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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 2018

Manager Bill Ruth	Bill is the owner of the ISA and president of SSUSA. Bill has also been a pitcher for his teams throughout his managerial career, competing against and with teams 10 years his junior. He has managed teams internationally that have won tournaments in Ireland, Dominican Republic, Australia, England, Italy and Spain. Fran Dowell says, “As a testament to Bill’s character and leadership, his teams exhibit the highest loyalty to Bill and to his “system” of managing. They are only interested in playing against the best and strive to beat the best.” Rick Littlejohn states, “Bill is a real student of the game. If you play for him, you learn very quickly that fundamentals are the backbone of good softball. Physical errors, unfortunately happen but there is never any reason for mental errors and he is more than willing to share that thought with you during his infamous after game team meetings. Sometimes it seemed like those meetings would last longer than the game itself, but if you were honest with yourself and willing to listen, there was a lot to learn and Bill is a fountain of knowledge.”
Pioneer Player Robert Hruz	Robert has been playing slow-pitch softball for 35years. Most senior tournament play was with Car Center or Mitchell’s Construction, winning a combined 17 National Championships and 60 tournaments overall. He was named All-American, All-World, or All-Star 9 times. Ted Lawson stated, "Bob played for me at ages 65, 70, 75, and 80. If I had first pick in the entire USA, Bob would be my choice. He is respected by teammates and competitors alike. If the game is on the line, put your money on Bob Hruz"
Pioneer Player Mike Leitner	Mike has been a pitcher for Major teams: Redwood City, CA Angels, Nor-Cal, Blue Jays, Modesto Classics, State Roofing, and Major Plus teams: Streamline Circuits and San Francisco Seals. He was the 1968-2000 Northern California Softball Commissioner for ASA . Tom Palma wrote, “Considered one of the best pitchers in senior softball. Hard to get a ball past “Big Mike.” He was a hard out when he came to bat.” Jim Phillips wrote, Mike polished his skills as a pitcher with hard work and consistent effort. He’s an excellent hitter with a high average. He is a great person and respected by everyone who has played with him. Great teammate with a positive attitude.” “Big Mike” is very agile and quick, standing on the pitchers rubber, he catches every ball in his reach.” Bob Swarthout. Don Farber writes, “When he’s not pitching and just watching the game, he is encouraging, helping, and complimenting his teammates.”
Pioneer Player Richard Ochampaugh	A “team-first” player who epitomizes the type of team player that all of us should be. In his teaching career he taught everything from all-boy’s kindergarten through college. He has coached at all levels from Little League, Dolph Schaye’s Basketball Camp, to Slow Pitch Softball. "Having known Dick for over 30 years, I know of no other player who has a greater enthusiasm and passion for the game. He approaches softball with vigor and zeal." Despite having an artificial knee he manages to play in over 200 games a year in both NY and FL. “Och” is the consummate team player who derives as much pleasure from the success of his teammates as from his many personal accomplishments; he makes any team he plays for better. Most importantly, he recognizes the value of just being able to play." "His contributions to his teams go far beyond the impressive stats he has accrued. He consistently makes his team better by encouraging, suggesting, clarifying, prompting, and even directing his teammates."
Pioneer Player Richard Osborn	I played on senior softball teams with “Ozzie” over 4 decades. He was an outstanding first baseman—both defensively and at bat.. We played in over 31 national tournaments and qualifiers, winning 19 championships in four age divisions. No one loved the game more than “Ozzie.” Even in the last few months of his life, he continued to play locally—struggling to get to first base, but he never gave up. “Ozzie” was truly a pioneer senior softball player. He was a major contributor to the success of the Silverhawks, a very popular player, and a stranger to no one. “Ozzie” was a senior softball Pioneer and one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known. He possessed a natural talent for softball. For 16 years Dick was the staple at first base and batting clean-up or the Silverhawks. Year after year he led the team in RBIs. “Oz” was a terrific defensive first baseman and our top power hitter for over 15 years of tournament play, knocking in almost 600 RBIs. On and off the field he demonstrated great leadership ability, a positive attitude, and a great sense of humor. He was a top representative of our sport and best of all, a true friend. It goes without saying that, without Dick, our team would not have nearly the success we did. He was always promoting senior softball. He helped organize and worked tirelessly to promote the Top Gun tournaments at Miramar Marine Air Base. He also worked with the San Diego City Council to promote a World Series tournament. Dick was a man of character who never knew a stranger. It was never a dull moment around first base with his constant chatter. He was loved and admired. We can always look back and remember something we wish we had done differently. He put everything into the game. If you threw your jock strap on the field you should expect to get it back from Dick dirty. He played at the highest level of the game even when his heart was not cooperating. When the game was over, you remembered the special play that Dick was involved in. He led by example
Pioneer Player Marv Rueck	Mike Smith says, “He is known for being respectful of the game and everyone involved, and he’s the kind of person every man wishes he was and what he hopes his sons will be.” Bill Ruth says, “It has always been my position and that’s the most important player on a softball team—the shortstop. Marv played that position in every game with Ruth Realty. He was dependable, hard hitting, superb fielder, as well as a quiet team leader. It is safe to say that Marv is one of the finest players that ever donned a WE Ruth Realty uniform." Red Hangland states, “Knowing Marv, playing with him and against him, you will not find a better ambassador for the game of senior softball.” Mike Sisavik wrote, “Marv is a quiet man until he picks up a bat. Managed him for 25 years. He’s known to other teams and players as “Marvelous Marv.” Jerry Grover, wrote, “Mr. Rueck is not only an outstanding player but has shown great sportsmanship on and off the field and is greatly respected by his teammates and opposing players.”
Pioneer Player James Thomas	Hugh Brotherton states, “Jim can play any position in the field and hits for high averages, as well as the long ball. He has a great attitude towards softball, and more importantly, towards life.” Al Murray says, “I’ve had the privilege to play with a number of great players, including Jim Thomas. Jim’s skill as an outfielder, infielder, and pitcher has been a tremendous asset for COS during this tenure.” Ron Brown says, “Jim would rank as the best power hitter, using his power wisely by delivering singles, doubles, and triples as the occasion called for it. Defensively, he played the outfield with speed and unbelievable range coupled with a powerful throwing arm. There were times when I thought we could play with three outfielders because Jim could fill the void.”
Pioneer Woman Player Rosemary Austin	Ruth Fellmeth wrote, “Rosemary is always in the game—knows what to do with the ball and has stopped many hot shots to the hot corner. She has been a long time sportswoman and is very deserving to be in the NSSHOF.” Karen Campbell writes, “This woman is a ball player through and through as attested to in her life-long love of, and participation, the game.” Dorothy Cayen says, “Rose is an expert of this sport and has committed all of her life to helping others enjoy the sport as much as she does. She inspires all of us to keep on going and to want to give a little more of ourselves every time we get out onto the field.” Larry Swihart wrote, “Her whole life has been a drive to accomplish the almost impossible and not to settle for less. Her whole life and work ethics are portrayed in her success in senior softball.”
Player Gary Ellison	Gary started his Senior Softball career in 2000 with Fergies 50 plus “MAJ plus” team. He has played at the Major/Major plus levels his whole senior softball career. Don Clatterbough stated, "Gary is an intense competitor, an outstanding outfielder and a good hitter. I respect him as a player and a person." Tom Dommel said, "Gary is the ultimate teammate and a coach’s dream. He will play wherever needed in the infield or outfield and play them well. He is one of the best hitters in the game." Ray Wimbrough says, "Defensively Gary has quick hands and makes plays on the infield that most cannot." William Cameron stated, "Gary is one of those gifted players that not only can hit but handles the glove as well. He is unselfish and will step up to fill any roll that the team needs." Jim Sears, Coach of Superior Senior Softball states, "Gary has proven to be a great player and great addition to our team. He is one of the most outstanding hitters he’s seen."
Player Robert Hough	Robert hHas played for such teams as BRL, The Posse, Skinny Dugans, Tharaldson, Ryan’s Way (as well as a coach), Scrap Iron Legacy, Runner Blue, and Omen Gil Frelly wrote, “Bob is truly a gentleman on and off the field. He’s respected and well liked by not only his own teammates but of those opposing players from around the country as well.” Russ Curtis writes, “Bob is a great teammate and is one of senior softball’s best 65 and over players. He is a .700-.800 hitter who can hit to all fields, hit for average, hit for power, and is an above average outfielder with an above average arm. He will hit anywhere in the lineup but is best suited for the 4 or 5 slot. Bob is one of those players you want at the plate when the game is on the line.” Michael Smith wrote, “For the last four years, I have observed him and his softball organizational, leadership and considerable playing skills. In describing him, my opinion is that he is the epitome of the complete package.” “Bob is always positive with his teammates and is always encouraging to them.” Ron Danoski John Robinson writes, “Along with his excellen hitting and fielding, Bob brings a real winning attitude to the game and inspires his teammates to play at the top of their ability.” RD Reidasch wrote, “Bob has a deep appreciation of how the game should be played. To him, it matters not only if a game was won but also how the winning was accomplished. He well understands that excellent teams are characterized by people who are responsible to their teammates not solely to themselves, who put in the work to hone their own personal skills, who are respectful of teammates and opponents alike and, perhaps most importantly of all, who put the team and winning above themselves.”
Player Dave Meggison	Ron Parnell says, “As a player, 'Mango' was one of the best hitters on a team loaded with good hitters. He won many MVP honors and was nominated 'All Tournament' many a weekend. He could hit for power, or base hit, depending on the situation of the game”. Dave Sommerville writes, “I’ve known Dave Meggison for over 35 years, and he is a natural leader who makes the other players around him better. He is a gentleman who represents my team well”. Dave Dowell wrote, “Dave’s teams can always be relied upon to bring nothing but the best to any tournament. They are always well prepared, graciously accept umpire and director decisions that don’t always go their way and make it difficult with just a casual observation to know whether they won or lost their most recent game. He is an exceptional player, always has been, but he’s a better man”.
Player Stephen Pierson	Jim Sears stated, "I have been coaching since the 1970’s and have seen many players, I would like to say Steve is just like cream and has risen to the top. He’s a player who gives 100% all of the time." James McLamb wrote, "He is a devoted player and exhibits sportsmanship, character, class and hustle on and off the field. Tom Stankus commented, "Steve spends hours keeping his body physically fit because he still approached the game with youthful enthusiasm." Donald Clatterbough wrote, "Steve has had an impressive softball career playing with the Carolina All-stars, Carolina Cobras, Turn Two Softball, and Superior Softball. In addition, he was a member of the All Navy and All Armed Forces Softball teams while serving his country in the United States Navy." Tommy Dommel commented, "Steve is an outstanding outfielder with foot speed and arm that are second to one in Senior Softball."
Player Patrick Ricci	Donald Clatterbough wrote, “He is a dedicated team leader and player. In all aspects of his life, he exhibits sportsmanship, character, and class.” Michael Boone writes, “Most importantly, Pat is a true gentleman, and I’m not just speaking about his time on the field. He is a worthy competitor that is as intense as any player on the field, but the most soft spoken after the games have concluded, never denying conversation with any of his peers; His ability to hit in the clutch is uncanny, whether it be that clutch base hit or a much-need home run.” Bob Gallagher says, “Pat’s physical skills are excellent. He fields with ease at any position and is willing to adapt to the team’s needs as well.”
Player Rich Schmidt	Rich retired from the Berkeley Fire Department as a Lieutenant, and has played for such teams as, Nevada City Merchants, Claim Jumpers, Wildwood West Reality, Wildwood West Outlaws, California Blue Jays, California Classics, Penn Valley Grays, Omen 65s and Omen 70s. Tom Avery says of Rich, “He is an above average hitter with great power, and is gifted with great speed that helps both in the outfield and with base running, and he has played with some of the best teams in the country." Bob Cummings writes, “Rich is the consummate team player, always willing to run the bases for those ballplayers that are injured and can no longer run for themselves. He is well liked by his teammates and always displays a positive attitude and good sportsmanship”. Dave Sells wrote, “Rich has brought his softball skills, personality and love of the game to Senior Softball and is most deserving of this honor”.
Player Andrew Snyder	Andrew began his Senior Softball career with Promotion Sportswear. He played for Thermco/Connecticut Sportsplex in 2004 and 2005 before joining Sweet Construction Company out of New Jersey at the 50 Major level. Gary Richter states, "Andrew is one of the best players I have ever played with and against." Charles “Chip” Cregar comments, "Andrew is a great player, a fantastic teammate, but more importantly an incredible person." Mark “Boo” Canegallo states, "Andy is a team player and professional in his approach to the game. His contributions with the bat and his outstanding defense are major factors in the success of Sweet Construction."
Player Stan Suichta	Greg Broeckelman says, “Stan can play a number of positions, but his favorite and best position is pitcher. Currently, he pitches for the Scrap Iron 70 Legacy Major Plus team which is arguably one of the best, if not the best 70 major plus teams in the country today. He has the uncanny knack of knowing what pitches the batter likes and knows how to pitch away from their strength with excellent control”. Mike Smith writes, “It is not a coincidence that when Stan came to our team, we moved up a level to Major Plus and then to the top level of that division. He is a main reason for this. He is a fierce competitor and is “all in” to help his team win”. Don Pierson wrote, “Stan has been very instrumental in the Colorado Senior Softball leagues and is very respected among his peers”.
Woman Player Angie Ayala	“Angie has played down in age group for most of her senior softball career, which is a clear indication of the depth of her talent as a pitcher and hitter.” Terry Hennessey. Fran Dowell says, “When Angie joined the ranks of Senior Softball in 1998, she immersed herself in the complete workings of the sport. She was instrumental in the development of the then-fledgling 40-Masters Women’s program for the SSUSA and led by an example as a pitcher of national repute for teams that consistently were playing on Sunday afternoon for National and World Championships.” “In a testament to individual skill, she has yet to “act her age” by playing at her allowable age bracket. She played 40-Masters until she was 59, and she allowed herself and her team to move up to 50+ Seniors only when she was 59. She defines the concept of desiring to compete against the best, regardless of age or rating.” Kenneth Hill says, “She has the charm and charisma that players love to play for. With a winning attitude at all cause, players come to the park knowing they have a group of women to compete and have a fun weekend. She is an outstanding person to be around.” “Angie has a pitching style that is beautiful to watch. She seldom walks anyone. She is smooth. She can throw strikes with a high arc and strikes with a flat pitch. She is tough defensively up the middle…so tough in fact that when playing co-ed, she is still the pitcher even though men are hitting rockets at her. I have seen her hit and injured many times by line drives hit by the men. She continues to get right back out there and pitch.” “Her eye for talent is tremendous.” - David Clark
Woman Player Barbara Foxx	Beverly Lovett says, “Barbara has always had a quiet demeanor but a competitive spirit when playing. Barbara is dedicated to the game and her teammates.” JoAnn R. Moore stated, “She was the type of player who could literally levitate the team to another level. She possesses a strong knowledge of softball skills so much so that more often, other players would seek her out for help when they struggled with that “little white ball”. “I highly recommend this outstanding player who has “always” exemplified true sportsmanship and true leadership on and off the field.” Earl Elliott