By GEORGE DRAPEAU III – September 8, 2023

TARRYTOWN, NY—Looking to extend its bragging rights for another year, The Pavers led by Stephen Hocker of ECCO III Enterprises faced off against The Builders, which was captained by Matt Fante of Darante Construction, Ltd. On Fri., Sept. 8 at the Losee Park town field here.

Like the two previous contests in 2021 and 2022, this year’s Charity CIC Softball game was played with the panorama of the magestically magnificent Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. It was a fitting backdrop of construction-industry ingenuity and years of achievement. But on this waning summer Friday it was all about having some fun.

With the final score of 19-18 to The Pavers, it was also the third contest decided by a walk-off hit at the bottom of the seven- inning game. This year’s hero was Frank Gramarossa, Esq., of the law firm Welby, Brady & Greenblatt, LLP. Some $20,000 was again raised from sponsors, underwriters and donors to care for orphans and families in Ukraine. It was also the second year that CIC partnered with St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yonkers to deliver life-sustaining funds to charity partners in Lviv.

As charity softball games go, it was another one for the ages. The one-pitch-at-bat format moved the play action along—each player had a swing of the bat in each inning. Play action was highlighted by a grand slam hit by The Builders’ Nick Wendell of Shawn’s Lawns, to score team members Keith Guerzon of Shawn’s Lawns, Jessie Lozada of Thalle Industries and Min-Hyung Kim of ECCO III Enterprises.

Maggie Cocks of ECCO III Enterprises scored one of the winning runs and was named MVP for her versatility on the field and at bat. Samantha Occhiopinto of Montesano Brothers received MVP for The Builders.

“The game was a perfect example of what CIC does best,” said CIC’s Sharon Regan Masciovecchio, this year’s CIC Baseball Commissioner and Organizer. “The outing brings together all elements of the Hudson Valley construction industry for something bigger than ourselves—whether that be a bridge, a clean water project, or this small effort to help a very troubled part of the world.”

Leading the group in the singing of the National Anthem, Maria Mora of Montesano Bros. of The Pavers said she’s coming back next year, in stronger voice and eager to play another day for a great cause.