Recent Classes

Additional Info

The Mission of the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor players, managers, directors, umpires, and others, who have achieved the highest honors in Senior Softball.

Class of 2021

Director Lonnie OHaver	Bobby Graham wrote, “Lonnie is and has been a tremendous asset, and vital executive for SPA for many years! He is a great friend to me and to softball everywhere. It is an honor to highly recommend him for membership into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame. Danny Excobar writes, "Lonnie is very knowledgeable on how to run a tournament, treats teams with the respect they deserve and not just brushing them off when he is confronted with an issue.” Pat Carry wrote, "He not only directs tournaments, but he listens to each individual Manager about their concerns, for the betterment of Senior Softball. His treatment of people and the respect he displays for teams is known nationwide.” Mike Rose says "He has consistently shown a desire to ensure a great experience for the participating players and fans. He gives out his mobile number to Managers, and actually answers it! He spends a great deal of time behind the scenes planning and finding ways to enhance the game…” Don Ward wrote, "It wasn’t just his technical skills that impressed me, …but his amazingly positive attitude and eagerness to stick to deadlines, making changes to tournaments as needed.”
Manager Tom Stankus	Ron Sandy wrote, "Tom is and has been a class act. He is the most organized and caring softball coach and player that I know. He spends countless hours working on building the team that he can put on the field." "Tom loves this game that we all hold so dear and is a genuine 'people' person. He displays good sportsmanship while playing and coaching. He is a conscientious manager and a selfess teammate, who always puts the team first." William Cameron wrote, "Tom is a great representative and salesman for the game of Senior Softball. He is always positive as a coach. His caring for his players and his ability to relate to each one’s needs makes Tom special." Don Clatterbough says, "Tom is a dedicated team leader. In all aspects of his life, he exhibits sportsmanship, character and class." William Cameron writes, "Tom is a great representative and solesman for the gamd of Senior Softball. He is always positive as a coach and a player. His organizational skills and knowledge of the game have set him apart as a winner. His caring for his player and his ability to relate to each one's needs makes Tom Special."
Pioneer Manager Darrell Pinkerton	Randy Fithian writes, Darrell was a manager’s manager…spending the much needed time off the field to make sure his team is a success on the field. As well as the manager duties performed during tournaments. He also spent the un-ending year around time making calls to players and tournament directors, sending entry fees, keeping stats, arranging travel plans, reserving rooms, and obtaining uniforms.” Lynn Nash wrote, “His support and encouragement of the older Association members…with innovative rule changes and scheduling to accommodate the older players has enabled many of us to stay in the game much longer than we could have otherwise” Jim Judy wrote, "He was always under control and making the best decision for the team and each player’s benefit. He is well respected with opposing teams and umpires and is a real ambassador to the game.” David Baker wrote, "Truly a man of integrity who is passionate about the furtherance of Senior Softball” Paul Martin wrote, "He helped average guys become softball players again, and even for the first time playing Senior Softball, to enjoy this great game!”
Pioneer Player Thomas Ladd	Thomas Ladd sStarted playing Senior Softball with the Melbourne (FL) Astros in 1990. Dick Carter wrote, "It is his manner and decorum on and off the filed that sets him apart from all the rest. He is the epitome of a senior softball player. A true sportsman in every sense of the word.” Jack Westbrooke writes, "Tom and I have been playing together for 12 years. Before that, I had the misfortune of having to play AGAINST him! He is an outstanding power hitter…and an accomplished outfielder and first baseman.” Tony Castaldy wrote, "There is nothing I can say that will support his qualifications as much as the incredible success he has had.”
Pioneer Player James Nugent	James started playing Senior Softball with the New York Statesmen in 1993. He Played with the Jersey Jaguars from 1995-2004 and was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fam in 2006, in the Executive Category. From 1993-2003 he had 9 All Tournament selections (1 with NY Statesmen; 8 with Jaguars). In addition to playing, he has also umpired for ASA and USSSA. James has played on 6 World Championship teams
Pioneer Player J. Duffie Stone	Duffie started with Georgia teams, including Georgia Peaches Red. Later joined Joseph Chevrolet at age 75, and is now with Florida Investment Properties, and always volunteers to open games with a prayer Ted Battistone wrote,"Duffie hits with authority and many of his hits come at a crucial time in the game; His line drives are just ‘blisters’ going through the infield. Bottom line, his marvelous job of pitching is a blessing but his hitting is even greater in the pinch.” Thomas Sides writes, "He is a solid 700 hitter with occasional power. He is one of the best pitchers and he has great defensive skills.” Rocco Cambareri wrote, "He is one of the best teammates to have, always helping others and the team. I have never seen him angry with other players. He is always willing to pray with us and other teams.” Raymond Bosseti wrote, "James is a great representative of senior softball. He is respected by teammates and opposing teams.”
Pioneer Woman Player Brenda Phelps	My senior softball career began when I was 54 years old and began playing in the National Senior Olympics. My first love has always been softball. The past 22 years my home team was the Dream Team for 2 years then in 1997 we changed our name to the Chattanooga Chargers. I also played with the Tennessee Thunder, Tennessee Stars, Thoroughbreds and Ohio Tri Stars. I have played outfield, short stop, first base and pitching. I love to pitch and have held that position for over 40 years. Softball has been a big part of my life and I have been blessed to have met so many wonderful ladies over all the years I’ve played with each team. I count that special……………..I am also grateful that I can still do what I have always loved to do….softball. I consider it a heartfelt honor to have been nominated for the hall of fame.
Player Vance Gudmundsen	Don Clatterbough writes, "Not only is Vance a dedicated and competitive player, he exhibits sportsmanship, character and class on and off the field in all aspects of his life." John Davide wrote, "Vance has made the most of his years playing Senior Softball. He works very hard on improving his skills. He has become a high average hitter and his success on the field has culminated into many offensive and defensive awards." John Scruggs writes, "In the years that he has played Vance he has always played with a passion to win. His speed and accuracy in chasing down a ball is amazing. His willingness to play anywhere and any time shows his love of the game."
Player Scott Logan	Warren Watson writes “Scott has superior skills both offensively and defensively. Scott has been a gentleman both on and off the field. You never hear him argue or belittle other players. He is a sportsman to the highest degree. He is a teammate anyone would desire. Bob Fuhst wrote, ”I have seen him in many different roles and situations, so I can honestly say he is a leader, friend, and a volunteer in senior softball. Of all the senior softball players I have seen, he comes as a complete package. He has such God given talent in hitting, fielding, throwing and running, but it is his nice guy attitude which carries his talents to the fore.” Ted Battisore writes, "Scott likes to be in the 'clutch' situation as he frequently delivers the needed hit for his team. Beyond his playing abilities, Scott is involved in many off-the-field programs in an effort to continually promote the senior softball program for all players participating at all levels.
Player Jose Moreno	Larry Campbell writes, “Jose has consistently led his teams in power hitting and average while playing superb infield and outfield”. Skip Benhem says, “Jose is a good teammate. He is one of the finest offensive players I have ever played with. He is also willing and able to play multiple positions defensively to help the team”. Bill Reinecke writes, “Jose and I have played together for many years, and in all those years Jose has always been a fierce competitor and a gentleman. He always is trying to make the game of softball a better place to be”.
Player Kevin Naylor	Don Clatterbough wrote that he played against Kevin for years and "found Kevin to be an outstanding offensive and defensive player." John Davide writes, "it is a wonderful thing having Kevin as a teammate. His character and dedication to the game is the kind of chemistry great teams look to achieve." Steve Barkan writes, "In Kevin’s 20 years of playing Senior Softball he has played in 34 National or Regional Senior Championship tournaments and was selected to 16 All-Tournament teams. Included in those 16 All-Tournament selections are 4 MVP Awards and 1 Defensive MVP Award." Sandy Brown says, "Kevin is a 5 tool player as an excellent defensive outfielder with an accurate strong arm. Offensively he is a switch hitter who can hit for average as well as power from both sides of the plate." Tony Musso writes, "In addition to having skills, good power and a silky smooth performance as an outfielder, Kevin is a great sportsman."
Player Larry Nelson	Don Bowman writes, “He has the unique ability to play at a very high level in any of the 4 outfield positions, as well as being a stellar performer at 3rd, shortstop, and 2nd base." "He has ALL the tools: great glove, power, ability to hit for singles if needed, speed, and a team leader”. Dave Reed wrote, “He is a five tool player with home run power. He has a high average. He is a great ambassador for softball. After a game, winning or losing, he is very respectful of everyone’s feelings and is fun to be around”. Dick Anderson writes, “Larry always played a huge part on offense, hitting .700 to .800. On defense Larry could play any position and excel. He is a “class act” as a person, gets along well with teammates and opponents alike."
Player Lud Nordahl	Steve Imlay writes, “Lud is a leader that has led his team to several National titles and has insured his team be a very competitive team in prestigious world tournaments.” Don Bowman says, “Lud is truly respected by his peers, after playing for such senior World Champions as the Wisconsin Masters and the Minnesota Masters. During his illustrious career, Lud has been a contributing member of 15 World Championship teams, and in doing so, was named to the All World team 11 times. He is recognized from coast to coast as not only one of the nation’s finest sluggers, but also known as a person who shows class on and off the field to his teammates and to those he competes against.”
Player William Scales	Steve Imlay writes, "Bill is a proven winner and clutch player that has experienced a lot of success on several high-ranking teams that have won several Major and Major Plus Worlds and Regional tournaments. Bill has a quiet unassuming personality off the field but a fierce competitor on the field. Bill Scales is a great player but even better person." Phil Pickens wrote, "Bill has always been a very reliable, competitive and super productive member of my teams. He is truly like having two players occupying a single uniform since he has the ability to play both infield and outfield positions equally well."
Player Frank Shotwell	Mike Zindorf wrote, "Frank is the epitome of what a “team” player should be—clutch in every way. Sherwwod Driver writes, "Frank is an outstanding competitor and one of the best pitchers in his age group." Dan Borgmeyer says, "Of all the ball players that I have had the enjoyment to play with or against during my ongoing Senior Softball years, Frank is definitely one that has my vote for the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame." Larry Crane writes, "The best contribution to his team is his leadership."
Player Gary Springer	Mike Trusty writes, “Gary is the best leadoff hitter in Senior Softball, hitting consistently in the .800s.” Jon “Bully” Kramer says, “Gary has a very competitive attitude and great desire to win. He is incredibly talented both offensively and defensively and always displays great sportsmanship, never argues with opposing players, and stays positive. It has always been automatic that given a choice, I would want Gary as one of my teammates”. Rick Snyder writes, “He brought a desire to win and a passion to compete that we benefitted from. I think Gary’s best attribute is his knowledge of the game, as I consider him to have an extremely high softball IQ”.
Player Murray Williams	Steve Imlay says of Murray, “He is one of the most proficient pure power hitters in Senior Softball and a true class act on the field.” Doug Robbins, manager of the Timberworks team says of Murray, “He is one of the best hitters I’ve played with or against, and in the 2020 World Master Championships, he led Timberworks Construction in hits, homeruns and batting average, and helped them win their 5th straight World Championship”. Mike Macenko says of Murray, “I am here to tell you what a first class person he is and then a great ball player. He has the right attitude to play on any team that there is”.
Sponsor Glen May	Glen May has played on and/or sponsored Senior Softball teams for almost 20 years. He has sponsored one or two 50 Caliber teams each year since 2009. The teams he sponsors have played in 100+ Senior Softball sanctioned tournaments. Dave Dowell says of Glen, “Glen’s 50 Caliber teams can always be relied upon to bring nothing but the best to any tournament. They are extremely well prepared, graciously accept umpire and director decisions that may not always go their way and they make it difficult, with just a casual observation, to know whether they won or lost their most recent game. He is deserving of this honor and will make a great ambassador for Senior Softball."
Sponsor Jack Spicer	Jack Spicer has sponsored teams that have won 87 National or World Championships; placed 2nd 40 times; placed 3rd 11 times. Tommy Dommel writes, "Jack is a fierce competitor. He loves to win, but not at all costs…He genuinely cares about his players and their families.” "Jack is generous and fair to all his players.” Ray Wimbrough Andy Zitnay writes, "Whatever the team needed, he was ready and willing to provide. As an active part of the team, he supplied skill and encouragement to everyone.” Phil Biedronski says, "His sponsorship has enabled many players to fulfill their desires to play softball both at a local and national level” John (JR) Knott writes, "It is not just his knowledge of the mechanics and rules of softball that impress me, but his positive attitude…on and off the field”
Umpire Ron Daniel	R.B. Thomas writes, "Ron's umpire experience is extensive…he is certainly one of the “elite” umpires in senior softball today.” Don Clatterbough wrote, "Ron is a gentleman on and off the field; he enjoys his job umpiring and working with softball teams and their various personalities. He maintains control with diplomacy and knowledge of the game.” Philip King states, He projects a professional image of the Umpire in every aspect”
Woman Manager Carol Phillips	Carol Nicholson writes, "Behind every leader there is any army of helpers. Carol took on the challenge and stood in unison in helping manage the California Spirits 50 and 55 teams. Carol took care of all the annoying details. Managed the bank account, completed all the forms, to make sure team was properly entered into the tournament. Carol coached first base in every tournament." Sally Fiebelkor writes, "Carol’s influence on the whole California Spirit organization has been tremendous and cannot be measured. She set an example of joy and love for the game, in doing so, other teams began to strive to achieve our level of FUN mixed with competition. Cathy Moowrites, "Carol is one of two cornerstones that helped hold the California Spirit 50 and 55 teams together. In the early years when senior women’s softball was just beginning to take hold, she helped Karen Honey organize and create a team that would eventually become somewhat of a dynasty."
Woman Player Lydia Crandall	Ron Daniel writes, "Great person, great teammate, great ambassador for the Women’s softball program. Excellent outfielder, and very dangerous at the plate.” Tina Saunders wrote, "The bottom line is, whether on the field or off, Lydia looks to find the best outcome for all involved and truly exemplifies the core values of a Hall of Famer.” Barbara Foxx writes, "She has a positive influence in motivating our team…Her character, honesty, work ethic, love for softball and her teammates is something we all strive for.” Cynthia Roberson wrote, "I have witnessed her leadership on and off the field .Her ongoing determination to share willingly speaks to her love for others to excel.”
Woman Player Shirley Snell	Terry Hennessy writes, "Shirley is a key impact player on the Dreamgirlz first 50 Women’s Major Plus team. She has played the jot corner at 3rd base and played down in age group for the past 5 years, which is a clear indication of the depth of her talent as a fielder and hitter.” Judy Hurst wrote, "She always worked very hard at her positions, as well as her hitting. There were a number of times when there weren’t any womens teams practicing, and she would go practice hitting with the guys.”