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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 2024

Pioneer Manager John Haggerty	Len Becchetti says, "Jack's legacy made playing softball enjoyable. He gave sound advice and all of his players benefited from his tournament playing background. Jack was very instrumental in keeping the team together during his legendary career. The Cyclones are a local team so the players paid all expenses. Jack collected all the money, made all the hotel accommodations, filed the necessary paperwork and recruited players if needed." Robert Fox writes, "The difference between the ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. Jack displayed that little extra. He was a committed, competitive, intense manager. All his teams reflected these traits as they became a symbol of excellence and a mark of distinction in senior softball. His sacrifice of time and emotional energy was the glue that kept a core of local players together for roughly 15 years." According to Gene Signor, "Jack has one of the most storied and legendary careers as a manager in the history of senior softball. Jack was a fiery, competitive, dedicated manager and those traits carried over to his Cyclones teams and players. Jack always exhibited a strong competitive spirit and a desire to achieve. There are many legendary figures that have come along in senior softball circles and he is definitely right there among them."
Pioneer Player Phil Farmer	David Reed states, "talent-wise he has all five tools. He plays outfield with passion, he’s a great fielder with a fantastic arm. He’s fast but most of all he’s a great teammate. He makes me a better player." Cliff Stratton states, "Phil is a manager’s “Godsend”. He hits, fields, runs and throws with the best 75 players around. Phil is a great teammate and hopefully he will be with VENOM for many more years." Phil joined Ed Rose and VENOM in 2019 playing in the 70 Major Plus division playing 16 to 18 tournaments a year. Rose says, "Phil is a standout on the team that has won five National Championships in a row. He is one of the best center fielders in the country at 75 years of age."
Pioneer Player Donald Linebarger	Chuck Towne states, "I have coached Don and played with and against him for many years. He has always been a strong hitter and a crafty pitcher. He is dedicated to the game as exemplified by the number of years he has played, the different teams he has played for, and his high level of performance. Don is a true ambassador for Senior Softball." "Don has made a signifiant contribution to the sport of Senior Softball. Not only are his game skills way above average but his sportmanship and attitude make him an exemplary softball player. He has also encouraged other players by his willingness to help and motivate them," writes Dominick Greco. According to Terry Hennessy, "I've played with and against Don on International US teams that competed in nine countries. On all of these trips, Don's playing ability and sportsmanship inspired not only his teammates, but also players from the other countries. He has been an outstanding ambassador of our sport."
Pioneer Player Carroll Shook	Carroll Shook's illustrious senior softball career began over 20 years ago. Born in Kiowasses, GA, he has played with several successful teams winning several championships and amassing multiple MVP and All-Tournament selections. Carroll is also a member of the Central Washington Hall of Fame. "Mr. Shook started playing Senior Softball in Washington following retirement. Due to his tremendous speed and power hitting he has always been in great demand from top rated teams in several states. Shook is loyal, a great teammate, and respected by all he has ever played with,” writes Richard “Red” Simmons. Reiny Juengling says of Carroll, "I have played with him in the Wenatchee league and national tournaments for the last 23 years. He is a great outfielder with a great arm and legs that always hits with power. He was and still is the MVP in most tournaments he plays in." Stella Sherrill states, "Shook is an amazing athlete and a humble player who loves and lives for softball. I have witnessed his selfless giving to friends and neighbors and he's the first person to step up with anything that needs done. This honor couldn't go to a more deserving player."
Player Ron Atkinson	Kerry Bauer says of Ron, "I have played with Ron for over 20 years on both local teams and Senior Softball travel teams. Ron is always the consummate professional. His team spirit and willingness to pick up a fellow teammate is second to none. On the field, Ron's hitting, fielding, and throwing ability was always at the highest level. He led our teams to several World and National Championships and was consistently named to the All-Tournament team." Gary Richter states, "Ron is one of the best leadoff hitters and team leaders I have ever played with. He excels both offensively and defensively using his Pittsburgh Steelers hard nose, blue collar work ethic. Ron is one of the best teammates and player I have played with. Any team he would play for would become a force and have the ability to win a tournament." Mike Rose writes, "Ron is the kind of guy you would want as one of the cornerstones of your team. A true team player and leader with skills who could do it all, and play any position on the field defensively when called upon to do so. Ron had what I refer to as "high softball IQ". His nickname of "Nutsy" was well deserved; he kept his teammates loose with his antics both on and off the field."
Player James Davidson	Jim accredits Senior softball with changing his life. After playing in recreational leagues for fifteen years, he was thinking of retiring when a friend asked him to join his senior team. He quickly learned how great the people were, how competitive the softball was, and that he wasn't too old, he just needed to work harder! In his storied softball career he has earned a multitude of team and individual awards including 42 All-Tournament selections. According to Peter Takos, "Jim Davidson embodies all of the playing skills and personal attributes that every manager seeks to find in a player. His offensive and defensive abilities as a player are further complimented by his unparalleled sportmanship and personal attributes. He is a true sportsman and team player on the field, while always a gentleman off the field." David Reed says, "Jimmy is a great defensive and offensive player. He floated in the outfield making catches look so easy. He is also a great teammate. Being around him made me a better player and a better person. On and off the field, he is awesome to be around."
Player Gary Hicks	According to Tony Laws, "I have known Gary for most his life and have seen him play countless softball games in both his regular and senior playing careers. He is a very talented and competitive player who gives his best at all times. As a person, Gary has very high character and is always doing all he can to help his community. I cannot think of anyone more deserving or dedicated to the game of softball, especially to the senior game." "Having earned his place in the North Carolina USA Softball Hall of Fame in 2023, Gary Hicks stands as a testament to excellence in softball, amassing a remarkable record of achievements spanning his impressive 53 year career. Beyond his on-field accomplishments, he serves as a distinguished ambassador for USA Softball and the broader senior softball community," writes Tim Doby. Bill Barrett says of Gary, "Throughout his long and extensive softball career, Gary has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, sportsmanship plus dedication. His many remarkable achievements, leadership qualities, and positive impact on the softball world both nationally and locally highlight his commitment to the game."
Player Charlie Hrobowski	Ray Dye writes, "I have played with and against Charlie for about 15 years. He was always the best player on the field and a great power hitter. He was probably the fastest one on the field as well. His resume contains countless achievements on the playing field with numerous All-tournament and MVP awards." Freddie Simpson says of Charlie, "I have played many times as his teammate and as an opponent. In those many years I have known him to be a classy gentleman. He's a good hearted person who is well-liked and his giving personality has touched many lives. Ski is definitely a genuine and fun person to be around. His running and fielding skillset is top notch and I will go at anytime and anywhere to play with him." According to Larry Lopez, "Ski has always been an intense competitor when I played against him and an even better teammate when I had the opportunity of playing on a team with him. Ski is a consummate 5-tool softball player who plays at the highest levels. He takes pride in his performance on the diamond and is not satisied with anything less than his best. Always smiling, Ski is the epitome of what Senior Softball is all about."
Player Robert Hudson	Mike Macenko states, "Billy has achieved numerous accolades and milestones. He has been a vital member of multiple championship-winning teams, consistently demonstrating his prowess on the field. His remarkable ability to adapt to various associations and exel in each has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers." Tony Perry writes, Billy is the ultimate teammate, professional and competitor. He is what I would describe as a true ambassador to the game of Senior Softball. No one works harder than Billy Hudson when it comes to his craft on and off the field. He is that teammate that everybody wants on their team, who is always ready to encourage and never discourage." According to William Clayton, "Billy's knowledge and dedication to the game is extraordinary, you couldn't ask for a harder hitter. He is the hitter you would want at the plate in a tight situation. I have watched Billy on the field as a player as well as a coach off the field and he is exceptional in both areas."
Player James Muncy	According to Pat Carey, " Jim has earned the respect of all who have competed against him, and have played with him. His exceptional performance over the years has garnered him numerous softball awards and national championships. Jim is a manager's complete, "Dream" player." Tim Potter says of Jim, "He has an unusual ability to hit with power and average. He has played and excelled at the Major and Major Plus level for more than two decades. He is an intense player at corner positions and an above average pitcher defensively. Jim's softball intellect is exemplified in every game." Tom Dommel writes, "Jim has excelled at the highest level of Senior Softball. Great player, great teammate, great person and a true gentleman of the game. Jim is a wonderful person and anyone that has had the pleasure of playing with, or even against him is fortunate for that opportunity."
Player Clyde Smith	Mike Gainer writes, "I have known Clyde for the past 25 years and he is a gentleman in all facets of his life. He is a pretty good pitcher who plays his position flawlessly. He is also an excellent hitter and one of the toughest outs in Senior Softball. I am truly blessed to call Clyde a friend and I am very lucky to have him as a teammate." Ed Rose states, "I have played against Clyde since 1996 when I first came into Senior Softball. We played against each other for 20 years. Once we became teammates, I was even more impressed as I watched him perform with a high batting average and fantastic pitching performances. Clyde has the heart of a lion and competitive spirit to match." According to Vincent Melograno, "Clyde's attributes are unique in that he is truly an "all-around" Hall of Fame performer. He demonstrates the highest level of sportsmanship. He is soft-spoken, extremely humble, and a gentleman both on and off the field. His softball accomplishments and personal qualities are exemplary beyond reproach."
Player Dennis Tuck	Ron Collins states, "Dennis is a tremendous athlete. More importantly, he is a great teammate and person. He is an outstanding fielder with a strong arm who is also an amazing line drive hitter. His greatest strength is his will to win. No matter the score or the inning, he never stops playing to the best of his ability and motivates his teammates to do the same." Jim Sears writes, "I had the pleasure of coaching Dennis in later years and he was the best in any position I played him. As a hitter, he would always make a play with a base hit or sacrifice hit. As a person and teammate, Dennis is the tops. He is always upbeat and ready to play ball. He is the one who builds others up and gives 100%." Donald Clatterbough says of Dennis, "I played against Dennis for years. He was always an intense competitor, an outstanding infielder, and a great hitter. Not only is he a devoted player and team leader, on and off the field he exhibits sportsmanship, character, and class in all aspects of his life."
Point Manager Jack Rule	Jack Rule had a Hall of Fame career playing softball in his home state of North Carolina with the top teams in the area. After moving up to the senior division in 2009, he organized the Carolina A's 50+ team where he was a player and manager. Fifteen years later, he has managed the team to 47 tournament championships, most at the Major level. Jack has also been named Manager of the Year twice by SPA and ISSA, and once by ASA and WBSC. RB Thomas Jr. says of Jack, "He moved to the senior division after an outstanding career playing in our sport and is highly respected by the senior players. His experience and expertise in softball has translated to a winning team attitude for his Carolina A's team. Under his leadership the team has been very successful competing in their age division." According to Todd Burris, "Jack is one of the most respected coaches in Senior Softball. He is very devoted to the game and leads by example for his players by showing sportmanship, character, and class every time his teams take the field. Jack knows how to win and as a leader pushes his player to never give up until the final out is made."
Point Manager Chuck Sharkey	Daniel Kelley says of Chuck, "Many players underestimate the importance of a good team manager. Chuck Sharkey is one of the managers who makes a difference. Not only does he manage the team but the game, which allows the players to concentrate on just playing. He has made all the senior teams he managed more successful by being a complete manager." "Chuck consistently gets the most out of his players. He makes strategic line up adjustments when the game is on the line and is not afraid to make the necessary changes to result in a winning effort. He has a keen awareness of putting together the right mix of good players that usually results in a winning effort, " writes Patrick Kelly. Bob Griffin states, "I've played for lots of different managers and even coached teams myself. Chuck Sharkey is the most organized, approachable, and detailed managers I've ever seen or played for! His on the field coaching moves and knowledge of the game are second to none. His calm demeanor and positive attitude is a strong trait to have in a person and a manager."
Woman Player Cynthia Mobley	Ron Daniel says, "Diane is a great player and a great person. She has always been a dedicated teammate and puts her team above her own success. She's a lady on and off the field and has high respect for her opponents. I've known Diane for numerous years as a tournament director and as an umpire. She is a top class ballplayer and person who is well respected around the softball field." Ruby Bond states, "In my 50 years of playing softball, I have never encountered such diligence and dedication from anyone prior to meeting Cynthia. She doesn't try to impress you but you will be impressed by the way she gives 100% at every practice, game, and tournament. The same perserverance and positive attitude can be found in her on and off the softball field." According to Lydia Crandall, "As a power hitter, Cynthia has earned the respect from pitchers and players alike. She possesses leadership qualities by constantly encouraging and supporting others. On a personal note, she is generous, caring, kind and dedicated to her family and friends . These characteristics carry over to her performance on the field, making her a force to be reckoned with."