Gerry Defiglio

Gerry DeFiglio

 Gerry started playing fast pitch softball while a senior in high school, participating in the Poughkeepsie Blue Ribbon Tournament. Although eliminated in the first round, Gerry tripled and doubled n his first two at-bats.  In 1968 Gerry joined the powerful Red White’s Softball Team. It was throughout his career as a catcher for Red Whites and later the Poughkeepsie Brewers, that national recognition was brought to the team in the field of softball.  Between 1968-1973, Red White’s and the Poughkeepsie Brewers teams won 6 consecutive regional titles. A first in the Mid-Atlantic Region history and a record that still stands.  In the 8 National Tournaments that Gerry participated in 18 games and was the overall team leader in home runs with 4. He batted .297 in these games.  In 1972 Gerry was selected to the second team All-American team for his performance in the national tournament in Dallas, Texas. In that tournament Gerry hit .667 with three walks, and 6 RBI’s. Three consecutive hits were home runs.  In 1976, Gerry was selected to participate in the international games, held in New Zealand, as a member of the USA Fast Pitch Softball Team. Gerry joined Carl Walker as the only two players in the nation to be added to the Reading Sun National Championship Team for the tourney.  Playing against some of the best teams from Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines, in the 12 team round robin, Gerry participated in 8 games, batting .287, with one home run and 5 RBI’s. The USA team ended in a tie for first place and all members received a gold medal.  For that effort, Gerry was recognized by the Poughkeepsie Journal, as the outstanding softball player of Dutchess County in 1976.  Gerry, throughout this period played against some of the most powerful teams in the Northeast by way of the Atlantic Seaboard League. The league consisted of such national powerhouses as the Raybestos Cardinals, Reading Rising Sun, Providence Engineer’s and Flatiron AC.  In 1974 Gerry led the Brewers in the Mid-Atlantic Regional with a .427 batting average, including tow home runs and six RBI’s.  Gerry was consider one of the finest defensive catchers in the nation. Possessing one of the strongest arms in the game. Gerry had over a 90% successful throw- out rate on steals.  From 1977-1986, Gerry continued to play fast pitch in Poughkeepsie, Beacon, Middletown and the Hyde Park area. In 1984 and 1986 Gerry was voted the Most Valuable Player while playing in the Hyde Park League.  In 1987, Gerry was inducted into the Dutchess County Fast Pitch Hall of Fame.  Gerry continues to stay involved, turning his attention to girls fast pitch in the Poughkeepsie area. He is currently hitting and catching coach for the Dutchess Debs softball program and also manages and coaches in the Town of LaGrange Little League and Senior League Programs.  Gerry is married and he and his wife Beth have two children, Katie and Kristy, ages 11 and 14.