When softball players on the St. John Paul II squad need practice fly balls hit to the outfield, or someone to feed an endless supply of batting practice balls to the pitching machine, or simply a friendly word of advice, they look toward Grampa.
In fact, Grampa has been a valuable asset to many Cape Cod softball teams over the past couple of decades.
Grampa is actually 75-year old Jerry Costa of North Truro, who has assisted Lions softball coach Mike Manley for the past four years and is invaluable for what he brings to the team every day.
“He’s the best coach I’ve ever played for,” said senior shortstop Jo Jo Carpenter. “He’s the cutest man and he just wants to have fun all the time. He’s so optimistic and he’s just so positive all the time.”