Category: 2026

Les Novak

The softball family lost a true giant with the passing of Les Novak, Minnesota’s longest-serving Umpire-in-Chief and a mentor to generations of officials. Les passed away on August 25, 2026.

Longtime Minnesota ASA Umpire in Chief (UIC), Les Novak, was elected to the National Softball Hall of Fame and due for induction this fall at the USA Softball National Council Meeting. This is the highest recognition anyone can receive in softball.

Some of Les’ achievements are:

• Started umpiring in 1957.
• Minnesota State Umpire In Chief from 1964 to 2006.
• Umpired in ten ASA National Championships.
• Participated in every ASA Umpire Clinic since its’ inception.
• Conducted umpire clinics in Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Phillipines, and Thailand.
• Was the plate umpire in the 1986 Women’s College Softball World Series.
• Was the plate umpire in the 1986 Men’s College Baseball World Series.
• He served as the MLB emergency umpire for the Minnesota Twins at Metropolitan Stadium.
• He served as the Umpire In Chief for the Women’s Pro Softball League (which would eventually become the NPF) from 1997-2001.
• He served as the Umpire in Chief for the American Pro Softball League (slow pitch pro league) from 1977-1979.
• He assigned Big 10, Northern Sun, MIAC, and UMAC games for many years.
• He has served as the International Softball Congress (ISC) Assistant UIC since 1998.
• He has served as an ISC Commissioner since 1999.
• Inducted into the ISC Hall of Fame in 2002.
• Induction into the University of Minnesota Hall of Fame in 2009
• Chairman of the ISC Umpire Committee
• Minnesota High School Clinician for Baseball and Softball for 14 years.

Most recently, Les has supported the sport as a driving force behind the creation of the Carrol Forbes Lifetime Membership Foundation, authoring articles for the Fastpitch Chronicle and Fastpitch Bulletin, and has served as the ISC Assistant UIC since 1998, and as an ISC Commissioner since 1999. Les is retired, lives in New Hope, Minnesota, and has four daughters Wendy, Wanda, Carol, and Cathy.

Robert Garland Thompson

Garland Thompson dedicated decades of service to the sport of softball and was a respected leader within the Amateur Softball Association, now USA Softball. Serving as the Kentucky State Commissioner for 20 years, Thompson played an instrumental role in the administration and growth of the game throughout the state while representing Kentucky at national meetings and championship events.

During his time as Commissioner, Thompson worked closely with local associations, tournament directors and volunteers to strengthen amateur softball opportunities across Kentucky. His leadership helped support countless athletes and teams while advancing the mission of USA Softball at both the state and national levels. In recognition of his years of dedication and contributions to the sport, he was inducted into the National Softball Hall of Fame.

Beyond his work with USA Softball, Thompson enjoyed a distinguished career with the City of Lexington Parks and Recreation Department, where he served as Athletic Director until his retirement. His commitment to parks and recreation, combined with his passion for softball, helped provide opportunities for generations of athletes and contributed to the continued growth of amateur sports throughout his community.

Thompson’s decades of leadership and unwavering commitment to USA Softball will be remembered by the many athletes, officials, volunteers and administrators whose lives he touched throughout his distinguished career. His legacy will continue to live on across the softball community he helped build.

Bill Wooten

Former Northern California ASA Commissioner, Bill Wooten has passed away.

Bill Wooten dedicated decades of service to the game of softball and was one of the most respected leaders in the Northern California softball community. Serving as the Northern California Commissioner for the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) from 1972-1999, Wooten helped guide and oversee ASA-sanctioned softball throughout the region during a transformative era for the sport.

Over the course of his remarkable 27-year tenure, Wooten was responsible for league organization, tournament administration, and the advancement of teams into state and national competition. His leadership helped strengthen and expand amateur softball across Northern California while supporting thousands of athletes, teams and local programs.

Wooten’s years of service coincided with significant growth in the sport nationwide, particularly throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Through his work at the local and regional levels, he helped build the strong competitive foundation that contributed to the continued growth and success of softball across the United States.

In addition to his work with ASA, Wooten spent much of his professional career serving the City of Redwood City Parks and Recreation Department as a Recreation Supervisor. During his tenure, Redwood City developed one of the region’s largest municipal adult softball programs, featuring more than 100 men’s teams along with numerous women’s teams.

Known throughout the softball community for his calm and steady leadership, Wooten earned the respect of colleagues, players and fellow administrators alike. He was also a mentor to many young recreation professionals and softball leaders, helping shape future generations through his guidance and support.

Wooten is survived by his wife of 65 years, Tanya; his children, Karen, Michael and Brian; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

His decades of dedication and service left a lasting impact on USA Softball, the Northern California softball community and the many athletes, teams and administrators whose lives he influenced throughout his career.

Al Rivard

Former Minneapolis Metro ASA Commissioner, Al Rivard has passed away.

Following his service in the United States Army as a medic, Rivard pursued his education in physical education, which led to a long and impactful career with Minneapolis Parks and Recreation. Beginning as a part-time employee, Rivard worked his way up through the department and ultimately served as the Softball Commissioner until his retirement in 1995.

In addition to his professional role, Rivard served as the Minneapolis Metro Commissioner, where he worked closely with USA Softball to support and grow the game at the local level. Through his leadership, he helped provide opportunities for athletes and teams across the region while contributing to the overall development of amateur softball.

Rivard’s passion for the sport and dedication to service left a lasting impact on the softball community, and he will be remembered for his commitment to growing the game and supporting those involved in it.

When Al was the commissioner there were over 1,000 teams playing in Minneapolis. This was before computers, so they had to manually register teams, type, and mail schedules. The Metro Tournament had as many as 116 teams. The tournament lasted a few weeks.

Allan Eugene Rivard, 88, Blaine, MN, passed away on April 5, 2026. He was born in Minneapolis on July 17, 1937 to Flavius “Fred” and Katherine (McQueen) Rivard.

Allan grew up in North Minneapolis. He graduated from North High in 1955.  After school, Allan joined the Army. He served for 3 years as a medic. Upon returning home, he completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in physical education.  Allan began working for the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation. His career began as part-time help, and he retired as the Softball Commissioner in 1995.

Allan met Joyce in 1972. The two were married on January 12, 1974. He became a step-father to six children; Larry, Lori, Mike, Jill, Joni, and Joel.

In his free time, Allan enjoyed being outdoors.  He loved to camp, fish, and golf.  During college, he played baseball.  He enjoyed playing cards and watching football.

Grateful for having shared in his life are his step-children, Larry (Theresa), Lori, Mike (Julie), Jill, Joni (Arlan), and Joel (Carol); 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Rivard; parents, Fred and Katherine Rivard; and siblings; Richard Rivard, Ronald Rivard, and Joan.

Dale Ferron

Dale Ferron (1947–2026)

Born on September 6, 1947 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to James F. and Wanda (Czajka) Ferron, Dale Ferron dedicated decades of service to the sport of softball through his leadership with USA Softball (ASA) of Wisconsin.

Ferron served the organization in numerous capacities throughout his career, including as an umpire, administrator, and eventually, Junior Olympic Commissioner of USA Softball of Wisconsin. Through his leadership and commitment to the game, he helped support and grow amateur softball throughout the state while working closely with athletes, officials, and volunteers across the USA Softball community. His dedication to the sport and years of service earned him induction into the ASA and Umpire Hall of Fame.

In addition to his involvement with USA Softball, Ferron spent many years officiating high school volleyball through the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association and remained a strong supporter of amateur athletics through his work with the Badger State Games.

Ferron’s dedication to USA Softball and his lasting contributions to the game will be remembered by the many athletes, officials, and members of the softball community whose lives he impacted throughout his years of service.

Dick Brubaker

Dick Brubaker (1933–2026)

Born on May 28, 1933, in Kewanee, Illinois, to Frank and Eloise Brubaker, Dick Brubaker became one of the most respected and accomplished pitchers in Men’s Fast Pitch softball. An Illinois native, Brubaker made his first appearance at a USA Softball National Championship at the age of 36 and quickly established himself as one of the game’s premier pitchers.

A staple of the Home Savings & Loan squad for 13 years, Brubaker was known for his lightning-fast delivery, trademark grunt and devastating drop ball that baffled hitters throughout his career. He compiled an outstanding 337-63 record with a remarkable 0.63 earned run average while earning USA Softball All-American honors four times. His teams finished runner-up at the Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship on five occasions, highlighting his consistent excellence in the circle.

Brubaker’s success also extended to the international stage, where he represented the United States on the 1972 USA Softball Men’s National Team. He played a key role in helping the team earn a silver medal at the 1972 WBSC Men’s World Championship, posting a 4-1 record with a 0.18 ERA while contributing offensively with a .333 batting average.

In recognition of his outstanding career and contributions to the sport, Brubaker was inducted into the USA Softball Hall of Fame in 2018, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.