The first ever Rochester Softball Classic was played at McAoy Park in Irondequoit from July 6 through July 8, with 18 teams from across western New York taking to the diamonds in a unique tournament to benefit Camp Good Days and the Open Door Mission.
Organized by McAvoy Park sports commissioner Joe Mondo the tournament was played in memory of Danny Maddalena, a friend and former player in the senior softball leagues who passed away in 2005 from cancer. For this tournament, Maddalena’s former senior league mates were matched up against teams of all age groups in a one of a kind tournament featuring teams of all age divisions.
“Softball has been a big part of McAvoy Park for a long time,” said Mondo, “and once the renovations were made we still wanted to keep a time slot open for the senior softball players. I wanted to organized this tournament in memory of Danny to give the younger teams and older teams a chance to compete against each other while also giving back to two good causes.”
Along with the $2,000 donation made to Camp Good Days the tournament also made a contribution to the Open Door Mission. Each player participating the Softball Classic was asked to bring a new or slightly worn winter coat to donate, and the response was overwhelming. At the end of the weekend the bin that was placed outside the snack shop was overflowing with coats and jackets of all sizes, soon to be given out in the community to those in need.
The double elimination tournament featured teams of all ages, ranging from squads made up of players in their 20’s to their 50’s. A few local rules were implemented to keep the game safe (home runs over the fence are ruled an ‘out’ at McAvoy to prevent chaos on Empire Boulevard, and an alternate home plate was used to prevent any collisions at the dish) and the tournament was officiated by ASA certified umpires. Mondo had the park looking its finest for the weekend with the scoreboard fully lit up and a even a few games under the lights, resulting in a positive experience for all. The 18 teams that made up the two divisions could be considered a staggering number for any softball tournament, much less one in its first year.
“The tournament was outstanding, and everyone had a great time” said Al Roderiques, who has been playing softball at McAvoy Park since the 1980’s. “It is hard to draw that many teams to any tournament, much less a first year tournament, and Joe deserves a lot of credit. He did a great job and puts a lot of hard work into the leagues that go on here.”
The first ever Rochester Softball Classic was played at McAoy Park in Irondequoit from July 6 through July 8, with 18 teams from across western New York taking to the diamonds in a unique tournament to benefit Camp Good Days and the Open Door Mission.
Organized by McAvoy Park sports commissioner Joe Mondo the tournament was played in memory of Danny Maddalena, a friend and former player in the senior softball leagues who passed away in 2005 from cancer. For this tournament, Maddalena’s former senior league mates were matched up against teams of all age groups in a one of a kind tournament featuring teams of all age divisions.
“Softball has been a big part of McAvoy Park for a long time,” said Mondo, “and once the renovations were made we still wanted to keep a time slot open for the senior softball players. I wanted to organized this tournament in memory of Danny to give the younger teams and older teams a chance to compete against each other while also giving back to two good causes.”
Along with the $2,000 donation made to Camp Good Days the tournament also made a contribution to the Open Door Mission. Each player participating the Softball Classic was asked to bring a new or slightly worn winter coat to donate, and the response was overwhelming. At the end of the weekend the bin that was placed outside the snack shop was overflowing with coats and jackets of all sizes, soon to be given out in the community to those in need.
The double elimination tournament featured teams of all ages, ranging from squads made up of players in their 20’s to their 50’s. A few local rules were implemented to keep the game safe (home runs over the fence are ruled an ‘out’ at McAvoy to prevent chaos on Empire Boulevard, and an alternate home plate was used to prevent any collisions at the dish) and the tournament was officiated by ASA certified umpires. Mondo had the park looking its finest for the weekend with the scoreboard fully lit up and a even a few games under the lights, resulting in a positive experience for all. The 18 teams that made up the two divisions could be considered a staggering number for any softball tournament, much less one in its first year.
“The tournament was outstanding, and everyone had a great time” said Al Roderiques, who has been playing softball at McAvoy Park since the 1980’s. “It is hard to draw that many teams to any tournament, much less a first year tournament, and Joe deserves a lot of credit. He did a great job and puts a lot of hard work into the leagues that go on here.”
Over 35 senior softball teams compete on the turf at McAvoy Park on various days and evenings during the week. Mondays and Fridays feature evening leagues with players 50 and older, while leagues during the day cater to players in their 60’s and 70’s. Along with the multiple youth teams and organizations that make use of the complex, McAvoy Park provides a pristine environment for community recreation throughout the summer months.
“We are already thinking about how to make the tournament bigger and better next year.” added Mondo. “Most softball tournaments are happy to draw 10 or 12 teams, and we had 18 in our first year. The unique format combining younger teams and older teams was really appealing to a lot of people, and we are excited to improve and grow.”
