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Bocce: Bellisimo!By SUSAN THURSTON © St. Petersburg Times, published November 19, 2000 TAMPA -- The game of bocce ball has changed a lot in the 70 years since Joe Caltagirone's grandparents played in the alley behind their Ybor City home.
Some things, however, haven't changed. Like the camaraderie among players and the arguments over the rules. The old and the new came together Saturday during the dedication of the new Fortune Bosco Bocce Ball Courts in Ybor City. About 40 people, including many Italian Club members, celebrated the opening with a tournament to raise money for the Ybor City Museum. Some smoked long cigars in honor of the Cigar Heritage Festival taking place in Ybor. Others shouted, "Bellisimo," after every great toss. The location just north of the new parking garage marked the third for the courts. Previous sites were sold for development. Supporters said they hoped this would be the last move. The courts occupy undevelopable land behind Seventh Avenue within a short toss of the railroad tracks. The courts honor Fortune Bosco, who helped promote the game in Tampa. Bosco, 72, has been playing bocce since he was a child in Italy and still throws a good game, despite being legally blind. He thanked everyone who helped make the move possible, including Vince Pardo, president of the Ybor City Development Corp., and City Council member Charles Miranda, who dedicated the courts. "I love and respect all of you dearly," Bosco said. "I ask just one thing: Don't beat me badly." Bocce has deep roots in Italy and has remained a favorite pastime among many Italian-Americans. The object is simple: Roll the balls as close to the target ball as possible. The balls nearest the target, called the pallino, earn points. Players say the game brings them together and builds friendships. It also conjures up happy memories from their youth. "I can just see my grandfather playing and my father playing," said Italian Club member John Centinaro. "It goes back generations. It's in your blood." Caltagirone's ancestors would be proud that he has kept the tradition alive, he said. They also would be amazed by the official courts. "It's a real luxury," said the 75-year-old Sicilian, dressed in all black and an Italian cap, a berretto. "I feel out of place." Relocating the courts cost about $7,500, while installing handicap-accessible restrooms at the site cost another $25,000. Most of the money came out of city development funds. Kim Coljoin, who helped found the Ybor City bocce courts in the 1980s, said he hoped the new courts would draw tournaments from across the country. "We have quite a reputation," said Coljoin, after refereeing a 10-minute debate over which rules to adopt for the tourney. The three courts are open to the public, but players must bring their own balls. Longtime participants will continue to play every Saturday morning. "It's a good excuse for getting together," said player Jack Guggino. "It's like going out to dinner."
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