In memory of the late Richard Amato

Richard Amato passed away on December 17, 2012 after a battle with lung cancer.  Richard was a Marine Corp veteran, and was active throughout his life in sports, especially slowpitch softball where he played and managed teams.  More recently many will remember Richie as the man who watched the bat buckets and threw in the new game balls at the World Series.  He was also the catcher for the World Series Home Run derby every year.  Richie never wanted attention though, and would not let me take his picture knowingly… 🙂

Please feel free to leave your memories of Richard in the comments section below this page or email me at dw@softballcenter.com to have them posted amongst the pictures.  Also send me any pictures you have of Richard that you would like to see posted.

Link to funeral home website with more information on Richies life 

Richard Amato

Mass: Friday, December 21, 2012 10am St. Colman´s Church, East Kingston, NY

Visitation: Thursday, December 20, 2012 3 – 8 pm at Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc., Kingston, NY

Interment: St Mary´s Cemetery, Kingston, NY

Softball lost a dedicated softball man today Richie Amato passed away.  This man's life was following and coaching softball.  Some of you might know him as the ballboy at the Conference tourney recently.  R.I.P.Uncle Richie see you on the other side.

posted by Mike Amato 

We spoke about 2 weeks ago and he said he was going through treatments. i just off the phone with Louie Mongelli and we laughed about all the crazy crap we used to do.

For those of you that don't know Ritchie he loved the game more than all of us. I first met him in 92-93 I can't remember exactly. He was with Pete's Mobil Class A team from Poughkeepsie ny. That is when I met Louie and others.  As the years went on Ritchie traveled with every team Louie played with.  All he ever wanted to do was be at the field and be involved in the game in some way. Everyone that knew him could tell stories for days. Here are some of the teams Ritchie was with over the years.  Pete's Mobil, Catapult, Gas Heaven, Berardies, ABS I am sure I forgot some feel free to post more.
In the past 6 or so years you could find Ritchie at the major world series sitting next to the first base dugout throwing balls to the home plate umpire, he truely enjoyed being there and hanging out with the players.  As many of the players know being around them meant the world to him, it was what he looked forward to all year.

God Bless,
Kas

Richie was a good friend and we always had great conversations during games at the Major WS. Being I am retired Navy & him being in the Marines we could Jab each other back & forth, but he had a love for this country & for this great game and I'll miss him this coming year! R.I.P my friend and let Big Ticket, Cropper & Ryno know we love & miss you all…

JoeyD