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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 2017

Director Terry Hennessy	Michael Boone says of Terry, “Terry spends countless hours planning tournaments, and making sure that ALL players are made to feel important to the organization. He has dedicated his efforts to making sure that all teams and players are treated fairly and equally, and has always taken the time to completely explain situations and the reason for the way they are treated.” Gary Tryhorn says of Terry, “thru his association with SSUSA, he has contributed to the advancement of Senior Softball around the country, and the world. As publisher of the Senior Softball News, and the SSUSA Rulebook, which is the default softball rulebook in leagues and associations across the country, Terry has kept Senior Softball players informed and regulated.” Fran Dowell says of Terry, “As a testament to Terry’s character and leadership, he has based every single judgment and decision within the context of, “Is this the right thing to do for the benefit of the teams and Players? This is true even when SSUSA’s or Terry’s individual interests would be better served by a different result.”
Manager Patrick Carey	Tom Dommel writes, "As a teammate, manager and often a sponsor for such an extended period of time has been in my opinion the best thing to happen to senior softball. He has not only earned the respect of all who have played for him, but, also all that that have competed against him. Edmond Ritter wrote, "Pat is the kind of manager that everyone would love to have. He not only directs the team but listens to each individual player. He adds, there are many good managers out there, but they all respect and are amazed by the incredible winning percentages that Pat accumulates year after year. Pat exemplifies the sportsmanship aspect of his team. His number one fan, his wife Jenny, as which Pat states, “God” gave me the ability to play, and be a Manager, and that she gave me permission to do so." Ron Collins states "Pat’s outstanding knowledge of the game and of his players has played an integral role in the team’s success over the years. In short, Pat has earned the reputation as an outstanding coach and manager. Pat has the backbone to manage a team and his players respect him and trust his ability to do what is right for the team. His ability to pick players that fit into his idea of a ‘softball family’ is uncanny."
Pioneer Director William Altman	John Fey writes, "Bill Altman is a wonderful gentleman, a great sportsman, and a fine player, but more importantly, he’s a true champion of the game of senior softball in the United States." Dick Porter says, "I have had the honor of working and playing senior softball alongside Bill for more than 20 years now, and I can testify that there is no greater proponent of senior softball than this amazing 86-year old league founder/commissioner, coach, and player in three different age leagues…all at the same time." Cathy Pottorf writes, "Without his determination, drive, and time, we would not have 700+ active seniors, ages 40-86, males and females, playing on 42 softball teams, in seven different age brackets from March – November each year in San Antonio. He currently manages and plays on three different teams himself while providing leadership to the entire city senior softball league." Fred Gonzales wrote, "Bill organized senior softball in San Antonio, Texas, which started with a few teams and has grown to over 700 participants, making it the largest local senior softball organization in the United States."
Pioneer Manager Ron Hangland	John Barham wrote, "Red has been instrumental in the development of senior softball organization in Portland, Oregon. He has been acknowledged as a key individual by the Portland Parks and Recreation for the area." Jerry Ross wrote, "You want friendship, loyalty, perseverance, willingness to help, and many other adjectives? You have Red! He is dedicated to the game. He loves his family and friends deeply and he loves to eat. But, he would give up eating to play, organize, and manage a softball team. Red has been number one when it comes to organizing and promoting softball." Fran Dowell says, "Red defines the true spirit of senior softball. His dedication to the game transcends everything, and his contributions filter all the way down to his significant contributions of time and resources to the youth programs in the Portland area. Red’s devotion to his family is legendary."
Pioneer Player Robert Davis	Bob Banchero wrote, "Bobby has great enthusiasm for the game and always displays good sportsmanship on and off the field. He is a team player and is always willing to help others improve their softball skills." Bob Swarthout writes, "Bobby has polished his softball skills with hard work and consistent effort. He is a great team player and teammate, and he has shown his respect and love for the game." Roger Berryman says, "No one in the game at our age can turn a single into a double better than Bobby and if close he surprises the fielder with a spectacular slide that excites everyone." Steve Salter wrote, "He is a very strong power hitter who effortlessly hits the gaps for extra base hits. He is a demon on the base paths. He seldom settles for just a single; most of the time, rushing past first and ‘sliding gracefully’ into second base before the outfielder even realizes he’s running. Bobby is a top tier hitter who can hit that super long and high ball that you just know is gone the second after he hits it and, coupled with that, is his ability to hit line drives through the game in right or left and daring the outfielders to try and throw him out."
Pioneer Player Lawrence Deschaine	Dick Clark writes, "I have been a teammate of Larry for over 10 years and can attest to his outstanding playing ability and love of the game. He is truly an ambassador for senior softball and personifies all the attributes one would strive for." "He is a feared hitter and known for the long ball. However, it is his manner and decorum on and off the field that sets him apart. He is the epitome of a senior softball player and a true sportsman in every sense of the word." Tony Castaldy wrote, "Larry is a senior softball premier hitter. In addition to his on-field accomplishments, he is one of those people that you want as a teammate and a friend." Larry McCurdy wrote, "He is an excellent hitter and all-round competitor and knows how best to help his team succeed." John Carusone writes, "I have been a teammate of Larry for 15 years and I can state with certainty that he is the best power hitter that I ever played with. He is also a stellar first baseman. Larry is a special person--a fierce competitor on the field, but an absolute gentleman off the field. He’s a great choice!"
Pioneer Player Norman Haltrich	Warren Watson wrote, “Norm has played Senior Softball since he was 55, and he is now 80. He hits to all fields, always behind the base runner, and also hits with power. He is usually in the top 5 hitters in any given tournament.” Dewey McVicker writes, “He has played senior softball for many years and has always stood out as an All American or All Star player.” Ted Battistone wrote, “Norman has always played a major role in many of the team’s national and world championships. As a result of his superior performance, Norman has received many All-Tournament and All-World awards.” “Norm always displays a level-headed attitude and is truly a team player. His competitiveness and spirit are the true ingredients that made Norm the player he is. That competitive attitude and spirit have played a major role in the many successes his teams accomplish in National and World tournament play. Whether on or off the field, Norm is truly a gentleman and a sincere friend.”
Pioneer Player Lloyd Harper	Stephen Hill wrote, "As an outfielder who batted and threw left-handed, he brought hitting and speed to our team while helping Fairway Ford in winning championships in the major division." Ted Sparks writes, "As our center fielder and leadoff hitter, he was consistently the team’s leading scorer as well as the foundation of our defense. He is very dedicated to his extremely large as well as his faith, and spent over 50 years working for the same company." Carlos Beccera wrote, " describes a man who has dedicated his entire senior life to excellence in senior softball. This man is always ready to play and gives his all."
Pioneer Player Kenneth Lockman	Carlos Becerra wrote, “Ken has played with Fairway Ford softball for five years, leading the team in key hits and RBI’s. 84 years young and he is one of the best on our team, possibly the entire world. This man is always ready to play and gives his all.” John Rawlings wrote, “Ken is and has always been a disciplined and outstanding player who is highly respected by his peers and those against whom he has played. He has always presented himself as a helpful, fair and highly skilled player. He is always a fine gentleman on and off the field.” Spider Pitzer writes, “Ken played for me on team D99. He was above all a team member first, had a a great attitude and winning fervor to exceed to greatness. His bas was something else, he could hit hard line drives and you did not want to get in front of them, wow could he also hit them out of sight. He had great hands at first base, also for fielding and knowing what to do after fielding the ball.”
Pioneer Player James Phillips	Tom Palma wrote, "He hits with power and is able to maintain a high batting average throughout the year. In addition to his softball skills, Jim is a true gentleman on and off the field." Bob Swathout writes, "He is a great team player and does whatever is asked of him to help his team achieve success. He has great respected for senior softball and is well-known for his all-around ability in fielding, hitting, and running." Michael Brady wrote, "‘He is ultra competitive and is a four tool (great arm, bats with power, runs like the wind, plays excellent infield and outfield) plus a team-oriented player." Lynn Anglin wrote, "His best attributes are not his bat and glove but the quality person he is. He is everything a friend, a teammate, and manager wants on a team." Don Farber writes, "Jim 'Berkeley’ Phillips truly epitomizes what our special game is all about…sportsmanship, fellowship, and an attitude that shows his appreciation of being on the field, expressing his love for the game, his teammates as well as his opponents."
Pioneer Woman Player Donna Clark	Karen Cambell writes, "Donna has what is considered ‘true grit’. I have watched this woman pitch through scorching temperatures and blistering sun perhaps throwing three games in a day, which is no mean feat for a now 81 year old gal. She has pitched through her back and hip pain when a lesser determined and dedicated player would have long called it quits. It is truly amazing to watch her and I’ve been so lucky to be on the receiving end of her accuracy." Kathleen Tittle wrote, "She is a consistent and capable player, both offensively and defensively. I am often amazed at her abilities to challenge batters, which is particularly remarkable when facing younger batters." Ruth Fellmeth wrote, "Donna has always been a very reliable and dependable member of Freedom Spirit. She contribures to the great camaraderie and sportsmanship our team stands for, and we are happy she decided to play with us in 2014!" Joan Franklin wrote, "Her enthusiasm for softball I an encouragement for those new to the game. For those who have played for many years, she is an example of playing through pain and remaining positive."
Player Ed Carey	Gary Tryhorn says of Ed, “Ed has become the quintessential third baseman delivering a massive ball stopping power and a great throwing arm to cut down runners. His hitting has become so precise that he now is one of the best hitters on our Major Plus 70 team.” Bob Cummings says of Ed, “Ed has been playing at the Major Plus level for as long as I’ve known him and has excelled there. At the end of each tournament, Ed’s statistics have always placed him at the top for hitting average and runs scored. Playing defensively at third base allows one to see his fearless approach to hard hit ground balls and his ability to make strong accurate throws. Yes, defense wins games too, and Ed has won many games for us snagging hard hit ground balls and turning them into double plays”.
Player Baer Chandler	Audie Hollis wrote, "He is known throughout the Southeast and now all over the country and is truly one of the hitting machines in senior softball." Bruce Fairchild writes, "Baer is known for his dedication and love for the game of softball. He has a total dedication to the sport of softball." Cecil Whitehead commented, "Baer exhibits a never-ending passion for the game of softball. He is the type of player that any coach would want and any player would be proud to have as his teammate." Pat Carey wrote, "He is the total complete softball player and is one of the most coachable players I have ever had on my teams. His knowledge, respect and love for the game is unquestionable." Tony Perry added, "Baer is the model of a consummate professional on and off the field. His ability to always maintain a very calm and balanced attitude has made him a pleasure to coach and play with." Andy Zitnay writes, "he is an awesome hitter but a better teammate who leads by example."
Player Gary Deaton	Pat McLellan states, "Besides being a great hitter, is also a tremendous defensive pitcher. He also goes over and above to be the best at what he does and be the ultimate team player." Audie Hollis wrote, "Gary Deaton is the best softball player in the country who is NOT in the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame." Mike Gainer states, "His enthusiasm for the game he loves so much carried a lot of weight with his teammates." Line Drive coach, Jim Dinoto stated, "even though Gary valued winning, his teammates always came first. Gary was a pay it forward type of guy."
Player Jon Kramer	Mike Adair writes, “Bully has consistently demonstrated leadership that is backed up with tremendously consistent awesome stats. Crucial segments of the game and clutch situations Bully rises to the moment and does not shy away from the opportunity”. Steve Imlay wrote, “Jon has over 25 Major Plus Senior Championships and a large amount of All Tournaments in those Championships. He continues to improve on those numbers every year”. Don Newhard wrote, “Probably more impressive than Jon’s skills, performance, and achievements on the field is his dedication to the teams he plays for and his enthusiastic support of all of his teammates. He leads by example as well as through encouragement of everyone on his teams. This aspect of Jon is not always apparent to opponents but is fully recognized and appreciated by his teammates”.
Player Billy Mack Lough	Conway Waddy says of Mack, “he is one of the nicest men I have ever had the pleasure of being around. He sets the tone for having fun first, at all games”. Bob Woodroof says of Mack, “In addition to being a very good player, he was an excellent teammate. He loves the game of softball and the people who play it, whether they are teammates or opponents." Ron Danoski writes, “If it were not for Mack’s leadership on the mound, we would not have won as many World Championships as we did.” Roland Bleitz says, “I feel he is the type of player that represents the game well and will bring honor to the Hall of Fame."
Player Dale McLaughlin	Bill Ruth says of Dale, “Dale has played a very important role in the success of my Ruth Real Estate teams, and continues to be a key player on his present team with his extraordinary skills”. Jack Robinson says of Dale, “As his many tournament wins and all tournament awards indicate, Dale is a great hitter, especially in the clutch. I played against Dale for many years and he was always one of the players we worried about the most. We played together at the 70 Major Plus level for the last four years and my admiration for his ability and knowledge of the game just gets greater”. Dennis Lutz says of Dale, “He has played many years of Senior Softball at a very high level, with his hitting in the 700-800 range. He is willing to do what is needed to give the team the best chance to win. Dale is a great teammate and more importantly a great sportsman and ambassador for Senior Softball”.
Player Robert Ross	Ranier Martens says, “Bob is an outstanding outfielder with excellent speed, sure-handed glove, and a strong throwing arm, clearly one of the top 5 outfielders in the country. Although he has had two knee replacements, you will see Bob not only burning up the base paths for himself, but frequently running for his teammates”. Terry Hennessy writes, “Bob has competed at the top end of the sport throughout the past two decades. He has played on some of the best teams to come out of Colorado in the Scrap Iron organization, including the Legends, Redux, Legacy and Phiten”. Dennis Lutz wrote, “Bob is a great leadoff hitter but the attribute I am most impressed with is his being a good teammate”.
Player John Scruggs	Don Clatterbough stated, "John is a devoted player and team leader. He exhibits sportsmanship, character and class in all aspects of his life on and off the field. Most of all he leads by Christian example." John Davide states, "his defensive abilities are among the best in the game." He goes on to say, "John is a clutch hitter who, on many occasions, has lifted our team with a big hit." William Cameron agrees that "Johnny is a talented softball player with the ability to play almost all the defensive positions." He also states, "John is much more than a great softball player as he is an “Outstanding” human being and role model." Andy Zitnay says he would "stack Johnny against the very best at the Major Plus level."
Woman Player Cyndi Kelly	Cheryl Metter wrote, "Good sportsmanship is in her blood and respect for others is at her core. She is quick to compliment an opponent on their play and consistently displays her gratitude to the directors, umpires, grounds crew, and others working the tournament. She is such a positive force in the dugout as well as on the field. There is seldom a game in which she does not display some kind of defensive dazzle." Patricia Nikkel writes, "Cyndi plays the game with utmost respect for others. She is a quiet leader in the dugout in the sense she encourages her teammates to stay positive, push themselves to do better, and stay focused. She does all this with her wonderful sense of humor and friendly support." Colleen Needham writes, "She is an excellent first basewoman and even a better ambassador for the Senior Game."