Senior softball league taps first Hall of Famer

Senior softball league taps

first Hall of Fame member

Baby Boomers and even men who were born before World War Two aren’t slowing down like their fathers and grandfathers did. In Ocean County, the state’s senior citizen mecca, some of them are still playing like “the boys of summer.”

Capping a lifetime of involvement with the game he loves, Edward Basile has been honored by the Berkeley Senior Softball League as the first member of its Hall of Fame.

“Fast Eddie” was given a trophy with a figurine of a retired player in an armchair, holding a remote control. However, he’s not retiring quite yet.

Basile has been an active player in the league for more than two decades. His Holiday City team won championships for 11 straight years. For a decade, Basile’s batting average was over .600.

He also played in the Manchester Township and Ocean County senior softball leagues, winning a New Jersey championship, and during his 40-year career in the slow-pitch sport has helped other states’ teams win national titles.

“I’ve had a lot of fun, and I’ve made a lot of good friends,” Basile said. The new Hall of Fame was announced at the league’s annual picnic, attended by more than 120 players.

The township Recreation Department sponsors the league for men age 55 and up. Ocean County men who live outside of Berkeley must be at least 60. Exceptional athletic skills are not required.

New participants are being sought for next season, which will run from April through August. At least eight teams will play on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Veterans Park in Bayville and Whispering Pines Park in Holiday City. “Fast Eddie” will be there, either as a player or as an umpire for the league.

Information is available from Steve Issman at 914-588-2714.

(photo caption)

Angelo Corbo (left) presents “Fast Eddie” Basile with a Hall of Fame trophy from the Berkeley Senior Softball League, which includes 120 players from all over Ocean County.