Operating Engineers Local 324 Business Manager Sam. T. Hart is the 2001 recipient of the Norm Sylvester Award, given by The Greater Detroit Building and Construction Trades Council Softball League to an individual who "exhibits a sense of fair play both on and off the field."

A few years ago, when a strong workload brought about lagging interest in playing softball, Hart bolstered the league by recruiting sufficient players for two teams of Operating Engineers - red and blue - who have since been among the league's strongest teams.

"I think the league is worthwhile, and I didn't want to see it go down the drain," Hart said. "The league has been around for years, and people who play really seem to enjoy it. I wanted to help make sure that continues."

The award most recently was given to Local 324's Joe Pinchero and his wife Diane, on behalf of their son, Joe Jr., who played in the league and was killed in 1999. They presented the plaque to Hart.

"Sam has done a lot for the league, and he deserves to be recognized," said Joe Pinchero.

The award's namesake, the late Norm Sylvester, was a Pipe Fitters Local 636 business agent and a die-hard unionist who was also a major booster of the softball league.

OPERATING ENGINEERS Local 324 Business Manager Sam T. Hart accepts the Norm Sylvester Award from Joe and Diane Pinchero.