Category: 2026

Al Rivard

  • 2026
  • April 12, 2026

Al Rivard

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

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

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

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.