Category: Special

National Softball Hall of Fame 1990’s

The National Softball Hall of Fame is the ultimate goal for any player, coach, umpire or administrator who aspire to greatness in the sport. With over 400 inductees, the National Softball Hall of Fame is among the most difficult sports halls in the nation in which to gain membership.

Take a moment to browse through the Hall of Fame section and learn more about some of the sport’s greatest athletes and their accomplishments. If you get a chance to visit us in person while in Oklahoma City, please observe these hours of operation:

National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum
2801 Northeast 50th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
(405) 424-5266
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: Check USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex for weekend hours

The Hall of Fame and Museum does not charge, but donations are greatly appreciated and accepted. Your donations help keep this history of softball alive through exhibit updates, upkeep and restoration projects.

Link to Video of the National Softball Hall of Fame

The National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum was established in 1957. Once USA Softball moved to Oklahoma City January 1, 1966 after having its offices in Newark, NJ, the decision to establish a Hall of Fame Building in Oklahoma City was made in January of 1965. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the Hall of Fame were held December 19, 1970 in Oklahoma City. The late John Nagy, former Cleveland Metro commissioner, was USA Softball President at that time. Hall of Famers Harold (Shifty) Gears and Carolyn Thome Hart were among those attending the ceremonies.

The National Softball Hall of Fame was officially dedicated May 26, 1973 in Oklahoma City. The building was opened to the public July 1, 1973.

The first of two additions to the National Softball Hall of Fame/USA Softball Headquarters was started July 5, 1976 and completed July 13, 1977 for an additional 4,350 square feet of space. Dedication ceremonies for the expansion were held July 23, 1977. Counting the National Softball Hall of Fame/USA Softball Headquarters and the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex, there is 28,406 square feet of space.

A second expansion was added July of 1980 for an additional 5,182 square feet of space, with total footage 18,140 square feet of space.

The National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum has over 400 members with two categories of membership: players and non players. Within the player category, there are five categories: Men’s/Women’s Fast Pitch, Men’s/Women’s Slow Pitch and Modified Pitch. Within the non player category, there are five different divisions one can be nominated in: Commissioner, Meritorious Service, Umpire, Managers and Sponsors. A nominee needs 75 percent (nine votes) of the votes cast by the 12 member Hall of Fame Committee to be elected. Annual inductions are held at the USA Softball Annual Meeting.

Through our vast collection of artifacts, the National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum strives to educate the public about softball’s rich history. Your support is critical to these efforts.

The Hall of Fame Donation Fund was established to ensure that the National Softball Hall of Fame has a future and is committed to educating people about the great former players and non players and the role they played in the development of the sport.

Your tax-deductible contribution helps the National Softball Hall of Fame continue its mission of educating, collecting and honoring as well as the preservation of the history of softball, the maintaining of present exhibits and purchase of new exhibits and possible expansion of the Hall of Fame building.

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Due to the volume of offers we receive, we cannot accept the donation of an artifact without a completed artifact description form. Please see our Mission Statement and Collections Management Policy to see what types of objects we will and will not accept. Once we have received your form, our staff will evaluate the object’s potential and will be in contact with you as to whether or not we will be able to accept the donation. If your object is chosen, the donated material will be recommended to the Executive Director for consideration. Following the meeting a staff member will contact you regarding the next steps.

 Click here for the Donor Questionnaire Form

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1990

Abe Baker

Abe Baker, Cranston, RI Men’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

Baker was one of the game’s top hitters during a 20-year career (1963-1983) playing for teams in Providence, RI, Worcester and Taunton, MA, Portland, ME, Stratford, CT, Long Island, NY and Poughkeepsie, NY. Baker estimated he hit more than 300 homers during his career. He participated in 13 ASA national championships and shared the batting title in the 1975 national with a .545 batting average. His batting average in 10 of the tourneys was .275. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990 Baker said was “his greatest thrill in softball” while not winning a national title was his greatest disappointment. He played on teams that finished in the top four five times. Three times (1965, 1966 and 1975) he was named an ASA All-American and was the MVP in the 1966 national tourney when he batted .346 (9-for-26) and drove in eight runs. It was the first time a non pitcher won the MVP award. He also played in the 1967 Men’s All-Star Series. Baker was born October 5, 1937.

 

 

Dick Bartel

Dick Bartel, San Antonio, Texas – Men’s Slow Pitch – Outfield

Outfielder Dick (The Rocket Man) Bartel participated in nine ASA national championships and was a member of three national championship teams, all with Howard’s-Western Steer of Denver, NC (1981, 1983 and 1984). “In the early 80s, he was the best player in the country,” said former Howard’s manager Randy Gorrell. “He’s the player I would want at the plate when you have to win a ball game. One of the most respected players, on and off the field.” Six times Bartel earned ASA All-America honors including 1976, 1980,1981-1984. With Howard’s, he had a .654 batting average, hit 580 home runs and drove in 1,090 runs. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Bartel started playing slow pitch in 1972 in his hometown of San Antonio, TX before deciding to play for some of the nationally known teams including Howard’s-Western Steer and Campbell’s Carpets of Concord, CA. The two years Bartel played for Campbell’s (1979-1980), the team won a national title (1980) and was a national runner-up. Bartel retired as an active player following the 1985 season.

 

 

Tom Beall

*Tom Beall, Monticello, Georgia – Men’s Slow Pitch – Outfield

When Tom Beall hit a homer fans would affectionately call it a “Beall ringer.” From 1979-1984, 995 “Beall” ringers were hit by Tom playing for slow pitch powerhouse Howard’s -Western Steer of Denver, NC. Besides the almost 1,000 homers, Tom drove in 2,065 runs and had an aggregate .662 batting average with 1,907 hits in 2,879 at-bats. He was named an All-American five times. He was a second-team choice in 1981, 1982 and 1983 and a first teamer in 1979 and 1980. In the 1980 Major Slow Pitch National Tourney Beall smashed 17 homers to lead all hitters. Howard’s won three national titles during this span, 1981, 1983 and 1984. Tom’s best season with Howard’s was 1982 when he led the team in average (.702), home runs (303), hits (530), runs (507) and at bats (751). Beall was born March 12, 1953. Before joining Howard’s, Beall played for Reed’s Nuts of Pinehurst, GA from 1975-77 and one year for Howard & Carroll, Sherrills Ford, NC. In 1977, he batted .660 with 144 homers. In 1978, he smashed 250 homers second best in the USA and batted .626. Beall was born March 12, 1953 and died on December 24, 2017.

 

Ken Clark

*Ken Clark, Stratford, Connecticut – Men’s Slow Pitch – Pitcher

Ken Clark first wrote his name in the softball history books in 1985 when he became the first industrial slow pitch player elected to the Connecticut ASA Slow Pitch Hall of Fame. The long-time hitting and pitching standout for Sikorsky Aircraft wrote another chapter in 1990 when he became only the third Major industrial player elected to the ASA National Hall of Fame. In his 22-year softball career, Clark played in 10 ASA national championships and earned first-team All-America honors three times, compiling a 31-6 pitching record in national championship play and a lifetime log of 261-56. When discussing his career, Clark downplays his accomplishments in favor of talking about his teammates. “I’m in the Hall of Fame because I played with some great guys on some great teams,” Clark said. A 40-year employee of Sikorsky before retiring in 1992, Clark had a .500 batting average plus hit more than 300 homers before retiring as a player in 1976. He was born July 26, 1932 in Bridgeport, CT and died on December 22, 2014.

 

 

Harry “Coon” Rosen

*Harry “Coon” Rosen, Chicago, Illinois – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

When fast pitch fans discuss the outstanding pitchers in the early days of the Amateur Softball Association one name that is mentioned often is Harry (Coon) Rosen. Rosen played in the first ASA National Championship in 1933, hurling J.L. Friedman Jewelers of Chicago, IL to the title by beating Briggs Beautyware of Detroit, MI 5-1. Rosen fanned 16 batters and allowed one hit in handing Briggs its only loss of the season. The Jewelers finished the year 108-11. According to Rosen, he appeared in the national championship every year before retiring after the 1946 season. In the 1933 championship, Rosen said he won eight games, pitched five no hitters and hurled 71 innings, striking out 160 batters. Rosen, who said he hurled 300 no-hitters and 195 perfect games in his legendary career, was featured in a 1935 “Ripley’s Believe It or Not,” for allowing one hit in two games while striking out 37 of 39 batters, yet lost both games, 1-0. Rosen played for teams in Phoenix, AZ, Lettuce Kings, Chicago, IL and Los Angeles, CA. He was born June 25, 1908 in Lincoln, NE, but grew up in Chicago where he played baseball at Turley High School. At the University of Illinois, Rosen starred in baseball and football and in his senior year batted .368 to lead the University to the Big Ten Conference title. In 1999, Rosen was named one of the 100 best athletes in the history of Arizona, finishing 64th. Rosen died on January 4th, 1997 in Sun City, CA at 88.

 

Bill Svochak

*Bill Svochak, Detroit, Michigan – Meritorious Service

A 1951 graduate of Wayne State University, Svochak worked 32 years for the Detroit Parks and Recreation Department before retiring in 1979. Svochak served as manager of Dee’s Sports Shop in the Detroit Parks and Recreation Major Industrial Slow Pitch League from 1959-1970. The team competed in eight national tournaments, 1959-1965 and 1969 and compiled 28-16 record. The best finish was runner-up in 1960. Svochak was appointed Metro Detroit commissioner in 1971. Served as Great Lakes Region vice president from 1980-82. In 1982, Metro Detroit was the Number 1 Metro Association in the ASA under Svochak’s leadership. Svochak died on December 24, 1990 at age 72.

 

 

 

Bert Weeks

*Bert Weeks, Winston-Salem, North Carolina – Commissioner

Weeks served as Director of Recreation in Concord, N.C. and later as Athletic Superintendent in the Department of Recreation in Winston-Salem, retiring in 1985. Weeks also spent much of his adult life supporting and developing opportunities for amateur softball to flourish around the world. He was a member of USA Softball, formerly the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) from 1959 until 2005, traveling the world as an ambassador and organizer of softball events – with USA, he organized clinics in Czech Republic, England, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. He also spent six years on the Executive Board of the International Softball Federation (ISF). Perhaps his proudest achievement was his role as the first-ever competition manager for women’s softball in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Ga.

Named North Carolina ASA commissioner in 1974 and was the driving force behind establishing the North Carolina ASA Hall of Fame Building and banquet. Served as the competition manager for the softball competition in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA, where softball made its debut. From 1988-89 served as 26th president of the Amateur Softball Association. Served six years as a member of the International Softball Federation and four years as North American vice president. He was the venue coordinator for the 1987 Olympic Festival in Raleigh, NC and was the men’s coordinator for the 1985 U.S. Olympic Festival in Baton Rouge, LA. He was chief of the U.S. delegation for the 1984 Men’s World Fast Pitch Championship in Midland, MI. Served six years as a USOC delegate. Was chairman of the USA men’s and women’s selection committees for the 1991 Pan American Games. Has a B.S. degree in recreation from North Carolina State University (1958). Was born October 17, 1933. Retired as an ASA Commissioner in 2004. Weeks was born on October 17, 1933 in Clinton, N.C and died on January 17, 2022.

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1991

Merle O. Butler

*Merle O. Butler, Edmond, Oklahoma – Umpire

Named first ASA full-time National Director of Umpires in 1981, Butler was instrumental in developing the ASA umpire program into one of the finest amateur officiating organizations in the world. He co-authored the “ILLUSTRATED SOFTBALL RULE BOOK” in 1981 and “TAKE CHARGE SOFTBALL UMPIRING,” printed by Referee Magazine in 1992; wrote the script and has directed three ASA training films, produced 28 umpire training videos, and prepared transparencies for umpire rule and mechanics training. He has been a registered umpire since 1961 and previously was Region 14 and Metro Santa Clara, CA umpire-in-chief. He umpired in two National and three World Championships, served as UIC for eight national championships and three Sports Festivals. While national director, the National Indicator Fraternity, the Umpire Medals program, the National Umpire School program, and the Umpire Uniform program were instigated. Butler gave clinics in 41 different states. Butler also serves as the ISF Director of Umpires and has furthered the development of umpiring internationally through clinics in 26 countries and in each of the six international regions. He had served as UIC for 23 World Championships, the 1996 Olympics, 2000 Olympics and the 2004 Olympics. He was inducted into the ISF Hall of Fame in 1993. Butler was born on November 28, 1935 and died on January 6, 2008. He was 72.

 

Eddie King

*Eddie King, St. Petersburg, Florida – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Eddie King is the winningest pitcher in the history of the Clearwater, FL Bombers with 411 wins in 16 years. His overall pitching record was 544-66. King started his softball career in 1952 with the Miami Industrial Flyers before serving in the Armed Forces for two years. After being discharged, he joined the Bombers in 1955, compiling a 27-3 record. Five times he earned ASA All-America honors, 1963, 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1955. He had an 18-7 record in national championship play with three no-hitters and was a member of seven national championship teams and five runners-up. Of all his accomplishments, the one that King is remembered most for is pitching 25 innings of a 31-inning game in 1963 against the Portland, OR McKee Ramblers. Relieving starter Weldon Haney in the seventh inning, King struck out 25 batters and allowed eight hits during the 25 innings before Clearwater pushed across a run in the 31st inning for a 4-3 win. The game took seven hours and 41 minutes. A graduate of the University of Florida and a native of St. Petersburg, FL, King worked 28 years for General Hospital before retiring in 1987. King died April 28, 1991 at Grady Memorial Hospital in Delaware, OH where he was scheduled to undergo intestinal surgery but he developed internal bleeding and died.

 

 

Sam Lombardo

*Sam Lombardo, Detroit, Michigan – Men’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

When the Fort Wayne, IN Zollner Pistons played, the opposition knew Piston outfielder Sam Lombardo would drive them up a tree with his aggressive, flamboyant style. That’s the way Lombardo played, and teams knew what to expect. They expected Lombardo to lay down a bunt or two. Lombardo perfected the “chop” bunt and was someone who would make an easy catch look difficult. He also would make a catch at his shoe tops, tumble and come up with the ball. Lombardo started his career with Detroit’s Briggs Beautyware and helped the team win the 1937 ASA national title. Two years later, Lombardo batted .389 for Briggs. In 1945 he joined the Pistons and remained with the team until it disbanded following the 1954 season. In 1947, Sam collected 55 hits in 54 games to lead the National Fastball League in batting with a .343 batting average. In 1948, his average slipped to .251, but he batted .311 in 1949 and .394 in 1951 in the National Industrial Fastball League to lead the league in batting. He earned all-league honors four times, 1946-1949. When the men’s pitching distance was increased from 43 feet to 46 feet in 1950, Lombardo regularly batted .300 or higher, hitting .339 overall in 1951 to lead the team, .302 in 1952 and .297 in 1954. After the Pistons disbanded, Lombardo went back to his hometown of Detroit, MI to play for Burch Gage Tool and Die and twice was named an All-American (1955 and 1961). In 1971, Lombardo joined Nothdurft Tool and Manufacturing as a player-coach before retiring in 1977. Sam died on January 9, 2013 at the age of 92.

Kay Purves

Kay Purves, Lansing, Michigan – Meritorious Service

During 27-year career was a manager and player-manager in women’s major fast pitch. She was a player-manager from 1963-1980 for the Lansing, MI Laurels and managed the team from 1981-1987. In 1979 and 1983 was a member of the coaching staff of the Pan American Team. In 1980-1982 was ASA delegate to the United States Olympic Committee. Nine of her former players are or have been head softball coaches at major colleges and universities. The Laurels competed in eight ASA national championships and twice Kay (1974 and 1975) earned All-America honors as a catcher. She also played in 21 Michigan state championships. In 1976, she was inducted into the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame. In 1984, she was elected to the Michigan ASA Hall of Fame. Two years later, she received the Richard Pollak Memorial Award presented by the J. deBeer Company as the Sports Woman of the Year for her contributions to women’s softball. She also umpired for 15 years and has given numerous clinics throughout Michigan. She is a graduate of the St. Lawrence School of Nursing and was a surgical nurse for many years.

 

 

Marilyn Rau

Marilyn Rau, Phoenix, Arizona – Women’s Fast Pitch – Catcher

One of only five catchers elected to the National Softball Hall of Fame, Marilyn Rau had an eye-opening two-decade career before retiring after the 1986 season. Rau earned ASA All-America honors 11 times and was known for her clutch hitting as well as for her superb handling of pitchers. She got her start in competitive softball as an eighth grader with the Dudettes, a farm team of the legendary Phoenix AZ Ramblers. When the Ramblers disbanded in 1966, Rau was among several players who formed the Sun City, AZ Saints. Rau started out at shortstop with the Saints and eventually moved to behind the plate where she would stay the remainder of her career. With Rau, the Saints participated in 19 ASA national championships, compiling a record of 59 wins and 26 losses for a winning percentage of .694. The Saints finished no lower than fourth place 11 times. The highlight of Rau’s career? “Without a doubt, it was winning the national championship in 1979,” said Rau, who has bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Arizona State University. Rau was named the MVP in the 1979 national as well as batting .500. Earlier that year, she helped the USA win the gold medal in the Pan American Games in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She capped the year by winning Arizona’s Athlete of the Year Award. In 1978, Rau helped the Raybestos Brakettes of Stratford, CT, representing the USA, win the ISF World Championship in El Salvador, batting .350.

 

Marlys Taber

Marlys Taber, Paw Paw, Illinois – Women’s Fast Pitch – Shortstop

Marlys Taber’s major fast pitch career started at 14 years-old in 1958 for the Earlville Victorians of Earlville, IL and concluded in 1983 when she was forced to retire because of acute tendonitis resulting from a shoulder injury. Five times Taber was selected an ASA All-American. She was a first-team choice in 1978 and 1980 and a second teamer in 1965 (.385 batting average), 1966 (.250 BA) and 1976 (.238 BA). Besides being an All-American, Taber played in three ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch All-Star Series, 1966, 1969 and 1977, and batted .389 in the 1966 Series to lead all hitters. In 1979, she received an invitation to try out for the 1979 USA Pan American team. After her playing career, Taber taught physical education plus coached basketball, soccer, volleyball, and golf. She retired in 1995 and finds herself “extremely busy golfing, making craft projects and participating in community activities,” living in Dows, IA. Taber is a 1966 graduate of Illinois State University and was elected to the university’s hall of fame in 1982. In 1989, she was elected to the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame. She calls her election to the ASA Softball Hall of Fame in 1991 “the greatest thrill of her career.” She was born March 4, 1944.

 

H. Franklin Taylor III

*Franklin Taylor III, Richmond, Virginia – Commissioner

Was appointed Central Virginia ASA commissioner in 1969 and has increased membership from 200 teams to more than 2,500 teams. Has written numerous pieces of legislation, which have been adopted by the ASA, including realignment of the ASA into 15 regions, creation of at-large player rep, creation of national and area tournaments and creation of the Class B and C national tournaments. Served as ASA president from 1978-1979. Was first regional vice president of the Central Atlantic Region. Has held annually since 1969 Richmond Round Robin Tournament. This tournament annually draws between 300-400 teams. Elected ISF North American vice-president in 1981 and served for six years. Was elected in November 2001 a second time as ASA President. Retired as a commissioner after 35 years’ service following the 2003 annual meeting in Orlando, FL. Frank died on May 15, 2012.

 

 

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1992

Louie Del Mastro

*Louie Del Mastro, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh – Men’s Slow Pitch – Pitcher

To say Louie Del Mastro had an impact on the rise of slow pitch softball in the 1950s and 1960s is an understatement. If anything, Del Mastro was one of the people leading the way to establish slow pitch. And Del Mastro, among others, did just that. Del Mastro got recognition for slow pitch, his team, Skip Hogan A.C., and himself with his colorful antics. He was a master showman. “He was one fantastic player who would do anything to get you off-guard to win a ball game,” said Hall of Famer Steve Loya, a former slow pitch great from Cleveland, OH. Known as “Nozza,” by his fans, Del Mastro would strut on the mound, talking excessively to teammates, opponents, and umpires. When fans heard that Del Mastro was playing there was a mass migration to that field. Antics aside, Del Mastro backed up his talking with his skillful pitching to keep hitters off-balance and line-drive hitting. He played in seven ASA national championships, compiling a 32-5 pitching record, and was named a first-team All-America four times: 1962, 1964, 1965 and 1967. He allowed less than 6.5 runs per game in national championship play in leading teams to four national titles. In 1965 he was named national tourney MVP. Del Mastro was born September 9, 1939 and died on October 31, 2011.

 

Carolyn Fitzwater

*Carolyn Fitzwater, Clackamas, Oregon – Women’s Fast Pitch – Second Base

Softball teams must be strong up the middle and the Erv Lind Florists, one of the top teams in the Northwest for years, had one of the top defensive players forming their inner defense, Carolyn Fitzwater. Fitzwater began with the Florist junior team in 1949 and made it to the “big” team a year later. From 1950 until the team disbanded in 1965, Fitzwater was an integral part of the Florists. She spent one year with the Fresno Rockets (1966) before returning to Portland to conclude her career from 1969 to 1973. She did not play softball in 1967-68 and 1971 before retiring in 1974. Fitzwater was named an All-American four times during her career: 1959, 1962, 1963 and 1964 and participated in 14 ASA national championships. Despite batting only .188 in the 1963 Women’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship, Fitzwater starred defensively, handling 36 chances without an error, including 20 assists. In 1964, she batted .462 in the national tourney to lead the Florists to the national title. It was one that she fondly recalls. “What stands out about 1964 was that it was such a great team effort. No great stars, just a total team effort,” said Fitzwater, who has B.S. and M.S. degrees from Oregon State University. Fitzwater was born October 10, 1935. Carolyn died on May 3, 2014.

 

Fred and Carl Nothdurft

Fred and Carl Nothdurft, Detroit, Michigan – Sponsor

Twin brothers Fred and Carl Nothdurft first sponsored men’s fast pitch teams, then fast pitch teams. The fast pitch teams won 936 games and lost 125. The team won five East Central regional crowns and competed in six ASA fast pitch nationals. Best finish was a second in the 1970 Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship. They started sponsoring slow pitch in 1988 and won three consecutive ASA 35-and-over national titles, 1988, 1989 and 1990, and a men’s 45-over slow pitch title in 1991.

 

 

 

 

 

Jerry Pendergast

Jerry Pendergast, Miami, Florida – Sponsor

Started his softball career in 1964 and by 1969 his team had finished 23rd in the Men’s Open National Slow Pitch Championship. In 1974, his team finished second in the Open Division after 21st in 1976 and fourth in 1977. Moving up to the Super Division, Jerry’s won the 1982 Super National with a 7-1 record. It also qualified the team to play in the first ASA-Winston Slow Pitch All-Star Series in 1983. In 1983, Jerry’s finished third in the Super national and were runners-up in 1984. In 1985, just prior to the start of the season, Pendergast announced he was no longer sponsoring a team.

 

 

 

 

Henry D. Pollard

Henry D. Pollard, Highland Springs, Virginia – Umpire

One of the premier slow pitch umpires in the sport’s history, Pollard has been the ASA deputy director of umpires since 1989. He served as Metro Richmond/Central Virginia UIC from 1973-1989. Was UIC of the Central Atlantic Region from1977-1989. Has been a member of the National Umpire staff since 1977. Was ISF certified in 1983. In 1986, was selected to the National Indicator Fraternity. In 1988, was inducted into the Central Virginia ASA Hall of Fame. In 1991, received the Wilson National Award of Excellence. That same year also received the Tom Mason Central Atlantic Region Award. Is outstanding clinician. In 2004, Pollard was named Central Virginia ASA Commissioner. Henry retired as the Central Virginia Commissioner in 2020.

 

 

 

Elmer Rohrs

*Elmer Rohrs, Hamler, Ohio – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Coached by his dad and raised on a farm, Elmer (Farmer) Rohrs was one of the fastest sling-shot hurlers in fast pitch softball in the 1940s and 1950s hurling for the renowned Fort Wayne, IN Zollner Pistons. Rohrs had a good sense of humor and was often the victim of a practical joke. On the pitching mound, however, he was all business and between 1947-1954, he won more than 200 games and lost only 28 for the Pistons. Before joining the Pistons, Rohrs pitched for Napoleon’s Rausch Roofers and 7-Up as well as Ferguson State Auditors of Columbus, OH. In 1947, Rohrs won 28 of 30 games including two in the ASA National Championship as the Pistons went undefeated in six games to win their third consecutive title. Rohrs no-hit Cleveland 5-0 and pitched five and two-third innings of scoreless relief against Hanford, CA. He was 22-7 in 1949. In 1949, Rohrs went 29-3 with 276 strikeouts in 228 2/3 innings. He allowed 14 runs and walked only 28. Twenty-three of his wins were in a row. In 1950, Rohrs compiled a 34-6 record with an ERA of 1.14, followed by a 23-0 record in 1951 with 254 strikeouts in 175 1/3 innings. In his first six years with the Pistons, he fanned 1,875 batters in 1,282 innings. In 1953, a year before the Pistons disbanded, Rohrs compiled a 9-2 record in the National Industrial Fastball League, striking out 75 batters in 81 2/3 innings. Rohrs died in 1990 at age 65.

 

Diane Schumacher

Diane Schumacher, West Springfield, Massachusetts – Women’s Fast Pitch – First Base

Adapt at fielding and hitting, Diane “Schuie” Schumacher compiled a lifetime batting average of .329 during her career (1976-1986) with the Raybestos Brakettes of Stratford, CT. Diane led the team in batting five times as the Brakettes won eight ASA national championships (1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985) and one International Softball Federation world championship (1978). Seven times an ASA All-American, Diane earned first-team honors four times in 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1984. In 1982 and 1983 she was a second-team choice and was a third team selection in 1985. In the 1978 ASA nationals, she batted .400 to lead all hitters. When needed, she also pitched and compiled a 55-16 record with an ERA of 1.01. Twice she was named to the USA Pan American team (1979 and 1983) and batted .333 and .387 in those events as the USA captured a gold medal and a silver in the latter. She also participated in six U.S. Olympic Festivals. A native of West Springfield, MA, Schumacher was named the Outstanding Alumni of Springfield College in 1985 for her service to softball. In 1987, she coached the Holland team in international competition, including the 1990 World Championship in Normal, IL. In 1992, she was elected to the Springfield College Hall of Fame and the Connecticut ASA Fast Pitch Hall of Fame. In 1993, she was the first former American player elected to the International Softball Federation Hall of Fame. In 2001, was elected to the Cathedral High School Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA.

L.R. “Tarz” Timm

*L.R. “Tarz” Timm, Jamestown, North Dakota – Umpire

Named North Dakota State UIC in 1982 after serving as deputy UIC from 1974-1981. Umpired in six ASA nationals. Was UIC for four ASA nationals and coordinator for two others. Was coordinator for ISF Junior World Tournament in 1985. Served as UIC for 21 state tournaments. Attended eight UIC Clinics in Oklahoma City and two National Umpire Schools. Coordinated three National Umpire Schools and assisted five other National Umpire Schools. Was inducted into North Dakota Hall of Fame in 1987. Helped North Dakota set up state school modeled after national school. North Dakota was first state to do this. Was named Umpire of the Year by the All-American Umpire School in 1990. Retired from U.S. Postal Service in 1983 after 23 1/2 years’ service. Timm died on December 21, 2001. He was born October 14, 1922.

 

 

 

Paul Tomasovich

Paul Tomasovich, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Men’s Slow Pitch – Third Base

In an era before the “live” bats and balls, Tomasovich averaged more than 100 RBI and more than 40 homers a season in leading Pittsburgh slow pitch teams to national stardom during a career that started in 1956 and ended in 1980.Playing in seven national championships, Tomasovich helped Skip Hogan A.C. and Jim’s Sports Shop win four national titles-1962, 1964, 1965 and 1967.Five times the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Tomasovich won All-America honors: at shortstop in 1960, in center field in 1962 and 1963, at third base in 1964 and in the infield in 1965. In the 1964 national, Tomasovich also won the MVP award. In the 1965 tourney, he shared the home run trophy with four other players, all hitting five each. In the 1962 national championship, Tomasovich batted .667 (12-for-18) and increased his average to .708 in the 1964 national tourney followed by a .471 average in 1966 and a .517 average in 1967. (15-for-29). His teams had a 38-7 won-loss record in ASA national championships and had a second place in 1963, a fifth in 1960 and a 16th place in 1966. Known for hitting some tape-measure homers and outstanding defense, Tomasovich says he never had a natural position. “It never really mattered to me where I played. If I could move around to help the team, that was fine. I’d move to a new position and things just always seemed to happen to make me look like a big shot.” Tomasovich was born December 14, 1933.

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1993

Don Arndt

*Don Arndt, Sherrills Ford, North Carolina – Men’s Slow Pitch – Player

When Don Arndt hit a home run he did it in a manner typical of the almost 7,000 homers he hit during his more than three decade career. He made it look easy. While Arndt’s fluid, graceful, almost effortless swing remained the same, slow pitch underwent a transformation during his career. Though it all, though, as players switched teams at the drop of a hat, Arndt remained steadfast to his team, Howard’s Furniture-Western Steer of Denver, NC. Arndt had one of the great careers of slow pitch. The highlights include: 13 times an ASA All-American, MVP of the 1972 Slow Pitch National Tourney, home run leader in the 1964 Men’s Open Slow National; a member of five national championship teams and outstanding pitcher in the 1983 Super Slow Pitch National Championship. From 1970-1988, the 6-foot-5 inch Arndt compiled an aggregate .628 batting average, hitting 3,330 homers with 6,166 hits in 9,821 at-bats. The most homers he smashed in a season was 309 in 1985 when he was 50 years old playing in 185 of the team’s 201 games. Arndt was born April 14, 1935 and died September 28, 2006.

 

 

Dan Blair

*Dan Blair, Lowell, North Carolina – Umpire

Was appointed to National Umpire staff in 1976 when it was expanded to 15. Started umpiring in 1954 while in the Air Force and umpired his first national tourney in 1964. Has served as the UIC at more than 19 nationals and also instructed at the ASA Umpire Schools. Three times he has given clinics in Europe. In 1977, officiated in the first North American Slow Pitch Championship and in 1987 in the first ISF Slow Pitch World Championship. Retired from softball after ASA annual meeting in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 2001. Served two terms as the mayor of Lowell, NC. Dan died on December 12, 2020 at the age of 89.

“He began umpiring in 1954 while in the Air Force and continued for the next 60 years. Even into his 80s, he umpired 2-3 games a night through the Boone Rec Dept. Dan served as NC Umpire in Chief and as Regional Umpire in Chief for the Southeastern US for 25 years. He then served on the National Staff for 15 years as a National Deputy Umpire in Chief. Throughout his career, Dan instructed umpire clinics all over the US and conducted clinics three times in Europe. As a result of his many years of hard work with ASA Softball, He received numerous awards. Dan was inducted into the NCASA Softball Hall of Fame in Burlington, NC in 1986, inducted into the ASA National Softball of Fame in Oklahoma City in 1993 and inducted into the Tennessee ASA Hall of Fame in 2015. He served as Umpire Coordinator for the 1999 Special Olympics World Games. A highlight of his career was serving as Umpire Coordinator for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.”

Jim “Sonny” Carman

Jim “Sonny” Carman, West Babylon, New York – Meritorious Service

Had a varied career as a player, umpire, deputy commissioner and as the Metro Long Island commissioner. Was appointed Metro Commissioner in 1972 after serving as deputy commissioner from 1967-1971. As Metro commissioner he increased registrations to more than 2,700 teams and received 10 ASA membership awards. He started the Metro Long Island Hall of Fame in 1976 and served as its chairman. Umpired in two ASA nationals, 1969 Women’s Major Slow Pitch and 1970 Men’s Major Industrial Slow Pitch, and four regionals. Served as Mid-Atlantic vice president three times, 1980, 1981 and 1983. As a player he compiled a pitching record of 890 wins and 187 defeats from 1940-1964. Retired, he lives in Palm Harbor, Florida with his wife, Doris. He is a graduate of Hofstra University and has a Master’s degree in elementary education.

 

 

 

Eddie Finnegan

Eddie Finnegan, Stratford, Connecticut – Men’s Slow Pitch – Shortstop

Eddie Finnegan didn’t figure he would play slow pitch three decades much less in more than 4,500 games. If anything, Finnegan figured he would make his name on a baseball diamond throwing strikes from the pitcher’s mound and not from shortstop or third base. After all Finnegan had pitched Stratford, Connecticut – High School to the 1959 Connecticut state title. But, after a couple of major league tryouts, Finnegan realized, “I just wasn’t good enough.” He continued to play baseball as well as softball. Eventually softball became his game of choice. Finnegan had a .617 lifetime batting average and participated in 19 ASA national championships. Twice he was a member of a national championship team, 1968 and 1969 , and twice was the MVP in the Men’s Major Industrial National Tourney, 1968 and 1971. He was born September 14, 1941. The biggest thrills of Finnegan’s career were winning the 1968 national title, being named MVP and being elected to the National Softball Hall of Fame. Talking about the 1968 national championship, Finnegan said, “We came out of the loser’s bracket on the final day. Those were two of the best games I’ve ever played in.”

 

Elliott Hawke

*Elliott Hawke, Kansas City, Missouri – Commissioner

Took over as Metro Kansas City commissioner in 1973 and increased team membership from 395 teams to more than 3,400. Under his leadership, Metro Kansas City hosted 10 ASA nationals, including eight JO tournaments and 11 Major and Class A Regionals. He was the ASA rep at 19 nationals and in 1981 was the men’s coordinator at the U.S. Olympic Festival in Syracuse, NY. Served as Mid-American Region vice-president five terms. Was chairman of the ASA JO Awards Committee for nine years and was ASA’s representative to SODA for 10 years. Passed away June 9, 1993. He was born September 9, 1936.

 

 

 

 

Steve Loya

*Steve Loya, Cleveland, Ohio – Men’s Slow Pitch – Catcher

The late Steve Loya, a four-time All-America, played in 11 ASA national slow pitch championships during his 24 year softball career. But the one Cleveland slow pitch fans recall with fondness is the 1975 Men’s Open Slow Pitch National Championship. Not only was it held in Parma, OH, but what made it even better was that a Steve Loya-led team, Pyramid Cafe, won the national title in an upset. It was the first national slow pitch title won by a Cleveland team. Time and time again Loya came through with the big hit in his career and none was any bigger than his two-out, three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning against favored and defending champion, Howard’s Furniture of Denver, NC. The homer gave Pyramid a 12-10 win and advanced it to the championship round against another North Carolina team, Poindexter Lumber. In the winner’s bracket finals, Loya came through once more, hitting a game-winning two-run homer in a 10-9 win over Poindexter. Poindexter won the first game of the championship round, 14-8, to force another game, which Pyramid won, 11-7, to claim its first national title. Although hitless in the championship, everyone knew Loya was responsible for getting the team to the championship game. For his efforts, Loya was named the tourney MVP with Steve Loya Day proclaimed in Cleveland. Loya finished the tourney with a .444 average and made his 12 hits count, driving in 13 runs. Loya died September 25, 1991 at age 57.

Leo Luken

*Leo Luken, Covington, Kentucky – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Leo Luken was one of the mainstays of the Fort Wayne, Indiana – Zollner Piston pitching staff during the 1940s and 1950s when the Pistons won three consecutive ASA national titles. Nicknamed the Lion-Hearted, Luken started his 21 year career pitching in church league competition (1936-1938) before helping the Nick Carr Boosters of Covington, Kentucky – win the 1939 ASA national title with Luken compiling a 42-6 record. He joined the Pistons in 1940 and remained with them until the team disbanded in 1954. Luken won 12 games and lost none in national championship play. He won three games apiece in the 1942 and 1944 nationals. One of the wins in 1942 was a no-hitter against the defending national champion Bendix Brakes. In 23 innings, he allowed four hits, one run and fanned 33 batters. In 1945, he won four games including beating the Joe Louis Punchers in the final, 1-0 in Cleveland, OH. In 1946, he won a pair of games beating Cleveland , OH in relief of Bill West, 2-1 in 11 innings and shutting out Longview, Washington – 7-0, on a two-hitter.. Over three seasons, 1944-1945 and 1946, Luken put together a 53 game win streak before losing July 5, 1946 to Briggs Beautyware of Detroit, Michigan – 21. He also had a 17 game win streak from May of 1953 to September of 1954. Luken had some impressive seasons for the Pistons including 1942 (29-2 with three no-hitters and 11 shutouts; 1944 (30-2), 1945 (35-0), 1946 (31-2); 1947 (17-4), 1949 (17-1 with 151 strikeouts in 145 1/3 innings), 1950 (15-3), 1951 (6-1) and 1954 (9-1). After the team disbanded, Luken remained with the Zollner Corporation as production and traffic manager before retiring in 1982. Since his retirement he also has been elected to the Indiana (1978) and Kentucky (1984) ASA Halls of Fame. Luken was born July 14, 1918 and passed away on August 2, 2014.

Billy Monk

*Billy Monk, Glenn Heights, Texas – Umpire

Involved in umpiring more than 30 years, Monk umpired in six Texas State Tourneys, nine Regionals, three Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals, one Girls’ Fast Pitch National, the 1981 U.S. Olympic Festival, the 1983 Pan American Games tryouts and the Tri-Nation Friendship Series. Internationally, he umpired in the 1980 Men’s World Championship in Tacoma, Washington – and the 1991 Junior Girls’ World Championship in Australia. Was ISF certified in 1979. He is a charter member of the National Indicator Fraternity and has coordinated two National Umpire Development Schools. He has served as the Metro Dallas UIC for more than a decade. Monk was born on January 6, 1973. He passed away on August 25, 2009.

 

 

Bernie Profato

Bernie Profato, Niles, Ohio – Umpire

Joined National Umpire staff in 1979, replacing Frank Susor. Was ISF certified in 1981. Is a charter member of the National Indicator Fraternity. Officiated five ASA nationals, the North American Slow Pitch Championships in 1977 and the first ISF Men’s World Slow Pitch Championship in 1987. He also officiated eight state tourneys, four regionals and three Inter-service tournaments.Has given rule clinics in more than 35 different states and four times in Europe. Has been an instructor at 40 National Umpire Schools and 25 state or metro umpire schools. Outstanding boxing referee and former boxer. Won Golden Gloves welterweight championship at age 15. Won National AAU light heavyweight championship in 1978. Overall boxing record was 53-6-1. Fought Earnie Shavers in finals of AAU heavyweight finals in 1969. Born August 1, 1945 in Warren, OH.

 

 

 

Ralph Raymond

Ralph Raymond, Worcester, Massachusetts – Manager

Former field boss of the renowned Raybestos Brakettes of Stratford, CT. Was assistant coach for two years before taking over as head man from 1968-1994. Led team to 18 ASA national titles and eight runner-ups. Compiled record of 1,991 wins and 162 losses for a .925 winning percentage. Led USA to gold medal in debut of Olympic softball in 1996 in Columbus, GA. Coached second USA Olympic team to gold medal at 2000 Games in Sydney, Australia. Is winningest manager in USA Softball history with 332-9 record for a .974 winning percentage. Compiled 72-1 record in winning five ISF World Championships: 1974, 1978, 1986, 1990 and 1994. Three times coached USA to gold medal in the Pan American Games, 1979,1995 and 1999. Coached team to a silver medal in 1983. Born April 27, 1924. Is a graduate of the University of Miami, FL where he played baseball four years, and football and basketball one year each. Was captain of baseball team senior year. Inducted into ISF Hall of Fame in 1993. Also coached baseball at Holy Cross College. Retired from coaching and teaching at Doherty High School in Worcester, MA.

 

 

Harry “Robbie” Robinson

Harry “Robbie” Robinson, Portland, Oregon – Sponsor

Sponsored softball teams in the Portland, Oregon – area since 1967. Teams have competed in at least 17 ASA nationals. Is a member of the Portland Metro Hall of Fame and the Northwest Region Hall of Fame.

 

 

 

 

 

Rocky Santilli

Rocky Santilli, Leesport, Pennsylvania – Manager

Led teams to three ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch National titles: 1975, 1977 and 1978. In addition to the ASA nationals, his teams competed in four U.S. Olympic Festivals and won a pair of gold medals (1978 and 1979), a silver in 1982 and a bronze in 1986. In 20 ASA nationals, his teams won 67 games and lost 35 for a winning percentage of .657. During his career won 1,771 games and lost 564 for a winning percentage of .758. At the international level, he managed his team to a share of the 1976 ISF World Championship in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. He also was the head coach of the 1987 USA Pan American team and was the assistant coach in 1979 , 1983 and 1991. Was inducted into the ISF Hall of Fame in 1991 and is a member of the Berks County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania ASA Hall of Fame.

 

 

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1994

Woody and Pat Bell

*Woody and Pat Bell, Tampa, Florida – Sponsor

Sponsored slow pitch teams in Fostoria, OH from 1963-1970, then after moving to Florida turned to sponsoring men’s Super and Major slow pitch teams in addition to Junior Olympic teams, a coed team and a Class B men’s team from 1985-1993. In 1988, Bell Corp won the ASA Men’s Major Slow Pitch National Championship. Twice Bell Corp finished runner-up in Super National (1998 and 2000) and 4th in 2003. Second husband-wife duo in Hall of Fame. Woody passed away on September 8, 2008 at age 76.

 

 

 

 

Carol Bemis

Carol Bemis, Shakopee, Minnesota – Women’s Slow Pitch – Outfield

Although her slow pitch career was cut short because of cancer, Carol Bemis made the most of the 13 years she played for the Anoka, Minnesota – Spooks ( 1978-1990). As Bemis the catalyst, the Spooks won 789 games, lost only 117 and captured four ASA Women’s Major Slow Pitch National Championships (1983-84, 1988 and 1990). Six times Bemis was named an ASA All-American including five first-team choices as well as MVP of the 1984 national championship. Said former Spooks’ coach Ed Ghostley, “Bemis was just super both ways and I guess that was a tip-off why she got the MVP award. She is a tremendous defensive player and a tremendous offensive player. She dives for balls that other don’t even got to.” Bemis also had a strong accurate arm and time and time again would come through with a clutch hit or outstanding defensive play. In 13 ASA national championships, she batted .481 (103-for-214), driving in 73 runs. For her career, she batted .454 with 685 RBI and 59 homers. Carol retired following the 1990 national tourney and in 1991 was inducted into the Minnesota ASA Hall of Fame. In 1997, Bemis was elected to the St. Cloud University Athletic Hall of Fame. Carol was born October 19, 1956.

 

Bill Caye

Bill Caye, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Manager

Was born May 2, 1931. Managed and played in nine ASA national championships from 1959-1979. During that time, led Skip’s AC (1964-65) and Jim’s Sport Shop (1967) to three slow pitch national titles. Was manager of 1964-1965 and 1967 national championship teams and played outfield on 1962 national championship team. His teams compiled a record of 34-9 and a winning percentage of .791 in national championship play, with nine of his players named to 14 All-America teams. In 1963, his team posted a 62-13 record and was 69-11 in 1964. From 1980-1985 was Pittsburgh Metro and Regional Player Rep. Was inducted into the Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Hall of Fame in 1985. In 1964, he received the Dapper Dan District Award for softball and in 1981 was named Brookline Man of the Year. Played Class D and Class B professional baseball for the New York Giants.

 

 

 

Buck Johnson

*Buck Johnson, Soddy Daisy, Tennessee – Meritorious Service

Former sports editor of the Chattanooga Times who was first media inductee into the National Softball Hall of Fame. Johnson for years has been a friend of ASA softball and time and time again offered his help to further advance the sport by writing numerous columns, covering tournaments and special events. Won five softball feature writing awards for his coverage of softball as well as helping judge National Softball Media Association Contest. Was a physical education teacher from 1949 until 1979. Started working part-time for the Chattanooga TIMES in 1952 and was named sports editor in 1979. Was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. Was ISF chief press officer at 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. Was born July 24,1926 in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee – where he still resides. Has a B.S. degree from the University of Chattanooga. Since 1994, the best high school girls’ fast pitch softball player in Chattanooga, Tennessee has been presented the Buck Johnson Award.

 

 

Sherri Pickard

Sherri Pickard, Raleigh, North Carolina – Women’s Slow Pitch – Second Base

Winning the 1980 ASA National Championship was, according to Pickard, “the greatest thrill of her softball career.” In that national championship, she batted .680 to led the Rubi-Otts of Graham, North Carolina – as well as being named the tournament MVP. She was also named ASA Female Slow Pitch Player of the Year and was featured in The Olympian magazine, finishing the year with a .484 batting average, 82 RBI and 16 homers.The next year in Oklahoma City Sherri displayed her home run power by winning the ASA-Natural Light National Home Run Hitting Contest at Wheeler Park. She connected for 17 homers out of 55 swings to edge Shirley Rose of Tulsa, Oklahoma – , who hit 15. Pickard, who was named to five All-America teams during her career, spent the last five years of her career with the Long Island Mice and the Denton, Texas –  Silver Streak before a shoulder injury ended her career in 1987. Since then she’s served as head basketball coach at New York University, assistant basketball coach at Duke University, and assistant basketball coach at Furman University before returning to private business in 1997. Pickard has a B.A. in math from North Carolina State University and an M.B.A from New York University (1988). She was born June 20, 1955.

 

 

Linda Polley

Linda Polley, Minneapolis, Minnesota – Women’s Slow Pitch – Shortstop

All-out. That was the only way Linda Polley played slow pitch during a 30-year career that ended in 1989. Linda set high goals for herself and former coach Ed Ghostley said, “ Linda was as good as anyone who has played the game.” Polley earned ASA All-American honors six times and twice was MVP of the Women’s Major Slow Pitch National Championship, 1982 and 1989. From 1982-1989, Linda had a .412 batting average for the Anoka, Minnesota – Spooks and was a member of three national championship teams. Linda started playing softball at eight and by 17 had played in her first national championship (1969), hitting a home run in her first at-bat in a national championship for Avanti’s of Minneapolis. Twice Linda earned All-American honors during her 13 years with Avanati’s, 1972 (.411BA) and 1975 (.346 BA). She also played in the 1973 national and batted .459 (17-for-37), but wasn’t named All-America. She joined the Spooks in 1982 and batted .360 in the national tourney. She increased that average to .552 (16-for-29) in 1983 as the Spooks won their first national title and Linda won the first of two MVP awards. The Spooks repeated as national champs in 1984 with Linda batting .360 in the national tourney. In 1985 and 1986 she batted .476 in the national tourney as the Spooks placed fifth and ninth. Polley retired after 1989 season. She was born October 30, 1951.

 

Dick Reinmiller

Dick Reinmiller, Lincoln, Nebraska – Meritorious Service

Teams won 2,153 games and lost 1,508 playing JO girls’ fast pitch in Nebraska. Started coaching in 1969. His teams played in 14 ASA nationals and finished in the top ten four times. In 17 regionals, his teams finished in the top seven seven times and won 17 state titles. In addition to his coaching and managing, he helped obtain land for the Doris Blair Memorial Park in Lincoln, NE. He devoted much of his free time during a five-year period to help the development of the three field complex. In 1985, he was selected for one of the Gatorade Outstanding Youth Coach Awards. In 1991, was inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame as well as receiving the Nebraska Kiwanis Citizenship Award for outstanding service to the community. Also served as a Nebraska district commissioner, founded the Lincoln Youth Softball Association and served on the Nebraska State Softball Association Board of Directors.

 

 

 

Bert Smith

*Bert Smith, Wantagh, New York – Men’s Slow Pitch – Outfield

Bert Smith once told his teammates he visualized a softball hanging on a string every time it left the pitcher’s hand. “It was just like hitting it off a tee,” said Dennis Punch, a former teammate of Smith’s. “He was so focused, he just pictured it hanging there in front of him.” “Fans came to see him,” said Punch. “Wherever we would go, half of them would come because they couldn’t believe some of the statistics he (Smith) put up. And the other half had seen him and came to get on him because he was so good.” Besides being a tense, competitive player, Smith was flamboyant. He would tell you he was good, but he’d back it up. “Nobody could go against his numbers,” said Rick Howard, one of the sons of the team’s former sponsor, Richard Howard. “We probably had eight or ten of the greatest players who played the game over 32 years from the mid-50s to the late 80s. There was no one better in big games.” Those big games were often in the ASA national championships and Smith was outstanding, batting .669 in nine national championships, driving in 160 runs and smashing 74 homers among his 148 hits. He earned All-America honors four times and twice led the national championship in homers with 21 in 1973 and 11 in 1968. Three times on three different teams Smith was named the MVP in the Men’s Slow Pitch National Championship, 1968, 1971 and 1973. He is the only male to accomplish this feat in the history of slow pitch softball. Smith was born March 2, 1945 in Wantagh, Long Island and passed away on February 25, 2012.

Richard Willborn

Richard Willborn, San Antonio, Texas – Men’s Slow Pitch – Outfield

A member of four national championship teams, Willborn was a six-time All-America who achieved his success probably more with his glove than his bat. There is no argument Willborn could hit. His .580 average (170-for-293) in 13 national championships is verification. But it was on defense Willborn came almost legendary. Some say he was one of the greatest—if not the greatest—defensive left fielders ever to play slow pitch. Time and time again Willborn would climb the left field wall and turn a home run into an out. For 26 years, Willborn played for some of the top teams in the country, including Ray Carpenter, C.C. Brick, Nelson’s Painting, Campbell’s Carpets, Howard’s Furniture-Western Steer and Broken Drum. Between 1981-1985, Willborn averaged .562, hit 358 homers and drove in 851 runs for Howard’s. He also played in two ASA Winston Slow Pitch All-Star Series and batted .444 in 1982 and .500 in 1983. Nicknamed “Link,” “The Rooster,” and “The Texas Tornado,” Willborn was less than 6-feet tall and weighed less than 200 pounds, but he proved he was a “David” playing with “Goliath’s and was equal to the task. Willborn was born October 1, 1950.

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1995

Jack Aaron

Jack Aaron, Waco, Texas – Meritorious Service

Served ASA as president from 1993-1994.Was first player rep ever elected to that position. First player rep to become a member of the ASA Executive Board. Former president of the Texas ASA from 1978-1986. Served five consecutive terms as Texas Region vice president. Succeeded W.W. (Bill) Kethan as commissioner of Texas ASA in 1986 and did an outstanding job before becoming executive director of the Texas ASA in 1994. Former sponsor and player. Born May 11, 1934 in Stanford, Texas. Has lived in Waco, Texas since 1941.

 

 

 

 

Dorothy “Dot” Dobie

Dorothy “Dot” Dobie, Yakima, Washington – Women’s Fast Pitch – Infield

She wasn’t flashy. But she got the job done. That pretty much sums up Dorothy (Dot) Dobie, whose fast pitch career started in 1944 and concluded in 1974. Talented and hard-working, Dobie was called a natural at fast pitch by one of her former coaches, Betty Baker, of the Yakima, Washington – Apple Queens. It didn’t matter if she played the outfield or infield, Dobie was comfortable at either and played for some of the nation’s top women’s teams, including the Erv Lind Florists (1958-1965) and the Fresno Rockets (1966). She was a member of the Florists’ national championship team in 1964 and was a member of national runners-up three times (1959, 1960 and 1963). In helping the Florists win the national title in 1964, Dot captained the team and batted .333. She played in 15 ASA national championships and was an All-American four times: 1960, 1965, 1969 and 1970. She also played in two Women’s Major Fast Pitch All-Star Series and 13 times was named all-regional. She is a member of the Portland ASA Hall of Fame (1988), the Yakima Washington Hall of Fame (1983), the Northwest Region Hall of Fame (1993) and the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame. She was born June 5. 1931.

 

Francis Mott

Francis Mott, Oswego, New York – Commissioner

Appointed New York State ASA commissioner in January of 1979. During his tenure as commissioner led New York State ASA to outstanding growth with 6,617 teams registered in 1993. In 1987, was one of the charter members inducted into the New York State Hall of Fame. Also is a member of the Oswego, New York – Hall of Fame. Driving force behind his hometown of Oswego, New York – hosting Men’s Class A Fast Pitch National Tourney in 1980. Served as supervisor of the Oswego City Softball Association from 1969-1982. Served as Mid-Atlantic Regional vice-president from 1986-1987 and was chief of the USA delegation for the 1989 ISF Boys’ World Fast Pitch Championship. Served as New York State ASA district commissioner from 1971-1974 and deputy commissioner from 1975-1978 before being named state commissioner. Also sponsored men’s Class A fast pitch team, Mr. M’s, from 1972-1978. Served as chairman of the ASA Special Programs and Special Olympics Committees. Francis passed away April 9, 1994. He was born February 9, 1930.

 

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1996

Ray Allena

Ray Allena, Petaluma, California – Men’s Fast Pitch – Player

A former junior college baseball star, Allena didn’t get discouraged by his lack of success in his early years in fast pitch softball and ultimately became a star for Guanella Brothers of Santa Rosa, CA. Allena played 14 years for Guanella Brothers and compiled a .346 batting average after joining the team in 1974. That year, he led the team to the ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship. He batted.426 with an amazing .843 slugging percentage with 29 doubles, 23 triples and 21 homers.In the 1974 national championship, he batted .312 to earn the first of his six All-America selections in 11 national championships. (.286 BA). He also was a first-team selection three other times—in 1979, 1980 and 1984—with the Floormen and a third-team selection in 1982. In 1977 with Super Auto of Napa, California – he earned second-team honors. Allena holds most of Guanella’s batting records: most hits in a season, 141 (1974); most runs in a season, 86 (1974); most RBI in a season, 105 (1974); most triples in a season, 23 (1974); most doubles in a season, 29 (1974); and highest batting average in a season, .426 (1974). He led the team in hitting six times. Allena was born October 28, 1948.

 

Kathy Arendsen

Kathy Arendsen, Eugene, Oregon – Women’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Growing up in Zeeland, Michigan – Kathy Arendsen dreamed of becoming a major leaguer. That all changed, however, when she saw Hall of Famer Joan Joyce pitch for the legendary Raybestos Brakettes of Stratford, Connecticut – while in high school. Joan Joyce became Kathy’s role model. As we all know, success doesn’t come overnight or in a year, but Kathy was determined to be the best she could be. . .Maybe even one of the sport’s all-time greats. Ultimately through hard work and determination, Kathy succeeded in becoming the best she could be and certainly one of the game’s all-time great pitchers. Her induction in 1996 was a testimony to her overpowering career. It is unlikely that the Raybestos Brakettes would have experienced their great success. Between 1978-1993 Kathy helped them win nine ASA national championships, three ISF World Championships and five U.S. Olympic Festivals. Kathy was also a member of two USA Pan American teams. Arendsen is the third winningest pitcher in Brakettes’ history with 334 wins and only 25 losses. She hurled 79 no-hitters, 42 perfect games and 265 shutouts. In 2,362 innings, Kathy struck out 4,308 batters and had a career ERA of 0.15. She was named an All-American 13 times. On May 12, 2003 Arendsen was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.

 

Jim Brackin

Jim Brackin, Fairfax, Virginia – Men’s Fast Pitch – Shortstop

Jim Brackin figured if he developed into a good hitter in fast pitch softball that he would always have a spot in the lineup. Brackin did develop into a good hitter. In fact, he was good enough to win two ASA Major Fast Pitch batting titles (1979, .533 and 1986, .563 ) and earn ASA All-America honors three times. Between 1978-1987, Brackin batted .402 in seven Major Fast Pitch Nationals and was more than just a good hitter. He could run, field and throw and on occasion drive the ball out of the ball park, hitting between 10-15 homers a season. Besides being a three-time All-American, Brackin played on two USA Pan American teams, 1979 and 1983, and was named an alternate for the 1987 team. He also played in two U.S. Olympic Festivals, 1982 and 1986 (.313). The 5-foot-8, 160-pound Brackin proved to be a clutch player throughout his career. One of his memorable clutch hits came in the 1986 Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Tourney when he singled in a run to give legendary pitcher Ty Stofflet his 45th win in national championship play, then a record. Brackin retired as an active player after the 1992 season. Brackin was born August 31, 1948.

 

David Stanley “Stan”

David Stanley “Stan” Harvey

*Harvey, Gastonia, North Carolina – Men’s Slow Pitch – First Base

Considered one of the greatest left-handed power hitters in slow pitch, 6-foot-5 inch David Stanley Harvey’s career spanned more than two decades. Harvey, who started playing softball at 14, played for teams in his native state of Tennessee before joining nationally known powerhouse Howard’s Furniture-Western Steer in 1973. Before joining Howard’s, Harvey earned the first of his nine All-America awards in 1970, playing for Golden Gallon. He helped the team finish fourth in the national championship by batting .587 with eight homers and 19 RBI. After joining Howard’s, he earned All-American honors as follows: 1973-1976, 1978, 1980, 1982 and 1984 playing in 16 ASA national championships. He was a member of five national championship teams: 1973, 1974, 1981, 1983 and 1984. Born August 19, 1942, Harvey holds the record for the most homers in a Major Slow Pitch National, 23 in 1978. In 1975, he hit seven homers to share the leadership in the national championship with Don Arndt. In 1980, he led the Men’s Major Slow Pitch National Championship in batting with a .789 average. Harvey passed away on January 5, 2012 at his home in Alexis in Gaston County, NC

 

 

Stan Nelson

*Stan Nelson, Fort Dodge, Iowa – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

The late Stan Nelson never pitched for anything but small towns and small-time sponsors. Yet he excelled in big-time fast pitch softball tournaments throughout the United States in a career that spanned the 1930s and 1940s. etween 1929-1937, Nelson won 380 games and lost 25 hurling 50 no-hitters. Throughout his career, he was known as a strikeout hurler. In fact, he fanned 38 batters in an 18 inning game in 1933. In 1935, he struck out 37 in a 19 inning game. In 1936, he fanned 19 of 21 batters in a seven inning game. Once in relief of his brother, Pete, he struck out nine batters in a row. Self-taught as a pitcher, Nelson joined his first organized league in 1929 and won 20 games before joining Olson Jewelry in 1930. That year, he won 18 of 19 games including three in the national Diamondball Tournament in Minneapolis. With the formation of the ASA in 1933, Nelson won three games in the national championship in Chicago and had an overall 9-2 record in ASA national championship play. In 1935, he compiled a 25-9 pitching record.By 1936, Nelson pitched fewer games because he was diagnosed with meningitis and by 1940 stopped pitching. He came out of retirement in 1943, however, to help Tobin Packing win the Iowa State Tournament, batting .500 playing first base. He had a lifetime pitching record of 650-50. In 1970, Stan was inducted into the Fort Dodge Hall of Fame. In May of 1991, Nelson passed away at age 81.

 

Lewis Rober Sr.

*Lewis Rober Sr., Minneapolis, Minneapolis – Meritorious Service

Invented in 1895 version of softball called “Kitten Ball.” Game was invented to occupy the idle time of Minneapolis firemen. Regular games were played by the two first teams during the summer of 1895. Although the scores were high at first, the games were extremely interesting and closely contested. The first two teams to play the game were the Engine Company team and the Truck team. In 1913, the Minneapolis Park Board adopted the game officially for the park board playground and gradually grew in popularity, although it was called Diamond Ball instead of Kitten Ball. Rober entered the fire-fighting service on December 23, 1883. He was eventually promoted to lieutenant and served at this station for eight years and then was transferred to Engine Company No. 9, and then to Engine Company No. 15 where he remained three years.

 

 

 

Billy Stewart

Billy Stewart, Columbus, Ohio – Men’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

From the outset Billy Stewart was destined to be a star in fast pitch softball. In his first two at-bats in his first game of fast pitch, Stewart smashed home runs. During a career that started in 1964 and ended in 1984, Stewart became one of the game’s outstanding players. He had outstanding speed on the basepaths and utilized that speed to play center field for some of the nation’s top teams. The teams included the Aurora, Illinois – Sealmasters (1967-1969), Little Brahaus Brewers, Poughkeepsie, New York – (1970-1974, Pay ’n Pak and Peterbilt Western of Seattle, Washington – (1975-1984). Stewart had some outstanding seasons, hitting .337 in 1974, .346 in 1979 with 33 RBI, .320 in 1977 and .304 in 1980. He played in 12 ASA nationals, compiling a .322 batting average with 12 homers and 38 RBI. He led the 1980 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch National in batting with a .524 average and hit four homers to lead the tourney. A 1967 graduate of Ohio State Stewart was a member of three ASA national championships teams (1967, 1980 and 1982), two ISF World Championship teams (1969 and 1980) and one Olympic Festival gold medalist (1981). He was the leading hitter in the latter event with a .500 batting average. Stewart said three of the thrilling moments in his career included hitting a triple to drive in the winning run in the 1968 ISF World Championship, scoring the winning run for the USA in the ISF 1980 World championship and hitting four homers in the 1980 ASA national. Stewart was born March 2, 1944.

Ray Truluck

Ray Truluck, Clearwater, Florida – Men’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

Billy Parker figured Ray Truluck, then a second-year player, had the potential to develop into one of the better Clearwater Bomber players. As fate would show, Truluck developed into not only one of the better Clearwater Bomber players but one of the top hitters in men’s major fast pitch in the 1970s and 1980s.Truluck joined the Bombers in 1972 and spent the season as the bullpen catcher. In 1973, Parker, the team manager, moved him to the outfield and it was a move that neither Truluck nor Parker would regret. That season Truluck earned the first of his four ASA All-America selections, hitting .400 in the national championship and finishing the season with a .320 batting average to help the Bombers win a record 10th national title. Truluck repeated as an All-American in 1974 and batted .364 in the national tourney. Truluck earned All-America honors twice more (1978 and 1981) during his career and fashioned a .319 batting average in 13 ASA national championships. He also played in three Major Fast Pitch All-Star Series, the 1979 U.S. Olympic Festival in Colorado Springs, CO and the 1983 Pan American Games (.333 batting average). Truluck batted .400 or higher for the Bombers twice during his career, hitting .429 in 1975 with 16 homers, 67 RBI and 112 hits and .400 in 1985. In 1976, he batted .390 and drove in a club record 88 runs and scored 86 runs. In 1981, he batted .318 with 47 RBI. In 1982, he batted .354 with 62 RBI and seven homers.

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1997

Roy Burlison

*Roy Burlison, Newport, Arkansas – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Some players never win an ASA fast pitch national championship, although their individual performance is outstanding. Nine times pitcher Roy Burlison, who had overpowering speed, competed in the ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship, but never came home a national champion during a 27-year career. The closest he came was in 1969 when, then 23, Burlison hurled the Fairchild Falcons of Mountain View, CA to a second place. Born October 18, 1945, Burlison had an outstanding tourney. He won seven of nine games and struck out 108 batters in 62 innings, allowing 26 hits and 11 runs. His performance earned him the tourney MVP award as well as a first-team All-America selection. Burlison said winning that MVP award in his first national was the greatest thrill of his career. He also won the MVP award in the 1971 ASA Men’s National Fast Pitch Championship. In national championship play, he won 23 games and lost 14 for a winning percentage of .649. During his career he won more than 700 games and lost less than 100 with 14 perfect games. Burlison passed away on May 11, 2017.

 

 

Frank Cecero

Frank Cecero, Staten Island, New York – Modified Pitch – Third Base

The first modified pitch player elected to the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame, Cecero had a career worthy of that recognition with a .482 batting average, 181 homers and 1,477 RBI. From 1971-1986, he played modified pitch and earned five ASA All-America selections and one MVP (1982), participating in 10 national championships for Silvestri’s of Staten Island, NY. Silvestri’s won three national titles and never finished below fifth in nine of 10 nationals. In national championship play, Cecero was outstanding, batting .465 with 99 hits in 213 at-bats and smashed 20 homers. Yet, he gives credit to his team.”To get to a national tournament you have to play for a good team,” said Cecero.” But to stick around for awhile you must play for a really good team. I batted third but anybody from two to nine in our lineup could have batted third. One player doesn’t do it all. Fortunately, for Silvestri’s Cecero did a lot and manager-sponsor Jim Silvesti agreed.” On a team that many considered to be the best in the country for a long period of time, Frank Cecero played third base and batted third. He was clearly our best player.

 

 

Chuck D’Arcy

Chuck D’Arcy, Sacramento, California – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Chuck D’Arcy knew the cards were stacked against him of becoming a major class fast pitch pitcher. At 16, he was 5-feet tall and weighed 95 pounds. “I certainly wasn’t the prototype of a major fast pitch pitcher,” said D’Arcy. “Unless there was a demand for midget pitchers.” D’Arcy’s late father (Charles D’Arcy) would rather his son play the infield or maybe give basketball a try because he had been the starting guard on the basketball game. “D’Arcy’s father told him, “There was no way a little guy like him could do it.” But Chuck, who had been the bat boy for his father’s team and imitated pitching motions of different pitchers, was determined to become a major class pitcher. As history shows, D’Arcy’s persistence and thousands of hours of practice paid off as he went on to establish himself as a top-flight pitcher who earned ASA All-American honors four times during a 30-year career. He compiled a record of 1,092 wins and 250 losses for a winning percentage of .813. In 8,973 innings, D’Arcy fanned 10,689 batters and hurled 527 shutouts with 62 no-hitters and 15 perfect games. His 30-year ERA was 0.85. He had a 26-11 record in 17 ASA nationals.

 

Abbott Laboratories

Abbott Laboratories, Ashland, Ohio – Sponsor

Abbott Laboratories, formerly Faultless Rubber Company, has been a softball sponsor since 1941 when its men’s team was a semi-finalist in the Ohio state tournament. In 1959, however, Faultless started to move up the Major fast pitch ladder when it fielded a men’s team to compete in the Big 8 League. After a couple seasons in the Big 8 League, Abbott, then Faultless Rubber, joined the Ohio Fastball League and won three of five championships. Teams from Columbus, Marion, Hamilton, and Dayton joined the nucleus of the former Big 8 League to form the Ohio Fastball league. The league eventually split into two divisions, Northern and Southern. Ashland won its first state championship in 1964 and competed in its first East Central Region. In 1966, Ashland competed in its first of three consecutive ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championships and finished third. It finished 10th in 1967 and fourth in 1968.Ashland’s combined record those years was 8-6 with 12 players named ASA All-American. After a 13-year lapse, Faultless returned to the ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship in 1981 at St. Joseph, MO and finished second behind Decatur ADM. The second place finish was the best in the team’s history. Ashland continued to compete in the Men’s Major Nationals and 1996 marked the 15th consecutive year Ashland advanced to the nationals with finishes ranging from 33th in 1987 to third in 1995.

 

Gina Vecchione

Gina Vecchione, New Rochelle, New York – Women’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

Some players deliver in clutch situations. Gina Vecchione was such a player during her 12-year career with the Raybestos Braketttes of Stratford, CT. More often than not, Gina delivered the game-winning hit or the go-ahead RBI to lead the Brakettes to another victory. In 12 years with the team, she was a member of six national championship teams, two World Games gold-medalists and four U.S. Olympic Festival titlists. She batted .242 in 12 ASA national championships and twice led the event in hitting, 1980 and 1981, and had a .322 career batting average. She batted .300 or higher eight times with a personal season best of .371 in 1982. Although known for her clutch hitting, Vecchione also was a solid defensive player who had an accurate arm and would go all-out to come up with a heads-up play. During her collegiate career at UCLA, Gina helped the Lady Bruins win the 1982 Women’s College World Series. She was named to the WCWS All-Tourney team after batting .333. A 1984 graduate of UCLA, Gina was operations manager in the UCLA Athletic Department from 1985-1994. She also was an assistant coach at UC Berkeley for a season. In the fall of 1994, she joined the Oregon State University as assistant softball coach. Since then, she has re-joined the UCLA coaching staff.

 

H.T. Waller

*H.T. Waller, Chipley, Florida – Men’s Slow Pitch – Second Base

When a shoulder separation from college football ended his dream of playing major league baseball, H.T. Waller of Chipley, FL became one of the early super stars of slow pitch softball by accident. Wanting to keep active, Waller played slow pitch as a form of recreation for a team in Wausau, Fl. Word rapidly throughout the state about his hitting ability and before long Waller was playing for some of the nation’s top teams. He led Jo’s Pizza to a pair of national championship runner-up finishes in 1968 and 1969 and earned All-America honors each year. In 1969, he also was named the MVP in the national tourney with a .594 batting average with 16 homers and 28 RBI. By 1972, Waller joined the Virginia Beach Piledrivers and batted .923 in the national tourney and finished the season with a .595 average, 63 homers and 149 RBI. Waller joined Howard’s Furniture in 1973 and was an immediate hit, batting .692 in the national tourney with 25 RBI and 20 homers to earn second-team All-America honors. He finished the year with a .664 batting average and 163 homers. Waller earned his fourth and final All-America selection in 1978, batting .545 with 11 homers in the national championship. In 1977, he had one of his best seasons, hitting 212 homers, driving in 398 runs and batting .641. In 1980, Waller played less than 20 games for Howard’s and retired at the end of the season. Waller estimated he hit more than 2,500 homers in his career with 87 in eight ASA nationals. Waller passed away on November 29, 2021.

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1998

Tom Dallas

Tom Dallas, Winton, California – Men’s Fast Pitch – Catcher

For Tom Dallas, playing top-level fast pitch was enough of a reward and anything else was extra. After playing a season of junior college baseball, Dallas joined the California Kings of Merced and played for them from 1978-1985. He had started his fast pitch career two years earlier. The Kings made their first appearance in an ASA national in 1982 and placed third. Dallas earned All-America honors that season, batting .278 (5-for-18). By being named an All-American Dallas also was a member of the All-Star team that faced national champ Pay ‘n Pak in the Major Fast Pitch All-Star Series in 1983 in Seattle, WA. The Kings disbanded prior to the 1983 tourney, but Dallas was picked up by Guanella Brothers of Santa Rosa, CA and was named a second-team All-America. He batted .333 as Guanella Brothers placed 10th. In 1984, the Kings won their first national title and Dallas played a major role, scoring the winning run in the championship game and being named a first-team All-American. In 1985, the Kings finished fifth in the national tourney as Dallas batted .471 (8-for-17) to earn first-team DH honors.

 

 

Claud “Chuck” Davenport

Claud “Chuck” Davenport, Branson, Missouri – Meritorious Service

From player to manager, to umpire, to national deputy and to commissioner. Claud (Chuck) Davenport did them all in a career that spanned two decades. After a brief stint as a manager, Davenport started umpiring in 1973 and by 1979 was a member of the ASA national umpire staff. He remained a member of the staff until 1984. Davenport served as the UIC at eight ASA nationals and the 1983 U.S. Olympic Festival in Colorado Springs, CO. He was an instructor at National Umpire Schools from 1983-1984 and in1995 was awarded the National Award of Excellence at the UIC Clinic in Oklahoma City. In 1984, Davenport was named Kansas ASA commissioner and remained in that position until retiring in1994. During his tenure as commissioner, he established the Kansas Softball Hall of Fame and Honor, an annual convention and honors banquet and a scholarship fund. He also increased team registration from 1,110 to more than 2,000 teams. He was an ASA rep at 10 nationals and chaired the umpire committee from 1988-1991. Twice he served as Region 12 vice-president. He is a 21-year Army veteran and earned a Silver Star and two Bronze Stars while serving in Korea and Vietnam. He was born October 5, 1932 in Canton, MO.

 

Walt and Ray Guanella

*Walt and Ray Guanella, Santa Rosa, California – Sponsor

Sponsored Guanella Brothers men’s fast pitch team for 22 years. During this time, team won two ASA national titles, 1974 and 1991, and were one of the most consistent top finishers in ASA history. Won 1981 World Games in Santa Clara, CA. Won seven ASA Regional titles. Competed in six Sports Festivals, winning the gold medal in 1993 in San Antonio, TX and two silver and one bronze medal. Competed in 17 ASA national championships and the team had a record of 74 wins and 31 losses for a .705 winning percentage. In 22 years (1972-1993) team won 1,563 games and lost 401 with three ties for a winning percentage of .796. Walt Guanella died July 23, 2000 at age 73. Ray died March 16, 2007 at age 77.

 

 

 

Peter Ralph Miscione Jr.

*Peter Ralph Miscione Jr., Staten Island, New York – Modified Pitch – Pitcher

The second modified player elected to the Hall of Fame, Miscione started out playing second base before switching to pitching in 1982 for Silvestri’s of Staten Island, NY. That year, Miscione was named Most Valuable Player at the Nationals after pitching Silvestri’s to the national title by winning five games and allowing less than three runs per game. In the championship game he hurled a three-hitter and allowed one unearned run in a 6-1 win. Silvestri’s repeated as national champion in 1983 with Miscione winning seven games in the tournament. In his career, Miscione hurled 160 innings in 12 ASA national championships, winning 17 of 22 games, allowing 60 earned runs for an ERA of 2.62. In 1979 and 1984 he also was named an All-American. Between 1973 and 1981 as a second baseman, he averaged .377 as a batter. He played 15 years for Silvestri’s before retiring after the 1988 season. Miscione started his career in 1972 playing for Frankie’s from 1965-1972. Miscione was born January 27, 1945.

Miscione was born and raised in Staten Island, N.Y. As a child he spent his time developing a love for all types of sports, including bowling which was short-lived when he was drafted into the Army. Miscione married Barbara May Miscione, and together they had five children, all boys. An avid sports fan, Miscione became a pitcher and second basemen for the Silvestri softball team and was later inducted into the National Softball Hall of Fame in recognition of his accomplishments as a Modified Pitch player. Additionally, Miscione was a baseball and basketball coach at Holy Rosary Church and spent a lot of his free time as an umpire and referee for men’s touch tackle football before eventually taking up golf and joining the Fairway Club. Miscione passed away on January 22, 2022.

Dave Neale Sr.

*Dave Neale Sr., Brook Park, Ohio – Manager

Involved in softball since 1957 as a player, manager, and sponsor. Neale was good enough to earn second-team All-America honors in 1965 for Swing Inn of Cleveland, then became a player-manager in 1970 for Pyramid Cafe. Four times was named to Cleveland’s All-City team. Started only managing in 1975 and led Hillcrest Tavern to a fifth place in 1978 Men’s Major Slow Pitch National. In 1977 and 1980 team finished ninth and 13th. Won his first of four Super national titles in 1985 with Steele’s Silver Bullets. Team had 159-29 record that year followed by 217-13 in 1986, 340-15 in 1987, 366-20 in 1988, 263-26 in 1989 and 226-9 in 1990. Team was featured in numerous national publications, including Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News and USA Today. Was born February 24, 1938 in Cleveland suburb of Lakewood. Lettered in three sports in high school and was a Golden Gloves boxing champ at 19. In 1988, was inducted into the Greater Cleveland Slow Pitch Hall of Fame.

 

 

Mike Parnow

Mike Parnow, Novato, California – Men’s Fast Pitch – Third Base

Mike Parnow, a seven-time All-America, enjoyed playing softball. And he played well for a span of 20 years. But being elected to the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame wasn’t something that left Mike with sleepless nights wondering if he ever would be elected. “It wasn’t a goal (being elected) of mine,” Parnow said. “But I was sure excited when it did happen. It’s probably the ultimate thrill.” Parnow, who retired in 1993, started playing softball after a short stint in pro baseball for the Los Angeles. “After I was released by the Dodgers, there was a big gap in my life. I was raised on baseball,” Parnow said. “But softball filled that gap. For a while I played both softball and baseball but after that first Regional Tournament (1976) I was hooked on softball. It became part of my life.” Parnow stepped in to play shortstop in the regional tournament and earned a spot on the all-Regional Tournament team as a utility player. The rest, as they say, is history. He went on to come one of the great clutch hitters of his era who demonstrated on-and-off the field leadership, had a friendly and engaging personality and was an outstanding third baseman who had great defensive anticipation. Parnow participated in 16 ASA nationals, the 1992 ISF Men’s World, 1981 World Games, two Pan Am qualifiers and seven Olympic Festivals. He was a member of two national championship teams (1984 and 1991). His nine Festival homers is a record including four in 1981.

 

Freda Savona

*Freda Savona, New Orleans, Louisiana – Women’s Fast Pitch – Shortstop

Freda Savona was considered one of the best—if not the best—player in women’s major fast pitch history. Kay Rich, who played for the Fresno Rockets and is a member of the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame, said, “I believe Freda Savona was the absolute best woman player in the history of the game and probably the premier woman athlete of her time. She had all the skills–unusual speed, great arm, devastating bat power for average and distance, tremendous fielding range and agility. She was aggressive, daring, highly competitive and the complete player.” Savona batted consistently around .400 for the New Orleans Jax Brewers of New Orleans, LA who were formed in 1939 by Manager Heard Ragas. Between 1942-1947, Savona led the Jax to five ASA national titles and numerous victories against the best women’s teams of that era. The Jax rarely lost and at one time won 89 of 90 games in a row. One of their few losses came in 1944 when they lost twice to the Phoenix Ramblers by 1-0 scores. Freda played shortstop and her sister, Olympia, could play just about any position on the field.

 

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1999

G. Pat Adkison

G. Pat Adkison, Rainbow City, Alabama – Commissioner

Only three-term president of the ASA (1992, 1999 and 2001), Adkison was named state commissioner in 1976 after serving as umpire-in-chief. He has served on numerous ASA committees and chaired the Umpire Committee for eight years. He started the Alabama Hall of Fame in 1991. Served as Southern Region vice president from 1981-1983. Is a member of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Organized the Gadsden Umpires’ Association in 1966. Recipient of the Alabama Parks and Recreation Society Service Award in 1991. Was born March 8, 1936.

 

 

 

 

Herman Beagles

*Herman Beagles, Chickamauga, Georgia – Umpire

Umpired in eight Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals during his career. Also umpired in first U.S. Olympic Festival in 1978 in Colorado Springs, CO, the All-Marine and Interservice Tournament in 1970, World Games One in 1981 in Santa Clara, CA, the All-Navy Tournament in 1975, and ASA youth fast pitch nationals in 1989, 1991, 1993 and 1994. In 1973 conducted clinics with Paul Brown throughout the Far East. First sanctioned as an ASA umpire in 1956. Played in three ASA Major Fast Pitch Nationals. Worked for Combustion Engineer and took early retirement in 1981. On March 3, 2003 Beagles passed away at age 70.

 

 

 

 

Glenn Beamon

Glenn Beamon, Oakland, California – Men’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

Beamon was as exciting player as there was in the 1960s and 1970s because of his great speed, his ability to get on base and his outstanding baserunning and defense. Beamon started his career in 1965 and did not waste time in establishing himself as a marquee player. He was selected to the Nor-Cal League All-Star team and in 1968 led the league in batting (.478 BA). Beamon played in his first of four ASA nationals (.353 BA, 32-for-88) in 1969 and batted .333 with 10 hits in 30 at-bats. He scored four runs and was named a first-team All-America. Born March 16, 1945, Beamon duplicated his first-team All-American selection in 1970 and batted .375 (6-for-16) playing for Sunnyvale, CA, which placed fourth in the national tourney. In 1973, Beamon had an outstanding tourney for the LeBlanc Barons and had 11 hits to equal the then record. He batted .367 as the Barons finished second. Three years later, Beamon was named an All-American for a fourth and final time, batting .333 for the Barons, who placed ninth out of 18 teams. He retired as an active player after the 1984 season.

 

 

Immor Clyte Franklin Jr.

Immor Clyte Franklin Jr., Baltimore, Maryland – Sponsor

For more than two decades has sponsored men’s, women’s and coed teams in Baltimore, MD. In 1996, his Angle Inn team won the ASA Class C national title with a 7-0 record. It is not uncommon for him to send six or more teams to various ASA national championships. Has sponsored as many as 21 teams in league and tournament play. These teams are comprised of men’s and women’s fast, slow pitch and coed players. Has spent in excess of $1 million sponsoring teams.

 

 

 

 

Bruce Meade

Bruce Meade, Bradenton, Florida – Men’s Slow Pitch – Outfield

In college Bruce Meade was a javelin and discus thrower. The last thing on his mind was playing slow pitch softball. But friends urged him to play. “I’d tell ’em that’s a girl’s game. No way,” said Meade. The persistence of Meade’s friends paid off and eventually he ended up playing slow pitch softball. “I hit the ball pretty good that first year,” said Meade. “Pretty soon one thing led to another.” More than two decades later, Meade left behind a record of accomplishments that will be difficult to match, let alone surpass. They include: Hit the longest home run on record in slow pitch softball, 510 feet in 1978 in Amarillo, TX. The first person to hit a softball into the upper deck of the Astrodome in Houston, TX. Hit more than 3,500 homers during his career including a career best 247 in 1981. Earn ASA All-America honors 11 times (seven first teams and four second team) plus twice named MVP in the national championship, 1977 and 1982. Led the Super National championship in batting three times (1982, 1984 and 1985). In 1982, Meade also led the ASA Super National in home runs ( 12) and batting average .703 (26-for-37) with 32 RBI. In 1984, he batted .775 and in 1985 hit .815 in the Super National Championship. In 1977, Meade and Herman Rathman shared the home run trophy in the Major national championship with 22 each, with Meade and Craig Elliott the co-MVPs. Meade was a member of four national championship team and played in 16 ASA nationals. He retired after the 1993 season. Participated in the 1989 U.S. Olympic Festival in Oklahoma City where softball made its Festival debut. Meade batted .735 in the Festival and hit 14 homers. Was a consistent .700 hitter throughout his career. He batted .711 in 1976 with 131 homers, .764 in 1977 with 225 homers, .720 in 1978 with 175 homers, .693 in 1979 with 163 homers, .757 with 207 homers in 1980,.767 in 1981 with 247 homers, .705 in 1982 with 102 homers, .738 in 1983 with 138 homers, .696 in 1984 with 229 homers, .746 in 1985 with 200 homers, .711 in 1986, .729 in 1987, .645 in 1988 with 33 homers, .670 in 1990 with 52 homers, .675 in 1991 with 131 homers, .649 in 1992 with 81 homers, .638 in 1993 with 79 homers and .641 in 1994 with 67 homers. Participated in 16 ASA nationals and two ASA-Winston Slow Pitch All-Star Series. During his career, Meade played for some of the nation’s top slow pitch teams, including Warren Motors of Jacksonville, FL, Nelson’s Painting of Oklahoma City, Dave Carroll’s Skoal Bandits of Sherrills Ford, NC, Jerry’s Catering of Miami, FL, Elite Coatings of Gordon, GA, Smythe Sox of Houston, TX, Steele’s Sports of Grafton, OH, Starpath of Monticello, KY and Vernon’s of Jacksonville, FL. Besides his tremendous hitting, Meade was without question the most recognized player of his era. Standing 6-feet-6 inches tall and weighing more than 260 pounds, Meade was an easy person to spot on or off the field with his handlebar mustache. Meade played in his last ASA Super national in 1993 and was named a second-team All-America, batting .727 with 10 homers and 19 RBI. Since retiring, Meade has remained active in softball, playing games to raise money for charities and continuing to work for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in Bradenton, FL as warrants officer.

Nancy Oldham

Nancy Oldham, Sanford, North Carolina – Women’s Slow Pitch – Third Base

In the early 1960s and 1970s, the Satellite Beach, FL Comets streaked across the U.S. winning game after game. Leading the way for them was Nancy Oldman, who had averaged 35 points per game on the basketball floor and earned all-star honors three times in her home state of North Carolina while in high school. But it would be on the softball field where Nancy would receive national acclaim playing third base and shortstop. She was six times an ASA All-American. In 1969, she was named the MVP of the Women’s Major Slow Pitch National Tourney after batting .500 to lead the Comets to a runner-up finish. Although never a member of a national championship team, Oldham also played on teams that finished second three times and third twice. First selected for All-America in 1965, she was named again in 1966, 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1972. The 1970 national was one of the best in Nancy’s career as she batted .625 with five homers and 16 RBI in leading the Comets to a fifth place. In 1996, Nancy was inducted into the North Carolina ASA Hall of Fame.

 

 

Ray Phillips

Ray Phillips, San Francisco, California – Men’s Fast Pitch – Second Base

When Ray Phillips played softball, he was not just another hitter. In fact, he was often called “Softball’s Most Feared Hitter” during his 13-year fast pitch career. Phillips was a pitcher’s worst nightmare, spraying line drives all over the field and hitting for a high average. When Phillips came to the plate, infielders automatically dropped back about five steps and just hoped the line shots he hit weren’t hit at them. No matter where you went in the United States, people in softball circles knew the name of Ray (Razor) Phillips. In all, Phillips played in eight ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championships between 1960-1970, earning All-America honors five times and hitting .320. In 1966 he batted .563 in the national tourney to lead all hitters. When a teammate was unable to play in the Men’s Major Fast Pitch All-Star Series in 1968, Phillips replaced him and ended up leading all hitters with a .500 batting average. That year Ray also helped the Aurora, IL Sealmasters win the International Softball Federation World Championship, beating Canada 4-0 in the finals. Phillips drove in two of the four runs in the gold medal game. Phillips came out of retirement in 1980 to play for Guanella Brothers of Santa Rosa, Calif. He ended his career the way you would figure the Most Feared Hitter in Softball would. Phillips homered in last official at-bat.

 

Bill Plummer III

*Bill Plummer III, Syracuse, New York – Meritorious Service

Was employed at the ASA National Office for 30 ½ years (May 6, 1979 to Dec. 31, 2009) and served as communications coordinator and Hall of Fame Services Manager/Historian. He was instrumental in softball attaining world-wide media coverage and recognition through his efforts as press officer at two Pan American Games, 13 U.S. Olympic Festivals, six ISF World Championships and the 1996 Olympic Games where he was the information manager. A 1973 graduate of Indiana University, Plummer has written widely about the sport for almost five decades. He authored the book,” The Game America Plays: Celebrating 75 years of the Amateur Softball Association,” in 2008 and co-authored another book in 2012 and co-authored another one in 2013, which won the Oklahoma Sports Historian Award in 2014. He has also contributed to 11 other books about softball. Besides the National Softball Hall of Fame, Plummer is a member of four other ASA Halls of Fame: New York State, Tidewater, Oklahoma, and Indiana. He writes for the website: CollegeSportsMadness.com and for Fast Pitch Magazine, an online publication. Plummer, a native of Syracuse, NY, passed away on April 9, 2016.

 

Barbara Reinalda

Barbara Reinalda, Lakewood, California – Women’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

After winning the 1975 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship, the Raybestos Brakettes of Stratford, CT returned only two starters for the 1976 season. Only two starters returned because a women’s pro league had been formed and had taken the team’s ace hurler, Joan Joyce, plus most of the team. In January of that year, a story appeared in the Los Angeles TIMES that would eventually solve the pitching woes. The story was about a pitcher named Barbara Reinalda, who was born February 13, 1957. A Raybestos Manhattan salesman sent a copy of the story of back to chairman of the board Bill Simpson, who in turn forwarded it to Brakettes head coach Ralph Raymond. Raymond called Reinalda and although she was not home, gave the details to her mother. Raymond called back later and talked to Reinalda, who thought it over for two weeks before telling him she was going to play for the team. The rest, as they say, is history. Raymond unfortunately had a heart attack that year and he did not get to see Reinalda pitch until the national tournament. In his absence the team was guided by his assistant coaches, John Stratton, and Andy Van Etten. Reinalda’s first year with the Brakettes was a memorable one. She not only hurled the team to the national title but was named the national tourney MVP and led all hitters with a .429 average. Reinalda compiled a 45-6 record in 18 ASA nationals. She is the winningest pitcher in Brakette history (441-31).

* indicates the person has passed away.

National Softball Hall of Fame 1980’s

The National Softball Hall of Fame is the ultimate goal for any player, coach, umpire or administrator who aspire to greatness in the sport. With over 400 inductees, the National Softball Hall of Fame is among the most difficult sports halls in the nation in which to gain membership.

Take a moment to browse through the Hall of Fame section and learn more about some of the sport’s greatest athletes and their accomplishments. If you get a chance to visit us in person while in Oklahoma City, please observe these hours of operation:

National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum
2801 Northeast 50th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
(405) 424-5266
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: Check USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex for weekend hours

The Hall of Fame and Museum does not charge, but donations are greatly appreciated and accepted. Your donations help keep this history of softball alive through exhibit updates, upkeep and restoration projects.

Link to Video of the National Softball Hall of Fame

The National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum was established in 1957. Once USA Softball moved to Oklahoma City January 1, 1966 after having its offices in Newark, NJ, the decision to establish a Hall of Fame Building in Oklahoma City was made in January of 1965. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the Hall of Fame were held December 19, 1970 in Oklahoma City. The late John Nagy, former Cleveland Metro commissioner, was USA Softball President at that time. Hall of Famers Harold (Shifty) Gears and Carolyn Thome Hart were among those attending the ceremonies.

The National Softball Hall of Fame was officially dedicated May 26, 1973 in Oklahoma City. The building was opened to the public July 1, 1973.

The first of two additions to the National Softball Hall of Fame/USA Softball Headquarters was started July 5, 1976 and completed July 13, 1977 for an additional 4,350 square feet of space. Dedication ceremonies for the expansion were held July 23, 1977. Counting the National Softball Hall of Fame/USA Softball Headquarters and the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex, there is 28,406 square feet of space.

A second expansion was added July of 1980 for an additional 5,182 square feet of space, with total footage 18,140 square feet of space.

The National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum has over 400 members with two categories of membership: players and non players. Within the player category, there are five categories: Men’s/Women’s Fast Pitch, Men’s/Women’s Slow Pitch and Modified Pitch. Within the non player category, there are five different divisions one can be nominated in: Commissioner, Meritorious Service, Umpire, Managers and Sponsors. A nominee needs 75 percent (nine votes) of the votes cast by the 12 member Hall of Fame Committee to be elected. Annual inductions are held at the USA Softball Annual Meeting.

Through our vast collection of artifacts, the National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum strives to educate the public about softball’s rich history. Your support is critical to these efforts.

The Hall of Fame Donation Fund was established to ensure that the National Softball Hall of Fame has a future and is committed to educating people about the great former players and non players and the role they played in the development of the sport.

Your tax-deductible contribution helps the National Softball Hall of Fame continue its mission of educating, collecting and honoring as well as the preservation of the history of softball, the maintaining of present exhibits and purchase of new exhibits and possible expansion of the Hall of Fame building.

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Due to the volume of offers we receive, we cannot accept the donation of an artifact without a completed artifact description form. Please see our Mission Statement and Collections Management Policy to see what types of objects we will and will not accept. Once we have received your form, our staff will evaluate the object’s potential and will be in contact with you as to whether or not we will be able to accept the donation. If your object is chosen, the donated material will be recommended to the Executive Director for consideration. Following the meeting a staff member will contact you regarding the next steps.

 Click here for the Donor Questionnaire Form

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1980

Harold S. Adams

Harold S. Adams, Topeka, Kansas – Umpire

Began umpiring in 1960 and was Kansas State UIC from1970-1978. Served as president, vice president, secretary-treasurer, and rules interpreter for the Topeka Softball Umpires’ Association (1963-1979). Named National Deputy UIC for Western Region and metro area in 1976. Appointed senior deputy for Central Region states in 1977. Umpired in six ASA national championships, including five Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals and 1976 ISF Men’s World Fast Pitch Championship. Served as UIC at two Women’s College World Series and two ASA nationals. Regarded as an outstanding clinician, he died on January 30, 1979 after suffering a heart attack. He was born in 1929.

 

 

Ivie C. Apple

Ivie C. Apple, Greensboro, North Carolina – Umpire

Was involved with umpiring for 50 years after umpiring his first game in 1938. Umpired in 11 ASA nationals and served as North Carolina UIC from 1959-1973. Apple died August 20, 1988 at age 87.

 

 

 

 

 

Ward B. “Bick” Auxier

Ward B. “Bick” Auxier, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Commissioner

Involved in softball for more than 40 years. Started career as an umpire and is one of few commissioners to have served as a state and metro commissioner. Was named Metro Oklahoma City commissioner in 1950 and served until 1954. In 1955, was named state commissioner and remained in that position until he became metro commissioner again in 1969 and remained in that position until retiring after the 1989 season. Besides being Metro Oklahoma commissioner, was president of the Oklahoma City Softball Association. After retiring in 1989, was named commissioner emeritus. Was 13th ASA Commissioner elected to Hall of Fame. Served as Southwest Region vice president three times. Was born March 1, 1920 and was 79 at the time of his death, April 7, 1999.

 

George T. Cron

George T. Cron, Elizabeth, New Jersey – Commissioner

Became commissioner of New Jersey in 1943 and served more than 50 years until his passing. Was president of the ASA from 1960-61. He was chairman of the International Joint Rules Committee on Softball. (1950-1975). Past president of the Amateur Athletic Union. George was a member of the ASA Executive Board from 1961 to 1994. In 1941, he became assistant New Jersey Commissioner under Gene Martin before being named commissioner. Was Mid-Atlantic vice-president in 1991. Played college basketball at Long Island University. Was inducted into the Golden Gloves Hall of Fame in 1988. Named AAU Man of the Year in 1968. Was lifetime member of the AAU from 1956-1994. Was inducted into New Jersey Hall of Fame in 1961. Was director of parks and recreation for County of Union, NJ for 45 years. Was born December 12, 1911 and died on April 17, 1994 at age 82 in Milwaukee, WI.

Jean Daves

Jean Daves, Orlando, Florida – Women’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Hall of Fame pitcher Jean Daves did not have the benefit of individual pitching lessons or clinics to develop as a fast pitch softball hurler and ultimately earn enshrinement into the ASA Hall of Fame. Daves taught herself growing up in Canton, NC. “I used to throw a ball into a blanket strung over clothesline. My mother never wanted me to play, but my dad always did,” said Daves. “I taught myself most of the different pitches. But I was a finesse pitcher, not an overpowering one.” Daves played for teams in Atlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL and Washington, DC before joining the Orlando Rebels in 1964. She spent the last eight years of her 20-year career with Orlando and set team single-season records for wins, 40 in 1970; shutouts, 30 in 1966; strikeouts, 485 in 1967; most consecutive wins, 21 in 1966; most consecutive scoreless innings, 95 in 1965; most no-hitters, nine in 1967 and most innings pitched, 344 in 1970. She was born April 7, 1934. Daves won 255 games and lost 59 with 41 no-hitters and 197 shutouts. She struck out 2,944 batters in 2,370 innings and was a first-team All-America in 1966, 1970, 1971 and a second-team choice in 1967, 1968 and 1969. She had a 25-15 record in national championship play, retiring in 1971.

Harold Engelhardt

Harold Engelhardt, Indianapolis, Indiana – Meritorious Service

Former Metro Indianapolis ASA commissioner (1962-80). Also is a member of the Metro Indianapolis ASA Hall of Fame. Was also known for his promotion of amateur basketball and boxing. Named to the Indiana Hall of Fame for basketball in 1968. In 1975, he was honored by the Indianapolis Old Timers Club. He was a charter member of the AAU Golden Gloves program in Indianapolis. Served as ASA vice-president from 1972-1973. Is a life member of the ASA. He formed the Central Indiana Softball League in 1966. Brought the ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch National to Indianapolis, IN in 1966. Owned his own softball stadium and sold it in 1962. He died at age 83 on March 26, 1987.

 

 

Nick Frannicola

Nick Frannicola, Newark, New Jersey – Meritorious Service

Was involved with ASA since its founding in 1933. Served as New Jersey deputy commissioner under Gene Martin from 1933-1940. Was Eastern Area vice president from 1967-1968. Was chairman of the ASA Umpires Committee from 1965-1977. Was inducted into New Jersey State Hall of Fame in 1971 and Newark Hall of Fame in 1978. Gave numerous clinics, including the first Armed Forces Softball Clinic overseas in 1950. Taught at Holy Trinity in Westfield, NJ, then spent three years in Army. Obtained a master’s degree at Seton Hall (1948) and spent 32 years as physical education instructor at Woodridge High School, Woodridge, NJ. Also officiated high school and college basketball games. Was appointed Metro Newark UIC in 1946. Was softball director of Newark Recreation Department from 1947-1968. Was named Newark Metro commissioner in 1962. His son, Angelo, replaced him as Metro Newark commissioner in 1981. Nick died at age 73 September 26, 1983. He was born September 9, 1910.

Ford Hoffman

Ford Hoffman, Phoenix, Arizona – Manager

General manager and coach of the Phoenix, AZ Ramblers women’s fast pitch team from 1933 until it disbanded in 1958. Team won ASA national titles in 1940, 1948 and 1949. From 1958-1959, he served as president of the ASA. Was ASA Arizona commissioner for 20 years. Organized and was president of the Arizona Softball Foundation. Was a charter member and vice chairman of the National Hall of Fame Selection Committee. After retiring from softball, Hoffman worked in real estate and bred rabbits. He was a graduate of Northern Arizona University and coached football at Arizona State College in Tempe, AZ. Hoffman died on August 23, 1989 of bone cancer. He was 81 years old.

 

 

James F. Jones

James F. Jones, Boston, Massachusetts – Meritorious Service

Served as Metro Boston ASA commissioner from 1949-1970. Was a member of the International Joint Rules Committee on Softball. As a retired insurance executive, he served as chairman of the Insurance Committee as well as on other committees. Former regional vice-president for two years. Former chairman of the Umpires Committee. Conducted numerous clinics for Armed Forces as well as throughout the New England Region. Is deceased.

 

 

 

Marge Ricker

Marge Ricker, Orlando, Florida – Manager

Led Orlando, FL Rebels to ASA national title in 1981, upsetting the favored Raybestos Brakettes of Stratford, CT. In 32 years compiled record of 1,470 wins and 476 losses for a winning percentage of .760. In 26 nationals, the Rebels finished fifth or higher 22 times. Ricker started Orlando Rebels in 1954. By winning 1981 national title, Rebels qualified for ISF World Championship and they placed fourth with a 7-3 record in 1982. Ricker coached her last Rebel team in 1985 (55-12) and tied for fifth at the national tourney. Although no longer coaching, she was still active in softball with the Rebel Spring Games in late February for more than 100 university and college division teams. Ricker died on January 16, 2013.

 

 

Frank Susor

Frank Susor, Poland, Ohio – Umpire

Was an original member of Tom Mason’s four person National Umpire staff from 1966-1979. He spent five years as a minor league baseball umpire in his distinguished 40-year career. As an ASA umpire officiated 10 Women’s Nationals, two Men’s Nationals, one ISF Men’s World Fast Pitch Tourney (1968) and four Interservice Tournaments. Was UIC for 15 ASA nationals. Was inducted into Curbstone Coaches’ Hall of Fame, Youngstown, OH in 1978. Born December 21, 1911. Frank died on July 10, 1995 at age 83.

 

 

Matt Urban

Matt Urban, Holland, Michigan – Commissioner

Former Michigan ASA commissioner who won nation’s highest military honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, and a total of 29 medals for bravery. He is the most decorated combat soldier in U.S. history. Was named Michigan ASA commissioner in 1960 and served five years as regional vice-president. Was on selection committee for the Pan American Games in 1979, the first-time softball was an official sport of the Games. Matt died on March 4, 1995 at age 75. Served as Holland, MI director of recreation from 1974 to 1989.

 

 

Ron Weathersby

Ron Weathersby, Cuthbert, Georgia – Men’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

When the Clearwater, FL Bombers needed a clutch hit to keep a rally going, more often than not Ron Weathersby came through. One of Weathersby’s most memorable hits came in the 1966 national championship when he hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning to beat Providence, 4-2, to give the Bombers their eighth national title. Weathersby called winning that title the greatest thrill of his 16-year career. Weathersby was a member of four national championship teams and four runners-up. Four times he earned ASA first-team All-America honors: 1964, (.412),1966 (.267), 1967 (.389) and 1973, and played in 12 ASA national championships. He also played in three All-Star Fast Pitch Series and batted .500 in the 1967 Series. Besides his clutch hitting, Weathersby also excelled on defense. Said former teammate Doug Mason. “You can’t measure his contribution because of the respect he demanded from his teammates and his leadership. Barring pitchers, Ron was the best softball player in the game.” Weathersby had some impressive seasons for the Bombers, including 1964 (.338 BA), 1966 (.300 BA, 20 homers and 43 RBIs) and 1968 (.311 BA, 7 homers and 57 RBIs).He retired in 1974 as an active player but came back to manage the Bombers in 1977 (11th ) and 1978 (runner-up). Born October 5, 1940, Weathersby is clerk of Circuit Court in Bay County, FL. He and his wife, Pam, have two children.

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1981

George Adam

George Adam, Branford, Connecticut – Men’s Fast Pitch – First Base

When it came to playing first base, George Adam was among the best. Not only an outstanding fielder, but he could also beat you offensively. After beginning his almost three-decade career in 1952, Adam played for some of the nation’s top major caliber fast pitch teams, including Briggs Beautyware of Detroit, MI, Trenton Democratic Club of Baltimore, MD, DeJur Cameramen, Long Island, NY, Raybestos Cardinals of Stratford, CT, Little Brahaus Brewers of Poughkeepsie, NY and Interstate Batterymen of Spencer, MA. He earned All-America honors 11 times including nine times to the first team (1952-56, 1958-59, 1962 and 1971) and twice (1960 and 1972) to the second team. He played in 17 ASA nationals and had an accumulative .275 batting average with 72 hits in 262 at-bats. Six times Adam was a member of a national championship team five times with the Raybestos Cardinals of Stratford, CT (1955, 1958, 1969, 1970 and 1972) and once with Briggs Beautyware (1954). He also played on four teams that finished runner-up in the national tourney. Adam retired from active play following the 1977 season.

Charles “Budd” Gilbert

Charles “Budd” Gilbert, Cliffside Park, New Jersey – Meritorious Service

Gilbert joined Dudley Sports Company in 1953 as sales manager and in 1962 became vice president and chief executive officer. In 1970, he became president of Dudley. He was a strong supporter of numerous ASA programs and events. He originated hospitality rooms at the ASA annual meeting that eventually attracted other manufacturers and exhibitors, which led to commercial exhibits. Through his pioneering of the cork-center softball, the standard of ball manufacturing improved, helping the development and growth of the sport. Both directly and indirectly, Gilbert provided much needed financial support for many ASA activities at all levels through strong sponsor support. He also was responsible for helping ASA in securing revenue through a licensing program that was eventually joined by other manufacturers.

Arnold “Red” Halpern

Arnold “Red” Halpern, Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho – Commissioner

Served as Idaho commissioner from 1959 to 2002. Was 23rd president of the ASA from 1982-1983. Was third person from the Pacific Northwest to serve as ASA president. Former chairman of the ASA Junior Olympic program and former member of the National Softball Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Served two terms as Northwest vice-president and was chief of delegation for USA teams in first Junior World Fast Pitch Championship in Edmonton, Alberta Canada in 1981. Was named Pacific Northwest Most Outstanding Park and Recreation Professional in 1981. Was first president of the Idaho Recreation and Park Society. In 1992, received the Professional Emeritus Award by the Pacific Northwest Regional Council of the National Recreation and Park Association. Also received the Gar Anderson Award as one of Idaho’s outstanding sportsmen. Served from 1954-1985 as director of the Coeur d’Alene, ID Recreation Department. In 2001. Halpern was inducted into the Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame. Also is member of the Idaho Sports Hall of Fame, Inland Empire Hall of Fame, Idaho Hall of Fame and Pacific Northwest Hall of Fame. Halpern died on October 3, 2003 at age 79.

Arthur Noren

Arthur Noren, Pompano Beach, Florida – Meritorious Service

A 1921 graduate of Springfield College who received advanced degrees from Columbia University and New York University, Noren was named secretary in 1923 of a committee of five recreation leaders who codified and unified the rules of softball. Noren remained as secretary until retiring June 24, 1978. In 1934, the original committee was expanded to include representatives of other national organizations and assumed the name of The Joint Rules Committee on Softball. In 1954, other national organizations including the ASA were invited to join. In 1936, the JRCOS incorporated under the name of The International Joint Rules Committee on Softball and accepted representatives from several countries to serve on the committee. In 1936 published the first book on softball to be accepted and placed in the Library of Congress. Noren died on March 21, 1982 at age 82.

Bill Parker

Bill Parker, Lake Wales, Florida – Men’s Fast Pitch – Second Base

Versatility marked Bill Parker’s fast pitch softball career. Parker could play just about any position in softball and almost did after joining the Clearwater, FL Bombers in 1962, playing the outfield, second base and third base. A year earlier Parker batted .364 (4-for-11) in the national championship for Homestead, FL and was noticed by the Bombers. The 1961 tourney was the first of 11 national championships Parker played in, including nine with the Bombers. In 11 nationals he batted .257 with 44 hits in 171 at-bats, scoring 26 runs and driving in 17. Six times Parker earned ASA All-America honors including first-team honors in 1966 (.357), 1967 and 1968 (.333) and second team in 1962, (.176), 1964 (.308) and 1965 (.211). In 1967, Parker batted .409 in the national championship to lead all hitters. In 1968, he was captain of the Men’s Major Fast Pitch All-Stars, a role not unfamiliar for Parker who was named captain of the Bombers in 1964.In 1963, Parker set a Bomber record for consecutive game hitting streak, 18, and most games with two or more hits, 10. He also had a streak of 12 consecutive hits that season. He was the second Bomber to have 100 or more hits in a season. In 1970 he led the team with a .353 batting average. Parker played on five national championship teams, two runners-up, and two third place finishers. After retiring, he managed the Bombers to a second place in 1972 and to their 10th national title in 1973. Parker was born February 9, 1933 in Lake Wales, FL on April 3, 2005 Parker died of a heart attack. He was 72 years old.

Vince Scamardella

Vince Scamardella, Staten Island, New York – Meritorious Service

The father of modified pitch softball, Scamardella was credited with getting modified pitch recognized as a division of championship play in the ASA. He later chaired the first Modified Rules Committee. Former Metro New York commissioner, he developed the first lighted softball field on Staten Island. Former star hurler. He also umpired 15 years during his career. Is commissioner emeritus. Scamardella died on April 13, 2017.

 

 

 

Carol Spanks

Carol Spanks, Whittier, California – Women’s Fast Pitch – Shortstop

When Carol Spanks threw out the ceremonial first pitch before UCLA played Washington for the NCAA title May 31, 1999 in Oklahoma City it could have been her last pitch. After the delivery, Spank came to the sidelines, where she was greeted by well-wishers and former players, including Lisa Fernandez, who hugged. Spanks announced earlier her retirement from softball. It closed the book on one of the outstanding careers in softball as a player and a coach spanning more than four decades. For five years, Spanks served as co-head coach at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas after spending 15 years as head coach at Cal Poly Pomona, Pomona, CA. She concluded her coaching career with an overall record of 725 wins, 433 losses and five ties. UNLV honored Spanks May 6th, 1999 following its game against Utah. In 15 seasons at Cal Poly, she had a record of 577 wins, 310 losses and five ties, for a winning percentage of .650. She led them to 11 postseason appearances (three AIAW and eight NCAA). As a player, Spanks was one of the greatest of all-time, earning ASA All-America honors 14 times in 19 national championships. She was a member of four national championship teams, 1962, 1965, 1969 and 1970, playing for the Orange, CA Lionettes. She started playing softball in 1951 for the Buena Park, CA Kittens and eventually joined the Buena Park Lynx, a nationally known team, and stayed with them until joining the famed Orange, CA Lionettes in 1958. She retired in 1975.

Harvey Sterkel

Harvey Sterkel, Denver, Colorado – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

When Harvey Sterkel arrived in Aurora, IL in 1956, it was the start of a new era. And what an era it turned out to be. Not only did Sterkel establish himself as one of the game’s great pitchers, but he put the Aurora Sealmasters team on the softball map. Between 1956-1969, Sterkel won 345 games and lost only 33. He hurled 2,599 innings, walked 415 batters, and struck out 5,212. He hurled 60 no-hitters and 15 perfect games, and his ERA was 0.34. Between 1965-1968, he won 52 games in a row. Sterkel helped Aurora win four ASA national fast pitch championships. He compiled a 43-24 record in 22 ASA national championships and earned ASA All-America honors eight times. Twice (1956 and 1959) he was the MVP in the Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship.In the 1959 national, Sterkel lived up to his nickname of “The Horse,” by winning eight of nine games to pitch the Sealmasters to their first national title. There was nothing easy about winning the title. After losing his opener to Clearwater, Sterkel came back to win eight games in a row. He hurled three of the wins on the tourney’s final day including beating Clearwater twice by identical 1-0 scores. He shares the record for most games won in a national fast pitch tournament (8) and formerly shared the record for most strikeouts in a seven-inning game, 19. Besides the national championships, Sterkel also achieved a 7-0 record in the first two ISF World Championships (1966 and 1968), striking out 70 batters in 45 1/3 innings. For his outstanding performance in these two World Championships, Strekel was inducted into the ISF Hall of Fame November 14, 2002.

Shirley Topley

Shirley Topley Hondo, Alberta, Canada – Women’s Fast Pitch – First Base

Growing up in Hondo, Alberta, Canada, Shirley Topley excelled in different sports, but it would be softball in which she established herself as one of the greatest players of all-time. As a member of several Canadian teams, Topley displayed outstanding abilities at-bat and on defense. She was second-team All-America in 1960 for the South Hill Queens of Vancouver, BC. This earned her a spot on the roster for the 1961 Women’s Major Fast Pitch All-Series against the national champion. Orange, CA second baseman and owner Ricki Caito was so impressed with Topley that she asked her to join the team in 1962. That year, Shirley helped the Lionettes win the national title and earn another All-America selection. For the next two years, Shirley played for the Raybestos Brakettes of Stratford, CT before re-joining the Lionettes in 1965 and remaining through 1975. The two years Shirley played for the Brakettes she led in batting with averages of .372 and .340. Between 1967 and 1972, Topley coached the Lionettes to 389 wins, 67 losses and three ties. In this span, the Lionettes won two ASA national titles (1969 and 1970), seven Pacific Coast Women’s League titles and a silver medal in the 1970 ISF Women’s World Championship. She participated in 16 ASA nationals and was a member of five national championship teams and five runners-up. She was an ASA All-American 11 times. Topley served as one of the assistant coaches for the 2000 USA Olympic Team. Topley was born April 14, 1934.

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1982

Fred G. Blum

Fred G. Blum, Rochester, New York – Commissioner

Served 25 years as Metro Rochester ASA commissioner (1951-1975) and was president of the ASA from 1968-1969. One of charter members elected to the New York State ASA Hall of Fame in 1987. Graduated from St. Michael’s College (1937) and Cornell Law School where he served as president of the student body his senior year (1947). Former publisher of Blum’s Daily Sports Bulletin, which was established by his father, and published 77 years. Was former batboy-mascot for the Rochester Red Wings baseball team from 1928-1936. Fred died on April 1, 1998 at age 83. Was Navy veteran of World War II.

 

 

Bill Cole

Bill Cole, Detroit, Michigan – Men’s Slow Pitch – Third Base

Between 1960 and 1974, Bill Cole helped Detroit teams win a pair of Major Slow Pitch National titles, 1966 (Michael’s Lounge) and 1970, (Little Caesars) and finish runner-up three times. He batted .603, smashed 335 homers and drove home 1,001 runners from 1962-1974. Four times Cole, who was born February 25, 1937, was named an ASA All-American (1962, 1969, 1970 and 1971) and in 1962 he earned the tourney’s MVP award after batting .758 to lead Eastside Sporting Goods to a runner-up finish in the national tourney. It was one of 12 national championships Cole participated in. Nicknamed “Hummer” because he could “hum” or spray the ball to all fields, Cole was not a “stone” glove either playing first, third and the outfield. One of the qualities that made Cole such an outstanding player was his ability to adjust to field conditions, according to his former manager Roy Lombardo. “Some players are strictly pull hitters and if the wind is blowing in, they can’t hit it out. Cole could adjust and hit to any field. And when he did not hit it over the fence, he would get his singles.” Retired from the Chrysler Corporation, Cole was born February 25, 1937.

Fred Crosby

Fred Crosby, Phelps, New York – Commissioner

Served as president of the ASA in 1960 and ASA Maryland commissioner from 1937-1965. A graduate of Springfield College was inducted into the Recreation Pioneers Hall of Fame in 1973. A native of Phelps, NY, he was born April 19, 1902. Crosby died August 27, 1967 at age 65 in Baltimore, MD.

 

 

 

 

Billie Harris

Billie Harris, Phoenix, Arizona – Women’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

The first African American woman inducted into the Hall of Fame; Harris played for a team called the Sunshine Girls in 1948. They played a game in Phoenix against the PBSW Ramblers who noticed Harris not only had control and speed as a pitcher but could hit and had speed on the basepaths. Harris eventually joined the Ramblers and between 1950-1975 played for the Ramblers, the Yakima, WA Webcats and the Sun City, AZ Saints. Three times Billie was selected a first-team All-America, twice as a pitcher (1969 and 1958) and once as a utility player (1959). In the 1958 ASA national championship, she compiled a 5-2 pitching record with an ERA of 0.14. In 1959, she batted .347 (8-for-23). Harris starred both as a pitcher and hitter in the 1969 national and was named the tourney MVP. She won four of five games on the mound and batted .400 (8-for-20) to lead her team to a third-place finish. She won more than 20 games in 15 ASA nationals. Playing in the Pacific Coast Women’s League from 1953-1975, she had a .260 batting average with 264 hits in 370 games. She scored 123 runs and drove in 59 runs.

Judy Hedgecock

Judy Hedgecock, Satellite Beach, Florida – Women’s Slow Pitch – Pitcher

Growing up in Satellite Beach, FL, Judy Hedgecock did not have to worry about having a coach because her father, Percy, coached her for nine years as a member of the Satellite Beach Comets starting in 1965. Judy started playing slow pitch at 16 while still in high school and played for 13 years before retiring in 1978 as a member of the renowned Marks Brothers and Bob Hoffman North Miami, FL Dots. Born August 13, 1945, Judy participated in 10 ASA national championships and was a member of two national championship teams, 1975 and 1978. In the 1975 national Judy won the MVP award as a pitcher and is the only pitcher to win that award. Six times she earned first-team All-America honors (1969, 1972, 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1978) and was a second-team choice in 1970. Hedgecoach also coached 18-under girls’ teams to three national slow pitch titles 1978, 1981, and 1985. Hedgecock died on November 21, 2000 at age 55 after a long illness. She had a 33-year career in the Brevard County School System at Satellite High School and Eau Gallie High School, FL.

Percy L. Hedgecock

Percy L. Hedgecock, Satellite Beach, Florida – Meritorious Service

Former mayor of Satellite Beach, FL, Hedgecock was instrumental in developing youth softball in the Satellite Beach, FL area, including hosting 10 of the first 12 ASA youth nationals. He also managed youth and adult teams with his youth teams winning national titles in 1975, 1977, 1981 and 1981. His adult women’s team placed second twice, third and 12th in ASA national tournaments before he switched to coaching youth at the end of the 1972 season. Hedgecock founded Satellite Beach in 1957 after he and four relatives invested land in the area. He served as the city’s first mayor from 1957 to 1973. The son of a poor tobacco farmer, Hedgecock dedicated his later years to philanthropy and education leadership. In 1985, he received the Community Foundation of Brevard’s Philanthropist of the Year award. From 1981-1987 he served on the Florida Institute of Technology Board of Trustees. The FIT gymnasium is named in his honor. Hedgecock died on January 27, 1987 at age 70 after suffering a heart attack at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, FL. His daughter, Judy, is a member of the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame in the player category.

Richard Howard

Richard Howard, Denver, North Carolina – Sponsor

The most recognizable sponsor in men’s slow pitch history, Howard spent more than three decades as a sponsor and was truly one of the great softball ambassadors. His contribution to the growth of slow pitch was immeasurable, not only from a competitive view but from the help he gave to other teams, sponsors, officials, and the ASA headquarters itself, far removed from the tiny hamlet of Denver, NC. Howard’s men’s team won back-to-back Major national titles (1973-1974), the first Super National in 1981 and back-to-back Super nationals in 1983-1984. In addition to the men’s national championships, he also sponsored a Junior National boys’ slow pitch championship team (1973) and a women’s slow pitch national champion (1980). Between 1969-1981, Howard’s men’s teams won1,354 games and lost only 273 for a winning percentage of .832. Howard was born December 7, 1924 and died on April 28, 1998. He was 73 years old.

Nancy Ito

Nancy Ito, Denver, Colorado – Women’s Fast Pitch – Catcher

One of the outstanding catchers in amateur softball, Ito started out playing the infield as a teenager in Denver, CO before her coach, Andy Hale, asked her to learn catching because the team’s regular catcher left the team to get married. It was a move neither Hale nor Ito would regret. In the next two decades, Ito was named a 13-time All-American. She played 10 years before a job transfer brought her to California in 1960 where she joined the Orange, CA Lionettes. In 15 years with the Lionettes, the 5-foot-7 Ito participated in 13 ASA national championships and the 1970 ISF World Championship in Osaka, Japan. She was a member of four national championship teams and four runners-up. An outstanding defensive catcher with a strong throwing arm, Ito made only 10 errors in 1,401 chances in 222 games in the Pacific Coast Women’s League from 1967-1974 for a fielding percentage of .993. Five seasons she made only one error per season and in 1972 was flawless handling 134 chances. Former teammate Carol Spanks called Ito “the best catcher I’ve ever seen. Not only was she strong and secure around the plate, but she had a great arm and was fundamentally sound in every aspect of defensive play.” She was born June 26, 1933 and died December 19, 1987.

Tom Mason

Tom Mason, Newark, Delaware – Umpire

Was a football referee and softball umpire for 33 years. Officiated high school basketball 17 years. Started umpiring in 1958. Served as ASA National Deputy UIC from 1967-1971 and was ASA National UIC from 1972-1980. Was National Rules Interpreter from 1981-1984 and international rules interpreter for nine years. Umpired 15 years, including 25 state, six regional, four military and five national tournaments. Was UIC for three ISF World Championships, assistant UIC for 1974 Women’s World Fast Pitch Championship, nine ASA nationals, the 1978 U.S. Olympic Festival and the 1979 Pan American Games. Conducted 280 clinics in 35 states and supervised clinics in seven foreign countries. In January 1996 issue of REFEREE magazine Mason was cited as one of 20 people who have most influenced sports officiating in the last 20 years. Retired from DuPont Company in 1985 after 30 years as a customer service manager. Former athletic director at Wilmington College in New Castle, DE for two years before retiring July 1, 2000. He was the assistant softball coach for 10 years. Tom Mason was born April 1, 1931. In 2007 was one of three ASA people named among 52 as most influential in officiating history by Referee Magazine. Mason died on December 15, 2014.

Eddie Mayhew

Eddie Mayhew, Indianapolis, Indiana – Umpire

Named Indiana ASA umpire-in-chief in 1976 and served until 1989. Umpired in five ASA nationals and in 1964 toured the Far East for the ASA, conducting clinics for the Armed Forces. In 1981, was inducted into the Indiana ASA Hall of Fame. Lived in Indianapolis, IN. Until dying on January 15, 2003 at age 83.

 

 

 

 

Eddie L. Moore

Eddie L. Moore, Shreveport, Louisiana – Meritorious Service

One of the outstanding managers in men’s fast pitch who led the famed Clearwater, FL Bombers to four national titles and four runners-up between 1946-1957. Also, former Florida ASA commissioner. Served as president of the ASA from 1972-1973. In 1939, he was appointed Clearwater recreation superintendent and was named parks and recreation director in 1956. He retired in 1978. Complex in Clearwater is named after him and was dedicated September 22, 1982. Was a member of the National Softball Hall of Fame Committee. His son, Tommy, also a former Clearwater, FL Bomber, is a member of the Hall of Fame and is a former seven-time All-America. Only father-son combination in the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame. Eddie died on May 28, 1998 at age 86 at Tallahassee, FL Community Hospital. Was a native of Slidell, LA. Played professional baseball in Birmingham, AL, Savannah, GA and Macon, GA from 1935-1938 after graduating from the University of Florida in 1934.

Don Snyder

Don Snyder, Biloxi, Mississippi – Commissioner

Attended Oklahoma City University on a track scholarship for two years before entering the Merchant Marine Academy in 1942 and graduating as an ensign in 1945. After the Navy, returned to college and earned a B.S. degree in education and a master’s degree in physical education from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, and was a member of the 1948 Big Ten All-Star track team. Named Mississippi ASA commissioner in 1956 and served 36 years. Led the Biloxi recreation department from 1953 to 1974. He also coached track at Biloxi High School and led youth recreation activities in the school system from 1951 to 1956. After his retirement in 1974, he began a second career as assistant recreation department director for Kessler Air Force Base, where he served for more than 20 years. He was cited as being the key organizer and co-chair of the Biloxi Tricentennial’s Tri-Academy Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Meet, held in Biloxi in April 1999. In 2001, the Donald Snyder Sr. Community Center was dedicated in Biloxi, MS. 2001, honoring Snyder for dedication to the field of recreation and serving as a coach, teacher, and example to countless young people.

Nancy Welborn

Nancy Welborn, Eugene, Oregon – Women’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

She did not know it at the time, but when Nancy Welborn opted to stay in Eugene, OR and finish her final year of high school, instead of going with her parents to Montana, it turned out to be one of the most important decisions of her career. By staying in Eugene, Jack Moore, manager of McCulloch Chain Saws, was able to work with Nancy, who was then pitching figure-eight. Because of her height (5-11) and coordination, Moore figured Nancy would be better as a windmill pitcher. As history has documented, Moore’s assessment was correct because Welborn developed into an outstanding pitcher. Between that time, however, a lot of work was done as they worked three times a week on speed, then control. Wild at first, Nancy eventually developed, beating Yakima 1-0 in 20 innings in the regional final and a berth in the national tourney in 1965. In 1966, the Chain Saws beat Yakima twice in the regional final to earn another berth in the finals. This time the Chain Saws finished fifth in the nationals and Welborn was again named an All-America. The 1965 national champ Orange, CA Lionettes needed pitching and asked Nancy to join the team. She originally said no but had a change of heart. It was a decision neither Welborn nor the Lionettes would regret. From 1969-1975, Welborn recorded 306 wins and 68 losses with 27 no-hitters and 46 one-hitters. She was a first-team All-America in 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1973, winner of the MVP award and the Bertha Tickey Award in 1970 and winner of the Tickey Award in 1969, 1971 and 1972. After hurling the Lionettes to the national title, the Lionettes earned a berth in the ISF World Championship in Osaka, Japan and finish second behind Japan. Welborn set ISF records for wins (six) and innings pitched (50). In eight nationals, she compiled a 34-11 record with an ERA of 0.39, striking out 288 batters in 338 innings, allowing 169 hits and walking 37. Not a high average hitter, Welborn was runner-up in RBI for the Lionettes in 1971 and in 1973 led the team in assists. In seven years with the Lionettes she made only 51 errors in 411 games for a .945 fielding percentage. At the regional level, she had a 10-2 won-loss record with an ERA of 0.21 in 98 innings.

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1983

Ed Dressler

Ed Dressler, Bethpage, New York – Umpire

Served as member of the ASA National Umpire staff from 1976-1997 and retired after UIC Clinic in 1997. Received National Award of Excellence at clinic. Umpired first national tournament in 1960 in Jones Beach, NY in the Men’s Major Fast Pitch National. Also umpired seven slow pitch nationals. First tourney he was UIC for was 1963. Was Nassau County UIC for more than 30 years and Metro Long Island UIC for more than 17 years. Also, he was a baseball and basketball official for more than 30 years. Inducted into the Long Island ASA Hall of Honor in 1977. Graduated from Hofstra University in 1950. Dressler died on October 30, 2003 at age 78.

 

 

Ida Jean Hopkins

Ida Jean Hopkins, Cleveland, Ohio – Women’s Slow Pitch – Shortstop

Before being admitted into the Olympics in 1996, softball had an Olympian. But it was not for softball. It was for luge, and Ida Jean (Hoppy) Hopkins, a National Softball Hall of Famer, from Cleveland, OH, earned that destination. “John Nagy (former ASA Cleveland Metro Commissioner and president) thought I could do anything,” said Hopkins. “So, he suggested I try out for the luge team.” Hopkins made the 1972 team, but unfortunately never competed in the Olympics. She bruised her back in practice and “was disappointed” she never competed in the individual competition. She still attended the competition in Japan, however, and considers the experience “one of the highlights” of her career. Another highlight was winning the ASA Women’s Major Slow Pitch Championship with Ridge Maintenance of Cleveland, OH in 1967. That year Hoppy also captured her first of three MVP awards. She also was National Tourney MVP in 1968 and 1970 In 1970, Hoppy won her third MVP award as well as earning another All-America award plus leading the national tourney in batting (.704 average, 19-for-27).

Bonnie Jones

Bonnie Jones, Detroit, Michigan – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

The name had already been picked in advance by his parents when the baby was born February 2, 1933. The name was Bonnie, but the baby turned out to be a boy. The name wasn’t changed, however, and Bonnie Jones went on to become a star pitcher in fast pitch softball. How Jones became a pitcher is interesting. At 11, he missed the last six weeks of school recovering from an appendicitis. Joe Wierbicki, a neighbor, heard Jones had a live arm and taught him how to pitch. It was not until he was 16, however, that Jones gave up his duties as bat boy for Hazel Park Jewelry to pitch in the league. “I lost my first game, then I had a no-hitter and finally ended with nine straight wins,” said Jones, who was declared ineligible for the league and was forced to play up. By 1956, Jones played in his first of 12 ASA national championships, compiling a 33-17 record (.660 winning percentage) and winning the MVP award in 1961 and 1964 and the outstanding pitcher award in the 1970 ASA national championship. Despite Jones’ awesome performance in the 1961 national, winning eight games and hurling 77 2/3 innings, the Burch Grinders finished runner-up. Jones was a five-time ASA All-American and shares the record for most wins in a national tourney (eight) and is second for most innings pitched. On July 14, 1978, Jones died from injuries suffered in a car accident.

Joan Joyce

Joan Joyce, Boca Raton, Florida – Women’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Softball is a team sport. But Hall of Famer Joan Joyce dominated it if it was an individual sport during a 21-year career for the Orange, CA Lionettes and the Raybestos Brakettes, Stratford, CT. Born August 19, 1940, Joyce made her debut with the Brakettes in 1956 and played for them through 1963. From 1964-1966, she compiled a record of 80 wins and six losses pitching for the Orange, CA Lionettes. She re-joined the Brakettes in 1967 and remained until retiring after the 1975 season. As a Brakette, she won 429 games and lost 27 and struck out 5,677 batters in 3,397 innings. She hurled 105 no-hitters and 33 perfect games. Besides being a great hurler, Joyce also was one of the game’s all-time top hitters, finishing her career with a .327 batting average that included leading the Brakettes in batting times six times (1962, 1960, 1967-1969, 1973). Her highest single season average was .406 in 1973. She was a member of 12 national championship teams and 18 times was named an ASA All-America. Eight times she shared or won outright the MVP award in the Women’s National Championship. In 1974, Joan led the Brakettes to the world title in the third ISF Women’s World Championship. She was inducted into the ISF Hall of Fame in 1999. Named by Sports Illustrated that year as the 13th greatest sports figure in Connecticut history.

“Joan Joyce was one of those rare people to enjoy success as both a player and a coach. After concluding an illustrious playing career that spanned parts of four decades in numerous sports, Joyce was named Head Softball Coach at FAU in 1994. The 2022 season was her 28th with the Owls. She was the only FAU softball head coach in program history, racking up 1,002 wins and eight Conference Coach of the Year titles in three different conferences along the way. Under Joyce, the program’s accomplishments are unparalleled: eight-consecutive Conference Championships (1997-2004) – 12 in all (2006, 2007, 2016, 2018) – and eight straight NCAA Tournament appearances (1997-2004) – 11 in all (2006, 2015, 2016).” Joan passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2022. She was 81 years old.

Bob Kuykendall

Bob Kuykendall, Waynesville, North Carolina – Men’s Fast Pitch – Catcher

After playing baseball in the Milwaukee Braves’ farm system, Kuykendall switched to fast pitch softball and became one of the top catchers in the game playing for the Clearwater, FL Bombers. Kuykendall played in his first ASA national tourney in 1960 for Canton, NC, then joined the Bombers in 1962. He earned All-America honors that year, batting .389 in the national tourney. He also earned All-America honors in 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966 and 1967. He helped the Bombers win national titles in 1962, 1963, 1966 and 1968, finish second in 1965 and third in 1967. Kuykendall retired as a player after the 1972 season, then served as the assistant manager of the Bombers in 1976. Growing up in Waynesville, NC, Kuykendall earned 14 letters in high school while playing football, baseball, basketball, and track. In 1953, he entered Western Carolina College in Cullowhee, NC and lettered in three sports, only the second athlete in school history to accomplish that feat. He played guard on the football team and was all-conference twice. In baseball he played one year and batted .383 and was named all-state. He also was a guard on the basketball team and earned all-state honors. Kuykendall died on February 24, 1995 at age 59 of a heart attack.

Donna Lopiano

Donna Lopiano, Stamford, Connecticut – Women’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Although she had a relatively short fast pitch career-10 years, Donna Lopiano made the most of it. During that time, she earned All-America honors nine times and MVP laurels three times; 1966, 1971 and 1972. In addition, she led the 1972 Women’s Fast Pitch National Tourney in batting with a .429 batting average for the Raybestos Brakettes. Twice she led the Brakettes in hitting, 1970 (.316) and 1972 (.367) and once held the team record for most homers in a season, eight. On the mound, she won 183 games and lost only 18 for a winning percentage of .910, the highest for a pitcher with 150 or more wins. She hurled 817 innings, struck out 1,633 batters and walked only 384. In national championship play, she had a 15-2 record and was a member of six national championship teams and four runners-up. Besides playing in national championships, she also played in the first ISF Women’s World Fast Pitch Championship in Melbourne, Australia in 1965, batting .345 for the Brakettes. An excellent student as an undergraduate, Lopiano has a Ph.D. (1974) and master’s degree (1969) from USC and a B.S. degree from Connecticut State College (1968). She served as the Director of Women’s Athletics at the University of Texas at Austin from 1975 to 1992 and as Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s Sports Foundation from 1992 to 2007.

Bobby Lutz

Bobby Lutz, Denver, North Carolina – Manager

Led Howard’s Furniture/Western Steer of Denver, NC to back-to-back titles in 1973-1974. Between 1969-1979 his teams compiled a record of 1,059 wins and only 233 losses for a winning percentage of .820. In addition to the back-to-back titles, his teams finished third three times, second once, fourth once, fifth once and 10th in national championship play. Named Howard’s manager in 1964 after playing on team for six years and managed team for 16 years. Was known as a “quiet motivator.” Lutz died on April 11, 2012.

 

 

Margaret “Toots” Nusse

Margaret “Toots” Nusse, Linden, New Jersey – Meritorious Service

Founder and manager of the Linden, NJ Arians in 1934, she pitched for the team for 28 years, compiling a record of 396 wins and 114 losses with 109 shutouts and 30 no-hitters. She sponsored the team for 42 years and was the team’s manager for 24 years, then business manager. The Arians competed in three ASA national championships: 1942, 1951 and 1954. Nusse died on December 29, 2002 at age 85. Organized the Eastern Major Girls League in 1959 and was elected commissioner of the league. Was ASA deputy commissioner for 20 years and youth commissioner for two years. She also organized the National Girls Softball League, the American Girls Softball League, and the New Jersey Women’s Umpires Association. When Arians celebrated their 50th year in 1984, a dinner was held to honor Nusse for her election to the National Softball Hall of Fame. In 1960 was elected to the New Jersey ASA Hall of Fame.

Bob Quillen

Bob Quillen, Indianapolis, Indiana – Umpire

Started umpiring in 1927 and umpired in 12 ASA nationals. Served as Metro Indianapolis UIC from 1941-1981. He formed the Indianapolis Umpire Association in 1944 and was co-owner of the Metropolitan Softball Stadium from 1962-1986. He was a manager at Johnson Chevrolet Body Shop for 20 years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of the Ancient Landmark Masonic Lodge and a life member of the ASA. He died in December of 1989 at age 78 at Community Hospital East in Indianapolis.

 

 

 

Duane “Tiny” Schafer

Duane “Tiny” Schafer, Jamestown, North Dakota – Commissioner

Served as North Dakota ASA commissioner from 1960 until his death June 25, 1996. He was 71 years old. He was born October 30, 1924. He was co-founder of the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame in 1988 and was inducted into the F.M. Bowlers Hall of Fame in 1995. Was elected to the North Dakota ASA Hall of Fame in 1974. Served as a member of the National Softball Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Was public relations director for the North Dakota Division of the United States Brewers Association for 28 years before retiring in 1986. He worked as an accountant for the Milwaukee Railroad for seven years, then was office manager, then sales manager for an automotive parts firm for 11 years.

 

 

Cliff Smith

Cliff Smith, Aurora, Illinois – Meritorious Service

Fast pitch career spanned 33 years and included 19 years as a player and 14 years as a manager for various Illinois teams. He was a member of national championship teams in 1959 and 1960 and twice was named an All-America catcher (1962 and 1963). Cliff was the coach for Aurora, IL Sealmasters when it won the ISF World Championship in 1966. In 1967, he managed the Sealmasters to the national title and a year later to the ISF World title. In 1969, he managed the team to a fourth place in its last year of sponsorship. In 1970, Smith led the Aurora Blue Seals and in 1971 managed the Anixter (Skokie) Bombers to a third place in the national championship. In 1973, Smith managed Home Savings and Loan to an eighth place in the national tourney and between 1974-1977 led the team to four consecutive second place finishes. Smith’s last year as a field boss was 1978 when he led Home Savings and Loan to a 14th place in the national tourney. In 1979, when softball was added to the Pan American Games as an official sport, he was named head coach of the USA Men’s National Team and led team to a silver medal in San Juan, Puerto Rico, losing a 1-0 14 inning decision to Canada in the finals. Smith also managed the Major Fast Pitch All-Stars four times (1972, 1975, 1976 and 1977). Smith died on May 29, 1999. He was 72. His nickname was Joker because of his good sense of humor. He was employed by Stephenson-Adamson for 35 years.

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1984

Bob Barron

Bob Barron, Aurora, Illinois – Men’s Fast Pitch – Second Base

Making the transition from baseball to major fast pitch softball can be difficult. It wasn’t for Bob (Beaver) Barron who, in less than two years, was one of the nation’s top softball players. After five years in the Baltimore Orioles’ organization, plus two years in the Army, Barron joined the renowned Aurora, IL Sealmasters in 1960. As expected, he did not hit for a high average, .163, but after that gradually improved to where he was one of the team’s consistent .300 average hitters. He batted .287 in 1961, .281 in 1962, .323 in 1972, .305 in 1975, .312 in 1965 and a career high .345 in 1967. Born May 2, 1933, Barron earned the first of his six All-America selections in 1961. The highest Barron batted in a national championship was .350 in 1972 and in 11 nationals he batted .243 (44-for-181). Barron was a member of national championship teams in 1961, 1965 and 1967. He also played in two ISF World Championships, 1966 and 1968, and batted .333 in the 1966 ISF world championship. In July 1996, Barron retired from College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL where he served as assistant softball coach/equipment manager for 26 years.

Lewis D. Brasell

Lewis D. Brasell, Mobile, Alabama – Commissioner

Former Mobile, AL commissioner who was elected to Mobile Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. Served as deputy commissioner for 11 years and 20 years as Mobile ASA commissioner. Was involved in softball for more than 50 years and was regional vice president from 1980-1981. He hosted and served as director of the first ASA national tournament in Mobile, 1976. Directed 15 regional tournaments and two area tournaments during career as commissioner. Elected to the Mobile Hall of Fame in 1975 and the Alabama Softball Hall of Fame in 1992 as a charter member. The softball complex at Cottage Hill Park in Mobile was named in his honor in 1990. Is commissioner emeritus. Was born August 10, 1918 and died on March 28, 2006.

 

Al Brausch

Al Brausch, Newport, Kentucky – Manager

One of the outstanding managers in the early years of men’s slow pitch, he led Joe Gatliff Auto Sales of Newport, KY to three national titles: 1956, 1957 and 1963. He also had teams finish runner-up twice, third once and fifth twice. In nine ASA national championships his teams compiled a 36-12 won-loss record for a winning percentage of .667.

 

 

 

 

Mickey Davis

Mickey Davis, Huntington Beach, South Carolina – Women’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

As a teenager falling in love with softball in the small town of Ware Shoals, SC, Mickey Davis occasionally read about softball stars and fantasized about becoming one of them. But she realized her dream during a distinguished career with the Atlanta, GA Tomboys, (1964-1966), the Orlando, FL Rebels (1967-68) and the Orange, CA Lionettes (1969-75). Six years in a row (1967-1973) Davis was named an All-American (one first team and five second team) and the year she was not named, 1975, she batted .375 in the national championship, the highest of her career. An outstanding fielder, Davis did not make an error in her first seven nationals and committed only two errors in nine nationals for a fielding percentage of .960 (47 putouts, one assist) and a .231 batting average (30-for-130). In 12 years, Davis compiled a .257 batting average and a .966 fielding percentage. She was a member of two national championship teams (1969-70) and two runners-up. She also batted .375 in the 1970 ISF World Championship in Osaka, Japan as the Lionettes, representing the USA, finished second behind Japan.

Diane Kalliam

Diane Kalliam, San Mateo, California – Women’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

Diane Kalliam could run, field, hit and throw. But she will probably be best remembered for her outstanding hitting during a 15-year career in which she twice led the Women’s Major Fast Pitch National Tourney in batting. The first was in 1974 when she batted .444. She followed with a then record .632 batting average in 1975 (12-for-19). Kalliam’s performance was not enough, however, as her team, the Santa Clara Laurels, finished second in the 1975 national championship. Kalliam said losing that championship game was the biggest disappointment of her career. The two biggest thrills of her career were setting the then batting record and playing in pair of national championship finals. After the 1975 season, Kalliam retired and left behind an impressive career including a .427 lifetime batting average with 1,060 hits in 2,843 at-bats with 448 stolen bases. She also scored 842 runs with a personal best of 89 in 1966. Kalliam was born August 24, 1943. Between 1961-69, Kalliam appeared in seven national championships and batted .430 (43-for-100) and was named an All-American five times (1961, 1971, 1973, 1974, and 1975) and All-Regional 13 times. From 1979-1999, she was head softball coach at San Francisco State University and compiled a record of 286-640-5.

J.D. McDonald

J.D. McDonald, McAdenville, North Carolina – Men’s Slow Pitch – Shortstop

Starting his softball career at 14, J.D. McDonald ultimately became one of the slickest fielding shortstops in the United States between 1955-1979 playing for the McAdenville, NC Reds. McDonald played in 22 national championships and earned All-America honors 10 times as the Reds won six Major Industrial Slow Pitch national titles. Although the 5-foot-7, 147-pound McDonald was better known for his stellar defense, he could also handle himself at-bat and was a consistent .500 plus hitter. In the 1974 national championship he batted .636. As the first player from North Carolina elected to the Hall of Fame, McDonald played in an era when slow pitch was suited for smaller players who could run, field, hit and throw. The bats were wooden, the balls were not as lively as they are today and 15 to 20 runs per game was the norm. And the teams did not hit home runs by the dozen, so speed and defense were stressed. In his Hall of Fame acceptance speech, McDonald give credit to his sponsor and to his former teammates. “If it had not been for Mr. Pharr, I wouldn’t have had the exposure of having played in all parts of the country. We had some great teams that won many national championships. But I was one member of those teams. I had some great teammates during all the years of playing softball and I want them to know that they share a part of this honor with me.” In December of 1986, McDonald died at age 50.

Jackie Rice

Jackie Rice, Portland, Oregon – Women’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Fast pitch pitcher Jackie Rice did not allow too many earned runs, especially in national championship play. In fact, in 203 1/3 innings of national championship play she allowed less than half a run per game (0.48). And 11 of her 21 wins were shutouts to go along with eight losses. Rice’s pitching helped her teams win three ASA national championships (1964, 1969 and 1970) and she was named an All-American five times (1963, 1964, 1966, 1967 and 1968). She also participated in seven ASA Women’s Fast Pitch All-Star Series (1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971). In 1963, Rice achieved a 4-1 pitching record in the national championship and led the Erv Lind Florists of Portland, OR to a runner-up spot. The next year the Florists won it all as Rice was undefeated and was named the tourney MVP. In 1966, Rice played for Fresno and had a 3-1 record in the ASA national championship. In 1967, she joined the Orange, CA Lionettes and helped them win a pair of ASA national championships. In her first year with Lionettes, Rice led the Pacific Coast Women’s League in ERA (0.07) and compiled a 23-14 record and 0.14 ERA. In 1968, Rice had a 4-2 record with an ERA of 1.16 in the ASA national tourney. After the 1974 season, Rice retired as a player to pursue a professional career in the Department of Physical Education, Health and Athletics at Western Oregon College before retiring in 1984.

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1985

E. Louise Albrecht

Louise Albrecht, Illmo, Missouri – Women’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Starring as a pitcher and outfielder during a 24-year career, E. Louise Albrecht played for some of the top women’s Major Fast Pitch teams. An outfielder and a pitcher she had a 304-83 pitching record for a .785 winning percentage. Among the teams she played for were the Whittier, CA Gold Sox, Orange, CA Lionettes, California Chaparrals, Dieselettes, Sunnyland Lettes, and the Raybestos Brakettes. A native of Illmo, MO, Albrecht had her best season in 1952, winning 56 of 58 games and batting .300. She had a .258 lifetime batting average. In eight ASA national championships, she won 17 games, lost seven, allowed 77 hits, struck out 82 and allowed only 16 earned runs in 160 1/3 innings for an ERA of 0.70. Her six All-America selections were evenly divided between first and second team with first-team selections in 1961, 1962 and 1965 and second-team honors in 1963, 1964 and 1969. In 1962, she also won the tourney’s MVP Award and compiled a 5-2 pitching record. The 5-foot-8, 140-pound Albrecht was a member of national championship teams in 1961 and 1965 and three runners-up: 1966, 1969 and 1972. She was born November 19, 1934. She retired from Southern Connecticut State University in 1992 and was associate athletic director at that time. She was appointed to that position in 1984. She joined the university’s athletic staff in 1970. She was born November 19, 1934.

Sharron Backus

Sharron Backus, Anaheim, California – Women’s Fast Pitch – Shortstop

Sharron Backus is one who had an outstanding playing career, then distinguished herself as a coach. Backus played amateur softball from 1961-1975 for the Whittier Gold Sox, the Orange, CA Lionettes and the Raybestos Brakettes. Backus batted .268, .298 and .301 for the Gold Sox and was a second-team All-American in 1961 as the Gold Sox won the national title. Backus spent three years with the Lionettes (1964-1966) and was a first-team All-American in 1964 and 1966. She batted .285, .293 and .263 those three years. Sharron spent the last seven years of her career with the Brakettes and earned All-America laurels three times. She was a member of five more national championship teams (1971-1975) and participated in 13 national tourneys. Backus had a seven-year .292 batting average with the Brakettes with .361 in 1971 her highest batting average. Born February 12, 1946, Backus was named head softball coach at UCLA in 1975 and coached for 21 years before retiring in June of 1997. In 21 years, she compiled a record of 847-167-3 with nine national championships and a post-season record of 118-32.

Jim Galloway

Jim Galloway, Westbury, New York – Men’s Slow Pitch – Infield

If there was one player who brought notoriety and exposure to slow pitch softball in its early days, it was Big Jim Galloway. Standing 6-feet 4 and weighing 230 pounds, Galloway was the long-ball hitter deluxe. His career spanned the period 1946-1980 and he was as exciting player as there was playing slow pitch softball with his tape-measure homers and outstanding defensive plays. He was named an ASA All-American nine times. “Jim was such a gifted athlete that he threw the ball underhanded across the infield. When he started a double play from first base, he would flip the ball backhanded to the shortstop like a second baseman does,” said Doc Linnehan, Jim’s former manager. “He hit the ball harder and further than anybody,” said Dave Neale, former manager of Steele’s Silver Bullets. “Back then you had your sluggers like Tex Collins (of Detroit). Collins hit home runs, but Galloway hit tape-measure home runs.” Jim played in 10 ASA nationals, hitting 75 home runs, and driving in 162 runs. and was a member of a national championship team in 1968, two runners-up (1966 and 1973), one fourth (1969), one 11th, one 12th and one 13th place. Galloway was born June 1, 1935. Jim died on December 19, 2020 at the age of 85.

Erv Lind

Erv Lind, Portland, Oregon – Manager

Former manager of Erv Lind Florists of Portland, OR who were one of the top teams in the Northwest and won the ASA national title in 1944 and 1964. His team played in 14 nationals and 11 times it placed fourth or higher, including five second place finishes. The other three times the team finished fifth, sixth and seventh. Annual award is named after Lind and is given each year to the Outstanding Defensive Player in the ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship. Was elected to Northwest Region Hall of Fame in 1984. The softball field at Normandale Park in Portland was dedicated the Erv Lind Field on July 16, 1965. His teams had a won-loss record of 1,113 wins and 324 losses for a winning percentage of .774 from 1937-1964. Lind died on November 19, 1964 at the age of 58.

 

Willie Roze

Wiltraud “Willie” Roze, Hamden, Connecticut – Women’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

Born November 8, 1948 in Germany, Wiltraud (Willie) Roze starred for the Raybestos Brakettes of Stratford, CT for 10 years, earning eight All-America selections. Noted for her base running and clutch hitting, Roze was a first team selection in 1967, 1969, 1971, 1973 and 1974 and a second team choice in 1968, 1969 and 1973. Except for 1974 when she was named at second base, she was named as an outfielder. Roze played in 10 ASA national championships and batted .248 (53-for-214) and twice, 1967 and 1972, batted .333. She had a .281 career batting average with the Brakettes with 526 hits in 1,869 at-bats, with .342 in 1975 her highest single season batting average. Roze was a member of eight national championship teams during her 10 years and played in the 1974 ISF World Championship, which was held in Stratford, CT. She was the fifth leading hitter on the team with a .455 batting average (10-for-22). Winning that World championship, Roze said, was the greatest thrill of her career. Her greatest disappointment was in 1969 when the Brakettes did not win the national title and thus missing qualifying for a spot in the ISF World Championship in Osaka, Japan. A graduate of Southern Connecticut State, where she obtained both her master’s and bachelor’s degrees, Roze played three years of pro softball after retiring from amateur softball in 1975.

Jack Spore

Jack Spore, Nashville, Tennessee – Commissioner

Was associated with softball for more than 40 years and served as Tennessee state commissioner for two decades. During his career served two terms as chairman of the Awards Committee and served on Finance, Building and Hall of Fame Committees. In 1978, received award for registering most youth teams in ASA. In 1982, was director of the first Winston-ASA Slow Pitch All-Star Series. Under his leadership, Tennessee hosted 10 ASA national tourneys. In 1955 Spore received National Orchid for his outstanding work in recreation. The Dixie Softball Association honored Spore as Softball’s Best Friend. In 1971, he was recognized by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association for 25 years of active officiating in football and basketball. Served four terms as president of the TSSAA officials. Was selected as Sportsman of the Year in 1982 by the Nashville BANNER. Spore is a Peabody College graduate and has a master’s degree from the same college. Spore died December 26, 1987 at age 69.

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1986

Herb Dudley

Herb Dudley, Clearwater, Florida Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Herb Dudley pitched in seven decades, starting in 1939 and ending in 1981. He played 13 years for the Clearwater, FL Bombers. He played in their first game in 1940 and ended his career with them in 1981. In between came stops in Atlanta, GA, Ashland, OH, Levittown, NY, Long Island, NY, Fort Wayne, IN, St. Petersburg, FL, Miami, FL, Sunnyvale, CA, Rising Sun, MD, Birmingham, AL, and Allentown, PA. He was named an ASA All-American five times, compiling a 28-9 record in 16 ASA nationals. Between 1946-1950, Herb had a 142-10 record for the Bombers and hurled 110 shutouts with 45 no-hitters. His records were 25-0, 23-3, 27-1, 31-2 and 36-4 with 2,475 strikeouts. In 1951 and 1952, Dudley had records of 17-2 and 24-4 for the Fort Wayne, IN Zollner Pistons before rejoining Clearwater in 1953 and staying through the 1958 season. In the 1949 national, he set the ASA record for most strikeouts in a game with 55 against Okmulgee, OK in 21 innings, September 21. He finished the tourney with 130 strikeouts. It remained the record until broken by Mike Piechnik of the Farm Tavern, Madison, WI in 1988 with 140. Dudley was born December 19, 1919 and died on March 16, 2007 at age 87.

Peggy Kellers

Peggy Kellers, Stratford, Connecticut – Women’s Fast Pitch – Catcher

All but one season of Peggy Kellers’ softball career was spent with the Raybestos Brakettes of Stratford, CT from 1964-1974. During that time, Peggy earned All-America honors six times playing in 11 ASA nationals as the Brakettes won seven national titles. Peggy started nine of the 11 years she played for the Brakettes and had a .218 batting average with 280 hits in 1,287 at-bats with 29 doubles, 21 triples, seven homers and 121 runs batted in. She batted .238 in national championship play. In addition, Kellers also played in seven Women’s Major Fast Pitch All-Star Series, the third ISF Women’s World Fast Pitch Championship in 1974 (.238 BA) and the 1967 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada where softball was a demonstration sport. Complications from surgery on her right arm in September of 1974 forced her to retire from softball before the start of the 1975 season. A native of Stratford, CT, Peggy has a bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State (1970), a master’s degree from the University of Bridgeport (1977) and a doctorate in sports psychology from the University of Virginia (1989). In 1993, Peggy was named head coach at the University of Virginia and remained there until 1997 (123-97 record). In 1994, Peggy was named Atlantic Coach Conference Coach of the Year. Kellers was born March 19, 1948.

Chris “Pettina” Miner

Chris “Pettina” Miner, Portland, Oregon – Women’s Fast Pitch – Infield

The youngest player ever named an ASA All-American in women’s major fast pitch, Chris Miner started her softball career in 1960 with the Portland Rosebuds, a junior team. In 12 years—she sat out the 1968 and 1969 seasons—Miner played for the Rosebuds, Erv Lind Florists, Dr. Bernard’s, the Sun City Saints, Sun City, AZ, the Fresno, CA Rockets and the Fullerton, CA Royals. Born July 2, 1946, Miner played in seven ASA national championships and was a member of the 1964 ASA national champion Erv Lind Florists. She was named an All-American five times: 1962 (.227 BA), 1963 (.318), 1965 (.263), 1970 (.316) and 1972 (.462). In 1972 she also was named winner of the Erv Lind Award as the outstanding defensive player in the Women’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship. Despite having a broken thumb, she played errorless ball for the Fresno Rockets at shortstop in five games. “It meant (winning the award) so much to be because it was Erv’s,” said Miner. Lind was one of the people who greatly influenced Miner’s career. “He was a great influence, a great man, a first-class person. I can ‘t say enough good things about him,” Miner said.Miner also singled out Portland coaches Lois Williams and Hap Piper for praise. “They were two different type of coaches, but they would get the best from you. Portland coach Harvey Oberg also was important. “He was like the father I didn’t have,” Miner said. Miner retired after the 1973 season as a player.

Mack Phillips

Mack Phillips, Grosse Point Woods, Michigan – Meritorious Service

Mack’s career dates to 1939 as a player for Briggs Beautyware of Detroit, MI. He played 17 years for Briggs and was named an ASA All-American in 1949. From 1952-1955 he managed the team and it won ASA major fast pitch national titles in 1952 and 1953. In 1954 team was runner-up in national fast pitch tourney. Sponsored East Side Sporting Goods in 1958 as team won ASA Open slow pitch national title. Member of Michigan ASA Hall of Fame and Metro Detroit Hall of Fame.

 

 

 

O.W. “Bill” Smith

O.W. “Bill” Smith, Bennington, Nebraska – Commissioner

Former Nebraska ASA commissioner from 1967-1998. Served as president of the ASA from 1990-91. Director of the National Softball Centennial celebration. Director of softball for Explorer Olympics for eight years. Inducted into Nebraska Softball Hall of Fame in 1980. Vice chairman of JO Committee for 10 years. Former chairman of the JO Committee (1989). Served three terms as regional vice-president. Listed in Who’s Who in the Midwest for outstanding community service. Honorary member of the Indiana ASA Hall of Fame. Alternate delegate to the USOC House of Delegates meeting three years. Awarded a life membership in the Nebraska PTA Congress for outstanding service to youth recreation and sports. Former member of the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Elected to ISF Hall of Fame in 2001. Bill died on April 23, 2012.

Hal Wiggins

Hal Wiggins, Covington, Kentucky – Men’s Slow Pitch – Outfield

Wiggins had a 31-year career in softball and was known for his clutch hitting and solid defensive play in the outfield for some of the top teams in Northern Kentucky in the early days of slow pitch softball. Wiggins played in 15 ASA national championships including 12 slow pitch, two Major Industrial and one Major fast pitch (1949). He was a member of four national championship teams, including the first ASA Men’s Slow Pitch national champ, Shield’s Contractors in 1953, Lang’s Pet Shop (1955) and Joe Gatliff Auto Sales (1957 and 1963). Besides the national championship teams, he played on teams that were runners-up four times, third three times, fourth once and fifth once (fast pitch). The slow pitch teams he played for compiled a record of 68-23 in national championship play. In the 14 slow pitch nationals he played in, Wiggins hit between .428 and .750 (1958). Three times he was named an ASA All-American: 1956 (.666 batting average); 1961 (.650 batting average) and 1963 (.519 average, two homers). In 31 years of playing Wiggins estimated he played more than 5,000 league and tournament games. Wiggins said the greatest thrill of his career was in 1963 when his team was 12 runs down going into the bottom of the sixth and it came back to win 13-12. The person who influenced his softball career the most was his manager Al Brausch. In January of 1985, he was inducted into the Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame. He was born December 20, 1928 and died on October 15, 1996 from cancer. In 1999, Wiggins was elected to the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame.

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1987

Rose Marie “Rosie” Adams

Rose Marie “Rosie” Adams, Escondido, California – Women’s Fast Pitch – Second Base

At 14 the youngest person to play in an ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship, Rosie Adams played seven years for the Orange CA Lionettes and four years for the Raybestos Brakettes of Stratford, CT. The back-up infielder in 1965-1966, Rosie made the Lionettes’ starting lineup in 1967 and continued through the 1970 season. In 1971, she joined the Brakettes and earned first-team All-America honors 1971-1973. With the Lionettes, Rosie was named a second-team All-American in 1969 as the Lionettes won the title and qualified to represent the USA in the ISF World Championship in Osaka, Japan. She also competed in the 1974 ISF World Championship. Rosie rejoined the Brakettes in 1971 and was a member of four consecutive national championship teams. In four years with the Brakettes, Adams had a .279 batting average in national championship play and batted .187 in 11 national championships (29-for-155). Although all her defensive stats are not available, she had a .959 fielding percentage in six years with the Lionettes, making 802 putouts and recording 520 assists with only 56 errors. She had a .209 batting average with 340 hits in 1,624 at-bats with 133 RBIs. She was born August 22, 1951 and died on May 15, 2018.

Carl “Tex” Collins

Carl “Tex” Collins, Detroit, Michigan – Men’s Slow Pitch – Catcher

When Detroit men’s slow pitch teams were the toast of the softball world, 6-feet-4 inch, 260-pound plus Carl “Tex” Collins was one of the players supplying the offense. Collins, who died in 1980, played in nine ASA national championships and earned All-America honors four times. The first was in 1967 when he batted .630, hit 13 homers (including six in a row) and drove in 27 runs. The second All-America selection came in 1969 as Collins led Little Caesars to third place in the national tourney, batting .654 (17-for-26) with four homers and 11 RBI. Little Caesars won the national title in 1970, defeating defending champion Copper Hearth of Milwaukee, WI with Collins batting .625 and hitting five homers, including four in the championship game. But he wasn’t named an All-American. In 1972, Collins was named All-American for a third time. Caesars finished seventh in 1972 as Collins batted .582 with five homers and 15 RBIs. His fourth and final All-America selection came in 1973, batting .541, hitting 11 homers and driving in 19 runs to lead Little Caesars to a third-place finish. Born in Miami (pronounced Miam-ah in Oklahoma), OK in 1934, Collins died of a heart attack in 1980.

Henry Flowers

Henry Flowers, Copley, Ohio – Umpire

Was involved in officiating for more than 30 years. Umpired in two Class A nationals, three Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals, the 1984 ISF Men’s World Championship in Midland, MI and the 1983 Pan American Games in Caracas, Venezuela. Was ISF certified in 1980. Was born January 9, 1929.

 

 

 

 

Bill Humphrey

Bill Humphrey, Midland, Michigan – Umpire

One of the original founders of the ASA National Umpire School in 1980, Humphrey umpired from 1953-1984 and served as a member of the ASA National Umpire staff from 1977-1990. He umpired in the Men’s Major Fast Pitch National and the Men’s Modified Pitch National in 1975, and the Men’s Major Fast Pitch All-Star Series a year later. He was the UIC for the 1978 and 1981 U.S. Olympic Festivals and the 1979 Pan American Games Trials. He umpired the 1981 NAIA College World Series, the 1983 Division One NCAA World Series, World Games One (1981) and the 1984 ISF Men’s World Championship in Midland, MI. He was ISF certified in 1979 and served as Great Lakes Regional director from 1988-1996. He was the Michigan Amateur Softball Association commissioner from 1990-2000 and executive director of the Michigan Amateur Softball Association from 1987-2000. Served as president of the ASA from 1997-1998 and was a member of the Board of Directors from 1988-2000. In April of 2000, Humphrey accepted a position as director of membership services at the ASA national office and remained in that position until retiring June 1, 2002. Humphrey has a B.S. degree in recreation from Michigan State University. Is a member of the Midland County Sports Hall of Fame (1992) and the Michigan ASA Hall of Fame (1982). In 2007 was named one of the 52 most influential in officiating history by Referee Magazine. Humphrey was born March 18, 1939.

Alfred “Red” Morton

Alfred “Red” Morton, Redwood City, California – Commissioner

Red was a people person who would do anything to help people out. Served as Northern California ASA commissioner 1951-1971 and later as regional vice-president, 1956 and 1960. Also, a member of the San Mateo Sports Hall of Fame. Worked for the Redwood City Parks and Recreation Department from 1937-1971 as its first recreation director. Born in 1907 and died in 1971 at age 64.

 

 

 

Lorene Ramsey

Lorene Ramsey, Pekin, Illinois – Women’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

It did not matter to Lorene Ramsey, a member of the National Softball Hall of Fame since 1987, if she was playing a game of softball or practicing for one. “I loved to play the game. I even loved practice,” said Ramsey. In a career that spanned more than two decades, Lorene established herself as a Hall of Fame pitcher as the mainstay for the Chuck McCord Pekin, IL Lettes. Between 1955-1972 Ramsey played for the Caterpillar Dieselettes, Sunnyland Lettes, and Pekin Lettes, compiling a won-loss record of 401-90 and a winning percentage of .816. Before 1955, she achieved a pitching record of 82-32 for amateur teams in St. Louis. She was 21-1 in 1951, 7-21 in 1952, 20-5 in 1953 and 34-5 in 1954. She played in the first of 13 ASA national championships in 1954 and compiled a 3-1 record for the fourth-place St. Louis Kutis Funeral Home. In national championship play, Lorene won 22 games, lost 22 and four times was named an ASA All-American (1959, 1960, 1965 and 1970). She also participated in three ASA Women’s Fast Pitch All-Star Series. In 18 years, Ramsey fanned 3,811 batters in 3,460 innings, allowed 1,793 hits, 277 runs and 616 walks. Her lifetime ERA was 0.56. In 1965 and 1966 she was named MVP of the Houston, TX Warren Paine Tournament, annually one of the top women’s tournaments then. In 1965, Ramsey pitched 98 1/3 scoreless innings for the Pekin Lettes, breaking the old mark of 59 held by Hall of Famer Marie Wadlow. Ramsey was born July 10, 1936. Retired April 1, 2003 from Illinois Central College. Is also a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, TN.

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1988

John Anquillare

John Anquillare, New Haven, Connecticut – Men’s Fast Pitch – Third Base

Although he never realized his dream of being an NFL quarterback, Anquillare had an outstanding career against the best of men’s fast pitch in 18 years of fast pitch competition. Convinced to give fast pitch softball a try after starring as a college baseball player at the University of New Haven, Anquillare was an immediate hit with the renowned Raybestos Cardinals. He led the team in batting (.296) in 1966 and two years later (1968) broke the Cards’ all-time one season hitting mark by two points with a .432 average. Anquillare twice more batted .400 or higher in his career with a .426 average in 1971 and a .400 average in 1972. Eight times he led the Cardinals in hitting and finished his career with a .345 lifetime batting average. In 1,017 games, Anquillare scored 632 runs, hit 158 doubles, belted 67 homers, and drove in 492 runs. He had a .513 lifetime slugging percentage and earned ASA All-America honors seven times in 13 national tourneys and twice was the MVP in the national championship (1970 and 1983). He also played (.318 BA) in the 1984 ISF World Championship in Midland, MI as the USA won a bronze medal after winning the 1983 ASA National Tourney in an upset. Anquillare was born March 31, 1942.

Rex R. Brown

Rex R. Brown, Bremerton, Washington – Umpire

Served as Washington State UIC from 1972-1981 and was appointed to ASA National Umpire staff in March of 1981 and served until 1993. He umpired in five ASA national championships and two ISF World Championships. Served as the UIC at two U.S. Olympic Festivals, 1982 and 1986, and 12 ASA adult and Junior Olympic nationals. He conducted numerous clinics overseas and was ISF certified in 1978. He was born on October 7, 1923 in Charleston, WA. Rex Brown died on January 12, 2009. He was 85 years old.

 

 

Vinnie Caserto

Vinnie Caserto, Marlboro, New York – Men’s Fast Pitch – First Base

Calling fast pitch softball “the greatest team sport that I ever played,” Caserto was a pitcher’s nightmare between 1971 and 1984 playing for the Little Brahaus Brewers of Poughkeepsie, NY, the Raybestos Cardinals of Stratford, CT and the Franklin Cardinals of West Haven, CT. A four-time All-American, he smashed 170 homers and drove in 583 runs during his career to go along with his .329 lifetime batting average. Four of the eight years he played for the Cardinals he led them in batting and was twice named an All-American (1976 and 1983). He also twice was an alternate for the USA Pan American team (1979 and 1983). He also batted .280 in the 1984 ISF World Championship. In his first year (’76) with the Cardinals, Caserto led the team in batting (.384) and homers (11). In 1979, he again led the team in batting (.360) and homers (18). He played in 11 ASA national tourneys and twice was a member of a national championship team (1976 and 1983). Before joining the Cardinals, Caserto starred for Little Brauhaus and helped them finish third twice in the national championship. Caserto batted .336 in his first year with Poughkeepsie and was an All-American. He batted .444 in the 1972 national championship to lead all hitters as well as being named an All-American again. Caserto was born June 12, 1946.

John Deaver

John Deaver, Louisville, Kentucky – Commissioner

Served as Kentucky ASA commissioner from 1933-1963 and was eighth president of the ASA from 1955-1956. Was the first president of the ASA to receive presidential recognition in organizing National Softball Week during the Eisenhower administration. Helped organize the first ASA National Slow Pitch Tournament in Cincinnati, OH in 1953 and was overall director of second ASA Slow Pitch National Tourney in 1954 in Louisville, KY. One of the original members of the ASA, he had a career as the registrar of the Louisville Scottish Rite after retiring from softball.

 

 

Gene Fisher

Gene Fisher, Denver, North Carolina – Men’s Slow Pitch – Catcher

The first former Howard’s Furniture/Western Steer player elected to the Hall of Fame, Fisher compiled a .562 lifetime batting average during a 24-year career, hitting an estimated 3,000 home runs and driving in more than 2,000 runs. From 1970-1983, Fisher averaged .558 and smashed 1,439 homers as Howard’s won back-to-back Open slow pitch national titles (1973-1974) and the Super Division national title twice (1981 and 1983). The 1973 national championship Fisher called his “greatest thrill in softball,” while not winning a record third title in a row in 1975 in Cleveland, OH was his greatest disappointment. The Cleveland tournament was played in almost swamp-like conditions as Howard’s was eliminated by Poindexter Lumber in the loser’s bracket. Poindexter then lost to Pyramid Cafe of Cleveland, OH in the championship game, 11-7. Fisher’s All-America selections came in 1973, 1974, 1975 and 1978. He batted .658 with 23 homers and 20 RBIs in 1973, .429 with seven homers and 12 RBIs in 1974, .480 with five homers and 11 RBIs in 1975 and .583 with 14 homers and 40 RBIs in 1978. Fisher was born April 20, 1941 in Long Island, NC.

Howard B. Honaker

Howard B. Honaker, Ashland, Ohio – Commissioner

Succeeded Nick Barack as Ohio ASA commissioner. Served as president of the ASA from 1980-1981. Former member of the International Joint Rules Committee on Softball. Served on various ASA committees during his career including Hall of Fame. Under his leadership, Ohio ASA has been one of the ASA’s strongest associations and among the leaders in team membership for many years. Served as chairman of the Hall of Fame Foundation. Has served as regional vice-president for all but two years since 1970. Is a member of the Ohio State ASA, Ashland, OH and Akron, OH Halls of Fame. Honaker died on August 1, 2018.

 

 

William “Red” Jenkins

William “Red” Jenkins, McAdenville, North Carolina – Manager

Managed Pharr Yarn Reds of McAdenville, NC to three Major Industrial slow pitch titles, 1960, 1961 and 1963. Also had teams finish runner-up twice (1957 and 1965), fourth twice (1959 and 1966) and fifth once (1962) in national championship play. Managed from 1955-1969 with his teams winning 61 games and losing 24 for a winning percentage of .714 in national championship play.

 

 

 

Al Lewis

Al Lewis, Stratford, Connecticut – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

It is not often that the team bat boy becomes a Softball Hall of Famer. Unless of course you are Al “The Horse” Lewis, who served as the bat boy for the renowned Raybestos Cardinals from 12-17. While Lewis took care of the bats, Hall of Fame pitcher Johnny Spring taught Lewis the finer points of pitching. Lewis idolized Spring. Spring’s instruction paid off as Lewis eventually pitched his way into the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame. Four times Lewis earned All-America honors and in 1976 was MVP of the men’s fast pitch national championship after hurling the Cardinals to the title. Lewis won all five games and allowed only one run in 37 innings to finish with an ERA of 0.19. In 12 ASA national championships, Lewis compiled a 20-11 record and was a member of five national championship teams. He had a 1-0 record in the 1984 ISF World Championship as the Cardinals represented the USA and won a bronze medal. In 1979, Lewis was one of the four pitchers on the USA Pan Am Team. He finished his career with a record of 325 wins and only 91 losses. Lewis was a battler right to the end of his career when he lost a two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer on May 23, 1994. He was born September 20, 1944.

Roy Lombardo

Roy Lombardo, Detroit, Michigan – Manager

Managed from 1954-1975 and won three ASA Open slow pitch national titles: 1958 with East Side Sporting Goods, Michael’s Lounge in 1966 and Little Caesars in 1970. The 1966 Michael’s Lounge team and the 1970 Little Caesars of Detroit, MI were undefeated in the national championships. His teams also were runner-up in 1967 and 1971, third in 1969 and 1973, fifth in 1964 and seventh in 1972. Lombardo died on August 3, 2010.

 

 

 

Don E. Porter

Don E. Porter, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Meritorious Service

Served as ASA executive director for 35 years before taking over as president of the International Softball Federation. During his tenure as ASA executive director, the Association had outstanding growth and development of softball, including building of ASA national office, National Softball Hall of Fame, and Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City. Porter joined ASA in May 1962, as an assistant to former executive secretary -treasurer Gene Martin and was named executive secretary-treasurer in January of 1963. Position was later changed to executive director. Porter campaigned for more than two decades to get softball into the Olympics. That became a reality in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA. Porter was born May 18, 1930 and is a native of Southern California. Prior to coming to ASA national office, Porter served as Southern California ASA commissioner. Was also the president of the International Softball Federation in Plant City, FL before that dissolved and became part of the WBSC.

Maxine Thayer

Maxine Thayer, Indianapolis, Indiana – Manager

First Lady of softball in Indianapolis, she managed women’s fast pitch teams from 1956-1984, compiling a record of 1,118 wins and 475 losses for .702 winning percentage. Her teams won 28 Metro titles and competed in seven ASA nationals: 1956, 1957, 1963, 1968, 1969, 1973 and 1974. Best finish was a third in 1974. Also, a member of Indianapolis ASA Hall of Fame. Thayer died on July 13, 2006.

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1989

Tom Beck

Tom Beck, Tidewater, Virginia – Meritorious Service

Served as slow pitch manager, UIC and commissioner during his career in softball. Led Virginia Beach Piledrivers to the 1971 ASA Major slow pitch national title led by Hall of Famer Bert Smith. As a manager, his teams won 1,802 games and lost 593 for a .751 winning percentage. His teams participated in 14 ASA nationals and finished in the top 10 seven times. Served as his association’s UIC from 1963-1968 and was named Metro commissioner in 1974 and served until 1988. Served as the Central Atlantic region vice-president from 1981-1982. In 1983, was elected to the Tidewater ASA Hall of Fame. As a commissioner, hosted three nationals and 26 regionals. Is a member of the ASA National Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Was a commissioner emeritus on the National Council until his death on March 13, 2016.

Raymond “Whitey” Brown

Raymond “Whitey” Brown, Williamstown, Kentucky – Men’s Slow Pitch – Shortstop

When Northern Kentucky teams dominated in the early days of slow pitch, Raymond (Whitey) Brown was one of the players leading the way. Brown’s career started in 1946 and concluded in 1984. He played an estimated 5,000 games. Brown played for some of the outstanding men’s teams, including Lang’s Pet Shop, Yorkshire Restaurant and Gatliff Auto Sales. He started out playing fast pitch before switching to slow pitch in 1955. He played in 15 ASA Nationals and was a three-time All-American. (1956, 1959 and 1964). He batted .400 (12-for-30) in the 1956 tourney for national runner-up Lang’s Pet Shop, leading his team in RBIs (13) and sharing the home run leadership with John Stephens (3). In the 1959 tourney Brown batted .355. Brown was a member of five national championship teams: Joe Gatliff Auto three times, Lang’s Pet Shop once and Yorkshire Restaurant once, all between 1955-63. Brown is the fourth member of the Gatliff team to earn amateur softball’s highest honor. Brown retired from the General Electric Company in 1987, but still enjoys playing Senior Slow Pitch. Brown was born March 4, 1925 and died on July 15, 2017.

Bill Finley

Bill Finley, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Umpire

Served on the National Umpire staff from 1974-1981. Was Metro OKC UIC for more than 30 years and is a member of the OKC Metro Hall of Fame. Served as the UIC at more than 20 ASA nationals. An accomplished clinician, Finley received a certificate of appreciation from the Department of Army for patriotic civilian services for his Far East clinic in 1973. Twice he was selected to give clinics overseas in Germany and Southeast Asia. Received outstanding umpire award from the All-American Umpire School. Also, an outstanding football official, he was selected to work the Oklahoma state playoffs 11 times and once officiated two classes in one year. Also officiated the prestigious Oil Bowl four times. Also was a basketball official during his career. In 1992, was inducted into the Oklahoma Officials Hall of Fame. Was born July 12, 1932.

Mike Gouin

Mike Gouin, Canton, Michigan – Men’s Slow Pitch – Outfield

Even while attending college at Eastern Michigan, Mike Gouin showed he belonged playing slow pitch with the top players in the 1970s. In fact, Gouin walked away with the MVP honors in the 1970 Men’s Open Slow Pitch National Championship helping Little Caesars win the title. Gouin earned the award by batting .730—second highest in the tourney—with 19 hits in 26 at-bats, driving in 11 runs and hitting six homers. This helped him finish the season with an overall .685 batting average. Four year earlier, Gouin had helped Michael’s Lounge, also from Detroit, win the national title as he batted .500 (12-for-24) and was a first-team All-America. Before his 22-year career (1959-1980) was over, Gouin made All-America two more times: 1967 and 1973. In the latter national tourney, Gouin batted .744 (32-for-43) with seven homers, 22 RBIs and 25 runs scored. Gouin batted .630 with three homers and 14 RBIs in the 1972 national as Caesars dropped to seventh place. Born May 13, 1943 in Wayne, MI, Gouin has served as a player rep and district commissioner for the Detroit ASA. In 1984, he was one of the original members inducted into the Detroit ASA Hall of Fame.

Charles “Sonny” Keeble

Charles “Sonny” Keeble, Jacksonville, Florida – Manager

Started coaching girls’ softball in 1967 and continued to coach for next 17 years. During that time led Jacksonville, FL Rebellettes to eight top five finishes in nine ASA nationals including winning the 15-under national slow pitch title in 1979. Team also won 15 Jacksonville Metro titles. Because of health reasons, Keeble was forced to retire from coaching in 1983. In 1986 he had open heart surgery. His teams won more than 1,500 games. Keeble died on January 12, 2014.

 

 

 

Andrew S. Loechner

Andrew S. Loechner, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania – Commissioner

Served as president of the ASA from 1986-1987. Named Pennsylvania ASA commissioner in 1973 and led that association to the pinnacle of the ASA membership ladder. Has served on numerous ASA committees, including Finance Chairman for eight years and chairman of the Foreign Relations and Membership. In 1985, was elected to the Pennsylvania ASA Hall of Fame. Was men’s coordinator at the 1978 U.S. Olympic Festival. Besides being involved in softball domestically, he travels throughout the world serving as the secretary-general of the International Softball Federation. He was elected to that position in 1987. Was born July 24, 1930. In 1997, was elected to the ISF Hall of Fame.

 

 

Joe Lynch

Joe Lynch, Nashville, Tennessee – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Called by one sportswriter, the “Bear that walks like a man,” Lynch stood 6-foot-3 and weighed more than 230 pounds when he pitched between 1959-1981. During his career, Lynch won 576 games, lost 94, hurled 14 no-hitters, 61 perfect games and 14 games in which he struck out all 21 batters. Between 1965-1969 he hurled for the Aurora, IL Sealmasters and had an unbeaten year (35-0) in his first year. He struck out 477 batters and walked 47, finishing with a 0.24 ERA. In the national tourney, Aurora gave Joe the ball and he responded by allowing only 13 hits in 35 innings in five games, walking 11 and striking out 58 to finish with a 0.29 ERA. Joe also won the tourney MVP award that year and extended his winning streak to 53 games before suffering a loss July 20, 1966. With the national championship, the Sealmasters earned the right to represent the USA in the first ISF Men’s World Championship. They won the gold medal easily and Lynch fanned seven batters in two and two-thirds innings. Repeating as ASA national champ in 1967, Lynch went 3-0 with 28 strikeouts and three walks Aurora again repeated as World champion. In the event Lynch won three games, did not allow any runs in 22 innings, and struck out 45. Joe joined Clearwater in 1970 and remained through the 1974 season. He returned to play for Clearwater in 1977 before retiring after the 1981 season. In 14 ASA nationals, Lynch had a 24-10 won-loss record. Lynch was born January 22, 1942 in Nashville, TN.

Carl Walker

Carl Walker, Detroit, Michigan – Men’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

Growing up in Detroit, MI, Carl Walker was 5-feet tall and weighed 115 pounds as a high school senior in 1954. One would have never imagined Walker would have developed into one of fast pitch softball’s all-time power hitters and RBI producers. But people have been wrong before and they were wrong about Walker, who grew to 5-feet 10 1/2 inches and weigh more than 200 pounds. By 20 Walker was getting the notice of baseball scouts, and in particular the Chicago Cubs, who figured Walker could hit a baseball with the same regularity and power that he hit a softball. But nothing materialized and Walker ended up playing in the “Major Leagues” of fast pitch softball for Club 500, Local 57 of Providence, Nothdurft Tool and Die of Detroit, and the Raybestos Cardinals. Walker played in 14 nationals and earned All-America honors 10 times. He batted .309 (63-for-204) in the nationals, hitting eight homers and driving in 46 runs. He also played in 10 Men’s Major Fast Pitch All-Star Series and batted .250 with two homers in the 1976 ISF World Championship. Walker was a member of three national championship teams (1969, 1970 and 1972) and two runners-up. He twice led Raybestos in batting: 1967 (.325) and 1969 (.369). He had a lifetime .351 average with the Cardinals and a slugging percentage of .818. He holds Cardinal records for most homers in a season, 23 in 1968; most homers in a career, 120, most RBIs in a season, 83 in 1970 and most RBIs in a career (473). Walker died on June 26, 2017.

Eddie Zolna

Eddie Zolna, Chicago, Illinois – Men’s Slow Pitch – Pitcher

If there is a player synonymous with 16-inch slow pitch softball, it is Eddie Zolna. For almost four decades Zolna was the most recognizable player in 16-inch softball. He led his team, the Bobcats, to 12 ASA national titles, including the very first 16″ ASA National Championship in 1964. Zolna also garnered three MVP accolades during his playing days and earned All-American honors six times. Zolna died on January 20, 2015.

National Softball Hall of Fame 1970’s

The National Softball Hall of Fame is the ultimate goal for any player, coach, umpire or administrator who aspire to greatness in the sport. With over 400 inductees, the National Softball Hall of Fame is among the most difficult sports halls in the nation in which to gain membership.

Take a moment to browse through the Hall of Fame section and learn more about some of the sport’s greatest athletes and their accomplishments. If you get a chance to visit us in person while in Oklahoma City, please observe these hours of operation:

National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum
2801 Northeast 50th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
(405) 424-5266
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: Check USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex for weekend hours

The Hall of Fame and Museum does not charge, but donations are greatly appreciated and accepted. Your donations help keep this history of softball alive through exhibit updates, upkeep and restoration projects.

Link to Video of the National Softball Hall of Fame

The National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum was established in 1957. Once USA Softball moved to Oklahoma City January 1, 1966 after having its offices in Newark, NJ, the decision to establish a Hall of Fame Building in Oklahoma City was made in January of 1965. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the Hall of Fame were held December 19, 1970 in Oklahoma City. The late John Nagy, former Cleveland Metro commissioner, was USA Softball President at that time. Hall of Famers Harold (Shifty) Gears and Carolyn Thome Hart were among those attending the ceremonies.

The National Softball Hall of Fame was officially dedicated May 26, 1973 in Oklahoma City. The building was opened to the public July 1, 1973.

The first of two additions to the National Softball Hall of Fame/USA Softball Headquarters was started July 5, 1976 and completed July 13, 1977 for an additional 4,350 square feet of space. Dedication ceremonies for the expansion were held July 23, 1977. Counting the National Softball Hall of Fame/USA Softball Headquarters and the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex, there is 28,406 square feet of space.

A second expansion was added July of 1980 for an additional 5,182 square feet of space, with total footage 18,140 square feet of space.

The National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum has over 400 members with two categories of membership: players and non players. Within the player category, there are five categories: Men’s/Women’s Fast Pitch, Men’s/Women’s Slow Pitch and Modified Pitch. Within the non player category, there are five different divisions one can be nominated in: Commissioner, Meritorious Service, Umpire, Managers and Sponsors. A nominee needs 75 percent (nine votes) of the votes cast by the 12 member Hall of Fame Committee to be elected. Annual inductions are held at the USA Softball Annual Meeting.

Through our vast collection of artifacts, the National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum strives to educate the public about softball’s rich history. Your support is critical to these efforts.

The Hall of Fame Donation Fund was established to ensure that the National Softball Hall of Fame has a future and is committed to educating people about the great former players and non players and the role they played in the development of the sport.

Your tax-deductible contribution helps the National Softball Hall of Fame continue its mission of educating, collecting and honoring as well as the preservation of the history of softball, the maintaining of present exhibits and purchase of new exhibits and possible expansion of the Hall of Fame building.

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Due to the volume of offers we receive, we cannot accept the donation of an artifact without a completed artifact description form. Please see our Mission Statement and Collections Management Policy to see what types of objects we will and will not accept. Once we have received your form, our staff will evaluate the object’s potential and will be in contact with you as to whether or not we will be able to accept the donation. If your object is chosen, the donated material will be recommended to the Executive Director for consideration. Following the meeting a staff member will contact you regarding the next steps.

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NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1970

John Spring

John Spring, Detroit, Michigan – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

In 1949, then a 19-year-old John Spring made his debut in ASA national championship play by hurling a three-hit shutout for Briggs Beautyware of Detroit, MI against Cincinnati. In the years that followed Spring established himself as one of the great pitchers of all-time, winning 483 games and losing 62. He had a record of 44-13 in ASA national championship play and was named an ASA All-America 10 times. Spring was the mainstay for Briggs when it won ASA national titles in 1952 and 1953. Spring was 24-2 in 1952 and 21-8 in 1953. He also was a member of a national championship team in 1955, 1958 and 1965. In the 1953 national he also was named the MVP. After Briggs disbanded in 1954, Spring joined the the Raybestos Cardinals and compiled a record of 209 wins and 35 losses. One of his wins was a perfect game in the finals of the 1958 Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship. Spring finished his career playing for the Aurora, IL Sealmasters from 1963-1966, recording a 76-5 record before retiring. With a degree in engineering from the General Motors Institute (1953), Spring worked for Eonic Inc. for 29 years before retiring in 1994. Spring also is a member of the Illinois, Michigan and Connecticut ASA Halls of Fame. Spring was born August 23, 1930 and passed away on May 4, 2014.

 

Dot Wilkinson

Dot Wilkinson, Phoenix, Arizona – Women’s Fast Pitch – Catcher

Dot Wilkinson excelled at softball as well as bowling. In fact, she is the only member of the National Softball Hall of Fame who is a member of a Hall of Fame in another sport. Twenty years after being inducted into the National Softball Hall of Fame, Wilkinson was inducted into the WIBC Hall of Fame for winning a Triple Crown event, the Women’s International Bowling Congress Queens Tournament in 1962 and the WIBC national singles in 1963.Wilkinson started out playing second base for the PBSW Ramblers and a few years later was switched to behind the plate by coach Ford Hoffman, who told her, “You’re the catcher, you run the team. You can see everything that goes on, you can call every play, you can do the whole bit. That’s the place to be.” Before retiring in 1965, Wilkinson earned 19 All-America awards and had some outstanding years for the Ramblers, including 1952 (.374 batting average), 1953 (.363 batting average ), 1957 (.387 average in national championship); 1955 (.450 average in national with no errors on 36 chances) and 1954 (.455 average and 1.000 fielding percentage on 84 chances in national ). Dot said one of her greatest thrills came in 1940 when the Ramblers won their first of three national titles (1948 and 1949). Another thrill came in 1970 when she received her Hall of Fame plaque. If there was a disappointment, Dot said, it was not winning the national tourney in 1964. Retired from real estate sales in 1985, Wilkinson was born October 9, 1921.In 1999, Wilkinson was eighth and the only woman among the top 10 of The Republic’s Arizona Athletes of the Century.

Frankie A. Williams

Frankie A. Williams, New Haven, Connecticut – Men’s Fast Pitch – Second Base

To hit .400 in your first year of major fast pitch competition is amazing. Frankie Williams accomplished this in 1957, batting .404 for the Raybestos Cardinals. This feat was also mentioned in “Ripley’s Believe It or Not.” Said Williams, “I was fresh out of college when I joined the Raybestos Cardinals and had no idea what major league softball was like.” In seven of the 10 years Williams played for the Cardinals he was the team’s leading hitter. (1957, .404), 1960, .330; 1961, .375; 1962, .369; 1963, .370; 1964, .430 and 1965, .412. In 1964, he became the first player to hit .400 or higher in the highly touted Atlantic Seaboard League, batting .423. One of the game’s top lead-off hitters and second baseman, Williams earned ASA All-America honor three times (1957, 1958 and 1962), and holds team records for most runs scored in a season, 77 in 1957, and consecutive game hitting streak 23 in 1957. Retired as a player after the 1966 season, Williams had a 10-year batting average of .372 with 711 hits in 1,911 at-bats in 582 games with 73 doubles, 42 triples and 411 runs scored. In high school Williams was an outstanding three-sport star and earned All-State football honors at Hillhouse High School in New Haven, CT. He was named New Haven Gridiron Club Player of the Year in 1951 and played three years of basketball at Providence College. He has a master’s degree in education from Springfield College. Williams was born April 16, 1933.

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1971

Virginia Busick

Virginia Busick, Fresno, California – Women’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Virginia Busick’s father must share some of the credit for his daughter becoming one of the best softball pitchers in the 1940s and 1950s. In 1946, after the wartime blackout of games had been lifted, Ginny’s father encouraged her to try out for a new team forming in Fresno, CA called the Rockets. “Believe it or not, I was bashful,” recalled Busick, who was born June 28th, 1925. “So my father put me in the car and took me. I will never forget that day. We walked onto the field and two men came out to meet me. They asked what position I played and my father said, ‘she pitches.’ They gave me a glove and said, ‘Let’s see you pitch.’” Ginny got the position and eventually became one of the top hurlers in the nation, leading the Fresno Rockets to the national title in 1957. In the national, Busick went undefeated (5-0) and allowed one run and 10 hits. She finished the year 32-4, allowing only 20 earned runs. She was named an All-American that year as well in 1958. In seven ASA national championships she achieved a 22-11 pitching record. Her 21-year career included four seasons as a manager, leading the Rockets to a third place in the 1968 national championship. Busick died August 5, 1982 at age 57.

 

Raymond “Ned” Wickersham

Raymond “Ned” Wickersham, Palatine, Illinois – Men’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

One of the most feared hitters for the Aurora, IL Sealmasters, Wickersham played for the team for 12 years and compiled a .290 batting average. Twice he led the ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship in batting (1964 and 1965) and is the only player to win the batting title in consecutive years. He is one of only two players to win at least a pair of batting titles. Wickersham batted .300 or higher five times and had a .344 average in 1958 and a .325 average in 1964. In 617 games with Aurora, he had 527 hits and hit 63 homers. He drove home 359 runs and was a tough out, fanning only 173 times in 617 games. Beginning his career in Palatine in 1949 playing for local teams, Wickersham was added to the Aurora roster as pickup in 1954. He joined the team on a regular basis in 1956 and remained with Aurora until retiring after the 1966 season. Not only an outstanding hitter, but Wickersham was also a fearless outfielder with a strong throwing arm who threw out 24 runners in 12 years. He made only 22 errors with 386 putouts for a .949 fielding percentage. Born June 24, 1928, Wickersham was a five-time ASA All-America (1957, 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1965) and All-Regional eight times. He was a member of three national championship teams and one ISF World Championship team (1966). He played in 11 ASA national championships and batted .243 (52-for-214). Retired and living in Palatine, IL, Wickersham said his biggest thrill in softball was hitting two homers against New Zealand. Wickersham died on January 21, 2012.

John “Buster” Zeigler

John “Buster” Zeigler, Miami, Florida – Men’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

Although Zeigler has a good sense of humor and is a humorous after-dinner speaker, he was all business on the softball diamond during a career that started in 1947 and ended in 1965. As a youngster, Zeigler seemed destined for a career as a boxer. He had a 97-1 amateur record before being called into the Navy. After being discharged, he won his first pro fight before losing his next and “being knocked back” to Miami. Zeigler then turned to fast pitch softball. He played the outfield and caught, but it was his hitting ability that caught the eye of the renowned Clearwater, FL Bombers, who picked him up for the 1949 national tourney. Zeigler moved to Clearwater and played for the Bombers in 1950 and 1951. He batted .500 in the 1950 national to help Clearwater to win its first of 10 national titles yet was not named All-American. By 1952, Zeigler had joined the Miami Industrial Sales Flyers and was named All-American that year. Clearwater added him to its roster for the 1960 national tourney and Zeigler responded by hitting .276 in the national to earn All-America honors. His regular season average that year was .405. Zeigler played in 10 ASA national championships. He was named All-State three times and All Regional eight times. He had a lifetime .358 batting average. He never batted below .300 and four times hit .400 or higher playing in the top Miami fast pitch league. He led the league in batting 13 out of 15 years. Zeigler was born March 5, 1925 and died on September 20, 2001 at the age of 76.

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1972

William Jerry Curtis

William Jerry Curtis, Clearwater, Florida – Men’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

William Jerry Curtis was the kind of player managers dream about having on their team. Although an outfielder, Curtis was versatile enough to play just about every position on the softball diamond. In the Southern Region, Curtis has the destination of being named all-regional at four different positions: pitcher in 1950, utility in 1952, second base in 1954 and outfield in 1956. In six regionals he was a member of the winning team five times and was the Regional MVP in 1956. Curtis continued his versatility at the national championship level, playing in 12 nationals. He twice was named All-American as an outfielder and once each at second base and utility. He batted .204 in national championship play with 41 hits in 201 at-bats. Although not a high average hitter in national championship play, Curtis was known for hitting in the clutch. He had 25 RBIs in national championship play. Curtis played from 1947-1963 and was a member of seven national championship teams and four runners-up for the Clearwater Bombers. He retired as an active player in 1963 but came back to manage Clearwater in 1966 and 1967. His 1966 team won the ASA National title.

 

Don Ropp

Don Ropp, Sandwich, Illinois – Men’s Fast Pitch – Third Base

When injuries riddled the Aurora, IL Sealmaster lineup in 1955, manager Leroy Hess knew what to do. He moved outfielder Don Ropp to the hot corner. Ropp did such an outstanding job playing third base that he remained there the remainder of his softball career, retiring in 1966. Ropp joined the Sealmaster organization in 1951. Records are not available prior to that time, but during the last 13 years with the team Ropp compiled a .325 batting average, continually facing the best pitchers in the United States. Ropp played 912 games, collected 864 hits, and hit 131 homers. He was one of only two players on the team to have more walks (377) than strikeouts (275). His highest batting average was .365 in 1961. Respected by his teammates, Ropp was team captain 11 years and appeared in 11 consecutive ASA national championships and was a member of three national championship teams (1959, 1961 and 1963). He batted .320 in his first national championship in 1959 and had a .193 average (41-for-212) in national tourneys. Twice he was a first-team All-America, 1956 and 1959, and four times he earned second-team honors, 1959, 1961, 1964 and 1965. He was named All-West Central Regional nine times and was a member of the 1966 ISF World Championship. Ropp contributed a pair of homers to the Sealmasters’ gold medal-winning effort. Although known for his hitting, Ropp was also a good defensive player, making only 57 errors from 1955-1966. Ropp was born October 30, 1929.

Bertha Ragan Tickey

Bertha Ragan Tickey, Dinuba, California – Women’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

A true test of greatness is consistency over a period, even under the most adverse conditions. Pitcher Bertha Tickey certainly met that criteria during a legendary career covering almost three decades. The only female in a family of seven children, Bertha played her first softball game in 1939 in Dinuba, CA as a shortstop before turning to pitching at 16. Bertha played her last game in 1968 for the Raybestos Brakettes of Stratford, CT. Bertha had retired in 1967.The team had three pitchers, Joan Joyce, Donna Lopiano and Donna Hebert when Bertha walked off the field following the national championship that year. Little did she know that she would be back for 1968. That happened when Lopiano went to graduate school and Hebert underwent shoulder surgery. At 38, Tickey came back to bolster a staff headed by Joyce. In typical Tickey style, Bertha came through (25-1) as the Brakettes repeated as national champions. “Everyone respected Bertha for her skills,” said former Brakette Brenda Reily. “She was kind of like a Lou Gehrig, a lot of class but not flashy.” From 1956-1968, Bertha pitched for the Brakettes and won 285 games and lost only 26. Bertha’s lifetime record of 757 wins and 88 losses includes 162 no-hitters. She was a member of 11 National Championship teams including four with the Orange, CA Lionettes (1950-51, 1952 1955) and seven with the Brakettes. Bertha died on April 9, 2014.

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1973

Estelle “Ricki” Caito

Estelle “Ricki” Caito, Oakland, California – Women’s Fast Pitch – Second Base

When the Orange, CA Lionettes were winning ASA national fast pitch championships, forming part of their strong inner defense was second baseman Estelle “Ricki” Caito. An intense competitor and clutch hitter, Estelle was one of the most daring base runners in women’s fast pitch and a sure-handed fielder with quick hands. In fact, in her first four ASA nationals she made only one error with 32 assists and 35 putouts. Born September 14, 1925, Estelle participated in 10 ASA nationals and had a batting average of .143 in an era when pitching dominated. Her highest batting average in national championship play was .381 (8-for-21) in 1960 when she was named a first-team All-American. She also earned All-America honors in 1956 and 1957 and played from 1940-1965. With the Lionettes from 1955-1962, Ricki was a member of national championship teams in 1955, 1956 and 1962. She also participated for Lucky Stores of Alameda, CA (1940-45), Parichy Bloomer Girls of Chicago, IL (1946-1947, 1950-51), A-1 Queens of Phoenix, AZ (1948), Jax Maids of New Orleans (1949), Los Angeles Top Hats (1952-1954), and Phoenix Ramblers (1963-1965).

 

Gloria May

Gloria May, Glendale, California – Women’s Fast Pitch – First Base

When people talk about the slickest fielding first baseman in women’s major fast pitch Gloria May is one of the names often mentioned. May was certainly one of the best fielding first sackers during an impressive career starting in 1940 and ending in 1958. May, born February 19, 1929, earned ASA first-team All-America honors three times (1955, 1957 and 1963) and was a second-team choice twice (1956 and 1965). She participated in 15 ASA national championships and in 10 of them had a 1.000 fielding percentage. In 11 of those national championships, she had 413 putouts and 25 assists with only two errors for a .995 fielding percentage and a .130 batting average. Her highest batting average in national championship play was .444 in 1955. May joined the Fresno Rockets in 1949 and remained with them before retiring after the 1958 season. She was a member of three national championship teams, 1953, 1954 and 1957. Gloria recalled winning her first national championship in 1953 as her “greatest thrill” in softball while not having a chance to participate in the Olympics was a disappointment. Retired, Gloria lives in Kerman, CA with her husband, Vernon. They have a trailer in Baja, Mexico and travel there two-three times a year, plus Gloria has been competing in cross country air races since 1987 and has never finished below 15th.

 

Myron Reinhardt

Myron Reinhardt, Alexandria, Kentucky – Men’s Slow Pitch – Catcher

When the Hall of Fame approved to elect slow pitch players, Myron “Riney” Reinhardt of Alexandria, KY, was the first elected in 1973. He was an appropriate pick because he was a member of the team to win the first men’s slow pitch national championship, the first team to win the title twice, the first team to come out of the loser’s bracket to win the slow pitch national title and the first team to win three slow pitch national championships. Reinhardt played more than 2,000 games during his 20-year career starting with the Sixth Ward Boosters fast pitch team in 1948 and ending in 1967 with the Stroh’s Beer slow pitch team. He played in one ASA Fast Pitch National Championship (1949) and 11 of the first 13 slow pitch national tournaments. He batted .581 in national championship play and was a five-time All-America (1954, 1956-57, 1959 and 1963). He had a .503 lifetime batting average and hit 46 homers in 1953 (.592 BA) and 51 in 1954. In 1963, he also was named the tourney MVP, batting .533 with four homers. That tourney provided Reinhardt with the greatest thrill of his career when his team, Shield’s Contractors of Newport, KY, overcame a nine-run deficit in the final two innings against Musicaro’s of New York City to win the title. In 1968, Reinhardt retired as an active player. He was born August 27, 1926 and still lives in his hometown of Alexandria, KY. He retired from work in 1988.

 

Richard “Ricky” Tomlinson

Richard “Ricky” Tomlinson, Valois Quebec – Men’s Fast Pitch – Shortstop

When the Clearwater, FL were the pride of men’s fast pitch, they had the Keystone Kids, Ricky Tomlinson, and Billy Parker. Tomlinson played shortstop, Parker second base. “He probably was, in my book, the best shortstop that ever played the game,” said Doug Mason, former Bomber third baseman.” He (Tomlinson) could do it all. He didn’t look fast, but he could fly.” A lanky 6-feet tall and 195 pounds, Tomlinson had good power because of his tremendous wrist snap, which he developed playing badminton. A native of Valois, Quebec, Canada, Tomlinson started playing at age 11 in the Montreal, Canada Metro League. In fact, he played for Montreal in his first national championship in 1957 and had 22 assists, 18 putouts and one error for a .976 fielding percentage. In 1958 he joined the Bombers and played 10 years. He led them in batting seven times and was runner-up twice. He batted .339 in 1968 in his last season with the team and had a .345 average for nine of the 10 years he played for them. His highest average with Clearwater was .384 in 1967. He batted .361 in 1961 and had 107 hits, the first Bomber to crack the century mark in hits. In 1963, he broke that mark again with 114 hits. Tomlinson participated in .11 nationals and batted .213 including .389 in 1959, .333 in 1960 and .353 in 1961. He was named an All-American seven times. Tomlinson died on May 30, 1986 of cancer.

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1974

Frank DeLuca

Frank DeLuca, Stratford, Connecticut – Men’s Slow Pitch – Pitcher

Originally a fast pitch player, Frank “Hooks” DeLuca switched to slow pitch in 1958. It was a decision neither he nor the Avco Lycoming team would regret during the next 13 years. During that time, DeLuca hurled the Stratford, CT team to a pair of Men’s Major Industrial Slow Pitch national titles (1968 and 1969), in compiling an overall mound record of 737 wins and 121 losses for a winning percentage of .859. In national championship play, DeLuca had a 28-7 record with an ERA of 4.41 and a .525 batting average. His lifetime batting average was .484. In the 1968 national tourney, DeLuca was 8-1 and had an ERA of 2.71. In 1969 he was undefeated in six games and had an ERA of 2.84. Following the 1968 national, Avco swept a four-game series against the Industrial Slow Pitch All-Stars, winning 8-2, 21-5, 13-5 and 14-5. DeLuca hurled all four games with his “never know” pitching style and batted .417. DeLuca was the first industrial slow pitch player elected to the ASA Hall of Fame. He was born July 11, 1929 and had a 26-year softball career, starting with Lombard’s in 1945 and ending with Avco Lycoming in 1971.

 

 

Charlie Justice

Charlie Justice, Detroit, Michigan – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

A former member of the Harlem Globetrotters, Charlie Justice distinguished himself on the pitching mound in becoming the 47th player elected to the ASA Hall of Fame. Between 1934-1965, Justice won 873 games and lost only 92. In national championship play, Justice compiled an impressive 21-6 won-loss record and earned ASA All-America honors in 1945, 1949 and 1950. In 1945, he also won the national tourney MVP award after leading M&S Orange of Flint, MI to a runner-up spot almost single-handed by striking out 74 batters and allowing 21 hits in 69 innings before losing to the renowned Fort Wayne, IN Zollner Pistons, 1-0. In 1949, he hurled Tip Top Tailors of Toronto, Canada to a national title, winning 3-2 in an 18-inning final. Justice hurled 12 of the innings, allowing five hits and fanning 13 against Clearwater. In 1950, however, the Bombers redeemed themselves and beat Justice and the Tailors in the finals. Charlie finished with a 5-2 record and 40 strikeouts. For the first time in ASA history an African American team played in the national men’s fast pitch tournament in 1939 as Justice led Big Six to a 2-1 record, losing to Briggs 3-0. Justice earlier beat Elizabeth, NJ on a one-hitter, striking out 11. Big Six then beat Washington 3-2 before being eliminated. Justice died on November 7, 1974 at age 61.

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1975

Kathryn “Sis” King

Kathryn “Sis” King, Cincinnati, Ohio – Women’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

When it came to hitting for average and power, Kathryn (Sis) King was among the best playing for teams in Cincinnati, OH Phoenix, AZ and Stratford, CT. In three years with the Brakettes, Sis had a .322 batting average after 15 years with teams in Cincinnati and Phoenix. She played in six ASA national championships and was a four-time first-team All-America. She was named as a second baseman in 1959 for the Phoenix, AZ Ramblers, and as an outfielder in 1963, 1964 and 1965. She batted .400 in the 1963 national with averages of .417 in 1964 and .400 in 1965. In 1965, when the Brakettes toured the world promoting softball and played in the first ISF World Championship in Melbourne, Australia, King’s .352 batting average led the team as did her 12 hits including four triples. She finished the year with a .333 batting average, second best on the team. In 1967, softball was a demonstration sport at the Pan American Games and King was a member of the Raybestos Brakettes, who represented the USA. She was the first woman to hit a home run over the scoreboard at the former Raybestos Memorial Field (1959) and the first woman to hit back-to-back homers at Memorial Field during a national tourney. Kathryn died on April 18, 2014.

 

Don Rardin

Don Rardin, Lexington, Kentucky – Men’s Slow Pitch – Pitcher

One of only two players on slow pitch national championship teams in both Major Industrial and Open, Rardin was a member of five national championships teams Gatliff Auto of Newport KY (1956 and 1963), Hamilton Tailors, Cincinnati, OH (1961), Yorkshire Club, Newport, KY (1959) and IBM of Lexington, KY (1966). Originally an infielder, Rardin switched to pitching in 1965 and compiled a 67-18 record with a .680 batting average for IBM. As a pitcher, Rardin won 234 games and lost 39 during his career and had a lifetime .606 batting average. Only once did Rardin play on a team that finished below fifth in a national championship. He was a member of five national championship teams, two runners-up, two third place, one fourth and one fifth place. Rardin had one of his best national championships in 1966 for IBM, culminating with him being named the tourney MVP after allowing 13 runs (11 earned) and 40 hits in six games. In the championship game, he allowed McAdenville, NC nine hits as IBM overcame a 4-0 deficit to post a 6-4 win. Rardin’s last year as an active player was 1967 as he batted .603 for IBM and compiled a 78-15 pitching record in leading the team to a third-place finish in the national championship.

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1976

Nick Barack

Nick Barack, Columbus, Ohio – Commissioner

Named Ohio State ASA Commissioner in 1948 and held that post for 20 years. Served as President of ASA/USA Softball in 1949-1950. Served as President of the International Softball Federation for five years. Under Barack’s leadership, Ohio ASA led the nation in team softball registrations from 1949-1968. He was the Columbus, Ohio Superintendent of Recreation for 23 years. During his tenure, he developed the Columbus Recreation Department into one of the best city recreation departments in the country. Barack was a past-President of the Ohio Parks & Recreation Association and the Barack Recreation Center in Columbus was named in his honor by the Columbus City Council in 1964. He died in 1976 at the age of 80.

 

 

 

Commie Currens

Commie Currens, Cincinnati, Ohio – Manager

From a playground team sponsored by his former employer, Western-Southern Life Insurance Company, Currens built a powerhouse that won 377 games and lost only 14 from 1956-1966. Playing under the banner of Dana Gardens, the team participated in seven ASA national championships and won four ASA national titles between 1962-1966. They are the only women’s slow pitch team to win three national titles in a row. Hall of Famers Donna Wolfe and Norma Eschenbrenner Ante were members of the Dana Gardens team. Upon his death in 1992, Wolfe commented about Currens, “Commie lived, breathed, ate and slept softball. It was his life, and he dedicated his whole life to see that girls had a chance to play softball. He was the forerunner of girls’ softball in Greater Cincinnati. He called all his players his ‘kids.’ It was a family-one of the closest ball clubs I’ve ever played with.” Currens died in November of 1992 at age 84. In 1988 he was inducted into the Hudepohl Softball Hall of Fame.

 

 

George Dickstein

George Dickstein, New York, New York – Umpire

Was named ASA umpire-in-chief in 1949 and international rules interpreter in 1955. Under his leadership, ASA umpire registrations grew to more than 14,000. During his career was instrumental in getting uniform rules interpretations adopted. Helped spread the popularity of softball by speaking at numerous overseas clinics. Also, a top college basketball official and umpired baseball on collegiate and industrial levels. Dickstein died on September 5, 1971 of a heart attack after returning from an ASA national tourney. He was 63 years old.

 

 

 

 

Ray Ernst

Ray Ernst, Cincinnati, Ohio – Umpire

Ernst had the first slow pitch rule book printed by the McGregor-Goldsmith Company in 1953. Ernst presented the book to the ASA, which sanctioned its first Slow Pitch National (then called World) Tourney in 1953. Served as slow pitch rules interpreter and UIC from 1956-1964. Was special assistant for ASA in 1970 and 1971. Was a member of International Joint Rules Committee on Softball. Promoted clinics in England, Spain, and Germany in the spring of 1971. Was UIC for first 14 men’s slow pitch national tournaments and umpired in six of them. Ernst umpired in the first ASA national in 1933 in Chicago, IL. Formed the Queen City Umpires Association in Cincinnati, OH. Ernst died January 28, 1980 at age 75.

 

 

 

Willard Fenton

Willard Fenton, Seattle, Washington – Manager

During 22-year career led teams in Seattle, WA to 1,387 wins of 1,700 games, a .816 winning percentage. In 14 ASA national championships, his teams won 23 games and lost 28. Team’s best finish at the national level was a third in 1958. At the regional level, his teams compiled a 73 -17 record winning 13 regional titles. In 1973, he was named Man of the Year in sports by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Graduated from Seattle University in 1946 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Named as alternate coach for the 1979 USA Men’s Pan American team. He was born April 8, 1923 and died March 17, 2000 at age 76.

 

 

 

 

Leo Fischer

Leo Fischer, Chicago, Illinois – Meritorious Service

Along with Michael J. Pauley, was responsible for founding the Amateur Softball Association in 1933, which grew out of a tourney held in conjunction with the World’s Fair in Chicago. Pauley and Fisher drove throughout the Midwest inviting teams to participate in the tournament. Fischer served as the first president of the ASA and Pauley as the first executive secretary. Forming of the ASA brought order to softball and provided uniform rules and playing specifications for all teams. Fischer was elected to the Illinois ASA Hall of Fame in 1972. For 28 years he was the sports editor of the Chicago American and was past president of the National Basketball League and the Football Writers of America. He worked his way through college at Northwestern as a copy boy for the Chicago Examiner. Fisher retired from the softball position in 1939 and died on August 28, 1970. He was 72.

 

 

 

Pat Harrison

Pat Harrison, Vancouver, British Columbia – Women’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

Four times during her 20-year career in fast pitch Pat Harrison earned All-America honors. She was a first-team choice in 1966 (.304 BA), 1968 (.368) and 1970 (.250 BA) and a second team selection in 1963 (.250 BA). Nine years she played for the Raybestos Brakettes (1964-1972) and was a member of five national championship teams. She batted .303 during her stint with the Brakettes with 430 hits in 1,421 at-bats including 66 doubles, 42 triples and 18 homers. In 482 games she drove home 189 runs and twice, 1966 (.301) and 1971 (.340), led the Brakettes in batting average. The greatest thrill of Harrison’s career came in 1972 in her last game. Playing against the Orange, CA Lionettes, she hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning. She played in 11 national championships, nine with the Brakettes and two with the Erv Lind Florists of Portland, OR. A graduate of the Connecticut State College, Harrison also batted .225 in the first ISF World Championship in 1965 in Melbourne, Australia where the Brakettes, representing the USA, finished second. Not winning that gold medal, said Harrison, was the greatest disappointment of her career.

 

Fred Hoffman

Fred Hoffman, St. Joseph, Missouri – Commissioner

One of the original members of ASA, Hoffman served as Missouri ASA commissioner for more than 50 years, from 1933 until his death February 12, 1984. From 1962-1963 he served as president of the ASA. Former chairman of the ASA Commissioner Appointment Committee and vice-chairman of the International Joint Rules Committee on Softball. He was instrumental in helping to raise $1 million for the new Family YMCA in St. Joseph, MO. He was named membership secretary in 1927 and served in different capacities until he was named YMCA executive director in May 1949. He served in that position until June of 1980. He was past president of the Kiwanis Club of St. Joseph, held the position of club secretary from 1939-1974 and was honored for his 35 years of service when he resigned in 1974. Received a Kiwanis life membership in 1976. Was YMCA’s rep on the ASA National Council.

 

 

 

Charles Hurd

Charles Hurd, Aurora, Illinois – Sponsor

Started the Aurora, IL Sealmasters men’s fast pitch team in 1942 and continued to sponsor the team until 1969. During this span, the Sealmasters won four ASA men’s fast pitch national championships and two ISF World Championships. Hurd was born September 4, 1903 and died September 2, 1979. He was 75 years of age.

 

 

 

 

 

Bernard Iassogna

Bernard Iassogna, Stratford, Connecticut – Umpire

Was international rules interpreter 1972-1973 and national umpire staff member 1973-1976.Was ASA registered umpire for 28 years and umpired in 15 ASA nationals. Four times was named Outstanding Umpire in an ASA national. Conducted 13 overseas clinics in nine countries and was former chairman of the ASA Umpires Committee. President of the Bridgeport Umpires Association for 23 years. Iassogna died on December 5, 1975 at the age of 54.

 

 

 

 

Raymond Johnson

Raymond Johnson, Nashville, Tennessee – Meritorious Service

Served longest term as president of the Amateur Softball Association from September 19, 1942 to January 18, 1948, which were critical years for the Association. If it were not for Johnson’s strong leadership, drive, tenacity and connections with the Coca-Cola Company, the ASA could just as easily not flourish. One of the legends of sports writing, Johnson served as sports editor of the Nashville TENNESSEAN from 1937 until retiring in 1970. He joined the paper as a copy boy in 1918. After retiring, he spent three years as director of public relations at Churchill Downs. Johnson was a member of the ASA Executive Board from 1942 until his death August 10, 1991 at age 87.

 

 

 

Carl Kelley

Carl Kelley, Omaha, Nebraska – Commissioner

Served as Metro Omaha ASA commissioner from 1957 to 1989. He was also president of the Omaha Softball Association (OSA) for 25 years. In 1966, was inducted into the OSA Hall of Fame. An eight-field complex in Omaha is named in honor of Kelley and his wife, Lola. Kelley died July 27, 1992 of congestive heart failure at age 84.

 

 

 

 

W.W. “Bill” Kethan

W.W. “Bill” Kethan, Houston, Texas – Commissioner

One of the pioneers of the ASA, Kethan served as Texas ASA commissioner from 1948-1987 and built that association into one of the best in the ASA. He served as president of the ASA from 1964-1965 and was instrumental in the ASA moving its headquarters from Newark, NJ to Oklahoma City and eventually building a national office and Hall of Fame there. Kethan also was heavily involved internationally and served as the first president of the International Softball Federation from 1965-1986. He was one of the strongest supporters of softball’s quest for inclusion into the Olympics, which came about June 1991 in Birmingham, England. In 1974, he was elected chairman of the United States Amateur Athletic Federation, an organization composed of some 15 sport’s governing bodies. In 1981, Kethan was elected to the ISF Hall of Fame. He served on numerous committees during his ASA career including chairman of Foreign Relations and Equipment Standards and vice chairman of Appointments. He died March 1, 1992 at age 77.

 

 

Einar Nelson

Einar Nelson, Minneapolis, Minneapolis – Commissioner

Served as Minnesota State commissioner from 1947-1951 and Metro Minneapolis commissioner from 1951-1973. From 1964-1973, served as chairman of the National Softball Hall of Fame and ASA Headquarters Building Committee. Hosted two national tournaments during his career as commissioner, Men’s Major Fast Pitch in 1954 and 1958. Was elected president of the Minnesota Recreation Park Association in 1947. Einar died September 28, 1993 at age 85.

 

 

 

 

William J. Pharr

William J. Pharr, McAdenville, North Carolina – Sponsor

Pharr sponsored 26 teams in 21 years. His Pharr Yarn Reds were Major Industrial Slow Pitch champions six times: 1960, 1961, 1963, 1970, 1971 and 1972. Combined record of his Reds’ teams in Open and Industrial ASA National Tourneys was 95 wins and 32 losses. He also sponsored two women’s teams and a boys’ youth team. Three times Pharr Park hosted ASA nationals (1966, 1969 and 1973) and in 1971 the World Series of Softball, matching the Pharr Yarn Reds against the Open champion, the Virginia Beach Piledrivers.

 

 

 

 

William S. Simpson

William S. Simpson, Stratford, Connecticut – Sponsor

His efforts put softball on the map in Connecticut and made the Raybestos Brakettes and Raybestos Cardinals household names to softball fans. Made Stratford, CT the mecca of men’s and women’s fast pitch softball. Sponsored Raybestos Brakettes, women’s fast pitch team, for 28 years, with team winning 11 ASA national titles. Sponsored the Raybestos Cardinals for 25 years with the team winning men’s national titles in 1955, 1958, 1969, 1970, 1972 and 1976. Under his leadership, the facilities at Raybestos Memorial Field in Stratford were built and dedicated in 1946. The field was the first lighted facility for softball in Connecticut. The field hosted 12 ASA nationals, including 10 women’s and two men’s tourneys. In 1974, it hosted the third ISF Women’s World Fast Pitch Championship. It was the first time the championship had ever been held in the United States. Simpson was born July 20, 1916 and died on January 21, 2006.

 

 

 

Alberta Kohls Sims

Alberta Kohls Sims, Cincinnati, Ohio – Women’s Slow Pitch – Outfield

Called by former coach Cummie Currens the “greatest team player I ever saw,” Alberta Kohls Sims starred in slow pitch and earned All-America honors three times. She also was named MVP in the 1964 ASA national tourney when she batted .533. She also was named All-America in 1962 (.412 BA) and 1963 (.480). She had .455 batting average in five ASA nationals. Sims was a member of three consecutive national championship teams for Dana Gardens of Cincinnati, OH: 1962, 1963 and 1964. Alberta played 11 years in a row for Dana Gardens. Between 1962-1966 the team won 377 games and lost only 14. Sims was the first woman named to the Hall of Fame in slow pitch. Sims died on October 6, 2016.

 

 

 

Art Solz

Art Solz, Minneapolis, Minnesota – Umpire

Had 35-year career as an umpire starting in city of Minneapolis in 1931. Replaced Einar Nelson as Metro Minneapolis commissioner in 1973. Between 1954-1971 served as assistant for George Dickstein. Officiated five Men’s Fast Pitch Nationals: 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956 and 1958. Started Minneapolis Umpires Association in 1951. Was elected president of organization in 1954. Is a member of the Minnesota ASA Hall of Fame. Art died on April 11, 1980 at age 66.

 

 

 

 

Bobby Spell

Bobby Spell, Lake Charles, Louisiana – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Players were Spell-bound after they faced hard-throwing pitcher Bobby Spell in an ASA national championship. That is because getting an earned run off Spell was nearly impossible. In fact, in 205 1/3 innings of national championship play Spell allowed only eight earned runs and struck out 258 batters for an ERA of 0.27. In his first 159 1/3 innings of national championship play, Spell allowed only one earned run. Spell won 18 of 27 games in national championship play and was a four-time first-team All-America: 1958, 1959, 1960 and 1968. He played for some of the nation’s top men’s teams including the Clearwater, FL Bombers, Stratford, CT Raybestos Cardinals and his hometown of Lake Charles, LA. Spell made his first appearance in national championship play in 1956 for Baton Rouge, LA, going 1-2 but he did not allow any earned runs, fanned 26 in 21 innings and allowed seven hits. Between 1957-1960, Spell won 14 of 17 games in national championship play. He played for Clearwater in 1957, 1959 and 1960 and for Lake Charles in 1958 when he went 5-2 in the national tourney, allowing two earned runs with 70 strikeouts and 21 hits. Spell had a regular season record of 58-4 with 1,039 strikeouts and only 67 walks. Spell played in the 1961 (1-1) and 1962 (0-2) nationals, then did not play in another national tourney until 1968, winning two of three games with 14 strikeouts in 21 innings. His last appearance in a national tourney was 1970 (0-1). On June 1, 2002 Spell was the first of 11 people inducted into the Louisiana Fast Pitch Hall of Fame. Spell died on July 2, 2002. He was 72 years old.

Pat Walker

Pat Walker, Orlando, Florida – Women’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

Pat Walker was double trouble for the opposition during her 25-year fast pitch career. Not only was she a good hitter, with a lifetime .314 average, but she was a consistent base stealing threat after she got on base. During her career with the Orlando, FL Rebels, she stole 172 bases and led the team in steals eight times. Seven times she was the team’s leading hitter with a personal best of .431 in 1955. Pat started playing softball at 13 and by 16 she had played in her first of eight ASA national tourneys, earning All-American laurels in 1961, 1966 and 1968. In those nationals, she made only one error and her highest batting average was .417 in 1967. Playing in 12 regionals, Pat was an all-regional pick 11 times, batted .350 and made only two errors with 69 putouts and four assists. At the state level she was honored eight times. Besides being an outstanding hitter and base runner, she was the team’s captain and, when needed, took her turn on the mound, compiling a 47-24 record with three no-hitters and 13 shutouts. She allowed less than two runs a game in 536 innings pitched. Former Orlando coach Marge Ricker said, “No better defensive player than Pat played for her or had she seen a better one.” Although one of the top finishing teams in the national tourney, the Rebels never won a title during Pat’s career, which was her biggest disappointment. Her biggest thrill was an extra inning game against Portland in the 1961 national tourney. Was born March 19, 1933 in Orlando, FL. retired in 1987 from Southern Bell after getting a job following high school graduation in 1951.

Fred Zollner

Fred Zollner, Duluth, Minnesota – Sponsor

Starting in 1940, sponsored Fort Wayne, IN Zollner Pistons men’s major fast pitch team for 15 years. During that time, the team won three consecutive ASA national titles (1945-1947) and compiled a record of 1,253 wins and only 189 losses for a winning percentage of .869 against the best competition in the United States. Zollner even built his own stadium, which was later turned over to the city of Fort Wayne, IN. Pistons played in five ASA nationals, 1942-1947. Besides being a member of the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame, Zollner also is a member of the National Basketball Hall of Fame (1999). Zollner died June 21, 1982 in North Miami, FL. He was 81 years old. On August 29, 2003, the Fred Zollner Memorial Stadium was dedicated in Fort Wayne, IN. Five former Zollner players attended the dedication.

 

 

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1977

Robert Deal

Robert Deal, Etowah, Tennessee – Umpire

Started umpiring in 1950 and worked in 13 ASA nationals, both men’s and women’s divisions. Twice assisted George Dickstein at ASA nationals and is affectionately known as “Dirty Deal.” Former Tennessee State UIC. Also, a member of the Etowah Sports Hall of Fame. Deal died on April 13, 1988 at age 76.

 

 

 

 

 

Ron Derr

Ron Derr, Portland, Oregon – Umpire

Served as member of the National Umpire staff from 1976-1977. Started umpiring in 1935 and umpired in eight ASA nationals. Served as Portland UIC for 10 years and held the same position for the state of Oregon for 15 years. Also served as the UIC at eight ASA nationals. Ron died on May 8, 1980. He was 75 years old. He was a retired manager of the Oregon Casket Company and the Crown Casket Company.

 

 

 

 

Vincent “Wee” Devitt

Vincent “Wee” Devitt, Stratford, Connecticut – Manager

Former manager of the Raybestos Brakettes who led team to ASA women’s fast pitch national titles in 1963, 1966 and 1967 and runner-up finishes in 1964 and 1965. Managed team to a silver medal in the first ISF Women’s World Fast Pitch Championship in 1965 in Melbourne, Australia. Started out as a player-manager, 1936-1938, then managed men’s teams, including the Raybestos Cardinals, for seven years. His men’s teams appeared in five ASA nationals. Is the only person to have managed both the Raybestos Cardinals (98-64 won-loss record) and the Raybestos Brakettes (370 wins and 39 losses for a .905 winning percentage). In 1967, led Brakettes to a gold medal in the Pan American Games with softball on program as a demonstration sport. Vincent died on March 17, 1988. He was born April 10, 1912.

 

 

 

Bud Gagel

Bud Gagel, Louisville, Kentucky – Manager

Managed Jiffy Club of Louisville, KY starting in 1968. He started sponsoring the team in 1958. His teams won 13 Louisville Metro titles and in 1972 captured the Men’s Open Slow Pitch National Championship. Gagel guided Jiffy Club to seven Regional titles and 12 trips to the national tourney. In 1973, Jiffy Club won the World Series of Softball sweeping a three-game series against Pharr-Yarn of McAdenville, N.C. Between 1961-1976, Jiffy Club played 1,096 games, winning 843 and losing 253 for a winning percentage of .843. In national championship play it compiled a 37-20 record. Was honored in 1973 by the Louisville Area Chamber of Commerce for his outstanding contribution to softball. Gagel was born August 31, 1924 and died on May 20, 2012.

 

 

 

Lou Hamilton

Lou Hamilton, San Antonio, Texas – Commissioner

First woman commissioner in ASA history. Was appointed San Antonio commissioner in 1951 and served for 24 years. She also served as a regional vice president. Gave 43 years of her life to the San Antonio, TX recreation division. Joined the division as a playground leader in 1932, was promoted to supervisor of women’s athletics and later to supervisor of playgrounds. In 1941, she was named superintendent of recreation, and held that position for 34 years. In 1975, the Lou Hamilton Community Center was dedicated in her honor. She was past president of the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation and past president of the Texas Recreation Society and served on its board of directors. She died on May 3, 1975 at age 65. Was born March 18, 1909.

 

 

 

Bob Hoffman

Bob Hoffman, York, Pennsylvania – Meritorious Service

Sponsored numerous adult and youth teams for many years and provided financial support toward softball facilities in York, PA. Hoffman donated the use of a building in York that houses the Pennsylvania State ASA Hall of Fame. Between 1970-1977, sponsored seven ASA national tournaments. Hoffman died on July 18, 1985 at the age of 86.

 

 

 

 

Charles Jensen

Charles Jensen, Chicago, Illinois – Meritorious Service

Served as ASA national umpire-in-chief from 1940-48 after being assistant UIC from 1933-39. Umpired softball and baseball for 30 years. Was commissioner of the National Fastball League from 1946-1950 and was Chicago ASA commissioner from 1951 until his death in March of 1969. He was 64 years old. Served as a member of the International Joint Rules Committee on Softball. Retired engineer from Illinois Bell Telephone Company.

 

 

 

 

George “Doc” Linnehan

George “Doc” Linnehan, Levittown, New York – Manager

The only manager to have teams in the finals of the Men’s Major Slow Pitch and Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championships, Linnehan started managing in 1956 and led the Meenan Oilers to a fourth-place finish in the Men’s Fast Pitch National Tourney. In 1964, he led Local 138 of Huntington, LI to a second place. Switching to slow pitch in 1966, he led County Sports of Levittown, Long Island, NY to the national title in 1968 after finishing second in 1966 and third in 1967. His teams had a record of 55-23 in ASA national championship play. In 1965, he managed the Fast Pitch All-Stars and in 1968 managed the Slow Pitch All-Stars. A native of Queens, NY, Linnehan grew up in Jamaica, playing baseball in the Queens Alliance Baseball League in the 1930s before attending Palmer Chiropractic College in Iowa. After opening his County Sports Center, he continued his chiropractic practice at night for several years and began playing and managing softball teams. He died in 1990 at age 74 and was one of the most respected and well-liked people in the sport during his career. He also is a member of the Long Island ASA Hall of Fame.

 

Charles L. McCord

Charles L. McCord, Chillicothe, Illinois – Meritorious Service

Distinguished himself as women’s fast pitch manager, Illinois ASA commissioner and ASA president. As a manager, won 886 games and lost 201 in 26 years. Teams competed in 18 ASA nationals and 26 regionals. Team’s best finish in national tourney was third three times. In 1951, was named Illinois ASA commissioner after being interim for one year. Served as 24th president of the ASA from 1984-85. A 1944 graduate of Eastern Illinois University, he is a member of the University’s Hall of Fame. Won seven letters at EIU competing in track, baseball, and basketball. Former chairman of the National Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Was appointed first chairman in 1957 and served until 1992. In 1983 was elected to Peoria Hall of Fame. Instrumental in starting Illinois ASA Hall of Fame. Also, honorary member of Indiana and Indianapolis ASA Halls of Fame. Served as Illinois ASA commissioner for 50 years before he died on March 19th, 2001 at age 79. Only one of six people to have served as a commissioner for 50 years.

 

 

John Nagy

John Nagy, Cleveland, Ohio – Commissioner

Joined the Cleveland Parks and Recreation Department in 1939 and was appointed commissioner of recreation in 1943. During his career, he built a park and recreation system that was used as a model for other cities. Nagy was president of the ASA from 1970-71 and was ASA commissioner for more than two decades. Was instrumental in at least 10 national tournaments being held in Cleveland. He was a 1937 graduate of Ohio State University and Franklin Law College. He also played professional baseball in the Detroit Tigers’ farm system. He died July 24, 1983. He was 70 years old. He had suffered heart attacks in 1969, 1971, 1974 and had an ulcer in 1973. In 1974, a street was named in his honor, John Nagy Blvd in Cleveland. Just prior to his death he was awarded the Pride of Cleveland-Jesse Owens Award. In 1961 he was the Greater Cleveland Catholic Man of the Year. He also is a member of the Boxing Hall of Fame. In 1978, he was Man of the Year by the National Parks and Recreation Association and in 1981 was the Public Recreation Man of the Year by the AAU.

 

 

Benny Turcan

Benny Turcan, Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Commissioner

Named Louisiana ASA commissioner in 1952. Involved in softball more than 40 years and was chairman of Finance Committee. Also served as regional vice president. Started first softball league in Louisiana in 1940. Was former assistant commissioner of administration for Louisiana. Benny died in 1980.

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1978

Joe Barber

Joe Barber, Stratford, Connecticut – Commissioner

Served as Connecticut commissioner for 25 years and was 19th president of the ASA (1974-1975). Was Eastern vice-president in 1968-1969. Former chairman of the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame Committee from 1992-2004. Through his efforts, the ASA Men’s All-Star Fast Pitch Series was started in 1956 and he helped negotiate the first coast-to-coast telecast of the ASA Men’s National Fast Pitch Tourney in 1961 and the Women’s National in 1962. In 1974, hosted and ran the first USA-hosted ISF Women’s World Tournament in Stratford, CT. From 1975-1985 he was ISF North American vice president. On November 18, 1999 was elected to the ISF Softball Hall of Fame in the administrator category. In 1962, he held a meeting at the Stratford Motor Inn during the Women’s Major Fast Pitch National Tourney. Out of that meeting the International Softball Federation was formed. In 1965, he attended the first ISF World Tournament in Melbourne, Australia and arranged for the Raybestos Brakettes, Stratford, CT to make the first worldwide tour following the event. Barber was born February 18, 1921 and died on November 9, 2004 at age 83.

 

Edward C. Clott

Edward C. Clott, Cincinnati, Ohio – Commissioner

Former Cincinnati ASA commissioner who assisted with the first ASA Men’s Slow Pitch National Tournament in 1953. Was director of first ASA Women’s Slow Pitch National in 1961. Is commissioner emeritus. Served as Metro Cincinnati commissioner 25 years. Was chairman of the Slow Pitch Rules Committee for eight years. Also served on Hall of Fame and Equipment Standards committees. Former member of International Joint Rules Committee on Softball. Was born June 20, 1920 and died on February 4, 2004 at age 83.

 

 

 

 

Duke Denson

Duke Denson, Jacksonville, Florida – Manager

Outstanding manager of women’s slow pitch teams. Formed Jacksonville, FL Rebels in 1962 and team won 1,247 games and lost only 157. Between 1962-1977, the Rebels played in 10 ASA nationals and placed second three times (1968, 1974-75) and fourth twice. Now retired, Denson lives in Jacksonville, FL and is involved with the Florida Firefighter Games. Was employed by the Jacksonville Fire Department for 34 years.

 

 

 

 

Norma Eschenbrenner Ante

Norma Eschenbrenner Ante, Cincinnati, Ohio – Women’s Slow Pitch – Outfield

Ante starred in slow pitch for 11 years playing for teams in Ohio and earning All-America honors in 1963, 1964 and 1966. She played in nine ASA national championship tournaments and was a member of five national championship teams: 1962, 1963, 1964, 1966 and 1968. She helped Dana Gardens win three consecutive national titles plus 1966 with Escue Pontiac capturing the title in 1968. Her offensive and defensive abilities helped Dana Gardens compile some impressive won-loss records including 34-1 in 1963, 43-5 in 1964, 46-2 in 1966 and 41-8 in 1968. Her highest batting average in national championship play was .602 in 1961. She also batted .576 in the 1963 national, .412 in 1964 and .515 in 1966. She is the second woman elected to the Hall of Fame in slow pitch.

 

 

 

Doug Mason

Doug Mason, Clearwater, Florida – Men’s Fast Pitch – Infield

Doug Mason made his boyhood dream of playing for the Clearwater, FL Bombers a reality in 1949 when he joined the team as a teenager and stayed with the Bombers for 18 years. Five times Mason earned All-America honors playing in 18 ASA national championships and was a member of six national championship teams and three runners-up. He was a first-team selection in 1959,1963, 1965 and 1972 and a second team choice in 1962. He batted .333 in the 1962 and 1965 nationals and .389 in the 1972 national. He was born June 12, 1931. During his 18 years with the Bombers Mason achieved a .276 batting average with 1,271 hits in 4,606 at-bats. He also played for the Roth Rangers in 1955 and Faultless Rubber of Ashland, OH in 1966. Mason said his biggest thrill was being a teammate of every Hall of Famer ever to play for the Bombers and being part of six ASA national championship teams. Mason credits Eddie Moore, former Clearwater manager, as the person who most influenced his softball career. Said Mason, “He gave me the opportunity in 1949 to join the Bombers at 18 and then moved me to third base in 1957 when others advised against it.” Mason previously played second base and shortstop. After retiring as a player, Mason managed the Bombers in 1964-65 and 1974. The 1965 team placed second in the ASA national championship.

 

Tommy Moore

Tommy Moore, Clearwater, Florida – Men’s Fast Pitch – Infield

It was the natural thing. After being the bat boy for the Clearwater, FL Bombers from 1947-55, the logical thing for Tommy Moore to do was eventually play for the team. In 1959 he did and, in fact, led the team in batting with a .333 average and would play 11 of his 13-year fast pitch career with the Bombers. He either shared or led the team in hitting six times and three times he batted .400 or higher. In 1972, he batted a record .440 and also batted .407 in 1969 and .427 in 1971. He had a .329 lifetime average with 826 hits in 2,509 at-bats with 670 runs scored, 90 doubles, 63 triples and 33 homers. Nine times Moore earned All-America honors at four different positions including second base, utility, shortstop, and the outfield. He was a second team choice in 1960, 1961, 1962 and 1970 and a first teamer in 1965, 1966, 1972-74. He had a .277 batting average in national championship play (52-for-188) and a .227 average in 24 games in six Men’s Fast Pitch All-Star Series. Moore also was named All-Regional four times and batted .384 in 30 games (33-for-86). He was a member of three national champions (1960, 1962 and 1973) and three runners-up (1959, 1965 and 1972). Moore was feared by opposing pitchers because they knew he could beat them so many ways. Punch and run, extra bat hit, stolen base, extra base on a single, a walk and his natural ability and speed, coupled with his determination, made him one of the toughest outs in softball. Moore was born May 17, 1940.

Leroy Rutenschroer

Leroy Rutenschroer, Cincinnati, Ohio – Manager

Pioneer of women’s slow pitch in Metro Cincinnati, Lee managed women’s teams for 15 years with 11 of them qualifying for nationals, including the first ASA Women’s Slow Pitch National. His Rutenschroer Floral team captured the 1970 Women’s National at Parma, OH and finished second in 1962 and 1964 and third two other times. He also sponsored teams for 15 years. He died March 7th, 2002 at age 88. Mr. Rutenschroer was born October 2nd, 1913.

 

 

 

 

Jerry Stremel

Jerry Stremel, Hutchinson, Kansas – Commissioner

Named Kansas ASA commissioner in 1960 and served until 1979. Was involved with ASA since he was appointed a district commissioner in 1940. Was named president of Kansas ASA in 1950. Former member of the Hall of Fame Committee and International Joint Rules Committee on Softball. Served as North Central vice president (1963-1964) and Mid Central vice president (1967-68 and 1973-1975). Attended first two ISF Men’s World Fast Pitch Championships in Mexico City and Oklahoma City. Served two terms as mayor of Hutchinson, KS. Stremel died August 12, 1987 at age 79.

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1979

Al Bishop

Al Bishop, Marietta, GA – Commissioner

Involved in ASA 45 years and served as Georgia ASA commissioner from 1946-1978. A 1944 graduate of the University of Alabama and a 1928 graduate of Georgia Tech, he conducted five nationals, 28 regionals and more than 1,000 state tourneys during his career as a commissioner. Served as district commissioner for nine years before becoming state commissioner in 1946. Was a member of the International Joint Rules Committee on Softball 22 years. Served two years as regional vice-president. Was employed by the city of Marietta, GA for 30 years before retiring as director of the Marietta Parks and Recreation in 1970. The Al Bishop Softball Complex on County Farm Road in West Cobb was dedicated to Bishop in 1979. He was a charter member of the Georgia Parks and Recreation Association. He died on December 19, 1983 of natural causes at age 79. He was born in 1904.

 

 

 

Weldon Haney

Weldon Haney Lorenzo, TX Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Weldon Haney was a battler, on and off the softball field. “He was a tremendous fighter,” said former teammate Bill Parker. “It didn’t matter if he was 10 runs up or 10 runs down, he’d fight as hard as he could.” That fighting spirit was evident throughout Haney’s career. In fact, he fought cancer for 17 months with the same intensity he displayed on the field before dying May 8th, 1989 at 56. Born August 28, 1932 in Kemp, TX, Haney moved to Clearwater, FL in 1962 after starring as a pitcher (310 wins, 9 losses) and utility player in Calvert, TX, Ralls, TX and Lorenzo, TX. Relatively unknown when he joined the Bombers, Haney made a name for himself in the next 11 years, winning 286 games and losing 65 for a winning percentage of .815. In national championship play, he won 24 of 28 games including 13 in a row, and struck out 270 batters in 224 1/3 innings, allowing 108 hits. The worst record Haney had as a Bomber was 1962 when he was 25-6. Seven times he earned ASA All-America honors and twice he was named as a first-team utility because he was an outstanding hitter. He is the only pitcher to win the MVP award and lead the national tourney in batting (.412, 1968).

 

Bernard F. “Bunny” Lee

Bernard F. “Bunny” Lee, Lynn, MA – Meritorious Service

Served as Massachusetts state commissioner from 1961-1976. Served as Eastern Area vice-president in 1973. In 1977, softball field at Lynn Tech was named Bernard Lee Memorial Field in his honor. During softball career also managed Caggiano All-Stars, a girls’ team, for seven years and team compiled 4-4 record in two ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch National Championships. Won New England crown three times and were runners-up twice. Former member of the Lynn Port Authority. Is a graduate of Classical High School and World War II veteran of the Coast Guard. He was a cableman for the Massachusetts Electric Company for 30 years. Died July 14, 1976 at age 52 at Union Hospital in Lynn, MA.

 

 

 

Bill Massey

Bill Massey, Bremond, TX Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Not only an outstanding pitcher, but Massey also did not embarrass himself at-bat either. In fact, he once held the record for most triples in a national championship (3) and batted .300 (21-for-70) in national championship play. But pitching was Massey’s bread and butter as he starred for some of the nation’s top teams during a 27-year career, including the Clearwater, FL Bombers, the Raybestos Cardinals of Stratford, CT, the Houston, TX Bombers and the Texas TI Texas. Early in his career Massey, a 6-2, 200 pounds, established himself as a hurler pitching for the Air Force and earned the first of six All-American selections while in the Air Force in 1958. That year he had a 31-8 record with 611 strikeouts and 73 walks. After getting discharged from the Air Force, Massey joined the famed Clearwater Bombers and remained with them through 1961. He was 24-2, 27-2 and 34-4 in his three seasons with the Bombers and played in the All-Star Fast Pitch Series in 1961 and 1963. After his first All-American selection, Massey was again named an All-American in 1959, 1960, 1962, 1966, 1967 and compiled a record of 16-8 in ASA National Championship Play striking out 242 batters in 160 2/3 innings and allowing only 11 earned runs for an ERA of 0.48. Born February 17, 1936, Massey participated in a unique experiment in 1961 against the Baltimore Orioles baseball pitcher Steve Barber, who was clocked at 95.55 miles per hour at 60 feet six inches. Massey was clocked at 98.8 miles per hour pitching from 46 feet, the distance from the pitcher’s mound to home plate in men’s fast pitch. An independent contractor involving in promotional products representing Tasco Industries of Dallas, TX, a national company in business for 55 years, Massey retired as an active player in 1974. Massey called his greatest thrill in softball winning the “World Championship with Clearwater in 1960 in Jones Beach, NY.” His biggest disappointment was losing the World Championship two years later with the Raybestos Cardinals. Massey played for the Cardinals from 1962-1964 and averaged 28 wins a season. In 1963, he was 28-5 and hurled 16 shutouts including four no hitters and one perfect game with 403 strikeouts in 242 innings.

Johnny Moon

Johnny Moon, Atlanta, GA – Manager

Managed or coached amateur teams over seven decades, including 53 years as a men’s softball coach with a record of 2799-1051. He coached 19 baseball teams that won 11 city titles and compiled a composite record of 791-231. His girls’ basketball Tomboys never had a losing season and won 901 games. His fast pitch Tomboys’ softball team lasted for 23 seasons and compiled a 612-306 record competing in 17 Regional and 3 nationals. Former president of the Southern Major Softball League. Was inducted into the Georgia Hall of Fame in 1987. Moon died on March 8, 1994 at age 87. He worked for Fireman’s Fund Insurance in Atlanta, GA for 44 years as an IBM expert. He made ASA history in 1990 when—at age 84—he was forced to play right field when several of his Charlie’s Trading Post players could not make it to the Men’s Major Fast Pitch National in North Mankato, MN because of job conflicts.

 

 

 

Andrew Pendergast

Andrew Pendergast, Bremerton, WA – Commissioner

A native of Syracuse, NY, Pendergast served as ASA president from 1976-1977. He moved to Bremerton, WA in 1944 and was named a district commissioner in 1947 and remained in that position until officially being named state commissioner in January of 1954. He had been acting commissioner since June of 1953. He was parks superintendent for the city of Bremerton, WA for 31 years until retiring in 1977 after being named in the fall of 1947. He worked for the Syracuse Municipal Park Department from 1934 through 1939.He was a member of the Central New York Umpires’ Association from 1936 until he left in 1944. He was a past president of the Washington State Recreation Association. He served as vice chairman of the National Softball Hall of Fame and ASA Headquarters Building Committee from 1964-1973. In 1978, he received the first Washington State Recreation and Park Society award for continuous and outstanding service to public recreation. Served as first chairman of the Pan American Games Softball Committee (1979). Pendergast died in a plane crash June 2, 1986 in a remote section of British Columbia. He was 72 years old. He was born January 5, 1914 in Syracuse, NY.

 

Ferris Reid

Ferris Reid, Montgomery, IL – Umpire

Former Metro Chicago commissioner who umpired the longest men’s fast pitch game in ASA history, 31 innings in 1963 between the Clearwater, FL Bombers and the Portland, OR Ramblers. Started umpiring in 1941. Is now commissioner emeritus. Umpired in seven national tourneys and four Men’s Fast Pitch All-Star Series. Also umpired in Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada in 1967. Reid died on September 20, 2017.

 

 

 

 

Donna Wolfe

Donna Wolfe, Covington, KY – Women’s Slow Pitch – Outfield

Versatility distinguished Donna Wolfe’s 20-year career in slow pitch. She played in 13 ASA national championships and was named an ASA All-American five times at four different positions: left field in 1965 and 1966, shortstop in 1969, short center in 1971 and second base in 1973. Born January 27, 1947, Wolfe compiled a .484 batting average in national championship play and had a .506 lifetime batting average. The teams she played for compiled a 65-12 record in national championship play and won six national titles: Dana Gardens, Cincinnati, OH, 1964 and 1966; Escue Pontiac, 1968; Rutenschroer, 1970; Riverside Ford, 1972 and Sweeney Chevrolet, 1973. The two greatest thrills of Wolfe’s career were being inducted into the National Softball Hall of Fame and winning the 1969 Women’s Major Slow Pitch national championship as the host “Cinderella” team. Wolfe’s team finished with a 10-1 record. Commenting about that tournament, Wolfe said, “We were the host team and virtually unknown. We played 11 games in three days and had to come up through the loser’s bracket. It just shows you what you can do if you believe.” Wolfe retired as a player in 1975 and has been a physical education teacher in Covington, KY, her hometown, at Holmes High School since 1972. She has a B.S. degree (1969) and a M.A. degree (1970) from Eastern Kentucky University.

National Softball Hall of Fame 1960’s

The National Softball Hall of Fame is the ultimate goal for any player, coach, umpire or administrator who aspire to greatness in the sport. With over 400 inductees, the National Softball Hall of Fame is among the most difficult sports halls in the nation in which to gain membership.

Take a moment to browse through the Hall of Fame section and learn more about some of the sport’s greatest athletes and their accomplishments. If you get a chance to visit us in person while in Oklahoma City, please observe these hours of operation:

National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum
2801 Northeast 50th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
(405) 424-5266
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
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The Hall of Fame and Museum does not charge, but donations are greatly appreciated and accepted. Your donations help keep this history of softball alive through exhibit updates, upkeep and restoration projects.

Link to Video of the National Softball Hall of Fame

The National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum was established in 1957. Once USA Softball moved to Oklahoma City January 1, 1966 after having its offices in Newark, NJ, the decision to establish a Hall of Fame Building in Oklahoma City was made in January of 1965. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the Hall of Fame were held December 19, 1970 in Oklahoma City. The late John Nagy, former Cleveland Metro commissioner, was USA Softball President at that time. Hall of Famers Harold (Shifty) Gears and Carolyn Thome Hart were among those attending the ceremonies.

The National Softball Hall of Fame was officially dedicated May 26, 1973 in Oklahoma City. The building was opened to the public July 1, 1973.

The first of two additions to the National Softball Hall of Fame/USA Softball Headquarters was started July 5, 1976 and completed July 13, 1977 for an additional 4,350 square feet of space. Dedication ceremonies for the expansion were held July 23, 1977. Counting the National Softball Hall of Fame/USA Softball Headquarters and the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex, there is 28,406 square feet of space.

A second expansion was added July of 1980 for an additional 5,182 square feet of space, with total footage 18,140 square feet of space.

The National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum has over 400 members with two categories of membership: players and non players. Within the player category, there are five categories: Men’s/Women’s Fast Pitch, Men’s/Women’s Slow Pitch and Modified Pitch. Within the non player category, there are five different divisions one can be nominated in: Commissioner, Meritorious Service, Umpire, Managers and Sponsors. A nominee needs 75 percent (nine votes) of the votes cast by the 12 member Hall of Fame Committee to be elected. Annual inductions are held at the USA Softball Annual Meeting.

Through our vast collection of artifacts, the National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum strives to educate the public about softball’s rich history. Your support is critical to these efforts.

The Hall of Fame Donation Fund was established to ensure that the National Softball Hall of Fame has a future and is committed to educating people about the great former players and non players and the role they played in the development of the sport.

Your tax-deductible contribution helps the National Softball Hall of Fame continue its mission of educating, collecting and honoring as well as the preservation of the history of softball, the maintaining of present exhibits and purchase of new exhibits and possible expansion of the Hall of Fame building.

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Due to the volume of offers we receive, we cannot accept the donation of an artifact without a completed artifact description form. Please see our Mission Statement and Collections Management Policy to see what types of objects we will and will not accept. Once we have received your form, our staff will evaluate the object’s potential and will be in contact with you as to whether or not we will be able to accept the donation. If your object is chosen, the donated material will be recommended to the Executive Director for consideration. Following the meeting a staff member will contact you regarding the next steps.

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NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1960

Warren Gerber

Warren “Fireball” Gerber, Columbus, Ohio – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Ohio has had its share of outstanding fast pitch hurlers and among the best was Warren (Fireball) Gerber, who won 608 games and lost only 93 during a 17 year career. In ASA national championship play, Gerber fashioned a 7-3 record and hurled 50 no-hitters and four perfect games. He compiled a 40-1 record for Ferguson Auditors of Columbus, OH in 1939, and hurled the team to a third place in the national championship five years later. In 1945, he hurled three no-hitters in a row in leading Allmen Transfer to city and metro titles and in 1946 pitched his team to a sixth place in the ASA national tournament. In 1937, Gerber and former Columbus, OH State Auditor star pitcher Ralph Solt went 17 innings with Solt winning 1-0. Solt fanned 26, Gerber 25. Gerber walked one and Solt nine in the 2:30 minute marathon. Gerber, who retired from active play in 1952, was honored June 28, 1960 with Warren Gerber Day proclaimed in Cleveland, OH. Gerber came to Cleveland in 1943 and first worked for Midland Steel. Later, he joined J. Schrader Company as office manager before moving up to secretary-treasurer at the time of his death, September 18, 1964, following a heart heart. He was 43. He also is a member of the Cleveland Metro Hall of Fame.

 

Nina Korgan

Nina Korgan, Omaha, Nebraska – Women’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

When Nina “Tiger” Korgan joined a local softball team after her high school graduation in Council Bluffs, IA, only one position was vacant—pitcher, because she got the date mixed up and almost missed practice. That move turned out to be one of the best in her career, which spanned the period 1934-1949 and earmarked her as one of the top pitchers of that era. Korgan won 49 of 40 games her first year and during a 14-year period (1934-1948), she played on six ASA national championship teams, five with the famed New Orleans, LA Jax and one with the Higgins Midgets of Tulsa, OK (1941). The 1941 national tournament with the Midgets turned out to be one of the best of her career. Korgan fanned 67 batters in 30 innings and hurled four shutouts and had a perfect game with 20 strikeouts in another game. She allowed only five hits in the four games. Korgan extended her scoreless inning streak to 67 innings in the 1942 ASA national tourney in her first year with New Orleans before it was ended in the seventh inning of the championship game in Detroit, MI. Nina won four games in that tourney with three of them one-hitters. Korgan continued to play for the Jax until retiring in 1949. She worked for the Jackson Brewing Company until retiring in 1978. Korgan passed away on July 19, 2009.

 

Clarence Miller

Clarence “Buck” Miller – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Clarence “Buck” Miller intended to be a baseball pitcher, but wound up instead as one of the all-time great fast pitch pitchers in a career that started in 1940 and ended in 1957. A four-time ASA All-America, Miller hurled for Standard Parts of Memphis, TN, and was a first-team selection in 1948, 1952 and 1954 and a second-team selection in 1955. In 1948, Miller had one of his finest seasons, winning four games in the regional with three of the wins no-hitters and striking out 78 batters in 34 innings. In the national tourney, he recorded five shutouts between an opening 7-0 loss and a 1-0 defeat in the finals to champion Briggs Beautyware of Detroit, MI. Miller had defeated Briggs in the semis, 2-0, to end their 42 game win streak, then allowed only three hits in the finals while his team was blanked. Miller finished the tourney with 101 strikeouts. In 1952, Miller was 3-2 in the national tourney with an ERA of 0.48 with 55 strikeouts in 44 innings. In 1954, he logged a 3-1 record with 59 strikeouts in 36 innings. In 1955, he fanned 41 batters in 24 innings in splitting four games. Miller retired from the Buckeyte Tellulose Corporation in 1977. He was born July 25, 1923. He also is a member of the Memphis Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

 

Jim Ramage

Jim Ramage, Paducah, Kentucky – Men’s Fast Pitch – Shortstop

Called by his manager, Bernie Kampschmidt, “the best shortstop I’d seen play the game of fast pitch,” Jim “Boogie” Ramage was a member of four ASA national championship teams, including three with Fort Wayne (1945-47) and one with the Nick Carr Boosters of Covington, KY (1939).Although 5-foot-7 inches tall and weighing around 160 pounds, Ramage had a quick, strong arm to go along with his solid hitting. He started playing softball in 1937 and was originally an outfielder before switching to shortstop for the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons. When the Pistons played in the National Fastball League, Ramage held five of the league’s 10 offensive records. In 1947, he batted .285 to lead the league in batting as well as total bases (102), runs scored (42) and hits (67). In 1948, he won the league’s batting crown again, (.268). In 1949, he batted .298 and hit nine homers and 16 doubles. In 1950, he smashed 15 homers, the highest of his career, and followed with a .316 average in 1952 and a .323 average in 1954, the last year of the Pistons. Ramage had one of the greatest thrills of his career in 1946, hitting three homers in a game in the national tourney. That year the Pistons outscored the opposition, 26-1, en route to the title. In 1942, he batted .294 and drove in five runs as the Pistons finished runner-up, losing to the Deep Rock Oilers of Tulsa, OK, 2-0. Ramage remained an employee after the team disbanded and worked 42 years. Ramage passed away December 6, 1993 at age 73. Ramage, who joined the Pistons after the 1940 season, remained with them until the team disbanded after the 1954 season. He did remain, however, as an employee and worked for the company for 42 years. He passed away December 6th, 1993. He was 73. He was born in Paducah, KY and moved to Covington, KY when he was just a year old.

Ruth Sears

Ruth Sears, Taber, Alberta – Women’s Fast Pitch – First Base

One of the finest fielding left-handed first baseman in women’s fast pitch, Ruth “Lefty” Sears’ fast pitch career spanned 1936-1955 with all part one season, 1948, spent with the renowned Orange, CA Lionettes. Ruth was one of the original Lionettes when the team was formed in 1937 and batted .585 with the team in 1938. In 1936 she batted .560 playing for Santa Ana, CA. Four times Sears was named an ASA All-American (1950, 1951, 1953 and 1954) and she participated in seven national championships. In six of those championships she had a .984 fielding percentage with 185 putouts, one assist and only three errors. She batted .363 between 1950-1955 with 41 hits in 149 at-bats in national championship play. Ruth’s first All-American selection in 1950 was a memorable one. Not only did she score the winning run in the championship game, but she batted .393 with 11 hits in 28 at-bats, which was fourth highest in the tourney. She followed with a .350 average in 1951 and a .343 average in 1953. Between 1949-1955 Ruth helped coach the team with her husband, Leroy “Chub” Sears. Winning that championship was, according to Ruth, her “greatest thrill in softball.” She retired June 1,1973 after working 22 1/2 years as executive secretary to the superintendent of the San Joaquin School District. Ruth was born August 23, 1917 in Taber, Alberta, Canada and passed away March 20, 2001 at age 83.

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1961

John Baker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

When John Baker hurled a pitch, the ball looked like it had been shot out of a cannon. So Baker naturally was called “Cannonball” during his impressive 26 year career which ended in 1953. By then Baker had played in four ASA national championships, compiling a 6-2 record and won 780 games and lost only 120. He fanned more than 10, 000 batters and hurled 58 no-hitters. The first Connecticut softball player elected to the Hall of Fame, Baker was born October 30, 1912 and started playing softball at 11. By 21 he had become one of the top pitchers in his hometown of Milwaukee, WI. In 1934, Baker received and accepted an invitation to play for Westport, CT in the ASA national tournament in Chicago. Baker went 2-1 and was invited to go East. He never left. In a 1937 charity game, Baker fanned the legendary baseball slugger Babe Ruth. Ruth said to the catcher, “If you’re catching those, you might as well catch them in front of the plate because I can’t hit them.” Baker died December 27, 1997 at age 85.

 

 

Ben Crain

Ben Crain, Sloan, Iowa – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Crain pitched either right-handed or left-handed in almost 1,000 games during his career from 1928-1951, winning 85 percent of them with at least 100 no-hitters. He also was a good hitter and averaged 20 homers per year with a total of more than 300 for his career. Crain, who was a member of every Omaha All-City team from 1935-1949, played in 10 ASA national championships winning four games. Born in Sloan, Iowa November 4, 1910, Crain moved to Iowa City, IA at age 11. In 1931 he moved to Omaha. Before retiring, Crain was self-employed in the real estate and insurance business. He also is a member of the Nebraska Hall of Fame and the Omaha ASA Hall of Fame. Crain passed away March 10, 1986. He was 75.

 

 

 

Hughie Johnston

Hughie Johnston, Detroit, Michigan – Men’s Fast Pitch – First Base

Rated one of the best left-handed hitters of all-time, Hughie Johnston was born March 14, 1916 in Belfast, Ireland before he moved to Canada with his family when he was eight. The family lived briefly in Canada before moving to Detroit. Johnson started playing softball in 1933 with Burr-Patterson before joining Briggs Beautyware in 1938-1941. In 1942, Johnston joined the famed Fort Wayne, IN Zollner Pistons and remained with them until they disbanded in 1954. Difficult to strike out, Johnston was named MVP of the 1945 ASA national championship as the Pistons won their first of three titles in a row. Johnston was named to the Eastern Division All-Stars of the National Fastball League from 1946-1949 and hit 11 homers and drove home 50 runs in 1949. In 1947, he hit the first homer out of the new Zollner Stadium, a 260-foot blast. He batted .309 in 1950, .326 in 1951, .340 in 1952 and .317 in 1954. An intense player, Johnston never struck out more than 10 times a season and was always putting stress on the opposition and would even often tag the base runners hard. When asked why, Johnston said, I once tagged a runner in the usual way and the umpire called him safe. I made up my mind then if the umpire does not see it, he’s going to hear it. Johnston passed away on September 21, 2005.

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1962

There were no inductees into the National Softball Hall of Fame in 1962. We will try to find out why this happened.

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1963

John Hunter

John Hunter, Nashville, Tennessee – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

John Hunter’s debut as a softball pitcher wasn’t one a pitcher would like to remember. In fact, Hunter, then 14, got beat 22-1 pitching at Fort Negley Diamonds in Nashville, TN. Hunter more than made up for his inauspicious debut in becoming one of the greatest left-handed pitchers of all-time. After starting his career in 1940, Hunter led Nashville teams to city championships in 1942, 1943, 1944, 1946 and 1948 and to state championships in 1943-1944. In 1950, Hunter joined the famed Clearwater, FL Bombers and achieved a record of 41-2, including winning two games and striking out 29 in the national championship. He helped Clearwater win the national title, the first of 10 titles won by the Bombers. About winning the national title, Hunter said, “Yes, we expected to win it. But no one else expected us too. It was particularly good for me because it was my first year with the team.” In ASA national championship play, Hunter lost only three of 23 games, striking out 236 batters. Three times he was named the tourney MVP (1951, 1953 and 1955) and five times was named an ASA All-American. Hunter died November 7, 2000 at age 75 in Clearwater, FL. During his career with the Bombers Hunter won 275 games and lost only 19 before hip and back problems forced him to retire after the 1958 season after helping the Bombers win four national titles and place runner-up four other times. Hunter posted a 26-2 record that season. Hunter passed away November 7th, 2000 at age 75.

Byron Eugene Martin

Byron Eugene Martin, Newark, New Jersey – Meritorious Service

The first non-player elected to the ASA Hall of Fame, Eugene Byron Martin served softball in different capacities before becoming ASA executive secretary-treasurer in 1949 and serving until 1962. Before succeeding Michael J. Pauley as the ASA’s CEO, Martin served as New Jersey state commissioner and Eastern vice-president. Martin was named treasurer in 1945 before being elected to the combined post of executive secretary-treasurer in 1949. A native of Kokomo, IN, Martin played football and basketball at Indiana University, majoring in commerce and finance. He also promoted college basketball and boxing for four years at the National Guard Armory in Indianapolis. As executive-secretary-treasurer of the ASA, Martin traveled thousands of miles promoting softball in the United States as well as internationally. He was a member of President Eisenhower’s People-to-People Committee and the AAU Board of Governors. Martin initiated many softball programs, including National Softball Week in 1951 and the Men’s and Women’s Major Fast Pitch All-Star Series. On July 14, 1962, Martin died-a victim of cancer. He was 56 years-old.

 

Kay Rich

Kay Rich, Los Angeles, California – Women’s Fast Pitch – Shortstop

It didn’t matter to Kay Rich if opposing pitchers were throwing from 35 feet or 38 feet. She would get her share of hits and hit for a high average during a brilliant 21-year career that established her as one of the greatest all-around players in softball history. Rich starred in an era when high average hitters were rather the exception instead of the rule. Except if you were Rich, who batted .400 or higher three times in ASA national championship play and in the 1955 national tourney hit an eye-popping .611, including 10 hits and 10 RBIs. Between 1949 and 1957, Kay appeared in eight national championships and batted .371 (53-for-143) and had a fielding percentage of .974 with 99 putouts, 87 assists and only five errors. She batted .444 in the 1949 national championship when the distance from home plate to the pitcher’s mound was 35 feet. In 1952, the distance from home plate to the pitcher’s mound was increased from 35 to 38 feet and Kay again batted .400, with six of her eight hits for extra bases and a tourney-leading 17 total bases. She also was outstanding on defense with a 1.000 fielding percentage with 27 assists and 14 putouts. Rich played every position but pitcher on the softball field and there wasn’t any doubt that she would have done well as a pitcher if she wanted. She had an accurate arm and a smooth, easy throwing motion whatever position she played. Rich was named an ASA All-America eight times. In 1954, she was named national tourney MVP after batting .316. Rich passed away on July 1, 2017.

Bill West

Bill West, Cincinnati, Ohio – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

In bridge there’s an expression, “When in doubt, lead trump.” In fast pitch softball the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons would say, “When in doubt, pitch Bill West.” More often than not the 6-foot-2, 225-pound West would win. He had some outstanding years for the Pistons, winning 28 games and losing four in 1947, going 34-7 in 1948, 36-2 in 1949 with 452 strikeouts in 285 innings and allowing 93 hits, 32-4 in 1950, 24-2 in 1951 and 24-4 in 1952, with 350 strikeouts and 18-4 in 1954, his final year with the team. After joining the Pistons, West was named MVP of the National Fastball League in 1948 and to the league’s all-star team four consecutive years (1946-1949). In national championship play, West won five games and lost none, allowing six hits after joining the team in 1946 after serving a four-year hitch in the Army. Before joining the Army, West pitched in Kentucky. He moved there when he was five after being born in Cincinnati . He started his career in 1938 with Koelkel Norge of Covington before playing for Ken-Mac of Louisville, KY in the 1941 ASA national championship. West lost in the first round, 1-0 in 14 innings despite striking out 26 batters and allowing two hits. West had been a pick-up player after losing 1-0 on a no-hitter in the state tournament. In 1942, West hurled Newport to the Kentucky State title, winning three games with 46 strikeouts, and not allowing any hits. West passed away October 14, 1972 at 51.

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1964

Tommy Castle

Tommy Castle, Rochester, New York – Men’s Fast Pitch – First Base

Kodak Park of Rochester, NY was the first men’s Major fast pitch team to win the ASA national championship twice (1936 and 1940) and Tommy Castle, who played first base, was one of the players responsible for that achievement. Known for his offense as well as defense, Castle played softball 25 years for Kodak Park, beginning in 1935. He competed in six state tourneys (1935, 1936, 1939, 1940, 1942, 1943), 11 Mid-Atlantic regionals and 10 national championships. In the 1936 national Castle batted .375 with six hits in 16 at-bats and starred defensively, making only one error with 32 putouts and one assist. In the 1940 national, Castle batted .353 as Kodak Park won its second title. Also an outstanding baseball player who turned down an offer to play Triple A baseball for the Syracuse Chiefs, Castle had a .375 lifetime batting average in baseball and a .340 average in softball. A 35-year employee of Kodak Park before retiring in 1971, Castle said being a member of the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame and two national championship teams are the biggest thrills of his softball career. He was born October 2, 1913 in Rochester, NY and passed away April 24, 2003 at age 89. Castle also is a member of the NY state ASA Hall of Fame and the Monroe County sports Hall of Fame.

 

Margaret Dobson

Margaret Dobson, Seattle, Washington – Women’s Fast Pitch – Third Base

Margaret Dobson once held the record for the highest batting average in an ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship, batting .615 (eight-for-13) in the 1950 national championship. That record lasted until it was broken in 1975 by Hall of Famer Diane Kalliam. Dobson’s performance earned her All-American laurels for the second year in a row. Three years later, she was named honorable mention All-America, and participated in nine ASA national tourneys. Born June 11, 1931, Dobson started her career in 1944 with Vancouver, WA, joined the Erv Lind Florists a year later and remained with the team until retiring as an active player in 1959 to devote time to her career as a professional educator. She has B.S. and M.S. degrees and a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon and retired from Portland State University in 1992 where she was executive vice president emeritus. She attained full professor status at Portland State in 1968. Dobson was listed among the 50 Greatest Athletes of the Century for the state of Oregon in 1999 in Sports Illustrated magazine.

 

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1965

Marjorie Law

Marjorie Law, Phoenix, Arizona – Women’s Fast Pitch – Many Positions

Skilled enough to win All-America honors at three different positions, Law played for more than two decades for the famed Phoenix, AZ Ramblers and was a member of three national championship teams (1940, 1948 and 1949). Starting her career in 1935 as an outfielder, Law played first base and third base before switching back to the outfield and trying pitching tutored by her husband, Kenny. Marjorie started out as a sling-shot hurler before switching to windmill. She earned ASA All-America honors no less than 11 times including 1948 when she was named as an outfielder. She repeated as an All-American in 1949 and was also selected in 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954,1955 and 1957, playing in 22 ASA national championships and hurling three perfect games. In 1951, Law went 20-10 during the regular season and 3-2 in the national tourney, striking out 51 batters in 29 innings. She followed that season with a 47-20 record and a 5-2 record in the national tourney with 58 strikeouts in 47 innings with a 0.47 ERA. In the 1953 and 1954 nationals, she split four games in each event; one of her wins in the 1954 national was a perfect game against St. Louis. Law hurled all of the Ramblers’ games in the 1955 national, winning four and losing two with 31 strikeouts and two walks allowed. In her last season before retiring, 1957, Law won two of three games in the national. She, however, came back to play the 1967 season before retiring for good. Law passed away March 2, 2000 at age 76.

Roy Stephenson

Roy Stephenson, Hicksville, New York – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

The Grumman Yankees, softball’s version of the New York Yankees, narrowly missed winning the ASA national title in 1951. Grumman finished third in the 17 team field and its star pitcher, Roy Stephenson, proved he was as good as anyone in the United States by hurling 66 innings in six games, 52 in the final 29 hours. Stephenson’s 4-2 record earned him his second of five All-America awards during his career of more than two decades. He also was an All-American in 1948, 1950, 1958 and 1959. In 1958, he won 42 of 48 games, striking out 576 batters and winning three of five games in the national tourney. In 1959, he was 48-8 with 784 strikeouts before going 3-2 in the national tourney. In national championship play, Stephenson was 23-18, 15-2 in state tourneys and 40-3 in regionals. A 6-foot-1, 190-pounder, Stephenson started playing softball in 1938 with the Shamrocks of New Rochelle. Then 14, he worked very hard in developing himself into a world-class pitcher. “I used to practice for hours. I would throw against a fence when there was nobody to catch me. It certainly built up my arm. There was a time when my right arm was one-third larger than my left arm.” Stephenson retired from active play in 1960 and called his greatest thrills striking out 28 batters in a row in a 15 inning game in West Haven, CT and being elected to the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame.

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1966

Jim Chambers

Jim Chambers, Oshkosh, Wisconsin – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

It isn’t often that a softball player appears in “Ripley’s Believe It or Not.” But Chicago Match fast pitch pitcher Jim Chambers did in 1946 for striking out 40 Springfield, MO players in a 2-1 19 inning win in the loser’s bracket of the ASA Men’s National Championship. After that game, Chambers won two more games that evening, both shutouts, and three more later before losing in the finals to the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons, 2-0. Chambers finished with 117 strikeouts and held the single game record until Hall of Famer Herb Dudley fanned 55 batters in 21 innings in the 1949 ASA National in Little Rock, AR. Chamber struck out 4,380 batters and hurled 209 no-hitters during his 31-year career, which was highlighted by Chicago Match’s two runner-up finishes in the national tourney. Chambers said the greatest disappointment of his career was “knowing that someday I would have to stop playing and not being able to see my old friends.” Chambers was born November 27, 1922 in Aurora, IL and passed away on March 28, 2016.

 

 

Bobby Forbes

Bobby Forbes, Clearwater, Florida – Men’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

The youngest player to play for the renowned Clearwater, FL Bombers, Bobby Forbes made the Bombers in 1941 at age 14. From there he went on to become one of the most feared left-handed hitters in fast pitch. His former manager, Eddie Moore, said, “Forbes was one of the two greatest left-handed hitters in the game.” A three-time ASA All-American (1951, 1953 and 1956), Forbes batted .325 during the 1951 regular season and .285 in the national tourney. In 1959, he hit 12 homers to lead the Bombers. In1956, he led all hitters in the Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship with a .471 batting average. Also an outstanding football player who gained All-Southeastern honors, Forbes died of cancer in 1975. Each year an award is given in Forbes’ name as the outstanding Clearwater Bomber.

 

 

 

Carolyn Thome Hart

Carolyn Thome Hart, Peoria, Illinois – Women’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

If there was one thing that made Carolyn Hart more than just another player, it was her hustle. “I learned from coach Chuck McCord that if you didn’t hustle all the time, you would be just average,” said Hart. “He was a great coach, and I learned a great deal from him.” Hart was anything but average. Five times she earned ASA All-America honors: 1950, 1951, 1952, 1959 and 1955. She had a lifetime batting average of .301 after retiring in 1962 to devote more time to her family. She was born November 20, 1930 and passed away March 10, 1996 at age 65 after battling MS for more than 20 years. Known as Cotton Top or Cotton because of her striking blonde hair, Hart was the youngest player ever to play for the Caterpillar Dieselettes (1947-1955) at 16. After the Dieselettes folded, Hart joined the Pekin, IL Lettes and played until retiring. In 156 games, Hart batted 1,873 times, scored 460 runs (leading her team eight times), hit 171 doubles (leading the team five times), 31 triples, 68 homers (leading her team seven years) and stole 160 bases (leading her team six years).

 

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1967

Ronald Kronewitter

Ronald Kronewitter, Mishawaka, Indiana – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

During his career, Kronewitter compiled a won-loss record of 262-42 with 11 no-hitters, 28 one-hitters and 39 two-hitters. Beginning his career in 1928, he hurled with the 14-inch ball before going to the 12-inch ball three years later. He played for Bendix Brakes for 5 1/2 years, compiling a 113-19 record with 1936 (25-3) and 1937 (25-4) his best seasons. He pitched Bendix to three consecutive Indiana state softball championships ( 1936-37-38). He was captain of the 1934 Bendix team and had a 3-1 record in three ASA national (then called world) championships. Between 1937-1939, Bendix won 137 games and lost 42 against the toughest competition in the United States. He was a 1929 graduate of Mishawaka High School and received a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1933. He served as superintendent of the Mishawaka Wastewater Treatment Plant from April 1952 until July 1966. In 1968, he was named to Mishawka’s school board and four years later was elected president. Except for a brief period, he continued as president until September of 1980. Kronewitter was born January 11,1911 in Mishawka, IN and passed away December 13, 1987.

 

Nolan Whitlock

Nolan Whitlock, Rossville, Georgia – Men’s Fast Pitch – Shortstop

One of fast pitch’s all-time best shortstops, Nolan Whitlock came through in the clutch time and time again for the Clearwater, FL Bombers between 1953-1959. Who can forget the pair of homers he hit off Hall of Famer Harvey Sterkel in the 1954 national for a 7-6 victory. Then, in 1956, his two homers in the finals beat the Raybestos Cardinals. But perhaps his greatest clutch performance came in 1957, when his two-run homer off Hall of Famer Roy Stephenson in the top of the 15th gave Herb Dudley and the Bombers a 2-0 win. In the finals, as Sterkel and Dudley battled, Whitlock made three outstanding defensive plays. Whitlock played in six national championships and was a member of three national championship teams, all with Clearwater, in 1954, 1956 and 1957. From 1954-1957, he was named an All-American and batted .318 in the 1955 national and .333 in 1956. Whitlock retired as an active player in 1961.

 

 

 

Billy Wojie

Billy Wojie, Stratford, Connecticut – Men’s Fast Pitch – Third Base

If it hadn’t been for a heart attack, Billy Wojie, 5-foot 11, 175 pounds, would have played longer than seven years for the Raybestos Cardinals of Stratford, CT. But despite suffering a heart attack May 19, 1962, Wojie made the most of his seven years with the Cardinals, earning All-America honors three times (1955, 1961 and 1959) and playing in seven ASA national tourneys. Wojie had started his career in 1948 playing for Columbus Auto Body and joined the Cardinals in 1955 after Auto Body disbanded. Wojie played in his first national tourney in 1953 with Auto Body, but the team was eliminated in two games. Wojie also played for Post 162, Mutt & Jeff, Marlin’s and Arena Grille, all from New Haven , CT, during his 22 year career. With the Cardinals, he had one of his best nationals in 1956, batting .353 (6-fort-17) and driving in a then record 10 runs, but wasn’t named an All-American. He had been a year earlier, making eight putouts and recording 12 assists. In eight nationals, Wojie made 40 putouts, had 44 assists and made only two errors for a fielding percentage of .980. In his first two years with the Cardinals Wojie led in batting with .312 and .290 averages and in RBI in 1956, 1958 and 1959. The team won ASA national championships in 1955 and 1958. He had a seven-season .281 average with the Cardinals, collecting 429 hits in 1,527 at-bats, scoring 239 runs, hitting 74 doubles, 29 triples and 28 homers. After recovering from the heart attack, Wojie came back to manage the Cardinals from 1968-1971, winning national titles in 1969 and 1970 and finishing runner-up in 1971. Wojie passed away June 10, 1979 at age 56.

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1968

Leroy Hess

Leroy Hess, Aurora, Illinois, Men’s Fast Pitch – Catcher

An intense player who had a “so what” attitude when he did something outstanding on the softball diamond, Leroy Hess wore the Aurora, IL Sealmasters uniform from 1946-1963. He managed the team from 1950-1953 and 1955-1961. As a player/manager in 1959, Hess led the Sealmasters to their first national title and a record of 74-10. Two years later, he led the Sealmasters to another title and a 74-9 won-loss record. An outstanding defensive catcher, Hess was named an ASA All-American four times: 1956 (second team), 1957, 1959 and 1961. He batted .120 in the 1956 national tourney, .211 in 1957, .222 in 1959 and .416 in the 1961 national tourney. In 1957, he also managed the Major Fast Pitch All-Stars to three wins in a four-game series with the national champion Clearwater, FL Bombers. Although he wasn’t a high average hitter, Hess was considered a tough out and struck out 10 times or more only once during the nine years he played for Aurora. Hess worked for Sealmaster 37 years. He passed away May 31, 1984 at age 62.

 

 

Bob Sprentall

Bob Sprentall, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Men’s Fast Pitch – Outfield

Originally from Ann Arbor, MI, where he played baseball in the Detroit and Boston farm systems, Sprentall made his mark playing softball for the renowned Clearwater, FL Bombers. Sprentall played for the Bombers from 1954-1965 and was a member of national championship teams in 1954, 1956, 1957 and 1963. Four times he was named an ASA All-American: 1955, 1956, 1957 and 1959. Sprentall batted .304 in the 1955 national and was flawless in the outfield on 11 chances. In 1956, he batted .417 in the national tourney and was again perfect defensively. He earned his third All-American award in 1957,recording 13 putouts and one assist in the national tourney. He batted .316 in the 1959 national to earn his fourth and final All-American award. Sprentall, who started playing softball at 14, weighed 150 pounds and stood 5-feet 10. He had the speed to chase down fly balls and had a good throwing arm. Sprentall passed away on April 18, 2013.

 

 

 

NATIONAL SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1969

Jeanne Contel

Jeanne Contel, Oakland, California – Women’s Fast Pitch – Third Base

Contel was as versatile a player as there was on the roster of the Fresno, CA Rockets, one of the sport’s all-time top teams. She could catch, play first and the outfield. But it was at third base that earned Jeanne a spot in the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame. Jeanne started her career in 1944 and played for various local teams in Alameda, CA and Oakland, CA before joining the Rockets in 1951 after graduating from San Francisco State College. She remained with the Rockets for 14 years and participated in 11 ASA national championships, earning first-team All-America honors in 1953, 1955, 1957, 1958 and 1963 and second-team laurels in 1956. Born April 4, 1928, Contel played on three national championship teams (1953, 1954 and 1957) and was near perfection defensively in national championship play. In fact, in 10 of the 11 national championships she made 103 putouts, had 122 assists and made only only nine errors for a fielding percentage of .962. In four nationals, she had a fielding percentage of 1.000. In the 1958 national tournament, she had a record 21 assists from third base. Her national championship batting average was .286 (47-for-164).

 

Rosemary “Micki” Stratton

Rosemary “Micki” Stratton, Stratford, Connecticut – Women’s Fast Pitch – Catcher

Rosemary (Micki) Stratton played all but two years of her softball career with the famed Raybestos Brakettes of Stratford, CT, leading the team in batting three times: 1959 (.320), 1961 (.324) and 1965 (personal best of .370). The first two years, 1954-1955, she played for the Wallingford Owlettes before joining the Brakettes in 1956. She participated in 10 ASA national championships and four times the Brakettes won the national title. Stratton batted .272 (61 x 224) in 10 national championships and also played first base and the outfield. Ironically her highest batting average in national championship play came in her last championship, .348 in 1965. Solid defensively, Stratton had a fielding percentage of 1.000 between 1958-1961 in national championship play including 23 assists. Seven times she earned All-America honors including first-team laurels in 1958, 1959, 1961, 1964 and 1965 and second-team honors in 1956 and 1963. In 1965, she played in the first ISF Women’s World Championship and batted .348 as the Brakettes, representing the USA, finished second. Stratton was named to the World All-Star team. Born July 12, 1938 in Middlefield, CT, Stratton said her greatest thrill in softball was “winning the 1958 national championship. Every event, winning or losing, was a learning experience. I’ve traveled places and met wonderful people that I would not have done if I hadn’t played softball,” Stratton said. Rosemary passed away on September 7, 2018.

National Softball Hall of Fame 1950’s

The National Softball Hall of Fame is the ultimate goal for any player, coach, umpire or administrator who aspire to greatness in the sport. With over 400 inductees, the National Softball Hall of Fame is among the most difficult sports halls in the nation in which to gain membership.

Take a moment to browse through the Hall of Fame section and learn more about some of the sport’s greatest athletes and their accomplishments. If you get a chance to visit us in person while in Oklahoma City, please observe these hours of operation:

National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum
2801 Northeast 50th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
(405) 424-5266
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: Check USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex for weekend hours

The Hall of Fame and Museum does not charge, but donations are greatly appreciated and accepted. Your donations help keep this history of softball alive through exhibit updates, upkeep and restoration projects.

Link to Video of the National Softball Hall of Fame

The National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum was established in 1957. Once USA Softball moved to Oklahoma City January 1, 1966 after having its offices in Newark, NJ, the decision to establish a Hall of Fame Building in Oklahoma City was made in January of 1965. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the Hall of Fame were held December 19, 1970 in Oklahoma City. The late John Nagy, former Cleveland Metro commissioner, was USA Softball President at that time. Hall of Famers Harold (Shifty) Gears and Carolyn Thome Hart were among those attending the ceremonies.

The National Softball Hall of Fame was officially dedicated May 26, 1973 in Oklahoma City. The building was opened to the public July 1, 1973.

The first of two additions to the National Softball Hall of Fame/USA Softball Headquarters was started July 5, 1976 and completed July 13, 1977 for an additional 4,350 square feet of space. Dedication ceremonies for the expansion were held July 23, 1977. Counting the National Softball Hall of Fame/USA Softball Headquarters and the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex, there is 28,406 square feet of space.

A second expansion was added July of 1980 for an additional 5,182 square feet of space, with total footage 18,140 square feet of space.

The National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum has over 400 members with two categories of membership: players and non players. Within the player category, there are five categories: Men’s/Women’s Fast Pitch, Men’s/Women’s Slow Pitch and Modified Pitch. Within the non player category, there are five different divisions one can be nominated in: Commissioner, Meritorious Service, Umpire, Managers and Sponsors. A nominee needs 75 percent (nine votes) of the votes cast by the 12 member Hall of Fame Committee to be elected. Annual inductions are held at the USA Softball Annual Meeting.

Through our vast collection of artifacts, the National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum strives to educate the public about softball’s rich history. Your support is critical to these efforts.

The Hall of Fame Donation Fund was established to ensure that the National Softball Hall of Fame has a future and is committed to educating people about the great former players and non players and the role they played in the development of the sport.

Your tax-deductible contribution helps the National Softball Hall of Fame continue its mission of educating, collecting and honoring as well as the preservation of the history of softball, the maintaining of present exhibits and purchase of new exhibits and possible expansion of the Hall of Fame building.

Click here to make a donation

Due to the volume of offers we receive, we cannot accept the donation of an artifact without a completed artifact description form. Please see our Mission Statement and Collections Management Policy to see what types of objects we will and will not accept. Once we have received your form, our staff will evaluate the object’s potential and will be in contact with you as to whether or not we will be able to accept the donation. If your object is chosen, the donated material will be recommended to the Executive Director for consideration. Following the meeting a staff member will contact you regarding the next steps.

 Click here for the Donor Questionnaire Form

NATIONAL SOFTBAL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1957

Sam Elliott

Sam Elliott, Atlanta, Georgia – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

The first softball player inducted into the Georgia Hall of Fame, (1977), Sam “Sambo” Elliott started his career as a catcher and eventually decided he liked pitching better. Between 1934-1953, Ellliott averaged 12. 3 strikeouts per games, striking out 13,936 batters as he won 1,046 games and lost 87. He hurled 107 no-hitters. The first game Elliott ever pitched was a no-hitter and Elliott said that was one of the greatest thrills of his career. The others were being on a state championship team his first year and being one of the first people elected to the National Softball Hall of Fame in 1957. Although never a member of a national championship team, Elliott said, “There were so many great days than bad ones.” Elliott, who was inspired by another softball great, Paul (Windmill) Watson, played for numerous teams, including Knowles Electric, Sterchi’s, Sports Arena, Georgia Crackers, Brooks-Shatterly, Trammell Scott and Baily Supreme. Elliott retired from Western Electric in 1972 and passed away July 23, 1984. He was born August 23, 1911.

 

 

Harold Gears

Harold “Shifty” Gears, Rochester – New York, Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Some people think Harold “Shifty” Gears, the first inductee into the National Softball Hall of Fame, got his name because he could pitch a softball with either hand. Not true. Gears got his nickname because of his shifty footwork playing basketball growing up in his hometown of Rochester, NY. Gears started pitching a softball out of apathy because his teammates didn’t want to pitch and Gears was tired of his team getting beat badly. “When I saw the opposing team’s pitcher throw a rise ball I went home and worked on it,” said Gears. “I got so I could pitch and conked my catcher in the nose a couple of times and wound up as our pitcher.” Gears played softball five nights a week and baseball on Saturday and Sunday. Eventually he gave up baseball and concentrated on softball. In national championship play, Gears had a 20-6 record and finished his career with 866 wins and 115 losses. He hurled 61 no-hitters, nine perfect games, 373 shutouts and struck out 13,244 batters, averaging 13.5 strikeouts per game during his career. He retired as a player in 1951 and died November 18, 1974 at age 67. He was the first player elected to the ASA Hall of Fame. Gears passed away November 18, 1974 at 67 after suffering a heart attack. He was the first player elected to the Hall of Fame.

 

Amy Peralta May

Amy Peralta May, Tempe, Arizona – Women’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Amy Peralta May not only was a talented pitcher but she also was an excellent hitter who often batted clean-up for the renowned Phoenix Ramblers, one of softball’s all-time great teams. May was a member of three Rambler national championship teams, 1940, 1948 and 1949, and batted .577 in the 1945 national championship. She played 17 years of her 20 year career with the Ramblers, compiling a 447-79 record with 300 shutouts. Her overall record was 670 wins and 150 losses with 20 no-hitters and 80 one-hitters. She earned All-America honors six times and in the 1948 ASA national championship compiled a 5-1 pitching record with 25 strikeouts in 42 innings, allowing only 12 hits. She also batted .304 and had five RBIs in the championship. She finished the year with 55 wins. In the 1949 ASA national championship, she was unbeaten (3-0), striking out 14 batters and finishing the season 56-10. In the 1950 national, she won three of five games and struck out 20. May credited her team for her success. “I was a good pitcher because I had a good team behind me. Without them and our coach, Ford Hoffman, I would have never been the pitcher that I was.” Amy died in 1985.

 

M. Marie Wadlow

M. Marie Wadlow, Peoria, Illinois – Women’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

The first female inductee into the National Softball Hall of Fame, M. Marie Wadlow compiled a pitching record of 341 wins and 52 defeats between 1929 and 1950. In seven years with the Caterpillar Dieselettes of Peoria, IL Wadlow compiled a record of 107 wins and only 18 losses. Former manager Chuck McCord called Marie “one of the greatest competitors I’ve seen anywhere.”Growing up playing softball on the sandlots of St. Louis, Wadlow said her greatest thrill in softball came in the 1950 ASA national championship. She had a 2-2 record in the tourney, striking out 26 batters. “We had a 17-inning 1-0 loss to the Phoenix Ramblers, giving us third place in the national tourney at San Antonio,” said Marie. “The thrill was watching the Ramblers come back in the evening after that more than three-hour struggle in the intense heat of the afternoon. We had about two hours rest, then beat the undefeated Orange Lionettes 1-0 in 11 innings. We then took a half hour rest, then lost a heart-breaking 15 inning game to Orange, 3-1, for the championship. “It was 43 innings in about 11 hours,” continued Wadlow. “ Bertha (Ragan) Tickey pitched 26 innings in the last two games for Orange. She was knocked to the ground by a vicious line drive in one of the games, only to get up and finish the game and the tournament.”Wadlow retired from the Caterpillar Tractor Company in February of 1977. She also is a member of three other Halls of Fame.Wadlow passed away April 6th, 1979 at age 61.

NATIONAL SOFTBAL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1958

Al Linde

Al Linde, Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Linde was double-trouble to softball teams. Not only could he beat an opponent on the mound but at-bat as well. Linde has the distinction of being a member of five ASA national championship teams: the Ke-Nash-A’s of Kenosha, WI (1934), Deep Rock Oilers, Tulsa, OK (1942), Hammer Field Raiders, Fresno, CA (1943-44) and Dow AC’s, Midland, MI (1951). Linde started his career in 1930 hurling for the Ke-Nash-A’s (61-8) and as a teenager combined with Bill Penick (2-0) and Harry Kraft (1-0) to lead the team to the national title. In the national tourney, Linde allowed only one run and four hits in winning two games, fanning 36. He also batted .400. Between 1935-1938, Linde starred for teams in Iowa, including Schukei Motors of Waterloo (1935-36), the Boone Nitehawks (1937) and Iowa Packing (1938) before playing for the Phoenix Lettuce Kings (1939), Deep Rock Oilers and the Hammer Field Raiders. After a stint in the service, Linde finished his career with the Dow AC’s and in eight years (1946-1953) won 119 games and lost only 39. He helped Dow win the 1951 ASA national title batting .393 (11-for-28) and earning the first of his two All-America selections. Two years later he was again named an All-American outfielder, batting .357 in the national tourney. It is estimated that in his career Linde hurled 120 no-hitters, 25 perfect games and struck out more than 15,000 batters. On April 29, 1991, Linde passed away at age 76.

NATIONAL SOFTBAL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1959

Betty Evans Grayson

Betty Evans Grayson, Portland, Oregon – Women’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

Although she started her softball career as an outfielder, it would be as a pitcher that would eventually lead Betty Evans Grayson into the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame. She started as an outfielder in the Portland City League and by 13 had pitched a little in grade school. Her manager, Erv Lind, however, felt Betty could become a great pitcher. So with the help of Betty’s father, Raymond Evans, and two former pitchers, Eddie Jossi and Archie “Windmill” Hamlin, Betty pitched and pitched. Betty played in the outfield for the Florists the summer of 1940. That would be her last year in the outfield. At the end of the season, Erv told Betty, “From now on you’re going to be throwing for us.” Named all-city in 1941 and 1942, Betty pitched in her first of six ASA nationals championships in 1943. In 1944, she hurled the Lind and Pomeroy team to the ASA national title. She also was named as Oregon Woman Athlete of the Year by the Oregon Sportswriters and Broadcasters Association. She compiled a 456-99 record with 51 no-hitters and three perfect games. Betty died July 7, 1979 at age 53, a victim of cancer.

 

 

Bernie Kampschmidt

Bernie Kampschmidt – Covington, Kentucky, Men’s Fast Pitch – Catcher

Fort Wayne, IN Zollner Piston sponsor Fred Zollner knew a good thing or a good ball player. So when his Pistons were defeated 1-0 in 1940 on a one-hitter by pitcher Leo Luken and catcher Bernie Kampschmidt, Zollner asked the two players to join the team. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Kampschmidt wasn’t a stranger to national championship teams. In 1939, he played for the national champion Nick Carr Boosters of Covington, KY. But with the Pistons, he would play with a team comprised of the best players in the United States who won three consecutive national titles (1945-1947). Kampschmidt was named manager of the team in 1946 and held that position until the team disbanded in 1954. He was named to the all-star team of the National Fastball League four years in a row, 1946-1949. He called his greatest thrill in softball “winning the 1939 championship in Chicago with all the players being from Covington, KY, a town of eight thousand population.” Nicknamed Whitey, Kampschmidt had a rifle arm and was an excellent receiver who played softball 31 years starting in Covington, KY. After the Pistons disbanded, Kampschmidt remained with the company and had a 42 year career before retiring in 1982. He was born September 11, 1916 and died February 23, 1996 at age 79.

 

Clyde Kirkendall

Clyde “Dizzy” Kirkendall, Findlay, Ohio – Men’s Fast Pitch – Pitcher

A member of five national championship fast pitch teams, Kirkendall compiled a record of 1,144 wins and 52 losses during his fast pitch career (1932-1953) playing for ten different teams. He hurled 167 no-hitters. Kirkendall’s championships included three with the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons, 1945-1947, and one each with the Crimson Coach Tobaccos, Toledo, OH (1935) and Pohlar’s Cafe, Cincinnati, OH (1938). In one game he hurled 33 innings, allowed three hits and walked one while striking out 67. With Fort Wayne, Kirkendall compiled a 4-1 record in ASA national championship play and was 108-16 overall. He was 21-4 in 1948 with 215 strikeouts and only 37 walks and was 28-4 in 1947. In 1940, he had a 68-4 pitching record followed by a 51-3 record the next year. Dizzy, 6-feet tall and 195 pounds, suffered a heart attack in 1953 pitching for Cooper Tire and Rubber Company of Findlay, OH. He suffered two more heart attacks before passing away November 11, 1957 at 42. He was born August 21, 1915.

Robert Brown

Robert Brown became involved while in high school with men’s softball in 1971, joining Mertz Bake Shop from Oak Park, Michigan in the Detroit area as statistician-coach. At that time, Detroit was a hotbed for softball with defending ASA Champion Little Caesar’s, Snyder’s, Dino’s Pizza, Daly’s Drive-In and other teams that appeared in national tournaments on a regular basis. The following year, 1972,  Mertz was a charter member of the Detroit Major Metro Travel League and finished 4th in the USSSA Eastern World in Petersburg, Va. Robert later joined Stroh’s, Bert’s Blackhorse which finished 2nd to County Sports in the 1975 Stroh’s Invitational in Springfield, Ohio and Uniroyal which finished 5th in the 1976 USSSA World Series in Wyandotte, Michigan.

In 1977, after graduating University of Michigan where he was a student manager for the football and hockey teams, Robert joined Detroit Caesars of the American Professional Slo-Pitch League and became Assistant General Manager as well as administrator for the League Office in 1978. In 1979, Robert became Vice President of Marketing for the League and was responsible for procuring a contract with ESPN which televised the Pro World Series between Milwaukee and Kentucky as their first live network event.

Robert became Commissioner of the professional North American Softball League in 1980 and Executive Director of the National Slo-Pitch Conference in 1981. In 1982, he became General Manager of the Detroit Softball City Pro Team which lost to Milwaukee in the World Series. That turned out to be the last year of pro softball and the NSPC and Robert became Michigan USSSA Director 1982-83. He left softball to become General Manager of the Detroit Express Professional Soccer Team and attend law school. Robert was inducted into the Michigan USSSA Hall of Fame in 1990.

WSL Hall of Fame

  • 2015 Rusty Bumgardner, Kings Mountain, NC Second Base (2004 All Star Game MVP)
  • 2016 Dal Beggs, Haines City, FL Infield (2002 Class-Major National MVP)
  • 2017 Jason Kendrick, Naples, FL Outfield (2003 WSL Defensive Player of the Year)
  • 2018 Mike Olive, Headland, AL Player/Manager (WSL Player Manager and now Director)

WSL Managers/Sponsors/Special/Meritorious

  • 2015 John Daniels, Albertville, MN WSL Founder, Sponsor – Long Haul Trucking
  • 2015 Joseph Doc Agostinelli, Niceville, FL Sponsor – Doc’s Softball
  • 2017 Bob Shad, Cincinnati, OH Sponsor – EAP
  • 2017 Gary Jost, Roseville, MN Player/Manager – Long Haul
  • 2017 Cobbie Harrison, Louisville, KY Manager – R&D
  • 2018 Mike Olive, Headland, AL Player/Manager – OI/Livingston
  • 2018 Ray Hess, Ruther Glen, VA Manager – Plumbright

ISA Softball Hall of Fame


Click here to go to the Official ISA Hall of Fame Web Site and read about all it’s members

  • 1998 Mike Macenko, Brooke Park, OH Second Base (Steele’s Sports MVP-1987, Ritch’s-Superior, 9x ISA All World)
  • 1999 * Charles Wright, Columbus, GA Third Base (Elite ODPA-88, Steele’s, Ritch’s-Superior MVP-1991, MVP-1992, ODPA-93, 10x ISA All-World)
  • 2000 * Jerome Earnest, Panama City, FL Softball Writer (First writer to cover Slow Pitch Softball on the National Level)
  • 2001 * Dirk Androff, Naples, FL First Base (Steele’s Sports, Ritch’s-Superior, 6x ISA All-World)
  • 2001 Doug Roberson, West Palm Beach, FL Outfield (Steele’s Sports ODPA-1987, Superior/Apollo, Ritch’s-Superior MVP-1995, 6x ISA All World)
  • 2002 Dan Schuck, Sioux City, IA Outfield (Steele’s Sports, Bell Corp., Sunbelt, Team Easton, 5x ISA All World)
  • 2003 Bruce Meade, Bradenton, FL Outfield (Elite Coatings, Smythe Sox, Steele’s, Starpath/LeAlCo, 7x ISA All World)
  • 2004 Dave Steffan, Flat Rock, MI Catcher (Ritch’s-Superior MVP-1993, Sunbelt/Easton, 7x All World)
  • 2005 Ricky Huggins, Savannah, GA Pitcher/Infield (Lighthouse MVP-1990-AA, Steele’s Sports, Vernon’s, 7x All World)
  • 2006 Todd Joerling, Defiance, MO Shortstop (Steele’s ODPA-90, Bell Corp., Sunbelt MVP-97, Team Easton (OOPA-99), Dan Smith MVP-02, 10x ISA All World)
  • 2007 Cecil Whitehead, Valdosta, GA Outfield (Smythe Sox, Howard’s MVP-1988, Steele’s, Ritch’s-Kirk’s, Ritch’s-Superior, 6x ISA All World)
  • 2008 Brian Arnold, Auburndale, FL Pitcher (Doc’s, Florida Heat 02-MVP-AA, 02-MVP-A, Suncoast, Aubrey’s, Specialty Tank, 10x ISA All World)
  • 2009 * Craig Elliott, Wadley, AL Pitcher (Steele’s Sports, 1x ISA All World)
  • 2010 Rick Scherr, Denver, NC First Base (Howard’s/Western Steer MVP-1984, Superior/Apollo, 2x ISA All World)
  • 2011 Dal Beggs, Haines City, FL Infield (Dan Smith MVP-2000, Hague/Resmondo, Team Synergy MVP-A-2004, 6x ISA All World)
  • 2012 Brett Helmer, Cicero, NY Second Base (SoJern, Team Easton MVP-1999, Dan Smith/Backman OOPA-02, 4x ISA All World)
  • 2013 Billy Messina, Simi Valley, CA Pitcher (Dan Smith, Chase/Reece, ISA Class-A/AA teams, 4x ISA All World)
  • 2014 Curtis Nave, Sanibel, FL Player (Florida Heat, ISA Class-A/AA teams, 3x ISA All World)
  • 2014 Bobby Davis, Tampa, FL Player (Played all over the country – has won 54 National titles and – 3x ISA All World)
  • 2015 Bill Blake, San Antonio, TX Catcher (Howard’s/Western Steer, Smythe Sox, Steele’s Sports, 4x ISA All World)
  • 2015 Rusty Bumgardner, Kings Mountain, NC Second Base (Converters, Shen Valley, Team TPS, Long Haul, 4x ISA All World)
  • 2016 * Dewayne Nevitt, Brandenburg, KY Infield (Converters, Dan Smith/Easton)
  • 2016 Monty Tucker, Fincastle, VA Catcher (Steele’s, Sunbelt/Worth)
  • 2018 Ernie Montgomery, Knoxville, TN Outfield (Steele’s, Starpath)

ISA Managers/Sponsors/Special/Meritorious

  • 2000 * Jerome Earnest, Panama City, FL Manager/Sponsor and Writer
  • 2000 * Cecil Alford, Stone Mountain, GA Manager/Sponsor – Lighthouse/Alfords Softball
  • 2003 * N.C. Ryals, Gainesville, FL Manager – W.W. Gay
  • 2004 Woody Bell, Tampa, FL Sponsor – Bell Corporation
  • 2006 * Dave Neale Sr., Brook Park, OH Manager – Steele’s Sports Silver Bullets
  • 2008 Roger Tabor, Sanibel, FL Manager – Florida Heat/Nave Plumbing/Joe Black’s
  • 2017 Jolly Holcombe, Oak Ridge, TN Sponsor – Solway Hardware

* Deceased

NSA Hall of Fame


Click here to go to the Official NSA Hall of Fame page and read about all it’s members

  • 1992 Bruce Meade, Bradenton, FL Outfield (Smythe Sox, Starpath/LeAlCo)
  • 1998 *Dirk Androff, Naples, FL First Base (Steele’s, Ritch’s-Superior MVP-1995)
  • 1998 Mike Macenko, Brooke Park, OH Second Base (Steele’s MVP-1986, 1990, Ritch’s-Superior)
  • 1998 Rick Weiterman, West Bend, WI Pitcher (Steele’s, Ritch’s-Superior)
  • 2001 Todd Joerling, Defiance, MO Shortstop (Steele’s, Bell Corp., Sunbelt, Dan Smith)
  • 2002 Jay Huffstickler, Charlotte, NC Player (Played Class-C Softball in North Carolina)
  • 2004 Jeff Wallace, Phoenix, NY First Base (Steele’s, Team TPS MVP-1998, Long Haul MVP-2001, Resmondo/Taylor Brothers)
  • 2010 Mike Jackson, Gadsden, AL Player (Played Class-C Softball in Alabama)
  • 2011 Brett Helmer, Cicero, NY Second Base (Bell Corp, Dan Smith, Sports PT, Bubba’s)
  • 2012 Charles Smith, Rochester, NY Pitcher (Fast Pitch Softball)
  • 2015 Jerry Jones, Atlanta, GA Player (Played Senior Softball in Georgia)
  • 2016 Mike Shenk, Ephrata, PA Third Base (Shen Valley, Lighthouse MVP 1996, Ritch’s-Superior, Team TPS, Team Easton, Long Haul)
  • 2016 Phil Hardy, Richmond, KY Player (Played Class-A/B Softball in Kentucky, Kentucky Steel Erectors)
  • 2016 Jerry Jones, Southside, AL Player (Played all over the country)

NSA Managers/Sponsors/Special/Meritorious

  • 1995 * Dave Neale Sr., Brook Park, OH Manager/Sponsor – Steele’s Sports Silver Bullets
  • 1997 Gerald Parrish, Frankfort, KY Manager – Parrish Lumber (Class-B)
  • 2007 John Dobernick, Lansing, MI Manager – Plumbers & Pipefitters Local #333
  • 2007 David “Hank” Basset, Monticello, KY Manager/Sponsor – T&K/Basset Products, Starpath, Starpath/LeAlCo
  • 2008 Robert “Red” Moore, Duckworth, KY Manager – Reds Boys, Red’s Astros
  • 2013 Jeff Hague, Columbus, OH Sponsor – Hague
  • 2015 Greg Powers, Knoxville, TN Manager/Coach – Chase/Reece/Roosters, AM Las Vegas/Benfield/Shades, Benfield/Reece/Shades
  • 2019 Denny Helmig, Grafton, OH Founder/Player/Sponsor – Steele’s Sports

* Deceased