Category: 2022

Jack Mowatt

John (Jack) Raymond Mowatt, Jr. (1936-2022)

Jack passed away peacefully at home on the morning of Thursday August 4, 2022.

Jack was born in Washington DC to Edna & John R. Mowatt Sr., and grew up in Bladensburg, MD where he graduated from Bladensburg High School in 1954 and was a volunteer firefighter at Bladensburg Volunteer Fire Station. He went on to retire as a Program Analyst at the Federal Aviation Administration. Jack enjoyed cooking and baking for anyone who would eat. He was faithful to his church, Our Lady of the Fields Catholic Church. Jack’s accomplishments and contributions are numerous, he had been involved in the ASA since 1968, beginning as an umpire and eventually becoming Vice President of the Greater Washington Softball Umpires’ Association. In 1983 he was named Washington D.C. Commissioner and continued in that position for a number of years and served on numerous ASA committees and was awarded the National Award of Excellence and the Tom Mason Award. A regular at the National Office in Oklahoma City, Jack spent a generous amount of time helping where needed with various National Office events throughout the years. Jack was instrumental in forcing Prince Georges County to comply with Title IX to repair and maintain the softball fields within the county. He was also heavily involved with the IAFF MD tournament, some even referred to him as Mr. Softball.

Jack is survived by his companion and love of his life Joyce Sours, his sister Maureen Owens (Thomas) and his children John R. Mowatt III (Linda), Debbie Mowatt, Kevin Mowatt (Tina) and James Mowatt. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

First becoming involved with USA Softball in 1968 as a low-level umpire, Mowatt worked hard at his craft throughout the years, later being named Vice President of the Greater Washington Softball Umpires’ Association. Taking part in three USA Softball National Championships as an umpire, Mowatt also served as the umpire coordinator for the Men’s Class A National Championship and as host for the first 35-under Master’s National Championship.

During his career, Mowatt was instrumental in improving the overall quality of umpires around the country as one of the co-founders of the Central Atlantic Region Umpires Clinic – which eventually became one of the most successful clinics in the country. Mowatt served on numerous USA Softball committees and held the position of Chair of the Umpire Committee for four years where he outlined the duties and expected performance of the National Umpire Staff. Also assisting with the production of the Umpires’ Case Book, Mowatt provided many hours of proof reading and technical help to the committee in effort to benefit the growth and knowledge within the umpire community.

Additionally, Mowatt was named Washington, D.C. Commissioner in 1983 – a position he held for 34 years. Mowatt is a life member of USA Softball as well as a member of USA Softball’s National Indicator Fraternity. He received the National Award of Excellence and the Tom Mason Award, presented by the Central Atlantic Region, and was also inducted into the National Softball Hall of Fame in 2007 in honor of his many years of Meritorious Service. A regular at the National Office in Oklahoma City, Mowatt spent a generous amount of time helping where needed with various National Office events throughout the years.

Carlton Benton

Former Florida and West Central Florida ASA Commissioner Carlton Benton, Jr. (also affectionately known as “Big ‘Un” and CB) passed away on July 5, 2022.

As a Navy brat, Carlton was born on June 14, 1947, in Jacksonville, FL. He had many fond memories of growing up in Fallon, NV, and Puerto Rico. In 1961, after his father’s retirement from the U.S. Navy, his family settled in Lakeland, FL. He loved his days at Kathleen High School and remained in contact with many of his fellow Red Devils.

In 1974 he found his calling and began a rewarding and much loved 30-year career with the City of Lakeland. Through these years he thrived in a variety of roles with a passion for both youth and adult sports programs. He had a great love for sports officiating, and you can find him on a variety of fields or courts. In 1986 he jumped into the national softball scene by attending the Amateur Softball Association National Council Meeting in Hawaii, making Lakeland’s first bid on a national tournament. His trip was a success, and the next year Lakeland hosted the ASA Men’s Major Industrial National Tournament. This tournament would be the first of many to make a significant positive economic impact on the area. He would continue to pursue his passion for softball by serving as the commissioner for West Central Florida ASA and eventually in his current role as the State Commissioner for USA Softball Florida. His dedication and love for the softball community was unparalleled.

Another passion of his was coaching girls’ volleyball. In the fall of 1984, many special memories (and maybe a few frustrations) were made when he coached Natalie’s high school team. It brought him much joy to have started Polk County’s first travel volleyball program that continues to thrive today.

He enjoyed traveling with a particular love of out west including Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks. He truly had a love for people and helping others. He was known for his great sense of humor and big heart. He was especially gifted in the area of sarcasm and eye rolling.

His greatest love and source of pride was his two daughters and two granddaughters.

Carlton was greeted in heaven by his parents Carlton and Mable Benton, and his especially loved Aunt Clara and Aunt Mary.

Survivors include his wife Wanda of nearly 30 years, daughters Natalie (Larry) Connell of Thomasville, GA; Michelle (Davy) Beerman of Lakeland; Granddaughters Harli and Lauren; Brothers Andrew (Diana) Young and Clinton (Linda) Benton; Brother-in-law Bill (Dorie) Koch. Nieces and Nephews “Little” Andy (Go Cowboys!), Cali B., Miranda, Jami, and Lisa and many loved cousins and other extended family members and friends.

Carlton to softball was an innovator. One of his ideas was to create the JO Cup for ASA girls fastpitch. He wrote legislation for it and when it was shot down he stood up at the microphone and announced, “Well I am running it anyway!”