Frank Sousa Tribute to Bob Cignoli

[Darrell Weldon]

Mr. Sousa wrote the column "All Outdoors" for the Springfield Newspapers for many years. He was a Marine who served in the Korean War.  And he was a member of the Relics. Mr. Sousa passed in 2021

He played with Bob Cignoli who was a past Commissioner and an Army Veteran of the Korean War. Mr. Cignoli passed in 2000.

Shortly after Commissioner Cignoli's passing, Mr. Sousa wrote this tribute that every Relic should read:

"BOB CIGNOLI: By my book, and by those who know how to read good men, Bob Cignoli of Springfield was a sportsmen's sportsman.

Bob who died recently, was a rare human that knew how to play fair and completely enjoy a sport while remaining competitive.

As far as I'm concerned, Bob put to rest the competitive claim, "Nice guys don't win ball games".

He was the Commissioner of our Relics Over 55 Softball League and, like everything he did, he went all out, and did so without making a lot of noise about it.

Quite simply said, he will be missed, but will be with us at every game us boys ranging from wet-behind-the-ears kids of 55 to mature kids in their late 70's, play.

And sure as God made little white softballs, Bobby is up there chalking the baselines and rebuilding the pitcher's mound, knowing full well we'll be following him around the base paths to home base, where we all end our game."

   Frank Sousa 

   April 30, 2000

    Springfield Sunday Republican 

Darrell Weldon