History of the Township of Huntington Softball Hall of Fame

The Township of Huntington Softball Hall of Fame was established in 1978. It is an organization comprised of devoted men and women who have played a major role in the growth of softball in the Town of Huntington.

For several years prior to 1978, a controversy was brewing between the USSSA, (United States Slowpitch Softball Association), the ASA (Amateur Softball Association), and the Long Island Independent Umpires Association regarding the use of umpire services in various softball leagues. Immediately following that controversy, several Huntington residents were denied consideration into the Nassau County ASA Softball Hall of Fame, which also included Suffolk residents. This action led three Huntington residents to begin discussing the possibility of creating a townwide Hall of Fame to honor those residents who have made a significant contribution to the game of softball. Those three were Charles Boccia, a local businessman and Suffolk County (ASA) Softball Commissioner,  Steve Gerdik, a long time player, manager, umpire, and active with Local 55, a Long Island powerhouse of softball, and Dick Mustapich, arguably one of the most outstanding pitchers (fastpitch) of his time, and also a local businessman. Their early meetings were held at Mustapich’s office in Melville.

Realizing that there was much work to do, the committee of three was expanded. Those invited were Sam Albicocco, Frank (Fats) Boccia, Robert Condron, Paul Elias, Dave Farabough, Charles Forte, Roy Moon, Joe Mulada, and Angelo Sposato. Each of these men brought with them a particular area of knowledge needed to complete their charge which was to develop a workable set of by-laws that sort to honor outstanding ballplayers, managers, umpires, and further recognize those for meritorious service. With some modifications those by-laws are still the framework of the organization.  At the first Annual Installation Dinner on October 28, 1978, these men plus the founders were installed as the Charter Members of the Township of Huntington Softball Hall of Fame.

The governing body of the organization is made up of the Executive Board which consists of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and six Directors. Each is elected to serve a two year term of office. Annually the Board maintains a list of candidates who have met the criteria deserving of consideration to be elected into the Hall of Fame. This list is known as the “Master List”. Guided by By-law procedures during the months of July and August, members vote to select new inductees. Currently, there are 236 members of which 115  are deceased.

In the early 1980’s, members of the Hall were challenged to play a softball game against a squad of All-Stars from the Huntington Fireman’s Softball league. At the time the Fireman’s league had converted to and played slowpitch for over 15 years. The Hall of Fame members were accustomed to playing fastpitch. It was agreed to play a nine inning game at Greenlawn field with half the innings slowpitch and the balance fastpitch. Not by design, the game ended in a tie with the firemen unable to hit the fast pitches of Dick Mustapich and the Hall of Fame members were baffled by the 12-15 foot arch. It proved to be a fun event with a good time had by all.

Hall of Fame members are keenly aware of their community. Over the years they have been generous in making numerous donations to groups that promote not only softball, but to humanitarian causes as well. Our donations have assisted various charitable funds, such as the Veterans Administration, all Township Little Leagues, Huntington Hospital, the Town of Huntington golf courses, the LAMS Foundation, township softball fields, high school “Player of the Year” scholarship, sponsorship of numerous softball teams, the Erika Josephson Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Huntington Underprivileged Children's Christmas Shopping Tour, the Richard Becher Foundation For Safety in sports, and donations to the Huntington Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Our organization has been very fortunate to have 20 members serve as President. They have done an outstanding job in leading our organization. Their insight and direction has enhanced the prestige of the Township of Huntington Softball Hall of Fame.

                                                                          

Past Presidents 2021.jpg