Remembering baseball Legends: Irving Homs and Roberto Perini
the Grosseto baseball community mourns the loss of two beloved figures: Irving homs and Roberto Perini. Both men left an indelible mark on the sport in the city, inspiring generations of players and fans.
Homs, a powerful catcher originally from New York, passed away at the age of 75 in Ireland, where he had resided with his wife Margherita. His baseball journey brought him to Grosseto in 1974, recruited by lawyer Giulio Ripani to join the Lubiam team. This formidable squad, led by player-coach Nick Testa, boasted a roster filled with italian baseball stars like massellucci, Luongo, and verni, alongside local talents like Ilardi, Miele, and Ciccone.
Homs quickly became a fan favorite, not only for his impressive batting average of .368, 22 home runs, and 61 RBIs, but also for his charismatic personality. His quick wit and infectious humor, coupled with a powerful throwing arm that kept runners at bay, made him a true force on the field. he spent three seasons in grosseto, amassing 130 games before moving on to Bollate in 1977.
Homs’ impact extended beyond the diamond.He was a gifted artist, whose baseball-themed drawings were transformed into wall plates and ashtrays by his friend, steelworker Mario Soldateschi. Today, his artwork can be found in collections across Italy, London, Ireland, New York, and the United States. Margherita fondly remembers her husband’s diverse talents: “He was a skilled carpenter with a brilliant mind. He was an avid reader, a passionate Bob dylan fan, and loved both classic films and Westerns. His knowledge of baseball movies and music was truly remarkable. We will miss him dearly.”
The Grosseto baseball community also bids farewell to Roberto Perini, a dedicated player who graced the field for Aquile Rosse, Costa d’Argento, and BBC Grosseto 2 during the 1980s and 1990s. Perini, a retired employee of Acqua e Aria, even had the honor of making his Serie A Italian Cup debut under the guidance of Vic Luciani.
Both Homs and Perini will be remembered for their contributions to Grosseto baseball, leaving behind a legacy of passion, skill, and sportsmanship. Their absence will be deeply felt by the community they helped shape.
Remembering Legends: A Conversation with Mario Soldateschi
The world of baseball mourns the loss of two dedicated players – Irving Homs and Roberto Perini – who left thier mark on the grosseto baseball scene. today, we’re joined by Mario Soldateschi, a close friend of Irving Homs and the man who transformed HomsS passion into stunning, lasting art.
Mario, thanks for joining us today.It’s clear from the article that Irving Homs was more than just a baseball player; he was a vibrant character who touched everyone he met. Can you share a story that illustrates this?
Mario Soldateschi: Irving was truly one of a kind. He had this infectious laugh that could light up a room, and he always had a story to tell. I remember one time, after a notably tough game, Irving was feeling down. But then, he started doing this impression of our coach, mimicking his mannerisms and accent, and suddenly the whole team was in stitches. That’s the kind of guy he was – always able to find the humor in any situation.
It’s touching to hear that despite his interstellar talent on the field, he maintained such a deep connection with his teammates and brought joy to those around him. the article also mentions your collaboration on his baseball-themed artwork. How did that partnership evolve?
Mario Soldateschi: Well, Irving was a gifted artist. He’d sketch these unbelievable drawings of baseball scenes, players, anything that caught his fancy. He’d come to me with these sketches,his eyes shining with excitement,and ask if I could bring them to life in metal. We spent countless hours in my workshop, transforming his drawings into wall plates and ashtrays. Each piece was infused with Irving’s passion for the game.
That’s a beautiful legacy indeed. Those pieces must be treasured objects for those lucky enough to own them.
Now, let’s talk about Roberto Perini, another Grosseto baseball stalwart. The article describes him as a dedicated player who graced the field for several local teams. How would you characterize the impact these two men, Homs and Perini, had on the Grosseto baseball community?
Mario Soldateschi: Both Irving and Roberto were pillars of the Grosseto baseball community. They weren’t just talented players; they were mentors, friends, and role models for younger players coming up through the ranks.
Their dedication to the sport and their community helped shape the Grosseto baseball scene into what it is today.Their absence will undoubtedly be felt,but their legacy of passion and sportsmanship will endure.
It’s heartwarming to hear about the lasting impact these men had. Their stories remind us that sports aren’t just about wins and losses; they’re about building communities, fostering friendships, and leaving a positive mark on the world.
Mario, thank you for sharing your memories and insights with us today. I know our readers will appreciate your thoughtful reflections on these two remarkable individuals.
We want to hear from you! What memories or reflections do you have of Irving Homs or Roberto Perini? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
