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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 2023

Manager Kevin Evans	Kevin Evans was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1953. He attended high school at Chula Vista and then attended San Diego State University. Kevin began his Senior Softball career in 2004, playing in the Top Gun Senior Softball program. Since then he has played in and managed many of the Top Gun teams that have competed around the country winning multiple Regional and National Championships. Fran Dowell writes, "As impressive as Kevin's service to our sport has been, he has simultaneously managed his Top Gun III team to the pinnacle of Senior Softball." Mike Adair says of Kevin, "Overshadowing his player contributions has been the leadership he has displayed as an outstanding team manager. His accomplishments as a player have contributed greatly to the success achieved by his team winning multiple major tournaments." According to Red Simmons, "For 17 years I've seen a lot of teams and managers with all kinds of skills and leadership styles. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Kevin Evans stands at the top of the class with a few peers."
Manager Michael Santo	Michael Santo has been involved with Senior Softball for the past 20 years, as a player and manager. His managerial accomplishments include 4 national titles, championships in over 38 other senior national and regional tournaments of varying degrees, and multiple second & third place finishes. Mixed in with these team championships have been some noteworthy individual awards. Michael received the SPA Manager of the year award in 2016 and ISSA’S Manager of the Year 3 times covering the years 2016-2020. Andrew Snyder had this to say about Mike, "He has an eye for talent, the ability to manage various personalities and implement on the field strategy to obtain the best results. He has not only earned the respect of all who have played for him, but also all that have competed against him." Terry Rounsaville says, "Mike’s goal has always been to improve Promotion’s performance by recruiting and honing the talent of ball players that he has played with and against. He is a well-known figure on the senior circuit for his positive and determined attitude to improve and to elevate Senior Softball." Bob Baker writes, "I have been playing Senior Softball for over 15 years and have never had a coach as passionate as Mike Santo. His pre-game preparation is excellent and he always is in constant communication with his players in regards to game strategy and line-up combinations."
Pioneer Manager Dick Anderson	Dick has played Senior Softball for 28 years and is locally known as the “Grandfather of Minnesota Senior Softball”. Not only is he the founder and current President of the Minnesota Senior Sports Association, but the founder of the Edison High School Sports Foundation which has raised more than a million dollars in scholarships. Dick holds memberships at the Minnesota ASA Softball Hall of Fame, USSSA Softball Hall of Fame, and Senior Sports Association Hall of Fame. The Minnesota Senior Softball Scene publication writes, “Nobody has done more to develop, promote, and advance the senior game in Minnesota than Dick. He has been a driving force in developing competitive teams and viable programs in Minnesota in several of the senior age divisions.” Don Bowman says, “Dick has been a special ambassador for the state of Minnesota, the upper Midwest, and nationally, in promoting the growth of Senior Softball. He has done more for the sport in this area than anyone I know and is a great teammate and leader for Senior Softball on and off the field.” According to Terry Hennessy, Dick was born a pioneer. “I’ve known Dick Anderson since the mid-1990s both as a manager and a player. He not only managed teams but was the driving force in establishing senior softball in Minnesota.”
Pioneer Player Melvin Bentley	Melvin's Senior Softball career began at the age of 59. Although he started at the AA level, he continually advanced eventually reaching the Major Plus classification. Over the years Melvin has received many awards including World Champion MVP, Tournament of Champions MVP, and won the 2009 Triple Crown with the Sidewinders 70 Major Plus team. Argie Haddock says, "Mel is not only a great player, but he is a gentleman on and off the field. He is supportive of his teammates and shows the highest level of sportsmanship. His personality and upbeat attitude make him a valuable teammate." "Melvin's greatest skills are pitching and hitting. His performance in those positions encourages our team to strive for excellence in competition. His competitive spirit helps to build team morale on and off the field", writes Robert Mucha. Harold Heller states, "Mel and I played on the same team for several years and won several national titles. He is one of the best all around pitchers I know. He's a great fielder, a top notch player who is always sought after, and his demeanor on the field is outstanding."
Pioneer Player Eddie Glover	Eddie Glover began Senior Softball as a member of Reeds Mini Storage in 2008. Eddie was born in Lonoke County, AR in 1937. He has played Senior Softball the past 34 years. Eddie is small in stature at 5 foot 6 inches and weighs 120 pounds. He may have a small frame to the naked eye but he has a big heart and is still competitive at 85 years of age. Jim Fulks says, "Eddie has the qualifications as a player but also as an ambassador for Senior Softball. Eddie has been a very active Senior Softball Representative on the Arkansas Hall of Fame Board for the past 16 years." Moman Bates writes, "Eddie is a small man with a genuine love for the game of softball. His softball skills are great, whether as a player, coach, manager or batboy! I have umpired when Eddie was playing and he never complained about anything and always exhibited a positive attitude." Don Harris states, "I have known Eddie for the last thirty or so years. He is an outstanding player and person. His major skill is how he performs in the clutch. Perhaps Eddie’s greatest attribute is being a Godly man. Lots of players talk the talk but Eddie actually walks the walk."
Pioneer Player Ron Redick	Ron's Senior Softball career of more than 25 years has earned him 19 All-American, All-Tournament, and All-Star selections across SPA and SSUSA tournaments. He has played for 3 World Champion teams and 8 National Champion teams. Teams Ron managed have won 18 Florida Half Century Championships, 4 gold and 6 silver medals at the Huntsman World Senior Games. They also won 14 National Championships with SPA and 4 with SSUSA in addition to a U.S. Championship. Dick Clarke writes, “Ron has played on numerous teams during his storied career. I was a teammate of Ron’s on the New York Statesmen 75’s and can attest to his outstanding playing ability and love of the game of softball. Ron personifies all the attributes one would strive for as a senior softball player. He is truly an ambassador of the game.” Denny Cole says, “In my 60 years of playing slow-pitch softball, Ron moves to the top of my list as a player/manager and as a caring human being. In addition to his national achievements, Ron is an ambassador for the great game of slow-pitch softball. He is a true gentleman and a man of the highest integrity.” According to Roger Thresher, “Ron is both a fine player and manager. I’ve played with him and against him for many years, which has allowed me to assess his many talents. He has played a steady outfield and his hitting has been notable. He was easily chosen as our MVP. Ron has been productive, well liked, and respected by several tournament teams he has played for.”
Pioneer Player Fred White	Fred White has participated in Senior Softball for 28 years. Throughout his career he has won several championships in the major and major plus divisions including the Triple Crown in 2017. Dennis Lutz writes, "Fred is an excellent outfielder, baserunner, and hitter. He can hit the monster homeruns when needed and the extra base hits but most importantly, he is a great teammate and friend to all." "Fred is a great team player that is well liked by his teammates and opponents. He is an excellent outfielder that is blessed with exceptional speed and hitting power. Because of these attributes, he has won many All-Tournament and MVP honors", says Jim Douglas. According to Marv Rueck, "There is much more to Fred than his softball skills. As a person, he is very humble and modest with a great smile and sense of humor that makes him a great teammate and friend. You couldn't ask for a better person to play ball with!" Mike Cordry states, "I have known and played softball with and against Fred for over 20 years. Since I first saw him play, I have considered him to be one of the top 5 players in his age group in the west.”
Pioneer Woman Player Patricia Duncan	Patsy's Senior Softball career spans 28 years. From 1995 to presnt, she has received numerous All-Tournament selections including SPA ll-World in 2012 and All-American selections in 2014 and 2017. In her 28 years of playing Senior Softball, she has only missed two nationals. According to Brenda Phelps, “Patsy has worked very hard to keep our teams going strong and is always hunting for ball players as well as encouraging seniors to come and play. She has always had a great love for softball and her friends. Patsy has a true heart for softball and is dedicated to the sport and supports her teammates." Penne Adams writes, “I met Patsy many years ago as we have played together on several different ladies’ softball teams. She is a serious committed softball player but also a very fun-loving caring person. She has been an asset to any team she has played on in the past and has received many awards.” Coach Gale Harris says, “Patsy is a friend, ball player, and just a good person – she takes the cake. She is what I call a “Utility Player” that will try her best to play whatever position I ask her to play. Patsy gives 100% at all times and her attitude is outstanding – this is all a coach ever asks for in a player.”
Player William Bandy	William Gene Bandy started his senior softball career in 2007 on Goodman’s Softball, a major classified team. Several years later he has earned numerous All-World and All-American titles in addition to several National Championships. John Davide writes, "Geno has been a great player during his tenure in Senior Softball, playing on many top teams and winning several National Championships. Offensively, he is a strong hitter and his defensive skills have saved many games. Although he has gained notoriety through his many awards and accolades, he has remained a humble team player who lifts his teammates when needed." Donald Clatterbough states, "I have played against Geno for years when he has played with prominent senior teams. I found him to be an outstanding offensive and defensive competitor. He has also been my teammate on the Superior Senior Softball team where he has excelled as a player and teammate. Geno is a dedicated player who plays for the love of the game." John Scruggs Jr. says of Geno, "He is one of the most reliable teammates I have ever played with. He is the fellow outfielder that every player wants next to him." According to Wade Heppert, "Geno is the ultimate competitor. His drive to compete and will to win make him a great teammate, player, and a feared opponent. His superb offensive and defensive skills as well as his timely hitting puts him among one of the best I've ever played with or against."
Player Chris Dayak	Chris Dayak’s senior softball career started in 1999 with the 50 team, The Farm, in northern California. Throughout his career he has played infield for every team he’s played for and amassed multiple All Tournament selections in the Major plus division as well as numerous World Championships. Ellwin Jobe writes, “While Chris is a very good defensive player, he really distinguishes himself with the bat. He is always a very high-average hitter, but also has an ability to hit with exceptional power.” Steven Imlay states, “Chris is a proven leader demonstrated by the confidence players have in him. He handles himself with dignity, professionalism, sportsmanship, and is a gentleman on and off the field.” According to Mike Rittenhouse, “Chris has proven to be an elite Senior Softball player with superior offensive and defensive skills. He’s a class act on and off the field and a genuine clubhouse leader whose sense of humor keeps everyone loose.”
Player Michael Hoffberg	Mike Hoffberg was born in 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, and settled in Southern California in 1978. He began playing Senior Softball at age 50, and now at age 78 he has advanced from AAA to Major to Major Plus, playing with some of the top teams in California. Mike Smith says of him, “Mike was one of our best outfielders but was needed to play shortstop. In typical, selfless fashion, Mike starred where he was assigned to play, and did it fabulously. His speed and accurate arm, along with superior game sense helped him excel always. He is a great teammate, person and friend." Bob Cummings states, “I have played against Mike and now with him on the Omen Softball Club, and his play always stands out in crucial situations both offensively and defensively. Mike is always lifting up his teammates with positive encouragement and has all of the traits of a pure Hall of Famer”. According to Dennis Lutz, “Mike has been a teammate for many years and also a good friend of mine. He brings many exceptional attributes to the game but most of all he is a great teammate and an exceptional player.”
Player Calvin McCrary Jr	Calvin “ROCK” McCrary Jr., started his illustrious Senior Softball career with Team C&M out of the state of Alabama. He has played in the senior divisions of the 50’s, 55’s, & 60’s all on the Major and Major Plus level. Calvin has amassed many awards but none bigger than being selected as a Senior Pro for Miken/Easton/Worth in 2022. J.D. Lillie says, "I have played with and against “Rock” for over 20 years in both under 50 years of age softball and in Senior Softball. Over the years I have known “Rock” I can truly attest that he is a man of integrity, he is dependable, his character is impeccable, and he gives his all when he is between the lines. His performance on offense and defense on the field is exemplary as indicated by the numerous awards and achievements he has earned over his years as a senior softball player." According to Dr. Michael Williams, "Calvin’s involvement in senior softball has been admired by senior softball fans, teammates, and opposing players for many years. His character, knowledge, and support reflect his exceptional level of performance on the field. His collaboration and leadership skills extend beyond the playing field."
Player Gary Nicolay	Gary has participated in Senior Softball for 25 years. He won his first of many senior championships in 2003 playing for Florida Storm 55 Major. Ed Rose says. "I recruited Gary primarily as an outfielder to help improve the speed and quickness of the team. Gary’s speed and timely hitting has him as one of the best outfielders in the 75 and over age group." According to Larry Lopez, "Gary has always been an intense competitor when I played against him and an even better teammate while playing with him. He is a true gentleman both on and off the field, demonstrating the highest level of sportsmanship." Stephen Wilson states, "I have played with and against Gary for over 14 years, and have found him to be one of the toughest outs in Senior Softball. With speed and agility, his defensive qualities are the best in the senior circuit." David Reed writes, "Gary is a great guy to play with and a team player, ready to play or run where ever the team needs him."
Player James Pearson	James "Drew" Pearson started his Senior Softball career in 2011. Throughout his career Drew has played on several senior teams at the Major and AAA level and won several National Championships. Additionally, he has received numerous All-World, All-Tournament, and MVP selections. Terry Hennessy says of Drew, "He is an outstanding athlete both on defense and offense. Equally important is the quality of his character. He was an amazing ambassador to the international teams he played for and has been an ardent cheerleader for his own teams." Wade "Oggie" Hepport writes, "Drew is an athlete who never gives up, works hard at his games and gives 110% in games until the final out. He makes you a better player as he appreciates the wins and respects the losses." According to Jack Rule, "Drew is a true hard nosed competitor who plays all outfield positions and first base. He is a team player all the way who will do whatever it commands to win. It has been a real priviledge to coach him for most of seven years."
Player Gary Robertson	Gary Robertson was born in 1957, in Modesto, California. He graduated from Davis High School and Stanislaus State College in Turlock, Ca. He is retired from the Modesto City School system, serving as a teacher. Gary began playing Senior Softball in 2007 with MTC 50 Major. Since then he has won the last six SSUSA World Championships at the Major Plus level and the last eight out of ten. Additonally, he has received many All-Tournament and MVP selections along the way. Kurt Mahaney says, “Gary continues to be one of the top hitters in Senior Softball. He also has assisted me in making tough decisions for our softball teams. Gary’s character is exemplary. He plays the game the right way by respecting his opponents and his fellow teammates.” Steven Imlay writes, “Gary is a standout 5 tool player that comes along only so often with an unbelievable skill set and personal qualities that separate him playing at the highest level of Major Plus. He is an excellent teammate whose dedication to the sport is demonstrated by the respect and love garnished for him by his teammates and competitors. His stats are consistently high and comparable with the elite players in Senior Softball with leading teams in home runs and average year after year."
Player Lon Stole	Lon Stole was born in Iowa Falls, Iowa in 1950. He attended high school in Prairie Farm, Wisconsin, and college at the University of Wisconsin in Stout, Wisconsin. Lon began his Senior Softball career with the Minnesota Masters in 2001 under the leadership of the late Steve Simmons. Dick Kuyath says of Lon, “In World or National tournaments Lon often led the team in batting average or was near the top. He often made exceptional plays in the outfield with his glove and strong arm. His already great hitting and fielding continued to improve each year until they became trulyexceptional. This helped his teams to improve their caliber of play from AAA in the early years to Major or Major Plus in recent years”. Don Bowman writes, “I have seen many great ball players in the senior softball circuit and Lonnie is the "cream of the crop". There is not a nicer guy you will meet on or off the field, and Lon is a true ambassador of the game." Dick Anderson states, "I have played with Lon for about ten years and he is a teammate of quiet confidence and the highest character. As our leadoff hitter, he has led our team to the championship almost every year."
Umpire Dan Adams	Dan M. Adams started out as a player in a recreational league as a first baseman/catcher. After playing in competitive league and tournament ball, he wanted to start umpiring a senior league. The passion for umpiring grew and he started calling in USA Senior National Tournaments and ISSA World Championship Tournaments. After almost thirty years of umpiring, the love of the game still burns in his heart. Dan is respected by his fellow umpires, managers, and most of all the senior players. R.B. Thomas Jr. states, "Dan is certainly one of the outstanding umpires in the Senior Softball games today. His knowledge and application of the game rules is one of the best around. Dan is a real asset to any umpire crew and he understands the importance for the players ending the game with a very positive tournament experience." According to Ron Daniel, "Dan is very knowledgeable of the rules and their implementation. He handles situations in a manner that de-escalates problems while still being very courteous to players. Dan is held in high respect by teams because he has control of the games without trying to be seen, hustles, and his calls are clear and precise."
Woman Player Sylvia Echols	Sylvia Echols began playing Senior Softball just twelve years ago, but she has accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. In addition to 15 MVP titles, she has received numerous All-American, All-Tournament, and All-World selections as well as led her team to earn multiple Championship titles. Brenda Jones states, “Sylvia has such great softball instincts and makes plays that leave you wondering how she ever got to the ball. She never takes a play off and is dedicated to always giving her all.” Freda Jones says of Sylvia, “She is a player any coach can build his or her team around. She always gives 100% in any position offensively and defensively and is a dedicated player and team member. Sylvia loves the game, respects her team members and coaches, and has no problem putting her team’s needs above her own. According to Linda Franco, “Sylvia is a leader who is always ready with a word of encouragement or congratulations. She is a fierce competitor, but she competes with grace and dignity as a team player always putting the good of the team first."