MABGA History

Revised 01/05/2025

Table of Contents

Summary of the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association (MABGA) History

Origins of MABGA

The Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association (MABGA) was born from Robert Allman’s vision to bring the joy of golf to the blind community. Starting in 1948, a small group of blind golfers played at Philadelphia’s Juniata Golf Club, supported by Golf Professional Joe Hunsberger. Robert Allman, the association’s founder, exemplified resilience, excelling in academics, athletics, and his legal career despite losing his sight at age 4. Allman’s commitment to empowering the blind community shaped MABGA’s core mission.

Early Leadership and Growth

Francis Strawbridge Jr., the association’s first president, played a crucial role in its early development, leveraging his resources to promote blind golf and ensure the organization’s stability. Alongside the dedication of volunteer coaches who served as the “eyes” for blind golfers, MABGA flourished. The support of local golf courses further enabled the association to provide practice and competition venues, fostering a robust community.

Milestones and Challenges

Over the decades, key figures like Tiny Pedone, Ercole Oristaglio, and Joseph De Francisco helped MABGA navigate challenges, including leadership transitions and the loss of influential members. In the 1970s and 1980s, the association expanded its membership, introduced an inclusive policy welcoming partially sighted golfers, and created lasting structures like the Board of Governors. Programs like the MABGA Invitational Golf Tournament, established in 1992, became pivotal for fundraising and raising awareness.

Junior Golf and Legacy Projects

A major milestone was the launch of the Blind Junior Golf Program in 1993, spearheaded by Norman Kritz and Gil Kayson. This initiative provided blind children with tailored golf equipment, professional coaching, and specially constructed courses, such as the Robert Allman pitch-and-putt course at Overbrook School for the Blind. The program’s success was further underscored by the development of the Kritz Links course in 2020. These efforts embodied MABGA’s commitment to empowering blind youth.

Leadership in Modern Times

In 2002, Jim Ganter became MABGA’s first blind president, symbolizing the association’s belief in the capabilities of blind individuals. Subsequent leaders like Michael Connell and Mario Tobia continued this legacy. Tobia, a champion blind golfer, brought innovation by introducing corporate partnerships, enhancing MABGA’s financial stability, and modernizing its operations. His leadership underscores MABGA’s forward-looking approach to sustaining its mission.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings to its present achievements, MABGA’s 77-year journey reflects the transformative power of sports and community. Through visionary leadership, volunteer dedication, and unwavering resilience, MABGA continues to turn obstacles into opportunities, ensuring blind golfers of all ages can enjoy the sport and its community benefits.

Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association (MABGA)

Introduction

The story of the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association (MABGA) begins with Robert Allman’s desire to share the joys of golf with other blind friends and his plan to organize competitive golf within the local blind community and beyond. In the 1948 golf season, MABGA evolved from an idea into the reality of a small group of blind golfers playing rounds at the Juniata Golf Club of Philadelphia every Sunday afternoon, with the help of Golf Professional Joe Hunsberger and his assistants. This group, which included Bob Allman, Ben Pearlman, Phil Tuso, and we believe Dr. Simon Van Wagenen, began turning obstacles into opportunities through practice and determination.

Robert G. Allman: Founder and Visionary

Robert G. Allman, Esquire, was the founder of MABGA. Due to an accident at the age of 4, Bob lost his sight but overcame this challenge by excelling in many areas of life. He attended the Overbrook School for the Blind, where he learned skills that served him throughout his life. Bob went on to achieve a wrestling championship and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa while attending the University of Pennsylvania. He managed a successful marriage, raised four sons, and ran a busy law practice. Bob’s determination to beat the odds and give back to the blind community made him a powerful influence on both sighted and blind individuals.

Early Leadership: Francis Strawbridge Jr.

MABGA’s first president, Francis Strawbridge Jr., played a pivotal role in the early success and growth of the association. A philanthropist with a deep sense of community service, Mr. Strawbridge’s leadership proved essential during MABGA’s formative years. When he was elected the first president of MABGA in 1949, he took on many of the administrative and leadership duties that were critical at the time.

Strawbridge was instrumental in shaping the direction of MABGA at a time when little was known about blind golf, and even less about MABGA itself. His connections and the prestige of the Strawbridge name helped attract attention and respect for the association. Throughout his tenure, he worked tirelessly to help MABGA grow and prosper, offering both strategic leadership and financial support.

His efforts went far beyond the administrative aspects of his presidency. He also played a key role in promoting blind golf and ensuring that MABGA had the resources it needed to succeed. Without the leadership and vision of Bob Allman and Francis Strawbridge Jr., MABGA would not have achieved its remarkable success over the past 77 years.

The Role of Volunteer Coaches

MABGA’s history would be incomplete without mentioning the efforts of the volunteer coaches. A good coach must be generous with their time, skills, and patience. Coaching is truly a labor of love. The coaches function as the “eyes” of the blind golfers, and they give their time selflessly to help the blind golfers develop and improve their game. Many coaches often say that they enjoy seeing their blind golfers hit a good shot even more than hitting one themselves. Their role is not just about coaching in the traditional sense but also about building trust and helping each golfer overcome the obstacles they face.

A coach’s responsibility goes far beyond the technical aspects of the game. It involves encouragement, offering support during tough times, and celebrating victories—big and small. For MABGA, the coaches have not only shaped the skills of the blind golfers but have also contributed to the success of the association itself. Without these resolute volunteers, the organization would not have had the success it has enjoyed over the years. Many of MABGA’s coaches have devoted decades to the organization, and their commitment continues to this day, remaining one of the cornerstones of MABGA’s achievements.

Support from Local Golf Courses

Since its inception, MABGA has been fortunate to have the support of many local private and public golf courses throughout Delaware Valley and beyond. These golf courses have contributed to MABGA’s success by providing venues for golf outings and practice for its members.

Without the cooperation and generosity of these host golf clubs, MABGA would not have remained in existence. These golf courses have opened their doors to blind golfers, allowing them to play, practice, and compete on their greens. Their support has been invaluable, and MABGA remains deeply grateful for their contribution to the association’s growth.

Key Figures in MABGA’s Growth

Several key figures in the early years of MABGA made lasting contributions:

  • Tiny Pedone: A local golf professional and entrepreneur, Pedone joined MABGA in 1956. He embarked on a journey that would link his name with MABGA as strongly as any other in its history. He served as president during the 1970s and dedicated a quarter of a century to MABGA’s success. Tiny’s commitment to the growth of blind golf, his leadership, and his tireless efforts as a coach were instrumental in taking MABGA to new heights.
  • Ercole Oristaglio: MABGA’s senior statesman for more than fifty years, Oristaglio added stability to the young and growing association. He served many years as the association’s vice-president and shouldered much of the responsibility of ensuring that MABGA remained strong through times of change and transition, especially during the 1980s.
  • Joseph De Francisco: A close friend of Tiny Pedone, De Francisco served as MABGA’s second president during the 1960s and early 1970s. His leadership and other talents were key resources for the growth of MABGA, ensuring that the foundation for the association’s success was firmly established. Joseph’s dedication helped guide MABGA as it expanded during this crucial period.
  • David Kriskoff: A blind veteran and avid golfer, Kriskoff joined MABGA in 1969. His enthusiasm for the game and life made him a valued member of the association. He brought energy and passion to MABGA, contributing to the association’s spirit of camaraderie and support. David was a friend to many and an integral part of MABGA’s early success.
  • Frank D’Ottavi: A talented blind golfer, D’Ottavi joined MABGA in the 1960s and became one of its most successful and respected members. He still holds many of MABGA’s scoring records and was an inspiration to fellow golfers. Frank played until he passed away in 1984, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and dedication.
  • Al Balukas: Al Balukas first became associated with MABGA in 1969 as an assistant golf professional to Tiny Pedone at Edgmont Country Club. He later became MABGA’s first “Person of the Year” in 1993. As the Director of Golf, Al has played a key role in the development and success of MABGA’s Junior and Senior Programs. His leadership and passion for the game have helped MABGA continue to thrive.

The 1970s: Challenges and Leadership Transitions

The 1970s brought both challenges and opportunities for MABGA. The association faced significant transitions, particularly with the loss of two influential figures: Tiny Pedone and Phil Tuso. These men were giants of the association, and their passing left a gap that could not easily be filled. Despite these losses, MABGA continued to grow and evolve under the leadership of others who had been deeply involved with the association.

Tiny Pedone, a local golf professional and entrepreneur, had been instrumental in MABGA’s early development and had served as president during the 1970s. His leadership, dedication, and passion for blind golf shaped MABGA during its most formative years. Pedone was also a tireless coach, mentoring many blind golfers over the years. The impact of his work and vision for MABGA remains a significant part of the association’s history.

Phil Tuso, another key figure, was also a giant within MABGA. His untimely passing in the 1970s left the association grieving, but his legacy lived on in the association’s continuing success. Tuso’s contributions, particularly his skills as a coach, were invaluable in guiding blind golfers and building the strong community that MABGA is known for.

After these losses, the leadership of Joseph De Francisco became especially important. De Francisco had been a close friend of Pedone and took over as MABGA’s president during this period. His leadership helped stabilize MABGA, ensuring its continued growth. As president during the late 1960s and early 1970s, De Francisco played a crucial role in continuing the work that Pedone had started, ensuring that MABGA did not lose its momentum.

The 1970s was also a time of expansion and further development for MABGA, which began to focus more on its programs, membership, and fundraising efforts. The groundwork for the future success of the organization was laid during this time. Despite the challenges, MABGA emerged from the decade stronger, thanks to the resilience of its members and leadership.

The 1980s: A Decade of Transition and Growth

The 1980s marked a time of transition for MABGA, as the association navigated changes in leadership and expanded its reach within the blind golf community. This decade saw the continued growth of MABGA, both in membership and in its organizational structure, as well as the establishment of key programs that would become pillars of the association’s success in the years to come.

Micky Charles succeeded Tiny Pedone as president in the early 1980s, continuing his legacy of leadership and commitment. Under Charles’ guidance, MABGA was able to build upon its previous successes and further establish itself as a prominent organization within the blind golf community. However, Charles eventually moved on to other commitments, and Leonard Nucero, who had served as a coach, took over as president for much of the 1980s.

Nucero, along with his vice president and golf outing chairman, Ercole Oristaglio, played an instrumental role in steering MABGA through the decade. Nucero’s leadership helped steer the organization back onto a path of growth, which remains evident today. One of his significant contributions was expanding the association’s membership and introducing an open-door policy that welcomed all blind golfers, including those with partial vision. This change proved to be crucial for MABGA’s future, as it helped increase membership and broaden the association’s impact.

The 1980s also saw the passing of several influential figures, including Tom Madden, Jerry Monroe, and Lou Giraldi, who had been valuable contributors to the association for many years. Lou Giraldi, a blinded veteran, had served MABGA for three decades and made significant contributions to the association, including roles as the Golf Committee Co-Chairman and MABGA’s historian. He also served as both second and first vice-president, always willing to step into leadership roles as needed. Giraldi passed away in 2009, but his dedication to MABGA is remembered by all who were fortunate enough to collaborate with him.

By the end of the 1980s, new leadership emerged with Rudy Pileggi taking over as president. This period marked the establishment of a Board of Governors, which helped distribute the administrative duties and ensured that MABGA was more efficiently organized moving forward. Pileggi, a longtime volunteer coach, had been a key figure in the association’s development and continued to serve in various capacities throughout the 1990s and beyond.

The 1990s: Transformative decade

The 1990s were a transformative decade for MABGA, marked by significant growth in membership, the establishment of major events, and the creation of MABGA’s Blind Junior Golf Program. These developments set the stage for the association’s future success and broadened its impact on the blind golf community both locally and nationally.

A key focus of MABGA during the 1990s was increasing its membership base and expanding its programs. The MABGA Invitational Golf Tournament made its debut in 1992, becoming a major fundraising event that brought together blind and sighted golfers in a fun and collaborative format. This event has become MABGA’s only yearly major fundraising effort, with sighted and blind golfers teaming up in a unique and enjoyable format. The tournament has been an essential part of MABGA’s mission to raise funds and promote awareness about blind golf.

The inaugural MABGA Invitational was hosted by Edgmont Country Club in August 1992, under the leadership of Joe Wallace, who was the first chairman of the Tournament Committee. The event was an enormous success, setting the tone for many years of continued participation, with MABGA members and coaches organizing, operating, and participating in the annual tournament. For the past Thirty-three years, different golf clubs have hosted the tournament each year, making it a dynamic and highly anticipated event for MABGA members.

The MABGA Invitational Golf Tournament serves a dual purpose: raising funds to support the organization’s programs and helping to spread awareness about blind golf. The event has grown significantly since its inception, attracting both blind golfers and sighted participants who are eager to support MABGA’s mission. Each year, the event serves as an important community-building occasion, bringing people together to celebrate the spirit of blind golf and its impact on the lives of those involved.

In addition to its fundraising efforts, the tournament has provided an opportunity for MABGA to highlight the abilities of blind golfers, demonstrating that golf is a sport that can be enjoyed by all, regardless of visual impairment. The continued success of the MABGA Invitational has helped the organization remain financially viable and allowed it to continue offering its valuable programs to both current and future members.

Another crucial achievement of the 1990s was the launch of the MABGA Blind Junior Golf Program in 1993. This initiative was a significant milestone in MABGA’s history, as it marked the first joint effort between a regional blind golf association and the Philadelphia Section of the PGA. The program aimed to provide blind children with the opportunity to gain experience and enjoy the game of golf, while also developing their skills and confidence.

MABGA is especially proud of this program, which has been shaped by two bigger than life figures in the form of Norman Kritz and Gil Kayson. Both these gentlemen who are tireless workers built this program from scratch to what it is today. Their dedication and leadership played a pivotal role in making the program a cornerstone of its mission and goals. Under Kritz and Kayson’s guidance, the Blind Junior Golf Program grew to provide blind children with golf clubs, swapping them out as they grow to new clubs fitted specifically for their needs. We also provide every junior blind golfing member with individualized lessons provided by a local golf professional , helping them develop both their golfing abilities and their confidence.

Along with increasing junior membership, providing golf equipment and providing lessons, they routinely conduct 10 junior blind golf events to both encourage blind children with the joy of playing golf and to build confidence and the necessary skill to navigate life as a blind adult.

Another great accomplishment from these two legends of junior blind golf is overseeing and funding the development of two junior golf courses. The first is on the grounds of the Overbrook School for the Blind where MABGA built a pitch and putt course and practice green at the school’s campus in 1996. This facility, constructed with the help of Norman Kritz and his family, became a key training ground for the Blind Junior Golf Program. The course was named in honor of MABGA’s founder, Robert Allman, and serves as a memorial to his contributions to blind golf.

The second course, completed in 2020, of the Kritz Links golf course, is located at the New York Institute for Special Education in the Bronx. MABGA is very proud of this accomplishment and is primarily the result of the dedication of Norman Kritz and Gil Kaysen hard work and tireless effort.

After the death of Norman Kritz at the age of 95, Michael Molloy has assumed the helm of this program. We are extremely excited that Mike has stepped up to lead the junior blind golf program and are looking forward to its future success.

MABGA remains committed to expanding this program and making golf accessible to more blind children.

The 1990s also saw the leadership of three influential figures who helped shape MABGA’s future.

Rudy Pileggi was a long-time volunteer coach and a key figure in MABGA’s organization. During his presidency and later as the association’s treasurer, Rudy worked tirelessly to help MABGA become more organized, expanding its membership, and increasing its committee structure. Rudy’s leadership was instrumental in helping MABGA reach new heights, and his initiative to hold regular board meetings and engage more people in the association proved vital. Rudy Pileggi passed away in 2014, but his contributions continue to be remembered as foundational to MABGA’s success.

Following Rudy Pileggi, Dr. Joe Bitman took on the role of president in the mid-1990s. Joe had originally joined MABGA as a coach for his wife, Louise, but his enthusiasm and leadership quickly propelled him to the presidency. Joe’s dedication to the growth of the Blind Junior Golf Program and his commitment to MABGA’s mission made him a beloved leader in the organization. Under his leadership, MABGA continued to make strides in its efforts to provide opportunities for blind golfers, and he played an instrumental role in the development of MABGA’s programs. Sadly, Joe Bitman passed away in 1997, and his loss was deeply felt across the association.

After Dr. Joe Bitman, Norman Martin took the leadership of MABGA in the late 1990s. Norman joined MABGA as a volunteer coach in the early 1990s and quickly became an integral part of the association’s leadership team. With his background in business and his natural leadership abilities, Norman Martin was well-suited to help guide MABGA during this period of growth and transition.

During his presidency, Norman played a crucial role in preparing MABGA for the future. His leadership helped steer the organization through a time of change and expansion, ensuring that MABGA would be able to continue its vital work of supporting blind golfers and promoting the sport. Under his guidance, MABGA was able to strengthen its foundation and increase its visibility, all while staying true to its mission.

The 2000s: A New Era of Leadership and Continued Growth

The 2000s marked a significant period of transition and continued growth for MABGA. This era saw a landmark moment in MABGA’s history with the election of its first totally blind president, Jim Ganter, on January 1, 2002. Until this point, all eight presidents of MABGA had been fully sighted, but Jim’s election marked a pivotal moment in the association’s journey. Jim was able to undertake the same leadership duties as his predecessors, demonstrating that blind individuals could lead just as effectively as their sighted counterparts.

With the guidance and support of the Board of Governors, Jim Ganter took on the responsibilities of MABGA’s presidency and helped the organization navigate its way into the new century. Jim’s leadership was characterized by his commitment to ensuring the continued success of MABGA and expanding its impact. As president, Jim was instrumental in the association’s work, and his leadership provided MABGA with the strength to carry forward its mission in the years ahead.

Following Jim Ganter, Michael Connell became president and continued MABGA’s evolution. Mike helped MABGA face the many challenges of the future while ensuring the organization stay true to its mission. Mike lost his sight because of an accident falling three stories while working construction on a high rise building in Philadelphia. The fall had him landing headfirst onto the concrete sidewalk below. Fearing his death, the doctors performed emergency head surgery, cutting a hole in is skull to relieve the pressure in his brain. For the rest of his life, Mike wore a helmet to protect his head from further injury. He helped guide the association as it navigated new challenges and embraced new opportunities. Tragically, Mike Connell passed away suddenly in 2014, a loss that was deeply felt by the MABGA community. His contributions, however, were lasting, and he left a solid foundation for the organization to build upon.

After Michael Connell’s passing, long time member and the organization first vice president, Tom Harrington stepped in to finish the term. Tom was instrumental as an outing chairman, the person solely responsible to secure the organization many golf outings each year. He was so effective as an outing chairman, that one year, he secured 40 golf outings for its membership. He also made sure that the organization was fully insured, protecting the safety of membership and the organization against any mishap while participating in a sponsored event.

Unfortunately, due to his advanced age and health issues, his presidency was cut short after just one year of service.

The years following Tom Harrington’s tenure saw Mario Tobio taking over as MABGA’s president, continuing to lead the association into the future.

Mario Tobia Takes the Helm as MABGA President

When Tom Harrington stepped down as MABGA president due to health issues, the then-first vice president, Mario Tobia, assumed leadership of the MABGA. Mario, who joined MABGA in 2000, has made history as the second blind president of the organization. His extraordinary career in blind golf and his steadfast dedication to MABGA position him as a visionary leader ready to guide the association to new heights.

An accomplished athlete, Mario was a varsity member of his football and Track and Field high school Teams. But where he really excelled was in the Discus circle, breaking both his high school Shot put and discus record, his discus school record stood the test of time lasting 45 years before his record was broken.

At LaSalle University, Mario joined the track and Field team as a walk-on and, after a successful freshman season in discus, earned an athletic scholarship.

He became the first Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) discus thrower to place fifth or higher in all four years of college, with his best performance being third place finish during his junior year. Unfortunately, his athletic career was cut short in his senior year due to an ACL tear in his right knee, coming just four feet shy of breaking his college discus record.

After being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at age 25, Mario faced progressive vision loss. He became night blind at 30, gave up driving at 40, and lost all his sight by 50. Despite these challenges, Mario never became discouraged. Instead, he refocused on his life as a blind person, turning his attention to golf and continuing his career by working with blind veterans. He currently works for the Philadelphia and Wilmington VA Medical Centers, training blind veterans on the use of computers and Apple devices using screen readers and screen magnifiers.

Mario is a four-time national blind golf champion, winning the U.S. Blind Open Championship and earning the prestigious title of a six-time Guiding Eyes Champion, often regarded as the “Masters” of blind golf. He has also placed third in the World Blind Golf Championship three times and achieved numerous regional and local victories.

Beyond his achievements on the course, Mario has dedicated himself to his true passion, the future well-being of the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association. He has been instrumental in modernizing MABGA. He developed the MABGA.org website and was the organization’s first webmaster, bringing MABGA into the digital age. In 2010, he joined the tournament committee and now serves as its chair, introducing innovative ideas and strong leadership. Using his Family corporate connections, one of his key accomplishments has been transitioning the Invitational Tournament’s sponsorship model from member-based sponsorships to corporate partnerships, significantly enhancing the organization’s financial stability.

As president, Mario is committed to ensuring MABGA’s financial security and long-term sustainability. His primary goal is to establish a trust fund to secure the future of blind golf within the organization. Under his leadership, MABGA has already made significant strides toward achieving these ambitious goals.

His leadership promises a bright future for the organization as it continues to grow and solidify its vital role in the world of blind golf.
Throughout the 2000s, MABGA continued its growth, both locally and nationally, while working to spread awareness about blind golf. The association remained committed to supporting blind golfers of all ages and abilities, and its programs continued to evolve in response to the needs of its members.

Conclusion

The Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association has spent 77 years turning obstacles into opportunities for blind golfers, thanks to the dedication and hard work of its founders, leaders, coaches, and volunteers. From its humble beginnings to its present-day accomplishments, MABGA remains a powerful example of the impact that sports and community can have on individuals facing significant challenges.

By James Ganter, the late Louis Giraldi, and Mario Tobia

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