The Missouri A.S.A. Hall of Fame was instigated in 1986, with initial
induction ceremonies held in Springfield in March of 1987. In 1993, the
Hall of Blue, recognizing umpires, began and the Gordon Johnson Student
Scholarship, to honor outstanding players at the high school level, was
created in 1996.
Nomination forms are available from each local district commissioner or
from the state office. The nomination deadline is September 15 for
induction ceremonies during the Annual Convention the following
February. For a nomination form, call (573) 265-2267.
HALL OF FAME
The Missouri ASA Hall of Fame is divided into two categories: Playing
Ability and Meritorious Service. Minimum requirements for Playing
Ability include at least 10 years as an active player with proven
ability at the state, regional, and national level. For Meritorious
Service, a minimum of twenty years association with the Missouri A.S.A.
is required with demonstrated service through involvement within the
framework of the A.S.A.
2010
(Seven Springs Winery, Lake Ozark)
2007
(The Resort at Port Arrowhead, Lake Ozark)
MARTY ALBERTSON
Albertson has a lengthy list of accomplishments over a 23 year career.
He participated in 10 Missouri ASA state tournaments, 20 ASA National
Championships, and was named All American four times. His teams won two
Mid-America ASA Regional Championships, one state championship and he
was named to the ISC All-World First Team in 1988.
DOUG MIDDLETON
Middleton's known as one of the best fast pitch pitchers ever to come
out of Missouri. He was a member of USA national Teams in 1992, 96, and
98 and was named the recipient of the Herb Dudley Award for outstanding
pitcher at the 1998 ASA Men's Major Fast Pitch National Championship.
His teams also won national titles in 1991 and 1992 and he was named
first team All-American in 1988 and 1998. AS a junior player, his teams
won four consecutive ASA National Championships. Doug originally comes
from Springfield.
CHARLEY SLAVENS
Mr. Slavens pitched
softball for 26 years in Missouri. He was named to seven All American
and four All Marine teams. He has played in 39 states and eight
countries. Charley has been to 12 state championships and over 30
national tournaments. In 1973, he set the record of 660 (including 12 no
hitters and one perfect game). He also had the most strikeouts in one
game, 42 (21 inning game, 1975).
2006
(February 10)
Playing Ability
TIM BLASI
Blasi's softball career includes: 4 ASA State Championships, 3 ISC State
Championships, 3 ISC League Championships, 6 ISC World Tournaments. He
was named ISC League MVP two times in 1990 and 1994; ASA 1st Team All
American (1993), 3rd Team All American( 1987); 2nd team All World
(1991); USOC Olympic Festival North Team Member (1994); 2004 40+
National1st Team All American.
ROSS DEY
Dey's list of accomplishments include: two years on the State Fair
Community College (Sedalia) Baseball; he led the Central Missouri State
University Mules to the MIAA Conference Championship; 2003 Pan Am Games
Silver Medal; 2004 ISF Fourth Place World Championship; 2004 40+
National Tournament 2nd Place All Tournament Team; 2005 ASA National
Board of Directors; and 2005 ASA Player Selection Committee.
Meritorious Service
RON CLAWSON Clawson has had an
extensive softball career, which includes participation in men's fast
pitch softball for 42 years (1963-present), 31 state tournaments, played
or managed 20 National tournaments, 8 world tournaments, and managed
Bronze medal team in the 1987 Olympic Sports Festival. During the span
of Clawson's management career, he has had 34 players earn All American
status to date.
2005
(February 12)
Meritorious Service
MARVIN MURPHY For more
than 40 years, Murphy coached youth softball, especially pitchers. Teams
such as the Citizen Banksters, Northern Stars and Trojanettes have all
benefited from his expertise. He also worked with pitchers from the four
state area and his students included two All-Americans. He served as
pitching coach for NWMSU in 2003-04 but volunteered his services!
KERMIT DANIEL Daniel's
career at the state, regional and national level spans more than 30
years. He has been an ASA registered umpire every year since 1969. He
served as UIC for 33 state tournaments, 15 regionals between 1984 and
2003 and attended 11 ASA National Umpire Clinics in Oklahoma City. He
has worked the Far East Armed Forces Championship (1976), NCAA women's
softball (1981-1996), the MIAA conference (1995-96) and served as the
Mo. Valley Conference Championship UIC in 1994. He has umpired in four
ASA National Championships and served as National Tournament UIC for
eight nationals. He has served as Missouri State Umpire-in-Chief since
1987, has served as a member of the ASA National Council since 1991, is
a member of the National Indicator Fraternity (1993) and the ASA Medals
Program, gold level.
2004
(March 13)
SPECIAL TEAM INDUCTION:
Meierhoffer/St. Jo Casino Players Softball Team
(1997-2003) First time in Missouri ASA history,
the accomplishments of this team were inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The team's unprecedented run in Men's Major Fast Pitch created so many
outstanding statistics, they cannot all be included
here. The team was sponsored by Meierhoffer Funeral Home from 1997-2000
and the St. Joseph Frontier Casino from 2001-2003.
The team won the ASA Major Fast Pitch National Title in 1998,
2000, 2001 and 2002, finished 5th in 1997 and 1999, and wound up 9th in
2003. They won the ISC World in 2002.
Playing Ability
JAMES H. "Lefty" VICKERS
In a career spanning 1948 to 1974, Vickers compiled an impressive list
of accomplishments, both on the mound and with the bat. His teams played
in seven state tournaments and five regionals at a time when very few
teams qualified for either. His 1950 Peer Hardware team, Springfield,
finished 3rd in the National Softball Congress World Tournament in
Phoenix, AZ.
Meritorious Service
BILL R. McKINNEY McKinney
played softball but was inducted due to his service to the sport.
Following an honor laden high school career in track, basketball and
football, he went to University of Missouri to play football for the
Tigers. At age 10, he had started playing church softball. His Morris
Plan men's team won the state championship in 1963 and he went on to
play for Walnut Products in the 70's. McKinney served on the St. Joseph
Softball Board in the 70's and 80's and served as the St. Joseph Parks
and Recreation Director starting in the mid80's. His total softball
career spanned over 50 years.
DAVID CARROLL
The founder of the Trojanettes softball program in the early 80's,
Carroll coached many hundreds of young ball players, expanding the
program from a single team to nine teams in all age groups. He is known
not just for his ability to teach softball, but to instill leadership
skills, dedication, commitment and a desire for goal setting and
attainment. He has been called the "glue" that holds the Trojanettes
organization together and has volunteer thousands of hours to the
betterment of that organization.
HARVEY TAYLOR A coach of
boys' fast pitch teams in northwest Missouri, Taylor has taken numerous
teams to state and national championships. His coaching career started
in 1970 and his teams have finished well at each national tournament
they participated in. His 1988 team won the national 12 & Under
championship and other teams finished as high as third.
2003
(March 15)
Playing Ability
JOHN YOUNGER A fast
pitch player since 1970, Younger has played in an amazing 34 state
tournaments, 15 regionals, and 24 national tournaments. Most of
Younger’s participation has been at the Major Fast Pitch level, and his
participation has included one national title with Frontier Casino in
2001 and a third place finish with Harold’s Supermarket in 1986. In
1995, he was named First Team All American. He is known for being a pure
contact hitter and has given many young players in the St. Joseph area a
chance to play by coaching teams for more than fifteen years. Younger
played in five ISC World Tournaments and in 1999 at age 50, became the
oldest player ever to hit a home run in the ISC World.
HERBERT "JUNIOR" WILLIAMS
Junior Williams was one of the most versatile players ever to play in
Springfield, Missouri. He could play any position, but he is most
remembered for being one of the nations top catchers, working behind the
plate for the likes of Roy Burlison, Jack Burkhart, Gene Barr and many
others. He had a tremendous throwing arm and few runners stole a base on
him. He was also a speedy runner and a great base stealer. Williams
played in twelve state tournaments, nine regionals and twenty one
national tournaments, including eight 40 & Over Fast Pitch Nationals and
four 45 & Over Nationals. He was named Second Team All American for the
Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals in 1972, 73, and 74. Williams also
played in three Boys Fast Pitch Nationals in the 1950’s.
DENVER DIXON Dixon’s 28
year career including playing time in Iowa and Florida, and his
credentials are impressive. His participation includes 14 state
tournaments (8 with Missouri teams), 11 regionals (3 with Missouri
teams) and 22 nationals (10 with Missouri teams). With Missouri teams,
he played in five Men’s Major nationals and was named Second Team All
America three times. He also played in five Men’s 40 & Over Fast Pitch
Nationals. He participated in two National Sports Festivals (1979 and
81) and is the only player ever to play every position during a season
for the Clearwater, Florida Bombers.
Meritorious Service
JOE BRYANT Bryant’s list
of accomplishments with the Missouri A.S.A. is as lengthy as it is
varied. He has been a registered umpire every year since 1962. He served
as a Deputy District Commissioner from 1971 to 1975, District UIC from
1974 to 1976 and was then named District Commissioner in 1976, a
position which he still holds. He has umpired in three national
tournaments and Tournament Director or UIC for countless youth and adult
state tournaments over his 40+ year career. He has been a member of the
Missouri A.S.A. Executive Committee since its inception, except for one
year.
2002
(March 9)
Playing Ability
LARRY HALE An
outstanding leadoff hitter, Hale had great speed, a knack to get on base
and was a threat to steal a base at any time. He played first base and
the outfield and his stats include 20 state, 12 regional and 15 national
championships. He also was selected to the US Sports Festival in 1979.
He was a first team All American in 1974 & 1975 and his teams won seven
state and eight regional titles.
SAM POTTER An iron
man of fast pitch softball, Potter's career at 3rd base has spanned five
decades. His career includes 23 Missouri state tournaments, 10 regionals,
23 national championships, one World Tournament in 1959 and the 1979 US
Sports Festival. He was named second team All American in 1966 and 1973
at the Men's Major Fast Pitch level. Six of his twenty three nationals
were at the major level and he has played in nine 40 & Over nationals,
five 45 & Over and two 50 & Over nationals.
BOB McCLISH Is considered
one of the greatest hitters ever to play softball and at one time held
six records at the Men's Major Fast Pitch level. In 1973 he was the
National Championship MVP in Seattle, WA and his Missouri career spanned
from 1967 to 1978. His career totals included four national, 4 regional
and 6 state tournaments. Bob did not start playing softball until the
age of 30, following a baseball career at the pro and semipro levels. He
played in seven National Baseball Tournaments in Wichita, KS and was
voted All American in 1960.
CAROLE MYERS Was a fast
pitch and slow pitch player whose career began at age 13. She started at
second base and outfielder, but moved to catcher after a few years. Her
ASA career started in 1964 and includes two state championships with
Foremost in women's fast pitch. She played with Southwest Missouri State
University and helped guide the Lady Bears to a 2nd place finish in the
1970 college World Series and 3rd place finishes in 1971 and 1973. She
is a member of the SMSU Hall of Fame. Myers played professional softball
with the Michigan Travelers, Buffalo Breski's and the St. Louis Hummers.
Her professional career spanned 1976-1979. Her slow pitch career was no
less impressive, as her credentials include two state and one regional
championship and five national championship appearances including a 15th
place finish in 1983.
JANICE CRUMPLEYBLUEBAUM
A Marionville, MO native, "Crump" started in major fast pitch in 1964
and switched to major slow pitch in 1974. Her teams won twenty one state
titles and she played in 8 regionals and 13 nationals, finishing as high
as 5th with a Kansas City women's slow pitch team. She began as a left
fielder but moved to infield for most of her career. She also served on
the Springfield Amateur Softball Association Board for several years.
Meritorious Service
KENNETH WORMSLEY Well
known in northwest Missouri, Wormsley has impacted hundreds of softball.
His 27year career included work as a coach, team sponsor and team
management, mostly with girls and women's fast pitch. his teams have
been very competitive and he has helped many players move on to the
collegiate level. Because of limited facilities in his hometown of
Cowgill, Mr. Wormsley built and maintained his own softball field.
2001
No Hall of Fame Inductees)
2000
(March 11)
Playing Ability TIM DAVIS At age 26, the youngest inductee into the Hall, Davis played in 13 state and national tournaments, finishing first in the 1994 nationals and taking the batting title with a .628 average. His first base skills earned him one All American selection and an invitation to the USA/ASA Olympic Festival. Tim died in a boating accident on the Missouri River.
1999 (March 6)
Meritorious Service
HOWARD GRAFF
With over 45 years of service in the Brookfield area, Graff played,
managed and sponsored men's fast pitch teams. His teams have
participated in over 20 state tournaments, winning one, four regional’s
and three nationals. Graff Trailers ('60'-66), Graff Elliott ('67-'82)
and Graff Pepsi since 1983 are well known team names in Missouri. A
local softball field in Brookfield was named Howard Graff Field in 1979.
1998 (March 7)
Playing Ability
BERT FRANCIS
Francis was well known in the early 60's as Missouri's IronMan. His
career started in 1946, and the first 22 years he played barehanded. He
is still playing, and his 1990 60 & over slow pitch team placed second
in the nation. He pitched in 26 state fast pitch tournaments, generally
with teams from Jefferson City and Mexico, Missouri, and he participated
in many regional and national tournaments.
PATTI COLEMAN
Missouri's Patti Coleman was named MVP in many invitational tournaments,
and led her women's slow pitch teams to four National Tournaments. She
was instrumental in getting the Joplin High School softball program off
the ground. She participated in 15 state, five regional and four
National Championships, and was chosen as an All American in 1982.
Meritorious Service
JOEY RICH
Rich has been tournament director for 35 state, six regional, and three
National A.S.A. Tournaments, as well as over 100 invitational
tournaments. He directed the Springfield Park Board softball program
from 1980 to 1988, been an At Large Player Representative on the A.S.A.
National Council since 1987. He has been A.S.A. National Office
representative to seven National Tournaments, and has been the Vice
President and Manager of Operations, as well as Springfield District
Commissioner for the Missouri A.S.A. since 1990. He
instigated the newsletter "Missouri Basepaths" in the mid80's. Rich was
named a member of the A.S.A. National Indicator
Fraternity in 1991 and inducted into the Missouri A.S.A. Hall of Blue in
1994. He was instrumental in the development of "The Softball Museum"
and was inducted into the local Springfield A.S.A. Hall of Fame in 2000.
He became Missouri's third State Commissioner in January of 2003.
1997 (March 8)
Playing Ability
CHARLES BLAKLEY This
Blakely brother played in 16 state, 12 regional, 9 national tournaments,
and played on the ISC AllWorld team in 1984. Wellknown for both his
hitting and defensive abilities, Charles was also instrumental in
helping to rebuild fast pitch softball in the St. Joseph area in recent
years.
LEO BLAKLEY
Leo Blakely has played in 21 state, 15 regional, and 12 national
tournaments at the Men's Major Fast Pitch level and has also managed in
recent years.
1996 (March 9)
Playing Ability
ROY BURLISON
Ask almost anyone anywhere in the country to name a famous men's fast
pitch pitcher, and Roy Burlison's name will most surely be mentioned.
Burlison is an incredible seventime All American and was named Most
Valuable Pitcher in the 1969 and 1971 ASA National Fast Pitch
Championships. He also played played professional ball with the St.
Louis Browns in 1973, and he contributed to seven state championships
and six regional championships.
BOBBY BLAKLEY
One of three famous brothers from the St. Joseph softball spotlight,
Bobby Blakley participated in twelve state, ten regional, and eight
national championships. He was selected as an All American in 1986 and
1987, and played on bronze medal teams in U.S. Sports Festival teams in
1987 in Charlotte, NC and in 1994 in St. Louis, Missouri.
PATTY VAVRA
Vavra played with Ozark Athletic women's slow pitch team of Joplin and
in thirteen years played most infield and outfield positions. Her career
included participation in 12 state, five regional and three national
tournaments.
Meritorious Service
ALLEN SEIFERT
Seifert, known best in some circles as a sports writer with the St.
Joseph NewsPress, is well known in softball circles for his 30 plus
years of service as a coach and for many years as a member of the St.
Joseph Softball Board. An estimated 1200 girls have played for Seifert,
and he has sponsored and coached a myriad of teams. Many of his players
went on to play college ball.
1995 (March 11)
Meritorious Service
DAVID POLSKY
One of the nominators for Mr. Polsky said it well, "Dave Polsky has run
out of roles to play when it comes to softball." He was a great player,
and one of the more feared clutch hitters ever to come out of St.
Joseph. He has recruited many a young player, and has managed and
sponsored dozens of teams over the years. He has competed in eight
national tournaments and led his team to a third place finish in the
Men's 40 & Over Fast Pitch National in 1988. He served as President of
the YMCA City Softball League for 10 years and has promoted softball
throughout his community. Mr. Polsky passed away in 1995.
Playing Ability
KIRK WILSON
Wilson's 20+ year career included playing for the well known O'Donnells
team from Hannibal and at the 40 & Over Masters level of play. His teams
won three state and one regional championship, and in 1991 Wilson was
chosen as Most Valuable Player and All American at the Men's Masters
National Championship held in Springfield, Missouri. He was named second
team All American in 1992 and his career pitching record is 362129 with
a 1.42 ERA. His record in national tournament competition is 146 and he
has thrown 42 no hitters, four perfect games, and struck out over 3,600
batters. He started his career as a catcher and leading hitter. When he
faced retirement due to a knee injury at age 27, his only answer was to
move to the pitching position.
LINDA RAPP
A women's fast pitch centerfielder for over thirty years, much of her
notoriety came with the North Missouri C.T.'s. Rapp was a key hitter in
the lineup, and helped the C.T'.s win five state championships in six
years.
VERNON "BONES" HARVEY
Harvey's softball career has extended for over fifty years. His career
includes nearly 40 state tournaments, three regional tournaments and two
national tournaments, including the 2003 Men's B Fast in Salem, Virginia
when he was in his 70's!. As a pitcher for a number of teams from the
Sedalia area, he was named MVP in numerous invitational tournaments. He
was active in Sedalia Girls Softball, serving on the Board of Directors
for seven years and as President for four years. He submitted a proposal
to add girls' softball which was approved by the Sedalia School Board.
1994 (March 12)
Meritorious Service
BILL BYRD
Byrd began working for the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation
Department in 1960 and served as Deputy District Commissioner under
Howard Scott. He directed his first Missouri A.S.A. State Championship
in 1963. In 1975 he was promoted to Assistant Director of Parks and
Recreation, and then appointed Director in 1981, the same year he was
appointed District Commissioner. All told, Byrd's softball career
includes directing well over 100 state, district and local tournaments
and has spanned almost thirtyfive years. Bill Byrd died in December of
1998. Playing Ability
CHERI KEMPF
A player since the age of nine, Kempf's accomplishment list is unending.
As a fast pitch player in the Girls 1315 division in 1977, her team won
the National Championship in Freeport, Texas, and Sheri was named MVP.
She was a three time NAIA All American and is a member of that
organization's Hall of Fame and was invited to the Pan American tryouts
in 1983. She coached at Austin Peay University for five years. In 1991
she was asked to play with the Raybestos Brakettes, the ultimate
National Champions that year, and winners of gold medals in the Olympic
Sports Festival in July of that year and Kempf's record was 190 for the
season. In the summer of 1992, she was named to the U.S. National
Women's team that played in Izumo City, Japan and Beijing, China.
JERRY McDANIEL
McDaniel began his career in 1969 and was one of the best third basemen
ever to come out of St. Joseph. He played in numerous state tournaments
and in two national championships.
ROGER SHEPARD
Shepard played in the St. Joseph area from 1949 to 1970. His teams
advanced to state tournament play every year from 1951
to 1970, and he helped his teams win two state championships. He played
in a total of 19 states, 7 regionals, and one national tournament.
1993 (March 13, Sheraton Inn, Springfield)
"Celebrating the Missouri ASA's 60th Birthday!"
Meritorious Service
BILL "RED" GATES
Gates has coached, managed, played, umpired and worked at the district
level for a combined 30+ years. His teams advanced to 20 state
tournaments, five regionals, and three nationals, including a fifth
place finish in 1980 in the Women's Major Slow Nationals in York,
Pennsylvania. He served as Deputy District Commissioner for sixteen
years and has been Southwest District Commissioner since 1984. Under his
leadership, team registrations have more than doubled.
DAN KINNEY
The Missouri A.S.A. State Commissioner since 1984, Dan Kinney has been
active in sports since childhood. He served as Deputy District
Commissioner for Springfield from 197177 and as District Commissioner
from 197783. Under his leadership, the Hall of Fame itself was
instigated as were such innovations as the Missouri A.S.A. Spring
Convention and "Missouri Basepaths." Kinney has overseen 14 national
tournaments in Springfield as well as hundreds of local, state, and
regional events.
Playing Ability
REBECCA "BECKY" DUFFIN
One of the foremost women's fast pitch players ever to pitch the game,
Duffin's list of accomplishments is a mile long. She pitched all 33
innings of a Mid-America Regional tournament game in 1987 in what is
unofficially considered the longest game in A.S.A. history. She operated
a pitching school in St. Louis, played her college career at S.M.S.U. in
Springfield, and coached high school softball for several years. She
played A.S.A. ball with teams from Jefferson City and St. Louis.
THOMAS J. DOYLE After a fouryear career with the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1930s, Doyle became one of the finest pitchers ever to come out of Springfield. His teams won five state championships and in 1946 Doyle pitched a Springfield team to the nationals for the first time ever. In 1948 his team finished third in the nation.
1992 (March 21)
Meritorious Service
PETE PALMA
Palma's long association with the A.S.A. began in 1952 as a player, but
his umpiring career started in 1960. He served as Co-UIC for Missouri
from 1970 to 1981; Western District (St. Joseph) UIC 1985-89; Deputy
State UIC for Missouri 1984-87; and as treasurer and umpire scheduler
for the St. Joseph Umpire Association since its inception in 1980. He
was umpire coordinator for the 1981 and 1984 Men's Major Fast Pitch
Nationals and was tournament director for the Men's Masters FP Nationals
in 1988.
KEN CHRISTGEN, SR.
The first inductee in the Hall of Fame as a sponsor, Mr. Christgen has
sponsored teams in St. Joseph since 1965 and in some years sponsored as
many as five teams. He built Walnut Park and his teams won no less than
six state championships and played in seven national tournaments and one
Sports Festival.
Playing Ability
BONUS FROST
Perhaps the very best player ever to come out of Springfield, Frost's
career spanned 24 years. He was named a Men's Major Fast Pitch All
American in 1966 and 1979 and played in thirteen nationals. In 1959 he
set a national tournament record by getting on base seven times in seven
at bats (4 hits, 3 walks). He was selected as first alternate to the
1979 U.S. Pan-American team. He has sponsored numerous youth, women's
and men's teams, and managed a men's fast pitch team for eight years.
TOM O'BRIEN
O'Brien played fast pitch softball for over 20 years, and the top of his
list of accomplishments is his All American selection in 1980. He was an
outstanding outfielder and hitter for St. Joseph's Polsky Motors and
later for Walnut Products. He played in the 1982 National Sports
Festival and batted .412. His career batting average is over .300 and he
participated in four national tournaments.
1991 (March 2)
Meritorious Service
JIM LITTLE
Springfield's best known manager, Little started his career in 1965 with
Bud's Mobile Homes. During his nearly thirty years in managing, his
teams advanced to the Men's Major Fast Pitch Nationals nine times, and
finished in the top five on five different occasions. His record
includes five state titles and six regional titles, including a 306
record at the regional level. Possibly his highest honor has been to
serve as one of two coaches for the U.S. Pan American team in 1983 and
1987.
Playing Ability
MARION "MOUSE" MATTHES
Matthes' animated playing career extended from 1947 to 1975 in Jefferson
City, and he appeared in 24 state tournaments, nine regionals, five
nationals. His overall record as a pitcher included 34 no hitters and
five perfect games. He was known for his humorous antics.
LARUE SAVAGE
Considered one of Springfield's finest players, his 12year career
garnered five AAA league batting titles and participation in ten state
tournaments including six as state champions, three regionals, and three
Nationals. He batted over .300 in all three national tournaments, and he
was named twice as an All American second baseman.
1990 (March 3)
Meritorious Service
MARTIN "MUTT" NAGLE
This St. Joseph area umpire worked softball over thirty years including
many Men's Major Fast Pitch State Tournaments. He served as head
groundskeeper for Walnut Park for more than twenty years. Walnut Park
hosted numerous state and regional softball tournaments.
LOUIS P. "TONY" ANTIMI
Antimi worked for the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department from 1954
to 1975, retired, and then began working part time again because he "had
to get back on the fields." He worked diligently to improve the
programming and facilities for youth softball and baseball, and was
honored in 1975 when a new four field softball/baseball complex in
Columbia was named after him. Playing Ability
WILLIAM "BILL" MANARY
Manary, of Springfield, played on six state championship teams, four
regional champions, and played in four national tournaments. He played
every position on the field except pitcher. He was selected as an All
American second baseman in 1956 and was inducted into the Springfield
A.S.A. Hall of Fame in 1966.
ALICE P. WARD Ward played with Anderson Typewriter and more notably with the Goetz Girls of northeast Missouri. Teams she played with won seven state tournaments, two regionals, and played in three national championships.
1989 (March 4)
Meritorious Service
BOB NICHOLS
Nichols served as State Umpire-in-Chief for several years and his
overall career spanned more than 40 years in the Jefferson City area.
BOYD KOCH
Besides playing and managing, Koch's umpiring started in 1942. He served
as the St. Joseph
Co Umpire-in-Chief for 12 years, and was Missouri State UIC for 11
years.
Playing Ability
DOROTHY CLUTTER
As a pitcher, shortstop and top home run hitter for the North Missouri
C.T.'s, Clutter distinguished herself in more than one role. In one
six-year stretch (1970-75), she amassed a 11049 pitching record, while
batting .310. She often played shortstop in the first game of a
doubleheader, then pitched the second game. Her leadership was
inspiring. Dorothy Clutter died in 1976.
NANETTA CARTER
Carter began playing softball in 1947 and after playing with several
different teams, settled in for a long term relationship with the North
Missouri C.T.'s. Still active in coaching, her teams finished in the top
four of the Women's Major Fast Pitch state tournament in 19 out of 25
seasons, including 7 championships and 7 runner-up finishes. She has
coached in 22 states, Canada, Mexico and estimates well over a
half-million miles traveled in her career.
1988 (March 5)
Meritorious Service
GORDON JOHNSON
Johnson served as District Commissioner of the Northwest District for
nearly thirty years, and was the State Junior Olympic Commissioner from
1982 until his death in 1992. He coached, managed, pitched and served as
a leader of youth in his local community for over 55 years! His immortal
words to close his acceptance speech still ring true today: "When I
reach the bar on judgement day, how happy I will be, if just one child
steps up to say, 'Gee, he did a lot for me!' "
GENE BASSMAN
Mr. Bassman was the Southwest District Commissioner for thirty years,
beginning in 1952. In 1962, he actually mortgaged his home in order to
build the first ball park in Joplin. He did anything and everything from
scorekeeping, field maintenance and umpiring, to ensure a quality
softball program for his community. At one point, the Joplin Softball
Association Board of Directors voted to give him a salary. He took the
money and bought a tractor for the ball park, and the next year bought a
popcorn machine. He never accepted any money for his efforts.
HOWARD SCOTT
Largely responsible for the growth of softball in the mid-Missouri area,
Howard Scott served as the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Director
for thirty years, and was the Jefferson City District Commissioner for
twenty eight years.
MANNY HORD
Hord was considered to be one of the finest umpires in the country. He
served as UmpireinChief for the St. Joseph District for over twenty
years, and was UIC for the state of Missouri. He was President of the
St. Joseph Softball Association for 19 years, and umpired numerous state
and regional, and two national softball tournaments. In 1965 he was
assigned a 46day tour of the Far East to promote softball and conduct
rules clinics. Prior to his umpiring career, he played and coached. As a
manager for the Goetz Girls, he won three state championships.
Playing Ability
TIM REYNOLDS
Reynolds tall 6' 6" frame was an imposing figure to opposing batters. He
became a leading fast pitch pitcher in the country and his statistics
include five state and one regional championship; two Olympic Festivals
including one silver and one bronze medal; seven national championships
including selection to the 1981 Men's Major Fast Pitch All American
team.
PEGGY HUTCHINSON
A leading first baseman on the women's fast pitch scene, Hutchinson's
career included 12 productive years with the North Missouri C.T.'s. She
began playing softball at age 12, and her career highlight was selection
to the 1969 Regional All Tournament team.
CHARLOTTE STAMPER
Stamper's career as a pitcher from 1963 to 1978 included seven state
championships with the North Missouri C.T.'s. At the 1967 state
tournament, she pitched all but four innings of the entire tournament
due to an injury to the team's other pitcher, and she pitched 37 innings
leading her team to the championship.
CHARLES PUSATERI
St. Joseph area inductee, Pusateri is known for his hitting. His career
accomplishments include over 22 years of competition which included six
Major Fast Pitch Nationals, a third place finish at the 1974 Nationals,
numerous batting titles, and selection as first alternate for the 1981
Pan American team.
1987 (March 7)
Meritorious Service
FRED HOFFMAN
Missouri's first state commissioner, who served from 1933 until his
death in early 1984. Mr. Hoffman was known nationally for his efforts in
Missouri, and served on a variety of committees for the A.S.A. including
being chairman for the prestigious Appointments & Ethics Committee, and
was the national A.S.A.'s President in 1962-63. His induction into the
National A.S.A. Hall of Honor was in 1976.
VIRGINIA DRAKE
Not only did Virginia Drake serve as the Missouri A.S.A. secretary from
1947 until 1975, she was instrumental in assisting in the overall
development of softball throughout Missouri. Her congenial and
supportive nature made it easy for others to ask for her help. She
passed away in 1978.
JIM EWING
Ewing was Recreation Director for Springfield from 1942 to 1953, and
then served as Parks Director from 19531977. He then served as a sales
representative for the Dudley Company until his death in 1988. During
his tenure, the local softball program gained national attention as
facilities were developed and a lengthy list of local, state, regional
and national softball championships were hosted under Mr. Ewing's
leadership. He served as Springfield's District Commissioner for more
than 20 years.
