 2 cute kids. He occasionally has made appearances as a pitcher on Billy's 12 inch team.
Like Steve Stumpf from last week's blog, George lent a friendly helping hand to me in my early days on the team. George's assistance was usually a joke, a sarcastic remark or even silliness, to take my mind off of my usual bad night.

George, Frig, Ferg, Sweet Baby G, Geo...whatever you want to call him, he is one of the good ones. I haven't known him as long as the others have. I don't see him very often these days. Still, when I do, it's all good, as he would say.

George Frigelis (and a victory cigar?) in Park Ridge, IL-early 00's.

Seasons in the Sun

Steve Stumpf was one of the guys on the softball team from my first day as a substitute. Aside from the fact that he is a Cubs-hater, Stumpfy is a great guy.
Stumpfy taught me some better glovework for the catcher position in 12 inch softball, without making me feel like a big goof. He has also adjusted my swing years ago (although he probably will deny having anything to do with my swing).
Stumpfy pioneered the arse-slap for excellent plays. He has also taken to playing umpire at 1st when I am at bat. He loves calling me 'out' or 'safe' on close plays. He is a solid gloveman and a smart hitter. He is also slower than me (although a better baserunner).
One of my favorite memories of Stumpfy was when he wore a earpiece to listen to the Sox 2005 playoff games, while playing. The timing of one game was perfect, as the White Sox won their game, just as Stumpf settled under a pop up for the final out of our playoff game.
Stumpfy also does a few pretty good Hawk Harrelson impressions. So, for all of these reasons, this one's for you Stumpfy, dadgumit!

Steve Stumpf in Park Ridge, IL-mid 00's.

Seasons in the Sun

When we were younger, we played softball in the summer and in the fall. Fall ball stopped several years ago. The picture below illustrates the reason better than any words I could write.
It was cold. It was very, very cold. In fact, it was freezing. Literally freezing. We played an entire fall season with temperatures at night in the 30's and below. A few times, it was snowing while we played. Many times, both teams and the ump stayed in their vehicles until game time, just to stay warm.
We wore our winter gear while sitting on the bench when we were batting. While on defense we wore winter gloves on our non-throwing hands.
After the next summer season, we apparently still had vivid memories of that fall season, because nobody was interested in fielding a fall team. Of course, that year, we had a very mild fall and people did start to get the itch. However, one blustery day in October brought everyone back to reality and the idea of a fall league pretty much was put to rest forever.

Billy Frigelis (bundled and still freezing) in Park Ridge, IL-early 00's.

Seasons in the Sun

Last week, I featured my first softball team photo. This week, I fast forwarded about 15 years to feature my Dogs of War softball team.
After several seasons on the field and several cutbacks in the office, it became too much of a challenge to field a team at Lerner Newspapers. Fortunately around the same time, Louie's team was suffering from attrition, too. I was occasionally asked to be a sub (when they were really desperate). Aside from being in a men's league, this team was definitely a step-up competitively from the Lerner teams.
The picture below is one of my favorite shots. It just screams 'softball'. I love the sun, mismatched shirts, 16 inch ball...all of it.
I also like the grit shown by Jim G. (standing far right). Jim hit a hard shot and had thoughts of going for 2nd base. The poorly manicured field of Park Ridge didn't fully cooperate, but Jim was not to be denied. A shirtful of dirt, sore shoulder and a great effort later, Jim was safe with another of his key hits.

The Dogs in Park Ridge, IL-mid 2000's.

Seasons in the Sun

The softball team for Lerner was always a bit off kilter. Maybe that is why I love the picture below. No, I did not alter the picture to have it angled. The photographer did that little artistic touch all by himself. Why? Who knows, but somehow it does seem fitting.

An early incarnation of Lerner softball in Skokie, IL-Early 90's.

Seasons in the Sun

Lizzy Sette was sort of the Mark DeRosa at Lerner Newspapers in her first few years. She was versatile and worked in almost every department.
Sette played parts of 2 years on the Lerner softball team. She was usually the short-centerfielder. She occasionally caught and was my favorite catcher for her ability to actually throw the ball back to me (the whole 40 feet or so...all the way to the pitching mound).
Sette was involved in a memorable moment while on offense. She was on 1st after somehow getting a hit. The next batter hit a ball to deep short. The shortstop threw to 2nd to try to get Sette. It was going to be a close play, until she gave the second baseman a push off of the base. The umpire ruled her safe, while the other team protested. Maybe more of us should have tried that maneuver!

Lizzy Sette in Skokie, IL-mid 1990's.

Seasons in the Sun

Mike Cunnally joined Lerner Newspapers as an Account Executive. As our softball team's elder statesman, he was sort of our Omar Vizquel.
Despite his veteran status, Cunnally was our starting shortstop and he usually played in jeans. Usually when you see a player in jeans (especially a slightly older player), you think he is a last minute sub and probably not that good. Cunnally was an exception to that rule.
Long after our softball years, Cunnally left Lerner to go to the Sun-Times (Lerner's parent corp). I didn't like seeing him leave. A very young staff, like Lerner had, could use the calm, veteran leadership which Cunnally provided.
In my final days at Lerner, I was forced to visit the Sun-Times for an 'interview'. I dreaded the whole concept and just wanted to leave it all behind. As I pulled up to the Sun-Times building, I ran into Cunnally. It was nice to see a friendly face. We talked for a few minutes (enough to take off some of my edge).
The 'interview' went as expected. Yet, I guess it was worth it, because I did leave it all behind and I got to catch up a bit with my former teammate.

Mike Cunnally in Laramie Park in Skokie, IL-Mid 1990's.

Seasons in the Sun

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of possibly my biggest hit ever in softball. I know, it sounds sad that a man of my age would celebrate a hit in a softball game, but I say why not, because I earned it.
I had some problems from birth which limited my athletic development and participation. I never played any type of organized sports until high school and that was only track and some intramural stuff.
Fast forward many years and I hooked on with a softball team of my friend Louie Atsaves. I was a substitute who hung around long enough to be granted full-time status as the catcher and bottom of the batting order guy.
Admittedly, I sucked at first. Over the years, I did get better. I learned the fine art of hitting that 16 inch blob. Despite a fair amount of strength though, I never developed the technique to be more than a slap hitter, earning my keep with singles. Last July 17, my reputation was changed (at least for as long as I keep telling the story).
We were tied 16-16 in the first extra inning and I was due to lead off. I had reached base the previous 3 at bats, but not very impressively (fielder's choice, error and infield single).
As I dug into the batter's box, the pitcher turned to his outfielders and called them in to play more shallow. The first pitch came dropping in and I took a mighty swing and missed.
The second pitch came looping in and I took another mighty swing and connected. I immediately knew I had gotten all of it.
It sailed and sailed, rising above the left fielder's head. I raced around first and headed into second. As I saw him near the ball, I hesitated, then dug in and headed for third.
One bad belly-flop and a mouth full of infield dirt later, I was safely at third, enjoying my first triple. Our bench was in an uproar as I arose and brushed off a few pounds of dirt.
Tony Pasko (our pitcher and leadoff batter) came up next and lined a single to right, allowing me to score the winning run. Steve Stumpf (our shortstop) called out 'safe' (instead of his usual 'out' when I ground out) and the rest of the team mobbed me. Ronnie Burke (our feisty right fielder) presented me with the game ball.
I know some readers will think it is just one hit in one meaningless game...and they would be right. Believe me, I don't go to the bar after games and bring up that hit. I do have the ball on a shelf though. But why not celebrate it? Why not enjoy the memory?
I don't want to get all philosophical, but perhaps if my childhood was different...well lots of things would be different. However, life gives and takes.
I have struck out enough times. I have dropped some balls. I have been thrown out on the bases.
On that given night, life gave me a moment which will always make me smile.

Seasons in the Sun

Jason Farber was a bit of a Mark DeRosa on the softball team. Farber played some outfield and some infield.
Farber was a good player, but on one particular day, he was smoking! No, really, he was literally smoking. Fortunately, Farber gave up the habit a few years ago, but at the time, it was not unusual for him to smoke in the dugout area when he wasn't on the field. I am not sure who came up with the idea for him to bat while actually smoking (it might have been me), but I know I certainly pushed him to do it (not that he needed much pushing).
Farber calmly walked to the batting box and went into his stance, with a cigarette perched in his mouth. The ump was confused, but quickly called time out and asked Farber to rid himself of the cigarette. The ump took it all in good fun though.
At the time of this event, Farber was a youngster at Lerner Newspapers. Despite his cigarette habit, he still beat me in sprints across the softball field (although I joked that I knew I could beat him in anything over a mile).

Jason Farber (was smoking) in Skokie, IL-Mid-1990's.

Seasons in the Sun

Connie Leander was Chris (Leander) Connole's younger sister. Much like Chris, Connie was a very good player. Connie usually batted 2nd and played 3rd base and she did both well.
Connie never worked for Lerner Newspapers. Therefore I have no work stories about her. I can tell you that having the Leander sisters comprising half of our infield certainly solidified our defense. When the Leander sisters brought their friend Cindy (aka Ninja Cindy), we had our best female portion of the lineup.

Connie Leander at Laramie Park in Skokie, IL-mid-1990's.

Seasons in the Sun

Jerry Tiberi joined Lerner Newspapers as a graphic artist. He joined our softball team as an outfielder.
Tiberi grew up on the south side of Chicago, in an area called South Deering. I grew up just north of that area, but my grandmother lived there and I spent a lot of time there. While at Lerner, Jerry and I would often wax nostalgic about the great cookies at Calumet Bakery (they are still awesome, by the way) down there.
Tiberi was a solid softball player, but he did contribute one funny moment. Tiberi laid down a drag bunt down the third base line that would have made Rod Carew proud. The only problem was that bunts (of any kind) are not permitted in softball. Tiberi said he just didn't know. Undaunted, he stepped back to the plate and singled.
That was a good example of Tiberi. He is a lot of fun and a solid guy on and off the field. He didn't take softball as life or death, but he played to win.
Below is a great shot of Tiberi showing his excellent batting form. I love this shot because of that and because you can see most of the team in the background. Jay Riley is far left. Michelle Schermerhorn and Connie Leander (sister of Chris Connole) are above Tiberi's left arm. Farther down are Teresa and John Zgonina, Cindy Dzien, Chris Connole and Faye Leander (Chrissy's mom and our biggest fan).
Tiberi is also a fine jazz musician. I had the pleasure of hearing him play several years ago. He plays in several different combos, usually around the Chicago north shore area. To hear samples of his music or to check for his performance schedule, you can go to Tiberi's website.
Recently, I reconnected with Tiberi. He is working at Pioneer Press and is doing good. He remembers softball fondly and Calumet Bakery cookies even more so!

Jerry Tiberi at Laramie Park in Skokie, IL-mid 1990's.

Seasons in the Sun

Dave Perham was my boss for my first 8 years at Lerner Newspapers. Perham also was our pitcher for a couple seasons.
Perham was a decent pitcher, but I think the losing got to him. He suggested we switch positions (him to 2nd base and me to pitcher). This seemed to work out very well for both of us. I really enjoyed pitching and I was even pretty good at times. I knew our team was bad and I knew we would lose a lot, but I accepted that.
Perham was more of a graceful athlete than me and he handled 2nd base solidly. He also seemed to have more fun and be more relaxed, as the pressure of pitching was off his back.
The picture below is one of my favorite action shots of our team. Look at the picture. Really look at it.
Okay, here are some specifics. Perham (as I stated) was our 2nd baseman. Chris Connole (from last week's piece) was our 1st baseperson. The ball is in shallow right field, yet they are chasing it. Our right fielder is nowhere in sight.
Look how much outfield grass is visible and our right fielder is not even in the picture. Even if it is a funky angle and it is closer to the infield than it appears, you would at least think the right fielder would be in the picture.
Perhaps this says something about our defense. Don't blame me...I was pitching. Scenes like this are probably what drove Perham to 2nd base.

Chris Connole and Dave Perham at Laramie Park in Skokie, IL-Summer 1994.

Seasons in the Sun

Chrissy (Leander) Connole was one of our best players on the softball team at Lerner Newspapers. Connole was excellent offensively and defensively. Connole was usually our 1st baseman, although I believe she also played a little 3rd base at times and she probably could play any of the positions pretty well.
At Lerner, she was a 'sales assistant', but she was more like a sales office manager. Leander was highly respected throughout the company. Everything around her ran smoothly and she never lost her cool. Connole was much the same on the field.
Connole was also the victim of one of my worst plays ever as a pitcher. The batter barely hit the ball, forcing me to charge the ball. I picked it up and made a short and bad throw to the outside of the base (which is the worst place to throw the ball). The runner ran right into Connole's extended arm. I am not sure if she hyper-extended it or what (it wasn't broken), but it caused a lot of pain and an Emergency Ward visit that night.
If she happens to read this, she will probably grimace in pain (and maybe even curse me). All of these years later, I still feel bad about that throw. Connole deserved a better memento from softball than that.

Chris Connole displaying excellent batting form in Skokie, IL-mid 1990's.

Seasons in the Sun

Our softball team at Lerner Newspapers didn't have much success on the field during our several seasons. We did have our moments though. Darryl Corter was a dispatch driver for Lerner Newspapers, while he attempted to get accepted at the Police Academy. Corter was also arguably our best hitter.
On one night, Corter hit 3 home runs and 1 double. After his first HR, the defense backed up, trying to play a little safer. It didn't matter, as Corter cracked one over the centerfielder's head for his second HR.
For his third at bat, the defense once again backed up some more. Once again, Corter smacked one over their heads. This time it was right field.
On his fourth trip to the plate, the defense basically backed up so far there was no way humanly possible for Corter to hit another HR. Instead (and undaunted), Corter laced a double to right-centerfield. Had I hit that same ball, it would have been an out, but with the outfield playing about 300 feet back, it dropped in nicely for a double for Corter.
Corter had other skills, too. He was a master at 'Strike A Pose', a game where we challenged him to copy various trophy poses, wrestling holds or famous monuments. My favorite of all-time was when he put the claw on himself. Kevin Von Erich would have been proud (and slightly unnerved).

Darryl Corter giving the ball a ride in Skokie, IL-mid 1990's.