Softball Newfoundland Labrador
Hall of Fame Inductees (Athletes Category)
BIOS FOR HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES-ATHLETES (Alphabetical Order)
COLIN ABBOTT, PORTUGAL COVE
(Athlete – Inducted in 2014)
Colin Abbott played softball for 28-years at the Local, Provincial, National and International levels.
The Portugal Cove native played 17-years in the St. John’s Senior Men’s League between 1985 and 2012. Over that span, Abbott was a member of six championship teams: three League titles, two St. John’s Day titles and 1 Senior Provincial title.
Abbott’s Career Senior League Stats:
Regular Season: 164GP, 169H-459AB, .368BA, 99RS, 27D, 5T, 22HR, 96RBI.
Playoffs: 89GP, 93H-253AB, .368BA, 54RS, 12D, 5T, 17HR, 61RBI.
On 13 occasions Abbott played on teams that represented Newfoundland Labrador at the Canadian Senior Men’s National Fastpitch Championships. During that time his teams captured 8 medals: 3 Gold, 2 Silver & 3 Bronze. Colin also played with four other provinces at the Senior Nationals winning Gold on 3 occasions.
Colin was a member of the Canadian Senior Men’s National team and represented Canada 15 times at National and International Championships. He helped Canada capture 2 Gold Medals at the Pan American Softball Championships (1995 & 1999) and three medals at the International Softball Federation Championships: Silver in 1996 & 2004 and Bronze in 2009.
Considered by many in the game as the Most Feared Hitter In Fastpitch, Abbott not only displayed his talent on the local scene and with the Canadian National Team, but also enjoyed tremendous success participating in the International Softball Congress Championships for 18-years (1992-2009) and in numerous American Softball Association Championships between 1994-2009.
At the ISC Championships, his teams enjoyed tremendous success winning 3 Gold Medals and 3 Silver Medals and he enjoyed individual success capturing 3 MVP Awards, 1 Batting Title and 10 All-World Selections: Six 1st Team & Four 2nd Team. ISC Career Stats: 124GP, 120H-356AB, .337BA, 73RS, 24D, 4T, 24HR, 86RBI.
At the ASA Championships, his teams captured 2 Gold Medals & 2 Silver Medals and he was selected to the ASA All-World Team on five occasions: Four 1st Team Selections & One 2nd Team Selection.
Colin was named Molson Athlete of the Month three times, Telegram Athlete of the Week eight times and St. John’s Senior League Player of the Month one time.
Abbott was named Softball NL Minor Player of the Year in 1988, Softball NL Adult Player of the Year in 1989, St. John’s Athlete of the Year in 1988, 1989 & 2000 and Provincial Athlete of the Year in 1989.
In 2012 he was named Softball NL’s Most Outstanding Player (1987-2012) and was Inducted into the Sport NL Hall of Fame on April 12th, 2014.
Note:
Abbott Was Inducted Into The 2015 ISC Hall of Fame In South Bend, IN.
An Outstanding Career, An Outstanding Individual!
KEITH ABBOTT, PORTUGAL COVE
(Athlete – Inducted in 2012)
Keith Abbott played Senior Softball for 18-years, 15 in the St. John’s Senior “A” League and 3 in the Commercial Softball League. During this span he was a member of three Senior “A” League and two Commercial League Championship Teams.
In the St. John’s Senior “A” League, Keith appeared in 356 Regular Season Games and recorded 320 Hits in 1115 At Bats for a .287 Career Batting Average.
He is the only player in Senior League History to record three consecutive Batting Titles (1977 to 1979). In 1977 and 1978 he was named winner of the Sportsmanship and Ability Award and on four occasions 1978, 1979, 1981 and 1986 was named to the All-League Team at 2nd Base.
Keith holds the Senior “A” League Record for a singled season hits total on 41, a record he shares with two other players.
Keith was a member of four Provincial Senior Championship Teams and represented the Province at four National Senior Men’s Championships.
VALERIE ABBOTT, PORTUGAL COVE
(Athlete – Inducted in 2017)
Valerie (Val) Abbott played in the St. John’s Ladies Fastpitch League for 8-years (1984-1991) during which she played on two championship teams and won a number of individual awards.
During her 8-year career in the St. John’s Ladies Fastpitch League she finished with the Most Doubles & Triples in 1984, Most Home Runs in 1995, captured the Batting Title (.418BA), Most Hits and Most Triples in 1987 and Most Triples in 1991.
A consistent hitter who finished in the Top 10 in Batting in 6 of the 8 seasons (1984-1987 & 1990-1991) that she played in the St. John’s Ladies Fastpitch League.
Valerie was named St. John’s Ladies Fastpitch League Rookie of the Year (1984), she captured four Sportsmanship & Ability Awards (1986, 1987, 1990 & 1991) and was recognized for her fine play defensively with a Golden Glove Award – Infield (1991).
Valerie also played in the St. John’s Ladies Senior “B” League and out together a fine season in 1977 capturing the Most Valuable Player Award, Rookie of the Year Award and Top Pitcher Award.
Valerie was a member of the St. John’s Team that captured the 1979 Junior Ladies Provincial Championship. She was named Tournament MVP and Top Batter (.550BA).
Valerie was a member of the East End Club Team that captured the 1986 and 1990 Senior Ladies Provincial Championships. In 1986, she was the winner of the Sportsmanship & Ability Award.
Valerie represented the Province at the 1979 Junior Ladies Nationals as a member of the St. John’s Junior All-Stars and she represented the Province at four Senior Ladies Nationals (1984-1987) as a member of the St. John’s Senior All-Stars.
Val joins brothers Colin, Keith & Vern in the Softball NL Hall of Fame.
VERN ABBOTT, PORTUGAL COVE
(Athlete – Inducted in 2012)
Vern Abbott played Senior Softball for 16-years, 13 in the St. John’s Senior “A” League and three in the Commercial League. He was a member of three Senior “A” League and two Commercial League Championship Teams.
Over his career he won a number of awards including the 1982 Senior League Playoff MVP, the 1981 Golden Glove Award, the 1983 Sportsmanship & Ability Award and was named to the All-League Team at 3rd Base in 1981 and 1984. Vern holds the Senior League Record for Assists to Putouts in a single season with 77, a record he set in 1979.
Vern was a member of four Provincial Championship Teams-three in the Senior “A” Division and one in the Senior “B” Division.
Vern was a member of six teams from Newfoundland Labrador that represented the Province at the Canadian Senior Men’s National Championships.
Vern was a member of the 1979 and 1989 Newfoundland Bronze Medal Teams at the Canadian Senior Men’s Championships.
DICK ABERCROMBIE, LABRADOR CITY
(Athlete – Inducted in 1987)
After an impressive playing career, Dick Abercrombie enjoyed exceptional success as a coach within senior men’s softball. In addition to his playing, his leadership and coaching skills were a major factor in Labrador City winning the Newfoundland and Labrador title and the Richard Cashin Trophy in 1966. Labrador City dethroned the Argentia Seals who won the first three provincial championships and accomplished the feat at Argentia.
He started his career in 1961 in Wabush and played for Labrador City from 1962 to 1968. In all he played or coached in 12 provincial championships.
JOE ANTLE, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1973)
A catcher with a fine throwing arm in addition to being a good clutch hitter, Joe Antle played 13 seasons in the St. John’s Senior A Men’s League. He collected a .292 career batting average with 217 hits, nine home runs, 103 runs batted in.
He was selected as an all-star catcher from 1963 to 1969, was a member of the 1967 provincial championship team and a member of the Comets championship team in 1965.
He was coach of the St. John’s team that won the first provincial ladies championships in 1966. Besides making an outstanding contribution as an umpire in the early days of softball, Antle served on the St. John’s Senior League executive and performed extraordinary service on a day-to-day basis during the season and made many and varied contributions to the betterment of the league and softball.
PAMELA BABSTOCK, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1994)
Pam Babstock brought exceptional personal skills and ability, outstanding leadership, unqualified confidence and a very evident concern to an athletic career that lasted more than 20 years and it was as vitally important to female athletics in general as it was to her personally.
A true contributor to the community in which she lived, Pamela Babstock was one of a few vital female athletes who led by example. She conducted herself in such a manner that she played a major role in the movement of female athletics to a level they deserve and have attained today.
Blessed with exceptional skill, ability, strength and quickness, Pamela Babstock supported her natural talents with outstanding determination and drive, great efforts to succeed and obvious confidence that all came together for a wonderful athletic career that earned her a place among the greatest female athletes Newfoundland and Labrador ever produced.
A perennial all-star in softball, she also stood out in volleyball, field hockey and basketball and excelled in badminton and golf. She had an impressive team outlook that allowed her to contribute much to every team with which she played, even a three-year rowing effort in the Royal St. John’s Regatta.
Every team in every sport for which Babstock played was simply a better team because of her involvement. With softball as one of her major sports, Pamela Babstock excelled in seven major sports and was the role model that female athletics desperately needed during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
Her talent was such that she represented Newfoundland and Labrador in Canadian championships for four different sports. She played field hockey twice and basketball once at Canada Games. She represented Memorial University as a varsity team member in four sports and was invited to attend a national volleyball team tryout camp. Her Memorial performances earned her enrollment in the University’s Athletic Society in 1974.
It should be noted well that in addition to her outstanding playing career, Pamela Babstock contributed a great deal of valuable and worthwhile expertise and time to a wide range of beneficial projects and programs. Her leadership work covered extensive programs, especially those connected with physical education. This aspect of her career was highlighted by her selection as St. John’s Citizen of the Year for 1989.
Her great athletic achievements had her voted St. John’s Female Athlete of the Year for 1970, presented with membership in Memorial University’s Athletic Society and induction into two softball halls of fame. It was for exceptional athletic achievements that Pamela Babstock was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame November 13, 2004.
TERRY BAILEY, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1988)
Shortstop Terry Bailey played in the St. John’s Senior Ladies Softball League from 1966 to 1980 and was a member of five city and ten provincial championship teams.
She was a member of the provincial team that competed in the first Canada Summer Games in Halifax and the provincial all-stars who played in the national championships in Fort Erie both in 1969.
She played on the provincial all-stars at the Atlantic championships in Gander in 1970 and on the title team at Saint John, New Brunswick in 1971. Her individual awards include the batting title at the 1970 provincial senior championships supported by awards for stolen bases, runs scored, batting, runs batted in, home runs and doubles along with a Most Valuable Player selection.
She is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
JOHN BAMBRICK, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1974)
John Bambrick has one St. John’s Senior Men’s “A” League title to his credit and was named the Most Valuable Player three times. His two top pitcher awards include 101 wins as he was the first to reach the 100-victory plateau. In addition, he won a batting title during the11 seasons he played and recorded 787 strikeouts.
He had a.312 career batting average with 166 hits, 21 home runs and 60 runs batted in.
He was named league MVP three times with two batting titles, two top pitcher awards, most strikeouts three times and led in shutouts pitched twice. He led Jays to the 1964 league championship and served as league treasurer for four years.
He is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
KITTY BARKER, GRAND FALLS
(Athlete – Inducted in 1984)
One of the finest female athletes to come out of Central Newfoundland, Catherine “Kitty” Barker was an excellent center fielder who earned a reputation for her hitting. In fact, she had the distinction of hitting the first home run by a Newfoundlander in a Canadian female softball championship in 1971 in Toronto.
A member of seven Grand Falls teams that won the provincial “B” championship, she played for the Newfoundland and Labrador representatives at Canadian senior female championships in 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976 and 1977.
She starred within the Grand Falls women’s league every year she played.
KEVIN BERESFORD, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1990)
Kevin Beresford played softball at the senior level for 24 years. He compiled a career season batting average of .229 and had .208 in playoffs in the St. John’s Senior Men’s League. He hit 10 home runs with 102 season runs batted in and 21 playoff runs batted in and holds a fine .924 fielding average in regular play and .949 in playoffs.
A member of three league championship teams, his individual awards include three season MVP awards, a playoff MVP award, a batting title, most hits, most doubles four times, most home runs, four runs batted in awards, two pitching awards, most triples four times, runs scored three times and three all star awards.
He won the provincial batting crown twice and was a member of four provincial championship teams. He was a member of six teams that represented the province in Canadian Senior Men’s championships and was assistant coach of the Newfoundland team that captured a bronze medal in 1989.
He is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
LEN BERESFORD, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1994)
A native of St. Brendan’s, Bonavista Bay, Len Beresford established himself as the best power hitter softball ever had within the province and it was this great ability and distinction that had him elected to the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame.
Len Beresford was the first Newfoundlander selected to a national senior softball all-star squad and that honor came in 1974 when Beresford set a national record with three consecutive home runs at the Canadian championships in Victoria, British Columbia.
He played for 18 seasons, from 1971 to 1988, in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Softball League, establishing a batting average of .331 for 389 regular season games and a .365 batting average for 101 playoff games. His .494 average is the highest ever recorded in the St. John’s Senior League. He is one of three players to stroke three home runs in a league game. His career includes an amazing number of Most Valuable Player awards, numerous batting titles and the most hits, doubles, triples, home runs and runs batted in.
Len Beresford’s ability earned him the right to represent the province in 11 national championships. In addition to his exceptional hitting ability and his better than average fielding skills, he continuously demonstrated good sportsmanship of the highest degree.
In recognition of an outstanding softball career, especially as a power hitter, Len Beresford was inducted into the Canadian Softball Hall of Fame, the Newfoundland and Labrador Softball Hall of Fame and the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
DAVE BOLAND, LOGY BAY
(Athlete – Inducted in 2012)
Dave Boland began his playing career with Outer Cove in the St. John’s Junior League. His team won the St. John’s Junior Championship in 1982, a Provincial Championship in 1984 and that same year he won the Batting Title.
Dave Boland played for 20-years in the St. John’s Senior “A” League during which he was an integral member of six Championship Teams. He won the League Batting title in 1988, he won All-Star Selections five times, he won the RBI Title in 1995, and he was both the League Regular Season and Playoff MVP in 1988.
His St. John’s Senior “A” Stats include 20-years during which he had 281 Games Played, 787 At Bats with 263 Hits for a .334 Career Batting Average. 34 Home Runs, 12 Triples, 31 Doubles, 173 RBI and a .974 Fielding Percentage.
At the Provincial Level, Dave played on seven Senior “A” Championship Teams. He was the Provincial Batting Champion in 1982 and 1984, and he won the Award for Sportsmanship & Ability in 1993.
At the National Level, Dave played at nine Senior Men’s Championships. He was a member of the 1989 and 2001 Bronze Medal Teams and he was a member of the 1995 Silver Medal Team. He won the 1991 National All-Star Selection at 3rd Base.
JOE BOLAND, OUTER COVE
(Athlete – Inducted in 2017)
Joe Boland was a member of the Outer Cove team that won the Provincial Junior Championship in 1977.
In 1978 and 1980, he was a member of the St. John’s team that played in the Canadian Junior Men’s Championships. In 1978, his team won Silver, in 1980 the team won Bronze and he was named to the All-Canadian Team – Catcher.
Joe played in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League for 16-years during which he played 357 Regular Season Games and finished with a .264 Career Batting Average (312-1182).
In the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League Playoffs, he played in 96 Games and had a .213 Batting Average (68-319).
Joe was a member of three Senior League Championship Teams with Molson in 1979 and Labatt Blues in 1982 and 1983.
He captured four All-League Team Awards – Catcher (1981, 1983, 1985 & 1991), captured the Sportsmanship & Ability Award (1985) and was named Regular Season MVP (1991).
Joe lead the League in Most Base Hits on two occasions (1985 & 1991), Most Runs Scored on two occasions (1985 & 1991), Most Triples on three occasions (1983, 1984 & 1991) and Most Stolen Bases on two occasions (1980 & 1985).
Was a member of the Labatt Blues team that won the St. John’s Day Tournament in 1987 and 1992.
Joe captured three Provincial Senior Championships in 1983 & 1985 with the St. John’s Caps and in 1990 with Labatt Blues.
He represented the Province at the Canadian Senior Men’s Championships on eight occasions: St. John’s Capitals (1983 & 1984), Best Western Travellers (1984), Venice Pizzeria (1986), Green Sleeves (1988 & 1989), Labatt Blues (1990) and CEI Miller Lite (1991). Was named to the All-Canadian Team as Catcher in 1983 & 1991).
Joe capped off the 1991 season by being named the Softball NL Senior Male Player of the Year.
RON BOLAND, OUTER COVE
(Athlete – Inducted in 2002)
Ron Boland enjoyed great St. John’s Senior Men’s “A” League success with a batting crown, a pair of home run titles, five strikeout awards, three ERA designations, a sportsmanship and ability award, four all-star selections, two league championships after being named 1979 rookie of the year.
During 15 league seasons, he posted a .323 career batting average with 244 hits, 23 home runs and 118 RBI’s. On the mound he had 61 wins, 968 strikeouts, 35 shutouts, and a career 0.71 earned run average while playing for three league champions.
He won six provincial championships to go with an MVP and a batting title. He was a member of one provincial junior championship club and earned one provincial junior batting crown. He played for ten senior and one junior team at nationals and earned a top pitcher award and has a no-hitter on his record.
In 1981 he was a member of Team Canada at the World Games in Santa Clara, California while collecting a top pitcher award. After posting a 4-0 record for Team Atlantic, he performed for the team in a gold medal showing at the ISC championships in Kimberley, Wisconsin in 1983. He had a 2-2 record for Team Atlantic at ISC competition in Salt Lake City in 1992 and was an all-star and member of the championship Green Sleeves entry at the 1992 Fredericton Classic.
WAYNE BOWERING, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1996)
Wayne Bowering was a member of four league championship teams, four provincial championship teams and seven teams that represented the province in national championships during his 19 years in the St. John’s Senior League. His individual league awards include all-star selections in 1983, 1984 and 1986; top batter, most hits and runs batted in, in 1983.
He was the top batter in provincial championships in 1980 and 1986 and won a bronze medal at the 1979 Canadian Senior Men’s championships.
His lifetime fielding average is .960 as he excelled at third base, Wayne Bowering put a .278 career batting average together in the St. John’s Senior Men’s League with ten home runs and 80 runs batted in.
He is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
BRIAN BROCKLEHURST, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1984)
A first baseman who starred both in St. John’s and Gander, Brian Brocklehurst earned a great deal of respect for his hitting ability, his fine fielding skills, his impressive leadership and his exceptional sportsmanship under all circumstances. He was simply an excellent softballer who was very well liked.
During the 12 seasons he played St. John’s Senior Men’s Softball, he compiled a .283 career batting average with 136 hits, 14 home runs and 61 runs batted in. He was a member of six teams that won the league championship and earned 11 individual awards. He played in three national championships with seven hits and a home run in seven games played.
Voted St. John’s Male Athlete of the Year for 1969, he includes two provincial junior softball titles, one St. John’s junior title and two appearances in the Atlantic senior championships. He enjoyed much success in a lengthy hockey career.
He is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
JEROME BROCKLEHURST, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 2006)
A tremendous pitcher who could hit well, Jerome Brocklehurst earned five medals at national championships to highlight an extremely impressive career at the local and provincial level. He won a national junior gold medal in 1976 and a silver in 1978. His senior medals were silver in 1995 and bronze in 1979 and 1989. All came with St. John’s teams.
In all, his national competition included 11 senior and three junior appearances with 1976 junior top pitcher and all-star selections. He won five of six playoff games, pitching 51 innings during two days and was tagged the “iron man” for this remarkable performance.
Provincially, he played with seven senior title teams and won the sportsmanship award in 1987. In junior, he was the 1977 Most Valuable Player and a member of two St. John’s teams that won championships. He has the remarkable record of two home runs in one inning and three home runs in a provincial game in the 1980s.
Between 1973 and 1996, he played 22 seasons of St. John’s senior men’s “A” ball and led ten teams to league titles. Voted regular MVP twice and playoff MVP three times, he was rookie of the year and comeback player of the year while adding a pair of home run crowns to a slugging title and two RBI honors.
He was the league’s top pitcher in 1993 while leading in strikeouts twice, earned run averages twice as well as two all-star selections. He shares the most strikeouts in a seven-inning game with 19 from a 1986 outing. His career includes five titles with teams in St. John’s Day Tournaments and two MVP selections.
In addition to his exceptional playing record, Jerome Brocklehurst served as league president for three years, from 1995 to 1997.
CARL CHIPMAN, SPANIARD’S BAY
(Athlete – Inducted in 1986)
Carl Chipman was a fastball pitching star for Conception Bay North for 25 softball seasons.
During his brilliant career, Chipman led CBN teams to three provincial senior “B” provincial championships, 1974, 1975 and 1980. He was named MVP in the provincial championships on three occasions, 1974, 1975 and 1980.
His provincial record includes pitching extremely well in ten senior “B” championships and six senior “A” championships with an eleven inning 3-2 loss to St. John’s Allstars one of his career highlights.
In the tough Conception Bay North Senior Men’s League, he was the top pitcher and sometimes top batter during his rewarding career.
A great asset to any team with which he played, he earned great respect as a competitor, especially for his blazing fastball that was equal to any within the province.
DONNY CLEARY, HARBOUR MAIN
(Athlete – Inducted in 2023)
Donny Cleary enjoyed a lengthy and productive playing career on softball diamonds at the Local, Provincial and National levels.
At the Minor level, Donny was a member of two U14 Boys Provincial Championship teams (1987-1988) and two U19 Men’s Championship Teams (1990 & 1993) and captured two Awards: Sportsmanship & Ability (1991) and MVP (1993). He represented the province at three U19 Men’s Nationals (1990, 1991 & 1992) and captured Gold in 1992 and an All-Tournament Team Selection in 1992. He also represented Newfoundland Labrador at the 1993 Canada Games in Kamloops, BC and his team finished 4th Place.
At the Junior level, Donny was a member of one Junior League Championship team (1991), captured three Individual Awards: MVP (1996), Sportsmanship & Ability (1997) and All-League Team Selection (1995) and 11 Statistical Awards: 3 Pitching Winning Percentage titles (1992, 1995 & 1997), 2 Pitching Wins titles (1995-1996), 2 Shutouts Pitched titles (1993 & 1995), 1 ERA title (1995), 1 Strikeout title (1995), 1 Home Run title (1996) and 1 RBI title (1996). He represented the Province at three straight Junior Men’s Nationals (1995, 1996 & 1997).
At the Senior level, Donny enjoyed a 23-year playing career (1993-2015) and his accomplishments were plentiful and always done with a smile on his face. He played 289 Regular Season Games, had 207 Hits, 35 Home Runs, 170 RBI, 47 Wins, 838 Strikeouts and 3.59 ERA. He played 118 Playoff Games, had 84 Hits, 12 Home Runs, 65 RBI, 12 Wins, 202 Strikeouts and 3.54 ERA.
Donny was a member of eight Senior League Championship teams (2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2013), was named Rookie of the Year (1995), captured one Pitching Percentage title (2002) and was named Playoff MVP on two occasions (2006 & 2008). He captured five St. John’s Day Tournament Championships (1996, 1999, 2001, 2008 & 2011), one Fog City Classic Championship (2000), one Torbay Classic Championship (1999), and one Battle at Bauline Championship (2005) in which he was named MVP. Donny was also a member of six Provincial Senior Men’s Championship teams (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2008 & 2013) and captured the Sportsmanship & Ability Award in 2002. He was also a member of one Provincial Senior “B” Men’s Championship team (1993). Donny represented Newfoundland Labrador at five Senior Men’s Nationals (2000, 2001, 2002, 2007 & 2012) and captured a Bronze Medal in 2001.
BRIAN COONEY, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1997)
Pitcher Brian Cooney played 17 seasons in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Softball League and was a member of two League champions and two provincial champions while performing in two national senior men’s championships.
A league rookie-of-the-year, he twice led the league in strikeouts and in 1979 his 7-2 win loss record was the league’s best.
Prior to joining the senior league, he was a top pitcher in the St. John’s Mercantile League when he led his teams to several championships while collecting many individual awards.
GARY CORBETT, HOLYROOD
(Athlete – Inducted in 1996)
Following a brilliant career in Conception Bay Central, Gary Corbett played for ten years in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Softball League. An exceptionally talented pitcher with impressive season and playoff ERA records of 2.01 and 1.98, he maintained fine fielding averages of .963 and .922. His batting averages were .231 and .219.
With four no hit games and 31 shutout games to his credit, Corbett was a member of two St. John’s Senior League championship teams and won individual awards as season MVP, playoff MVP, all-star pitcher, top pitcher, pitcher with most strikeouts and pitcher with most wins.
Provincially, he was a member of one junior championship team and three senior championship teams, while being named MVP in junior and senior and winning the sportsmanship and ability award in junior and senior. In 1971 he was named MVP as a member of the Newfoundland team that won the Montreal Youth Invitational Softball Tournament.
He pitched a no-hitter against British Columbia in the 1974 Canadian Junior Men’s championships and has to his credit a record for shutouts pitched in a season with 13 in the St. John’s Senior Men’s League.
He served as minor division chairman for Softball Newfoundland for several years and in numerous other contributing positions.
He is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
ROSS CROCKER, HEARTS DELIGHT
(Athlete – Inducted in 1996)
Ross Crocker, who was born in Hearts Delight and grew up in St. John’s, owns a record of accomplishment within softball that is unequaled in any sport and the 2000 announcement of his election to the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame received universal approval. There was similar reaction to his induction into the Canadian Softball Hall of Fame.
On 17 occasions Crocker played on teams that represented Newfoundland and Labrador in national championships and while that’s an impressive showing, his ability to play every defensive position at the all-star level is much more impressive. Unbelievably, Crocker caught, pitched, played every infield position and every outfield position and even filled the designated player spot for Newfoundland and Labrador.
The 6’1”, 180-pound star was an outstanding pitcher who could hit, often with power, field with the best and throw quickly with excellent accuracy.
In a 1976 provincial qualifying game, against ace Pat Kelly throwing for the Argentia Seals, Crocker racked up 29 strikeouts in a 17-inning game.
Crocker’s 25 seasons, from 1965 to 1990, in the St. John’s “A” League includes ten team championships, 33 individual awards including three season MVP’s and seven top pitcher titles, and 17 season and playoff records, including 1,819 strikeouts.
At the provincial level, he played for 11 championship teams and earned six individual awards, including two MVP’s. His 29-strikeout game came in provincial “qualifying” action. On three occasions he played for a winning qualifying team and twice won individual awards.
His 17 appearances, with four individual awards, at nationals took place between 1969 and 1989.
His exceptional softball ability was recognized when he was unanimously voted the best male softballer within the province from the start of the provincial association in 1963 to the 25th anniversary in 1987. A smooth, well coordinated basketballer, he once scored 86 points in a St. John’s intermediate game. He displayed his athletic ability at five-pin bowling and compiled an unofficial lifetime average that was higher than 240.
He is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
His great softball career had Ross Crocker inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame October 18, 1997.
BEV CRUMMELL, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1982)
A perennial all-star, Bev Crummell played every position with excellent results and is ranked among the best female hitters to ever play the game within Newfoundland and Labrador. She was especially effective as a catcher and a pitcher with a great throwing arm and a wonderful fielding ability.
She was a valuable member of the Newfoundland and Labrador all-star team that won the Atlantic senior championship in 1971 in Saint John, New Brunswick and performed in two national senior championships as well as the 1969 Canada Summer Games in Halifax.
Her St. John’s senior league career lasted from 1966 to 1978 with six league championships and nine provincial senior championships. The 20 individual awards she won in the St. John’s league included three MVP selections and three top pitcher awards. She coached one league championship team.
She was the first female umpire from Newfoundland and Labrador to call a national championship and contributed greatly to officiating within the province during her 20-year umpiring career.
She is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
BILL DAVIS, FOX HARBOUR
(Athlete – Inducted in 2000)
As a pitcher and as a batter Bill Davis has earned a spot among the finest softball players produced within Newfoundland and Labrador. His 22 year softball career is filled with achievements and accomplishments. As a team player and as an individual, he established himself as an athlete, especially as a softballer, equal to any other within the province.
As a pitcher he demonstrated great knowledge of softball. He was especially hard on opposing batters and coupled his knowledge with exceptional talent and skill. His pitching prowess was a major factor in the great success of teams of which he was a member. Remarkable coolness under pressure was a trademark of his performances on the mound.
This same ability to handle pressure was evident in his batting successes. He demonstrated all through his softball career that he was very capable of hitting with great regularity and with great power. His ability to collect extra base hits ranked with the very best within Canada. His impressive knowledge of batters and their normal hitting areas was such that when he wasn’t pitching he was able to play all-star outfield in an extremely dependable manner. He utilized this softball knowledge to stand out defensively and took full advantage of an unusually strong throwing arm to curtail opposing players.
On 13 occasions he played on a team representing the province in national senior men’s softball championships and has a silver medal and a bronze medal. He went to bat 81 times with an impressive 35 hits, including three home runs, as he collected 22 runs batted in. Pitching, he won 16 games with 168 strikeouts, a 2.12 earned run average and one shutout. He played in three national junior championships. He played for eight teams that won the provincial senior men’s championships and was selected Most Valuable Player four times. He has one provincial pitching title to his credit along with a batting title and a Most Valuable Player selection. He also won one batting title and one MVP in provincial bantam championships.
Within the St. John’s senior league, Bill’s 47 individual awards include six MVP selections, seven all-star selections, one batting title, three slugging titles, one runs scored, three doubles, four home runs, one RBI, seven pitching, four strikeouts, three ERA and seven shutout titles. With 363 hits from 1,192 turns at bat, Bill compiled a .305 batting average for regular season play and went 124 for 397 in playoffs for a .312 average. His fielding average was .974 with only 35 errors in 525 games played. He had 63 home runs and a .495 slugging average as he holds seven league records.
His pitching career is extremely impressive with 342 games pitched and 193 won against 82 lost. He compiled a regular season 1.66 earned run average and a playoff 2.51 earned run average while posting 2,208 strikeouts. He owns one no-hitter. Bill played for six teams that won the St. John’s Day Tournament with three individual awards and was a member of the 1986 Eastern Canadian Senior B champions with three individual awards to his credit in this event. He was a member of Team Atlantic at the International Softball Championships at Salt Lake City in 1992 and was the top pitcher at the ISC qualifying tournament at Halifax in 1994.
He is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
DICK DAVIS, FOX HARBOUR
(Athlete – Inducted in 2002)
Dick Davis established himself as one of the best male players the province ever produced during a career that spanned more than 25 years and includes three national medals. He enjoyed exceptional success within Placentia and St. John’s softball as a smart, reliable catcher with a great arm and as a dependable hitter who was especially effective in tight situations. His visible ability to call correct pitches, calm pressure situations and generally provide exceptional leadership to his teammates were trade marks of his career. A quick wit and excellent sense of humor were other assets that he brought to the sport. Dick Davis was a great player and was very beneficial to softball.
He appeared in 15 national championships with a junior gold medal in 1975, a senior silver medal in 1995 and a senior bronze medal in 1989. He was a member of the Eastern Canadian champions in 1986, building upon two junior and nine senior provincial championships.
He played 79 national senior games with 32 hits, including nine home runs, and had 23 runs batted in. On three occasions he played for Newfoundland and Labrador in national junior championships and made the final out at the plate for the 1975 Canadian championship.
His provincial batting titles came in bantam and senior and were part of an impressive career. After starring in minor and junior ball in Placentia, he had 17 seasons overflowing with success in the St. John’s Senior League. They include nine championships, six home run titles and one runs batted in crown. He completed the 17 years with a great .303 batting average, 70 home runs for second spot in league statistics and the top total of 242 runs batted in.
His .600 batting average was highest in the 1985 St. John’s Day tournament and he was a member of six teams that won this elite event. In the ERCO tournament, he was twice a champion and won the 1977 batting crown and the 1988 MVP award. In 1986 he was a member of the Eastern Canadian “B” senior champions.
JIM DAVIS, FOX HARBOUR
(Athlete – Inducted in 1995)
A smart, intelligent player and coach, Jim Davis added an exceptional technical knowledge to his impressive skill and talent as he emerged as one of the finest softball performers to play and coach the sport within Newfoundland and Labrador. His performances at third base were coupled with his keen leadership qualities and special teaching ability during a great 22-year career.
Possessing the ability and skill to successfully fill the important role of playing-coach, he was a continuous steadying factor on players and clearly demonstrated his great knowledge of softball with timely and often vital decisions. Earning exceptional respect as both a player and coach, Jim Davis exerted a very beneficial influence on softball, at every level and for every team of which he was a member.
Quick and fast with great reflexes, he covered third base like a vacuum cleaner and utilized a strong and accurate arm to throw out all types of players after all types of batted balls. His selection as the national all-star third baseman at the 1979 championships demonstrates his fielding ability.
At the national level, Jim Davis was an important member of eight teams that represented Newfoundland and Labrador. In 39 games played against the best in Canada, he collected 18 hits, with one homerun, and had seven RBI’s.
On 13 occasions, he was a member of the provincial senior men’s champions and was selected as the Most Valuable Player twice, in 1973 and 1982. He played for the provincial all-stars who won the Atlantic junior title in 1971 and was the top batter with a .455 average in the 1978 Avalon League.
Between 1973 and 1990 he played in the St. John’s Senior Men’s League with nine championships to his credit. He won 11 individual awards with three golden gloves, one batting crown, the most doubles once and the most triples twice. He had the most stolen bases twice.
Overall he played 357 League games with a .278 regular season batting average and a .200 playoff batting average. While playing the difficult third base for 17 seasons, he committed only 91 errors and compiled a .911 fielding average.
Jim Davis has been inducted into the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
MARG DAVIS, FOX HARBOUR
(Athlete – Inducted in 1994)
Marg (Mag) Davis played first base and centerfield in the St. John’s Senior Ladies League for 16-years. During this time she was a member of four League Championship teams, nine Provincial Championship teams and represented NL at National Competitions an incredible 15 times!
In league competition, Mag won 26 Individual Awards that included the following: MVP, Batting, Doubles, Triples, Home Runs, Runs Scored, Runs Batted In, Stolen Bases and Golden Gloves. Mag won three Provincial Batting Titles, captured Top Batter at a National Tournament and was twice selected All-Canadian.
Mag was named St. John’s Female Athlete of the Year twice, a Provincial Female Athlete of the Year, was a member of Canada’s National Team that won a Silver Medal and was named Female Player of the Quarter Century (1963-1987) by Softball Newfoundland & Labrador.
MIKE DAVIS, FOX HARBOUR
(Athlete – Inducted in 2017)
Mike Davis began his playing career at the minor level in Placentia and in 1969 was a member of the Placentia All-Star team that won the Provincial Championship.
In 1977, Mike was the Top Batter in the Placentia Junior League with a .483 Batting Average, was a member of the Placentia Inter-Town All-Star Team that won the Provincial Junior Championship and went on to represent NL at the National Junior Championship.
Mike played in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League for 13-seasons (1979-1991), appeared in the playoffs 12 times and was a member of eight championship teams. In 277 career Regular Season games, he finished with 201 Hits in 777 At Bats for a .250 Batting Average and a .966 Fielding Percentage. In 86 career Playoff games, he finished with 71 Hits in 226 At Bats for a .310 Batting Average and a .970 Fielding Percentage. In 1982 and 1986, he led the Senior League in doubles and in 1987 captured the Golden Glove Award and was named to the Senior League All-Star Team – 1st Base.
Mike was a member of the 1978 ERCO Pioneers team that captured the Avalon League Championship and the 1985 Labatt Blues team that won the Labatt Classic Tournament.
He was a member of two ERCO Championship teams with Big Ben’s (1986) and Green Sleeves (1988).
Mike was a member of five St. John’s Day Tournament Championship teams with Molson (1982), Big Ben’s (1986) and Green Sleeves (1988, 1989 & 1990).
He was a member of three Provincial Senior Men’s Championship teams with Molson (1982) and Green Sleeves (1988 & 1989). Mike captured the Top Batter Award in 1985 and the Sportsmanship & Ability Award in 1990.
Mike was a member of the six Provincial Teams that represented NL at the Senior National Championships, with St. John’s Capitals (1983 & 1985), Venice Pizzeria (1986) and Green Sleeves (1988 & 1989). Captured a Bronze Medal with Green Sleeves in 1989 as a player and a Silver Medal with Green Sleeves in 1995 as a coach.
Mike joins sister Marg and brothers Bill, Dick and Jim in the Softball NL Hall of Fame.
GERTRUDE DELANEY, GRAND FALLS
(Athlete – Inducted in 1987)
A catcher with great enthusiasm to match her skill, Gert Delaney started her softball career in her native Grand Falls and reached the top level of her performances as a champion with Black Horse and Labatt teams in the St. John’s Senior Ladies League as well as in provincial and national competition.
She was a member of four provincial “A” female champions and won one St. John’s title. A member of five teams from Newfoundland and Labrador that played in national championships, she was a player for four and coached one.
She earned one provincial individual award and two in the St. John’s senior league.
She served on the host committee for the 1977 Canada Summer Games female competition.
PETER DEUTSCH, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1972)
A colorful and enthusiastic pitcher and outfielder, Peter Deutsch was an early star within St. John’s softball. He racked up five championship seasons, four as a player and one as a coach during ten year career from 1957 to 1966.
He added two provincial senior and two junior titles as a coach and headed the St. John’s team that played in the 1971 Atlantic championships in St. John’s.
A rookie of the year in St. John’s senior baseball, he has the unique record of pitching a no-hitter in both St. John’s senior softball and senior baseball.
He earned three individual awards in St. John’s softball including top pitcher for 1959. His St. John’s statistics include a regular season career batting average of .235 and a 41-3 won-loss record as a pitcher.
REG DILLON, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1976)
Reg Dillon, an outstanding outfielder, played 13 seasons in the St. John’s Senior Men’s League. He recorded a .338 career batting average, collected 310 hits and was the first to reach 300-hit plateau. He had 43 home runs and 113 runs batted in. While he was especially known for his speed, he was an all-star outfielder with a great arm.
He played for two league champions and includes the 1958 batting title among the 11 individual awards he won in the league.
He earned a Most Valuable Player selection in the 1963 St. John’s Civil Service League and was a member of the BIS club that won the 1972 St. John’s Mercantile League championship.
He is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
AL DURNO, HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY
(Athlete – Inducted in 1988)
Born in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Al Durno played softball and baseball at such a high level there that he has been inducted into the Berwick, Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame. He was a member of Maritime baseball and softball champions prior to moving to Stephenville where he again played softball and baseball.
He enjoyed great softball success after moving to Happy Valley-Goose Bay where his exceptional fielding ability and his impressive hitting skills earned him starting spots on a long succession of community all-star teams as he starred in the local league.
He was especially effective in competition with very talented teams from the U.S. Air Base at Goose Bay, winning a championship against players who starred in USAF world championships.
He was a major factor in the 1968 provincial senior men’s “A” title that Goose Bay won, and was one of the better players for the Newfoundland and Labrador representatives at the 1969 Canada Summer Games in Halifax.
GRAHAM (SOCK) EVELY, PLACENTIA
(Athlete – Inducted in 2012)
Graham Evely’s softball playing career spanned 19 seasons, eleven in the Placentia Inter-Town League at the Junior and Senior Levels and the remaining eight in the St. John’s Senior “A” League.
Graham was a member of Placentia teams that won two Junior and one Senior Provincial Championships. He was a member of the Placentia Inter-Town All-Stars that captured the Atlantic Brewery Labour Day Tournament in 1968.
He was Placentia’s All-Star Batting Champ in 1973 with a .417 Batting Average. In 1966, he was voted MVP of the Placentia Inter-Town League, the same year he was a member of the Placentia Senior Championship Team. In 1972 he won both the Batting Title and the Most Hits Title.
He was a member of four Championship Teams in the St. John’s Senior “A” League (1985, 1987, 1988 and 1989). In total he played 127 Games and had 85 Hits in 313 At Bats for a .272 Career Batting Average, that was combined with a .925 Fielding Average. He played on three St. John’s Day Tournament Championship Teams.
Graham was a member of St. John’s Teams that won three Provincial Championships in 1975, 1988 and 1989, and he was a member of two Newfoundland Labrador teams that played at National Championships in 1975 and 1988.
JOE FAGAN, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 2019)
Joe Fagan (St. John’s) enjoyed a lengthy & productive playing career patrolling the outfield on softball diamonds at the Local, Provincial and National levels.
At the Minor level, Joe was a member of one U19 Men’s Provincial Championship team (1982), represented the Province at the U19 Men’s Nationals on two occasions (1981-1982) and earned an All-Tournament Team Selection – Outfield – in 1982.
At the Junior level, Joe was a member of two Junior League Championship teams (1984-1985) and earned an All-League Team Selection – Outfield – in 1984. He captured three straight Provincial Junior Men’s Championships (1983-1984-1985), represented the Province at three Junior Men’s Nationals (1983-1984-1985) and captured a Silver Medal in 1984 and a Bronze Medal in 1985.
At the Senior level, Joe enjoyed a 31-year playing career (1981-2013) and his accomplishments were plentiful. He is the Senior League All-Time leader in Games Played with 589, is 2nd All-Time in At Bats (1604) & Sacrifices (44), is 3rd All-Time in Runs Batted In (262) & Walks (188), is 5th All-Time in Doubles (60), is 6th All-Time in Hits (415) & Total Bases (634) and is 9th All-Time in Runs Scored (232). Joe was a member of two Senior League Championship teams (1999-2000), earned All-League Team Selections – Outfield – on five occasions (1992, 1996, 1998, 2000 & 2006), captured seven St. John’s Day Tournament Championships (1984, 1987, 1998, 2000, 2002 & 2004), two Battle at Bauline Championships (2004-2005), one Fog City Classic Championship (1999), one Outer Cove Classic Championship (1999) and one Torbay Classic Championship (2000). He was named to the Senior League All-Decade Team (1997-2006) Outfield.
Joe was also a member of three Provincial Senior Men’s Championship teams (1990, 1998 & 2011) and captured two Sportsmanship & Ability Awards (1995 & 1997).
Joe represented Newfoundland Labrador at seven Canadian Senior Men’s Fastpitch Championships (1989, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2002 & 2004) and earned an All-Tournament Team Selection – Outfield – in 1999.
JOHN FARRELL, HOLYROOD
(Athlete – Inducted in 2019)
John Farrell (Holyrood) enjoyed a successful playing career at the Local, Provincial and National levels.
At the Minor level, John was a member of one U19 Men’s Provincial Championship team (1990) and represented the Province at the U19 Men’s Nationals that same year.
At the Junior level, John captured two All-League Team Selections – Catcher in 1994 & 1996, one Sportsmanship & Ability Award (1994) and enjoyed an outstanding season in 1996 coming away with the following titles: Base Hits, Doubles, Home Runs, Runs Batted In and Slugging and was named Comeback Player of the Year that season. He was a member of one Junior Provincial Championship team (1994), represented the Province at three Canadian Junior Men’s Fastpitch Championships (1993, 1994 & 1996) and captured two Bronze Medals (1994 & 1996).
At the Senior level, John enjoyed a 23-year playing career (1993-2016) and his accomplishments are impressive. He played 379 Regular Season Games, finished with 329 Base Hits, 40 Doubles, 16 Triples, 40 Home Runs, 44 Stolen Bases, 175 Runs Batted In and a .306 Batting Average. He played 125 Playoff Games, finished with 108 Hits, 13 Doubles, 3 Triples, 19 Home Runs, 65 Runs Batted In and a .317 Batting Average. John was a member of seven League Championship teams (2000, 2006, 2008-2010, 2013 & 2017), earned eight All-League Team Selections – Catcher (1997, 2001-2005, 2007 & 2010), was a two-time Playoff MVP (2000 & 2010), captured one Batting Title (2005), two Base Hit Titles (2001 & 2005), one Doubles Title (2012) and three Stolen Base Titles (1996, 2001 & 2003). He was also a member of six St. John’s Day Tournament Championship teams (1998, 2000, 2002, 2007, 2008 & 2011) and one Torbay Classic Tournament Championship team (2000). He was named to the Senior League All-Decade Team (1997-2006) Catcher.
John was a member of six Provincial Senior Championship teams (1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, 2015 & 2017), represented Newfoundland Labrador at 14 Canadian Senior Men’s Fastpitch Championships (1995, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2004-2010, 2012, 2013 & 2016), and captured one Gold Medal (2013), three Silver Medals (1995, 2005 & 2016) and one Bronze Medal (2012).
WAYNE FITZPATRICK, PLACENTIA
(Athlete – Inducted in 1987)
Wayne Fitzpatrick’s softball career started in 1964 with Placentia Junior All-Stars. He won his first provincial championship that year and repeated in 1965. From 1971-77 he played in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Softball League. In 1971 and 1973 he was on the provincial senior “A” championship team.
He represented the province in the Atlantic championships in 1971 and at the national senior men’s championships in 1972 and 1973. An exceptionally strong third baseman with speed and a great throwing arm, he earned a reputation as a very dependable hitter.
He was elected to the St. John’s Hall of Fame in 1989.
DAN FOLEY, FOX HARBOUR
(Athlete – Inducted in 1987)
Dan Foley started his softball playing career in Fox Harbour in 1955 and played until 1971.
He was a valuable member of the team that won the 1969 Placentia Inter-town League championship for Fox Harbour and was selected as the league’s Most Valuable Player in 1959.
He contributed greatly to softball in an executive position filling the role of Fox Harbor Recreation Association secretary-treasurer from 1968 to 1971.
ROSE FOLEY, FOX HARBOUR
(Athlete – Inducted in 1999)
Impressive success in seven different sports during a 25-year period had Fox Harbour native Rose (Foley) Kelly elected to the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame.
A natural athlete with exceptional determination to go with rewarding personal skills and talents, she excelled in softball, field hockey, soccer, squash, basketball, ball hockey and golf while playing a major role in the strong establishment of female athletics within the province.
Overall she represented Newfoundland and Labrador 41 times in national championships. In five of these championships she was named to all-star teams, excelling especially in softball and ball hockey. This remarkable record was the result of the great talent and skill that Rose (Foley) Kelly possessed and the determination with which she backed up her ability.
At the provincial level, she was a major asset in her team winning 25 championships in softball, ball hockey, soccer, squash and golf. While field hockey was one of her best sports, there was no provincial competition but she starred in Intercollegiate and Atlantic play. Her value to the teams for which she played, at local, provincial and national levels, was extremely high as she always put the good of the team first.
Rose (Foley) Kelly ranks among the very best female athletes the province has produced. She demonstrated great strength, exceptional eye-arm co-ordination and a keen understanding of the sports in which she participated so very well.
Outstanding overall athletic ability with impressive team and personal results had Rose (Foley) Kelly inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame October 31, 1998.
JOHN GORMAN, HARBOUR MAIN
(Athlete – Inducted in 1997)
After an impressive career in the Conception Bay Central Senior Softball League, catcher John Gorman enjoyed fine personal success during nine seasons in the St. John’s Senior Men’s League. He was a member of three league championship teams, won four provincial titles and was a member of two teams that represented Newfoundland and Labrador in national championships.
During nine seasons in St. John‘s senior men’s softball he had a .242 career regular season batting average and a .184 career playoff batting average.
In 1974 CBC softball he posted a .464 batting average while winning the championship and being named the most improved player.
From 1963 to 1978, he played, coached, umpired and was an executive, including president, within CBC softball.
Winner of the Softball Newfoundland and Labrador executive of the year award, he was a top umpire and officiated for the 1978 Canadian Junior Men’s championships that were held in St. John’s.
He was a color commentator for cable television’s coverage of St. John’s softball.
KATHY (JACKMAN) GOSSE, CLARENVILLE
(Athlete – Inducted in 2000)
Kathy (Jackman) Gosse enjoyed tremendous success in the St. John’s Senior “A” Ladies League from 1968 to 1976. Her banner year was 1972 when she was selected as St. John’s Athlete of the Year after winning the league batting title with a .489 average, collecting the most hits with 25, being voted the most spirited player and selected the most valuable player in the playoffs.
Provincially she led St. John’s to the provincial title winning the batting crown with a .625 average.
Nationally, Gosse was a member of the Newfoundland team that played in the first Canadian championships at Fort Erie, Ontario in 1969.
She was a member of the Newfoundland team that won the Atlantic championship in 1971 and participated in national senior competition in 1971, ’72 and ’74.
Equally effective as a catcher or an outfielder, she was a member of the Newfoundland team in the 1973 Canada Summer Games in Burnaby, British Columbia.
Enjoying considerable successes in basketball during her softball career, Gosse played on four teams that won the provincial championship, two league championship squads and was voted most spirited player in 1971 in addition to her 1972 individual awards.
She is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
WARD GOSSE, BAY ROBERTS
(Athlete – Inducted in 2014)
Ward Gosse began his career playing Minor Softball in his hometown of Bay Roberts.
In 1979, Ward guided his CBN team to the Provincial Squirt Championship, while earning MVP and Top Batter honours.
In 1986, Gosse was a member of the Bay Roberts team that claimed the Provincial Midget Championship and went on to represent the Province at the Midget Boy’s National Championship.
Ward played in the St. John’s Junior League for three years: 1987, 1988 & 1989.
In 1987 he won the Batting, Slugging and Triples, while being named Regular Season MVP and was named to the All-League Team.
In 1988, he was member of the Junior 50’s team that captured the League Championship, he led the League in Strikeouts, was named MVP of the Regular Season and was named to the All-League Team.
In 1989, he led the league in Home Runs and represented the Province at the Junior National Championships as a member of the CBC Junior Travellers.
To date, Gosse has played 27-years in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League and has compiled an impressive resume along the way…
12 League Championships: 1993-1995, 1997-98, 2001-05 & 2011-12.
54 Statistical Awards
1 Doubles Title, 1 Triples Title, 3 Batting Titles, 3 Runs Scored Titles, 5 Shutout Titles, 5 Pitching Titles, 5 Strikeout Titles, 6 RBI Titles, 7 Home Run Titles, 8 Slugging Titles and 10 ERA Titles.
33 Individual Awards
Rookie of the Year in 1988, Sportsmanship & Ability in 2003, 1 Triple Crown of Batting, 2 Triple Crowns of Pitching, 7 Regular Season MVP’s, 10 Playoff MVP’s and 11 All-League Team Selections.
Regular Season Stats
Batting: 479GP, 424H-1278AB, .312BA, 301RS, 57D, 15T, *103HR, *362RBI.
Pitching: *346GP, *178W, 98L, 1812IP, 582ER, 2.13ERA, *2532K, 32SHO, 1NH.
Playoffs Stats
Batting: *176GP, *164H-496AB, .331BA, *107RS, *26D, 2T, 29HR, *94RBI.
Pitching: *139GP, *78W, 36L, *814IP, 287ER, 2.24ERA, *1120K, 18SHO, 1NH.
*All-Time Senior League Record Holder.
Ward played on six St. John’s Day Tournament Championship teams, capturing three MVP awards and 1 Top Batter award.
At the Provincial level, Gosse played on 9 Senior Provincial Championship teams, capturing six MVP awards and 1 Top Batter award.
At the National level, Ward played on 15 Provincial teams winning 6 Medals: 1 Gold, 3 Silver & 2 Bronze and was named to the All-Tournament Team on three occasions.
Internationally, he played in the ISC World Tournament in 2006 and was named to the 2nd Team All-World as Pitcher. In 2007, he played in the ASA Tournament and was named to the 2nd Team All-World. In 2012, he was a member of the Parry Island Hawks team that captured the Gold Medal (ISC II) and was named Tournament MVP and Most Outstanding Pitcher.
Other Awards
Named Softball NL Male Player of the Year in 1994, 1995 and 1999.
Named Molson Athlete of the Month nine times between 1995 and 2006.
Named Telegram Athlete of the Week 14 times between 1988 and 2014.
Named To Senior League 5th All-Decade Team (1997-2006).
Named One Of The Top 15 Senior League Performers (1957-2006).
Named Softball NL Most Outstanding Player (1987-2012).
BETTY GREENE, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1978)
Betty Greene was an outstanding pitcher in St. John’s ladies softball in the late 40’s and early 50’s.
Her performances on and off the diamond played a major role in great successes that the Tornados team enjoyed. She made a brief comeback when the St. John’s Ladies League came into being in the early 1960s.
She is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
PAT GREENE, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1985)
Catcher Pat Greene played in the St. John’s Senior Men’s League for 17 seasons and has one batting title among his many personal awards.
A member of seven league championship teams, he earned a .260 career batting average with 223 hits, one home run and 60 runs batted in.
He played for five teams that won provincial championships and represented Newfoundland and Labrador in three national championships, including the 1969 Canada Summer Games in Halifax. In 14 national games he collected nine hits.
He is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
LEE HAWCO, FLATROCK
(Athlete – Inducted in 2023)
Lee Hawco enjoyed a successful playing career at the Local, Provincial and National levels.
At the Junior level, Lee captured back-to-back Junior League Championships (1984 & 1985) and was named Playoff MVP in 1985. He was a member of three straight Junior Provincial Championship teams (1983, 1984 & 1985) and represented the Province at four consecutive Junior Men’s Nationals (1983, 1984, 1985 & 1986) and captured two Medals: Silver (1984) and Bronze (1985).
At the Senior level, Lee played on two Mercantile League Championship teams (1980 & 1981) and captured an RBI title in 1983. Lee enjoyed a 13-year playing career (1986-1998) in the St. John’s Senior League. He played 209 Regular Season Games, had 223 Hits, 31 Home Runs and 130 RBI and he played 82 Playoff Games, had 82 Hits, 6 Home Runs and 30 RBI.
He was a member of seven Senior League Championship teams (1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 & 1996), captured four All-League Team Selections (1987, 1989, 1993 & 1994) and one Batting Title (1989). He was a member of five St. John’s Day Tournament Championship teams (1984, 1988, 1989, 1990 & 1994) and was named Tournament MVP in 1998. Lee was named to the Senior League All-Decade Team – Outfielder (1987-1996). He was also a member of seven Senior Provincial Championship teams (1988, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996 & 1997) and captured a Batting Title in 1991. At the National level, Lee represented Newfoundland Labrador at five Senior Men’s Nationals (1988, 1989, 1990, 1993 & 1995) and captured a Silver Medal (1995).
Lee also captured the following Championships: Clarenville Invitational (1986), Erco Tournament (1988), Fredericton Tournament (1991) and was named to the All-Tournament Team and Halifax ISC Qualifying Tournament (1994).
TONY HAWCO, FLATROCK
(Athlete – Inducted in 2014)
Tony Hawco played three seasons in the St. John’s Junior League, six seasons in the Mercantile League and 23-seasons in the St. John’s Senior League.
In 1979, Tony played for the Flatrock entry and led the Junior League in Hits and Home Runs and as a result was named Rookie of the Year. In 1984, he helped his Junior 50’s team to the League Championship and was selected to the All-League Team at second base.
In 1983 and 1984, his Junior 50’s club captured two Provincial Championships and he was a member of the Junior 50’s team that won a Silver Medal at the Canadian Junior Championships.
In Mercantile, Tony played with Bayview Grocery and Atlantic Specialties and captured three League Championships: 1978, 1980 and 1981. In 1981, he led the league in runs scored and captured the Sportsmanship & Ability award. In 1982, he led the League in Runs Scored (17) and Triples (6). In 1982, he led the League in Hits (26).
Tony played 23-years in the St. John’s Senior League with the following teams: Big Ben’s (1985-1987), Green Sleeves (1988-2001), Newfoundland Herald (2002-2003), Sundance (2004) and Impact Signs (2005-2007).
Over the course of his 23-year Senior League Career, he captured 6 Regular Season Titles: 1986-1989 & 2003-2004 and 8 Playoff Championships: 1985, 1987, 1988-1992 & 1996.
He finished his Senior League Career with a .306 Batting Average, won 1 regular season Batting Title, 1 Comeback Player of the Year Award, 1 Golden Glove Award, 1 Playoff MVP Award and 9 All-League Team Selections.
Career Regular Season Stats
Batting: 438GP, 429H-1403AB, .306BA, 297RS, 67D, 20T, 19HR, 177RBI.
Career Playoffs Stats
Batting: 168GP, 148H-545AB, .272BA, 95RS, 15D, 3T, 9HR, 49RBI.
Tony played on six St. John’s Day Tournament Championship teams: 1984, 1986, 1988-1990 & 1994.
At the Provincial level, he played on 8 Senior Provincial Championship Teams: 1988-89, 1992-1994, 1996-97 & 2004 and won the Sportsmanship & Ability Award on two occasions.
At the Senior National level, he played on 7 Provincial teams (1988-89, 1992-1993, 1995, 1998 & 2007) and captured a Bronze Medal with Greensleeves Too in 1989.
Other Awards
Named To Senior League 4th All-Decade Team (1987-1996).
Named One Of The Top 15 Senior League Performers (1957-2006).
Tony was known throughout his career as an outstanding player with a passion for the game and a quite leader who was completely committed to every team he represented.
PAT HEARN, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1986)
Pat Hearn was a star in the St. John’s Senior Softball League for 16 years between 1965 and 1982. A sure-gloved second baseman, he compiled a .247 career batting average with 189 hits with eight home runs. He was a member of the League champions eight times and collected seven individual awards.
He was a member of six provincial championship teams being voted provincial most valuable player and winning the batting title with a .500 average, both in 1975. He played for Newfoundland and Labrador four times in national championships, with 11 hits in 17 national games.
He is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
JOHN HILL, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 2009)
John Hill’s performances during a 22-year softball career earned him a reputation as a perennial St. John’s all-star during the 1980’s and 1990’s. He was a consistent and steady first baseman in competitions within Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada.
Respected as one of the top first basemen to play within the province, he participated in ten Canadian senior men’s national championships. He was a member of three Newfoundland and Labrador teams that captured medals at the senior championships, a bronze medal for the province in 1979 and 1989 and a silver medal in 1995.
The excellence of his long career is demonstrated by the fact that his silver medal came 16 years after his first national senior medal. At the 1990 Canadian Men’s Championships, he was named an all star.
He was a member of St. John’s champions in 1982 and 1983 and excelled in provincial competition. He won league and provincial batting titles and earned most valuable player selections as a member of four provincial championship teams during the 1980s and 1990s and demonstrated superb defensive abilities which earned him Golden Glove awards to go with numerous other personal awards. He was a league all-star eight times.
BILL HOUNSELL, LABRADOR CITY
(Athlete – Inducted in 1973)
Bill Hounsell was an extremely talented shortstop who began his fine softball and baseball career while growing up in the Corner Brook area. He took his ball skill and talent with him when he moved to Labrador City in the mid-1960s and was a fine addition to the community’s fine softball program. He simply was an excellent all-round player.
A standout defensively with speed, a great throwing arm and a sure glove, he played a major role in the provincial senior male championship that Labrador City won in 1966 and continued his impressive play as the club’s shortstop at the 1967 Canadian senior male championships in Saskatoon.
PERCY JOYCE, CORNER BROOK
(Athlete – Inducted in 1990)
Percy Joyce was one of the finest senior softball players produced in Corner Brook. A sure-gloved first baseman who was comfortable in any infield position, he was a perennial .300 hitter and posted a .350 average for his final senior season. He made major contributions to any team of which he was a member.
His Corner Brook all-star career lasted for 12 successful seasons up to his retirement in 1983. He was voted Corner Brook’s senior softball coach of the year for 1983 as he played with and coached his team to the City’s championship.
He led Kilbride to the provincial senior “B” title in 1969, collecting a .365 batting average.
ED KELLY, WABUSH
(Athlete – Inducted in 1982)
Ed Kelly was born on Bell Island and in the sport of softball established himself as a star. Soon softball would become the venue for his talent to be exposed to the province. When he relocated to Labrador City to work, he also started what would become a decade of outstanding softball accomplishments. His numerous local and provincial championships and the dozens of individual awards dictated that he be respected by both his peers and by the organizers of softball.
An excellent hitter who patrolled the outfield for Labrador City teams with a sure glove and a strong arm, he was a member of the club that won the provincial senior men’s title in 1966 and performed extremely well in the 1967 Canadian senior men’s championships in Saskatoon.
As a result of his accomplishments in softball and his outstanding gentlemanly dedication to the sport, as well as his fine hockey career, he was inducted into the Bell Island Sports Hall of Fame.
HAROLD KELLY, OUTER COVE
(Athlete – Inducted in 2019)
Harold Kelly (Outer Cove) enjoyed a successful career toeing the rubber at the Local, Provincial & National levels.
At the Minor level, Harold was a member of two U16 Boy’s League Championship teams (1989-1990) and captured the Sportsmanship & Ability Award in 1990. In 1993, he represented Newfoundland Labrador at the Canada Summer Games in Kamloops, BC helping the Province to a 4th Place Finish. He was a member of two U19 Men’s Provincial Championship teams (1991-1992), was named MVP in 1992 and Sportsmanship & Ability Award recipient in 1993. He represented Newfoundland Labrador at two U19 Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championships (1991-1992) and captured Gold in 1992.
At the Junior level, Harold was a member of two Junior League Championship teams (1995-1996), was the recipient of one Sportsmanship & Ability Award (1993), one Regular Season MVP Award (1994), one Playoff MVP Award (1995) and two All-League Team Selections – Pitcher – in 1994 & 1996. He was a member of two Junior Provincial Men’s Championship teams (1995-1996) and was named MVP on both occasions. He represented Newfoundland Labrador at three Junior Men’s Nationals (1994, 1995 & 1996), captured a Silver Medal in 1994 and was named Qualifying Round MVP & Top Pitcher in 1996. In 1996, Harold was named Softball NL Senior Male Player of the Year.
At the Senior level, Harold enjoyed a 19-year playing career (1992-2012) and put together an outstanding resume. He pitched 244 Regular Season Games, recorded 106 Wins, 1402 Strikeouts and a 3.39 Earned Run Average. He pitched 50 Playoff Games, recorded 18 Wins, 332 Strikeouts and a 3.88 Earned Run Average. Harold was a member of three Senior League Championship teams (1996, 1999 & 2000), was named Rookie of the Year in 1994, earned one Sportsmanship & Ability Award (1996), one All-League Team Selection – Pitcher (1998), one Comeback Player of the Year Award (2004), two Strikeout Titles (1998 & 2000) and three Pitching Titles (1998, 1999 & 2000). He was a member of five St. John’s Day Tournament Championship teams (1996, 1998, 2000, 2004 & 2005) and captured back-to-back MVP honours (2004 & 2005). He was also a member of two Battle at Bauline Championship teams (2004 & 2007), one Fog City Classic Championship team (1999) and was named MVP, one Outer Cove Classic Championship team (1999) and one Torbay Classic Championship team (2000).
Harold was also a member of three Senior Provincial Men’s Championship teams (1996, 1998 & 2011) and was named MVP on each occasion. He represented Newfoundland Labrador at three Senior Men’s National Fastpitch Championships (1999, 2004 & 2007).
MIKE KELLY, FOX HARBOUR
(Athlete – Inducted in 1988)
Mike Kelly played three seasons in the St. John’s senior men’s “A” softball league, 1968, 1971 and 1975. He pitched a no-hitter in a 4-1 White Knights win over Guards in 1971 and was a member of the team that won the league championship that year.
He played 18 league games with 48 at bats and 11 hits for a .244 average. He scored seven runs, included two home runs in his 11 hits and had six runs batted in.
In addition to pitching, he played first base for the club when superstar Ford Metcalfe was on the mound. This allowed the team to keep Kelly’s dangerous bat in the lineup.
His pitching was very successful in the Placentia Inter-town League where he performed for ten years from 1957 to 1966. He was three times winner of the league’s Most Valuable Player Award and earned four top pitcher awards. He averaged 17 home runs each season.
PAT KELLY, FOX HARBOUR
(Athlete – Inducted in 1989)
Pat Kelly displayed such batting expertise that he was named to the 1976 national senior all-stars at first base despite being a national level “southpaw” pitcher for most of his great career.
Exceptional eye-arm coordination helped him develop into the great player that he was and he was gifted with outstanding talent and ability. He supported this talent with impressive personal confidence and an extremely powerful desire to succeed. And succeed he did, at every level of competition in which he was involved.
Always willing to make sacrifices and equally willing to always learn and improve, he ranked highly with any softball player ever developed in Newfoundland and Labrador and earned exceptional personal respect nationally. He was simply a great softball player, when he was pitching or when he was hitting.
His leadership qualities and determined character were other assets that were very, very beneficial to his career and to any team of which he was a member. He has been inducted into the St. John’s softball hall of fame and owns a no-hit pitching performance at the national senior championship level.
He was a member of ten teams that represented Newfoundland and Labrador at national senior men’s championships, including one as coach and was voted all-star first baseman at 1976 national senior men’s championship. He pitched the first no-hitter by a Newfoundland and Labrador pitcher at national senior men’s championship in 1975, 3-0 over Saskatchewan. He was a member of team that won 1988 Eastern Canadian senior men’s “B” championship.
He was a member of seven teams that won provincial senior “A” men’s championships between 1974 and 1987, he was voted Most Valuable Player at provincial men’s senior “A” championships in 1971 and 1979, and he won batting title at provincial men’s senior “A” championships in 1971 and 1982. He was a member of two teams that won provincial junior men’s “A” championship, in 1968 and 1971 and voted Most Valuable Player and won batting title at 1968 provincial junior men’s “A” championship.
MARJE KEOUGH, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1989)
While Marje Keough was correctly elected to the Softball Hall of Fame as an athlete, she made important contributions to the sport as a coach, administrator and even as an umpire during the more than 30 years that she participated in it. Her softball activity covered local, provincial and national competition and her involvement certainly benefited softball in general and St. John’s female softball in particular.
She has ten provincial team championships and eight St. John’s team championships to her credit while being a member of seven teams that represented Newfoundland and Labrador in Canadian championships. She won six individual awards in St. John’s competition and earned one provincial individual award.
She is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame, coached for several seasons in the St. John’s Ladies “A” League and combined with Gert Delaney as the first two female umpires to officiate at a provincial championship.
DONNY KING, FOX HARBOUR
(Athlete – Inducted in 2023)
Donny King enjoyed a lengthy and productive playing career at the Local, Provincial and National levels. His longevity can be attributed to his intense competitiveness and his passion for the game.
At the Minor level, Donny was a member of two Provincial Championship teams: U12 Boys (1981) and U14 Boys (1983).
At the Junior level, Donny enjoyed a four year career (1988-1991) with Stokes Canada Games (1988) and Junior 50’s (1989-1991) in the St. John’s Junior League. He was a member of the 1989 Canada Games team that Placed 4th Place (5-2 Record) in Saskatchewan. He was a member of back-to-back Junior Provincial Championship teams (1990 & 1991) and was named Tournament MVP in 1991. Donny represented the Province at two Junior Men’s Nationals (1990 & 1991) with the Stokes Provincial All-Stars and captured two Medals: Bronze (1990) and Silver (1991).
At the Senior level, Donny enjoyed a 30-year playing career (1989 to 2018). In 2018, he became just the third player to have a career of 30-years or more, one year behind Joe Fagan (31-years: 1981 to 2013) and Ward Gosse (31-years: 1986 to 2019), both members of the Softball NL Hall of Fame. On the Mound, he played 324 Regular Season Games, finished with 104 Wins, 1822 Strikeouts, a 3.73 ERA and 2 No-Hitters and he played 61 Playoff Games, finished with 14 Wins, 305 Strikeouts and a 3.89 ERA. At the Plate, he played 445 Regular Season Games, had 198 Hits and 111 RBI and he played 107 Playoff Games, had 40 Hits and 23 RBI.
Donny was a member of two Senior League Championship teams (2011 & 2012) and captured two Comeback Player of the Year Awards (2006 & 2012). He was a member of one St. John’s Day Tournament Championship team (2012). He also has two Career No-Hitters, both tossed in 1998 as a member of PJ Billington’s and both came against Green Sleeves. Donny is currently ranked 2nd All-Time in Games Pitched (324), 4th All-Time in Strikeouts (1822), 5th All-Time in Innings Pitched (1678) and 11th All-Time in Wins (104) in the Regular Season. Donny was also a member of four Senior Provincial Championship teams (2003, 2004, 2012 & 2016) and he represented the Province at seven Senior Men’s Nationals (1996, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2014 & 2016) and captured three Silver Medals (2005, 2014 & 2016) and one Bronze Medal (2010).
JEFF KIRK, GOULDS
(Athlete/Builder – Inducted in 2017)
Jeff started his playing career with the Goulds and his team captured the Provincial Junior B Championship in 1982.
In 1983, he was a member of the Goulds team that won the St. John’s Junior League Championship and was selected to the All-League Team.
Jeff played in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League for 14-years and was a member of three Championship teams (1993, 1994 & 1995). He finished his Regular Season Career with 304 Games Played, 275 Hits in 792 At Bats for a .347 Batting Average and he finished his Playoff Career with 74 Games Played, 82 Hits in 211 At Bats for a .389 Batting Average. He captured the League MVP (1987), Comeback Player of the Year (1990), Home Runs & RBI titles (1992), Batting Average (1994) and 5 All-League Team Selections (1984, 1987, 1992, 1993 & 1994).
As a player, he was a member of four St. John’s Day Tournament Championship teams (1985, 1991, 1993 & 1995).
Jeff was a member of the 1995 Gators team that captured the Senior Men’s Provincial Championship and represented the Province at four Canadian Senior Men’s Fastpitch Championships (1989, 1994, 1995 & 1996), winning a Silver Medal in 1995.
In 2006, Jeff was selected to the Senior League 4th All-Decade Team (1987-1996) in the Outfield Position.
Jeff came out of retirement to participate in the 2016 National Master Men’s Fastpitch Championship in St. John’s, NL and his 3 Cheers Pub Bud Light Team captured the Gold Medal.
After his retirement from active play, Jeff took on what may best be described as a more important role in our sport. He started giving back through Coaching, Mentoring and Coaching Development.
At the Constable William Moss Memorial Softball Tournament, he coached his Goulds team to five Gold Medals: Boy’s Tier 1 (2005), U14 Boy’s (2011) and U16 Boy’s (2007, 2008 & 2011).
At the Provincial Minor Fastpitch Championships, he coached his Goulds team to 11 Gold Medals: U12 Boy’s (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009 & 2011), U16 Boy’s (2008 & 2013) and U18 Men’s (2009, 2010 & 2011).
At the Provincial Intermediate Championships, he coached his Goulds team to 2 Gold Medals (2010 & 2013).
At the Eastern Canadian Softball Championships, he coached the Goulds U16 team to a Bronze Medal (2008), the Goulds U14 team to a Bronze Medal (2011) and the U16 NL Selects to a Silver Medal (2012).
Jeff was the Assistant Coach of the Newfoundland Labrador Canada Games team that captured a Bronze Medal (2005).
At the U18 Men’s Nationals, he coached the NL Selects to a Silver Medal (2014).
At the Junior Men’s Nationals, he coached the Kelly’s Pub Junior Canadians to a Gold Medal (2012) and a Bronze Medal (2013). He also coached the Kelly’s Pub Junior Canadians to a Bronze Medal at the 2013 U21 International Championship.
Jeff was named Softball NL Coach of Year (2011, 2012 & 2013) and Sport NL Coach of the Year (2012).
He was been an active Learning Facilitator and Master Coach Developer with Softball NL for over a decade. During that time, Jeff has played an active role in preparing, certifying, and mentoring local coaches through Softball Canada’s Coach Development Program, many of whom have gone on to coach successfully at National, International, and Canada Games Competitions.
Jeff continues to be involved with Softball in the Province and is currently a member of the Coaching Staff for the 2017 Men’s Canada Games Team.
GORDON KISS, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1975)
Gordon Kiss was the first local “windmill” pitcher to perform in a St. John’s league performing for Guards during the late 1940s. A native of Saskatchewan who moved permanently to St. John’s, he was responsible for “windmill” pitching becoming a permanent factor within St. John’s competitions.
His skill was a major factor in Guards winning several championships and his general knowledge of softball played a major role in the sport becoming a permanent event within the City. Following his playing days, he enjoyed a lengthy and effective career as an umpire, mostly for baseball but with some softball included.
Softball NL Would Like To Thank Mike Ryan (Grandson of Gordon Kiss) On Advising That His Grandfather Was A Native Of Saskatchewan, Not Quebec.
KEVIN LANE, HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY
(Athlete – Inducted in 1990)
A quick infielder with an in-depth knowledge of the game, Kevin Lane was acting in coaching and leadership roles very early in his career. He began his career at a very early age in his native Buchans, moved through the local minor leagues and wore a Buchans uniform in early provincial championships, from 1963 to 1965. In 1967 he was a pickup player with Conception Bay North at the provincial championships.
He was a major factor in the 1968 provincial senior “A” championship that was won by Goose Bay, thus earning the right to represent the province at the first Canada Summer Games at Halifax in 1969. He was one of the better Goose Bay performers at the Games.
Teaching in Grand Bank, he was a member of the Marystown entry at the 1971 provincial “B” championship. Back in Happy Valley-Goose Bay in 1972, he played all-star ball in provincial and invitational competition while winning more than his share of team and individual awards at the local level. He moved into coaching, umpiring and administration of local softball, operating very successfully in fast pitch and slo-pitch as he played an essential role in many important minor softball projects.
BLAIR LANGMEAD, FLATROCK
(Athlete – Inducted in 2014)
Blair Langmead played two seasons in the St. John’s Junior League and 23-seasons in the St. John’s Senior League.
In Junior, Blair played for the Junior 50’s in 1985 and 1987. In 1985, his Junior 50’s club captured the Regular Season and League Championship and in 1987 he was named to the All-League Team-Outfield.
He played in two Provincial Junior Championships in 1985 and 1987, both with the Junior 50’s, and helped the club to a 2nd Place finish in 1987.
At the Junior Nationals, he played with the Junior 50’s club that competed in the 1985 and 1986 tournaments and captured a Bronze Medal in 1985.
Blair patrolled the outfield in the St. John’s Senior League for 23-seasons and with six different teams: Junior 50’s (1986), Big Ben’s (1987), Greensleeves (1988-2001), Newfoundland Herald (2002-2003), Sundance (2004) and Impact Signs (2005-2008).
Over the course of his 23-year Senior League Career, he captured 5 Regular Season Titles: 1987-1989, 2003 & 2004 and 7 Playoff Championships: 1987-1992 & 1996.
Blair finished his Senior League Career with a .317 Batting Average (512H-1614AB) in 512 Games! He led the League in Hits on six different occasions, won the Top Batter twice, 1 MVP Award, 1 Comeback Player of the Year Award and 14 All-League Team Selections-Outfield.
Career Regular Season Stats
Batting: 512GP, 512H-1614AB, .317BA, 344RS, 64D, 14T, 64HR, 241RBI.
Career Playoffs Stats
Batting: 164GP, 152H-543AB, .280BA, 82RS, 17D, 6T, 12HR, 58RBI.
Blair played on five St. John’s Day Tournament Championship teams: 1988-1990, 1994 & 2003.
At the Provincial level, Langmead played on 8 Senior Provincial Championship Teams: 1988-89, 1992-94, 1996-1997 & 2004 and captured one Batting Crown.
At the Senior National level, he played on 13 Provincial teams (1988-89, 1992-1993, 1995, 1998-2000, 2004-2007) and captured 4 Medals: 3 Silver and 1 Bronze. Was instrumental in Impact Signs (Silver Medal) reaching the Canadian Senior Men’s Fastpitch Championship in 2005 in St. Thomas, ON.
Other Awards
Named To Senior League 5th All-Decade Team (1997-2006).
Named One Of The Top 15 Senior League Performers (1957-2006).
The foregoing stats are indicative of the type of career enjoyed by Blair. There is no denying he was a great ball player, an impact player, who brought intensity to every game. His eagerness to win was consistently displayed by his on field competitiveness.
BRUCE LEGROW, CORNER BROOK
(Athlete – Inducted in 1984)
Bruce LeGrow started his softball career in St. John’s in 1966 where he was a top pitcher in the Commercial League until 1973.
He served on the league executive for two years, was a member of two championship teams and won individual awards including the 1969 season MVP.
He pitched the Commercial All-Stars to the 1968 provincial senior “B” championship, winning the sportsmanship and ability award, and was back with the Corner Brook All-Stars as their main pitcher when they won the 1970 provincial senior “B” title. His Western Newfoundland career, in both Corner Brook and Stephenville, was extremely successful.
JIM LEWIS, HOLYROOD
(Athlete – Inducted in 1997)
Pitcher Jim Lewis was an outstanding batter who contributed greatly to any team of which he was a member. His talent and skill was divided between Conception Bay Central and St. John’s Commercial softball and he was a perennial all-star in both organizations.
An excellent example of his prowess is demonstrated by his 1972 statistics. Playing for Holyrood, he led the league in hits, doubles, home runs and RBI’s while racking up a 9-0 pitching record with 123 strikeouts and an impressive 0.57 earned run average. He had a couple of MVP awards and led two teams to provincial championships.
GLENN LITTLEJOHN, BAY ROBERTS
(Athlete- Inducted in 2009)
Glenn Littlejohn’s outstanding softball ability and knowledge resulted in him representing Newfoundland and Labrador at two Canadian junior men’s fastpitch championships and six Canadian senior men’s championships.
Despite his age, he made the 1981 Canada Games men’s softball team and participated in that multi-sport national event for his home province. His achievements include being named to two national all-star teams and to the All-World first team at the 1984 International Softball Congress World championship in Prince Edward Island. In that tournament, he was tied for the batting title after the round robin as a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Green Sleeves team.
He was a perennial all-star in the provincial competition and played for two silver medal-winning Newfoundland and Labrador teams at the Canadian Senior Men’s Fastpitch Championships, in 1989 and 1995.
He won more than his share of St. John’s senior league championships and finished his playing career with a batting average that was higher than .300.
A native of Bay Roberts, he was a member of the CBN team that won the provincial senior B championship in 1992.
Very active and successful as a coach with teams that won St. John’s and provincial championships, he coached teams that won a national silver and a national bronze medal.
LOYOLA MACKEY, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1985)
Loyola Mackey played in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Softball League for 20 years, from 1962 to 1983 with impressive results. A strong pitcher who could hit, he led four teams to the league title and coached two teams to the league championships. He finished with a .235 career batting average on 196 hits, eight home runs and 158 runs batted in. He pitched 157 wins and had 1182 strikeouts. He won 18 individual awards.
He was a member of five teams that won provincial championships, went to five national championships, one as coach. He coached one St. John’s senior ladies championship team and served on the executive of the St. John’s Senior Men’s League for four years.
He is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
BILL MALONE, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1982)
Bill Malone was a talented shortstop mainly within the St. John’s Senior Men’s Softball League but he wore a Buchans uniform in two provincial championships and had the distinction of being the only player born in Newfoundland and Labrador to perform in the first Canadian senior men’s championships in Calgary in 1965.
He was a perennial all-star in the St. John’s Senior Men’s League for 16 seasons and compiled a .281 career batting average with 206 hits, one home run, 65 RBI’s to go with tremendous defensive play. He was league all-star for the 1967-1976 decade.
He is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
PETER MARSHALL, BAY ROBERTS
(Athlete – Inducted in 1999)
Peter Marshall put an extremely successful career together during the 1980’s and 1990’s providing exceptional leadership for any team of which he was a member.
He was a member of the Conception Bay North All-stars who won the provincial Senior “B” male championship in 1991. At the local level he performed extremely well for seven CBN championship teams, in 1980, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1992.
ORVILLE MATTHEWS, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1972)
Orville Matthews ranks with the finest second basemen to ever play softball within the province and starred for ten seasons in the St. John’s Senior Men’s League prior to contributing to the success of Labrador City when he moved there. He finished his career playing in Placentia.
Selected as the St. John’s Most Valuable Player in the first provincial senior men’s championship in 1963, he compiled a .362 career batting average in the St. John’s League with 269 hits, 15 home runs and 100 rubs batted in.
He was a leader with Labrador City when that club won the 1966 provincial senior men’s championship and was one of the team’s better players in the 1967 Canadian Senior Men’s championships in Saskatoon.
He is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
JOE MAYNARD, FLATROCK
(Athlete/Builder – Inducted in 2017)
Joe Maynard played in the Mercantile and Commercial Softball Leagues for a total of 33-years in what is believed to be the longest period that any player has played competitive fastpitch softball in Newfoundland Labrador.
In the 21-years that statistics are available for the Mercantile League, Joe finished in the Top 10 in Batting while winning the Batting Title in 1983.
Joe was a member of seven Mercantile League Championship teams (1978, 1980, 1981, 1986, 1987, 1988 & 1996). He was named Playoff MVP (1981), Coach of the Year (1986 & 1988), Most Hits (1969, 1970, 1980, 1983, 1986 & 1988), Most Runs Scored (1972, 1977 & 1978), Most Doubles (1986), Most Triples (1977) and Most RBI (1982 & 1986).
He was a member of the Mercantile Softball League Provincial ‘C’ Championship Team (1983) and served on the Mercantile League Executive in various roles for 13-years.
Joe played for Woolworth’s in the Commercial League for four years (1973, 1974, 1975 & 1976), winning back-to-back League Titles in 1975 & 1976, capturing the Sportsmanship & Ability Award (1974) and Runs Scored Title (1974 & 1976).
In addition to playing Joe also enjoyed a long and very successful Coaching Career.
He coached Torbay to the Constable William Moss Memorial Championship in 1986, the NL Summer Games Championship in 1988, the Bantam ‘B’ Boy’s Provincial Championship in 1987 and the Bantam ‘A’ Boy’s Provincial Championship in 1988.
In 1993, Joe coached Flatrock to the Bantam Boy’s St. John’s Minor League Championship, the Bantam ‘A’ Boy’s Provincial Championship and a Silver Medal at the Eastern Canadian Softball Championship.
His success with Flatrock continued as he coached the club to the Midget Boy’s St. John’s Minor League Championship (1995) and back-to-back-to-back Midget ‘A’ Boy’s Provincial Championships in 1994, 1995 & 1996.
Joe went on to coach the Labatt Junior Blues to three Junior League Championships (1997, 1999 & 2000) and four straight Provincial Junior Championships (1997, 1998, 1999 & 2000). He coached the Labatt Junior Blues to a 6th Place finish at the Junior Nationals in 1999 and a 5th Place finish at the Junior Nationals in 2000.
Note: Joe is also well known in local hockey circles and was inducted into the NL Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003.
JOEY MAYNARD, FLATROCK
(Athlete – Inducted in 2023)
Joey Maynard enjoyed a successful 28-year playing career (1990-2018) at the Local, Provincial and National levels.
At the Minor level, Joey was a member of one Constable William Moss Memorial Softball Tournament Championship team (1986) and captured the U16 NL Summer Games Championship in 1988. He was a member of one U16 Boys “B” Provincial Championship team (1987), one U16 Boys Provincial Championship team (1988) and one U19 Men’s Provincial Championship team (1989).
At the Junior level, Joey was a member of one Junior League Championship team (1995) and the recipient of one Comeback Player of the Year Award (1994) and one All-League Team Selection – Outfielder (1994). He was a member of one Provincial Junior Championship team (1995) and captured one Sportsmanship & Ability Award (1995). Joey represented the Province at four Junior Men’s Nationals (1991, 1992, 1994 & 1995) and captured one Bronze Medal (1994).
At the Senior level, Joey enjoyed a 28-year playing career (1990-2018) and put together some impressive offensive numbers. He played 502 Regular Season Games, had 401 Hits, 80 Doubles, 28 Home Runs and 224 RBI. He played 133 Playoff Games, had 85 Hits, 14 Doubles, 8 Home Runs and 41 RBI. He is in the Top 10 in the following Offensive Categories: 1st Doubles (80), 3rd At Bats (1437), 3rd Games Played (503), 5th Runs Scored (275), T-6th Walks (188), 9th Hits (401) and 10th RBI (224).
Joey was a member of two Senior League Championship teams (2011 & 2012), earned one Comeback Player of the Year Award (1992), one Golden Glove Award (2006), one Sportsmanship & Ability Award (2006) and five All-League Team Selections (1997, 1999, 2002, 2005 & 2008). He also served 5-Terms (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013) on the Senior League Executive as Player Representative. He was named a member of the Senior League All-Decade Team – Outfielder (1997-2006). He was also a member of one St. John’s Day Tournament Championship team (2012). Joey was a member of three Senior Provincial Championship teams (2004, 2012 & 2016) and represented Newfoundland Labrador at nine Senior Men’s Nationals (1996, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2013 & 2016) and captured one Gold Medal (2016), one Silver Medal (2005) and one Bronze Medal (2010).
EDDY MCDONALD, COLLIERS
(Athlete – Inducted in 2023)
Eddy McDonald enjoyed a successful career at the Local, Provincial & National levels.
At the Minor level, Eddy was a member of three U14 Boys Provincial Championship teams (1986, 1987 & 1988), one U16 Boys Provincial Championship team (1990) and one U19 Men’s Provincial Championship team (1993). He represented Newfoundland Labrador at the 1986 U14 Boys Eastern Canadian and captured a Silver Medal and represented the Province at the 1992 U19 Men’s Nationals and captured a Gold Medal. He was also a member of the Canada Games team that finished 4th Place in Kamloops, BC in 1993.
At the Junior level, Eddy was a member of one Junior League Championship team (1991), was the recipient of one All-League Team Selection (1995), one Sportsmanship & Ability Award (1995), one Runs Scored title (1995) and one Golden Glove Award (1997). He was a member of one Provincial Junior Championship team (1994) and captured one Sportsmanship & Ability Award (1996). On June 29, 1996 became the first player in the Provincial Junior Championships to hit for the cycle going 5-5 with a double, triple, home run and two singles as CBC Iron Workers defeated Waterford Valley 14-6. He also scored four runs, stole two bases and had two RBI. He represented Newfoundland Labrador at four consecutive Junior Men’s Nationals (1994, 1995, 1996 & 1997) and captured a Bronze Medal (1994).
At the Senior level, Eddy enjoyed a 19-year playing career (1995-2018). He played 340 Regular Season Games, had 285 Hits, 18 Home Runs and 102 RBI and played 107 Playoff Games, had 76 Hits and 23 RBI.
Eddy was a member of seven Senior League Championship teams (1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 & 2005), earned five All-League Team Selections (1996, 1998, 2001, 2002 & 2004), captured three Stolen Base titles (2000, 2001 & 2002), two Sportsmanship & Ability Awards (2000 & 2005), two Triples titles (1997 & 1999), one Comeback Player of the Year Award (1996), one Golden Glove Award (2002) and one Runs Scored title (2000). Eddy was named to the Senior League All Decade Team – Shortstop (1997-2006). He was a member of five St. John’s Day Tournament Championship teams (1996, 1997, 1999, 2001 & 2010), one Torbay Classic Championship team (1999) and was named Top Batter, one Fog City Classic Championship team (2000) and one Battle at Bauline Championship team (2005). Eddy was a member of one Senior “B” Provincial Championship team (1993) and seven Senior Provincial Championship teams (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006 & 2010). He represented the Province at 10 Senior Men’s Nationals (2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2016, 2017 & 2018) and captured five Medals: Bronze (2001), Silver (2007 & 2017) and Gold (2016 & 2018).
SCOTT MERCER, BAY ROBERTS
(Athlete – Inducted in 2009)
Scott Mercer established himself as one of the most skilled and talented softball players of his time with outstanding defensive and offensive achievements.
Respected as one of the best sure-gloved fielding and bullet throwing shortstops across Canada, he earned numerous individual and team awards and achievements during a career that began in Bay Roberts and reached the international stage.
He earned national all-star selection at midget, junior and senior championships and played a major and valuable role in Newfoundland and Labrador’s bronze and silver medal performances at Canadian senior men’s Championships.
A standout performer throughout his impressive playing career, he was a member of both Canada’s junior and senior national teams, being important in the Canadian national junior men’s silver medal showing at the world championships.
He was a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Canada Games team and a member of a national midget championship team. Provincially he won many Golden Glove awards and all star shortstop selections. He added MVP and batting titles to his record.
FORD METCALFE, MANUELS
(Athlete – Inducted in 1977)
Ford Metcalfe was the first national softball superstar that Newfoundland and Labrador had. He played a major role in establishing this province within the national softball picture while putting together an extremely impressive hockey career, especially at the provincial senior level. In brief, Ford Metcalfe’s athletic career reached the highest level of national softball and the highest level of provincial hockey.
The finest athlete to ever come out of Conception Bay South, he enjoyed a 12-year career that ranks with anybody in softball and a 10-year hockey career that equals the vast majority of anybody in hockey.
Developing his softball talent and skills during a period when there was virtually no top level coaching available, his desire to be the best and a deep determination not to lose, provided Ford Metcalfe with all the incentive he required to be among the athletic elite of this province.
An indication of the softball respect that he earned across Canada is shown by the fact that a photo of Ford Metcalfe pitching during a national championship was used as the first poster produced by the Canadian Amateur Softball Association.
As a great softball pitcher who could also hit with the top batting stars of the era, Ford Metcalfe turned Conception Bay South into a serious contender for provincial honors and played a major role in winning championships for and within the St. John’s Senior “A” Men’s League.
He played a major role, both as a pitcher and batter, in five provincial championships earned by St. John’s teams. His many individual awards during this period included four MVP selections. Representing the province at four national senior men’s softball championships and despite getting the nod to pitch against the “big” provinces, Ford Metcalfe had a 4-4 record.
He was a dominant player for St. John’s teams that won five provincial championships and on three occasions he was selected the provincial Most Valuable Player. Ford Metcalfe is one of the top three male softball players ever in Newfoundland and Labrador.
His great softball and hockey performances had him elected St. John’s Male Athlete of the Year for 1970. He was a finalist for the award three other years.
Ford Metcalfe has been inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame, the Conception Bay South Sports Hall of Fame and the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
GUS MOONEY, PLACENTIA
(Athlete – Inducted in 1972)
A sure-gloved third baseman who could hit with the best of his time, Gus Mooney played excellent ball in the first five provincial championships, was a perennial allstar in the Placentia Inter-town Senior League and stood out during ten years or more of games against teams from the Argentia U.S. Military Base.
He contributed greatly to Placentia Inter-town softball as a coach, executive and organizer with his many contributions being important factors in the early participation of teams from the area in provincial and Atlantic competition.
SHERRY MORRISSEY, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 2009)
Sherry Morrissey enjoyed exceptional personal and team successes in various sports during her lengthy athletic career, but her softball play stands out as being very, very prominent. One of Newfoundland and Labrador’s top female players for more than a decade, she set a great example for others to follow throughout the provincial female game.
Growing up, she first played the game in the Mount Pearl Ladies League in the late 1970s, prior to moving to the more competitive St. John’s Senior A Ladies League, where she captured six league championships in nine seasons and earned five individual awards.
On five occasions, she represented Newfoundland and Labrador at Canadian senior women’s championships, where she utilized her speed and strong and accurate throwing arm to stand out as both an infielder and an outfielder. At all five championships, she was among the top batters on her team.
Her outstanding athletic accomplishments did not go by unnoticed, as she was named the Molson St. John’s Female Athlete of the Year for 1988.
After moving to British Columbia, her softball achievements continued, as she was a valuable member of two Canadian senior female championship teams and two selections as an all-star at a national championship. She won the batting title at a major prominent tournament in the U.S. and owns several Western Canada masters championships.
An outstanding defensive player and a threat every time she stepped to the plate, she is a member of the Mount Pearl Sports Hall of Fame and was outstanding in ice hockey, soccer, ball hockey and floor hockey.
TIM MURPHY, CALVERT
(Athlete – Inducted in 2023)
Tim Murphy enjoyed a successful career at the Local, Provincial and National levels.
At the Junior level, Tim was a member of two Junior League Championship teams (1983 & 1984) and captured two Individual Awards: Rookie of the Year (1993) & Playoff MVP (1993), one All-League Team Selection (1984) and 9 Statistical titles: two Pitching Wins titles (1983 & 1984), two Strikeout titles (1983 & 1984), two ERA titles (1983 & 1984), two Shutout titles (1983 & 1984) and one Pitching Percentage title (1984). He was a member of one Junior Provincial Championship team (1984) and on Friday, July 13, 1984 he tossed a perfect game with 11 strikeouts as the Junior 50’s shutout Conception Bay Central 1-0. He represented Newfoundland Labrador at two Junior Men’s Nationals (1983 & 1984), captured one Silver Medal (1984) and was named the Junior 50’s Team MVP for Provincial and National play in 1984. He was named Molson Athlete of the Month (September 1986) and Telegram Athlete of the Week July 21, 1984, July 19, 1986 and September 27, 1986.
At the Intermediate level, Tim was a member of one Intermediate “C” Provincial Championship team (1982) and captured back-to-back MVP Awards (1981 & 1982) and one Batting title (1982).
At the Senior level, Tim enjoyed a 14-year Career (1983-1996) in the Senior Men’s League. He pitched 191 Regular Season Games, had 93 Wins (93-56 Record), 1025 Strikeouts, 25 Shutouts and a 2.15 ERA and he pitched 70 Playoff Games, had 29 Wins (29-27 Record), 309 Strikeouts, 5 Shutouts and a 2.75 ERA.
Tim was a member of four Senior League Championship teams (1986, 1993, 1994 & 1995), captured three Individual Awards: Rookie of the Year (1983), Playoff MVP (1986) and All-League Team Selection (1990) and captured 14 Statistical titles: four Pitching Saves titles (1986, 1989, 1990 & 1992), three Pitching Wins titles (1985, 1989 & 1990), three Shutouts Pitched titles (1985, 1990 & 1992), two Strikeout titles (1987 & 1989), one Pitching Percentage title (1991) and one ERA title (1994). He was also a member of three St. John’s Day Tournament Championship teams (1984, 1991 & 1993) and was named Tournament MVP (1989). Tim was a member of two Senior Provincial Championship teams (1986 & 1987) and was named MVP on each occasion. He represented Newfoundland Labrador at six Senior Men’s Nationals (1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 & 1994).
MARY OAKLEY, SHEA HEIGHTS
(Athlete – Inducted in 2014)
Mary Oakley’s Softball Career spanned over 32-Years from 1967 to 1998 in the St. John’s Senior Ladies Softball Leagues.
Over the course of her career Mary was a member of 5 Senior “A” Ladies Fastpitch League Championship teams, namely Harry Summer 1974, Village Cleaners 1978, Labatt’s 1981 and East End Club 1997-1998.
Mary not only enjoyed team success, but individual success and her trophy case over the years is evidence of that.
6 Senior “A” Ladies Fastpitch League Individual Awards:
3 Regular Season MVP Awards: 1970, 1975 & 1992, 2 Playoff MVP Awards: 1974 & 1981 and 1 Sportsmanship & Ability Award: 1972.
17 Senior “A” Ladies Fastpitch League Statistical Awards:
1 Doubles Award: 1970, 1 Runs Scored Award: 1973, 1 Hits Award: 1977, 2 Home Run Awards: 1970 & 1973, 4 Pitching Awards: 1973, 1974, 1992 & 1993 and 7 Strikeouts Awards: 1970, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977 & 1992.
She played on 11 Provincial Senior “A” Ladies Fastpitch Championship Teams from 1967 to 1989. She was a member of the St. John’s All-Stars team that captured eight straight championships from 1967 to 1974. Her other titles came in 1974-Village Cleaners, 1981-Labatt’s and 1989-Miller Lite. Mary won the Batting Title in 1974, 2 Sportsmanship & Ability Awards 1975 & 1992 and 2 MVP Awards in 1981 & 1989.
She played on the Technical Sales team that captured the Provincial Senior “B” Ladies Fastpitch Championship in 1986. She was named Tournament MVP on two occasions: 1986 & 1987.
She played on 2 Provincial Ladies Slo-Pitch Championship Teams: 1994-Go Go’s and 1995-Coneheads. In 1995 she was the Tournament’s Top Batter.
Mary represented NL at 10 Senior “A” Ladies Fastpitch Championships and 2 Senior Ladies Slo-Pitch Nationals.
Other Accomplishments/Awards:
1969 Member 1st Ladies Canada Games Softball Team.
1971 Member NL All-Star Team Atlantic Softball Championship.
1977 Confederation Softball Championship Tournament MVP.
1984 St. John’s Metro Ladies Intermediate Softball League MVP.
St. John’s Senior Ladies League 2-Terms: 1973-VP & 1974-President.
While all of the Batting and Pitching stats are not available, it is obvious from the foregoing information that Mary was a dominated player over a long playing career.
Players who played with and against Mary said that she was always a force both on the mound and at the plate. They said that win or lose, Mary was always great to be around and that she was always there to help players who were feeling down because of a mistake or something else that may have affected their game.
Not only did Mary help her softball teams over the years, but she also helped many people outside the game of softball, particularly in her own community of Shea Heights.
HELEN O’LEARY, LABRADOR CITY
(Athlete – Inducted in 1981)
A native of Grand Falls, Helen O’Leary enjoyed a great softball career while living in Labrador City-Wabush. An excellent hitter who won the 1973 provincial senior “A” batting title, she stood out defensively, playing shortstop or third base. Quick and speedy, she had an exceptionally strong and accurate throwing arm and a glove that picked up ground balls with ease.
She traveled to four national championships as well as the 1973 Canada Summer Games and played a major role in the 1971 Atlantic senior female championship that the Newfoundland and Labrador All-stars won.
Overall, she added greatly to any team of which she was a member as demonstrated by her performances with the Labrador City All-Stars in provincial “B” female championships where she won the MVP award in 1977.
DOMINIC O’REILLY, PLACENTIA
(Athlete – Inducted in 2014)
Dominic O’Reilly was a well-known figure in Softball circles for many years. He was a Sponsor, a Coach, and a Player, however; he is best remembered as a player who made a significant impact on the game during his tenures in the Placentia Inter-Town League and the St. John’s Senior League during the period 1964-1988.
In 1964, Dominic was a key member of the Placentia Inter-Town All-Star team that defeated St. Joseph’s 3-0 to capture the first Provincial Junior Softball Championship. He pitched the win (5.2IP, 0R, 5H, 5K) and provided the only run of the game when he connected for a Solo Home Run in the 4th Inning.
In 1968, he was a member of the Placentia Inter-Town All-Star Team that won the Atlantic Brewery Labour Day Tournament.
Although he was a Pitcher & 3rd Baseman in Junior, he switched to Outfield when he moved up to the Senior ranks.
He enjoyed an 8-year career (1971-1975, 1982-1983 & 1989) in the St. John’s Senior League and compiled a .284 Career Batting Average over that period. His best offensive output came as a member of the 1971 Black Horse team when he captured the Senior League Batting title with a .408 Average (20-49). He played on three Senior League Championship Teams: 1972-Black Horse and 1973 & 1974-Stokes Angels and was also a member of the Molson team that captured the 1982 St. John’s Day Tournament Championship.
Dominic played on 6 Senior “A” Provincial Championship Teams from 1971 to 1982. He won three Senior Provincial Championships with the St. John’s Capitals (1971, 1973 & 1975), 1 with Stokes Angels (1974), 1 with the Placentia Pioneers (1979) and 1 with Molson (1982).
He coached/played on the Silver Dollar team that captured 2 Senior “B” Provincial Championships in 1986 & 1988. His Silver Dollar team would would go on to win the 1988 Eastern Canadian Senior “B” Tournament Championship.
Dominic was a member of 5 Provincial Senior “A” Teams to represent NL at the Canadian Senior Nationals. They were as follows: St. John’s Capitals (1972-1975) and Placentia Pioneers (1979).
It is worth noting that Dominic played a number of years in the Placentia Inter-Town League. While there are no stats available to include with his Bio one can only assume based on the information we have from the rest of his career, that if there were they would contain many more Team and Individual accomplishments.
SUE PECKHAM, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 2006)
For nearly 25 years, Sue Peckham performed at the top levels of softball within Canada, dividing her career between Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario. A strong pitcher with an impressive fastball, she was an exceptionally effective batter who was very valuable in all aspects of the game. She was simply a star on the diamond bringing an easy-going, sportsmanship manner to competitions while utilizing great skill and talent very, very well.
She played for 16 teams in national championships, ten for Ontario and six for Newfoundland and Labrador. With Ontario she won a national gold medal in 1994 to go with three second place silver medals and four all-star selections.
She was a member of eight teams that won the Ontario title. In two national junior appearances for Newfoundland and Labrador, she won a bronze medal in 1981. Individually, 1983 was her top senior appearance as she won the Most Valuable Player award, was all-star pitcher and the top pitcher. Her other national individual awards include the senior MVP for 1985.
Provincially, she was the major reason teams with which she played won two senior championships and one junior championship. For her entire career at home her skill and ability allowed teams that featured few stars to remain competitive. Her value was demonstrated by her consistent selection to teams advancing into national competition.
Within the highly competitive St. John’s Ladies “A” League she faced the same situation. She was a member of two championship teams while starring individually. She led in strikeouts five seasons and won the pitching award twice while earning two Most Valuable Player awards. At the plate, she had a batting title, led in doubles and triples twice to go with a most hits award and a stolen bases award.
Selected provincial and St. John’s Female Athlete of the Year, she played on the 1977 Canada Summer Games team. In addition to starring in softball, she enjoyed great success in ice and ball hockey, basketball and volleyball.
BECKY PENDERGAST, FOX HARBOUR
(Athlete – Inducted in 2012)
Becky Pendergast began her playing career while growing up in Fox Harbour, Placentia Bay. She started out as a catcher and finished her career as a shortstop. She was well known for her great range, her strong accurate throwing arm, and her super hitting ability.
Locally, Becky played on six Ladies “A” Championship teams over a 15-year period. During that time she won 20 Individual Awards, while winning seven awards in each of the 1983 and 1988 seasons. Included in her Awards were Most Hits (2), Most Home Runs (3), Most Doubles (2), Most Triples (3), Top Batter (1), MVP (2), Sportsmanship & Ability (1) and Golden Glove Infield (1).
Provincially, Becky played on one Junior and three Senior “A” Championship Teams. In 1975 she won the Junior Batting Title with a .458 Batting Average.
Nationally, Becky played on four teams that represented Newfoundland and Labrador at the Canadian Senior “A” Ladies Championships.
CEC PIERSON, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1977)
An extra strong hitter who could pitch extremely well and play first base with ease, Cec Pierson was a standout performer in the St. John’s Senior Men’s “A” League for ten seasons. He posted 139 pitching victories while batting .322 with 173 hits. He was a member of two championship clubs and earned ten individual awards, including two MVP’s, two pitching, a batting title and a home run crown.
He was a member of one provincial championship club, was picked up by the Labrador City Carol Lakers for the 1967 Canadian Senior Men’s championships in Saskatoon and was one of the club’s better players.
He contributed greatly to the Mount Pearl drive to the 1970 provincial senior men’s “B” championship, and was named the tournament MVP.
He won a Mount Pearl team championship while earning individual MVP, top pitcher and most strikeout awards.
He is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
ALOYSIUS (WISH) PITTMAN, FOX HARBOUR
(Athlete – Inducted in 2014)
Aloysius (Wish) Pittman, a native of Fox Harbour began his playing career in Placentia.
In 1976, Wish played on the Placentia midget team that win the Provincial Midget Championship.
In 1975 and 1977, he was a member of the Fox Harbour Junior Team that captured the Placentia Junior League Title.
In 1978 and 1979, Wish played on the Placentia Inter-Town All-Star Team that represented NL at the Canadian Junior Nationals. At the 1978 tournament he was named to the All-League Team at 3B. His Placentia team also won the Provincial Junior Championship in 1979.
In 1981, he played on the NL team at the Canada Summer Games that finished with a 3-3 record and 9th Place Overall.
Wish played in the St. John’s Senior League for 16-years (1981-1995 & 2005) and played for 4 teams over that span: Canada Games (1981), Molson (1981-1984). Labatt Blues (1985-1995) and Impact Signs (2005).
Career Regular Season Batting Stats:
384GP, 288H-1171AB, .246BA, 155R, 21D, 14T, 2HR, 88RBI
Career Playoff Batting Stats:
85GP, 48H-239AB, .201BA, 21R, 3D, 2T, 1HR, 6RBI
During his 16-year career, Wish was a member of 1 Senior League Championship Team (1984-Molson) and was named to the All-League Team in 1982 & 1986.
He was a member of 3 St. John’s Day Tournament Championship Teams: 1982-Molson and 1987 & 1992-Labatt Blues.
He played with 3 Provincial Senior Championship Teams: 1982-Molson and 1985 & 1990-Labatt Blues.
Wish represented NL at 11 Senior Men’s Nationals from 1982 to 2005. He played with the follow teams: Stoke Angels (1982), St. John’s Capitals (1983 & 1985), Venice Pizzeria (1986 & 1987), Green Sleeves (1988, 1989, 1992 & 1995), Labatt Blues (1990) and Impact Signs (2005). He won 3 Senior National Medals (2 Silver: 1995 & 2005 and 1 Bronze: 1989).
A steady hitter, a slick fielding shortstop and a great team player. The fact he was selected to play on so may Provincial Teams is a true testament to his overall playing ability.
JIM PITTMAN, FOX HARBOUR
(Athlete – Inducted in 2006)
A tremendous infielder who could hit the ball with the best of them, Jim Pittman owns the distinction of having played with two Newfoundland and Labrador softball teams to win Canadian championships. He was a member of the 1975 Placentia Intertown All-stars and the 1976 St. John’s club that earned national junior titles. He also played with Placentia at the 1977 junior nationals.
Devoted to the sport, he always demonstrated exceptional defensive ability that was well supported by a clear understanding of the game and a determination that always put his team’s good ahead of personal good. In addition to being a great player he was a great teammate.
He was a member of four teams that played at national senior championships, with St. John’s in 1978, Erco Pioneers in 1979, Stokes Angels in 1982 and Labatt’s Blue in 1990. He played for Silver Dollar teams that won the Canadian senior “B” championship in 1986 and the Eastern Canadian senior “B” title in 1988.
At the provincial level he was a member of Placentia teams that won the 1975 and 1977 junior championships and the Erco Pioneers who won the 1978 and 1979 senior titles and the Labatt’s Blue club that won the 1990 senior title. He helped Silver Dollar win the 1986 and 1988 senior “B” championships. He won sportsmanship and ability awards at the 1976 junior championships and the 1988 senior championships and was the MVP winner for the 1986 Erco Tournament.
In the 1976 Placentia Inter-town Junior League he had the top batting average of .449, the most home runs with six and the most runs batted in with 23. He was MVP winner for the 1981 Placentia Intermediate League.
From 1989 to 1994, he played six seasons of St. John’s Men’s Senior “A” ball. During regular season play, he registered a .287 batting average from 76 hits for 265 plate appearances in 82 games. He scored 40 runs with 12 doubles, three triples, three home runs and 31 runs batted in. His fielding average was .922. His playoff record includes 21 games, 62 at bats, 16 hits, seven runs scored, four doubles, two triples, three runs batted in, a .258 batting average and a .954 fielding average. He was voted rookie of the year and all-star shortstop for the 1989 season.
PATTY POLYCH, WABUSH
(Athlete – Inducted in 1993)
A brilliant 18-year softball pitching career that overflowed with success and achievements at the local, provincial, national and international levels of competition earned Patty Polych the distinction of being one of the very elite athletes produced within Newfoundland and Labrador.
Her induction into the Canadian Softball Hall of Fame, the Newfoundland and Labrador Softball Hall of Fame, the British Columbia Softball Hall of Fame and the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame is a clear demonstration of the great respect that this great athlete has earned.
Patty Polych lived in Labrador from 1960 to 1976 and received her initial softball instructions during that period of time. She was a resident of St. John’s from 1976 to 1980 prior to moving to British Columbia.
She was a valuable member of five teams that won the Canadian senior female softball championship, a member of nine teams that won provincial senior female softball championships and a member of seven teams that won senior female league championships.
At the 1980 Canadian Senior Female Championships in Hull, Quebec, as a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador representatives, she recorded the first “perfect game” in a Canadian championship. Having 21 straight outs, she included 16 strikeouts, nine consecutively at one point. There was not a ball that went out of the infield. She set three national records and was named MVP, top pitcher and all-star pitcher.
She recorded nine no-hitters between 1976 and 1980 as she led her team to three St. John’s titles and four provincial titles.
She stood out for B.C. teams from 1981 to 1988 when shoulder problems forced her to retire from softball. During that period, playing against the best teams in Canada, the U.S., New Zealand, Japan, China, Australia, Taiwan and other countries, she posted 222 wins against only 35 losses. In 11 games she did not allow a base runner as she had an ERA of 0.254 after facing 5,295 batters.
Her softball career is overflowing with selections as top pitcher and most valuable player at every level of ball at which she competed. These selections included leagues and tournaments within Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia, Canadian championships and world championships.
Patty Polych was a world-class softball pitcher and continually demonstrated her ability during an exceptional 18-year career.
It was for her tremendous accomplishments in softball that she was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame November 2, 2002.
DEBBY POWER, OUTER COVE
(Athlete – Inducted in 2002)
A native of Outer Cove, Debby Power enjoyed outstanding success in softball, during an athletic career that equals, and mostly surpasses, that of any other Newfoundland and Labrador athlete, male or female. She rates among the finest athletes ever produced within the province.
In 1982 she was voted provincial and St. John’s female Athlete of the Year. She excelled in ice hockey and ball hockey and has been inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.
She had the exceptional talent to establish herself as a pitcher at every level of softball while demonstrating a hitting ability that earned her a starting position when she wasn’t on the mound.
She represented Newfoundland and Labrador at 13 national championships and was twice selected as an all-star, won a batting title and was twice voted the most valuable player. In 1982 she set a national record for runs batted in during one game with 11.
She led the provincial all-stars to a bronze medal at the Canadian junior championships in 1981, was invited to national team tryout camps in 1981 and 1983 and was named provincial softball female player of the year in 1988, 1989 and 1997.
Her career includes five provincial and four St. John’s championships between 1977 and 1999 and follows a provincial summer games gold medal and MVP in1976. In the St. John’s League she won an impressive six batting titles, 13 MVP selections and numerous other personal awards. In all, she earned an amazing 51 individual awards during her St. John’s League career.
Provincially she was selected most valuable player in the 1980, 1981, 1986, 1990 and 1992 championships. Overall she was a member of nine championship teams and earned 69 individual awards from local to national competition. She was named provincial softball’s female player of the year for 1988, 1989 and 1997.
As a person, she gained a tremendous respect from everybody with whom she came in contact. As a daughter, sister and aunt she has provided exceptional support for members of her family during some trying times. Within her athletic career she has always demonstrated great sportsmanship, exceptional co-operation with her coaches and teammates and a dedicated willingness to work for all the sports with which she has been involved.
FRED POWER, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 2012)
Fred Power started his softball career in 1966. He played with the Bot’s Club team that won the St. John’s Junior Championship in 1969.
Fred played second base in the St. John’s Senior SoftballLeague for 19-years, appearing in 317 Regular Seasons Games and 53 Playoff Games while recording 243 Hits.
Fred was a member of four Senior “A” League Championship Teams between 1967 and 1986. In 1970 he was voted Most Valuable Player, Golden Glove Winner, won the Batting and Slugging Titles, collected the Most Hits and Most Triples. He had the Most Hits in 1971, scored the Most Runs in 1974, and was named Comeback Player of the Year for 1974.
Fred played on three Provincial Senior Championship Teams and two club teams that won the Provincial Junior Championships. He played for the 1972 St. John’s Capitals team that won the Provincial Senior Qualifying Tournament and went on to play at the Nationals in Edmonton, AB.
Fred was a member of two teams that represented the Province in the Atlantic Championships.
RON POWER, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1987)
Ron Power pitched for three league champions while earning three season MVP’s, two top pitcher awards and three all-star selections.
He played for six provincial senior champions, two junior champions, three senior “A” qualifying teams, two teams representing Newfoundland in Atlantic championships and seven teams representing Newfoundland in national championships, including the bronze medal team of 1979. He coached the St. John’s team that won the 1976 national junior gold medal.
He played 19 seasons within the St. John’s Senior Men’s League and as pitcher had 143 wins with a 1.41 career earned run average to go with 60 shutouts and 1670 strikeouts. At the plate, he compiled a .219 career batting average with 226 hits, 15 home runs and 100 RBI’s. He was selected a top performer for the first 50 years of the League.
He is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
JACK QUINLAN, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1972)
Third baseman Jack Quinlan played 17 seasons in the St. John’s Senior Men’s League and owns a .273 career batting average with 269 hits, 15 home runs and 144 runs batted in.
A member of six league championship teams, he won seven individual awards including the 1964 Most Valuable Player award. He coached four teams that won the St. John’s junior championship, 1967, 1971, 1972 and 1973.
A member of two teams that won provincial senior championships, he was the provincial batting king in 1968 with a .500 average.
He coached St. John’s All-stars to the first provincial junior championship in 1972. He played a major role in the establishment of the league during the late 1950s and early 1960s. On an annual basis he would organize a team, obtain a sponsor and players and fill the role of playing-coach or simply coach in a very successful way and served on the league executive in 1961 and 1969.
He is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
He was a valuable pioneer in the start of the St. John’s Senior Men’s “A” League.
ANNETTE ROSSITER, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1990)
A keen student of softball, Annette Rossiter was an excellent coach in addition to being one of its best players. She was especially known for her team play and clutch hitting. She played for five championship teams during a 13-year career in the St. John’s Ladies League. She was twice home run winner and twice named golden glove infielder with one season MVP and one playoff MVP included in her nine individual awards.
At the provincial level, she played for eight senior championship teams and one junior championship team. She played for the team that won the first Atlantic senior “A” title in 1971 and was a member of the provincial team that played in the softball competition at the 1973 Canada Summer Games in Burnaby, British Columbia.
She represented the province in nine Canadian senior championships. An outstanding soccer, basketball and volleyball player, she was St. John’s Female Athlete of the Year for 1971.
She is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
JOHN SEAY, ARGENTIA
(Athlete – Inducted in 1972)
John Seay came to Newfoundland and Labrador as a member of the U.S. Marines at Argentia Naval Station in the late 1950s and for more than 50 years he made varied contributions to softball in general and Placentia Inter-town softball in particular. His involvement included playing, coaching, officiating and organizing.
As a player he earned numerous individual awards at the local and provincial levels including the batting title and MVP selection at the 1977 provincial qualifying tournament and an all-star selection in the 1978 provincial qualifying tournament. He was voted the player best combining sportsmanship and ability.
He was playing-coach for two title winning senior men’s teams while coaching the 1991 provincial all-star team that won a national silver medal. For more than 30 years he coached teams at every level of competition developing an extremely large number of top quality players.
He umpired at the 1978 Canadian junior men’s championships in St. John’s and this assignment was supported by countless officiating contributions at every level of softball. While contributing greatly to softball in the Placentia area, he has served on the executive of Softball Newfoundland and Labrador.
John Seay has played a major role in the softball situation within the province.
GEORGE SHEPPARD, CORNER BROOK
(Athlete – Inducted in 1972)
Pitcher George Sheppard played an extremely important role in Corner Brook’s early participation in provincial softball. He was the City’s top pitcher during five years of provincial play, often displaying a great ability to pitch four or five games in a two-day period. Very strong, he possessed an excellent fast ball.
Within local and Western Newfoundland competition, he was outstanding, setting the pitching level during the early 1960s. In addition to his prowess on the mound, he was a good hitter who established a fine reputation for sportsmanship.
DENNIS TALBOT, LABRADOR CITY
(Athlete – Inducted in 1972)
Dennis Talbot was an extremely talented third baseman who developed his fine softball career while growing up in Ontario. He had a long list of great minor baseball and softball games to his credit when he moved to Labrador City in the mid-1960s and expanded his talent and skill within the community’s fine softball program.
A standout defensively with speed, a great throwing arm and a sure glove, he played a major role in the provincial senior male championship that Labrador City won in 1966 and continued his impressive play as the club’s third baseman at the 1967 Canadian senior male championships in Saskatoon.
COLLEEN TAPPER, TORBAY
(Athlete – Inducted in 1997)
Colleen Tapper ranks equally with any female athlete that Newfoundland and Labrador has ever produced. An excellent yardstick by which to judge her athletic accomplishments and achievements is to assess the number of sports and the number of times she has represented Newfoundland and Labrador in a national championship.
It is amazing and almost unbelievable that she has worn a uniform from this province in national softball, ice hockey, field hockey, ball hockey, volleyball, youth five-pin bowling and squash championships.
In addition she twice participated in the national Gillette Fitness Competition and was a member of the CJON twosome that performed in the 1981 National Media Fitness competition in Jamaica.
For six seasons, she enjoyed tremendous team and individual success in provincial and local soccer and found time to play intermediate basketball. She was voted St. John’s Female Athlete of the Year for 1975 and enjoyed an outstanding athletic career while obtaining her physical education degree at Memorial University. She is a member of University Athletic Honors Society.
In every one of these sports she was an all-star and team leader as well as an outstanding performer. Her determination and leadership ability coupled with her very strong team performances made her an important aspect of the many, many successes enjoyed by teams with whom she played.
Her exceptional natural ability, her willingness to play as a team member first and her evident and always present love of “sport” combined to have her emerge as one of the finest female athletes the province has ever produced.
A member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Hockey Hall of Fame and the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame, she was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.
MARY TAYLOR, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1985)
Mary Taylor, a very versatile athlete, played in the St. John’s Ladies League from 1968 to 1982 and was a member of five league championship teams and nine provincial championship teams. A great lead-off batter because of her speed and ability to handle a bat, Taylor was on eight teams that represented Newfoundland in national competition including the 1973 Canada Summer Games in Burnaby, British Columbia.
She broke into the league as a pitcher/outfielder recording a 5-0 record her first season, but performed mostly in center field or at shortstop where her excellent arm and sure-glove were major factors in her all-star performances. Major shoulder surgery midway through her career presented a handicap that she was able to overcome. Her career included a variety of individual awards in the St. John’s Ladies League.
She is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.
DON TILLEY, UPPER GULLIES
(Athlete – inducted in 1995)
Pitcher Don Tilley put an extremely successful softball career together, especially within Conception Bay South competition. He was selected 1967 top pitcher and most valuable player with Long Pond and in 1968 he led Upper Gullies to its first CBS championship and received awards for regular season MVP, playoff MVP, top batter and top pitcher.
In 1972 he led Upper Gullies to its third CBS championship and won the regular season MVP. He earned top pitcher awards in 1973 and 1974 and was regular season MVP and top batter in 1975.
During the 1978 provincial Senior “C” championships he was selected tournament MVP and 1981 won the MVP award at the provincial senior “B” championships.
In all, he collected 25 individual awards in CBS softball and backed these up with two provincial titles and three provincial individual awards.
LEN WAKEHAM, PLACENTIA
(Athlete – inducted in 2019)
Len Wakeham (Placentia) enjoyed an MVP playing career at the Local, Provincial, Eastern & National levels.
At the Minor level, Len was a member of one U14 Boy’s Championship team (1973), one U19 Men’s Championship team (1976) and earned Tournament Most Valuable Player in 1976.
In 1981, Len was a key member of the NL Canada Summer Games team that captured the Erco Invitational Tournament Championship and was named Tournament MVP, the New Brunswick Pre-Canada Games Tournament Championship and was named Tournament MVP and Top Pitcher and the PEI Pre-Canada Games Tournament Championship and was named Tournament MVP and All-Tournament Pitcher. NL Canada Summer Games team finished with a 3-3 Record (9th Place).
At the Junior level, Len was a standout in the Placentia Junior League. He captured one League Championship (1980), two Regular Season MVP Awards (1979-1980), two Playoff MVP Awards (1979-1980), two Strikeout Titles (1978 & 1980) and during the 1980 season earned the following titles: Pitching, Earned Run Average and Shutouts Pitched and he also hurled an impressive five No-Hitters. Len was a member of one Provincial Junior Championship team in 1979 and was named Tournament MVP and Top Batter. He also represented Newfoundland Labrador at the Junior Men’s Nationals in 1978, 1979 & 1980 and captured a Bronze Medal in 1980.
At the Senior level, Len enjoyed success in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League and the Conception Bay North Senior Men’s League. He played 8-Years in St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League (1981-1989) and captured one MVP Award (1982), one Sportsmanship & Ability Award (1982), one All-League Team Selection – Pitcher (1982), two Pitching Titles (1982 & 1984), two Strikeout Titles (1982 & 1984), two Earned Run Average Titles (1981-1982) and one Shutouts Pitched Title (1982). He was a member of two St. John’s Day Tournament Championship teams (1985 & 1987) and was named Tournament MVP in 1987. He captured five consecutive Conception Bay North Senior Men’s League Championships (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 & 1992).
Len was also a member of one Provincial Senior ‘B’ Championship team (1991), was named recipient of the Sportsmanship & Ability Award in 1988 and was named Tournament MVP and Top Batter in 1991.
Len represented the Province at four Canadian Senior Men’s Fastpitch Championships in 1982, 1983, 1984 & 1989 and one Senior ‘B’ Eastern Canadian in 1988, in which his team captured Gold and he was named Tournament Top Pitcher.
DARRELL WALSH, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 2017)
Darrell Walsh was a member of four St. John’s Junior League Championship teams from 1992-1996.
He represented Newfoundland Labrador at five National Junior Men’s Nationals and captured two Bronze Medals (1990 & 1994).
Darrell played in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League for 24-years (1990-2014) and captured four Senior League Championships (1999, 2000, 2006 & 2008).
He played 456 Regular Season games, had 457 Hits in 1392 At Bats for a .328 Batting Average and he played 138 Playoff games, had 128 Hits in 440 At Bats for a .291 Batting Average. He won the Sportsmanship & Ability Award (1993), Batting Title (2004) and was named to the All-League Team 10 times (1993, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2007).
Darrell played on seven St. John’s Day Tournament Championship teams (1992, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2007, 2008 & 2011).
He was a member of three Provincial Senior Men’s Championship teams (1998, 2003 & 2008), represented the Province at nine Senior Men’s National Championships (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2007 & 2008) and captured a Bronze Medal in 2001 with Fog City Brewers and a Silver Medal in 2007 with Roebothan McKay Marshall.
At the National Senior Championships, Darrell captured the Batting Title (2000) and two All-Star Team Selections (2000 & 2004).
In 2006, Darrell was selected to the Senior League 5th All-Decade (1997-2006) Team at 3rd Base and was also selected as one of 15 players to the Senior League’s All-Time Top Performers in its first 50 years of operation (1957-2006).
BAS WHELAN, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete/Builder – Inducted in 2019)
Bas Whelan (St. John’s) enjoyed a successful 28-year (1971-1998) career as a player/coach and league executive.
Bas was a member of the Newfoundland Labrador All-Star team that captured a Gold Medal at the Montreal Invitational Youth Tournament in 1971.
At the Junior level, Bas was a member of three consecutive St. John’s Junior League Championship teams from 1971-1973.
In 1975, Bas was a member of one Inter-Street Softball League Championship team.
In 1977, he was a member of one Commercial Softball League Championship team and captured the Home Run title that year.
In 1981, he was member of the Post Office team that captured the Atlantic Regional Post Office Championship.
In 1982, he was player/coach of the Civil Service Softball League Championship team and captured the Batting title that year with a .366 Batting Average.
From 1984 to 1998, Bas was a member (player/coach) of eight Mercantile Softball League Championship teams. In the role as player/coach, his Sportscraft team captured four consecutive league titles (1992-1995) and five titles in six years. In 1991, he captured the Batting Title (19-for-43 .442 Batting Average) and the Slugging Title (29-43 .674 Slugging Percentage). In 1984, he was a member of the Mercantile All-Star team that captured the Labatt Classic Tournament Championship. In 1994, he guided Sportscraft to the Twin City Invitational Tournament Championship. He also had a brief stint in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League.
For some playing and coaching would be enough, but Bas also served on the Mercantile Softball League Executive for 12-Years. He served as Vice-President for 2-Years (1984-1985) and 10-Years as President (1986-1992, 1995-1996 & 1998).
At the Provincial level, Bas was a member of six Provincial Senior “B” Championship teams and once again served a duel role as player/coach. His Sportscraft team captured three consecutive Provincial titles (1995-1997). In 1986, he was the recipient of the Sportsmanship & Ability Award.
TAMMY WHITE, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 2012)
Tammy White’s career spanned 20-years at both the Jujnior and Senior Levels of Ladies Softball. During that period she played Locally, Provincially, and Nationally while excelling at all levels of play.
On the Local Level, Tammy played on 14 Championship Teams between 1975 and 1995. She was Regular Season MVP seven times, while adding eight Playoff MVP Selections. She was named Rookie of the Year in 1974.
Tammy was the Top Pitcher in the St. John’s Ladies League for seven seasons with the Most Strikeouts five times and the Best ERA two times. She won Golden Glove Infielder five times, Runs Scored twice, Most Hits twice, one Home Run Title and one Stolen Bases Award once.
Tammy was a member of seven Provincial Championship Teams. She won the Provincial MVP Award five times, Provincial Batting Champion once, and was named the player combining Sportsmanship & Ability three times.
Tammy was a member of 11 teams that represented Newfoundland Labrador in National Championships, three at the Junior Level and eight at the Senior Level. She was selected as All-Star 3B in 1975 and All-Star Pitcher in 1976.
SEAN WHITTEN, PETTY HARBOUR
(Athlete – Inducted in 2019)
Sean Whitten (Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove) enjoyed a successful playing career in the pitching circle at the Local, Provincial, National & International levels.
At the Minor level, Sean was named 1991 Playoff MVP of the U14 Boy’s Constable William Moss Memorial Fastpitch Tournament. In 1993, he was a named MVP and All-Star Pitcher as his team captured the U16 Boy’s St. John’s League Championship, his team captured the U16 Boy’s Provincial Fastpitch Championship and he captured a Silver Medal at the U16 Boy’s Eastern Canadian Softball Championship that same season. In 1994, he was named MVP and All-Star Pitcher in the U19 Men’s St. John’s League and his team captured the U19 League Championship in 1995. He also captured three consecutive U19 Men’s Provincial Championships in 1994, 1995 & 1996 and represented NL at two U19 Men’s Nationals in 1994-1995.
At the Junior level, Sean was a member of four St John’s Junior League Championship teams, captured two Regular Season MVP Awards, two Playoff MVP Awards, three All-League Team Selections – Pitcher, three Earned Run Average titles, three Shutouts Pitched titles, three Pitching Percentage titles, two Pitching Wins titles, two Strikeout titles, one Batting title, one Base Hit title, one Doubles title, one RBI title, one Slugging title and one Home Run title. He was a member of one Swing into Summer Tournament Championship team in 1998 and was named Tournament MVP. Sean was also a member of four consecutive Provincial Junior Championship teams (1997-2000) and was named Tournament MVP in 1998, 1999 & 2000. He represented NL at five consecutive Junior Men’s Nationals (1996-2000), captured a Bronze Medal in 1996, two Qualifying Round MVP Selections (1998-1999) and one Top Pitcher Award (2000).
At the Senior level, Sean played 5-years (1996-2001) in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1997, captured two Shutouts Pitched titles, one Wins Pitched title, one Strikeout title and one Triples title. He also captured one Mercantile League Championship in 1996 and was named Playoff MVP that year. Sean represented NL at six Senior Men’s Nationals (2007 & 2010-2014), captured five Medals (3 Gold, 1 Silver & 1 Bronze), captured three Top Pitcher Awards (2008, 2009 & 2013), two All-Tournament Team Selections (2011 & 2014) and one Qualifying MVP Award (2010).
Sean proudly represented Canada on several occasions. In 2003, he captured Pan Am Gold in Santo Domingo, he captured a Silver Medal at the 2004 ISF Senior Men’s World Championship in Christchurch, New Zealand, captured a Bronze Medal at the 2009 ISF Senior Men’s World Championship in Saskatoon, SK and a fifth place finish at the 2013 ISF Senior Men’s World Championship in Auckland, New Zealand.
BILL WINDSOR, AQUAFORTE
(Athlete – Inducted in 2006)
Bill Windsor put together an outstanding softball career that lasted for more than 15 years and established him as one of the very best hitters the sport has produced within Newfoundland and Labrador.
His natural ability and skill combined with his dedication and determination provided him with a stellar career on Newfoundland and Labrador teams at Canadian championships, beginning in 1983 and continuing to 1995.
A member of the Canadian Softball Hall of Fame, he played in eight senior national championships, highlighted by a silver medal at the 1995 championships held in St. John’s and a bronze medal in 1989. He was twice selected as an all-star outfielder.
He helped earn a silver medal in the 1984 national junior championships, one of two he attended as he led the Labatt’s Junior 50’s by winning the batting title with a .600 average. He was named an all-star.
His overall performances in junior and senior national championships earned him a tryout for Canada’s national team in 1986.
At the provincial level he led four teams to the senior championship and won the 1995 batting title with an impressive .650 average. In junior, he played for two Newfoundland and Labrador champions.
Selected as a top performer and a decade all-star in the 50 years celebration of the St. John’s Men’s “A” League, he was one of the outstanding members of the league during his 13-year career.
He owns the highest career batting average of .383 for the league while winning its batting crown three times. He was a member of four championship teams and was named an all-star nine times. A standout in regular season and playoffs, he includes two MVP’s in his 12 individual awards and designation as a top performer during the league’s 50-year history. At the annual St. John’s Day Tournaments, he played for four title teams, twice won the batting honors and was voted MVP once.
In St. John’s junior play, he was a member of the 1984 champion Labatt’s Junior 50’s after winning the batting crown and RBI title in 1983. He was voted MVP and an all-star outfielder.
JIM WISEMAN, ST. JOHN’S
(Athlete – Inducted in 1972)
Jim Wiseman was an outfielder/pitcher in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Softball League from 1957 to 1968. He was a member of four league championship teams and coached one provincial championship team, Guards, in 1970. He also coached a championship team in provincial “B” competition.
He coached the St. John’s Junior All-stars to three provincial “A” championships; coached one team representing the province in Atlantic championships and coached one league championship team in junior competition in 1966.
He played a major role in the establishment of the St. John’s Senior Men’s “A” League and was a tireless worker for its operation.
GORDON YOUNG, STEPHENVILLE
(Athlete – Inducted in 1974)
Gordon Young was one of the softball stars to come out of Stephenville. While he started his ball career in local baseball, he moved into softball as an excellent pitcher and stood out for Stephenville in provincial competition during the 1960s. In fact, it was his all-star skill that allowed Stephenville to compete competitively during the very early days of provincial softball.
A true gentleman on and off the diamond, he earned the respect of all those associated with softball, especially in Western Newfoundland, during its first eight years of provincial play.
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES-ATHLETES (YEAR-BY-YEAR)
1972 Inductees
Dennis Talbot (Labrador City)
Peter Deutsch (St. John’s)
George Sheppard (Corner Brook)
Orville Matthews (St. John’s)
Gus Mooney (Placentia)
John Seay (Argentia)
Jim Wiseman (St. John’s)
Jack Quinlan (St. John’s)
1973 Inductees
Joe Antle (St. John’s)
Bill Hounsell (Labrador City)
1974 Inductees
John Bambrick (St. John’s)
Gordon Young (Stephenville)
1975 Inductee
Gordon Kiss (St. John’s)
1976 Inductee
Reg Dillon (St. John’s)
1977 Inductees
Ford Metcalfe (Manuels)
Cec Pierson (St. John’s)
1978 Inductee
Betty Greene (St. John’s)
1981 Inductee
Helen O’Leary (Grand Falls)
1982 Inductees
Bev Crummell (St. John’s)
Ed Kelly (Labrador City)
Bill Malone (St. John’s)
1984 Inductees
Kitty Barker (Grand Falls)
Brian Brocklehurst (St. John’s)
Bruce Legrow (Corner Brook)
1985 Inductees
Pat Greene (St. John’s)
Loyola Mackey (St. John’s)
Mary Taylor (St. John’s)
1986 Inductees
Carl Chipman (Spaniard’s Bay)
Pat Hearn (St. John’s)
1987 Inductees
Dick Abercrombie (Labrador City)
Gert Delaney (Grand Falls)
Wayne Fitzpatrick (Dunville)
Dan Foley (Fox Harbour)
Ron Power (St. John’s)
1988 Inductees
Terry Bailey (St. John’s)
Mike Kelly (Fox Harbour)
Al Durno (Happy Valley-Goose Bay)
1989 Inductees
Pat Kelly (Fox Harbour)
Marje Keough (St. John’s)
1990 Inductees
Len Beresford (St. Brendan’s)
Percy Joyce (Corner Brook)
Kevin Lane (Happy Valley-Goose Bay)
Annette Rossiter (St. John’s)
1991 Inductee
Patty Polych (Wabush)
1994 Inductees
Pam (Yetman) Babstock (St. John’s)
Kevin Beresford (St. John’s)
Marg Davis (Fox Harbour)
1995 Inductees
Jim Davis (Fox Harbour)
Don Tilley (Upper Gullies)
1997 Inductees
Wayne Bowering (St. John’s)
Gary Corbett (Holyrood)
Ross Crocker (Heart’s Delight)
1998 Inductees
Brian Cooney (St. John’s)
John Gorman (Harbour Main)
Jim Lewis (Holyrood)
Colleen Tapper (Torbay)
1999 Inductees
Rose Foley (Fox Harbour)
Peter Marshall (Bay Roberts)
2000 Inductees
Bill Davis (Fox Harbour)
Kathy (Jackman) Gosse (St. John’s)
2002 Inductees
Ron Boland (Outer Cove)
Dick Davis (Fox Harbour)
Debby Power (Outer Cove)
2006 Inductees
Jerome Brocklehurst (St. John’s)
Jim Pittman (Fox Harbour)
Bill Windsor (Aquaforte)
Sue Peckham (St. John’s)
2009 Inductees
John Hill (St. John’s)
Sherry Morrissey (St. John’s)
Scott Mercer (Bay Roberts)
Glenn Littlejohn (Bay Roberts)
2012 Inductees
Keith Abbott (Portugal Cove)
Vern Abbott (Portugal Cove)
Dave Boland (Logy Bay)
Graham (Sock) Evely (Placentia)
Becky Pendergast (Fox Harbour)
Fred Power (St. John’s)
Tammy White (St. John’s)
2014 Inductees
Colin Abbott (Portugal Cove)
Ward Gosse (Bay Roberts)
Tony Hawco (Flatrock)
Blair Langmead (Flatrock)
Mary Oakley (Shea Heights)
Dominic O’Reilly (Placentia)
Aloysius (Wish) Pittman (Fox Harbour)
2017 Inductees
Valerie Abbott (Portugal Cove)
Joe Boland (Outer Cove)
Mike Davis (Fox Harbour)
Jeff Kirk (Goulds)
Joe Maynard (Flatrock)
Darrell Walsh (St. John’s)
2019 Inductees
Joe Fagan (St. John’s)
John Farrell (Holyrood)
Harold Kelly (Outer Cove)
Len Wakeham (Placentia)
Bas Whelan (St. John’s)
Sean Whitten (Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove)
2023 Inductees
Donny Cleary (Harbour Main)
Lee Hawco (Flatrock)
Donny King (Fox Harbour)
Joey Maynard (Flatrock)
Eddy McDonald (Colliers)
Tim Murphy (Calvert)
