JSSA HALL OF FAME
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Created in late 2020 in honor of our friend and fellow JSSA member Ted Battistone, the JSSA Hall Of Fame memorializes those very few members who have made an extraordinary impact on our organization. Those who are chosen for this honor have for a period of many years set the highest of standards for membership in our organization. They have proven that sportsmanship, friendship and competition are not mutually exclusive.
HERE IS THE CRITERIA FOR INDUCTION
HALL OF FAME
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2023
John Katulak
Congratulations to John Katulak for his selection as the 2023 inductee into the JSSA Hall of Fame. He was selected by unanimous vote of the board of directors, and has been involved in very aspect of the organization in the twenty plus years he's been a member.
"John epitomizes the involvement and care of the organization that we all have and his Hall of Fame selection is well deserved," said JSSA Commissioner Paul Storch. John served twelve years on the JSSA board under five different commissioners, was an assistant commissioner, treasurer and entertainment director responsible for all social activities. He also initiated the sponsorship program with area businesses. And as treasurer, he worked to hold the line on membership dues for a dozen years.
As a player, John has a "presence" that we are all aware of, Storch noted. "Beside having one of the loudest voices, he has one of the biggest hearts of anyone," he said. John's knowledge of the game and playing skills are outstanding and he has always gone out of his way in helping others become better players.
John, we all share in the well-deserved pride you have for your Hall of Fame honor and we look forward to your formal enshrinement in January. Thanks for all you do for our senior softball program! And belated congratulations to you and your wife Debbie, on your 50th Wedding Anniversary April 14.
- 2022
- GERRY ELIAS
Gerry Elias, a co-founder and former Commissioner of the Jupiter Senior Softball program as it is today, has been selected as the 2022 inductee into the JSSA Hall of Fame. Elias, who died February 11, 2022, will be posthumously enshrined in the HOF next January. His selection was by unanimous vote of the JSSA board at its April meeting. Commissioner Paul Storch said, “For all that he did for senior softball, Gerry is most deserving of this honor.”
Gerry’s accomplishments included serving as JSSA Commissioner from 1999-2002, a period of change and challenges. They included transition of the softball program from a county league of travelling teams that played in various communities, to a permanent Jupiter Senior League based at Jupiter Community Park. Also, under Gerry’s leadership the administration of the senior softball program was transferred from the Town of Jupiter to the newly formed Jupiter Senior Softball Association and its governing board. Gerry’s dedication to Jupiter Senior Softball inspired him to write a 20-year history of the league in 2009. He finished it in 2011 after researching old files and the archives of Jupiter’s Park and Recreation Department which had started the softball program in 1988. His research produced a 25-year memory book that Gerry presented to the JSSA of photos of teams through the years. He also donated a large American Flag to the JSSA that has served as a patriotic display for the various holiday observances at the ball fields. In addition to his many accomplishments on behalf of senior softball, Gerry was a friend to all and could always be counted on to help with anything to do with the senior softball program. That was Gerry. The Jupiter Senior Softball Association, as well as all who had the pleasure of knowing and serving with Gerry, heartily endorse his selection for the Hall of Fame.
2021
Mike Richmond
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"I am honored to be the 2021 inductee into the JSSA Hall of Fame. It is something I did not expect and to follow Ted Battistone, who I admired greatly, is very humbling. I am grateful for having been involved in the Jupiter Senior Softball program since March of 2002 when I moved from San Diego to Jupiter to marry my then fiancee and current wife Alice. I served on the JSSA board for about three years after being appointed to fill a vacancy, and then won election to a two year term in 2017. I did not seek re-election when my term was up in 2019.. I also was manager of a team in the 2019 Winter League.
I volunteered to help publicize the JSSA program throughout the community with the hope of encouraging others to participate so they could enjoy the many benefits that I have received. I've been motivated by a desire for our league to be accessible and affordable to all. I believe Jupiter Senior Softball has been a success because of the public-private partnership of our nonprofit Association with the Town of Jupiter. The Town's commitment and cooperation have been crucial to the success of the program, and for that I know that all JSSA members are most appreciative. My experience as a JSSA member and player has enriched my life in so many ways. Foremost among them is the camaraderie and friendships I've enjoyed with so many wonderful teammates. I've been rewarded and inspired every time a new player shows up at the ball field to play." Mike Richmond - April 2021
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2020
Ted “Teddy” Battistone
Ted was a member of the JSSA for many years. He was born on July 1, 1932 and passed away on April 19, 2020. He was the ultimate competitor playing for many years on championship tournament teams all over the country. Here is an article from the Palm Beach Post from November of 2013. He was also one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. Congratulations to our friend Ted.
