Al Crisci
· Al Pitched from 1938 until 1962.
· Al pitched in leagues in Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, Middletown, Beacon and Highland Falls for over 25 years.
· Al pitched in over 15 State and Regional Tournaments all over the state of New York.
· He pitched in what was considered the Golden Years of softball in the Hudson Valley, accumulating a fantastic record as both a pitcher and also as a hitter.
· Al pitched for teams as: Pastime A.C., Park Motors, Valentines Express, Italian Center, Beacon Main Cycles, and Red Whites.
· Al was one of the main stays of the Italian Center Team which won 8 championships during Al’s career, including one season where they went 17-1.
· The Main Cycle Team from Beacon won the New York State Fast Pitch Championship in 1953. Al teams also won tournaments in the Orange County Tournaments in 1952, West Chester County in 1953-1954, and the Haverstraw Tournament in 1056 and 1957.
· It is estimated that in his career, Al won approximately 650 games, while losing 250. A winning percentage of .722.
· Al pitched 19 no-hitters including three prefect games.
· Al pitched in tournaments for the Grumman Aircraft Yankees of Long Island, a nationally renowned team.
· Al was considered a hard thrower, but used an assortment of pitches to keep hitters off balances.
· In additions to his pitching exploits, Al was also a fine hitter, compiling an average over the years of .320.
· Al was dubbed the “Marine” by a local sportswriter in honor of his four years of service in the Pacific during World War II, and his style of play.
· It is true that some players possess that certain spark that makes them stand out above all others. This trait is what Al always brought to the game and is one of the reasons that he is honored here tonight.
· Al is also a member of both the Newburgh and Poughkeepsie Fast Pitch Softball Halls of Fame.