Page 29 - Southern Exposure - March '25

Southern Exposure, Page 29

sports

Jupiter Senior Softball News

John Katulak, a stalwart of the Jupiter Senior Softball commissioners. He was assistant commissioner, treasurer,
Association (JSSA) for more than two decades, was entertainment director and founder of the sponsorship
enshrined Feb. 7 as the organization’s 2023 Hall of Fame program with local businesses.
inductee. Richard Sewell, JSSA vice-commissioner, presented
A large crowd of senior softball players plus Katulak’s Katulak with the framed Hall of Fame citation which
family members attended the event at Jupiter Community lauded him for his service and accomplishments, including
prior to Winter League games. Scheduling conflicts the following. “His intricate knowledge of the game is
delayed his formal induction until February. legendary to those who play alongside him, and it has been
The JSSA Hall of Fame was created in 2020 to said he exudes an on-field presence that possesses ‘one
memorialize “those very few members who have made of the loudest voices’ but also the biggest heart. He truly
an extraordinary impact on the association.” exemplifies the core tenets of the JSSA Mission Statement.”
Katulak’s accomplishments include serving 12 years Katulak, who turns 76 on March 18, said, “It was a
on the JSSA Board of Directors under five different great honor to be respected by all of my peers in softball

John Katulak admires his Hall of Fame citation that he
received from Richard Sewell.

and I appreciate it very much.” He was joined at the
enshrinement by his wife Debbie, brother Arthur (also a
JSSA member) and his wife Millie Frantz. As the 2023
Hall of Fame inductee, Katulak’s brass nameplate was
added to the award plaque on display at the park.
The Hall of Fame was established in 2020 in honor of
longtime JSSA member Ted Battistone who received the
award posthumously. Other honorees are Mike Richmond,
2021; Gerry Elias, 2022; and Mike Manasia, 2024.
The Jupiter slow-pitch softball program is sponsored
by the nonprofit Jupiter Senior Softball Association
in cooperation with Jupiter’s Parks and Recreation
Department. For more information go to www.
leaguelineup.com/jssa or contact Gary Newman at (917)
623-0791.