Mirage Bombers: A Season to Celebrate and A Time to Reflect

A total of 58 members of the Mirage Softball Family made it over to our Grand Ball Room for our yearly celebration.

The first hour was very emotional to say the least, Skip opened by thanking Robin, Artie and Richie for the work they do maintaining the field, Rich also brings fresh water to the field for the boys and also comes down early to paint our foul lines.

Next up was a champagne toast for bringing home another championship season.

Skip then presented our new championship plaque to team Captain Pat Pipi, the plaque now stands front and center in our Clubhouse Showcase.

Johnny Arena and Joey Germano were then called up to the stage.

A dedication plaque was  given to Johnny Arena for always  being there whenever and for whatever the team needs.

 A lifetime achievement plaque was given to Joey Germano for his service all the years he has lived in the Mirage.

 John Germano and Joe Germano were then presented with our team's donation in the name of Sally Germano. It was Sally's wish that our donation go to the Barnegat Education Foundation.

The Mirage Bombers also supported this past weekend's car wash at Brackman school. "We at the Mirage will continue to support the Barnegat Education Foundation in our friend Sally's name," Said John Vaccarello.

In a surprise move to everyone, the girls softball coach Denise and John Germano were then called up to the stage to witness the unveiling of the Sally Germano Memorial Trophy. John Germano will hold the trophy and present it to the winner of our softball game on the 17th.

If the Girls win, the trophy it will sit in the showcase at the Barnegat High School, if your Bombers win, the Trophy will sit in the Mirage Showcase. Either way this insures that Sally's name will always be remembered by the people of Barnegat, and She will always be recognized for the work she did on behalf of our students.

The game will take place each year, hopefully this trophy will exchange hands many times over the years.

 The new travel uniforms were then given out and modeled by the players, our new sponsor Jon Spiaggia was on hand and took a picture with the team.

 The food was then served and it was 5 stars all the way. Jon really took care of us. There was so much left over that some of us will be eating leftovers for a week. Spiaggia's is now the official restaurant of the Mirage.

 The desserts were fashioned by our own Jeanette Thomas, from home made Italian pastries to cheesecake to fresh-fruit, the sweets just kept coming. Hard to put into words the job Jeanette did. Before the night was over our head Groupie Miss D signed Jeanette up for the next five years.

 After the cleanup, and after most everyone was gone, the members responsible for putting on this party got together for one last glass of wine before turning in.

 In the coming days you will see many pictures from this party.

 This event was hyped a great deal these past few weeks, some of you who chose to boycott may wonder if it lived up to it all, I can tell you one thing, ask any of the 58 that chose to support this party and you will have your answer.

 This was easily the event of the year at the Mirage, as good as it was, Miss D promises to take it up even another notch next year. Not sure she can, but as we have learned over the years, never doubt Miss D and her merry band of girls.

 As you may have read in yesterdays column, this reporter genuinely felt sorry for anyone who did not make this one, that feeling is now shared X58.

 Hopefully next year you will keep you calendar clear on the Sunday before Labor-day.  You missed a good one.