Category: ASA

York’s Sue Ilyes honored by National Softball Hall of Fame induction

Sue Ilyes says it was a full-circle moment returning to USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City on Oct. 28. She had been on the field before, way back in 1981. The site has become one of the sport’s most hallowed grounds since then, now a 13,000-seat cathedral best known for hosting the Women’s College World Series.

Forty-two years ago, she was a star shortstop for an All-American slow pitch softball team that made the trip for the first-ever Hall of Fame Classic. The team defeated North Carolina-based Howard’s Rubi-Otts, who a year prior had traveled to York and won the 1980 Amateur Softball Association national championship over Ilyes’ York Barbelletes.

This time, Ilyes was in town to be inducted into the National Softball Hall of Fame.

Sue Corcoran Bupp Ilyes was among nine inductees in the Hall’s 2023 class. She joined an exclusive club of 449 members, and she was only the 14th women’s slow pitch standout to be enshrined.

“It’s just been a full-circle moment for me that I got to go back on that field, I got to stand at shortstop and relive that again. That was really special to me,” Ilyes said. “And then to have this award on top of it, it was 100 times more than what I thought it would be.”

 

Ilyes is one of the most decorated slow pitch softball players of all time and arguably the greatest ever from Pennsylvania. During a 35-year career that began in 1972 — the year she graduated from Dallastown High School — Ilyes received a combined 18 All-American and All-World honors. She was part of eight national title teams with the Erie-based Lakerettes and won national championship MVP in 1998.

“I would have never expected this,” Ilyes said of the national awards and recognition. “I just went out to play ball. I loved playing softball, I loved the people I hung out with. Both teams, we were a family. We always did things together. If we weren’t playing ball together, we were doing something together. It was the best experience that I’ve had as far as sports goes.”

National treasures: It started with Ilyes’ father, Gerald R. Corcoran Sr. — better known as “Cork” — who played competitive softball himself when Sue was growing up. The family moved to the York area in 1969 and Sue began playing for a local team sponsored by Frank’s Steak Shop. After the group won the city championship, York Barbell owner Bob Hoffman jumped in as a sponsor. The Barbellets, coached by Cork, became a national powerhouse in the 1970s and were a massively popular draw in the area. Hoffman used his vast resources to send the Barbellets around the country, even funding a 10-day trip to Hawaii for a showcase.

The team name changed after Hoffman stopped sponsoring softball in 1982. The group remained largely intact, though, competing as Mr. Dario’s and the self-sponsored York Pacers. They reached ASA nationals twice but didn’t reach the heights of the Barbellets. As the team slowly disbanded, legendary Lakerettes coach Art Hoover invited a handful of players to join his team, which had been a familiar competitor at weekend tournaments throughout the years. Ilyes made the jump in 1993.

“That’s when it took off,” she said.

The Lakerettes immediately became a fixture at nationals and finally claimed the championship in 1998 and 1999. They also played in the 35-and-over division and won six straight titles from 1999-2004. In their last runs at the Major National level, they finished second in 2000 and third in 2001. Ilyes — who primarily played second base for the Lakerettes — was named ASA Player of the Decade for the 1990s.

The York Area Sports Hall of Fame inducted Ilyes in its 2009 class, and she went into the USA Softball of Pennsylvania Hall of Fame with multiple teammates this March. But she still never gave much thought to “the big one,” even though the three players who had been named Player of the Decade before her had all been in the Hall since at least 2007.

She was nominated by Steve Dimitry, who runs the Softball History USA website dedicated to preserving the history of high-level softball in all forms. Ilyes and Dimitry had never met before Dimitry called Don Ilyes, Sue’s husband, to establish contact.

“I got a phone call one day … he said, ‘What’s your wife’s phone number?’ And I said, ‘Well, who are you?’” Don Ilyes said with a laugh. “And that’s how it started … and it just rolled from there.”

The email from the National Softball Hall of Fame came early in the summer, giving Sue Ilyes a few months to make plans and prepare her speech. She and Don flew to Oklahoma City on Thursday, Oct. 26, did sightseeing that Friday and got a tour of the complex and museum on Saturday morning. The banquet was that evening, and Sue went home with a plaque, a ring and a full-sized bat with her name inscribed on it. (She’ll need to keep that one away from her 7-year-old grandson, she joked.)

‘Cherry on top’: Sue and Don Ilyes met at the softball field — where else? — and eventually married in 1994. Don Ilyes was also a high-level player on one of Hoffman’s York teams and later served as an assistant coach with the Lakerettes. The couple balanced their family life with full-time jobs and copious weekend travel.

Sue Ilyes has remained connected to the game since hanging up her spikes — she has volunteered with the West York softball team in recent years and helmed a short-lived softball program at Penn State York — but isn’t one to boast about her playing accomplishments. It’s Don who makes sure those aren’t forgotten.

“We have a hall in our house that, if it wasn’t for me, (the plaques) wouldn’t be there,” Don Ilyes said. “They’d still be down in the basement.”

Softball was never a job for Sue Ilyes, even if her teams carried themselves like professionals when it was time for business. She was offered opportunities to play outside the state — one team in North Carolina offered her a job and a house — but never moved out of York County. She didn’t see herself as above her teammates despite her distinguished achievements. Her memories of “Saturday Night Live” watch parties in the 1970s are as fond as those of championships in the ’90s.

It was never about MVPs or All-American selections or Hall of Fame inductions. At its core, softball was how Ilyes chose to spend her time away from work. In that time, though, she left a legacy that will now be commemorated forever.

Al Dattolo

Al Dattolo

Al Dattolo (1946-2023)

Al was born on Monday, August 5, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Carmine Dattolo and the late Ann Cardille Dattolo. Al was a Captain in the United States Army and served for 27 years in the Army Reserves and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He later retired as an attorney with the United States Government. Al enjoyed umpiring softball games, refereeing basketball games, and worked closely with GHSA, USA Softball, and MBOA – basketball.

Al was the Georgia USA Softball Commissioner from 2006-2023 and was recently named the Region 3 Vice President serving on the USA Softball Board of Directors. Al passed away on October 2, 2023.

Jack Aaron

Jack Aaron

Jack Aaron

Jack Aaron (1934-2023)

Served ASA as president from 1993-1994. Was first player rep ever elected to that position. First player rep to become a member of the ASA Executive Board. Former president of the Texas ASA from 1978-1986. Served five consecutive terms as Texas Region vice president. Succeeded W.W. (Bill) Kethan as commissioner of Texas ASA in 1986 and did an outstanding job before becoming executive director of the Texas ASA in 1997. Jack was a former sponsor and player. Born May 11, 1934 in Stanford, Texas. Has lived in Waco, Texas since 1941. Jack passed away on September 22, 2023.

He dedicated many years to Amateur Softball Association all for the love of the sport. He was a former player and sponsor for many years with the Aaron family spending their summers at softball tournaments.

He was former president of the Texas ASA from 1978-1986. Jack served five consecutive terms as Texas Region vice president to the ASA, was commissioner of Texas ASA in 1986, and became executive director of the Texas ASA in 1997.

He served as President of ASA from 1993-1994. He was first at-large player-rep ever elected to that position. He was the first player-rep to become a member of the ASA Executive Board.

In 1995, Jack received Meritorious Service award and was inducted in the ASA Hall of Fame.

He had great memories of attending 1996 Atlanta Olympics for first ever women’s fast-pitch softball games, throwing out honorary first pitch at a game, and watching USA women softball team win the first Olympic gold medal. His involvement in the ASA led to many friendships and travels across America, and other travels including Canada, New Foundland, and Taiwan.

2023 ASA Men’s A Slow Pitch Nationals

2023 held at Hall of Fame Stadium Complex in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on September 3-4.


Champion – RoofX/Revolution Athletics, Topeka, Indiana
Runner Up – LSR/Riot, Jasonville, Indiana


Closing out Labor Day weekend and the 2023 event season at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex, RoofX/Revolution Athletics earned the Men’s Class A Slow Pitch National Championship title today following a dominant 34-12 (four innings) run-rule win over LSR/Riot in the final contest. The Championship squad ended the double-elimination tournament with the lone undefeated record and 139 runs scored across five games played.

Making its way to the Championship contest with a pristine 4-0 record, RoofX/Revolution Athletics kicked off the tournament on Sunday morning with a 24-8 win against BYB Sports followed by three additional victories over T’s 13 (24-5), Thunder/Chosen/RF/Beloli (31-15) and Ductech/Budweiser (26-20) to advance to the title game on Monday, Sept. 4.

The tournament Runner-Up, LSR/Riot, started its path to the Championship with two wins against Infinity Contractors (33-24) and Comatose/S2N/Monsta (33-28) before falling to Ductech/Budweiser, 25-17, to drop to the loser’s bracket on Sunday evening. Responding with a 39-run game to pick up a win over T’s 13, the squad earned a spot in Monday’s play, going on to defeat Comatose/S2N/Monsta, 42-28, before redeeming itself with a 33-13 run-rule win against Ductech/Budweiser to move on to the Championship contest against RoofX/Revolution Athletics.

Rolling into its third game on Championship Monday, LSR/Riot opened with a pair of singles followed by a home run to left field to jump ahead to an early 3-0 lead. Unfazed and fresh in its first appearance of the day, RoofX/Revolution Athletics led off with a double, single and sac-fly to put one on the board in its half of the inning while back-to-back singles followed by a walk set the stage for another sac-fly and a home run as RoofX/Revolution Athletics took the lead, 7-3, going into the second. Three home runs for LSR/Riot in the next at-bat was enough to tie the game but a one-out triple and its third sac-fly allowed RoofX/Revolution Athletics to pull ahead once again – taking an 8-7 lead after two innings of play. The competition continuing through the third inning, LSR/Riot pieced together a pair of singles and home runs to plate five runs to steal back the 12-8 lead while RoofX/Revolution Athletics answered back with four quick runs of its own to open the bottom of the frame and keep its foot on the gas – loading the bases and blasting a grand slam to center field to extend the lead, 17-12. LSR/Riot mustered two singles in the top of the fourth but could not manage to score a run as the game advanced to the bottom of the frame with the momentum favoring RoofX/Revolution Athletics. Scoring 17 runs on no outs, the RoofX/Revolution Athletics offense exploded in its fourth at-bat to propel the squad to a 34-12 (four innings) run-rule victory and the 2023 USA Softball Men’s Class A National Championship title.

The RoofX/Revolution Athletics compiled a .660 batting average and .677 on-base percentage in its five games while also recording a 1.469 slugging percentage and blasting 138 hits – including 61 singles, 30 doubles, two triples and 45 home runs while walking 19 times. Two members of the U.S. Men’s Futures Slow Pitch National Team were represented on the Championship squad with Jeremy Fry and Ryan McClanahan helping to lead the team to victory.

Posting a 5-2 record throughout the tournament, LSR/Riot tallied 213 hits – 117 singles, 30 doubles, six triples and 60 home runs – combining for a .625 team batting average and a .649 on-base percentage with 207 runs and 27 walks.


  • MVP – Kyle Miller, RoofX/Revolution Athletics (17-19, .895, 6 HRs, 16 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • HR Leader – Mitchell Dunse, Comatose/S2N/Monsta (22-32, .688, 33 RBIs, 13 Runs) – 10
  • Batting Leader – Kyle Miller, RoofX/Revolution Athletics –  (17-19, 6 HRs, 16 RBIs, 12 Runs) – .895

ASA A FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Jerry Williams – LSR/Riot (18-26, .692, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 9 Runs)
IF – Jeremy Fry – Roofx/Revolution Athletics (17-22, .773, 6 HR, 18 RBI, 14 Runs)
IF – Steven Hathaway – LSR/Riot (23-30, 767, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 18 Runs)
IF – Erik Hilgren – Comatose/S2N/Monsta (27-33, .818, 7 HR, 31 RBI, 19 Runs)
IF – Tyler Jensen – T’s 13 (16-20, .800, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 11 Runs)
IF – Jon Troyer – Roofx/Revolution Athletics (18-22, .818, 8 HR, 16 RBI, 16 Runs)
OF – Anthony Acevedo – Thunder/Chosen/RF/Beloli (15-21, .714, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 9 Runs)
OF – Mitch McLain – Tharaldson (15-19, .789, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 11 Runs)
OF – Jarred Vanderhoof – Thunder/Chosen/RF/Beloli (15-18, .833, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 15 Runs)
OF – Kye Winter – The Herd (13-17, .765, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 7 Runs)
UTIL – Tyler Barrett – BYB Sports (15-18, .833, 7 HR, 16 RBI, 10 Runs)
UTIL – Kyle Miller – Roofx/Revolution Athletics (17-19, .895, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 12 Runs)
UTIL – Jeff Roxby – Ductech/Budweiser (18-24, .750, 8 HR, 18 RBI, 17 Runs)
UTIL – Zack Woodside – The Herd (13-17, .765, 8 HR, 20 RBI, 13 Runs)
UTIL – Branden Yoder – RoofX/Revolution Athletics (17-22, .773, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 16 Runs)

ASA A SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Justin Mucciarelli – Roofx/Revolution Athletics (7-13, .538, 3 RBI, 4 Runs, 5-0 pitching)
IF – Faron Fry – Roofx/Revolution Athletics (15-22, .722, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 10 Runs)
IF – Cory Neugebauer – Ductech/Budweiser (16-23, .696, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 10 Runs)
IF – Michael Rainier – LSR/Riot (28-38, .737, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 28 Runs)
IF – Mike Snyder – BYB Sports (14-19, .737, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 19 Runs)
IF – Tanner Unkel – The Herd (13-18, 722, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 13 Runs)
OF – Adam Aceto – Ductech/Budweiser (13-28, .722, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 11 Runs)
OF – Austin Andrews – Comatose/S2N/Monsta (24-32, .750, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 22 Runs)
OF – Matt Stefanski – Comatose/S2N/Monsta (24-33, .727, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 22 Runs)
OF – Damian Wiblin – Northwoods Elite/Pure (13-19, .684, 6 HR, 17 RBI, 10 Runs)
UTIL – Mitchell Dunse – Comatose/S2N/Monsta (22-32, .688, 10 HR, 33 RBI, 13 Runs)
UTIL – Zack Goleniak – LSR/Riot (27-37, . 730, 9 HR, 27 RBI, 26 Runs)
UTIL – Terry Lambright – Roofx/Revolution Athletics (16-22, .727, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 13 Runs)
UTIL – Phil Matte – Comatose/S2N/Monsta (26-36, .722, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 23 Runs)
UTIL – Dan Rothbauer – Northwoods Elite/Pure (14-19, .737, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 11 Runs)


OTHERS

Craig Colb, Northwoods Elite (16-19, .842, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 10 Runs)
Travis Noor, Northwoods Elite (16-19, .842, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 11 Runs)
AJ Bilslend, T’s 13 (11-14, .786, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 11 Runs)
Hunter Beehler, Theraldson’s (13-19, .684, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 11 Runs)
Brandon Streets, Thunder/Chosen (15-22, .682, 6 HR, 18 RBI, 13 Runs)
Alex Hovey, The Herd (12-18, .667, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 8 Runs)
Richard Roccobaldo, LSR/Riot (21-32, .656, 9 HR, 26 RBI, 16 Runs)
Kyle Pearson (LA), Thunder/Chosen (15-22, .652, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 11 Runs)
Andrew Hall, LSR/Riot (23-36, .639, 9 HR, 26 RBI, 12 Runs)
Austin Dawe, Thunder/Chosen (11-18, .611, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 9 Runs)
Ryan Pennebaker, T’s 13, (11-19, .579, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 10 Runs)
Ryan McClanahan, RoofX/Revolution (12-22, 545, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 9 Runs)


FINAL STANDINGS

1. RoofX/Revolution Athletics, Topeka, IN (5-0)
2. LSR/Riot, Jasonville, IN (5-2)
3. Ductech/Budweiser, South St. Paul, MN (3-2)
4. Comatose/S2N/Monsta, Beloit, WI (4-2)
5t. Thunder/Chosen/RF/Beloli, Gladewater, TX (3-2)
5t. T’s 13, Omaha, NE (3-2)
7t. Tharaldson, Fargo, ND (2-2)
7t. Northwoods Elite/Pure, Bloomer, WI (2-2)
9t. BYB Sports, N/A (2-2)
9t. Texas5/DadBods/Legacy Health, Houston, TX (1-2)
9t. Infinity Contractors, Tulsa, OK (1-2)
9t. The Herd, Urbandale, IA (2-2)
13t. Dirty Vegas/Steel/Envy, Groves, TX (0-2)
13t. Taqueros, N/A (0-2)
13t. Elevate & Celebrate, Choctaw, OK (0-2)
13t. Rogers’ Rabbits, Little Rock, AR (1-2)
17t. BSL/S&S Landscaping/Juno/Dirt Dogs, Wallingford, CT (0-2)
17t. Vivid/Killbombers, Frisco, TX (0-2)


RoofX/Revolution Athletics

RoofX/Revolution Athletics

2023 ASA Men’s B Slow Pitch Nationals

2023 held at Hall of Fame Stadium Complex in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on August 29-30.


Champion – Stoop/Schmidt Roofing, Sartell, Minnesota
Runner Up – Chosen/Thunder/Beloli/RF, Gladewater, Texas


The final game of the 2023 USA Softball Men’s Class B Slow Pitch National Championship came down to the wire as Stoop/Schmidt Roofing reigned victorious in the 25-23, nail-biting battle against Chosen/Thunder/Beloli/RF. The undefeated squad dominated throughout the tournament with five-straight wins and 120 runs scored in pursuit of the prestigious title.

Stoop/Schmidt Roofing entered the Championship contest through the winner’s bracket with a perfect 4-0 record in the tournament after opening up with a 21-19 victory over Comatose/S2N/Monsta on Friday, Sept. 1 at 12 p.m. CT. The squad advanced to face Dirty Vegas/Steel/Envy, pulling out the 29-28 victory before capping the night with a 21-18 win over The Herd. Claiming its spot in the winner’s bracket semi-final matchup on Saturday morning, Stoop/Schmidt Roofing came to play in the back-and-forth battle, walking it off in the seventh with a solo shot to center field to defeat Chosen/Thunder/Beloli/RF, 24-23, and move on to the title game.

Rolling through the tournament with a 4-1 overall record, Chosen/Thunder/Beloli/RF kicked off its run with a 37-29 win over Northwoods Elite/Pure in Friday’s noon matchup before claiming back-to-back wins over JEC/Kevitt/P5 Sports and Ductech/Budweiser to advance to the semi-final game against Stoop/Schmidt Roofing on Saturday morning. The squad suffered its first loss in the nail-biting matchup, dropping to the loser’s bracket before bouncing back with a 38-19 victory against The Herd to clinch a spot in the title game for a rematch against Stoop/Schmidt Roofing.

Staying hot after a loser’s bracket semifinal win, Chosen/Thunder/Beloli/RF came out swinging with a solo blast to left to start the game followed by three singles, a double and three home runs to tally eight runs on the board after a half inning of play. Responding with five runs of its own in the bottom of the first, Stoop/Schmidt Roofing cranked out three singles, a double and two home runs to close the gap, 8-5, heading into the second inning. Each team put up three runs in the second inning with Chosen/Thunder/Beloli/RF tacking on two more in the top of the third before Stoop/Schmidt Roofing opened up with an offensive explosion with nine runs on two outs to take the lead, 17-13, after three. Proving to be another competitive game between the two squads, Chosen/Thunder/Beloli/RF quickly answered back with a handful of base hits capped with a three-run shot over the left field fence to pull ahead 18-17. The lead didn’t last long, however, as Stoop/Schmidt Roofing led off the bottom of the fourth with a home run to tie the game before the Chosen/Thunder/Beloli/RF defense shut it down – limiting the damage to one run.

Situational hitting from Chosen/Thunder/Beloli/RF in the top of the fifth paid off as a walk, single and a fly out put runners in scoring position – allowing a groundout and a double up the middle to plate two and break the tie. The pinball continued to bounce as Stoop/Schmidt Roofing came back with three to take the lead once again with a 21-20 score in the fifth while Chosen/Thunder/Beloli/RF also plated three in the top of the sixth to steal back the lead as the end of the game drew near. Coming down to the wire, Stoop/Schmidt Roofing passed the bat with four singles, a triple and a walk to string together four runs and pull ahead by two. Despite a single from Chosen/Thunder/Beloli/RF in the top of the seventh, the Stoop/Schmidt Roofing defense kept runners off the base paths, making three quick outs to close out the game and seal the 25-23 victory and claim the 2023 USA Softball Men’s Class B Slow Pitch National Championship title.

Stoop/Schmidt Roofing put up impressive numbers throughout the weekend, staying consistent with a .625 team batting average and a .626 on-base percentage. A 1.157 slugging percentage saw the squad crank out a total of 155 hits with 91 singles, 28 doubles, four triples and 32 home runs through five games played – remaining as the only undefeated squad through the two-day tournament.

The Chosen/Thunder/Beloli/RF offense also stayed hot with a batting average of .638 on 187 hits – including 106 singles, 37 doubles, three triples and 41 home runs. The runner-up squad tallied 179 runs through six games played while recording a .672 on-base percentage and reaching first via a walk 36 times.


  • MVP – Ryan Lindgren, Stoop/Schmidt Roofing (.778 OBP, 5 HR, 21 RBI)
  • Batting Champion – Richard Buck, Comatose/S2N/Monsta – .773
  • HR Champion – Jake Freeman, Ductech/Budweiser – 7
  • HR Champion – Jeremy Fry, RoofX/Revolution Athletics – 7
  • HR Champion – Zack Woodside, Comatose/S2N/Monsta – 7

ASA B FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Mitch Carriger – Chosen/Thunder/Beloli/RF
IF – Anthony Acevedo – Chosen/Thunder/Beloli/RF
IF – Hunter Gomez – Chosen/Thunder/Beloli/RF
IF – Brady Marsh – Stoop/Schmidt Roofing
IF – Zach Ranta – Chosen/Thunder/Beloli/RF
IF – Erik Zentzis – Stoop/Schmidt Roofing
OF – Joseph Capparelli – Chosen/Thunder/Beloli/RF
OF – Jagger Harjo – The Herd
OF – Ryan Lindgren – Stoop/Schmidt Roofing
OF – Seth VanWyk – Stoop/Schmidt Roofing
UTIL – Matt Carney – The Herd
UTIL – Kyle Clark – The Herd
UTIL – Terry Lambright – RoofX/Revolution Athletics
UTIL – Jason Madsen – Stoop/Schmidt Roofing
UTIL – Brandon Yoder – RoofX/Revolution Athletics

ASA B SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Richard “Geno” Buck – Comatose/S2N/Monsta
IF – Justin Barber – Ductech/Budweiser
IF – Alex Bremer – JEC/Kevitt/P5 Sports
IF – Erik Hilgren – Comatose/S2N/Monsta
IF – Josh Marlowe – Ductech/Budweiser
IF – Zack Woodside – Comatose/S2N/Monsta
OF – Tristan Johnston – Comatose/S2N/Monsta
OF – Chad McCarty – Ductech/Budweiser
OF – Eric O’Connell – JEC/Kevitt/P5 Sports
OF – Matt Stefanski – Comatose/S2N/Monsta
UTIL – Nick Lemke – The Herd
UTIL – Cory Neugebauer – Ductech/Budweiser
UTIL – Scott Novak – JEC/Kevitt/P5 Sports
UTIL – Seth Sullwold – JEC/Kevitt/P5 Sports
UTIL – John Mark Troyer – RoofX/Revolution Athletics


FINAL STANDINGS

1. Stoop/Schmidt Roofing, Sartell, Minnesota (5-0)
2. Thunder/Chosen/RF/Beloli, Gladewater, TX (4-2)
3. The Herd, Urbandale, IA (5-2)
4. RoofX/Revolution Athletics, Topeka, IN (5-2)
5t. Ductech/Budweiser, South St. Paul, MN (3-2)
5t. JEC/Kevitt/P5 Sports, Brooklyn Park, MN (3-2)
7t. BSL/S&S Landscaping/Juno/Dirt Dogs, Wallingford, CT (2-2)
7t. Comatose/S2N/Monsta, Beloit, WI (3-2)
9t. Dirty Vegas/Steel/Envy, Groves, TX (1-2)
9t. Armed Forces, Washington D.C. (2-2)
9t. Texas5/DadBods/Legacy Health, Houston, TX (2-2)
9t. Taqueros, N/A (1-2)
13t. LSR/Riot, Jasonville, IN  (0-2)
13t. Northwoods Elite/Pure, Bloomer, WI (1-2)
13t. Elevate & Celebrate, Choctaw, OK (0-2)
13t. Taqueros, N/A (1-2)
17t. Infinity Contractors, Tulsa, OK (0-2)
17t. BYB Sports, N/A (0-2)
17t. T’s 13, Omaha, NE (0-2)
17t. Vivid/Killbombers, Frisco, TX (0-2)


Stoop/Schmidt Roofing

 

2023 ASA Men’s AA Slow Pitch Nationals

2023 held at Joe Schleper Stadium at Tahpah Park in Shakopee, Minnesota on August 19-20.


Champion – Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S, Winter Haven, Florida
Runner Up – Comatose/S2N/Monsta, Beloit, Wisconsin


A 25-5 (five innings) run-rule victory over Comatose/S2N/Monsta (Beloit, WI) earned Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S/H Auto (Winter Haven, FL) the 2023 USA Softball Men’s Class AA Slow Pitch National Championship title today in Shakopee, Minn. Adding to its accolades after claiming the Men’s Super Slow Pitch title just two days prior, Resmondo clinched four-straight games in the Class AA tournament with 102 runs scored while limiting its opponents to a low of 33.

Resmondo opened the Men’s Class AA Slow Pitch National Championship with a 29-12 victory over T’s 13 (Omaha, NE) before claiming back-to-back wins against JEC/Kevitt/P5 (Brooklyn Park, MN) and Daddy Rocks/Ductech/Hoffman (South St. Paul, MN) to cap Saturday night’s play with scores of 21-6 and 27-10, respectively, to earn a spot in the Championship matchup on Sunday, Aug. 20 at 9:30 a.m. CT.

Playing a total of six games over two days, Comatose made its way to the title contest through the loser’s bracket despite starting strong with a 13-6 victory over Tharaldson (Fargo, ND) on Saturday morning. The Wisconsin-based squad dropped a tight, 10-9, game against Daddy Rocks before winning three-straight elimination games against The Herd (Cedar Rapids, IA), Tharaldson and Daddy Rocks — outscoring its opponents 51-17 to advance to the final contest.

With a consistent scoring effort all throughout the Championship matchup, runs were scored in all but one half-inning on both sides of the field with Resmondo kicking off the first inning plating four thanks to a pair of home runs. Comatose responded with a handful of base runners and a fielder’s choice up the middle to score one – making it 4-1 going into the second. Resmondo continued to move people around in the top of the frame with two singles, a sac fly and a double along with two more home runs to extend the lead, 10-1, before Comatose strung together three base hits to set the stage for back-to-back sac flies to plate two and close the gap, 10-3.

Not wanting to mess with the mojo, Resmondo blasted another pair of home runs in the third and fourth innings while Comatose tallied two runs including a solo shot of its own with the score 19-5 after four innings of play. The top of the fifth saw Resmondo score its final six runs of the game off four singles, a double, three walks and a fielder’s choice before shutting down Comatose with a 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the frame to clinch the 25-5 run-rule victory and the 2023 USA Softball Men’s Class AA Slow Pitch National Championship title.


  • MVP – Kyle Pearson, Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S
  • Batting Champion – Kyle Pearson, Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S – .882
  • HR Champion – Kyle Pearson, Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S – 11

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Travis Clark – Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (12-16, .750, 6 HR, 9 RBI, 8 Runs)
IF – Zach Messer – Daddy Rocks/Ductech/Hoffman (7-13, .538, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 1 Run)
IF – Kyle Pearson (FL) – Daddy Rocks/Ductech/Hoffman (8-14, .571, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 7 Runs)
IF – Jeremy Fry – Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (12-15, .800, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 11 Runs)
IF – Kyle Pearson (LA) – Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (15-17, .882, 11 HR, 21 RBI, 13 Runs)
IF – Kyle Overstreet – Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (9-11, .818, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 8 Runs)
OF – Scott Novak – JEC/Kevitt/P5 Sports (9-11, .818, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 Runs)
OF – Matt Stefanski – Comatose/S2N/Monsta (14-23, .609, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 7 Runs)
OF – Tristan Johnston – Comatose/S2N/Monsta (15-25, .600, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 9 Runs
OF – Brandon Yoder – Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (12-15, .800, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 13 Runs)
UTIL – Jared Hunt – Daddy Rocks/Ductech/Hoffman (8-10, .800, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 5 Runs)
UTIL – Austin Dawe – Comatose/S2N/Monsta (16-22, .727, 9 HR, 13 RBI, 13 Runs)
UTIL – Phil Matte – Comatose/S2N/Monsta (15-25, .600, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 13 Runs)
UTIL – Tyler Marshburn – Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (12-17, .706, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 13 Runs)
UTIL – Brad Reckart – Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (9-15, .500, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 8 Runs)


OTHERS

Brent Zomer, The Herd (9-11, .818, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 7 Runs)
Bradley Jones, Resmondo (9-16, .563, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 8 Runs)
Mitchell Dunse, Comatose (10-18, .556, 6 RBI, 4 Runs)
Mitchell McLain, Tharaldsons (7-13, .538, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 4 Runs)
Jacob Stadler, Comatose (11-21, .524, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 4 Runs)
Terry Lambright, Daddy Rocks (7-14, .500, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 6 Runs)
Greg Connell, Daddy Rocks (7-15, .467, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 6 Runs)
Jeremy Yates, Daddy Rocks (6-14, .429, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 4 Runs)


FINAL STANDINGS

1. Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S, Winter Haven, FL  (4-0)
2. Comatose/S2N/Monsta, Beloit, WI (4-2)
3. Daddy Rocks/Ductech/Hoffman, South St. Paul, MN (2-2)
4. Tharaldson, Fargo, ND (2-2)
5t. JEC/Kevitt/P5 Sports (1-2)
5t, The Herd, Urbandale, IA (1-2)
7t. Northwoods Elite/Pure, Bloomer, WI (0-2)
7t. T’s 13, Omaha, NE (0-2)


Resmondo

2023 ASA Men’s Super Slow Pitch Nationals

2023 held at Joe Schleper Stadium at Tahpah Park in Shakopee, Minnesota on August 17-18.


Champion – Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S, Winter Haven, Florida
Runner Up – The Herd, Urbandale, Iowa


A champion was crowned today at Tahpah Park in Shakopee, Minn. as Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S defeated The Herd 27-14 in the final contest of the USA Softball Men’s Super Slow Pitch National Championship. With a perfect 4-0 record through the tournament, Resmondo outscored its opponents 98-32 en route to the prestigious National Championship title.

Kicking things off with a win in the first matchup of the tournament, Resmondo took Game 1 against NE/Pure by a score of 29-7 before defeating Tharaldson on Saturday morning, 18-2. Continuing its streak in the semi-final contest, Resmondo took down The Herd, 24-9, to clinch its spot in the title game at 4:30 p.m CT on Friday evening.

Also proving a dominate presence on the field, The Herd started the event strong with an explosive 33-12 win over Comatose/S2N/Monsta followed by a 10-5 victory against T’s 13. Dropping to the loser’s bracket after a loss to Resmondo in the semi-finals, The Herd bounced back with a 20-13 battle against T’s 13 to advance to the Championship game.

Resmondo pulled ahead early in the title matchup against The Herd thanks to a pair of singles and a home run to score three – but the Herd answered back with two singles of its own followed by a sac fly in the bottom of the frame to scratch a run and close the 3-1 gap after one inning. Consistently chipping away, Resmondo plated one in the top of the second before breaking the game open in the third with three home runs to extend the lead, 10-1. The Herd – known for its fight at the plate – refused to back down and strung together seven singles, two walks and a triple to steal the momentum and bring the squad within one run. With a score of 10-9 heading into the fourth inning, Resmondo was unfazed – leading off with a double followed by three more home runs to take back the momentum in the 14-9 game.

Threatening the lead once again in the bottom of the fourth, back-to-back singles and a home run from The Herd brought the score to 14-12 – but it wouldn’t last long as the Resmondo bats exploded in the fifth inning with three singles, three doubles and two home runs to score eight more runs. Continuing to add-on in the final two innings, Resmondo’s tally grew to 27 runs while The Herd added two with a home run in the seventh, but would prove not enough as Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S claimed the 27-14 victory and the 2023 Men’s Super Slow Pitch National Championship title.

This was the 33rd time the ASA Super National Championship has been held.


  • MVP – Tyler Marshburn, Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S
  • Batting Champion – Bradley Jones, Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (.867)
  • HR Champion – Jason Matusik, Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (6)

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Travis Clark – Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (8-12, .667, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 6 Runs)
IF – Blaine Horsager – Tharaldson (5-8, .625, 2 Runs)
IF – Jake Hohensee – T’s 13 (8-13, .615, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 5 Runs)
IF – Brett Rettenmeier – The Herd (14-20, .700, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 11 Runs)
IF – Tyler Marshburn – Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (12-16, .750, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 11 Runs)
IF – Phil Matte – Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (10-12, .833, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 10 Runs)
OF – Zach Woodside – The Herd (10-16, .625, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 6 Runs)
OF – Brent Zomer – The Herd (7-13, .538, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 8 Runs)
OF – Bradley Jones – Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (13-16, .846, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 10 Runs)
OF – Jason Matusik – Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (11-15, .733, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 10 Runs)
UTIL – Bryan Dezern – T’s 13 (6-14, .429, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 4 Runs)
UTIL – Alex Hovey – The Herd (15-21, .714, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 4 Runs)
UTIL – Chris Bauer – The Herd (12-19, .632, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 4 Runs)
UTIL – Matt Schrage – The Herd (13-20 , .650, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 12 Runs)
UTIL – Josh Riley – Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (9-15, .600, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 6 Runs)


FINAL STANDINGS

1. Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S, Winter Haven, FL  (4-0)
2. The Herd, Urbandale, IA (3-2)
3. T’s 13, Omaha, NE (2-2)
4. Tharaldson, Fargo, ND (1-2)
5t. Comatose/S2N/Monsta, Beloit, WI (0-2)
5t. Northwoods Elite/Pure, Bloomer, WI (0-2)


OTHERS

Kyle Pearson (LA), Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (13-18, .722, 5 HR, 13 RBI, 11 Runs)
Greg Connell, Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (8-13 .615, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 9 Runs)
Andrew Collins, Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (7-12, .583, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3 Runs)
Kevin Bazat, Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S (7-12, .583, 5 RBI, 4 Runs)
Kyle Aken, T’s 13 (8-14, .571, 1 Run, 4 RBI)
Patrick Ellwanger, The Herd (12-22, .545, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 6 Runs)
Quinn Cannoy, The Herd (9-17, .529, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 10 Runs)


Resmondo


The Super Division was created to combat pro softball leagues and to give all teams the chance to “bring what you got” to a national championship while preserving their amateur status in 1981.

  1. 1981 – Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, North Carolina
  2. 1982 – Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, Florida
  3. 1983 – Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, North Carolina
  4. 1984 – Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, North Carolina
  5. 1985 – Steele’s Sports, Grafton, Ohio
  6. 1986 – Steele’s Sports, Grafton, Ohio
  7. 1987 – Steele’s Sports, Grafton, Ohio
  8. 1988 – Starpath, Monticello, Kentucky
  9. 1989 – Ritch’s Salvage, Harrisburgh, North Carolina
  10. 1990 – Steele’s Silver Bullets, Grafton, Ohio
  11. 1991 – Sunbelt/Worth, Centerville, Georgia
  12. 1992 – Ritch’s-Superior/TPS, Windsor Locks, Connecticut
  13. 1993 – Ritch’s-Superior/TPS, Windsor Locks, Connecticut
  14. 1994 – Bell Corp/Easton, Tampa, Florida
  15. 1995 – Lighthouse/Worth, Stone Mountain, Georgia
  16. 1996 – Ritch’s-Superior/Tri-Gems/Beloli/TPS, Windsor Locks, Connecticut
  17. 1997 – Ritch’s-Superior/Tri-Gems/Beloli/TPS, Windsor Locks, Connecticut
  18. 1998 – Lighthouse/Worth, Stone Mountain, Georgia
  19. 1999 – Team Easton, Burlingame, California
  20. 2000 – Team TPS, Louisville, Kentucky
  21. 2001 – Long Haul/Taylor Bros/Shen Corp/TPS, Albertville, Minnesota
  22. 2002 – Long Haul/Taylor Bros/Shen Corp/TPS, Albertville, Minnesota
  23. 2003 – Hague/Resmondo/Taylor Bros/Sunbelt, Columbus, Ohio
  24. 2013 – H. Auto/Easton, Cicero, New York
  25. 2014 – Long Haul/H. Auto/Easton, Cicero, New York
  26. 2015 – BBS/Mr. D’s/Rip City, Rochester, Minnesota
  27. 2016 – O&S Cattle/Mr. D’s, Stillwater, Minnesota
  28. 2017 – West Coast Monsta, Calimesa, California
  29. 2018 – H. Auto/RDD/All In/Sprizzi/Easton, Cicero, New York
  30. 2019 – H. Auto/RDD/Sprizzi/S&S/Easton, Le Sueur, Minnesota
  31. 2020 – H. Auto/RDD/Sprizzi/S&S/Easton, Cicero, New York
  32. 2021 – Thunder/SIS/Chosen/All American/Menosse/RDD/S&S, Cicero, New York
  33. 2023 – Resmondo/SIS/All American/Menosse/RDD/Stub Terminal/S&S, Winter Haven, Florida

2023 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

2023 held at Caswell Park in North Mankato, Minnesota on August 3-6.


Champion – NY Gremlins, Clifton Park, New York
Runner Up – Hill United Chiefs, Six Nations, Ontario


  • MVP – Eric Ochoa, NY Gremlins
  • Batting Leader – Braden Ducharme, LC Ostrander Norsemen – .565
  • Home Run Leader – Braden Ducharme, LC Ostrander Norsemen – 3

Coming out on top of the 91st annual USA Softball Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship was the NY Gremlins after inclement weather in the area forced a cancellation of Sunday’s championship action. Clinching a spot in the final contest during Saturday night’s semi-final, the Gremlins of Clifton Park, NY remained as the only undefeated team in the tournament – earning them the 2023 National Championship title.

Scheduled to compete in the loser’s bracket semi-final on Sunday morning – also cancelled due to weather – Hill United Chiefs finished as the runner-up while AWP Lumberjacks took home third place honors.

Claiming back-to-back victories to open the tournament, AWP Lumberjacks’ hot streak ended after meeting Hill United Chiefs on Saturday afternoon – sending them to the loser’s bracket where they rebounded with two shutout wins over Omma Tigres and Bear Creek Express, setting them up for a rematch against the Chiefs on Sunday morning. Hill United Chiefs also started the tournament strong with three wins over Ohio Bombers, Wander Spring Chippers and AWP Lumberjacks before dropping to the loser’s bracket after falling to the NY Gremlins in a 7-4 battle on Saturday night. With the weather halting play, neither the Chiefs nor the Lumberjacks were able to redeem themselves against their opponents – earning second and third place titles, respectively.

Ending the tournament with a pristine 4-0 record, the NY Gremlins made history while bringing home the hardware – earning its third straight title and becoming the first team in the 21st century to three-peat twice at the Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship, also clinching three consecutive titles from 2016-2018. Since 2009, the NY Gremlins have improved to a 65-16 record, highlighted by a now eight National Championship titles and a spot in the record books.

The Gremlins outscored its opponents 35-8 during the 2023 event while picking up two shutout wins along the way. Combining for a .393 batting average with a .488 on-base percentage, the squad tallied 42 hits including nine doubles and eight home runs while reaching base a total of 20 times via walk or hit-by-pitch. Ben Enoka led the team at the plate with a .636 batting average, five singles, one double, one home run and 10 runs scored with Erick Ochoa also leading the pack racking up three singles, two doubles and a home run with seven RBI and a .462 batting average.

Holding down the defense for the Gremlins was Jack Besgrove and Andrew Kirkpatrick – splitting time in the circle with two wins apiece and a combined 2.04 ERA. Besgrove shut down his opponents through 15.1 innings, allowing a low of six runs to cross the plate while striking out 29 batters with Kirkpatrick posting 13 K’s of his own through 8.2 innings pitched.


2023 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Jack Besgrove, NY Gremlins
P – Bradley Kilpatrick, LC Ostrander Norsemen
P – Marco Diaz, AWP Lumberjacks
C – Cory Timu, LC Ostrander Norsemen
IF – Erick Ochoa, NY Gremlins
IF – Braden Ducharme, LC Ostrander Norsemen
IF – Lenny Villalvazo, JB
IF – Shane Boland, Hill United Chiefs
OF – Tom Czech, LC Ostrander Norsemen
OF – Bradley Ezekiel, Circle Tap Dukes
OF – Ben Enoka, NY Gremlins
UTIL – Fransisco Lombardo, AWP Lumberjacks
UTIL – Codi Pannebecker, AWP Lumberjacks
UTIL – Alan Peker, Hill United Chiefs

2023 SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Andrew Kilpatrick, NY Gremlins
P – Adam Folkard, Hill United Chiefs
P – Roman Godoy, JB
C – Bruno Motroni, Hill United Chiefs
IF – Jerome Raemaki, NY Gremlins
IF – Blake Hunter, NY Gremlins
IF – Brent Meschke, LC Ostrander Norsemen
IF – Sisko Sabate, AWP Lumberjacks
OF – Mathieu Roy, NY Gremlins
OF – Colin Walsh, Bear Creek Express
OF – Quinten Bruce, Bear Creek Express
OF – Bryan Abbrey, NY Gremlins
UTIL – Zenon Winters, NY Gremlins
UTIL – Valdy Terkelson, AWP Lumberjacks
UTIL – Tony Gonzalez, Hill United Chiefs


FINAL STANDINGS

1. NY Gremlins, Clifton Park, NY (4-0)
2. Hill United Chiefs, Six Nations, ON (3-1)
3. AWP Lumberjacks, Du Quoin, IL (4-1)
4. Bear Creek Express, Melbourne, ON (3-2)
5t. LC Ostrander Norsemen, Lake Crystal, MN (5-2)
5t. Omma Tigres, Midland, TX (3-2)
7t. J&B Painting, Agoura Hills, CA (4-2)
7t. Circle Tap Dukes, Denmark, WI (2-2)
9t. Kegel Black Knights, Fargo, ND (3-2)
9t. Midland Explorers, Midland, MI (2-3)
9t. Niagara Stompers, Niagara Falls, ON (1-2)
9t. Wander Spring Chippers, Greenleaf, WI (1-2)
13t. AHI Reapers, Kimberly, WI (2-2)
13t. Ohio Bombers, Bainbridge, ON (2-2)
13t. Pueblo Bandits, Pueblo, CO (1-3)
13t. Marchio Sausage Company, St. Paul, MN (1-3)
17t. Czech U18 National Team, Prague, CZ (1-2)
17t. San Antonio Glowworm, San Antonio, TX (0-3)
17t. The Bar Buzz, Appleton, WI (0-3)
17t. Southside Stingers, Brisbane, AU (0-3)


James Ellis

James Ellis

James Ellis

James Ellis (1959-2023)

Ellis became involved in athletics at a young age, beginning his career in the Johnson City Parks and Recreation Department as a teenager before joining the department full time in 1978. After a promotion to Recreation Supervisor in 1980, Ellis continued to move up in positions — serving as the department Athletic Director for over three decades and the Assistant Director for six years before taking on the top position as Director in 2017.

His involvement with USA Softball also spanned three decades as he served as the USA Softball of Tennessee District Commissioner for over 20 years in addition to a six-year stint as vice president of the organization. Ellis took over as State Commissioner in 2015 and was appointed to the USA Softball Board of Directors in 2020. Along with these leadership positions, Ellis also played various roles within the Legislative, Commissioner Appointments, Membership and Ethics Committees in addition to directing hundreds of invitational, state, regional and national tournaments over the years. His long list of accolades earned him enshrinement into the USA Softball of Tennessee Hall of Fame in 2017.

Ellis will be remembered by co-workers and friends for his passion in area youth and for the community he served.

James Ellis, the former Johnson City Parks & Rec Director who also served as USA Softball Commissioner for Tennessee, died Tuesday after an extended illness. He was 64.

Ellis was remembered by co-workers and friends for his passion for area youth and the community he served.

Joe Ebarb, athletic manager for Johnson City Parks & Rec, was a lifelong friend of Ellis. They started together with the Parks & Rec department as teenagers. Ebarb moved on to Eastman where he retired before coming back to the department, while Ellis stayed with the city of Johnson City. He retired in February.

Ellis’ first job was handing out roller skates at the Legion Street Rec Center. He joined the department full-time in 1978 and was promoted to recreation supervisor in 1980. Ebarb and Ellis crossed paths numerous times over the years as volunteer coaches, umpiring games and other roles.

Even after Ellis retired, he was a trusted source of knowledge the department could count on.

“Working with James through athletics was awesome. He only wanted the best for the kids,” Ebarb said. “He wanted Johnson City to have the best youth programs available and we were there when he retired. James was a wonderful man, but we lost so much more with all the years of experience you could count on. You can’t replace that.”

Ellis served as athletic director for the department for over three decades and another six years as assistant director before being promoted to the top position in 2017. In whatever role he had, his dedication was second-to-none.

“I never met a man who had more passion for his job than James did Parks & Rec,” Ebarb said. “He lived it 24/7. It wasn’t an 8-to-5 job for James Ellis. Whether it was Saturday morning, Sunday afternoon or through the week, you could find him checking on the facilities and seeing what had to be done or what needed to be done.”

It wasn’t the financial rewards, but the giving back to the community that meant the most to Ellis. He had the respect of his employees, who enjoyed the fact he could be serious, but also cut up at times.

“He was a crucial part of the city of Johnson City’s team,” said Bill Fuller, Johnson City golf maintenance manager. “Speaking as one of his employees, he is going to be greatly missed. He was a good leader, a great boss and I considered him a friend.”

Ellis was greatly involved in so many projects throughout the city from developing Winged Deer Park to fixing a flooding problem in the outfield at then Cardinal Park. He had experience in so many areas including administration, working with the Convention and Visitors Bureau and other civic groups. His loyalty to the department is something that brought him admiration amongst his peers.

“I know of no one who guarded the brand of Johnson City Parks & Rec more than James Ellis,” said Jim Hughes, the city’s former director of golf. “He started as a kid working there and didn’t really work anywhere else other than his ties with USA and ASA softball. It was all about the community.”

Ellis served as the Tennessee ASA/USA Softball District Commissioner over 20 years. He also served as a Vice President for ASA/USA Softball for six years and remained a member of softball council for years after that. He was inducted into the USA Softball Hall of Fame in 2017.

Hughes remembered while they had some heated discussions, they would always shake hands at the end of the day. He knew Ellis’ heart was in the right place, looking out for his community and department.

“We never saw eye-to-eye 100% on anything and had some pretty good disagreements at times,” Hughes said. “But, we always tried to reach a compromise that was best for the city, Parks & Rec and the employees. In so many ways, he was like a family member.”

William D. “Bill” Maher

William Maher

William Dale “Bill” Maher (1931-2023)

A constant for the sport in South Dakota, Maher first became involved with USA Softball as a player, coach and umpire before transitioning into the administrative side of the game in 1972 where he served as the USA Softball of South Dakota Commissioner for 42 years. While in this position, Maher worked as a team with his late wife, Rosemary Ann Maher (1939-2022), to boost team registrations from 350 to over 2,000 in the heyday of softball. The South Dakota umpire program also flourished under Maher’s guidance with yearly state or National Umpire Schools and registration numbers as high as 500. During his time as Commissioner, Maher instituted a permanent structure for the USA Softball of South Dakota Hall of Fame, began and distributed a quarterly “South Dakota Softball News” and created a scholarship program for eligible high school seniors with approximately $90,000 being awarded over the last 30 years. In 2022, Maher and Rosemary were jointly recognized for their trailblazing leadership and contributions to the sport as inductees into the USA Softball of South Dakota Hall of Fame.

William D. “Bill” Maher, youngest son of John B. and Rose E. (O’Connor) Maher was born January 27, 1931, in Pierre, South Dakota, and died May 15, 2023, at his Spearfish home surrounded by his loving family.

Bill married Rosemary Ann Bruner of Geddes, S.D., at St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church in Pierre on June 22, 1963. To this union seven children were born. Twin daughters, Michelle and Patricia, sons, Michael (Jeanne) and Patrick John (Lisa); daughters, Mary Cook (Allen), Teresa Bartlett (Frank), and Colleen Thompson (Charles). Also blessed to share his life are grandchildren, Heather McQueen, Mia Semmler, Samantha Nordbye (Shawn), Andrea and Joel Thompson, Nicole, Max, Christina, and Jennifer Bartlett, Kathleen Cook, and Peyton Higgs, as well as great-grandchildren, Zachary Hagemann, and Victoria Nordbye.

Bill graduated from Pierre High School in 1949, where he lent a helping hand at Tyler’s Dairy prior to his enlistment in the U.S. Army which included a ten-month tour in Korea and teaching at the Infantry school in Ft. Benning, GA. Upon his honorable discharge, Bill attended S.D.S.U., Brookings. Returning to Pierre, ever helpful and work oriented, his diligence was noticed by the South Dakota Department of Veterans affairs in Pierre where he was hired as a veteran’s service officer, a position he held for 33 years, striving to improve the lives of fellow veterans. In 1978, this employment moved his family to Sturgis where they lived for nearly 25 years. In the midst of these differing employment opportunities, an entrepreneurial spirit led the couple in and out of insurance adjusting, concession businesses and eventual restaurant ownership.

His industriousness and high expectations could be seen in all areas of life, including his passion for the game of softball. This love of softball led him to join his local softball association which grew to greater involvement at a state and national level.  In 1972, Bill was appointed SD Amateur Softball Association State Commissioner, a position he held for forty-two years. Upon his retirement from SDASA in 2013, he was named Commissioner Emeritus. In honor of the tireless work that the couple undertook, Bill and Rosemary were inducted into the S.D. Softball Hall of Fame in 2022. They were proud to be part of this organization and were gifted with many friendships that lasted a lifetime. The couple relocated to Spearfish in 2002 and in their spare time they actively enjoyed the beauty of the Black Hills, especially Terry Peak, and traveled to a variety of destinations including Mediterranean countries and the British Isles.

Bill was a lifelong member of the VFW and the American Legion. Noble in purpose and ever mindful of his civic and patriotic duty, Bill served on the West River Draft Board for a twenty-year period. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Honorable Order of Blue Goose.

To all who knew him, Bill was a great conversationalist. He could and did develop a rapport with almost everyone he came in contact, even if not seeing eye to eye. Being very social, he taught his children and grandchildren the virtue of patience as we waited for these conversations to conclude.  Although Bill would never have described himself this way, those who knew and loved him best recount him as being caring, a fierce friend, headstrong (stubborn), honorable, loyal, selfless, and knowingly grateful and blessed. He was thoughtful and often found little things to make sure you knew he cared. He gave good advice to those who were wise enough to listen. Through it all, his great sense of humor made us laugh and find joy in all different aspects of life. We will remember the best times, the laughter, the song of a good life.