President Morales present1 a signed commemorative softball to Councilman Oddo. Athletic Director Vernon Mummert is in the background.

Council Member James S. Oddo joined College of Staten Island President Dr. Tomas D. Morales on the field of the CSI Softball Complex last week to inaugurate the state-of-the-art field lighting that was recently installed so that players and fans can now enjoy night games on the campus.

The sky was overcast during the CUNYAC/Applebee’s Athletic Conference, with the score was tied in the last inning of the second game of the Conference. The clouds began to part, revealing a brilliant “Dolphin blue” sky as CSI’s star batter Kaitlyn Flynn, who was walked three times prior in the Conference, took to bat and bulleted a line-drive into center field to score Kristi Dillon with the game-winning RBI.

Councilman Oddo speaks with Kaitlyn Flynn and the CSI Dolphins after the exciting conclusion of game two in the Conference.

Before the third game of the day, with emotions running high, Councilman Oddo took to the mound to throw the first pitch “under the lights” to President Morales.  Dr. Morales then presented Oddo with a commemorative ball signed by the CSI Dolphins Women’s Softball team in recognition of the Councilman’s continued dedication, service, and assistance to the College with the installation of the new lights.  The game ball hit by Flynn was also presented to the Councilman.

“Councilman Oddo is a longtime friend of the college and a major proponent of Staten Island,” commented President Morales.  “We are fortunate to be the beneficiary of his advocacy and thank him for his pivotal role in bringing lighting to the CSI Softball Complex.  This state-of-the-art system will provide extended field times for our award-winning Dolphins and offer greater options to our many community groups that enjoy the diverse resources of CSI.”

Councilman Oddo and President Morales were joined on the field for the ceremony by Zak Ivkovic, CUNYAC Executive Director; Ira Persky, CSI Vice President for Finance and Administration; A. Ramona Brown, CSI Vice President for Student Affairs; and Vernon Mummert, CSI Athletic Director.