If youve been in the CDMSBL for a minute, you probably know who Mario Arduini is (aka MaREO Speedwagon). Big fella, 1st baseman. Good lefty hitter. Competitive, good guy, good ballplayer. Still does the splits on close plays at first. Dude put in his papers last week. Hanging up his size 11 New Balances.
The Mets will miss him. Ill miss him. You get to rely on certain things and people (guys like Mario) in our silly little league that bring comfort. Personally speaking, the only reason to play baseball at 45++++ years old, is to play the game with guys you like being around. At a certain point (usually when were older), you just want to be around good guys. Winning is great but it not worth being around knuckleheads, selfish or unpleasant people (for me anyway). So, when a good guy says, Adios, it takes a little bit of fun out of playing on Sundays.
Two weeks ago, the guy calls me before our series with the Bombers, "Lou, I think this is it for me, Bud". Now, weve all heard that from guys before. If you know Jimmy Keegan, its a weekly conversation with him. Ive said it myself. So, its not always taken seriously. But Mario was serious. He had a tough time getting the words out. I said, "Ok brother, I wont say anything to the guys Ill leave it up to you".
Soooooooooo, well miraculously beat the Bombers and Giants and send my man off like Spielberg would do, right? Nah Bombers sweep us..end of season! BUT knowing what I knew, I was interested to watch Marios final at bat. He still hadnt said anything to the team that it would be his last game. I could see he was having a tough time keeping it together as he stood in the batter's box but typical Arduini, he takes a high outside fastball form Lex and dumps it down the left field line for a single (a double for most guys : ) ). Did it make ESPN? Nope! Was it Jeters final walk-off at bat in Yankee Stadium? Nope! But it was just one of those cool moments when a guy gets a piece of cake. And who doesnt like cake?
Not everybody plays in our league plays long enough or has built the relationships or quite honestly, has the credentials to post his retirement but I think Mario has. The Mets will miss him. Ill miss him.
-- Edited by slounello on Monday 30th of September 2019 12:03:35 PM
Lou, a great send-off to a great guy and one of the more recognizable ''characters'' who make the league so special. Mario, the John Kruk of the CDMSBL.
I learned that the CDMSBL was much more than winning baseball games/championships and the personal awards that comes with it. That realization took me a little bit admittedly! Playing baseball in this league was about the men that I played with and have touched my life in ways that can never be written! To all of my teammates I was extremely lucky to play baseball with you guys! There are way to many that stand out to be mentioned here. To those I never had the privilege to play with it was an honor to compete against you and to respect you as people not just on the Field. As talented as you were on the field you were gracious and friendly off of it! With that I would say some of the best baseball players around are playing or have played in the CDMSBL! I wish all of you great health and Gods blessings! Keep playing fellas as it is the greatest game ever!!! Mario
Your last at bat against the Cubs in game 3 was a line-drive double to right-center, knocking in two, and effectively ending our season. Outstanding way to go out!!..I always enjoyed the competition against you and the great teams you were a part of..especially those Oriole teams.
I've played with (and a few times against) my good friend Mario for probably 25+ years. One of the nicest, funniest guys I know. When you were coming in to join the Giants a long time ago, Jimmy K. asked me what I thought, since he knew you were a first baseman, and that's where I was currently playing. I told him to put me wherever, I want Mario on the team. (Plus, I can't do that stretchy, split thing you do at first, and I don't have a first basemen's glove) You are a big part of what has made this league awesome. It has been a pleasure to share the field with you. One hell of a career! You will be missed, my friend.
Had the extreme pleasure of being your teammate on the Van Wormer Senators. Learned to love you as a teammate there. Pitched against you later on and learned just how tough an out you are and gained even more respect for you there. Was hoping to see you play in the 55's, but I understand your decision to go out on your terms. Enjoy the piss out of the rest of your life, and don't be a stranger! As you can see, lots of us will miss you.
Thank you everyone for the kind words. I know that I will miss playing very much but I leave knowing I have played baseball with some of the finest people i have ever met!!!! For that I am forever grateful!
Hey Mario, let me echo part of Steve's line: It ain't so, Mario.
You, and the rest of the guys in the 45+ league can't quit. it's part of the national and international rules. Not, anyway, until y'all have tasted 55+ ball and then 60+ ball.
You have no idea the sense of triumph you'll feel when you swipe your first base in the 55 league. And then, five years later, do the same, in the 60 division. In each case, the first words out of your mouth will be, "Air, I need air. And water." But you'll feel on top of the world.
It's not the same mowing your lawn at home. Different exercise.
In 60 ball, we have several guys over 70 playing. There are national tournaments for the over-80 crowd. Think of it, you could have another 25 years of baseball. Cool, eh? What's even better, a lot of the kinds of good guys that Steve talks about are hanging out in the 55 & 60's crowds too.
If your decision is, for whatever reason, irrevocable, then I'll add my voice to the others above. I'm grateful to have had you as a great foe, which is what you've been, and to simply know you.
But if it is revocable, then there are about eight teams in the 55s that would love your good bat, fine glove and high spirits.
Think about it. Go to an April workout with some team. Then, see how you feel.
I wanted to extend a special thanks to those who reached out on the BB and everyone who sent me a text etc. in regards to my decision to no longer play baseball. I appreciate you all and thank you for the kind thoughts!!! Stay safe and God Bless You! I pray for great health to everyone still playing!!!! Mario signing off!!
You can't teach what he brought to the league. He was one of the first players/coaches I met when getting into the league. Great guy who would give the shirt off his back to make someone happy or feel welcome.
It was great playing against and with for so many years. Good luck to you my friend.
