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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 2008

Manager Norm Oliver	Shine has been playing and managing senior softball for 10 years, and has been a team sponsor for 9 years. Bill Sellars wrote, "I have known and worked with Shine for 40 years, and have observed his character to be above reproach. His devotion and dedication to the game of senior softball is tremendous." "He has devoted considerable time and money to promoting senior softball. He and his teams exhibit high sportsmanship and it is always a pleasure to have them play in our tournaments." Shine says, "Senior softball is the great passion in my life. I love and enjoy the game. Age ain't got nothing to do with it. I'll play as long as this body will let me play. I enjoy the competitiveness - guess it's in my blood."
Pioneer Player Barney Fineblum	Bill Smith, Tremont Softball writes: "Barney was the best 1st base glove of all senior softball. We would throw them in the dirt, Barney would always dig them out." "Batting in the top of the line up, Barney took the Tremont Softball Team to many championships." Alton Beard writes: "Barney has a great sense of how to play the game, and has the ability to share his thoughts with his teammates in a positive and helpful manner. His suggestions are given considerable respect."
Pioneer Player Paul Janke	Spider Pitzer, writes: "Paul has it all, never misses a game, great attitude, wonderful demeanor, tremendous desire to win, always gives 120% and the team always comes first." "Great defensive outfielder and plays the hitters the best I've ever seen" "Paul is a clutch hitter all the way, and has supplied the winning hit in many major tournaments." "Always had the highest batting average and is a super individual."
Pioneer Player Bruce Longenecker	Bill Smith writes: "The best of the best. One of the finest senior atheletes to come along." "Bruce could play anywhere. He was the best pitch, the best catch, the best third base. He was the most all round player in senior softball." Rep. Mauree Gingrich, Pennsylvania House of Representatives writes: "He is committed to community involvement as well, as evidenced by his service to the local Little League and Cub Scout Troops."
Pioneer Player Larry McCurdy	Kenny Deibel writes: "Larry is not only a great player, but equally a great person. He is a fine representative of what Senior Softball is all about." Hal Olver writes: "Larry is an excellent shortstop, where he can go deep to his right and still get runners at either first or second." "He can hit to all fields with an uncanny knack of getting close to either the left or right field lines." "At the present time, in only his sixteenth year, he has the third highest number of total hits in the history of the club since 1933." "Larry is a humble and soft spoken individual. I have not seen or heard anyone on or off the field who has anything but good things to say about Pops."
Pioneer Player Gus Niklas	Don Farber writes: "Gus has averaged over 650 in his three years with the Seals. He uses the entire field and is almost undefensable. "Gus is the slickest fielding second basemen on the entire west coast." "He is both the fastest member of the team, and the smartest base runner." "The consumate team player, he helps coach, pinch runs, and directs the defense." George Calkins writes: "Gus' greatest asset is his love for the game along with his dedication to his team."
Pioneer Player Irvin Schafer	Jim Smith writes: "Irv has been and is one of the finest hitters ever to play the game." "Irv also plays great defense. He played the corners, at first and at third during the 2007 campaign, and in previous years was one of the finest outfielder and pitchers in the game." Tommy French writes: "With his great talent, personality, and team chemistry, Irv is someone that every Senior player should use as a role model.
Pioneer Player Clarence Thompson	Paul Oliver writes: "Spanky is an unselfish team player, which I personally love. He is a great shortstop, but would agree to play in the outfield when our need was critical and he excelled there as well." "Spanky was always available as a substitute runner, and is a team player, always willing to help the team in any capacity." Mike Tedesco writes" "Spanky is a 'complete' player, Hit-Run-Field. He is a student of the game, always alert and brings commitment and energy in all phases of the game." Spanky's motto: "Play Ball."
Pioneer Player Wilson Yoder	Vern Carr writes: "Skeeter has made the MVP or first team All Tournament in each of the last ten years. His offense has been extraordinary and his defense is equally great." Tom Bruening writes: "Skeeter has been our best clutch hitter and has carried us to numerous championships. He hits in the first inning on the first day, and in the last inning on final day of tournaments." "As a shortshop, he is the master of diving catches and stops that have snuffed out many an opponent's potential big inning." "Skeeter has been an excellent team-mate. A super person who is well repected by opponents and peers."
Pioneer Player Bob Young	Bill Ruth writes: "Bob is an unselfish player, a team player, a quiet warrior, but one with tremendous competitive spirit." "He truely represents the essence of what Senior Softball is all about. He emulates good citizenship, team camaraderie, and a helpful hand in all of his softball activities." Tom Bursca writes: "Bob is without question, one of the finest Senior softball pitchers that I have played with and against. He is a true student of the game." "Also a great hitter, he has consistently been one of if not the top hitter on the team."
Pioneer Sponsor Ed Hamel	Jerry Henwood writes: "By far, Ed is the kindest, most gracious, and soft spoken softball fanatic that I have ever met. He has stressed to me on countless occasions, what's most important is that everybody on the team is having fun and enjoying the game." "I can't think of anyone more deserving, and I expect that the well over 100 players currently sporting the "H" on the their hats would all echo my sentiments." Jay Baraff writes: "Frankly, I think that his playing ability should warrant his induction, but I would note my belief that there has never been a more generous, more supportive, and less demanding sponsor than Ed." "You would have to look long and hard to find a nicer, more deserving guy than Ed, especially one with his high level of character and morality."
Player Lynn Anglin	Al Meyers says, "Lynn is not only a great player, he is the ultimate team player that does whatever it takes to help his team win. Bob Holland says, "When we met, I was delighted to encounter a real gentleman, unassuming, and totally without ego. He had become our obvious choice as leadoff hitter." George Calkins wrote, "We picked the best player in each position that we played against all year. We felt you were the best we faced."
Player Frank Cosentino	Sam Sapienza wrote, " Cozzie was the fastest player on the team. He could get to balls that other players could not. I wish we had highlight film of some of the catches Cozzie made." "Frank was my leader in the outfield, always talking as to where these batters hit the ball." "Frank was never a power hitter, but a great clutch hitter. He was the guy you wanted up in pressure situations."
Player Russ Curtis	Russ started playing nationally with Tharaldson Enterprises. He is a consummate hitter with an .800 average. Gary Tharaldson wrote, "when looking for good players that would represent our company with integrity and good sportsmanship, Russ is at the forefront of the list. Especially with his compassion and love for the game." While not usually an outspoken person, there is that occasional flash of competitive fire, that lets you know the depth of his intensity.
Player Pat McGuire	Born in San Jose, California in 1948, Pat has lived and worked in the area his entire life. After spending 31 years in the San Jose Police Department, Pat retired to play tournament softball. Larry Campbell has this to say about Pat, "He has consistantly placed in the top 5 hitters and is noted for his ability to place the ball from line to line, yet still able to burn the outfield deep should they tire of his singles." Gary Tryhorn says, "Pat would play any position asked of him, and he would give you all he had."
Player Tony Miranda	Born in 1942, Tony has played both fastpitch and slow pitch softball his entire life. Al Meyers of the Nor Cal Bluejays writes, "Named to numerous All World Teams, Tony is a great player that even playes better in big games. He is the ultimate team player, and a true gentleman." Bob Holland says, "Tony excelled in all defensive positions. That's versatility! Along with his great passion and intellect for the game, Tony has always inspired his teammates and been admired by his opponents."
Player Larry Reeser	Retiring from the teaching profession at Ripon High School in Ripon, California, Larry began his senior softball career in 1990. Al Meyers had this to say, "Larry is the epitome of a big time player. He gets better as the games get more important. He is the one player that I want to be involved in a play or an at bat when it counts the most." Gary Tryhorn, manager of the Old A's says, "Larry has been playing with the Bluejays forever. He is a formidable force on his team, and an incredible outfielder."
Player Conway Waddy	Born in San Antonio, Conway went to High School in Los Angeles, and attended USC, where he played basketball. He then went to Spain where he played International basketball for 3 years. He began playing softball in 1996. Bob Woodroof wrote, "He his a born leader, one that leads by example. Over the past 3 years he has led the GSF team in HR's and RBI's. Ken Lipinski says, "Conway's commitment to physical fitness and his accomplishments in self defense training are another example of his competitiveness. He is a sincere caring and involved parent and mate to his family. He and his wife Barbara are an ideal senior softball couple.
Woman Director Judy Lee Schreiber	Judy Lee Schreiber comes from St. Mary’s, PA, and now resides in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Not only is she involved in senior softball, she Is a former Grand Ole Opry performer. Judy started playing softball in her neighborhood and then played in high school as a pitcher. She started playing Senior Softball in 1994 in Hendersonville, TN, and after winning the Tennessee Senior Games she was hooked on playing senior ball. Judy started the USSSA Senior Women’s World Championship with only six (6) teams, and developed the tournament to 46 teams from all over the United States and Canada. Judy continues to play with the Tennessee Senior Stars 70+. Not only does Judy play, she has received many awards for being a Director, promoter, and a pioneer in the growth of Women’s Senior Softball. In 2007, Judy Lee was made the Softball Players Association’s Women’s National Director. She will be holding her first Judy Lee’s SPA/Worth Women’s National Tournament in Gallatin as SPA’s Women’s National Director.
Woman Manager Fran Ebert	Graduating from LaCrosse University in 1952, with a BS in Physical Education and a minor in Math, Fran went on to graduate from Indiana University with a MS in Physical Education. From 1975-1985, she was Head Softball Coach at Western Michigan University. While there, her record was 270 wins, 116 losses, and 1 tie. Fran was an Associate Professor, in the Department of Health, and Physical Recreation for 27 years, in 1977 published a book, "Basketball-Five Player." Coaching for many years, she won the World Series Championship in Des Moines, IA in 2002, as well as 2003-2004. In 1999, Fran retired from coaching the men's teams, but continued coaching senior women.
Woman Manager Kay Oswalt	Katherine Oswalt was born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. Kay started playing fast pitch then played a modified fast-pitch and from there she started playing slow pitch softball. Kay’s playing positions have been pitcher, catcher, and outfield. In 1989, Kay began playing senior softball, and won the gold medal with the Michigan Mavericks. She has managed and played despite some major health problems. She has battled cancer for several years and her belief is that there are others worse off than she. Unfortunately her record of attending the senior events continuously was interrupted in 2007 when she fell and broke her femur bone/hip. She now manages the Michigan Mavericks’ 75+ and her motto is “You can’t worry about sitting around the house, because you’re not getting anywhere, you’ve got to get out and do something with your life”. She is one of the pioneers that paved the way for all of the younger players.
Woman Player Mary Arndt	Mary started playing slow-pitch softball at the age of 28. Mary played fast pitch from 1956-1959 with Hall of Famer Nero White in Nashville, Tennessee, as well as playing basketball with her traveling all over the U.S. She was part of a Mom’s group that played in the neighborhood. Having two (2) children, Mary played in the "Mom’s league" for 10 years, she was voted All-Star each year. In 1996, some senior women asked her to play with their team. Going to Tucson, AZ, the team won the Gold Metal. Also, the team played in the USSSA Senior Games and was undefeated for five years. Mary was voted MVP each year. In October of 2007, Freedom Spirit of Florida asked Mary to play with their team as a 70 year old in St. George, Utah, the team went on to win the Gold. Mary has received many awards during her years of playing senior Softball. Best Defensive, MVP, Offensive and certificates from The State of Tennessee.
Woman Player Ethel Lehmann	Born in Hicksville, Long Island, NY, she was one of 12 children. Ethel married George Lehmann and had 5 children in 5 years (1 set of twins). They are now grandparents to 9 teenagers. In 1977, Ethel started playing slow-pitch softball with the young girls in the Dunedin and Clearwater Ladies League as a recycled athlete. In 1990, with the desire to play softball, led her to the 3-Score men’s 60+ League. Ethel participated as the only woman for five (5) years, and helped establish the first Florida Senior Women’s Softball team. In 2004, along with her husband George, she became a member of the famous 75+ Men’s Kids & Kubs Softball Club. Being the first woman and first husband/wife in the sevent-five year old history, resulted in a segment on NBC TV “TODAY SHOW”. She has been a member of the men’s 3-Score Club, the Women’s Florida Spirit 55+, Women’s Freedom Spirit 65+, and presently 70+ Teams, plus the Men’s 75+ Kids & Kubs Softball Club.
Woman Player Francis Mellott	Frances Mellot is a native Hustontown, Pa. lady. Frances’ softball career began in 1954 at Hustontown High School, and she has played organized softball for 55 years. In 1995 she began playing Senior Ball and went to the Senior Games Nationals in San Antonio, Texas. Later she attended the Senior Games Nationals in Orlando, Fl, where she pitched a “no hit game.” Frances is the only person to have pitched a no-hitter in softball at the National Senior Championships Frances is still playing with the PA Fillies 65+. She has been married for 52 years to Ret. US Air Force Colonel Jerri Millett and is the Mother of 2 sons and a daughter. Frances Mellott urges girls and women to never stop playing. It keeps you mentally alert and young.