Page 13 - Talk of Tequesta - June '22

The Talk Of Tequesta, Page 13

sPorTs

Jupiter Senior Softball

Gerry Elias, a co- proven that sportsmanship, friendship and competition through the years. He also donated a large American flag
founder and former are not mutually exclusive. to the JSSA that has served as a patriotic display for the
Commissioner of Gerry served as JSSA Commissioner from 1999 to various holiday observances at the ball fields.
the Jupiter Senior 2002. During that time, the softball program transitioned Gerry was a friend to all and could be counted on to
Softball program, has from a county league of traveling teams that played in help with anything to do with the senior softball program.
been selected as the various communities, to a permanent Jupiter Senior The Jupiter Senior Softball Association, as well as all
2022 inductee into the League based at Jupiter Community Park. Also, under who had the pleasure of knowing and serving with Gerry,
Jupiter Senior Softball Gerry’s leadership the administration of the senior softball heartily endorse his selection for the Hall of Fame.
Association (JSSA) program was transferred from the Town of Jupiter to the Previous honorees were the late Ted Battistone, 87, the
Hall of Fame. newly formed Jupiter Senior Softball Association and its inaugural inductee when the HOF was created in 2020,
Elias, 82, died governing board. and Mike Richmond, 86, the 2021 inductee.
February 11. He will Gerry’s dedication to Jupiter Senior Softball inspired The year-round slow-pitch senior softball activity
be posthumously him to write a 20-year history of the league in 2009. He is open to persons 55 and over and new players are
enshrined in the Hall finished it in 2011 after researching old files and the always welcome. Games are every Monday, Wednesday
of Fame (HOF) next archives of Jupiter’s Park and Recreation Department and Friday morning beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Jupiter
January when a brass which had started the softball program in 1988. His Community Park. For information or to register go to
plate with his name Gerry Elias making out the research produced a 25-year memory book that Gerry www.leaguelineup.com/jssa.
will be added to the game lineup presented to the JSSA of photos and statistics of teams
Hall of Fame plaque
in the association’s display at Jupiter
Community Park. Gerry’s selection was
by unanimous vote of the JSSA board
at its April meeting. Paul Storch, JSSA
Commissioner, said, “For all that he
did for senior softball, Gerry is most
deserving of this honor.”
Gerry’s wife Mariette, said, “Gerry’s
whole focus in living in Florida was
playing softball and having fun and
enjoying the friendship and camaraderie
of his teammates.” And if the league or
a teammate needed something, “Gerry
would do anything he could to help,”
she said. The Hall of Fame honors
Jupiter Senior Softball members who
have made an extraordinary impact on
the organization. And those chosen have Gerry Elias