Page 17 - Southern Exposure - April '25

Southern Exposure, Page 17

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Jupiter Senior Softball News

Veteran softball player,
Mike Manasia, 92, has
been enshrined as the
Jupiter Senior Softball
Association’s 2024 Hall of
Fame inductee.
A large crowd of softball
players and members of
Mike’s family attended the
February 28 enshrinement
ceremony at Jupiter
Community Park.
The Hall of Fame
(HOF) was established
2020 to honor JSSA
members who have made
an extraordinary impact on
the softball organization. Mike Manasia, right, with the
And Manasia’s selection is framed Hall of Fame citation
a testament to his impact presented by Vic Troiano
he has had on the senior
softball program and his teammates.
At his enshrinement, Vic Troiano presented Manasia
his framed Hall of Fame citation which lauds his many Family and friends who attended Mike Manasia’s Hall of Fame enshrinement included, left to right, Frank Truskaloski,
accomplishments, including the following: Annette Fongione, Trissie Sloan, Jane Memmelo, Michael Manasia, Marianne Manasia, Lauren Manasia and Dianne Maher.
“For 25 years Mike has been a fierce on-field
competitor, and his famous phrase, ‘I can’t do it alone Softball program. A native of New York, and Army veteran law Jane Memmelo, grand-daughter Lauren Manasia and
guys’ has become legendary throughout the organization. of the Korean War, Manasia said he knew it was time to hang Mike’s friend Trissie Sloan.
His remarkable longevity and sense of principle remain up his cleats when his eyes began to deteriorate. The Jupiter Senior Softball Association has been a staple
a model to be admired by everyone.” Mike’s son Michael, and in the community since it began playing games at Jupiter
In expressing his gratitude Manasia, who was a pitcher, daughters Diane Maher and Community Park in 1999.The slow-pitch softball program
said it was a great honor to be recognized by his friends and Annette Fongione were among is open to persons 55 and older and there is no upper age
teammates and was not something he expected. “It was ‘a family members and friends limit. Games are every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
great gift.’” His brass nameplate as the 2024 inductee was present for his HOF induction. mornings, beginning with batting practice at 8:30 a.m.
added to the Hall of Fame plaque on display at the park. Others were son-in-law Frank Registration can be made online at www.leaguelineu.
When he retired from playing in December 2023, Manasia Truskaloski, daughter-in-law com/jssa or for more information contact Gary Newman
was 91 and the oldest active player in the Jupiter Senior Marianne Manasia, mother-in- at (917) 623-0791.