Marco Senior Softball League Rallies to Save Stricken Player

We’ve all likely heard the expression, heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Well, that came true during a recent game in the Marco Island Senior Softball League (MISSL). 

Ray Kane, a 15-year player in the League and member of the Brewery team, collapsed during his team’s game on March 4. A fast-acting group of retired doctors (who also play in the league), their teammates as well as wives and scorekeepers, responded in kind to Kane. Several of them called 911 from the announcer’s booth, while others retrieved the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) device stationed near the playing field in case of such an emergency. Retired doctors Jack Facciolo, Randy Sheridan, and Bill Moors (also a league board member), with support from others in the group including player Lou Marinaccio, performed CPR and used the AED to bring Kane back to life. Their actions enabled Kane to regain consciousness and be taken to the hospital for further care. 

Now recovering following successful surgery, Kane paid tribute to the group in a letter that was read to league board members and players during the annual meeting, held on March 12. Said Kane, “I never realized how much the men and women who make this League so special mean to me and how much joy, friendship and love we share. It is a rare gift we give to each other.” Indeed. And the Marco softball heroes who came together, in all shapes, sizes, genders, and backgrounds, to save the life of one of their own is further evidence of that bond, according to MISSL Commissioner Tom Polston. 

“This real-life team effort reflects how we look out for each other on and off the field,” said Polston. “I commend everyone who responded with urgency and poise to do whatever was needed to help save the life of our dear friend, Ray.” 

You can get more information about the Marco Island Senior Softball League by visiting the league's website at https://marcoseniorsoftballleague.com/index.html.