Friday, May 29, 2026
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I would like to share a few words about my friend and longtime co softball player, Bob Palasits. Anyone who ever stepped onto a field with Bob knew immediately that he wasn’t just a player — he was the heartbeat of every game he joined. If there was a softball being thrown somewhere within driving distance, Bob would be there, glove in hand, ready to play at a moment’s notice.
Our Florida softball group had a special name for him, one he earned in unforgettable fashion. We called him “Animal” — with a capital A. The nickname wasn’t given lightly. It came from a day that has become part of our team’s folklore.
Bob showed up to a game wearing a brand new cast on his hand. Most people would have taken that as a sign to sit out and rest. Not Bob. When he realized the cast kept him from gripping the bat the way he needed, he didn’t complain, didn’t hesitate, and didn’t even consider missing the game. Instead, in true “Animal” fashion, he simply chewed off the part of the cast that was in his way — and then stepped right onto the field and played.
That moment summed up everything about him: his toughness, his passion, his loyalty to the team, and his absolute love for the game. Bob didn’t just play softball. He lived it.
He was a teammate you could count on, a competitor who never backed down, and a friend whose spirit made every game better. His presence on the field — and in our lives — is something we will always remember with admiration and gratitude.
With love, Danny Pannucci
