November 2008

Home

November 2008

2008 ASA Hall of Fame Class Inducted - 2009 Inductees Announced

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. --- The Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA) inducted 11 members on Wednesday evening to its National Softball Hall of Fame while also announcing the eight members nominated to be inducted in 2009.

The Class of 2008 included five players and six others for dedicated service to the ASA. The newly inducted members include Mitch Munthe, Modesto, Calif. (Fast Pitch Player); Jim Marsh, Yukon, Okla. (Fast Pitch Player); Jenni Harp Oliver, Chattanooga, Tenn. (Slow Pitch Player); Roberta (Robbie) Mulkey, California (Fast Pitch Player); Kermit Lynch of Oklahoma City, Okla. (Fast Pitch Player); Jerry Stewart, Arcola, Ill. (meritorious service); Freddie and Virginia Ezell, Midland, Texas (meritorious service); Garland Thompson of Wilmore, Ky. (commissioner); Kevin Ryan of Stanley, NC (umpire) and Ron Galemore of Gaithersburg, Md. (umpires).

The Fun Team, Wild Rovers 35+ CoEd Team from Ireland

Adult slowpitch softball in Ireland is “almost unique in the fact that it is played as a mixed team game. It is a sociable sport to play on a long hot Summer’s day or evening, preferably with a few cold drinks at hand on the sideline with friends or family cheering you on. You can take part irrespective of your athletic ability and gradually become fit over the Summer while meeting new people and generally having a good time” advises their Federations’s website. In 2006 some of the Irish players decided it was time to take “the fun” on the road so when they heard about the 2007 World Vintage Games planned for New Zealand, the idea spread. The requirement to get on the roster was simple, if you had the money to pay for the travel you were on the team. Expenses were estimated to be $5K per person, what with flights, tournament costs and accommodations. It did not take long and the Wild Rovers were organized and in training and looking forward to the trip down under.

Sixty Seven and Still Clearing the Fences

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - Jerry S. Conner moved into the senior division of softball in 1994 when he joined the newly created Thomas Engineering 50+ Team and along with fellow Richmonder Ralph Godwin immediately bolstered The Engineers onto the National scene in senior softball. Now fifteen years later, Conner’s achievements in the sport are remarkable and a testament to his commitment to the game and a “work ethic” that demands perfection.

$$$$ MONEY $$$$

FREDERICK, MARYLAND - The State of Maryland has always been a “hot-spot” for some very competitive softball teams. Maybe it was the steamed crabs, beer and those money softball tournaments that kept the serious players going for the next big tournament victory. Over in southern Maryland playing softball became a way of life.....right up there with hunting and fishing for the real men. Just ask the guys like Joe Albert, Dick Busick, Bubby Mills and a few dozen more like them, they will tell you some real “war stories” about the old bat wars on the field when the stakes were high. And today that serious softball has even migrated to the western part of the State. Out in the Frederick area there is this serious senior player by the name of Money who is out all year long organizing batting practice for whoever he can get out. Dave “Money” Yinger is a softball organizer and he has learned that practice makes perfect (or at least improves your game). Dave’s Spicers 55+ Senior Team has evolved into one of the top ranked senior teams in their age classification in the Nation.

Still Young After All These Years

POMPANO BEACH, FLORIDA - When Gordie Warner is not at home, his answering machine kicks in with a message that asks callers to show an act of kindness to someone in need. Such a message reveals the character of this 82 year-old first baseman who, by his generous and gentle nature, has endeared himself to all who have come to know him over the years.