A Memory Quilt

Al Cenicola (a US Army veteran) joined the Marco Island Senior Softball League in 2001 and recalls that, way back when, players were not allowed to keep their jersey t-shirts. His first team was with Sandbar and at the end of the season, players had to return their jerseys to their manager so they could use them the next year.

Cenicola also recalled some of the business team sponsors from years past who are no longer on the Island, such as ADKOS, Bertram Orthopedics, Cedar Bay, Marco Community Bank, Capt. Brien’s, Mutual of Omaha, and Rookies (which is now Salty Dog). “Over the years, new business sponsors replaced the old ones and the shirts also changed,” said Cenicola. “We were then allowed to keep the jerseys and their quality improved, but now I have collected so many of them that I don’t know what to do with all of them all.”

“Most of the jerseys had my name on it,” added Cenicola, “and at some point, I decided to put my year of birth on the jersey, which is Number 43, and that remained consistent each year. My favorite shirt is Number 23 – which is my wife’s Kathy’s jersey, and she passed away not too long ago.” Cenicola even thought of donating the jerseys to charities overseas. “But why not turn them into a blanket or a quilt,” said Cenicola, and “gift them to my sons so they can have it for many years to come.” His sons have been to his games in Marco but now they can watch him play through the Gamechanger App. He liked the idea of the quilt being like an heirloom gift.

Cenicola has 36 shirts which he turned into an heirloom quilt. He made sure it was not super heavy – just enough to keep you warm or it can be draped over a sofa - but would not advise using it as a dog’s blanket as it would ruin the shirts. “I had a lot of fun putting it together, collecting the shirts and sending it to a company that specialized in turning old jerseys into memorable quilts.”

To Cenicola, each jersey brought back a lot of memories. His wife Kathy is on several of the jerseys. Currently, Cenicola plays for Oyster Society. This is his third year with this team. “The team means a lot to me,” said Cenicola. “It is more than just a game; you meet great people and it is more than just social. You are part of something wonderful to be involved with the league and the players – and I’ve been doing this for 25 years.” For Cenicola, it is his contribution to mankind!

There have been lots of changes over the 25 years for Cenicola. The Marco Island Senior Softball League just kicked off its 27th season in January with over 200 players, 16 teams in three divisions. Also, new to the League is the addition of an all-women, amateur Powderpuff Invitational scheduled for a second year return match on March 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Winterberry Athletic Field.