Alfred "AIT" Taurisano has been involved in local athletics for nearly sixty years. From his days as a pitcher on the Thomas R. Proctor High School baseball team to his acclaimed softball career to his continued support and sponsorship of local sports teams, "AIT" has remained involved in numerous sporting events throughout the region.

"AIT" was a pitcher at Thomas R. Proctor High School for four years. Amazingly, he only lost one game during that span. He was fortunate enough to toss a no-hitter in 1951, and his team was undefeated in 1952. He played for the Ft. Schuyler American Legion baseball team from 1952-1954, and he tossed a no-hitter against Sherrill Post during the 1952 campaign. His pitching prowess earned him a spot on the Seton Hall University Freshmen baseball team in 1955.

While his collegiate career did not pan out, "AIT's" Municipal League (MUNY) career took off. He was standout on the teams such as Skiba Post, Raspante's Bakery, Roundhouse Garage and those managed by former Major League Baseball umpire Bobo Salerno. In 1957, "AIT" pitched for the MUNY League All-Stars against Boston Red Sox star Ted Lepcio's barnstorming team. Lepcio, a native Utican and charter member of the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame, occasionally brought major league players into the area for exhibition games. "AIT" went on to join the U.S.

Army, and he was able to continue his baseball career when he played for the Fort Bragg 3rd Army Division team in 1959.

Suffering an arm injury, "AIT" switched gears and decided to give slow pitch softball a try. Joining the MUNY League Slow Pitch Softball League, "AIT" has enjoyed a nearly fifty-year affiliation with the organization as a player, manager, and team sponsor. His teams have won 12 City Championships including three with Parkway Drugs in 1973,1974 and 1975, and 9 with AIT's in 1978, 1979, 1980, and 1982-1987. Success was not limited to the city level, however, as "AIT's" teams won three New York State Championships - the 1977 New York State "Slow-Pitch" Championship and the 1994 and 1996 "35 & Over" State Championships. His team also represented New York State in the Eastern Regional "Slow-Pitch" Championship in Vineland, New Jersey in 1977.

In all, "AIT's" teams won over 1,500 games and over 100 Slow-Pitch Softball Tournaments. On an individual level, "AIT" has established classic leagues in both Oneida and Herkimer County towns, brought the New York State tournament to Utica, and has sponsored teams in MUNY League softball, basketball, senior league hockey, Little League, Babe Ruth baseball, junior American League, girls basketball, bowling and bocce.

Recognizing the impact "AIT" has made in the sport, he was enshrined in the New York State Softball Hall of Fame; the first slow-pitch softball manager to receive that honor. The East Utica Optimist Club also named "AIT" its Man of the Year for his support of local sports and numerous acts of kindness to those less fortunate.