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.
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2000
Randy Gorrell Jr.
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.
Sandra Mader
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.
Ronald Parnell
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.
Robert Wayne Rinehardt
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.
Daniel Smith, Jr.
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.
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2001
Danny Brown
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.
Ray Demarini
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.
Bill Gatti
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.
Sue Koziol
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.
Charles Laroche
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.
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2002
Robert Boudreaux
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.
Chuck Maiorana
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.
Ed Menosse
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.
Pete Narrai
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.
Brenda Ryan
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.
Jim Swint
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.
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2003
Britt Hightower
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.
Beverly Lovett
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.
Bill Mathews
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.
Jerry Stout was inducted in 2003.
No picture or bio was provided.
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2004
Darrell Beeler
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.
Jackie Hayes
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.
Andrew Joel
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.
Danny Malone
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.
Brenda Paulson
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.
Jacqueline Watkins
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.
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2005
Woody Bell
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.
Jim Darby
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.”
John Hart
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.
Jess Heald
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.
Mary Hoff
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.
Todd Joerling
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.
Denny Jones
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.
Frank Lateano
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.
Ronald Neely
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.
Tom Turley
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.
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2006
Hank Bassett
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.
Rusty Bumgardner
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.
Anna Clements
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.”
Rick Fortuna
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.
Dwight Gehring
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.
Jeff Hall
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.”
Patrick Kehoe
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.
Bob Louria
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.
Tom Mattes
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.
Colleen Needham
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.
Tammy Totland
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.”
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2007
Chuck Fischer
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.
Tom Formosa
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.
Brett Helmer
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.
Denny Helmig
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.
Leslie Kanter
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.
Mark Linnemann
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.
Doug Roberson
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.”
Bill Taylor
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.
John Usie
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.
Jeff Wallace
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.
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2008
Lou Calvisi
Lou Calvisi – Manager Category
Bill Hensley – Special Category
Jason Kendrick
Jason Kendrick – Male Player Category
Todd Martin
Todd Martin – Male Player Category
Kevin Naegele
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.
Marie Pesch – Female Player Category
Travis Resmondo – Sponsor Category
Rick Weiterman
Rick Weiterman – Male Player Category
Gene Williams
Gene Williams – Manager Category
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2009
Don Clatterbough
Don Clatterbough – Male Player Category
Jay Criscione – Special Category
Dale McGregor
Dale McGregor – Umpire Category
Jeff Miller
Jeff Miller – Manager Category
Joey Odom – Executive Category
Andy Purcell
Andy Purcell – Male Player Category
John Rector
John Rector – Manager Category
Meme Thompson
Meme Thompson – Female Player Category
Gerry Turnberg
Gerry Turnberg – Director Category
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2010
Charles Beckwell
Charles Beckwell – Umpire Category
Greg Blackburn
Greg Blackburn – Manager Category
Craig Ciandella
Craig Ciandella – Director Category
Cleon Deaner
Cleon Deaner – Executive Category
Chuck Drewicz
Chuck Drewicz – Manager Category
Hank Garris
Hank Garris – Male Player Category
Howie Krause – Male Player Category
Mike McCarron
Mike McCarron – Special Category
Johnny McCraw
Johnny McCraw – Male Player Category
J.C. Phelps
J.C. Phelps – Male Player Category
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2011
Dal Beggs
Dal Beggs – Male Player Category
Lou Blaha
Lou Blaha – Special Category
Corky Carter
Corky Carter – Umpire Category
Don Cooper
Don Cooper – Manufacturer Category
Craig Elliott – Male Player Category
David Evaul
David Evaul – Executive Category
Sherri France
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.
Jimmy Powers
Jimmy Powers – Male Player Category
Larry Quartuccio
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.
Frank Webb
Frank Webb – Manager Category
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2012
Rick Brockwell
Rick Brockwell – Special Category
Larry Bruschett
Larry Bruschett – Special Category
Mary Crechiolo-Papiersky
Mary Crechiolo-Papiersky – Female Category
Gordon Glennie
Gordon Glennie – Executive Category
Jeff Hague
Jeff Hague – Sponsor Category
Billy Messina
Billy Messina – Male Player Category
Mike Shenk
Mike Shenk – Male Player Category
Dave Steffen – Male Player Category
Charles Wright – Male Player Category
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2013
Cecil Alford – Male Player Category
Larry Carter – Male Player Category
Tim Cocco – Male Player Category
Bob Holland – Executive Category
Rick Marz – Executive Category
Robert Parish – Executive Category
Duane Posavetz – Umpire Category
Mary Jane Ranz – Female Player Category
Scott Stiebel – Male Player Category
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2014
Dirk Androff – Male Player Category
Tony DeDonatis – Executive Category
John Dye – Umpire Category
Ken Franzen – Director Category
Coy Honecutt – Manager Category
Bobby Hughes – Male Player Category
Carl Rose – Male Player Category
Doug Stark – Executive Category
Tina Tuck – Female Player Category
Chris Walker – Sponsor Category
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2015
Jeff Doricott – Sponsor Category
Bert Frederick – Director Category
Caitlin Lowe – Female Player Category
Wendell Rickard – Male Player Category
Denny Rose – Director Category
Lisa Sanchez – Female Player Category
Wayne Williamson – Manager Category
Roger Wilson – Executive Category
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2016
Jerry Backman – Sponsor Category
Don DeDonatis, Jr. – Male Player Category
B.J. Fulk – Male Player Category
Shaun Marcum – Male Player Category
Cat Osterman – Female Player Category
Butch Parnes
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.
Herb Price – Sponsor Category
Doug Reed – Manager Category
Pat Ryan – Manufacturer Category
Billy Lee Yarbrough – Director Category
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2017
Scott Brown
Scott Brown – Male Player Category.
Arnie Burke
Arnie Burke – Director Category
Mike Cornell – Manufacturer Category.
Scott Kirby
Scott Kirby – Male Player Category
Kelly Kretschman – Female Player Category
Scott Nastally
Scott Nastally – Male Player Category
John Riccio – Sponsor Category
Saul Simpson
Saul Simpson – Special Category
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2018
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
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2019
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
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2020
There was no class of 2020 due to COVID-19.
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2021
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
USSSA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2022
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
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
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
