Well-known for his biting curve and terrific sinker, Fred Sisti could easily be called the “Godfather of Softball” in the City of Utica.  As one of the most renowned softball pitchers in the history of the area, Sisti earned the respect and adoration of generations of fans all around.

As the leader of the most feared squad of the post-World War II era, Sisti led “Fred Sisti’s Old Gang” to 11 City Championships in a row throughout the 1940s and 1950s.  Eleven!  That level of success is unheard of in competitive sports at any level.  The type of leadership he provided on and off the baseball diamond proved Sisti’s worthiness of every accolade ever bestowed upon him.

As a player, Sisti was amazing.  Unfortunately, in the era in which he played, statistics were not kept accurately and/or consistently.  Therefore, the only known statistics of the ace hurler are incomplete at best.  What is known, however, is widely believed to be some of the most breathtaking numbers in local sports.

Sisti’s known career record was 110-10. He was unafraid to pitch day-in or day-out. In today’s world, pitchers are relegated to pitch counts and innings limits.  Not in Sisti’s era.  Sisti threw in over 100 games in a season four times, reaching speeds in the high 80s and low 90s.  He conditioned himself to play every day and it showed.

On the mound, Sisti tossed two no-hitters and numerous one-hitters in his career.  His accuracy on the mound was impeccable and unmatched.  Former teammate Victor Grasso once wrote that “Fred usually pitched 40 games a season and only lost one or two – except for the stretch when he pitched in over 100 games” per season.  With winning percentages that high alone, Sisti is a Hall of Famer in any sport.

In addition to the 11 City Championships, Sisti piloted his squads to several Prospect Tournament championships.  He also skippered one of his teams to the New York State Championship game against Eastman Kodak in Rochester who were the eventual winners of the National Championship.  When it came to trophies, Sisti’s teams were accustomed to winning at least one year-in and year-out, amassing well-over 40 total titles during their existence.

Prior to his passing in 1973, Sisti also played competitively for Tom Cavallo’s Restaurant.