Recognized as one of the best pitchers and fiercest competitors in the country, Gary is also known as a gentleman and friend to all in the League. Many praise his talents and accomplishments, but the reality is that beyond his parents; Elaine and Herb, he truly credits the BSL for his success and cherishes all BSL members - past and present - as family.
25 year Member of BSL Beginning in 1983 to present
Player (25 yrs) Teams:
Fritz (22yrs), Buddies (1st team-3 yrs) Awards: Most Valuable Player-Div.I (‘83), Best Defense (1 yr), Team MVP– (several),
Div. I Rudy Becerra Sportsmanship Award (1 yr), NAGAAA Hall of Fame Member (Inducted 2003) 18 League Championships:
1st place – Fritz (Div I) ’86, ‘90-’00, ‘02-present. Buddies (Div I)’84
2nd place- Fritz (Div I) ’87,’01, Buddies (Div I) 3 times during ‘80’s 24 World Series Appearances: ’84 - present
Best finishes: 1st place-’92 –L.A., Fritz (A-Div)
2nd place- ’93-Philadelphia,’94-Nashville,’98-Atlanta- Fritz (A-Div)
3rd place- ‘84-Houston-Buddies (A-Div) Tournament Appearances, (many):
Best finishes: 1st place- Toronto, San Francisco, ‘90-Chicago, Boston-Minuteman, Houston (tie), New York, Pittsburg, Palm Springs, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, San Diego, Washington DC
2nd place (many)-Toronto, Birmingham, Houston, Minnesota, Phoenix, Norfolk, San Francisco(twice),
4th place – ’91- Minuteman Boston,’90-Gay Games Vancouver -Fritz (A-Div) BSL Team Play outside League/NAGAAA:
’83- BSL All Star vs. Boston Police / on Pride Day - Champions
Mayor’s Cup- (BSL All Star Team player) 9 yrs during the ‘80’s. Champion (1 yr)
Tournaments: Lynn MA –2nd place (Fritz Team-player), Brockton MA, Reading MA, Whitman MA- (Fritz Team player)
It was a “night to remember” when I was enjoying a drink at the old Buddies club in 1983 and saw my favorite bartender, Gary Staples, wearing a softball uniform! Many years later, not only has my favorite bartender been my coach, mentor and Hall of Fame first-baseman, he is my dearest friend. Over the years, I’ve also had the privilege of playing for one of the best coaches in the country, Bob Burnham, and with so many great teammates that have made my career so memorable.
I have been blessed with two special parents, Herb and Elaine, who not only accept my lifestyle, they embrace it. They enjoy watching the games at the field and take even more pleasure meeting afterwards at Fritz for the camaraderie and perhaps a drink or two. They especially look forward to seeing Bill Svetz who has become so much more than a sponsor. Bill is one of the most hard- working, generous, and caring people that I know. But more importantly, he has become a very close family friend that is always there to offer support, advice and comfort. I have been further blessed by the Beantown Softball League allowing me to be a part of its family. A strong family offers shelter, encouragement, guidance and love. The league has helped me grow physically, emotionally, and socially allowing me to be who I am. I have made life-long friends and have had many treasured experiences on and off the field. But most importantly, the Beantown family has given me what my family gives me- respect and unconditional love, and I will be forever grateful!
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