The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) was founded as the United States Slow-pitch Softball Association in the spring 1968. Over that last weekend of August 1968 the first USSSA World Softball Tournament was played in West Allis Wisconsin. Over the past 40 years USSSA has grown from a couple of thousand slow-pitch softball players to over 3.5 million participants playing 13 primary sports. In fact, USSSA sanctions teams and individuals in 38 sports.

USSSA’s first decade was a turbulent one. USSSA led the charge to allow amateur athletes to play slow-pitch softball in whatever league or association they wished. People playing softball, and now playing many other sports, is what USSSA has always been about and has served as a foundation for its continued growth.

In the eighties USSSA grew by leaps and bounds. USSSA purchased a building in Petersburg, Virginia for its National Headquarters and Hall of Fame Museum. By the end of the decade USSSA membership had surpassed 100,000 teams and USSSA toured the world to promote softball, sportsmanship, and good will.

The nineties were the best and the worst of times for USSSA. The association continued to grow, however softball was decreasing in popularity. The various associations were cannibalizing each other in order to inflate their team registration numbers. In 1998 USSSA suffers a tragic loss when its longtime CEO Edgar “Al” Ramsey III passes away. The Board of Directors, immediately named the Assistant Executive Director, Don DeDonatis, as the new CEO. DeDonatis initiated sweeping changes. The changes included branching out into sports other than softball. By the end of the nineties USSSA had grown to over 1.6 million participants, with 300,000 being non slow-pitch softball.

In March 2003 USSSA moved its national headquarters from Virginia to Osceola County, Florida. This move has benefited USSSA and Osceola County in many positive ways. In 2007 USSSA had over 3.5 million participants and is solely responsible for 58,044 room nights in Central Florida, of which 45,307 room nights are in Osceola County. This means millions of dollars in positive economic impact to the region.

Currently, USSSA nationally governs 13 amateur sports. Slow-pitch softball, baseball, fast-pitch softball, and basketball athletes make up approximately 90% of USSSA’s membership. The remaining 9 sports account for over 350,000 registrations in USSSA, including Tae Kwan Do and Soccer, two sports that USSSA holds events in Osceola County. Over the past ten years USSSA has not failed to increase its year to year membership. In fact, for all but 3 of those 10 years USSSA’s membership has grown by over 10% per year.

Below are the members from 1979 – 1999.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2000

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Randy Gorrell was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Manager Category. Randy has participated in eleven USSSA Men’s Major World Series as a manager of coach. On five occasions his team would win this event: 1980 with Campbell’s Carpet, 1981 with Howard’s Western Steer, 1988 with Steele’s Sports, and back to back in 1991 and ’92 with Ritch’s Superior. Four times during his USSSA career his team would finish 4th in the World Series, and his ream also finished 3rd in the Men’s Major World Series in 1989. His coaching record with Howard’s Western Steer in 1981 was 160 victories with only 15 losses. Randy has coached twelve players who are members of the USSSA Hall of Fame. Randy was inducted into the Texas USSSA Hall of Fame in 1999.

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Sandy Mader was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category. According to Mr. Al Ramsey, Sandy Mader was best known for her leadoff abilities in the lineup and was one of the most consistent hitters ever to play in the USSSA Women’s Program. Sandy was a member of four USSSA Women’s “A” World Series Champion teams. There times with Cannan’s Illusion and in 1998 with UPI. She was a member of three USSSA Black American Champions with the Aero Battery in 1994, and with Soop’s in 1995 and 1996. She was also part of the Sierra Illusion/TPS team that won the USSSA Mixed World Tournament in 1997. Sandy was selected to the USSSA “A” All World teams on three occasions she was chosen as a member of the All World Team at the USSSA Black American World Tournaments. She was a member of all the World team at the USSSA Mixed World Tournament in 1997. Four times she was named the Tournament Most Valuable Player at the Women’s “A” World Series and was selected as the Most Valuable Player at the USSSA Black American World Tournaments in 1994 and again in 1996. Sandy is a member of the USSSA Team of the Decade for the 1990’s at the third base position.

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Ron Parnell was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category. For over twenty years he has participated in the highest levels of USSSA competition, playing in the Men’s Major program for such outstanding teams as Capitol Insulation, Steele’s Sports, Superior Apollo, Ritch’s Superior, and Team Easton. Ron was a member of three World Champion teams, in 1988 with Steele’s Sports, and in 1991 and 1992 with Ritch’s Superior. He leads the Men’s Major World Series in most hits, most runs, and most at bats. Seven times between 1985 and 1998 he was selected to the USSSA Men’s Major All World Teams. Ron Parnell was selected as the outstanding defensive player in the 1987 Men’s Major World Series at Waterloo, Iowa. He is also a member of the USSSA Men’s team of the Decade for the 1990’s.

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Wayne Rinehardt was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Executive Category. Best known as a Director and administrator the USSSA in North and South Carolina. Wayne has played, coached, and umpired in the USSSA program. His duties as a leader in this association began in 1972, when he was appointed as an area director by USSSA Hall of Famer Dwight Hall. In 1980 Wayne assumed the Position as the USSSA State Director in South Carolina. Wayne Served as Division Vice President of the Atlantic Coach Division and before his retirement this year, and also served as the Executive Vice President of USSSA. Under his leadership the state of South Carolina has become know for operating some of the best tournaments in the country.

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Dan Smith was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Manager Category. Dan Smith, of San Jose, California, cannot tell you how many teams he has sponsored and coached other the years, but the answer is many. In 1991 his team won the USSSA Men’s “AA” World Tournament and went to finish fourth in the Men’s Major World Series. His teams have participated in every Men’s Major World Series since that time. On three occasions in 1996, 1998, and in 1999 his team would finish second in the gem of softball. It all came together at the Disney Wide World of Sports Stadium in September of 2000 when his team Dan Smith/Backman/Menosse/Worth won the USSSA Men’s Major World Series. In 1999 his team won the USSSA Men’s 50 & Over World Tournament and Dan was selected as the tournament Most Valuable Player. With all the success Mr. Smith has had both on and off the field he says that his biggest thrill in the game of softball was to be able to coach all three of his sons.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2001

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Danny Brown was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Executive Category. Danny Brown was appointed as the USSSA California State Director in 1979. He also served as the Western Region Vice-President from 1979 through 1994. In 1994 he was appointed as the Executive Vice-President of all sports. He has directed many USSSA Tournaments including the Men’s Major World Series in 1989 in Omaha, Nebraska. He also hosted some of the association’s premiere events in California including the 1980 Men’s Major World Series, the USSSA Men’s “A” and “B” World Tournaments and the Women’s “A” World Series. He was presented the coveted USSSA President’s Award in 1984.

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Ray Demarini was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Special Category. In the 1980’s Ray Demarini was a 5’6″, 165 pound undersized softball player obsessed with improving his game. In 1988 he was asked by ESPN to do an instructional hitting video. From over 450 videos in it’s group, it took first place at the American Film Festival. The following year he took the proceeds he had received from the video and along with his partner created Demarini Sports. His mission was for Demarini Sports to provide the opportunity for every softball player to own a custom factory bat. In the 1990’s Ray’s first printed advertisement appeared in USA Today. His first customer was Dr. Rodger Clay who called and ordered a custom bat and then asked Ray, “How do you think you can compete against the giant bat companies?” Ray responded “How do you think those cumbersome giant companies can compete with me?” By 1992 the company had created the first high performance multi-walled bat, the Demarini Double Wall, the game of softball was changed forever.

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Bill Gatti was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category. Bill played the game of slow pitch for over 20 years and comprised a lifetime batting average of .650 with 980 home runs. He was a member of four consecutive USSSA Men’s Major World Series Champion teams. In 1984 and 1985 with Elite Coating and 1986 and 1987 with Smythe Sox. Three times he was selected to the USSSA Men’s Major All World Teams, 1983, 1986, and again in 1987.

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Sue Koziol was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category. She played shortstop for some of the best teams in the USSSA Women’s Program such as Steele’s, Lady Blue, UPI, Diamond Queens, and Kinder Sharks. She was selected to the USSSA Women’s ‘A’ World Series all World Teams on seven occasions. Three times she was chosen as the Tournament Most Valuable Player in the World Series.

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Charles Laroche was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Special Category. Charles started his long career with USSSA in 1968 as an umpire and served for many years as the USSSA Florida Umpire-In-Chief. In 1981 he was appointed as the USSSA State Director for Florida. He was promoted to the position of Division Vice-President in 1990. He served on the executive board from 1990 through 1997, serving as the Chairman from 1994-1997. In September of 2001 he was appointed to become the first national Director of USSSA Men’s Program. He has served on and chaired many committees and task forces including the reorganization take force that was architect for the development of the multi-sports organization. Charlie has acted as a tournament director for over 350 USSSA tournaments including the Men’s Major World Series in 1994. In 1996 he received the prestigious USSSA President’s Award.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2002

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Robert Boudreaux was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Special Category. Robert served as the USSSA State Director for Louisiana for the past twenty years. He also is the Executive Vice President for the Atlantic, Mid West, and the new South Divisions. He served as the USSSA National President from 1998 through 2001. He is one of only three individuals to have been awarded the prestigious President’s Award in both the Director and Executive Categories. Robert served as the USSSA Tournament Director for many state, national and world tournaments including twice for the USSSA Men’s Major World Series in 1990 and again in 1991.

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Chuck Maiorana was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category. His outstanding career expands four decades, batting leadoff and playing shortstop most of his career he accumulated a lifetime batting average .620 with over 120 home runs. He has been a member of USSSA champion teams in five classifications, Men’s ‘B’, Men’s ‘A’, Men’s ‘AA’, Men’s 35 & Over, and Men’s 45 & Older. In USSSA tournament play he was selected as the tournament Best Defensive Player twenty two times. He was chosen to 20 All Tournament Teams including the 1984 Men’s Major World Series and the 2001 Men’s 35 & Over World Tournament. Chuck was inducted into the Michigan USSSA Hall of Fame in 1994.

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Ed Menosse was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Manager/Coach Category. As a thirty year veteran of the USSSA program he was coached such high profile teams as the Bay Area Merchants, Campbell’s Carpets, and the Dan Smith teams. Three of his teams he would coach to be champions of the USSSA Men’s Major World Series. In 1973 with the Bay Area Merchants, 1980 with Campbell’s Carpets, and 2000 with Dan Smith. During his coaching career he has constructed a record of 2472 wins with only 387 losses.

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Pete Narrai was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Umpire Category. In his thirty year career with USSSA Pete has officiated in more than 200 state tournaments, 35 national tournaments, and many world tournaments including two USSSA Men’s Major World Series. He has conducted over 100 USSSA umpire clinics. Pete served as the State Umpire-In-Chief for Wisconsin from 1980 through 1985. He served as the Northern Region Umpire-In-Chief from 1985 through 1990 and he also served as a member of the USSSA National Playing Rules Committee from 1982 through 1989. He was selected as the USSSA Central Division Umpire of the Year in 1983 and received the USSSA National Umpire-In-Chief Award in 1986. Pete also served as the USSSA Co-State Director for the state of Wisconsin for ten years from 1988 through 1998.

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Brenda Ryan was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category. Brenda made a huge impact on the USSSA Women’s Program in 1977 as a member of the Women’s ‘B’ World Champions, Pabst Blue Ribbon, she did this at the age of 17. She was a member of the World Champions in the USSSA Women’s ‘A’ Program in 1985 with Northside K of C, in 1998 with UPI/Kinder, on two occasions she was chosen as the Most Valuable Player, at the Women’s ‘A’ World Series in 1985 and again in 2001 at the Women’s 35 & Over World Tournament. She was voted as the Player of the Year in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1985, 86, 92, and 1993. she was awarded the Debeer Sports Women of the Year in 1993. She was inducted into the Greater Cincinnati Hall of Fame in 1999.

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Jim Swint was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the executive category. Jim was appointed as the USSSA State Director of Kansas in 1980, the same year that the Fun Valley Sports Complex opened under his leadership in Hutchinson, Kansas. In 1981 he was promoted to the position of Regional Vice- President for the Central Division and in November of that year received the prestigious USSSA President’s Award. Under the restructure of USSSA in 1984 he was appointed as the Executive Vice President of the Newly Created Mid West Division. He was elevated to the position of Northern Region President in 1988 and in 1997 was appointed as the USSSA Assistant Executive Director. Under his leadership since 1980 the Fun Valley Sports Complex has hosted 75 USSSA National and World Tournaments. In 1991 he was selected to serve as the President of USSSA and he also was the recipient of the E.A. Ramsey/CEO Award in 2001.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2003

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Britt Hightower has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category. During his 19 year career he was a strong left fielder with a lifetime batting average of .730 and over 2,500 home runs. In USSSA Men’s Major World Series play he ranks first with most at bats 407, most in runs with 217, and second with most hits with 225. Britt has played on six USSSA Men’s Major Champion Teams, in 1986 and 1987 with Smythe Sox and 1990, 1991, and 1992 with Ritch’s Superior, and 1999 with R&D Easton. On twenty five occasions he has been selected as the tournament most valuable player in N.I.T play. He was chosen to the USSSA Men’s ‘A’ All World Team in 1985. He also was selected to the USSSA Men’s Major World Series All World Teams in 1986, 1990, 1992, and again in 1997.

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Beverly Lovett has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category. A standout in the USSSA Women’s, Mixed, and Black American Programs Ms. Lovett’s career spans twenty two years with a life time batting average of .600 and over 75 homeruns. He has been a member of four USSSA World Champion teams, in the USSSA Women’s ‘A’ Program in 1990 and 1994 with the Cannan’s Illusions, 1998 with UPI, and 2002 with Kinder Sharks. She was a member of the Sierra Illusions in 1997 when they won the USSSA Mixed World. Four times she was a member of the USSSA Black American Women’s World Tournament Champion Teams in 1994, 95, 96, and 2002. Her individual accomplishments are also very impressive. She was chosen as the tournament Most Valuable Player in many USSSA Women’s National Invitational Tournaments including three times at the Blue Bonnet NIT. Five times she was selected to the Black American All World Teams. She was selected to the USSSA Women’s ‘A’ All World Teams in 1998, 1990, and again in 1994. At the USSSA Women’s ‘A’ World Series in 1990 she was the Home Run Champion and also the Tournament Most Valuable Player.

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Bill Mathews has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Special Category. Starting his career with USSSA as an umpire in 1972, Bill was very active in that position until 1987. He officiated in the USSSA Industrial World Tournament in 1984. In 1985 he was appointed as the USSSA State Director of Missouri. He has hosted many divisional and national tournaments including the Men’s “D” in 1988, the Men’s “C” in 1991, and the Men’s “B” in Both 1992 and 1993. Bill served as the Assistant Tournament Director for the 1994 USSSA Men’s Major World Series and the following year he was appointed as the tournament director for that event. He received the Central Division Director of the Year award in 1986 and was the recipient of the prestigious USSSA President’s Award at the national convention in 1991.

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Jerry Stout was inducted in 2003.

No picture or bio was provided.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2004

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Darrell Beeler has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category. Darrell carries a lifetime batting average of .715 and has hot over 2,000 home runs in his career. He was a member of three teams that won the USSSA Men’s Major World Series. First with Superior-Apollo in 1989 and in both 1991 and 1992 with Ritch’s Superior. On two occasions at the Men’s Major World Series he was selected to the All World Team in 1989, and again in 1991. He ranks seventh in the USSSA Men’s Major World Series play with 172 hits. Darrell became a member of the Oklahoma USSSA Hall of Fame in 2001.

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Jackie Hayes has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Manager/Coach Category. Although a fine player in his own right, Jackie has made his mark on the USSSA program as a manager and coach. The highly competitive teams that he has been affiliated with as a coach and manager have won over 40 USSSA NIT’s and he has been a part of a team that has played in every USSSA Men’s Major World Series since 1988. On two occasions the team that he was coaching with has won the USSSA Men’s Major World Series. In 1997 with Lighthouse/Worth and again in 2000 with Dan Smith/Backman/Menosse/Worth. While coaching the AJD team they won the Virginia Men’s State Tournament seven straight years from 1984 through 1991. The teams that he has helped coach during his career have won over 1,000 tames in tournament play.

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Andrew Joel has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Special Category. Andy started his USSSA career as a sponsor and coach of the AJD team in 1985. His AJD team compiled a tournament record of 650 wind and only 250 losses. AJD won the USSSA Virginia Men’s State Tournament seven consecutive years from 1984 through 1991. His team participated in seven USSSA Men’s World Series with their best finish being fifth place in 1990 at Greensboro, North Carolina. Andy stated that one of his favorite moments in the tournament play was when his AJD team defeated the barn storming Juggernaut team, Steele’s, with base hits and defense, not home runs.

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Danny Malone has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Umpire Category. Danny has been a USSSA umpire since 1979. in that twenty five year career he has umpired in more than 50 state tournaments, 10 divisional and national tournaments, and 3 USSSA World Tournaments. He has officiated in all three of the USSSA World Series, the Men’s Major World Series, the Women’s ‘A’ World Series, and the mixed ‘A’ World Series. He has served twice on the USSSA National Playing Rules Committee, from 1991 through 1994 and again from 1996 through 1998. He has acted as the Division Umpire-In-Chief since 1998 and has conducted national umpire clinics each year since 1981. Danny received the southwest Umpire of the Year Award in 1986 and the Southern Region Umpire Award in 1996 and 1997. At the national convention in 1997 he was presented with the USSSA National Umpire-In-Chief Award. Danny stated that the highlight of his umpire career was the last tournament game he worked at the 2004 USSSA Military World Tournament because his partners were is son, his daughter, and his son-in-law.

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Brenda Paulson has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Special Category. In 1981 Brenda made history as the first women to be appointed as a USSSA State Director. This all started when she agreed to conduct some USSSA tournaments in her home state of Illinois following her participation in the USSSA Women’s ‘B’ World Tournament in 1975. Under her leadership the USSSA program in Illinois has flourished in 1984 the state of Illinois was in the top ten states in team registrations, twenty years later Illinois is still in the top ten states in both slow pitch and fast pitch team registrations. She has conducted over fifty N.I.T.S. in her career and approximately twenty divisional and national tournaments. Brenda hosted both the USSSA Women’s ‘C’ World and the USSSA Women’s ‘A’ World tournaments in Rockford, Illinois in 1993. She reviewed the prestigious USSSA President’s Award at the National Convention in 1987.

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Jacqueline Watkins has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category. For the majority of her career Jackie has played shortstop, third base, and pitcher. Her lifetime batting average in tournament play is .787. She has played in the USSSA Women’s Program with the Bandits, C.C. Raiders, Gann’s Mustangs, Diamond Queens/TPS, the Connecticut Bombers, and the Diamond Queens. Jackie was a member of two USSSA World Champion teams, in 1997 with Sierra/Illusions in the Mixed World Tournament and 1999 at the Women’s 35 & Over World Tournament with Snap, Krackle, Pop. In the Women’s ‘A’ Program she was a member of the Diamond Queens when they finished second in the World Series. She has participated in over 90 USSSA NIT’s and has been selected to All Tournament teams on more than 30 occasions. She has played in every USSSA Women’s ‘A’ World Series since 1993.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2005

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Woody Bell was inducted into the USSA Hall of Fame in the Special Category. When you think of Woody Bell, you immediately think of the great Bell Corp teams of the past two and a half decades. Winning the Men’s Major World Series in Daytona Beach, FL in 1993 was especially sweet, with play beginning at 8:30AM and finishing five games later at 8:15PM as the new World Series Champion. Woody has said that softball is the greatest sport in America today. He most enjoys seeing two evenly matched teams playing. Where defense not offence becomes the deciding factor of the game. He has always insisted that his team members were gentleman on the field. No bad language, no arguing with umpires, never ignoring old fans or the young ones. His dedication to the sport has led him to sponsor as many as four teams in a season and to travel to 142 consecutive tournaments.

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Jim Darby has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Special Category. After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1973 he spent several years as a pitching coach there and at St Mary’s College. In December of 1977 he took the position of promotions manager for Easton Sports and was advanced to Vice-President in 1981. The Job of promoting Easton Sports would carrying him across the country many times, and eventually to his first USSSA event, the 1978 Men’s Major World Series in Petersburg, Virginia. He was amazed at the athletic abilities of many of the players, names such as Denny “Uptown” Jones, Mike Cellura, Stan Harvey, and Russell Bradley. Over the year he worked with Todd Joerling, Dan Schuck, and Brett Helmer. He also worked with the men who put these great teams on the field – Woody Bell, Richard Howard, Dan Smith, Steve Stinski, and Larry Quartuccio. Jim considers it a privilege to work with the …. People at USSSA, and organization that never sits still. Through their efforts, thousands of children and adults have the opportunity to participate and compete in a wide rage of sports. In a nutshell, the USSSA “Makes things happen.”

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John Hart was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Umpire Category. John’s 25 years service with the USSSA seems hardly enough time to archive so many accomplishments. He has put on numerous umpire clinics in New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Louisiana. He umpired in the 1986 Men’s Major World Series in Greensboro, NC, and the 1989 Corporate World Tournament in New Haven, CT. He served as an UIC in the 2001 Armed Forces World Tournament in Kettering, MD, and the 2002-2005 Super Series in Orlando, FL. He has officiated over 30 NIT’s, over 60 state, New England, Divisional Tournaments since 1982. Other duties have included: MA State UIC 1986-1998, member National Playing Rules Committee 1992-94 and 1998-present. Northeast Division UIC since 1998. He is an original of the USSSA New England Hall of Fame. Other awards include Northeast Division Spark Plug Award in 1998, National Director of Officials Award in 1999, the Massachusetts Bob Farrell Outstanding Achievement Award in 2001. Contributor to USSSA umpire training videos in 2001-2002. John says softball is a wonderful sport… that offers enjoyment and social interaction. “Being recognized by players and other officials on and off the field for an outstanding job is a great personal award.

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Jess Heald was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Special Category. Following a 1957 graduation from the United States Naval Academy and 5 years in the service, his engineering background eventually led him to Worth Inc. where he became in company’s first product development manager. His innovative products include: the first one piece aluminum bat, the fist polyurethane core softball, the first official league safety baseballs and softballs, the first player’s bat/equipment bag, and the first carbon composite bat. In 1985 Jess developed the softball performance standards which are still used today. In 1994 he participated in the development of the first softball bat performance standard which was first adopted by USSSA. In 1990 Hess was elected Chairman of the board of Worth Inc. and in 1993 was inducted into the sporting goods industry hall of game. Throughout his 35 year career at Worth, Hess has been the company liaison to the USSSA. Presently Jess is serving as the Executive Director of Play Ball USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing participation in baseball and softball.

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Mary Hoff was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame In the Female Player Category. Nineteen years playing USSSA ball has seen Mary with Satellite Cement, Lady Comets, Canton Softball Center, Lady Blues, Gino’s, UPI, Santa Monica Yankees, Kinder INS, Diamond Queens and Armstrong Ceiling. With a .545 batting average, 34 career home runs, this excellent pitcher is also a solid line drive hitting with power to all fields. USSSA wins versus losses stand at 302 and 29. She was three times a World Series MVP: in 1991, 1999, and 2003. World Series All-Tournament Team selections were hers in 1983, 1984, 1989, 1991, 1992, and 1993, 1998-2000, and 2003. Although she has been a member of eight Women’s World Series Championship teams (1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2003) she has enjoyed most playing with and against all the great female athletes and making life long friendships along the way.

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Todd Joerling was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category. Todd’s 20 year USSSA Career has seen him with Steele’s Sports, Bell Corp, Lighthouse/Sunbelt, Bell Sunbelt, Sunbelt/Dan Smith, Team Easton, R&D, Dan Smith/Backman/Menosse, and Resmondo/Smith/Menosse. A base hitting with power, he has hit over 1,100 home runs and has compiled a lifetime batting average of .725. He was selected as MVP at four USSSA Men’s Major NIT’s. He made World Series All-Tournament Teams in 1993, 1994,1997, and 2001. Proudest moment: In the 1993 World Series in Daytona Beach Bell Corp had to beat Williams twice to win the title. In the first game Bell Corps was trailing by 2 runs with 2 outs and 2 runners on base in bottom of the 7th inning. With 2 strikes on him, Todd hit a 3-run home run to win the game and Bell Corp then went on to win the 1993 World Series.

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Denny “Uptown” Jones has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category. Denny began playing softball in 1979 in Louisiana. His skills were soon noticed and “big time” softball afforded him the opportunity to play with Campbell’s Carpets, Concord, CA, Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL and Capital Insulation, Lost Angeles, CA. His favored position is the outfield, where he was awarded World Series Outstanding Defensive Player awards with Jerrys Caterers in 1983 and Capitol Insulation in 1985. In national tournament play he was selected All Tournament Teams fourteen times. World Series Champion Honors were his in 1980 with Campbell’s Carpets and in 1982 and 1983 with Jerrys Caterers. His proudest moment was winning the 1980 World Series which brought softball recognition to the west coast. Denny always enjoyed traveling, making new friends, competing against great athletes, and having the opportunity to show some of the skills God gave him.

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Frank Lateano from Windsor Locks, CT has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Manager Category. A USSSA veteran since 1984, Frank’s introduction to the USSSA World Series came in 1987 when his team Superior Bombat finished in 8th place with a record of 2-2. The next year saw Frank return with the Superior-Spalding again going 2-2 but this time finishing in 6th place. By 1989 Frank had it right and his Superior/ Apollo softball team swept the series in Omaha (5-0) and was named Manager of the Year All World Team. The following year Superior Apollo cam in second to Rich’s-Kirks first. Using that “if you can’t beat them, join ’em,” 1991 saw powerhouse Ritch’s Superior emerge and capture the World Series Championship in Dayton Beach and again in Daytona Beach in 1992. In USSSA World Series play Ritch’s Superior placed 9th in 1993, 3rd in 1994, 6th in 1995, 4th in 1996, and second in 1997. In 1988 TPS merged Ritch’s/Superior with Shen Valley and Frank won the World Series again. In 1999 Frank won the series with the Eason backed R&D team. Overall his high profile teams participated in 13 consecutive World Series. Frank says he is thinking about getting back into softball. We all hope so.

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Ron Neely was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Executive Category. Ron Neely has participated in the USSSA program at every level; Player, Coach, Umpire, Area Director, State Director. It was as a member of the executive committee and then the executive board that he made his mark, serving on the National Softball Committee, National Disbarment Committee, Major Players Committee and all Men’s and Women’s National Program Committees. He was awarded the prestigious USSSA President’s Award in 1988. Texas inducted him into the State USSSA Hall of Fame in 2001. He was USSSA Director of the year in 1982, 1986, 1987, and 1991 in the southwest division. He was presented the first Mel Burtrum Award in 1984. Ron has spent over 25 years of service dedicated to building a team approach to selling USSSA programs and idea. His introduction of hospitality functions sponsored by state organizations on the national level and the development and improvement of national meetings were all part of bringing a business approach to the national meeting. The USSSA has become his extended family with whom he shares a bond of hard work and professionalism.

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Tom Turley has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Special Category. Tom Turley became involved with USSSA softball in 1979 as an area director, player, team sponsor, and managed the “Turley Brothers Masonry” and “AG Spano” teams that competed in numerous USSSA divisional and national tournaments at the “A” and “B” levels. When his playing career ended he concentrated on developing the Kansas City USSSA Slowpitch Program. In 1990 he was involved with the design and construction of the multi-million dollar, 68 acre “Mid-American Sports Complex” in Shawnee, Kansas, and has managed it for the past 15 years. When USSSA made the decision to become a multi-sport association, Turley was quick to become involved with the development of many new programs. In 2000 Turley was appointed Vice-President of Director Development and at the 2004 convention was appointed to the USSSA Board of Directors, serving on slow-pitch and fastpitch softball, taekwondo, and basketball committees. His awards include: Kansas Director of the Year Award, Central Division Director of the Year Award, Midwest Division Director of the Year Award, Dwight Hall Spark Plug Award, Distinguished Service Award, and the Coveted President’s Award.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2006

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Hank Bassett from Monticello, KY has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Special Category. Spending over 20 years in the game of slow pitch softball as a sponsor, manager, and player, his teams boasted a 73.6 winning percentage, winning 1060 games while losing 381 games. He co-sponsored and managed teams that ranked in the top ten best team for almost a decade. His Starpath teams were the first USSSA teams to win berths to play in seven consecutive USSSA World Series (’85-’91). Finishing second in the 1991 USSSA World Series. Hank went to work for the Hillerich & Bradsby Company (a.k.a. “Louisville Slugger” and “TPS”) charged with the responsibility of heading up TPS’s slow pitch promotional program, as well as maintaining relations with the carious governing associations in the game. He was instrumental in helping to institute changes in the games using H&B’s influence and by working with the associations. He began the TPS Power Ratings which provided a method by which the better teams in the country were ranked according to their participation and success at the upper levels of the game. He also instituted and maintained the TPS Player Statistical Awards by which the players who posted the best numbers in Home Runs, Home Run Frequency, and On-Base Percentage were recognized at the end of each season. His enduring wish is that all who run and serve the game of slow pitch softball continually work towards bettering and strengthening the game.

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Rusty Bumgardner from Gastonia, NC has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category. At well over 6′ tall, Rusty is an imposing if not intimidating figure when he steps up to the plate. His stats make him even more so: he has Men’s Major World Series Championships with Converters Unlimited/Vernon’s TPS in 1994. Shen Valley/Superior/ Taylor/TPS in 1996, Team TPS in 1998, Long Haul/Taylor Brothers/ Shen Valley/TPS in 2001, Resmondo/Hauge/Taylor/Sunbelt in 2003 and Resmondo/Smith/Menosse in 2005. He is a member of the 2006 Men’s Major All-Disney Team and the Conference USSSA Team for 2006. In World Series Play as of 2006 he accumulated 331 at bats, 184 hits, 180 RBI’s, and 167 runs. He was selected to the series All World Team in 2003, 1999, 1998, 1994, and 1993. His greatest thrill was playing for Shen Valley/Superior/ Taylor Brothers/TPS in the 1996 World. Sunday morning in the losers bracket, playing 5 games in a row beginning at 8 am and concluding at 9 pm, finally defeating Dan Smith for the Championship.

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Anna Clements from Lutz, FL has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category. A nineteen tear career in USSSA Softball has sees Anna play with and against some of the best teams in women’s softball. She played for Lady Comets (FL), Women of Steeles (MI), Canton Softball Center (MI), Lady Blue (TX), Rockets (NC), Shooters (FL), and Action Awards (Mixed)(GA). Though she was adept in the outfield as a well a shortstop, she considers left center her main position. Her hitting style varied from long ball to line drive and gap hitting, always using her speed for extra bases. Her biggest thrill was to end her career winning the Women’s World Series with the Shooters and being named the Tournament Most Valuable Player going out on top! “The game of softball is a gateway to many opportunities that otherwise would not be afforded. Softball enriched my life through the long lasting friendships that I have made and the impact that these individuals had on my life. Through softball I gained a competitive edge in life which continues into both my personal and work life.”

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Rick Fortuna from Parkville, MO has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Executive Category. Though Rick has coached teams in the USSSA program for over 9 years, and been the state director for baseball in Missouri for the same period, it is at the national level where he has real make his mark. He was appointed the Executive VP of Baseball in 1999 and still holds that position. He has served on the baseball National Committee, Tournament Awards Committee, and the New Sports Committee. In 2000 he received the President’s Award and in 2002 is received in coveted Al Ramsey CEO Award. It would no understatement to say the USSSA Baseball Program would not be what it is today without Rick Fortuna. He has been a strong guiding hand in the founding, development, guidance, and growth of this very important USSSA program. Rick relates that most exciting event in his USSSA career was seeing the first USSSA World Series take place in 1997.

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Dwight Gehring from Hutchinson, KS has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Umpire Category. Thirty two years of umpiring, 21 of those years with USSSA, have made Dwight’s life an umpire’s dream come true. His participation in USSSA events has included 53 world tournaments, 12 divisional championships, the 1988 Men’s Major World Series, the 1989 Women’s World Series, UIC for the Women’s “B”,”C”,”D” and Men’s “C” in 2004, Women “B”,”C” and Men’s “B” in 2003, and UIC for 6 Fast Pitch World Series. He served as Kansas area UIC from 1985-2001, Fun Valley UIC from 1985 to present, and state UIC from 2001-2004. He was the Central Division Representative to the National Rules Committee from 1992-1994 in addition to assisting in numerous nation, state, and local umpires clinics. He was named State Umpire of the Year in 1190, 1993, 1998, and 2000. He received the Director of Officials Award in 1999, and was named Divisional Umpire of Year for the Greater Southwest Division in 2000. Among the most memorable umpiring moments Dwight includes: a boys state tournament where a light pole fell onto the field during the game, a tournament with winds gusting over 80 mph, and girls tournament in Joplin, MO where the locals quartered him and 10 other Kansas in a Baptist College Dorm no tobacco, no alcohol and they all had a great time.

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Jeff Hall from Gastonia, NC has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category. Jeff’s 18 year USSSA Career playing USSSA Major Softball has seen him don the uniforms of Steeles Hit Man, Sunbelt/Steeles, Bell Corp, Sunbelt/Bell Corp, Dan Smith/Sunbelt, Dan Smith/Backman/Menosse/Worth, and Specialty Tank. Although comfortable anywhere on the field, his main position was 1st base. He is a member of the 2006 All-Disney Team. Since the year 200 in the Men’s Major World Series at Walt Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, FL Jeff has a batting average of .626 on 82 hits, 69 runs, 77 RBI’s, 31 home runs, a nd 140 at-bats. Playing for Specialty Tank in 200, he was named to the USSSA All-Conference Team. Though being named MVP over 20 times and being listed over 50 times to All-Tournament Teams, he states is proudest moment came when he was named Most Valuable Player at the 2000 USSSA World Series. Jeff believes “the game has changed for the good because of USSSA. USSSA stepped up to the plate putting a limit to home runs per game,” allowing class “A”- “AA” teams to compete with the major teams. “Good job USSSA.”

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Patrick Kehoe from Sodus, NY, has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Special Category. As a sponsor of USSSA men’s, women’s, and youth softball teams since 1969, over 35 years, Patrick has been his teams time numerous NIT and National Championships. Since 1991 his Men’s Major, “A” and “AA” softball teams have played on the major tournament circuits. His Pace Electronics team traditionally ranks in the top 20 Nationally every year. In the past ten Black American World Tournaments, Pace has won 7 and finished second three times, an unprecedented record. With over 1,000 wins to their credit, Patrick’s teams are respected across the country. He was spent over $500,000 supporting just his men’s teams. Patrick’s proudest moment in his softball career occurred in 1992 in Cleveland at the USSSA Class “A” NIT. Pace not only beat Steeles, the #3 ranked team in the country, but then went on to finish off #1 ranked Bell Corp to win the tournament. He attributes a great measure of the success of his men’s team to the fine leadership of his manager Eugene Williams.

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Bobby Louria from Dearborn, MI has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category. His 29 year USSSA career has seen him play with Custom Wall, Lezotle Builders, Academy Realtors, Murphy Chevrolet, Doughbuoys, Seaway Mechanical, Southgate Merchants, Lakeshore House, Clementes Bar, Miller Auto, Southgate Inn, Southwestern, Sunset Technologies, Bunca, Manitowic Ice, and Peoples Choice TV. His lifetime batting average stands at .580 with over 100 home runs. As a pitcher he pitched 8 one hit games compiled a 4000/300 won list record on the field. His most thrilling moments were winning the class “AA” World Tournament in Kalamazoo, MI in 1990 then going to the Men’s Major World Series finishing fourth. Bobby’s greatest talent was not just pitching. When he stepped on the mound, it was “ShowTime.” unnerving players and entertaining the fans brought him a great deal of personal satisfaction. From cone heads to flames erupting from his glove at he start of a pitch, there is one things Bobby was not, and that was predictable.

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Tom Mattes from Livonia, MI has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Umpire Category. Tom has been an umpire for 45 years, 34 of those years with the USSSA. Officiating at the World Tournament in 1973, 12 men’s major world series, countless national invitational tournaments, 5 women’s world tournaments, 4 men’s class “A”-“AA” tournaments (as Umpire In Chief) only partially describes his involvements in the USSSA Program. He helped run the home run hitting contest and supplied his expertise to the bat checking process at numerous men’s major world series. He has been Umpire-In-Chief for the state of Michigan for 17 years; he has conducted national, divisional, and state umpire national convention for 15 years, and served on the National Rules Committee for 5 terms. “I have always enjoyed umpiring USSSA softball, whether the game level be class “E” to Major. My primary aim was to always give 110%, never being overbearing while performing my duties…every player listed in the 2004 Men’s Major World Series Almanac as most valuable player, hall of fame player, and manager has participated in a game I officiated.

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Colleen Needham from Cincinnati, OH has been elected to the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Manager Category. In her 23 years of coaching and managing teams in the USSSA Colleen has accrued quite an enviable record. In USSSA Adult programs, she has won more World and World Series tournaments than any other coach or manager. She began with Famous Recipe (1982-1985), then Express Chili (1988-1997), Northern Cincinnati Sports Medicine (1994-1999), Cincinnati Pride (1998), TY-1-On (2000-present), and Ohio Cardinals (1999-present). Championships: Women’s “A” World 1986, 1987, and 1988 (1st women’s world series) and runner-up in 1982, 1989, 1990, and 1995. Women’s 35 & Over 1998, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, and 2005. Women’s 50 & Over 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, Women’s 55 & Over 2005, Women’s 45 & Over 2005. Her overall won/loss record in USSSA play is 946 wind to 245 losses for .794. Colleen was awarded the Debeer Sportswoman of the Year Award (non-player category) in 1996. She was named the Greater Cincinnati Coach of the Year in 1988, 1989, and 1990. Her most memorable moments include winning her first World Tournament with Express Chili in Petersburg, VA in 1986, winning the fist Women’s World Series in 1988, coming from behind and beating Cannan’s Illusions in 1995, and getting out of the 7th inning bases loaded with no outs situation, to go again and win the Women’s 35&Over Championship in 1998 in Columbia, SC.

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Tammy Totland from Hutchinson, KS has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Special Category. Tammy’s first contact with the USSSA was in 1979 as a player. By 1982 she was an area director, and in 1988 she became the Kansas State Director. She has accomplished numerous awards during her career including: 1990 Central Division Director of the Year, 1992 Central Division Distinguished Service Award of Excellence, 2001 Mel Burtrum Award, and 2003 Midwest Division Director of the Year. Through her career with the USSSA Tammy has grown and matured, staying open minded to new idea and eagerly taking on challenged big and small. From Tammy, “The game of softball is a lifetime sport that we can all participate in and enjoy on a competitive or recreational level. Just like the game of softball, USSSA is a lifetime organization (and) we all need to be open minded enough to make changes for the betterment. Being part of the USSSA organization has allowed me to go placed that I never would be able to see 25 years ago. It has enabled me to meet so many great people that have become a big part of my family.”

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2007

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First joining the USSSA in 1980 as an area director, he was appointed as the Kentucky State Youth and Women’s Director in 1986. In 1990 he was appointed Co-State Director with Ed Williams and in 1998 took the position on his own with Ed’s retirement. In 1988 Chuck was named the Great Lakes Director of the Year and in 1999 he received the coveted President’s Award. He hosted and directed the following world tournaments; 1984 Girl’s Slowpitch 18U, 1994 Girl’s Slowpitch 12U, 2001 Men’s 45-Over & Women’s 35-Over, 2002 Women’s Classic “C”, 2002 Military, and 2003 Women’s class “A” World Series. Additionally, he has hosted over 50 National Invitational Tournaments, over 40 State Tournaments, and more than 10 National & Regional tournaments. He served as a director at the fist three super series weekends at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. Chuck is perhaps best known through the association for his high profile position as the master of ceremonies for the annual Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, a position held from 1994 through 2007. With his calm demeanor and eloquent delivery he effortlessly guided speakers and inductees through various stages of the induction process. Always a true professional. His absence will not go without notice.

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Tom Formosa from San Jose, CA has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Manager Category. Tim has managed the Classic Glass team for 20 plus years while participating in the USSSA program. Most of those years were played at the Class “B” level, but 1996, 1999, and 2000 were played in the Men’s Class “A” program. Besides participating in eight to ten USSSA tournaments annually, Tom also sponsored a Men’s Class “B” NIT in Northern California for the past four years. Under his guidance his team won the California state Championship in 1999 and 2003 and Men’s Class “B” National Championship in 1998 and 2004. It was always his goal to insure his teams were ready to play the best competition whether in WA, OR, NV, KS, MN, DE, MI, NJ, and AZ. He regularly enters his teams in Men’s Major NIT’s again so his team is playing against the best competition available. His reputation is that of a great manager with a very touch team. His 194 wins to 113 loses reflects that. Tom’s teams have always represented classic glass and the USSSA to the opposition, to the fans, and to the communities, in the best way possible.

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Brett Helmer from Cicero, NY, has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category. No bio was included for Brett Helmer.

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Denny Helmig from Lima, OH, has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Special Category. His career in slow pitch began in 1970. He then continued his career from 1972 until 1984 with Steele’s. As well as being a player of Steele’s, in 1978 became co-founder of Steele’s Sports. He is one of the few that have been able to play, manage, and sponsor a team that competed in the Elite USSSA World Series. Here are just a few of the great accomplishments and contributions towards the game. Was President of Steele’s Sports from 1980-1991. He then moved to become Vice-President of Star Sports from 1994- 1996. He began his career with Worth Sports in 1997, and became the Northern Regional Sales Manager in 2006. One of his most memorable moments in softball cam in 1978, with the founding’s of Steele’s Sports Company, and the featured article in Sports Illustrated on the Steele’s softball team.

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Leslie Kanter from Tampa, Fl has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category. From 1985 through 1999 Leslie played on some of the best teams in the USSSA Class “A” Women’s Program: Steeles Sports, Canton Softball Center, Lady Blue, UPI and The Shooters. In world series play she won championships in 1989 with Canton Softball Center, 1991, 1992, and 1993 with Lady Blue, and in 1995 with UPI, She recorded runner up finished in 1987, 1991, 1993, 1994, and 1997. In overall tournament play she has 45 All Tournament Team selection and 21 Best Defensive Player awards. Teammates and Competitors alike all regard her as a top notch player and a fierce competitor.

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Mark Linnemann has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Executive Category. Player, Manager, Umpire, Area Director, State Director, Executive Board Member, all these titles belong to Mark Linnemann. He played in the USSSA program from 1973-1977. He was a team manager in 1978 and then some. He umpired from 1981-1990, 2005-6, and an Area Director in Ohio from 1981-82 and in 1999. He was State Director for Ohio from 1983-1999. Through his leadership the greater Cincinnati Slow Pitch Program grew from 77 teams in 1980 to over 4,000 teams, 250 Umpires and 200 tournaments in 1983 to almost 12,000 teams 1,000 umpires and 750 tournaments in the early nineties. As an Executive Mark was Great Lakes Division Vice President from 1988-1998, a member of the Board of Directors from 1999-2006, Great Lakes Division again from 1999-2000, and an Executive Vice-President from 2000-2007. He has served well on various national committees including: Men’s Major, Men’s Class “AA”-“A”, player list. He was presented the coveted USSSA President’s Award in 1985. His level headed input always sought and valued at the executive level.

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Doug Roberson of Royal Palm Beach, FL has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category. Doug Roberson won his fist Men’s Major World Series in 1988 with Steele’s Silver Bullets and the following year with Superior-Apollo Softball. He followed that up with back to back wins in 1992-1993 with Ritch’s Superior, and again with team TPS in 1998. He was selected to EHT Men’s Major All-World Team in 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1996. At the 1986 Men’s Major World Series, playing for Steele’s Sports he received the Mr. Hustle Award. He tied with Craig Elliot for the most home runs (19) at the 1987 World Series. In World Series play he has 311 at bats, 158 hits, 162 RBI’s, 156 runs, and 82 home runs. His most exciting moment came during the 1992 Men’s Major World Series: Sunday morning in the loser’s bracket, playing 5 straight fames, defeating Williams/Worth for the Championship. “My family came out of the field and hugged me. That was the icing on the cake.”

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Bill Taylor from Boston, MA has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Sponsor Category. No bio was provided for Bill Taylor.

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John Usie from Breaux, LA has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Umpire Category. John played for Murphy Tauzin in the first USSSA tournament held in New Berlin, WI in 1968, but it was as an umpire that John would make his mark on the association. He has spent 42 years umpiring, 39 of those with the USSSA. He has attended national umpire clinics in 1985 at Pelican Park, 1987 in Austin, TX, 1998 in Baton Rough, 1997 & 2001 in Lafayette. He umpires in several state championships every year. In 1984 he was voted Umpire of the Year for the entire state of Louisiana. In 2000 he was inducted into the Louisiana State USSSA Hall of Fame. He umpired in the 1981 Church World Tournament in Pine Bluff, AR, 1985 Men’s Class “A” at Pelican Park, Lafayette, Louisiana, 1985 Men’s Major World Series in Greensboro, North Carolina; and in 1986 he umpired in the Pee Wee World at Pelican Park, the Men’s Class “B” World in Forth Worth, the Men’s Class “C” in Austin, and the Corporate in Baytown, TX. John says his ultimate umpire experience was “calling the dish” for the final game at the 1985 World Series in Greensboro.

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Jeff Wallace from St. Cloud, FL has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category. Playing for SoJern/TPS, Pace, Steele’s Sports, Team TPS, Long Haul/TPS, and Resmondo and Smith teams Jeff has racked up some very impressive stats. Since the Men’s Major World Series moved to Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, FL in 2000 Jeff has 15 at bats (6th) 112 hits (1st), 57 home runs (1st), 129 RBI’s (1st), and a batting average of .718 (1st). Winning the Men’s Major World Series in 2007 with Resmondo Softball, in 2006 with Resmondo KME, in 2005 with Resmondo/Smith/Menosse, in 2003 with Resmondo/Hague/Taylor/Sunbelt, in 2001 with Long Haul/Taylor Bros/Shen Corp/TPS, and in 1998 with Team TPS, he was selected to Men’s Major World Series All-Tournament Teams in 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. He has been selected as MVP for 16 NIT’s, the 2003 World Series, and for the 2006 USSSA Conference. His personal most exciting moment in softball cam in the 2003 World Series playing for Resmondo/Hague/Taylor/Sunbelt coming out of the losers bracket and double-dipping Dan Smith.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2008

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Lou Calvisi – Manager Category

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Bill Hensley – Special Category

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Jason Kendrick – Male Player Category

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Todd Martin – Male Player Category

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Kevin Neagele has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Executive Category. Kevin Neagele became involved in softball in the early 1980’s and at age 22 was elected President of the Hobbs Slow Pitch Softball League. Later, he was appointed USSSA Area Director in Hobbs. In 1987 he was appointed State Director and took the state program from just under 200 teams to over 1,500 teams in a few years. He had been the recipient of several divisional awards and in 1992 was awarded the National President’s Award. In 1996 he was presented in the USSSA/Worth Youth Director of the Year Award, and was honored with the Midwest Division Director of the Year Award in 2000. He was inducted that year into the New Mexico Hall of Fame. During his tenure as State Director, he was instrumental in several of the ideas used today that include the expansion of the NIT System, at-large berths and increasing participation in world tournaments. In 2002 hw was appointed Midwest Division Vice-President and in 2004 he was awarded the USSSA Distinguished Service Award, and for the last five years has been in charge of the Disney Super Series where he supervised the operations of the largest world tournament in USSSA history. In 2006 he was promoted to Executive Vice-President of Slow Pitch Operations for the Western United States and now sits on the National USSSA Board of Directors.

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Marie Pesch – Female Player Category

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Travis Resmondo – Sponsor Category

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Rick Weiterman – Male Player Category

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Gene Williams – Manager Category

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2009

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Don Clatterbough – Male Player Category

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Jay Criscione – Special Category

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Dale McGregor – Umpire Category

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Jeff Miller – Manager Category

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Joey Odom – Executive Category

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Andy Purcell – Male Player Category

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John Rector – Manager Category

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Meme Thompson – Female Player Category

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Gerry Turnberg – Director Category

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2010

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Charles Beckwell – Umpire Category

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Greg Blackburn – Manager Category

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Craig Ciandella – Director Category

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Cleon Deaner – Executive Category

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Chuck Drewicz – Manager Category

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Hank Garris – Male Player Category

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Howie Krause – Male Player Category

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Mike McCarron – Special Category

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Johnny McCraw – Male Player Category

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J.C. Phelps – Male Player Category

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2011

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Dal Beggs – Male Player Category

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Lou Blaha – Special Category

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Corky Carter – Umpire Category

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Don Cooper – Manufacturer Category

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Craig Elliott – Male Player Category

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David Evaul – Executive Category

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Sherri France has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category.

Lynnie France won six World Series Championships: 1995 (MVP) with UPI/TPS, 1998 with UPI/Kinder, 2000 (MVP) with ABP/Kinder Sharks, 2003 with Armstrong Lady Rebels, 2006 with Enough Said/Easton, and 2009 with Kinder Shark.

Her greatest memory is winning her first championship in 1995.

Lynnie most enjoyed playing with and against all of the great athletes and making life-long friendships along the way.

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Jimmy Powers – Male Player Category

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Larry Quartuccio was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Manager Category. He has been a part of USSSA for over 34 years starting as a player and then as a manager. He managed for over 30 years teams that have been at the top of their class in the country. After a Class “B” Regional championship in 1994 he continued on to claim two 2nd place Class “A” World Tournament finishes along with three consecutive USSSA Class “A” World Championships in 2006, 2007 and 2008. While coaching teams of Northwest Pipe, Bud Light, and Jean Shoppe his teams only fell lower then a #2 National Ranking with USSSA one time from 2005 to 2011.

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Frank Webb – Manager Category

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2012

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Rick Brockwell – Special Category

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Larry Bruschett – Special Category

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Mary Crechiolo-Papiersky – Female Category

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Gordon Glennie – Executive Category

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Jeff Hague – Sponsor Category

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Billy Messina – Male Player Category

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Mike Shenk – Male Player Category

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Dave Steffen – Male Player Category

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Charles Wright – Male Player Category

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2013

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Cecil Alford – Male Player Category

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Larry Carter – Male Player Category

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Tim Cocco – Male Player Category

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Bob Holland – Executive Category

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Rick Marz – Executive Category

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Robert Parish – Executive Category

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Duane Posavetz – Umpire Category

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Mary Jane Ranz – Female Player Category

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Scott Stiebel – Male Player Category

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2014

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Dirk Androff – Male Player Category

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Tony DeDonatis – Executive Category

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John Dye – Umpire Category

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Ken Franzen – Director Category

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Coy Honecutt – Manager Category

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Bobby Hughes – Male Player Category

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Carl Rose – Male Player Category

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Doug Stark – Executive Category

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Tina Tuck – Female Player Category

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Chris Walker – Sponsor Category

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2015

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Jeff Doricott – Sponsor Category

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Bert Frederick – Director Category

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Caitlin Lowe – Female Player Category

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Wendell Rickard – Male Player Category

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Denny Rose – Director Category

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Lisa Sanchez – Female Player Category

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Wayne Williamson – Manager Category

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Roger Wilson – Executive Category

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2016

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Jerry Backman – Sponsor Category

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Don DeDonatis, Jr. – Male Player Category

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B.J. Fulk – Male Player Category

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Shaun Marcum – Male Player Category

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Cat Osterman – Female Player Category

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Butch Parnes was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Umpire Category. Butch started umping intramural league softball games in 1968 while attending Michigan State University. He attended Detroit College of Law from 1973-1977. In 1975, with the opening of Softball City, he began to umpire many World and National Tournaments and continued to do so later at Liberty Park. At 27 years old, he was the youngest umpire in the Professional Men’s Slow-Pitch League from1977-1982 working the World Series in Detroit, Philadelphia and Maryland. He has traveled around the country umpiring some 40 Women’s and Men World Series and National Tournaments. He also umpires youth fastpitch games. He was named the Umpire of the Year in the Metro Detroit Softball League in 2005 and 2015 and placed into its Hall of Fame in 2021. He received the Great Lakes USSSA Divisional Umpire Award in 1986 and was inducted into the Michigan USSSA Hall of Fame in 1988. He has umpired every female slow pitch player inducted into the National Hall of Fame.

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Herb Price – Sponsor Category

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Doug Reed – Manager Category

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Pat Ryan – Manufacturer Category

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Billy Lee Yarbrough – Director Category

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2017

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Scott Brown – Male Player Category.

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Arnie Burke – Director Category

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Mike Cornell – Manufacturer Category.

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Scott Kirby – Male Player Category

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Kelly Kretschman – Female Player Category

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Scott Nastally – Male Player Category

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John Riccio – Sponsor Category

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Saul Simpson – Special Category

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2018

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Victor Cordova – Male Player Category

Ken Dirks – Director Category

John Kiegley – Male Player Category

Doug Morrison – Director Category

Natasha Watley – Female Player Category

Megan Willis – Female Player Category

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2019

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Christan Dowling – Female Player Category

Brian Rainwater – Male Player Category

Doug Berfeldt – Male Player Category

Hayes LeMay – Sponsor Category

Eddie Small – Director Category

Wally Fortuna – Director Category

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2020

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There was no class of 2020 due to COVID-19.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2021

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Tracy Bougere – Female Player Category

Chic Downing – Director Category

Gary Godden – Executive Category

Frank Griffin – Director Category

Dennis Turner – Manufacturer Category

Brian Wegman – Male Player Category

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2022

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Rick Baker – Male Player Category

Kelly Burke – Special Category

Bob Egr – Director Category

Tiffany Daniels – Female Player Category

Bill Dowell – Director Category

Curtis Williams – Male Player Category

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2023

Tony Coates – Umpire Category

Greg Connell – Male Player Category

Sirene Johnson – Female Player Category

Michael Schmidt – Director Category

Cecil Whitehead – Male Player Category

Rick Schiffhauer – Sponsor Category

 

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2024

Bubba Mack – Male Player Category

John Hickey – Director Category

Andrea Duran – Female Player Category

Gordon Patterson – Director Category

Ricky Huggins – Male Player Category

Darryl Latimer – Manager Category

Rick Perreault – Director Category

The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) was founded as the United States Slow-pitch Softball Association in the spring 1968. Over that last weekend of August 1968 the first USSSA World Softball Tournament was played in West Allis Wisconsin. Over the past 40 years USSSA has grown from a couple of thousand slow-pitch softball players to over 3.5 million participants playing 13 primary sports. In fact, USSSA sanctions teams and individuals in 38 sports.

USSSA’s first decade was a turbulent one. USSSA led the charge to allow amateur athletes to play slow-pitch softball in whatever league or association they wished. People playing softball, and now playing many other sports, is what USSSA has always been about and has served as a foundation for its continued growth.

In the eighties USSSA grew by leaps and bounds. USSSA purchased a building in Petersburg, Virginia for its National Headquarters and Hall of Fame Museum. By the end of the decade USSSA membership had surpassed 100,000 teams and USSSA toured the world to promote softball, sportsmanship, and good will.

The nineties were the best and the worst of times for USSSA. The association continued to grow, however softball was decreasing in popularity. The various associations were cannibalizing each other in order to inflate their team registration numbers. In 1998 USSSA suffers a tragic loss when its longtime CEO Edgar “Al” Ramsey III passes away. The Board of Directors, immediately named the Assistant Executive Director, Don DeDonatis, as the new CEO. DeDonatis initiated sweeping changes. The changes included branching out into sports other than softball. By the end of the nineties USSSA had grown to over 1.6 million participants, with 300,000 being non slow-pitch softball.

In March 2003 USSSA moved its national headquarters from Virginia to Osceola County, Florida. This move has benefited USSSA and Osceola County in many positive ways. In 2007 USSSA had over 3.5 million participants and is solely responsible for 58,044 room nights in Central Florida, of which 45,307 room nights are in Osceola County. This means millions of dollars in positive economic impact to the region.

Currently, USSSA nationally governs 13 amateur sports. Slow-pitch softball, baseball, fast-pitch softball, and basketball athletes make up approximately 90% of USSSA’s membership. The remaining 9 sports account for over 350,000 registrations in USSSA, including Tae Kwan Do and Soccer, two sports that USSSA holds events in Osceola County. Over the past ten years USSSA has not failed to increase its year to year membership. In fact, for all but 3 of those 10 years USSSA’s membership has grown by over 10% per year.

Below are the members from 1979 – 1999.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1979

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Floyd Salter, the man credited with writing the USSSA Rule Book, was the fist person inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association Hall of Fame in the Umpire Category.

A native to Rochester New York, Salter was appointed as USSSA National Umpire-In-Chief in 1970.

Salter established the National Umpires Clinic that is held annually in each division.

He has traveled to numerous states conducting umpires’ clinics and promoting the USSSA Umpire Program. Under Salter’s direction, umpires registration increased from 1,000 to over 10,000.

His continuing efforts have produced many benefits that are enjoyed by umpires serving in their position today.

In 1978, Salter earned the USSSA Executive Board President’s Award, the same year he was elected into the Hall of Fame.

As Umpire-In-Chief, Salter handled the administrative duties for the National Umpires Program, each year he personally supervised the umpires assigned to the World Series.

Salter, serving as Chairman, has been a key member of the National Playing Rules Committee. He has served on the Executive Board of the association for many years.

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Jim Snyder, who built the strongest softball team in the nation during the mid 70’s and won back-to-back USSSA World Championships, was the first person elected to the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Manager Category.

A native of Novi, Michigan, Snyder’s team captured the USSSA World Series in 1975 at Rochester, New York and again in 1979 at Wyandotte, Michigan.

This string of world titles was broken the following year when they were runner-up in Petersburg, Virginia.

Snyder’s was known as a playing champion and toured the country, proudly displaying the USSSA banner.

Snyder refused to bend to the pressure of professional softball, although he lost many of his top stars to the pro circuit.

Believing amateur softball is the way the game should be played, Snyder fielded a team for more than 25 years out of Detroit.

Snyder’s team always displayed class and Jim Snyder became known as a goodwill ambassador for softball and the USSSA.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1980

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Carl Drewicz, who served on the National Umpire’s Clinic Committee, Hall of Fame Committee, and National Playing Rules Committee, was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Umpire Category. No picture of Carl was provided.

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A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Drewicz was Wisconsin Umpire-In-Chief from 1973-79 and held clinics in the state each year.

His guidance and hard work in the pioneer years of the association played a big part in the success of the umpire’s program.

He attended national umpire clinics in Las Vegas, Nevada; Williamsburg, Virginia; Lake Tahoe, Nevada; and Orlando, Florida.

Drewicz worked class “A” Men’s World Tournaments in Southgate Michigan; Rochester, New York; Petersburg, Virginia; Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

He umpired in World Industrial Tournaments in Milwaukee, Louisville and Niagara Falls.

He worked the Class “B” Men’s World in Petersburg, Virginia and Women’s Class “B” in Beloit, Wisconsin.

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Duane McCoy, who led his women teams to a pair of World Championships and carried them to 10 straight Class “A” World Tournaments, was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Manager Category.

A native of Rochester, New York, McCoy’s fighting green and gold won the 1972 Women’s World in Rochester, New York, playing under the Muxworthy’s sponsorship.

His team turned the trick again in 1977, winning in Detroit, Michigan, under the Pace Banner.

They were second at Southgate , Michigan in 1978.

Under McCoy, the Rochester team compiled 629-98 record during a 10 year period and was the most consistent women’s softball team in the nation.

McCoy will always be remembered for his contribution to the Women’s program.

Due to his efforts, hundreds of young women have enjoyed the game of softball as it should be enjoyed.

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James Mortl, the Most Valuable Player in the first USSSA Slo-Pitch Softball Association World Series, was the first male player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mortl was a slick fielding second baseman and pressure hitter.

James was known as a singles and doubles hitter who could go all the fields with accuracy.

He was named most valuable player in the 1970 World Series at Las Vegas, Nevada when his Accurate Welding Team of Milwaukee captured the World Championship.

Mortl carried a .66 career batting average and played competitive softball for 16 years.

Along with Accurate Welding, Mortl played for Marasco’s, Transport Oil, Libby’s, Thoma’s and Ashes; all Wisconsin teams.

Mortl played in eight national or world tournaments and was named All-State, All-Tournament, and All World numerous times.

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Al Ramsey, who served eight terms as President of the United States Slow-Pitch Softball Association and its first Executive Director, was the first person inducted into the Hall of Fame in the Executive Category.

A native of Petersburg, Virginia, Ramsey’s strong leadership and organizational skills were major factors in the survival and astronomical growth of the USSSA. Ramsey began his career with USSSA as Virginias State Director in 1969.

In 1970, he was appointed Regional Vice-President and assumed the office of National President one year later.

He held the position of National President and Chairman of the Executive Board for eight consecutive years. His outstanding performance in this capacity will always be remembered.

Ramsey was named Executive Director of the Association in 1979.

His love for the game and dedication to the softball association are reflected in his long hours and many miles traveled promoting USSSA.

Ramsey’s insight was instrumental in numerous progressive rule changes and in the development of new programs.

His recruiting efforts, training programs and interest in all aspects of the program have been felt by every state in the association.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1981

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Frank Ciaccia, an original pioneer of the USSSA whose steady influence and wise decisions helped mold the organization was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association in the Executive Category.

A native of Rochester, New York, Ciaccia has given countless hours of work and devotion to assure the success of the USSSA.

Ciaccia attended the organizational meeting to form the USSSA and was named its first National Treasurer in 1968.

He was named Regional Vice-President in 1970 and was elected Eastern Division Executive Vice-President in 1971.

Under his direction, New York was the fist state to register 1,000 teams with the association. He earned the President’s Award in 1976.

In 1979, Ciaccia was elected to serve a two-year term as President of the USSSA.

As Chairman of the National Hall of Fame Fund Raising Committee, Ciaciaa was instrumental in making the Hall of Fame and National Headquarters building a reality.

Ciaccia has stood as a cornerstone in the success of the USSSA.

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Jenny Johnson, setting the standard for others to try to follow, was the first person inducted in the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association Hall of Fame in the Female player Category.

An outstanding defensive shortstop and pressure hitter, Johnson was named Most Valuable Player as Sweeney’s Chevrolet of Cincinnati captured the Women’s Class “A” World Championship in 1976.

A College Teacher, Coach and Athletic Director as Franklin College in Indiana, Johnson was the premier female player in the early years of USSSA.

Her class on and off the field earned the admiration of fellow players and coaches.

One of the all time greats ever to play in the Women’s Program, Johnson won many Golden Glove Awards in National and World Tournaments.

She proudly has maintained a .500 lifetime batting average.

Named All-World and All-tournament numerous times, Johnson turned her love for the game into enjoyment for others to watch.

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Dean McNew, who overcame childhood blindness to become a standout athlete and veteran umpire, was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association Hall of Fame in the Umpire Category.

A native of West Virginia, McNew established residence in Virginia in 1973 and became Tri-City Area Umpire-In-Chief, a position he held for three years.

In 1997, McNew was appointed Massachusetts State Umpire-In-Chief until 1979 at which time he became the USSSA Massachusetts Sate Director.

In 1980, McNew was appointed USSSA Regional Vice-President in charge of the New England States.

McNew served as a member of the National Playing Rules Committee from 1975-1980.

He has conducted umpire clinics throughout the New England States and on four difference occasions he conducted the USSSA National Umpires Clinic.

McNew umpired in two divisional tournaments and eight world tournaments, including the 1976 Major World Series.

The outstanding official was rated the top Virginia Umpire from 1973-76 and the Top Massachusetts Umpire from 1977-1981.

McNew’s outstanding performance has been instrumental in developing a string and efficient umpires program in New England.

His efforts will be felt for many years to come.

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Frank Taccone, knows as the “Babe Ruth of Softball,” was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category.

The outstanding performer was one of the early pioneers in the USSSA program.

Taccone, who earned All-World Honors in 1973 in Detroit, Michigan and in 1974 at Pinole, California was a member of the Mazzola-Castle Team that won the World Series in 1977 at Petersburg, Virginia.

A big man who tipped the scales over 300 pounds, Taccone also played for Roger’s Inn, Al’s Tavern, Pace, Mazzola Insurance, and the DuPont Industrial team.

Taccone complied a .500 plus lifetime batting average and belted over 600 home runs in USSSA play.

His home run totals were cut short due to the short summers and cold weather in Rochester.

Taccone recorded over 200 wins as a pitcher in national play. His tape-measure home runs always kept in the lineup.

When not pitching, he saw action as a catcher or first baseman.

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Gary Vitto, a ball of fire on the softball field who earned a reputation for getting the maximum out of his players, was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Manager Category.

A native of Warren Michigan, Vitto moved into the spotlight when his Dino’s team of Detroit won the Eastern Division title in 1972.

His team was runner-up in the 1973 World Series and went all the way in 1974, winning the World Series in Pinole, California.

Playing under the Uniroyal sponsorship, Vitto’s teams earned berths to the World Series again in 1975 and 1976.

Vitto’s teams compiled an impressive 73-11 record in national and world tournaments.

Vitto, known for this managerial strategy, during his career gained the respect of everyone and was considered as one of the all time greats ever to manage a club.

Vitto later managed in the professional softball ranks before retiring.

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Elby “Boom-Boom” Bushong, known for his high-step home runs, was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category.

A Native of Phenix, Arizona, Bushong was a member of the USSSA Men’s Class “A” World Champion Campbell’s Carpets of Concord, California in 1980.

Bushong played his first World Series in 1974 and was Co-Home Run Leader.

Bushong has played in eight USSSA World Series. He was a member of the K-Club USSSA National 16-inch World Champion in 1977.

Bushong, who has been selected as a member of the Arizona All-State Team none times, was a member of the All-World team twice.

He has been on several division all-tournament teams.

A former professional baseball player and College All-American, Bushong has a .650 career batting average with over 1,500 home runs in USSSA tournaments.

Bushong hits for power and average and always did a good job on defense, his main position was first base; however, during his career, he played every position but shortstop and pitcher.

Everyone who has some contact with Bushong on the field admits he is a true hall of famer.

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Jim Davis, a veteran umpire and Missouri Umpire-In-Chief, was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Umpire Category. Davis attended national umpire clinics in Orlando, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; Dan Francisco, California; Freeport, Bahamas, and Nashville, Tennessee.

He traveled throughout the central division conducting umpire’s clinics and promoting the program.

Under his leadership, the number of registered umpires has grown steadily in Missouri and his division.

Davis has officiated in eight national or divisional tournaments. He has served on the National Playing Rules Committee for many years.

He has also served in the capacity of Central Division Umpire-In-Chief.

Davis has always been respected for is articulate viewpoints concerning the playing rules and umpire’s programs.

Such viewpoints have been a great asset to the USSSA.

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Jerry Ellis, whose sound financial judgment and inclusive thinking were instrumental in the early success of the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in the Executive Category.

A native of Colonial Heights, Virginia, Ellis was named as Area Director in Virginia in 1970. He assumed the National Secretary-Treasurer duties that same year.

In 1971, Ellis was appointed to the Executive Board of the association. His strong performance as Executive Board member has been a tremendous asset to the successful operation of the USSSA.

Ellis served as Secretary-Treasurer until 1979 when growth of the association necessitated a division of the positions.

Ellis was then named controller of the USSSA, In 1981, Ellis was also elected to a two-year term as presided of the United States Slow-Pitch Softball Association.

Ellis who served on numerous major committees of the association, many of which he was Chairman, has been one of the strongest committee performers the association has ever had.

Ellis received the President’s Award in 1977 for his outstanding work.

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Bob Muller, one of the original founders and first President of the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association, was the fist person inducted into the Hall of Fame in the Special Category.

A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mueller called a meeting in Covington, Kentucky in 1967 to form a new softball association.

Mueller was elected President at the second meeting of the USSSA and held the position from 1967-71.

Mueller led the association through many hard times with little financial support.

During that period, his aggressive personality and unusual characteristics allowed the USSSA to survive and become the association it is today.

As President, Mueller introduced the logo, bearing USSSA NO. 1, that is still used today.

Mueller guided the USSSA through what he called the Rocky Phase 1 period of the association.

Because of his hard work, the USSSA was able to survive against tremendous odds and have the chance to develop into what it is today.

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Patty Schmitt, twice named All-World when her team captured the Women’s Class “A” World Championship, was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category.

A native to Rochester, NY, the power-hitting catcher compiled a .510 lifetime batting average with over 80 homeruns.

During her career, Schmitt was one of the most feared batters ever to play in the Women’s Program.

Schmitt played for Muxworthy’s, Pace and Wintonaire, all of Rochester.

Muxworthy’s won the World Title in 1972 and Pace won in 1977.

Schmitt played with the fighting green and gold out for Rochester from 1969-79 and the team was consistent national women’s power.

Along with catching, Schmitt also played outfield and first base and compiled an 18-0 record as a pitcher.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1983

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Glenn “Ike” Eichelberger, a power hitter with consistency, was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association in the Male Player Category.

A native of Rochester, New York, Eichelberger played for the 1977 World Champion Mazzola-Castle in the World Series in Petersburg, Virginia.

With a .610 life-time batting average, Eichelberger played for Al Green Tavern, Pace, Mazzola-Castle, All of Rochester, and Uni-Royal of Detroit, Michigan.

An outfielder, catcher, and pitcher, he played in a dozen national or world tournaments, including the World Series four times, at Petersburg, Virginia; Rochester, New York; Wyandotte, Michigan; and Pinole, California.

Eichelberger was named the USSSA All-World team four different times.

This outstanding player was one of the toughest outs in the game.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1984

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Colorful Cal Carmen, who played for two USSSA World Championship teams and always drew a crowd to the ball park with his hustle and antics, was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Carmen was a center figure for Dino’s and Uniroyal during the 1970’s, and then helped Mazzola-Castle of Rochester to a World Series Title.

With consistent chatter and a bird-like whistle, Carmen had a way of taking reams out of their game plan.

He often played first base, within a few feet of the opposing batter.

Carmen was not only colorful, but compiled a .622 life time batting average and belted over 575 home runs in Major USSSA Tournaments.

He played five USSSA World Series and five Divisional or World Tournaments, earning All-Tournament honors in six of the events and twice taking MVP.

Carmen played in the Detroit Tigers’ Baseball Organization as a pitcher before turning to softball.

“He was loved or hated by the fans, but either was they cam to see him play the game,” one newspaper once said.

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Linda Mueller, who made a habit of playing in USSSA Women’s World Tournaments, was inducted in the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association Hall Of Fame in the Female Player Category.

A native of Warren, Michigan, Mueller played for Beaumont of Royal Oak, Little Caesars of Detroit, All-Sport Uniforms of Berkley and All-Sports Uniforms of East Detroit.

A left-handed spray hitter, Mueller spend most of her career at second base, but also played other infield positions.

Mueller led Beaumont to the finals of the 1974 Women’s World Tournament and was a member of the USSSA World Championship Little Caesars in 1984.

She played in eight USSSA Women’s Class “A” World Tournaments.

A physical education teacher and coach at Royal Oak Shrine High School, Mueller earned respect from her opposition for her character on and off the ball field.

She compiled a near .500 batting average.

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Gary Wallick, the man responsible for building the USSSA program in the west, was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association Hall of Fame in the Executive Category.

A resident of Arcadia, California, Wallick managed a team in the first USSSA tournament, played in 1968 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

He was named Los Angeles Area Director and California State Director that year. Wallick advanced to Regional Vice-President in 1972.

In addition, Wallick was elected in 1983 to serve a two-year term as President of the USSSA.

This longtime USSSA pioneer was honored in 1980 when he was the recipient of the President’s Award in the Executive Board Category.

In the early years of the association, Wallick was responsible for all the territory west of the Mississippi, traveling many miles to establish USSSA state programs, Wallick helped develop a solid division in the West.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1985

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Dick Bartel, who earned the nickname “rocketman” for his strong arm and powerful homeruns, was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category.

Bartel, who was named the Men’s Major All-World Team four times, played for Campbell’s Carpets when they won the World Series in 1980 and for Howards’s Western Steer when they claimed the USSSA World Crown in 1981.

The San Antonio, Texas native also played for Anchor Lounge, Ray Carpenter, Taylor Brothers, and C.C. Brick & Lumber.

With a .680 lifetime batting average, Bartel was known for his hitting in the clutch and was always his best in the USSSA World Series.

During his career the tall Texan was selected Tournament MVP numerous times as well as being selected on All-Tournament teams.

Bartle, who established himself as a true slowpitch superstar for his great ability with the bat, his tremendous “rocket arm” and great speed in the outfield was always able to maintain his humble and gracious attitude toward sponsors, players, and fans.

Bartel was always respected by his teammates and opponents alike, such respect was not confined to his ability to play softball, but included his great love for people and the game of softball.

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Dottie Davis, an original member of the Little Caesars Softball Team that won four World Championships, was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category.

Davis was named Most Valuable Player in 1984 when Little Caesars on its record fourth Women’s Class “A” World Championship.

She also led the Detroit, Michigan Powerhouse to World Titles in 1978, 1979, and 1983.

Called “Doctor D” for her outstanding defense, Davis broke into big-time women’s softball in 1974 with Beaumont Hospital as they finished second in the World.

A veteran outfielder from Milan, Michigan was always respected for her great hitting power to right field.

With a career .550 batting average, Davis earned numerous ALL-Tournament and All-World Honors.

Along with playing in 10 straight USSSA Women’s Class “A” World Tournaments, Davis also helped her mixed softball team to several National Championships.

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J. Larry Palmer, respected General Legal Counsel for the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association, was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Game in the Special Category. Paler was appointed USSSA General Counsel in 1971.

In the early 1070’s he led the USSSA through a series of battles in federal court against the Amateur Softball Association.

The major lawsuit, which resulted in a complete victory for USSSA, opened the door for the thousands of teams to become members of USSSA.

ASA lawsuit took over 3 1/2 years very concentrated legal time and a measure of personal devotion that took much time from Palmer’s private law practice.

Palmer served without compensation as General Counsel for approximately 10 years.

His love for USSSA and its leaders and his belief that it was knowledge of the game of softball that has been beneficial in other areas of the USSSA business as they related to legal issues.

The attorney from Hopewell, Virginia was awarded the coveted USSSA President’s Award in 1975.

As a member of the USSSA Executive Board, Palmer has helped to give direction to the growth of the USSSA program, has acted as a arbitrator for disputes, has served on many committees and has acted as association Parliamentarian.

Palmer was instrumental in establishing the original equipment licensing agreements with national sporting goods manufacturers.

In November of 1985, Palmer was elected to serve a two- year term as a National President of the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association.

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Ron Whittleton, who compiled an impressive 717-199 record and led Capitol Insulation of North Hollywood, CA to eleven appearances in the Men’s World Series, was inducted in the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Manager Category.

Under Whittleton’s direction, Capitol was the dominate team on the west coast for more than a decade, winning four State Championships and four Western Division Crowns.

His record as manager included over 60 tournament championships.

Capital won the hearts of fans at the 1983 and 1985 World Series, finishing second and third in the biggest even in softball, upsetting teams with biggest names players and budgets.

Whittleton was credited with getting the most from his team and earned respect by repeatedly returning to the World Series with a competitive ball club after losing players to larger sponsors.

Along with serving as manager, Whittleton recorded over 700 mound victories and compiled a .600 lifetime batting average.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1986

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Al Ciaccia, one of the early founders of the USSSA, was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association in the Executive category.

Ciaccia, who spent as a Regional Vice-President from 1971 to 1984, was promoted to Eastern Division Executive Vice-President 1985.

Known as a stable force in the USSSA, Ciaccia was recognized for his unique ability to listen to teams, umpires and players and his efforts to improve the game of Slow-Pitch Softball.

Ciaccia joined the softball association during the difficulty years and stuck with the USSSA through thick and thin.

One of the longest veterans in service to the USSSA, Ciaccia never looked for the headlines, but worked long hours promoting the goals of the USSSA.

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Jackie Huggins, who was selected five times to the USSSA Women’s Class “A” All-World Team, was inducted into the he United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Huggins helped the Stingers and Little Caesars to three USSSA Women’s World Championships.

Huggins, a consistent line drive hitter with a .493 lifetime batting average, earned numerous Golden Glove Awards for the defensive ability at first base.

She won her first All-World Honor in 1971 and claimed the Award again in 1984 an 1985.

Huggins played for 14 years before winning her first World Title with the Stingers in 1980.

She was a key figure in Little Caesars winning World Titles in 1983 and 1984.

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Joe Seymour, who cracked several thousand home runs in a career that included five trips to the USSSA World Series, was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Hall of Fame in the Male Category.

An old country boy from Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, Seymour won over 100 MVP and All Tournament awards during his distinguished career.

Seymour played for Southwestern Millrights, Williams Billiards, Candy Man Bombers, Lenior Tire, and Poundexter Lumber.

Although he hails from the state that produced many great softball teams and players, Seymour was he first person from North Carolina inducted in to the USSSA Hall of Fame.

Seymour started his career in the infield and played every position before retiring.

He compiled a .629 lifetime batting average.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1987

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Don Arndt, a legend in his own time led Howard’s a pair of USSSA Men’s Major World Series Championships, was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category.

A native of Denver, North Carolina, Arndt gave new meaning to the term old pro by playing at the major level well past his 50th birthday.

He handled pitching and catching chores.

With more than 6,000 career home runs and .600 plus batting average, Arndt was named to the All-World Team four times.

He enjoyed World Championships in 1978 and 1981.

A 6-foot-5, 240 pound was a clutch performer who batted a record .846 at the 1983 World Series.

Playing his entire career with Howard’s, Arndt also competed in the mixed and mater’s programs with equal success.

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Linda McCoy, who led Pace to the Women’s Class “A” World Title in 1977, was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category.

A native of Rochester, NY, McCoy collected over 1,000 career hits during her long career.

During McCoy’s hay day, her famous fighting green and gold team was a consistent national contender, winning once and finishing second twice during a four year span.

McCoy was named to the Women’s All-World Team three times.

A line-drive hitter, McCoy started out as a tough defensive outfielder and played in nine USSSA World Tournaments.

McCoy took a brief retirement from softball to have a child, but returned to collect her 1,000th hit.

She joins her husband Duane McCoy, who was inducted in the Manager Category, as the first husband-and-wife team in the USSSA Hall of Fame.

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The late Buddy Secrist, who was selected four times to the Umpire at the USSSA World Series, was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Umpire Category.

Secrist, who died of cancer in 1983, was Mr. Softball in the western mountains of Virginia.

Although his outstanding career was cut short at age 45 by his unfortunate early death, Secrist left his mark on USSSA Softball.

A native of the little mountain town of Buena Vista, Virginia, Secrist umpired at four Men’s Major World Series, Eight World Tournaments, Several Divisional Tournaments and over a dozed NIT’s.

He once said his greatest thrill as an official came in 1974 when he was picked to work the plate for the championship game of the World Series at Pinole, California.

Along with umpiring, Secrist served as Assistant State Director in Virginia and coached a boy’s youth team.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1988

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Mike Cellura, a standout all-around athlete who competed in the Men’s Major World Series 11 times and was named the All-World Team six times, was inducted in to the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category.

A native of Panorama City, California, Cellura played from coast-to-coast and enjoyed winning a pair of World Championships.

He played for Capitol, Campbell’s Carpet, Jerry’s Caters, Howard’s Western Steer, and Broken Drum.

Cellura batted over .600 at the World Series seven different times and is remembered for is line drive hits and homeruns.

Cellura blasted over 1,00 home runs in tournament play.

A solid outfielder with a strong arm, the west coast product was always tough in a clutch.

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Jan Deters, who led Empress Chili of Cincinnati, Ohio to a record three straight World Champions, was inducted in to the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category.

A veteran of ten trips to the USSSA Women’s Class “A” World Tournament, Deters earned a spot on the Women’s All-World Team seven times during her long career.

Playing at the top competitive level past age 40, this surprising athlete celebrated winning the first USSSA Women World Series at age 39.

She posted the highest batting average at the 1982 World Tournament and was frequently recognized for her team play and attitude.

She took great pride in advancing runners.

Deters started her career as an outfielder and later handled catching chores for Empress Chili.

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Richard Howard, a man who truly loves softball and sponsored teams for more than 25 years, was indicted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Special Category.

Under his sponsorship, his teams captured the Men’s World Series Championships in 1978 and again in 1981. When his team joined USSSA in the 70’s the moved paved the was for other teams to follow.

The popular North Carolina native, who put Denver, North Carolina on the map, was a loyal supporter of USSSA.

While best known for is powerhouse men’s major teams, he also sponsored teams in women’s, mixed and masters play.

Remembered as on of the game’s top all-time sponsors, Mr. Howard had a tremendous impact on the game of slow pitch softball.

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Joe Nucci, a colorful fighter from New York who always found a way to get the most out of his ball club, was inducted into the USSSA Hall Of Fame in the Manager Category.

The highlight of Nucci’s career came in 1977 when his Mazzola-Castle team of Rochester, NY, pulled a stunning upset to capture the Men’s Major World Series Championship.

Nucci managed one of the fist teams to cross the boarder and compete with the USSSA.

He constantly had a team ranked in the top ten and traveled the country to play in NIT’s.

His teams are remembered more for guts and pride than overall talent.

Nucci enjoyed more than 600 victories in big tournaments.

The spirited Nucci gave umpires and opposing coaches all they wanted and more, but he gained respect as a fierce competitor who knew how to win.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1989

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Bruce Meade, who made a career of winning World Series Championships, was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category.

A native of Bradenton, Florida, Meade led six teams to World Titles was named to the All-World team a record of eight times.

With a .725 career batting average and over 2,000 home runs in USSSA Tournament play, the six-foot-six, 270 pounder known for a handlebar mustache, has set standings for the others to follow.

Meade won World Championships with Nelson’s of Oklahoma City Jerry’s Caterers of Miami, Florida; Elite Coating of Gordon, Georgia; and Smythe Sox of Huston, Texas.

He also played for Dave Carroll Sports and Ken Michaels during his career.

A true gentleman on and off the field, Meade always brings out the best in his teammates.

His towering home runs, one tape measure shot over 500-foot, have long been the talk of softball fans around the nation.

Meade established World Series records and batting over .700 every season in the Major Program.

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Sue Ridell-Mitchell, a standout shortstop who played her entire career with the Stingers of Detroit, Michigan, was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category.

The outstanding defensive player led the Stingers to a pair of World Championships.

She enjoyed winning the Women’s Class “A” World with the real estate one Stingers in 1975 and again in 1980 with the Taylor Sporting Good Stingers.

Playing in the top level of the Women’s program for 20 years, Ridell-Mitchell was twice named to the All-World Team.

She thrived on good competition and her defensive skills kept the stingers in many ball games.

A true team player, Ridell-Mitchell compiled a .375 career batting average.

She displayed her best in pressure situations and always played to win, earning numerous All-Tournament Awards.

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The late Fred Schlueter who directed the old central division to new heights, was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Hall of Fame in the Executive Category.

A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Schlueter joined the USSSA in 1973 as Wisconsin State Director.

He worked full-time softball for 10 years and battled for the association until his final day, June 14, 1988, when he lost his last bout to cancer.

Starting with only 226 teams, Schlueter helped the central division reach 25,000 teams, the largest division in the USSSA.

Twice a winner of the President’s Award, in 1977 for Directors and in 1984 for executive board service.

Schlueter was Northern Regional President at the time of his death.

Known for his strong opinions and spirited exchanges, Schlueter never backed down from the debate.

He ruled with an iron fist and assembled a solid core of state directors who produced record numbers.

Schlueter will long be remembered for is promotion and directorship of outstanding national invitational tournaments in Wisconsin.

His True love was the women’s program.

Today the MVP award in the women’s world cup series is call the Fred Schlueter, Jr. MVP Award in his honor.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1990

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Kaye Gilbert, who played her best softball during 18 trips to the USSSA Class “A” World, was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association in the Female Player Category.

She led the Virginia Belles of Chesterfield, Virginia to the Women’s Class “A” National Title in 1989 and the World Championship in 1981.

She was named to the All-World Team four times and to the USSSA Virginia All-State Team a dozen times.

She was selected as a member of the 1990 Women’s Soviet Tour Team and played a vital role in the success of the historic trip.

Gilbert started her long career with the Dinwiddie Diamonds, later moved to the green berets, before joining the Belles.

She played for a record 11 Virginia USSSA Women’s State Championship Teams and takes pride in the fact she has missed only one USSSA Women’s World Tournament during her career, when she skipped the 1975 season to have her son, Dennis.

With a .571 career batting average, she is a singles hitter with sneaky power. She thrives on pressure trips to the plate.

In addition to the Women’s program, Gilbert has coached an played in every USSSA Mixed Hall of Fame Tournament in Petersburg, where she met her husband, Denny.

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Denny Larson, who tested both batters and umpires with his unique pitching style, was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Association in the Male Player Category.

A veteran Massachusetts hurler compiled a 627-103 mound record over an 11-year period before his induction into the Hall of Fame.

Larson played for Stylists, Loring Construction, Ye Old Liquor Cabinet, Tippy’s, E.J. Alex Construction and Cassidy & Lee, All Action, MA.

A tricky pitcher who fired away from behind his back and between his legs, he led his teams to the Massachusetts Class C USSSA State Titles in 1983 and 1987.

When he went to the plate, Larson hit the ball on a line and compiled a .540 career batting average.

Despite testing umpires, Larson made a true “impact” on New England USSSA Softball.

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Jim McCarron, Eastern Region Umpire-In-Chief, was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Association in the Umpire Category.

The Colonial Heights, Virginia resident was named Virginia State Umpire-In-Chief in 1978, was appointed Southern Division U-I-C in 1982, and assumed the Eastern Region U-I-C position five years later.

He twice worked the Men’s Major World Series, officiated at three Women’s Class “A” World Tournaments and two Men’s Class “A” Worlds.

He worked more than a dozen divisional and world events, numerous NIT’s and state tournaments.

A long-tern member of the National Playing Rules Committee, McCarron edited and help produce the fist USSSA Umpires Case Book in 1981.

A distinguished seminar speaker, this Virginian conducted or assisted in many national umpire clinics, divisional meetings, and the raining seminar at national headquarters.

He was given clinics in eight states and received the National Umpires Chief’s Award in 1983.

In addition to umpiring, McCarron has served as an Area Director and Assistant State Director in Virginia and has directed many local and state tournaments.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1991

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Lynn Putnam Gendron, who was named to the Women’s Class “A” All-World Team eight times, was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category.

Gendron led four teams to USSSA World Championships and was named MVP at the 1980 World. She started playing in the Women’s “A” World Team at age 16.

Starting in the USSSA youth program Gendron played slo-pitch softball for over 20 years.

She was ranked as one of the best outfielders in the game for more that a dozen years and moved to first base later in her career.

She celebrated World Titles with the Taylor Sporting Goods Stingers in 1980, with Little Caesars in 1983-84, and with Canton Softball Center in 1989.

She also has played for a Mixed World Champion and is a regular in the co-ed program.

With a .575 career batting average, Gendron sprayed the batt to all fields, but also hit with power.

Know as “Putter”, she was named USSSA Sports Woman of the Year in 1980.

She was selected as a member of Team USSSA for the historic tour of the Soviet Union in 1990.

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Leroy “Dick” Hoover, a third base coach for more than 25 years in the Louisville Area, was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Manager Category.

The 70-year-old coach was a long-term fixture in Louisville coaching circles and carries 12 straight teams to USSSA World Tournament play between 1967 and 1980.

He coached in the first USSSA tournament in 1968 in Milwaukee.

After a successful career in fast-pitch, Hoover started coaching third base for the Louisville Firefighters in 1975.

He also coached for Sullivan Executives, Silver Heights, and Burger Queen before joining the Knights of St. John.

A Staunch USSSA supporters, this “unknown soldier” drew praise for his third base coaching abilities during his span with the Knights, a loyal USSSA team from day one.

A coach with over 40 years of softball experience, Hoover also coached third base for Kentucky Bourbons in the old professional league.

He was regarded as the best in the business.

Hoover organized the first old timers game in St. Denis, Kentucky and promoted the USSSA in its infancy.

Despite his years, Hoover continued his “great hustle” and confidence in the third base coaching box late in his career.

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Andy Santillo, a smooth fielding shortstop who led Mazzola-Castle to the World Championship in 1977, was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category.

Santillo, a 6-foot, 190 pounder, was Mazzola’s team captain and defensive leader.

With Santillo at short, Mazzola participated in the USSSA World Series four times between 1974-78.

Santillo played in nine World Tournaments over a ten year span and was named to the All-World Team three times, in 1973, 1975, and 1978.

The Rochester native played in the very first USSSA tournament in 1968 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and his team stayed loyal to the USSSA program.

He compiled a .599 batting average in the World Tournament play, tops in the nation for players at his position in his era.

While Santillo came through in the clutch at bat, it was his defense skills that kept the New York team competitive.

He compiles a .944 fielding average with 1,941 putouts and 3,084 assists out of 5,484 chances.

During his ten year playing career with the USSSA, Santillo compiles a .55 lifetime batter average with 1,600 career hits.

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Ed Williams who has a long memory, big heart, and enough determination to finish any job was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Executive Category.

One of the two remaining pioneers who attended the first meeting to for the USSSA, Williams reaped justly due regards after 23 years of the service of the USSSA.

Williams has too much pride to let the USSSA slip away in the early years.

He served as the first USSSA Kentucky State Director.

He later advanced to the position of Regional President and guided eight early states.

Williams landed the fathers of trinity field to hold the first USSSA league in Kentucky and the first Mid-America Tournament was played there in 1969.

The directors at the national convention in New Orleans in 1990 awarded Williams the President’s Award for distinguished service.

He worked with friend Chuck Fischer as Co-Kentucky State Directors and is the first pioneer selected for direct induction into the Hall of Fame with more than 20 years of service.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1992

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Tony Gaetano was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Executive Category, based on 20 yeas or more service to the association.

A native Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Gaetano played in the first USSSA World Tournament in 1968.

In 1970, he was named Pennsylvania State Director.

In 1971, Gaetano was elevated to the position of Regional Vice-President and in 1989 was promoted to Northeastern Division Executive Vice-President.

In 1981 and 1982 Gaetano served as active State Director of Ohio and played a key told in getting the USSSA program started in Ohio.

Gaetano has served on numerous program committees and in 1979 he was presented the USSSA President’s Award.

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V.K. Lehmann, A veteran outfielder who helped Empress Chili win three straight Women’s Championships, including the first Women’s World Series, was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category.

A leadoff batter with a .550 career batting average, Lehman joined Sweeney Chevrolet in 1981 and remained with the successful Cincinnati team.

The southpaw from Kentucky was named to the All-World Team three times.

She was named Player of the Year in Cincinnati in 1988 when she compiled a .589 season batting average.

Lehmann played a key role in Empress Chili winning six NIT’s during the 1990 season and was a member of the USSSA All-Stars who made the historic softball tour of the Soviet Union.

She has been named to numerous All-Tournament teams, including the 1984 Miller NIT, when she batted .850 for the weekend.

Lehmann was selected the 1990 Debeer Sportswoman of the Year.

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Tom Raines, who has participated in the USSSA program as a player, manager, umpire, director and executive was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Executive Category.

Raines played in the first USSSA World Tournament in 1968 and that same year was also names the Nevada State Director.

In 1980, Raines was appointed Division Vice-President where he served successfully for nine years.

In 1989, Raines was promoted to the position of Northwestern Division Executive Vice-President.

In 1971, Rains assisted in directing and planning the first Men’s USSSA World Series which was held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Very active in his Las Vegas civic community, Raines has served on the board of University Medical Center Foundation, an essential part of the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon.

Raines has served on numerous USSSA program committees and has played a major role in the success the USSSA enjoys today.

In 1987, Raines was honored as the recipient of the coveted USSSA President’s Award.

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Braxton Speller, who enjoyed winning World Championships in both Men’s World Series and the Industrial World was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category.

A native of North Carolina, Speller joined Snyders Softball Club in 1976 and was named to the All-World teams as they captured the World Series.

Speller also competed in the Industrial Program and was named All-World team in 1980 as Fisher Body won in the Industrial World Tournament at Dearborn, Michigan.

During his long career with the USSSA, Speller played in the Class A World Tournament 12 times and the Major World Series eight times.

He competed in numerous USSSA State Tournaments, consistently earning honors.

Speller began his career with the USSSA in the early 1970’s in North Carolina. Between the Major and Industrial programs, he claimed All-World Honors eight times.

With good power to all fields, Speller cracked over 2,000 home runs in USSSA Tournaments and compiled a .650 career batting average.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1993

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Laura Fillipp, who has played in the top level of Women’s Softball for Women’s Softball for 16 consecutive years, ahs been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category.

A teacher and coach, Fillipp participated in the historic USSSA softball tour to the Soviet Union in 1990.

With a .650 career batting average, she is a left handed power hitter who hits to all fields.

She has over 200 career home runs and becomes the 12th female player to be elected into the USSSA Hall of Fame.

Fillipp was named to All-State Teams in Illinois and Michigan five times and was MVP at the 1985 Wisconsin Ladies Classic Softball League.

Fillipp was home run leader a the 1985 Women’s World Tournament in Concord, CA.

In 1987 Fillipp was the recipient of the Debeer Sportswoman of the Year Richard Pollack Memorial Award.

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Charles O’Donnell was inducted into the USSSA Hall of fame in the Executive Category, based on over 20 years of service to the association.

After joining the USSSA in 1971, O’Donnell was named Missouri Stare Director in 1973, and three years later was named Vice-President’s duties in 1988 O’Donnell helped organize the sport in Missouri and was an area director from 1971 to 1990.

In 1989 O’Donnell served as the Assistant Major World Series Director, and was named Director of the 1990 series.

O’Donnell was one of the founders of the Gateway Classic, and has directed more than a dozen divisional and world tournaments.

He has served on numerous program committees including length longevity as a member of the executive committee.

In 1985 O’Donnell was honored as the recipient of the coveted President’s Award.

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Buddy Slater, the sly little pitcher that all the big guys hated to face, has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category.

Slater has appeared at the World Series 15 times, ten as a player and five as a manager or coach.

As a pitcher, Slater posted a 32-9 record, the best winning percentage of any hurler in World Series history.

He was named Most Valuable Player at the 1980 series, and was named to the All-World Team five times.

The Texas native has led eight different teams to the USSSA World Championships.

Just his appearance alone at the tournament seems to make his fellow teammates each their peak.

Although small in size, Buddy Slater has always been a giant among players when competing on the field.

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Frank Titone, USSSA New York Umpire-In-Chief, has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Umpire Category.

A 21 year veteran umpire, Titone joined the USSSA 19 years ago.

He was named New York State U-I-C in 1978 and also makes assignments for a 200 member local league in his home town of Syracuse.

Titone worked the 1976 Men’s Major World Series and was twice picked for the Men’s Class “A” World Series.

He has served as Recording Secretary of the National Playing Rules Committee since 1978.

He received the National Umpire-In-Chief Award in 1985.

Titone becomes the seventh USSSA umpire to be elected into the Hall of Fame.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1994

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Al Campbell, the most winning manager in USSSA history with over 1,100 victories, was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Manager Category.

Campbell began his highly successful career in women’s softball during the 1975 season with the Swinging A’s.

He has also guided Big Bill’s Sports Shop, Little Caesars, Taylor Stingers, Steele’s Sports, Canyon Softball Center, Lady Blue, and Cannon’s Illusions.

Leading all USSSA managers, Campbell’s teams have won USSSA Crowns in 1980, 1982, 1984,1989 and World Series Championships in 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994.

He has won over 50 USSSA NIT’s, has been named All World Manager six times, and was named one the managers on the historic USSSA Women’s Tour of Russia in 1990.

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Jim Ports, involved with the USSSA since 1968 was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association Hall of Fame in the Executive Category.

Jim’s participation in the USSSA spans the entire program from Player/Manager, Umpire, Director, to Executive.

He has served as Maryland State Director for many years.

He was appointed Region 2 Vice-President in 1971, Region 4 Vice-President and to the Executive Board in 1980, and the Executive Committee in 1988.

He served as National Industrial Director for 5 years taking the program from 900 to 5,700 teams.

He was Assistant Tournament Director for the 1985 Major World Series, and a Major World Series Director in 1986.

In 1988 he was appointed Division Executive Vice-President.

In 1981 he was a recipient of the coveted USSSA President’s Award.

He was elected Nation President in 1990.

As President he set his top priority not to be the biggest softball program, but rather being the BEST softball program, and to do this by instilling a code of ethics based on trust, fairness, and honor.

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Rick “The Crusher” Scherr, a powerful hitter with long, tape measure homeruns his trademark, was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category.

A Wisconsin native, Scherr is the USSSA All Time World Series leader in home runs (101), hits (166), and RBIs (202).

He has played in the World Series a record of 14 times.

His USSSA career began in 1968 with Heidle’s of Jackson, WI., and continued with Slinger Foundry-Slinger, WI., Cooper Hearth-Milwaukee, WI., Taylor Brothers Jewelers-Corpus Christi, TX., Howard’s Western Steer- Denver, NC., Superior-Apollo, Ritches-Superior, Windsor Locks, CT., and A.J.D. of Richmond, VA.

With a .685 career batting average and over 1,800 home runs in USSSA Tournament play, Scherr was a tough competitor whether playing first base, third base, the outfield, or catcher.

Scherr was named the USSSA All World Team six times; he led three teams to World Championships; and in a recent poll of major managers and sponsors, Rick Scherr was voted the Top Player of the Decade (80’s) by his peers.

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Joann Van Vliet, a slick fielding shortstop with USSSA since 1978 has been inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Association Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category.

Regarded as one of the most feared hitter in Women’s Softball, Van Vilet has posted a .600 career batting average.

Joann, a Ceres, CA native, has played with Sunsets-Modesto, CA, Sequoia Market Bobcats-Cares, CA, California Hustle-Modesto, CA and Mr. A’s Express from Sacramento, CA.

Named MVP in twenty-seven USSSA tournaments, Van Vliet was named to the USSSA ALL World Team at the 1988, 1989, and 1990 Women’s World Series.

She was selected as the Outstanding Defensive Player at the 1990 USSSA Women’s World Series in Concord, CA.

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Don Webster, or Chatsworth, CA, has been inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association Hall of Fame in the Special Category.

Recognized as one of the early pioneers of big time softball on the west coast, it was Webster’s strong advocacy of the USSSA program over that of rival associations that out his team, Capitol/Broken Drum Insulation, into 13 USSSA Men’s Major World Series, and other tournaments in 26 stats.

His teams in the West were considered on par with Howards/Western Steer in the South and Snyders in the Midwest.

He was the 1986 recipient of the USSSA awarded of Merit for his outstanding and continuing support of the USSSA program.

Webster’s players remember his as a man who would pay the freight and still serve as the team “bad boy” if needed.

He has taken his rightful place alongside three of his team members, Elby Bushong, Mike Cellura, and Ron Whittleton, in the USSSA Hall of Fame.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1995

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Dwight Hall, a true gentleman of the game and a man respected for his common sense and love of slow pitch softball was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Association Hall of Fame in the Executive Category.

Beginning in 1971 when he was named the North Carolina USSSA State Director.

The soft-speaking southerner from Gaston, North Carolina, produced bug results and quickly moved up the ladder wit the association.

He was named a Regional Vice-President in 1973 and moved up to Southern Division Vice-Presidents in 1980.

He was serving as Eastern Region President when he dies of a heart attack in 1989 Along with helping develop USSSA programs in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia.

Hall provided the association with sound direction and leadership.

During his 18 years of service to the USSSA, Hall twice directed the Mend’s Major World Series.

He received the President’s Award in 1975 for his outstanding service.

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Pam Patrus, a consistent hitter with a .535 batting average, and known to be tough in the clutch has been inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category.

Pam, from Cincinnati, Ohio, has a 13 year USSSA softball career playing with Sorrento Pizza, Famous Recipe, and three time World Series Champion, Empress Chili. Although she has played every infield position, she is best known for her performance at third base and as pitcher.

She has pitch 3 one hit games, and her world tournament won/lose record stands at 42 wins and only 14 losses.

In 1998, while a member of Empress, she successfully switched positions from third base to pitcher, when the team lost its previous pitcher to injury.

That year Empress Chili won the first Women’s World Series and Patrus was named series MVP.

The four-time all world performer was named MVP in 12 NIT and was Cincinnati’s Female player of the year in 1989.

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Rick Wheeler, 1,600+ home run hitter, from Ontario, California, was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category.

Beginning with the East Coast Pioneer Squad of Capitol Insulation, Wheeler also played for Jerry’s Caterers, Gainely Ceramics, Elite Coating, Smythe Sox, Howard’s Western Steer, Ken Michael-Franey & Parr, Starpath, Ritch’s-Kirks, Bell Corp, Vernon’s.

Wheeler tied teammates Bruce Meade and Fred Trice for the home run crown to lead the elite coating to the 1985 Men’s Major World Series Championship.

He is in the top 5 in the following all time series accumulative categories: most home runs, most at bats, most hits, most runs, most RBI’s and most World Series appearances.

With a .655 career batting average, he was fiercely competitive whether playing first base, catcher, or his main position, the outfield.

Rich was named the Southern California Player of the Decade for the 80’s.

He was named MVP in 33 USSSA tournaments, including being the MVP of the 1985 Men’s Major World Series.

He played on the World Series Championship teams in 1985, 1986, 1987, and 1990.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1996

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Doug Brown, who in a span of eight years was named to five All-World Teams, has been inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Association Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category.

From the time the Greer, South Carolina native began playing USSSS softball in 1979, he distinguished himself suiting up with some of the greatest teams in slo-pitch, including: Dave Carroll Sports, Jerry’s Caterers, Elite Coating, Smythe Sox, AJD-Russell, and Starpath.

Although he has played a variety of positions including third base, short-stop, right center, left-center, and catcher, Brown is primarily considered a second baseman.

As his greatest softball accomplishment, brown lists his three consecutive World Series titles with Smythe Sox in 1985, 1986, then Elite Coatings in 1987.

He was the Homerun Champion for the 1988 World Series, and he pounded out the highest batting average and most homeruns in the 1990 class “AA” World Tournament.

Brown has always been a top performer and is known as a ambassador of the USSSA program.

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Allison Cole, a member of three World Series Championship Teams and five World Series All-World Teams, has been inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association Hall of Fame in the Female Category.

With Canton Softball Center in 1989 and Lady Blue in 1991 and 1992, the Wyandotte MI native led the teams offensively, and turned in stellar defense as an outfielder in route to each of these teams winning World Titles.

Cole, a member of the Michigan USSSA State Hall of Fame, has been tabbed for more than 30 All-Tournament teams from various national invitational tournaments through her career.

The outfielder has been a vital part of successful season of outstanding class “A” teams such as Tri-County, Tosti Raiders, Canton Softball Center, Steele’s, and Lady Blue.

Cole believes that the most exciting event in her softball career was during the summer of 1990 when she and several other USSSA all-stars traveled to the former Soviet Union for the USSS’s Russian Tour.

Says Cole, “Softball… has given me the opportunity to travel… to play on some great teams.. And by far most importantly to meet so many beautiful people with whom I’ve come to love very dearly.

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Rick Robertson, the 1987 National Umpire-In-Chief Award recipient, was inducted in the United States Slo-Pitch Association Hall of Fame in the Umpire Category.

The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native has piled up a host of awards as an umpire, including the 1983 Southwest Division Umpire of the Year, the 1993 Louisiana State Co- Director of the Year Award, and the 1994 Southern Region Umpire of the Year Honor.

Among the high profile events Robertson has worked are:1985 Men’s Class “A” World Tournament in Lafayette, LA, the 1988 Hispanic World Tournament in Las Cruces, NM, and the 1994 Mixed World Event in Euless, TC.

He has conducted many umpire clinics and has attended every National Umpire Clinic held at the USSSA National Meeting since 1983.

On the future of USSSA Softball, Robertson said, “USSSA is advancing every day and is on the leading edge for slo-pitch softball.

We must all remember out teams who have made us what we are today.

Communication lines must stay open between directors, umpires, players, and coaches so that we can all listen to the needs and wants of each other.”

Robertson has always been known for his tireless efforts in dealing with umpires, players, teams, and directors in the field. His willingness to serve has been outstanding.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1997

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Mildred Burrell, a pioneer in the women’s and girls youth programs, has been inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Association Hall of Fame in the Longevity Category.

Burrell, a Chesterfield, Virginia native, has been an active member of the USSSA organization since the early 1970’s. S

he co-founded the Virginia Belles women’s softball team as manager, captured the USSSA Women’s “B” World Championship in 1975.

As Women’s National Program Director from 1981-1987, she was instrumental in building team registrations and laying the groundwork for the first women’s world series in 1988 at Garland, Texas.

Burrell was appointed as the Girl’s Youth National Program Director in 1975.

It was as Girl’s Youth National Program Director that she really hit her stride.

Beginning with only 168 teams in 1976, her program now boast over 15,000 team registrations.

She was the driving force to go to the 11″ ball in the women’s and youth programs, and worked to put the re-entry rule into the women’s program.

Her never ending work has been instrumental in organizing youth player and coaches clinics all over the nation.

In 1991 Burrell was presented with the coveted USSSA Presidents Award.

She was honored in 1984 as the USSSA-DeBeers Sportswomen of the Year, and in 1991 became the recipient of the USSSA/Worth Youth Director of the Year Award.

In 1991 she spearheaded the girl’s youth tour to the Soviet Union.

At the time Burrell’s induction into the USSSA National Hall of Fame she had previously been enshrined into the USSSA Oklahoma State Hall of Fame, the USSSA South Carolina Hall of Fame, and the USSSA Virginia State Hall of Fame.

To Mildred, the kids are her life.

Overseeing their development into fine adults from the good lessons they learn in softball is one of her main objectives.

A local television announcer best described the high regard with which she is held by players and parents alike.

When he quoted a young ball player as ,” Mildred gives the best hugs.”

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Sharon “Crackers” Graham, a 13 year USSSA Women’s Class “A” veteran performer, has been inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Association Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category.

A 38 year old Cincinnati native, Graham played for such top teams as Sweeney Chevrolet, Tri-State Action, Famous Recipe, Empress Chili and Auto Body Panel.

Her main position has been second base, however, she did well in every position, known primarily as a solid singles hitter, she accumulated a lifetime batting average of .445.

In 1986 she was named Most Valuable Player in the USSSA Blue Chip NIT.

She has made All-State Honors on two occasions. Additionally, “Crackers” has been a member of four All-World Teams and has a number of All-Tournament Team placing to her credit as well.

Graham was recently singled out for distinction when she was named to the USSSA Team of the Decade for the 1980’s.

The slugger believes that softball has given her the chance to work with many talented people and has allowed her to latitude to travel and see many parts of the country.

Softball has also allowed Graham an opportunity to excel in sport which showcased her many talents.

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Dave Neale, a veteran USSSA manager and sponsor in 1981, has been inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association Hall of Fame in the Team Manager Category.

The Brooklyn, Ohio native began his USSSA career as skipper of Nationwide Advertising in 1981-1982.

In 1983 the Steele’s Team emerged under his leadership.

Neale has managed in the USSSA Men’s Major World Series a total of 13 times.

In 1988 his Steele’s Silver Bullets club won the World Series titles in Long Beach, CA.

His lifetime managerial record in USSSA play exceeds 500 wins with fewer than 100 losses.

Dave has promoted softball all over the United States and is nest known for his Steele’s Silver Bullets team that barnstormed the country in the late 80’s.

During that time he managed the team which played in 44 states and went in areas that were not aligned with USSSA, but Neale promoted the USSSA program never the less.

Neale has said that the USSSA Men’s Major World Series in the greatest event in slo-pitch softball.

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Rick Pinto, part of the USSSA since its inception in 1968, has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category.

Rick, a 46 year old Dearborn, Michigan native, competed for twelve straight years at the top level of USSSA softball.

He has played for several teams, but is best remembered for his outstanding career with Snyder’s.

During that time he had played all 10 positions, but his claim to fame came as a pitcher, Pinto was highly respected for his defensive skills on the mound and he compiled 610 wins as pitcher.

Sixteen of those victories cam in the Men’s Major World Series play.

Not a mere defensive specialist, Pinto’s bating average in top level play was .570.

Already a member of the Michigan USSSA Hall of Fame, Pinto was named Most Valuable Player in several Major USSSA events and won MVP honors in the Men’s Major World Series in 1976.

He was chosen for the Men’s Major World Series Teams in 1975, 1978, and 1977.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1998

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Dale Davidson, 18 year veteran USSSA umpire was inducted into the United States Slo-Pitch Hall of Fame in the Longevity Category.

Davidson, a Rocky River, Ohio native, has served as the Ohio State Umpire-In-Chief since 1980 and has attended and helped conduct 17 national umpire clinics.

In addition to numerous state, divisional, and NIT tournaments, Davidson officiated at the 1982 Men’s Major World Series and the Women’s World Series in 1991.

He is one of the only three umpires to have worked both prestigious events.

He was selected as one of the four USSSA officials on the first Goodwill Tour of the Soviet Union.

He was the recipient of the 1997 Umpire-In-Chief Award at the national meeting in Myrtle Beach, SC.

“Basically, there’s probably about four people who real helped me along in the sat of Ohio,” Davidson explained.

“My good friend, the late, Great George Paupp, Floyd Salter, Mark Linnemann, and for all the time I’ve spent in softball I couldn’t have done it without the fourth person, my 15 minutes of glory here tonight are actually hers as well, to my wife, I love you.”

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Clyde Guy, a line drive hitter with power to all fields, has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category.

A 46 year old Ruffin, North Carolina native, Guy was one of the all time great players in the USSSA history.

Especially during the early years of the association. His 15 year career included All World Selections in 1979 while playing for Poindexters Lumber, 1984 and 1985 with Howard’s Western Steer and again in 1989 with World Champions Superior-Apollo Softball.

Guy compiled a lifetime average of .680 with more than 1,400 home runs.

In the 1989 Major World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, he was selected as MVP with an .862 batting average.

“First I’d like to thank God for giving me the talent and allowing me to pick and choose my life’s desires,” said guy.

“I’d also like to thank my sons James and John who spent countless hours chasing fly balls..to the wonderful sponsors I played for.. And to my teammates, from the start to finish.

Those countless hours or training, and playing in good and bad conditions finally paid off. Softball, I love you.”

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Lyn Rose, women’s NIT 13 time MVP Award winner and 26 time All-Tournament Team member, was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category.

Rose, a 42 year old Cincinnati native, played the game for 23 years, 14 of those with USSSA.

She recorded a lifetime batting average of about .600 and shoed good power in amassing 300 career home runs. Rose played for some of the most successful women’s teams ever, including Famous Recipe, Dollarettes, DJ’s Lounge, McGlaughlin Oil, and she played a very important role with three-time World Champions Empress Chili.

In World Series play from 1992-1995, her batting averages were: .615, .590, .630 and .600.

She was selected to the All- World Teams in 1987, 1989, and again in 1990.

“When I joined the Class “A” Division of Women’s USSSA Softball in 1985, I was very excited to be playing Class “A” Softball, but I had no idea of the tremendous rewards that would reveal.

I’m not talking about trophies or plaques; I mean the real life awards I have accumulated over the years, playing with and against some of the best players and legends of the game, good sponsor (the Kiradjieffs) (who) treated us all like daughters, And we were a family.

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USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 1999

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Don DeDonatis has been inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Executive Category.

In 1981 Don DeDonatis coached a Men’s ‘C’ team by the name of Miller High Life.

After three years he had build this team up to where it qualified and participated in the USSSA Men’s Major World Series in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1984. His team finished fourth in the event.

However, it would not be as a coach that Don would make his imprint on the USSSA.

In 1979 he was appointed as a USSSA Area Director in his native sterling heights, Michigan.

Four years later he was appointed as the USSSA Michigan State Director by the late Fred Schleuter.

At that time there were a little over 500 teams in Michigan playing USSSA.

In 1997 Don’s last year as the State Director of the state of Michigan registered over 9,500 teams with USSSA.

In just his second year as State Director he was presented with the prestigious President’s Award at the National Convention in 1984 at El Paso, Texas.

In 1988 he was appointed as the Executive Vice-President of the Great Lakes Division, the largest division in the country.

In 1996 Don was elected and served as the USSSA National President for two years.

After the vote for approving the reorganization of USSSA at the national meeting in 1997, at Myrtle Beach, he was appointed as one of the three Assistant Executive Directors of the association.

With the passing of Al Ramsey in 1998 he was selected to lead this organization into the next millennium.

His ideas and decisions in just the past fourteen months will effect this association for the better, for many years to come.

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Mike Macenko was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Male Player Category.

Mike started his career with the USSSA in 1982 with the legendary Steele’s team that crisscrossed the country barnstorming tours in an effort to promote the game of slow pitch softball.

He was a feared power hitter with a lifetime batting average of over .600 while batting .541 in USSSA Men’s Major World Series play.

In 1987 he set the single season record with an amazing 844 home runs and astounded thousands at Detroit’s Tiger Stadium by hitting a softball out of the stadium during a home run hitting contest.

Participating in 17 USSSA Men’s Major World Series, he was a member of the All World Teams at the USSSA Men’s Major World Series in 1989 and again in 1994.

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John McKinley was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Umpire Category.

John’s Umpire career started with the USSSA in 1968, and in 1971 he was appointed as the Umpire-In-Chief for Concord, California.

In 1979 John was selected to serve as the USSSA Division Umpire-In-Chief for the Western Division.

He conducted over 150 USSSA umpire clinics and has attended every USSSA convention umpire clinic for the past 21 years.

He is one of the only four umpires to have officiated in the USSSSA Men’s Major World Series and also the Women’s “A” World Series.

Serving on the USSSA National playing rules committee for the past 17 years, in 1989 he co-authored the first USSSA Umpire’s Mechanics Manual.

Mr. McKinley received the USSSA National Umpire-In-Chief’s Award at the National Convention in 1984 in El Paso, Texas.

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Kathy Riley was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Female Player Category.

With over 200 career home runs, Kathy has a lifetime batting average in USSSA play of .650.

She was a member of four USSSA “A” World Series Champion Teams with Cannan’s Illusions in 1990, 1994, and in 1996, and with UPI in 1998.

Kathy was selected to the USSSA Women’s All World Teams on six occasions and was the first female played to be inducted into the Texas USSSA Hall of Fame in 1997.

Kathy Riley is known as one of the hardest working athletes in the USSSA women’s program.