A Tribute to Softball Greats

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Ramon Trujillo Aldecoa

Inducted: 2011
Category: Men Players

"Ramon started playing at the age of 17, as a catcher, with the LDS Men's Mormon League of Queen Creek. He went to the LDS World Tournament in Salt Lake City.

Ramon was drafted by the Giants and played professional Baseball. After his baseball career ended, he went back to softball and played with the Sports Club of America catching for Jay Bob Bickford. They qualified for the ASA Nationals in Dallas, TX. Ray also played for the Turquoise Kings. In 1974 they were ISC State Champs and finished in second place in the World Tourney held in Sun City.

Honors include: ISC state champs selected to the All American Team, ISC State Champs, and runner up champions.

BORN: March 17, 1944, Santa Maria, California

PARENTS: Waldo and Rosenea Aldecoa

MARRIED: 1968 to longtime girlfriend Ruth Rosales

HIGH SCHOOL: Chandler High School. Class of 1966. Mascot: Wolf

BASEBALL: Played catcher and pitcher for High School and American Legion Baseball

PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL: Drafted right out of high school by San Francisco Giants; played four years in the minors.

BUSINESS: After four years with the Giants, Ramon came home and bought his first diesel truck and started the Aldecoa Trucking. His business has built a thriving and successful business of 30 plus years.

SOFTBALL YEARS/TEAMS: Started playing at the age of 17 with the LDS Mens Mormon League of Queen Creek. Went with the team to the LDS World Tournament in Salt Lake City. Later drafted by Giants and stopped softball for thirteen years.
1973: Played one year with the Sports Club of America catching Jay Bob Bickford. They qualified for the ASA Nationals in Dallas, TX. Coached by Harold Kleinman

1974: Joined the Tourquiose Kings and caught Jay Bob Bickford. They were the ISC State Champs and went to the World Tourney of that year in Sun City, AZ where they placed second behind the Page Raiders Team. At this tourney Ramon was selected to the All American Team.
A team was being put together to go to Houston to play in a tournament. Ramon was asked to play on this team. They were called the Phoenix All Stars but the sponsor didn't have the money to send the team to Houston so the United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) gave them the money and sponsored them in the tournament. Julian De La Cruz was coaching. The team needed a third baseman and Ramon played third instead of catcher. Julian and another man caught.
1975: Played for the Kings. Was Metro League Champions. ISC Travel League Champs

1976: Kings

1991: A.C. Williams called Jay Bob Bickford and wanted to have an Old Timers Game for the Memorial Day Tourney. Turn the clock back put people in the stands, bring back the old announcer Larry Bender, give you the first game of the tourney Friday night. Promised to give the Kings an opponent that he thought they could beat. Jay Bob called various players from former Hays Roofing, Southern Truck, 7th Ave Auto and Kings. The pitchers were Jay Bob Bickford, Jerry Wells and Gil Aragon. Cathers were Ramon Aldecoa and John Dutton. Most of the players were in their 60s. Couldn't run very well. The pitchers got together and decided due to age and time off from pitching they would have the following rotation no matter what the score was at the time of substitution. Jay Bob 4 innings, Gill 3 innings Next game Jerry Wells 4 innings Jay bob 3 and so on through out the tourney. They won the tourney. Gave up only one run in the entire tourney."

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Robert "Bob" Allison

Inducted: 1975
Category: Contributor - Other.

Scorekeeper and announcer at Old Municipal Stadium, then home of the PBSW Ramblers, in 1935, he was one of Arizona’s most loyal softball supporters during a career which spanned five decades. He was the Phoenix Gazette softball writer from 1937 until named sports editor in 1947. Thereafter, his popular column, “Along the Way” and Gazette sports pages, at his direction, continued to provide excellent coverage of all phases of softball, until his death in 1974. His efforts contributed greatly to Phoenix earning the title of Softball Capital of the World in the 1930s.

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Joe "Sonny" Armenta

Inducted: 2003
Category: Men Players

Joe participated in 6 national tournaments. He has won numerous All- Tournament awards. He was fourth in hitting at the 1963 ISC World Tournament and received All-State honors in 1960 and 1961-1965. He received the Most Valuable Player Award at the 1960 ASA Regionals

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Charlotte "Skipper" Armstrong

Inducted: 1974
Category: Women Players

Blessed with an assortment of windups and deliveries, Skipper Armstrong was six times an All-American pitcher during a career which saw her lead the legendary Phoenix A-1 Queens into national prominence, including five national championships. She starred for the Queens from 1939 to 1943 and following a three-year hiatus during which she excelled in a Midwestern league, returned in 1947 to resume displaying her matchless skills on Arizona diamonds. Thrice named Most Outstanding Pitcher in national championship tournaments. Skipper also was featured in a 1945 “Believe-it-or-Not” cartoon by Bob Ripley; it told of her pitching a doubleheader, each game going extra innings for a total of 32 and winning both games via shutouts.

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Ken Ashley

Inducted: 2000
Category: Contributor - Umpire

Ken umpired fast pitch around the nation, including Wisconsin, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Prescott. Kenny took a lot of guff over the years, but he was always there, in Nogales, Prescott, Wilcox, Tucson or wherever, doing his best in a very tough game to umpire.

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Cedric L. Austin

Inducted: 1976
Category: Contributor - Other

As director of sports for the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department in 1934, his enthusiastic support and dedicated leadership of men’s and women’s softball were major factors in Phoenix becoming the Softball Capital of the World 1935 to 1957. He led the fight for lighting the city’s first softball diamond at University Park and was instrumental in lighting may other fields. He proved to be one of Arizona’s best softball umpires, serving in this capacity some 11 years. As superintendent of Phoenix Parks and Recreation from 1947 until his retirement in 1969, he arranged for the department to co-sponsor annual national softball tournaments for men and women.

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Flossie Ballard

 Inducted: 1975
 Category: Women Players

A three-time All-American, this outstanding first baseman was one of Arizona’s great woman softball players, excelling both as a batter and fielder. She was named the All-time first baseman for the A-1 Queens who were five times national champions and a national contender for 22 seasons. She was a brilliant performer at every infield position during her career which spanned 17 years. After three seasons as a catcher for Webster Dairy of Glendale, she joined the A-1 Queens and went on to national honors.

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Rick Beach

Inducted: 2015
Category: Contributor - Coach

After a short career as a player, Rick moved to Phoenix and began coaching the Firebirds, then formed the Phoenix Storm. In 1992, Phoenix Storm 12 & U Team won the ASA JO 12 & U National Championship. Phoenix Storm teams coached and managed by Rick captured several ASA Regional Championships, ASA Women’s Fast Pitch Major Championships, 2000 and 2001. Served as the ASA Metro Phoenix Commissioner for 10 years building a very strong ASA presence in the Metro Phoenix area. Rick is coaching today with the Mizuno Storm Beach 16 & Under team.

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Fred "Lefty" Bevington

Inducted: 1977
Category: Men Players

A two-time All-American centerfielder and five times an Arizona All- State and All-Regional selection, this fleet-footed and strong-armed outfielder was a leader in batting, home runs, runs batted in and stolen bases. His exceptional skills were a vital factor in Fresh Farm Markets of Phoenix winning the 1947 national championship. He played for seven Arizona major league teams - O. S. Stapley, Farm Fresh Markets, Clark Smith Autos, Wright Cooler Kings, Hays Roofing, Jones Ranches and Fike Plumbers; and played in eight national tournaments at Cleveland, Oklahoma City, Greeley, Colo., Bridgeport, Conn., Fresno, Calif., Long Beach, Calif., and Phoenix.

Link to Bio
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Kim Bickford

Inducted: 2011
Category: Women Players

From 1977 -1980 Kim pitched for Chandler High School and currently holds 23 school pitching records. She attended Mesa Community College in 1981 & 82 with an ERA of 0.85 and a season record of 9 - 3. She earned NJCAA All-American honors while attending Mesa Community College in 1981. Kim attended Arizona State University in 1983 & 84. She earned All Conference Honors and currently holds the 2nd all time lowest ERA in ASU History with a 0.55. In the 1980's she played for the Phoenix Arrows and Bob Swan's Ramblers in the Copperstate Softball League.

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Mike Boaz

Inducted: 2013
Category: Men Players

Mike Boaz, a catcher, played for 24 years in Arizona. He played for Skull Valley Skunks, Paddock Pools, Turquoise Kings and Joe’s Auto. Mike played in seven ISC World Tournaments and five ASA National Tournaments. He played on six state championship teams and on four ASA Regional Championship teams. He was selected three times as an All State catcher. Mike was selected three times as an All State catcher. He was leading hitter and MVP at the Prescott Holiday Classic in 1991 and MVP at the Santa Rosa Tournament in 1989,

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Jean L. Bonham

Inducted: 2000
Category: Women Players

Jean played softball from 1945 to 1963. She played both infield and outfield from 1957 to 1963 on the world famous Phoenix PBSW Ramblers. She was selected All-American in 1960. She was a hard hitting lefty who starred at several positions.

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Tom Bowen

Inducted: 2009
Category: Men Players

Attended 4 ASA Nationals. Attended 1 ISC Nationals. All American First Team 1970. 8 Time All-Tournament Team. 2 Time MVP Award. Member of Regional Championship Team 1969, '70, '71, '73. Member of State Championship Team 1965, '66, '67, '68, '69. "Tom was selected as a veteran player. He was a power hitting outfielder for Mitcham Constrution, Bailey Construction, Turquoise Kings and Sports Club of America Men's Softball Teams. In 1971, Tom was an ASA All-American."

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Terry "T-Bone" Brenner

Inducted: 2004
Category: Men Players

Terry “T-Bone” Brenner played from 1971 to 1986. He was the shortstop for the 1974 ISC World Champion Page’s Raiders Team. Played in 11 national tournaments, 9 Arizona championship teams and voted to the ASA All- American Team in 1979. He was voted 5 times to the All-Arizona Team

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Kara Brun

Inducted: 2015
Category: Women Players

Began playing softball at the age of 11 for the Phoenix Storm, 1992 won the ASA JO 12 & U National Championship, 2000 and 2001 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Championships. In 1999, US Junior Olympic World Championship winning silver. Attended Deer Valley High School, 1995 to 1999, selected 2nd team West Regional All-American, 1996 selected Gatorade’s Arizona Athlete of the Year plus Defensive Player of the year. In 1998, selected NFCA Second Team All American. Attending ASU from 1999 to 2002, 1st Team All Pack 10, 2000 & 2001, 2 time NCAA Academic All American and ASA ALL American. ASU Female Athletic of the year 2003,ASU Athletic Hall of Fame 2014. Career batting average .332.

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B'Ann Burns Jacobs

Inducted: 2012
Category: Women Players

B’Ann Burns Jacobs lead her Greenway High School Team to two state championships. She also played ASA ball with the Naturals, Lil Saints, and Gordon Panthers. She won National Championships playing for the Lil Saints and 18 Gold Gordon Panthers. Following high graduation, she went to UCLA on a four year scholarship. B'Ann finished her career in the professional league playing for the Italian Peanuts and Tampa Bay FireStix Teams.

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Joe Butkiewicz

Inducted: 2007
Category: Men Players

Joe was a world traveling catcher. He has caught some of the greatest pitchers in men’s softball. He played 20 years in major men’s fast pitch softball. He played in 21 national tournaments and numerous state and regional tournaments. He was a member of the ISC National Runners-Up Champion 980 7th Ave Auto Parts Team. Played on 40 Plus National Runners-up 1994 Champion Progress Solutions Team. A3 time All-American and 7 time All- Tourney Team Selection.

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Mike Candrea

Inducted: 2009
Category: Contributor - Coach

Olympic Gold Medal 2004; Olympic Silver Medal 2008; United States Olympic Committee Coach of the Year in 2004 and honored with the Olympic Shield; University of Arizona NCAA 8 Time National Champions 1991,1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2006, 2007; 4 Time National Coach of the Year, 10 Time Pac-10 Coach of the Year; Coach of 39 NCAA All Americans who have received a total of 82 All American awards; Coach of 5 Honda Broderick Award Winners given to the best player in collegiate softball each season; 21 trips to the NCAA College World Series; 1100+ Collegiate Victories.

Link to Bio
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Butch Chambers

Inducted: 2003
Category: Men Players

Butch was the heart and soul of Page’s Raiders. He was the captain of the 1974 ISC World Champion Page’s Raiders Team. He played major fast pitch from 1959 to 1981. Voted three-times to the All- World Selection team in 1971, 1974 and 1975. Was named to the ISC National Hall of Fame in 2002. Was voted All-State Catcher three times.

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Dennis Christopherson

Inducted: 2001
Category: Men Players

Dennis was an All-State Player 12 times. He played from 1960 to 1985 for two of the top teams in Arizona. He played on the ISC World Champion 1970 Schaefer-Smith Ankeney Team. Was a member of the 1974 ISC World Champion Page’s Raiders. He was voted MVP in numerous tournaments.

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Gary Clifford

Inducted: 2009
Category: Men Players

Played 22 years on some of Southern Arizona's best teams. Played in 4 National Tournaments: Connecticut, Ohio, New York and Indiana. Named to several All-Tournament Teams during his career. Named MVP in several tournaments. Named 1979 Arizona Player of the Year. Named 1980 Arizona Coach of the Year. "Gary Clifford (player) Gary a hard hitting third baseman played in four national tournaments. In 1979 he was the Southern Arizona Player of the Year. He was the Southern Arizona Coach of the Year in 1980. Gary played for the Withorne Glass and Tucson Kings Men's Softball Teams."

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Milt Coggins

Inducted: 1976
Category: Contributor - Sponsor

One of the leading sponsors of Phoenix major softball teams, he was considered by many to be Arizona’s greatest all-around athlete and sportsman, winning honors in golf, tennis, swimming, water polo, basketball, baseball, badminton, table tennis, volleyball, skeet, pistol and rifle shooting, fishing and casting. Also a member of the Arizona Golf Association Hall of Fame and the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, his Milt Coggins Sporting Goods sponsored both men’s and women’s softball teams. His women’s team later became the legendary Phoenix A-1 Queens and the men’s team merged with Tom’s Tavern in 1938 to become Phoenix Lettuce Kings, rated the best team in history of Arizona softball.

Link to Bio
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Rey Contreras

Inducted: 2011
Category: Men Players

Rey started playing softball at the age of 15 for the Shamrock Dairy Team in Tucson. Positions played: first base, catcher and pitcher. In the 1960's, he played for the AZ Highway team, Enders Trucking, Lightning Movers and Triple S. A 20 year playing career earned Rey the nickname of "Ironman". Metro League first half champions
Rey pitches a four hitter for Enders defeating Hays Roofing.

Aug 25, 1967
Iron Man Rey Contreras hurled AZ Highway Dept to the Arizona Softball Association tournament title beating Reppel Steel 5-2. Rey pitched four straight victories and a sweep of the tournament for AHD.

Aug
Rey Contreras hurls a perfect game in the Metro League as Enders Trucking whipped AZ Hwy Dept 5-0. Rey fanned 11, issure no walks and got perfect support as no opponent reached first base.

1967
Enders first half champions of Metro Softball League. They beat Patterson Motors 2-1. Rey pitched a two hitter.

Date Not known
Lightning Movers: Rey throws a one hit game beating DeGroot Metals 1-0 in Metro Softball League at University Park.

AZ Hwy Department Team wins ASA Cactus Region to qualify for nations in Springfield, Ohio. AZ 15 members on team. Nationals had 22 teams. AZ was also ASA Phx Metro League Champions. Pitchers Rey with 19-3 record and Virgil Cooker (12-5)

July 17, 1968
Enders beat Kitchell Contractors 5-4. Wining pitcher Rey Contreras hit a bases loaded drive to left-center in the bottom of the seventh, scoring Peter Giroux from
third with the deciding run. James catcher.

July 23, 1969
Rey pitching for Tally and Page upset Hays Roofing 3-2. Rey beat Jerry Wells.

Aug 1969
Tally and Page team. Rey throws 3 hitter and has two hits himself.

Metro Softball League All-Stars face the Mesa League All-Stars at University Park
Undefeated Enders Trucking plays Truck Service , Metro REY CONTRERAS

June 13, 1966
Rey was playing for Reppel Steel. He pitched the team to a 2-0 victory over Lightning Inc. Gil Aragon was the losing pitcher. Ron James Sr was the catcher.

May 1967
Enders Trucking defeats Reppel Steel 6-0. Two hitter

May 25, 1967
Enders Trucking still undefeated in Metro League. Record of 6-0 and five of those are shut outs.

June 16, 1967
Metro League Enders tied with Hays Roofing with 9-1 Record

Rey pitches a perfect game for Enders to defeat AZ Hwy in the Metro Softball League 5-0. Rey fanned 11, issued no walks and no one reached first base.

Standings of Metro League Hays Roofing 11-1 and Enders 10-2

June 30, 1967 Western Holliday Softball Tournament, Prescott, AZ
Eight teams from 5 states participate.

June 2, 1967
Enders still undefeated. Metro Softbal League. Squeaked past Tally and Page 2-1

Rey pitches to a 4-1 victory over defending state champions Hays Roofing. He pitched a four hitter.
Sun City ASA Invitational - Rey hurled a no-hitter as Lightning Moving downed the San Diego Hawks 4-0

Aug 21, 1967
ASA Metro Tournament - AZ Hwy behind pitching of Rey Contreras beat Air Research 2-1. Pitched a 3 hit game.

Aug 22, 1967
AZ Hwy behind pitching of Rey Contreras advance undefeated in winners bracket of ASA Phx Metro League Tournament. Hw Dept had to go 10 innings behind the four hit pitching of Rey to beat stubborn Talley-Page 7-4.

Metro Softball League All-Stars face the Mesa League All-Stars at University Park
Undefeated Enders Truck Service

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Louise Miller Curtis

Inducted: 1974
Category: Women Players Other: Charter Member

An accomplished softball player, Louise Curtis was equally at home as a first baseman, second baseman or outfielder as well as being one of the greatest pitchers the game has ever known. Louise was the original pitcher for the Phoenix PBSW Ramblers and led the team to national prominence winning 14 state and regional championships during the years 1933 to 1951, which resulted in competition in 14 national tournaments. A tireless competitor, she pitched four national tournament games in one day in 1937.

Link to Bio
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Flora Bell Walker Davies

Inducted: 2006
Category: Women Players

Flora Bell was a legend and pioneer in Arizona softball. She played second base and outfield several of Arizona’s finest. In her 14 year softball career she played for the PBSW Ramblers, Woodman of the World, Daniel Jewels, Denton Tire, Tavernettes, Cantaloupe Queens and the national champion A-1 Queens. She was a member of the 1947 A-1 Queens NSC National Championship team. She played in two national tournaments. A career cut short by an auto accident, who knows what other accomplishments she would have attained

Link to Bio
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Dick Dickson

Inducted: 2017
Category: Contributor - Coach

Dick coached/managed/owned the Lil Saint's Junior Olympic program since 1988. The Lil Saints program was and still is one of the top youth fast pitch organizations in the country. Dick's teams had many top 20 finishes in the ASA Nationals on several youth age levels. In 1994, his 18U team had a second place finish at the ASA Nationals. He helped hundreds of girls reach their dreams of playing college softball. Because of Dick Dickson's hard work and perseverance there has been a place for thousands of girls to play softball.

Link to Bio
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Debbie Doom

Inducted: 2014
Category: Women Players

As a 17 year old in 1980, she led the Sun Saints to a third place finish in the ASA Women's Major Open Nationals and was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament. She pitched for UCLA in three NCAA championship games in 1982, 1984 and 1985. In the 1982 series she had 62 strike outs including a record 20 against Oklahoma State. In international play, she won a gold medal with the U.S. team at the 1990 World Championships and in the 1991 and 1995 Pan American Games.
She played two seasons on Women's Professional Fastpitch with the Orlando Wahoos, leading them to the league's first two championships.
Debbie began playing softball at the age of 9 for a city recreation league. She played in both high school and the Copper State League before being recruited by recruited by Sun City Saints at the age of 17 and later by UCLA.

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John Dutton

Inducted: 2001
Category: Men Players

John played fast pitch softball for 17 years at one of the roughest positions in softball, catcher. He played in 7 nationals and was voted ISC All-World Catcher in 1978. He was a member of the Arizona Travel League and State Tournament Champion Team 6 times. He was a 7 time All-State Player.

Link to Bio
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Andy Eggen

Inducted: 2008
Category: Contributor - Other

Andy has been selected as a contributor for his many years as a sponsor and manager in fast pitch softball. He sponsored the Merchants Men’s Fast Pitch Teams from 1997 to 2002.

Link to Bio
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Dee Everhart

Inducted: 2012
Category: Women Players

Dee was a five time PCWSL All Star center fielder, and played in The Pacific Coast League with the PBSW Ramblers and Sun City Saints. While on the Saints she helped lead them to four Cactus Regional Championships. Throughout her career she participated in seven National Tournaments. In 1967 Dee was awarded the coveted Kay Roher Memorial Award for her outstanding play.

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Robert "Bob" Feddersen

Inducted: 1975
Category: Men Players

One of Arizona’s finest catchers, he was a vital force in the drive which carried the legendary Funk Jewels of Phoenix to national prominence as the most colorful team in softball. He competed in six national tournaments and won all-star honors on numerous occasions, both in league and tournament competition. As a member of Funk Jewels, Tom’s Tavern, Phoenix Auto Supply (which he managed), Travis Cafe, and Lettuce Kings, he competed in nine Arizona State and Regional tournaments.

Link to Bio
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Betty Christian Fernstrom

Inducted: 2001
Category: Women Players

Betty played and pitched for more than 20 years. She played for the NSC World Champion Lettuce Gems in 1950. She was voted ASA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 1949. She was a team sponsor from 1980 to 1985.

Link to Bio
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Eleanor Firpo Anderson McLeod

Induction: 1975
Category: Women Players

Blessed with great speed, this outstanding shortstop was one of Arizona’s great women softball players. She gained All-America honors in 1947 and 1949 as a member of the national championship A-1 Queens of Phoenix, Arizona. Sprint champion in the late 1930s, she covered a wide area afield and utilized her speed on the base paths to become one of Arizona softball’s leading base runners. An outstanding hitter as well, she often led the club in runs scored.

Link to Bio
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Ed Fletcher

Inducted: 2014
Category: Contributor - Other

Ed has been involved in fast pitch softball as a player, sponsor, coach and ASF (AZ Softball Foundation) Board Member since 1979. As a player, he attended 10 National and World championships tournaments from 1979 through 2000. As a contributor/sponsor, Ed secured sponsorships from Paddock Pools for many years. - 1982-1995. Ed served as a coach for girls and mens teams from 1982 through 2000. He currently serves as Golf Chair for the Arizona Softball Foundation Board of Directors. Ed was a member of the 1994 Advocate's, North American Fast Pitch Association, AAA Open National Champions.

Link to Bio
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Tairia Mims Flowers

Inducted: 2016
Category: Women Players

Tairia (Mims) Flowers Player/Third Baseman Tairia started her softball career at 10 years of age in Tucson. She played ASA ball on the Blaze 18 and under team, Lil’ Cats and the Phoenix Storm women’s Major team. She was a four year varsity starter at Salpointe High School. Tairia was an All Region, All State, and All American while in High School. Her Jr. Olympic Team won a Silver Medal in Taipei, Taiwan in 1999. Tairia was a four year softball player for UCLA. Her UCLA Team won the National Championship in 2003. While at UCLA Tairia was named to the All-College World Series Team, All Pac 10, All Region and All American teams. Triria's accomplishments include: Two time World Cup Champions (2006, 2007), two time Pan American Gold medalist (2003, 2007), two time World Champion (2002, 2006), Olympic Gold medalist (2004) and Olympic Silver medalist (2008). Triria currently is the Head Coach at University of California at Northridge.

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Charles Fowler

Inducted: 1975
Category: Men Players

An outstanding player in his own right as a member of the national champion Phoenix Lettuce Kings in 1938 and a member of the two Arizona State and Regional championship teams. He was the first commissioner of girl’s softball in Arizona. In 1938-39, he arranged for the PBSW Ramblers and Cantaloupe Queens to play a series of games in New York’s famed Madison Square Garden. In 1938, he staged the first girl’s Invitational Tournament ever held in Nogales, Mexico. A long-ball hitting outfielder, he established a major league record when he clouted a single, double, triple and home-run in four trips to the plate in a single game while playing for the Lettuce Kings.

Link to Bio
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Burt Freireich

Inducted: 2000
Category: Contributor - Other

Burt ran the News-Sun Newspaper in Sun City for 24 years. He covered the S un City Saints Women’s fast pitch softball team game after game, tourney after tourney. Nobody could have done it better.

Link to Bio
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Nancy Funari

Inducted: 2001
Category: Contributor - Other

Nancy was not only an outstanding contributor to the game of softball but also a great player and coach. She played from 1960 to 1988. She played on 3 Arizona State Champion Teams in 1962, 1963 and 1965. She played for the Phoenix Blues and captured 4 Copperstate League Championships. Nancy was voted to the Regional All-Star Team 3 times and the Copperstate League All- Star Team 5 times. She started and coached the softball team at Carl Hayden High School from 1975 to 2000.

Link to Bio
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Arlie Galbraith

Inducted: 1975
Category: Men Players

A member of the colorful and legendary Funk Jewels of Phoenix, he was a place-hitter par excellence who once placed fourth in league batting without ever hitting a fly ball to the outfield. He ranks as one of the greatest boosters Arizona softball ever had, organizing Phoenix’ first league in 1930, using both 12-inch and 16-inch softballs before selecting the 12-inch ball in 1932. He was Arizona’s first state softball commissioner in 1934 and conducted the first state tournament at University Park, won by Funk Jewels, whom he accompanied to the nationals as an outfielder. He competed in three national tournaments with the Jewels. His tireless efforts in the 1930s and ‘40s helped Phoenix achieve lasting fame as the Softball Capital of the World.

Link to Bio
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Suzie Gaw

Inducted: 2000
Category: Women Players

A member of the colorful and legendary Funk Jewels of Phoenix, he was a place-hitter par excellence who once placed fourth in league batting without ever hitting a fly ball to the outfield. He ranks as one of the greatest boosters Arizona softball ever had, organizing Phoenix’ first league in 1930, using both 12-inch and 16-inch softballs before selecting the 12-inch ball in 1932. He was Arizona’s first state softball commissioner in 1934 and conducted the first state tournament at University Park, won by Funk Jewels, whom he accompanied to the nationals as an outfielder. He competed in three national tournaments with the Jewels. His tireless efforts in the 1930s and ‘40s helped Phoenix achieve lasting fame as the Softball Capital of the World.

Link to Bio
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George Genung

Inducted: 1976
Category: Men Players

The best softball pitcher ever produced in Tucson leagues, he was chosen on the All-Region team four times and was twice the Region’s most valuable player. He was an annual selection on the Southern Arizona All-star team. His pitching won ten Tucson City championships for his teams. A gifted hitter, he played the outfield when not pitching to take advantage of his batting prowess. He was one of Arizona’s top athletes in several sports and is a member of the Arizona Basketball Hall of Fame.

Link to Bio
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Frank Gianelli

Inducted: 1975
Category: Contributor - Other

A staunch supporter of Arizona softball and a man whose columns and news stories chronicled the actions on the field and contributed to earning for Phoenix the title of Softball Capital of the World, his interest in Arizona softball covers four decades. His coverage of the 1974 International Softball Congress World Tournament in Sun City contributed to its phenomenal success. Joining the Arizona Republic in 1943, he was the newspaper’s softball writer until named sports editor in 1954. His column continued to record worthy softball activities and Republic sports pages continued excellent coverage at his direction.

Link to Bio
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Jessie Glasscock

Inducted: 1976
Category: Women Players

An All-American with the nationally famous PBSW Ramblers, she was one of the women’s softball’s greatest shortstops, blessed with an excellent arm; a flawless fielder and a leading hitter. As a 14-year old, she became the youngest player ever to play on a national championship team in 1940. Following her 10-year career with the Ramblers, she played six seasons with the Orange California Lionettes, helping them to two national championships.

Link to Bio
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Warren Goodrich

Inducted: 1980
Category: Men Players

One of the greatest shortstops in Arizona Softball history, Warren Goodrich set an International Softball Congress record for shortstops with 25 putouts in the 1965 world tournament. He participated in eight national tournaments and played in every inning in 38 tournament games. His skills included a strong, accurate throwing arm. A leading hitter, he batted above .400 in one world tournament. He helped lead Schaefer & Smith Insurance of Phoenix to the ISC world championship and sparked Southern Truck Raiders of Phoenix to a runner-up spot on another occasion. He played in the longest world tournament game, a 28 inning contest in 1975. He was named to all-state and regional tournament all-star teams on six occasions. He has been named to several all-time Arizona men’s fast pitch teams. During his 11-year career in Arizona major softball, he played for Schaefer and Smith Insurance, Hays Roofing, Howard Chrysler, Southern Truck Raiders, Mesa Metcham Construction and Hardy- Holland of Phoenix and Kingman.

Link to Bio
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Harry Grabe

Inducted: 1975
Category: Men Players

An all-around athlete at Brophy Prep, this all-star shortstop had a brilliant softball career which covered three decades, including service with the legendary Funk Jewels of Phoenix, helping that nationally ranked team to win acclaim as the most colorful softball team of all-time. During his lengthily career, he played in five national tournaments as a member of Arizona regional championship teams and was accorded regional all-star honors on each occasion. In addition to playing for the Funk Jewels, he saw service with such standout teams as Travis Cafe, Safeway, O. S. Stapley and Morris Sporting Goods.

Link to Bio
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Jeff Griffith

Inducted: 2023
Category: Contributor - Coach

Jeff coached for 23 years at Cactus High School in 4A; won State Champions in 1987, 1989, 1994, 2004, 2005, 2006 and State Runner-Up in 2002. In 2004 and 2006 he was National High School Association Coach of the year, also was No. 1 National ranking by USA Today and Speedline/NFCA High School Coaching Staff of the Year. His team was ranked second in Pre-Season Fab 50 National Softball rankings. Member of the 2007 Paradise Valley Community College coaching staff.

Link to Bio
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Lauren Haeger

Inducted: 2023
Category: Women Players

Jeff coached for 23 years at Cactus High School in 4A; won State Champions in 1987, 1989, 1994, 2004, 2005, 2006 and State Runner-Up in 2002. In 2004 and 2006 he was National High School Association Coach of the year, also was No. 1 National ranking by USA Today and Speedline/NFCA High School Coaching Staff of the Year. His team was ranked second in Pre-Season Fab 50 National Softball rankings. Member of the 2007 Paradise Valley Community College coaching staff.

Link to Bio
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Betty Farley Hamman

Inducted: 2009
Category: Women Players

Betty played fast pitch softball for thirty-three years in the infield and outfield. She was a member of the 1948 and 1949 National Champion Phoenix PBSW Ramblers. She was a member of the National Runners-up Champion 1950 PBSW Phoenix Ramblers. She was a player, coach, teacher, wife, mother and grandmother and proudly great grandmother.

Link to Bio
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Leonard Hardy

Inducted: 1977
Category: Contributor - Sponsor

Sponsor of the Turquoise Kings, four times Arizona representative in national championship tournaments, his generous contributions to softball have earned him widespread acclaim as one of the dominant forces behind the vast popularity the sport has achieved in the 1970s. An outstanding player with the A. J. Bayless nationally ranked teams in 1936-1939, he began sponsoring teams in 1969 and quickly established himself as one of the nation’s finest sponsors. His teams are annually recognized as the best-dressed team in softball and his Turquoise Kings finished near the top in four national tournaments.

Link to Bio
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Billie Harris

Inducted: 1979
Category: Women Players Other: ASA Hall of Fame

Most valuable player in the 1969 national tournament in Tucson, she was a five-time All-American pitcher and was voted to the Pacific Coast Women’s Softball League all-star team 18 times. The left- handed pitcher authored two perfect games during 1963 for the famous PBSW Ramblers of Phoenix and during her career averaged three no-hit, no- run games per season. During 18 seasons in the Pacific Coast League she fashioned an earned run average of 1.50 and was rated among the league’s top three pitchers in games won. She broke in with the Tucson Sunshine Girls in l947, moved to the nationally ranked Ramblers in Webbcats in 1966 and returned to pitch for the Sun City Saints in 1970 When the Phoenix Birds joined the Women’s Professional League in 1976, she left the amateur ranks to compile a 33-13 record. 1952, joined the Yakima Washington

Link to Bio
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J.R. Hays

Inducted: 1975
Category: Contributor - Sponsor

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Joe Higgins

Inducted: 1979
Category: Men Players

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Ford Hoffman

Inducted: 1974
Category: Contributor - Other Other: Charter member, ASA Hall of Fame

General Manager and coach of the Phoenix, Arizona Ramblers women’s fast pitch team from 1933 until it disbanded in 1958. Team won ASA national titles in 1940, 1948 and 1949. From 1958-1959, he served as president of the ASA. Was ASA Arizona commissioner for 20 years. Organized and was president of the Arizona Softball Foundation. Was a charter member and vice chairman of the National Hall of Fame Selection Committee. After retiring from softball, Hoffman worked in real estate and also bred rabbits. He was a graduate of Northern Arizona University and coached football at Arizona State College in Tempe, Arizona. Hoffman passed away August 23, 1989 of bone cancer. He was 81 years old.

Link to Bio
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Judy A. Hoke

Inducted: 2000
Category: Women Players

Judy played from 1968 to 1977 on some of Arizona’s top ranked teams. She as a member of the Arizona State University College All-American Team in 1971, 1972 and 1973. Was a member of the 1972 and 1973 Arizona State University National College Championship Team. She played for the Sun City Saints Team from 1974 to 1977 earning Pacific Coast Conference All-Star Statius in 1970 and 1971.

Link to Bio
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Carlos Holland

Inducted: 2007
Category: Men Players

Carlos played softball over a 19 year period. He played in 11 national tournaments. He was a four time All-State selection. He played on 10 State Championship Teams and 10 Metro Championship Teams. Carlos was a member of the 4th place ISC National Championship Team.

Link to Bio
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Bob Householder

Inducted: 1979
Category: Men Players

Four state championships, 24 state tournaments and 10 regional tournaments were included in his 16-year career in which he set enviable records as a pitcher and batter. Virtually every pitching and hitting record at the Phoenix University Park was his, including a strikeout average of nine per 7-inning game, a batting average of .341 and the league’s home run championship each year. In Phoenix Major League competition, he advanced with Arizona teams to five national tournaments - in Phoenix; Greeley, Colo.; and Chicago. In the national All-Service championship in 1944, he struck out 46 batters in 23 innings.

Link to Bio
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Joe Hunt

Inducted: 1974
Category: Men Players
Other: Charter Member

Player-manager of two national championship teams, Joe Hunt probably did more than any other man to focus attention of the softball world on Phoenix in the pre-war period. He was organizer and playing manager of the legendary Funk Jewels of Phoenix, considered the most colorful and exciting team in softball history. Hunt carried his teams into national prominence during a 15 year period and captured the national championship in 1938 with Funk Jewels and again in 1947 with Farm Fresh Markets. An outstanding first baseman, Hunt also was active as an administrator and was first president of the National Softball Congress which conducted national tournaments in Phoenix.

Link to Bio
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Ron James Jr.

Inducted: 2001
Category: Men Players

Ron played fast pitch softball from 1970 to 1992. He was considered one of best pitchers to come out of Arizona. He played in 8 national tournaments. Was voted to the All-State Team 4 times and were the leading hitter and pitcher on the Arizona State League Champion 4 times. He was voted numerous times as the Most Valuable Player and or pitcher.

Link to Bio
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Bonnie Johns-Allum

Inducted: 2020
Category: Women Players
Other: Veteran

Bonnie started her softball career on various Elementary School, High School and Women's Major softball teams. One of the first competitive teams she played for was the Vito-Gro Chicks and then the Blakely Rockets team. She was a member of the 1952 Rockets National Softball Congress National Championship team. She was also selected to the NSC All-Star Team that year. From the Rockets team she went to play for the PBSW Ramblers. As a Rambler, she participated in five ASA National Championships from 1953 to 1957. She was a member of the PBSW Rambler team that in 1955 and 1957 were the ASA National Runner-Up Champions. She was selected multiple times to Arizona All-State Teams.

Link to Bio
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Gerald "Wimpy" Jones

Inducted: 1978
Category: Men Players

One of the greater softball pitchers in Arizona history, his credentials include three perfect game including one in which he struck out 21 batters, 45 n-hitters and participation in 10 world championship tournaments in a 31-year career. A find batter as well, his pitching accomplishments produced three Arizona state championships for the Coolidge Boosters. During his years as a pitcher in major league softball, he also competed for the following teams; Tempe Bulldogs, Mesa, Denton Tires of Phoenix, Luke Air Force Base, Baltimore, Md. Eastern Regional champions), Morenci, Deal Motors of El Paso, Turf Paradise of Phoenix and G & B Plumbing of Phoenix. In world tournaments, his teams represented Phoenix, Coolidge, El Paso and Baltimore

Link to Bio
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Ray Judd

Inducted: 2001
Category: Contributor - Other

One of Arizona’s Great All-Time Pitchers, Ray also toiled for World-Class teams in Canada and the East Coast. Since his retirement, Ray has coached numerous national-level women’s teams, and has served as ASA Commissioner for Southern Arizona

Link to Bio
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Merle Keagle

Inducted: 1976
Category: Women Players

A three-time All-American and a top box-office attraction, she was one of the most colorful players in women’s softball and starred for the five- time national champion Phoenix A-1 Queens as well as in professional leagues. In 1944-46, she was voted the No. 1 outfielder in women’s professional softball. She twice played key roles in national championships for the Queens and helped the Funk Gems to the 1950 national crown. She was lacking in no area of the game, her swiftness on the base paths, her strong throwing arm and her ever-dangerous batting prowess setting her apart from the others. From Tolleson, her major league career began with the A-1 Queens in 1949

Link to Bio
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Thelma Rae Keith

Inducted: 2000
Category: Women Players

Thelma’s 18 year softball career spanned the years from 1956 to 1974. As an outstanding first baseman, she played for several of the famous Arizona teams. She was a member of the Phoenix PBSW Ramblers before joining the Sun City Saints team as both a player and later as a coach. She played in 11 national tournaments and was voted All-American in 1964. She played in 54 consecutive innings in the ASA National Tournament for the Saints. Was named 8 times to the Pacific Coast Conference All-Star Team. Were the coach and consultant to the 1979 ASA National Champion Sun City Saints Team.

Link to Bio
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Scott Keller

Inducted: 2016
Category: Contributor - Other

Scott helped coach and manage the Prescott Merchant's Team comprised of all Prescott young players. The Merchant Team played in various tournaments and qualified for the 18u Boys ASA National Tournament to be played in Prescott. The Merchant's Team defeated the five time Champions, Schilitz Bulls', 15 to 3, winning the 1981 National ASA boys 18 and Under Fast pitch Championship. Sometime between 1981 and 1988, the Prescott Merchants became the Men's Prescott Mustangs. The Mustangs were managed and sponsored by Scott and Barbara Keller. The Mustangs participated in 5 ISC World Tournaments. In addition to coaching and managing the Merchants and Mustangs, Scott also served as the Arizona and Nevada Commissioner to the ISC from 1990 and 1991.

Link to Bio
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Kathryn "Sis" King

Inducted: 2000
Category: Women Players
Other: ASA Hall of Fame

KATHRYN “SIS” KING’s softball career spanned the years from 1959 to 1965. She played both infield and outfield for the world famous Phoenix PBWS Ramblers and the Raybestos Brakettes of Stratford Connecticut. She played in 6 ASA National Tournaments and named to the ASA All-American Teams in 1959, 1963, 1964 and 1965. She led the United States in batting at the World Championships in Melbourne, Australia in 1965 and was inducted into the National ASA Hall of Fame in 1975.

Link to Bio
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Paul Kuhn

Inducted: 1980
Category: Men Players

One of the greatest third basemen in Arizona softball history and an outstanding hitter, Paul Kuhn participated with Arizona teams in six national tournaments in Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Salt Lake City, Sterling, Illinois; Long Beach, California; and Arlington, Texas. He starred in the fast Phoenix Major League, playing with Phalanx Fraternity, Clark Smith Autos, Fike Plumbers, A-1 Construction and Tucson. He was a perennial all-state and all-region selection. His excellent fielding and strong accurate throwing arm and his batting skills made him one of Arizona’s finest players over a 12 year period.

Link to Bio
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Joe Lane

Inducted: 2015
Category: Contributor - Other

Volunteer Coach. Volunteered for 37 years, as a youth softball coach, team manager with several youth teams, organized several JO tournaments and ASA Deputy Junior Olympic Metro Commissioner. In 1978, began coaching in the Paradise Valley Girls Softball League and continued coaching with ASA teams until 1996. In 1996, volunteered as the ASA Deputy Junior Olympic Metro Commissioner. Organized and ran several ASA JO tournaments including: State Tournaments, Phoenix Metros, Cactus Regionals and National Championships. These tournaments influenced the lives of thousands of youth softball players. When asked, Joe replies, “It’s not never about me”. He is respected by coaches, players, umpires, and parents.

Link to Bio
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Kenny Law

Inducted: 1975
Category: Men Players
Other: ISC Hall of Fame

One of Arizona’s all-time great softball pitchers, he pitched his teams into 10 national tournaments, finishing runners-up four times. Named Most Valuable Player in the 1948 nationals, he was voted the Leading Pitcher Award in 1949 when he set a national tournament record which still stands by striking out 79 batters. Four times an All-American pitcher, he dominated men’s major softball in Arizona from 1948 until his retirement in 1954. He is enshrined in the National Softball Hall of Fame as one of the nation’s outstanding pitchers.

Link to Bio
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Becky (Blatnik) Lemke

Inducted: 2020
Category: Women Players

Becky was a dominant pitcher for all four years of high school - two years at Fountain Hills High School and two years at Horizon High School. She lettered in each of her four years, was twice a first team All-State Selection, capped off her career with the Arizona Player of the Year Award to go along with the 5A State Championship in 1997. From 1998-2001, she pitched for the University of Arizona. She was a Third-Team All-American in 1999 and helped pitch the Wildcats to the 2001 National Championship. She was twice selected to the PAC-10 All -Conference Team. She is a 20 plus year member of Mike Candrea’s Southwest Softball Camp Staff and has given private pitching lessons for the last 22+ years. She has worked with the Team Hitachi pitchers in Japan. More recently, she has been working in Italy with the Team Italy Junior and Senior pitchers.

Link to Bio
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Mary Littlewood

Inducted: 2000
Category: Contributor - Other

Mary Littlewood was the head coach of the Arizona State University’s woman’s softball team from 1966-1989. She amassed a career record of 648 wins and 202 loses. She coached her teams to the national championship in 1972 and 1973. Was named to the Arizona State University Hall of Distinction in 1991 and voted into the National Softball Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame in 1995. Mary Littlewood was a true teacher of the game and has motivated hundreds of players on the field and in life.

Link to Bio
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Joe Loges

Inducted: 1975
Category: Contributor - Sponsor

As sponsor of Tom’s Tavern softball teams, his ambitious support and dedicated interest played a major role in earning for Phoenix the title of Softball Capital of the World in the 1930s and 40s. One of the finest of several outstanding Phoenix teams of the era, Tom’s Tavern won numerous championships, including state and regional honors. His energetic recruiting of standout players kept Tom’s Tavern competitive with the best in the nation.

Link to Bio
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Paul Lopez

Inducted: 1977
Category: Men Players

Eleven times an All-American pitcher, he authored 32 perfect games and 150 no-hitters in a 32 year career which began in 194` with him being honored in Detroit as youngest player (age 15) in history of the national softball tournament when he led Arizona and Regional champion O. S. Stapley Co to third place. He won the championship game with a two-hitter as Farm Fresh Markets won the national title in Phoenix in 1947, and later played with El Paso, Rochester and Tulsa teams, five times being chosen national tournament Most Valuable Player and six times earning Leading Pitcher awards. Blessed with a blazing fast ball, off-speed and breaking pitches and pinpoint control, he struck out 19 batters in one national tournament game. He ended his active playing career in 1972.

Link to Bio
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Art Lowry

Inducted: 1975
Category: Men Players

Considered Arizona Softball’s greatest catcher, he was three times an All-American selection in national championship tournaments. He was blessed with one of the game’s strongest quickest and most accurate throwing arms and rarely, indeed, were there base stealing attempts against him. Also an outstanding hitter, he starred for the 1938 national champion Lettuce Kings of Phoenix and competed in a total of six national tournaments. Umpires at the 1937 nationals in Chicago called him the best catcher they had ever seen. He also caught for Fannin’s Hardware and Tom’s Tavern in pre-war years and in 1946-1948 was player-manager for Arizona championship teams

Link to Bio
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Norma Acuff McCabe

Inducted: 1977
Category: Women Players

An All-America catcher in 1937 and five times an All-Arizona selection, she served as team captain for the nationally famed PBSW Ramblers of Phoenix, for whom her leadership abilities helped become the first Arizona team to win a national championship. Her impressive credentials include leading the team in home runs each of the five years she played for the Ramblers and her batting average was a healthy .320. She also had a splendid career as a pitcher at Phoenix Union High School and at Arizona State.

Link to Bio
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Billy McDaniel

Inducted: 1976
Category: Men Players

One of the greatest infielders and hitters in Arizona Softball history, he was three times chosen on the All-American team - once as a second baseman and twice as a third baseman. He competed in six national tournaments, playing for Phoenix championship teams in Cleveland, Detroit, St. Louis, Oklahoma City and Phoenix. His 12-year career began at age 14 and resulted in a lifetime batting average of .335 and selection on all-state and all-region teams eight times. He also was a perennial leader in doubles, triples and home runs while starring for Phoenix major teams, including Funk Jewels, O. S. Stapley, Farm Fresh Markets, Denton Tires and Clark Smith Autos.

Link to Bio
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John McGonigle

Inducted: 2007
Category: Contributor - Other

John was the ASA Phoenix Metro Commissioner for 15 years and the ASA Regional Vice President for 4 years. He was the manager of the Phoenix Mercury Blues for over 20 years. John helped form the Copperstate Women’s Softball League and was a Board Member of the Arizona Softball Foundation. He served as co-chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee that was responsible for developing the Olympic team selection process. He definitely made a positive impact on the sport of softball in Arizona

Link to Bio
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Ed McQuade

Inducted: 2016
Category: Contributor - Other

Ed started his head coaching career as the baseball coach at Ida Grove High School, in Ida Grove, Iowa. He also played fast pitch softball for 5 years with the Ida Grove Merchants. Ed became head softball coach at Greenway High School in the fall of 1979. Under McQuade's tenure, the Greenway High School Team's total overall record is 836 wins 253 losses and 3 ties. Ed's teams at Greenway won 5 State Championships, two State Champion Runners up, and 21 Regional Championships. Greenway competed 36 out of 38 straight years in post season play. Ed was named 4 time Arizona Coach of the Year, and earned numerous Regional Coach of the Year honors. Ed also coached the Destiny and Scorpio girls club softball teams. His Scorpio team won Rocky Mountain Championship, qualified for three Metro tournaments, 3 Regional Tournaments, Hawaii Tourney 3rd Place, Disneyworld Tourney (2001) Champions.

Link to Bio
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Karen Mischlispy

Inducted: 2008
Category: Contributor - Other

Through her role as Recreation Supervisor for Sports for the City of Phoenix, Arizona, she was responsible for the development of the softball facilities and programs in the Greater Phoenix Area. Karen was responsible for securing the first National Softball Championship for Phoenix in 1990 and followed that with national tournaments in 1994 and 1997.

Link to Bio
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Lynn Mooney

Inducted: 2005
Category: Women Players

Lynn played third base for the famous Sun City Saints from 1969 to 1980. She was a member of the 1979 ASA National Champion Sun City Saint and a two time ASA All-American. She was a member of the Arizona State College World Championship Teams of 1972 and 1973.

Link to Bio
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Russ "Mouse" Moore

Inducted: 2004
Category: Contributor - Umpire

Russ umpired in Arizona from 1964 to 2003. He was selected to officiate at several ISC and ASA National Tournaments. He was a longtime AIA Area Commissioner.

Link to Bio
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Heinz Mueller

Inducted: 2013
Category: Contributor - Other

HEINZ MUELLER - Coached over 50 years, 1990 to 2013-Head Coach at Phoenix College, including 8 NJCAA National Championships/12 Regional I Titles, third member in the NJCAA to have 1,000 wins, 8 time NJCAA Coach of the Year, NFCA Speedline Coaching Staff of the Year 2005, 2006, 2007, & 2012. Coached youth & adult club ball from 1972-1990 which produced over 1,000 wins. Mueller has accomplished an incredible amount in his softball coaching career and looks to further that success this year as the Bears compete in the 2013 NJCAA National Tournament. Last season (2012) he reached his 1,000th career win and became the third winningest coach in NJCAA Softball History. Now, this season he has built on this compiling 1,073 total wins and another Region 1, Division 2 Championship. Mueller has recorded nine NJCAA Division 2 National Championships, has won nine national coach of the year awards, one conference coach of the year award, and four National Fastpitch Coaching Association Speedline Coaching Staff of the year awards. His achievements speak for themselves, but head coach Heinz Muller, is more than just a winning coach. In fact, he holds his players to a high standard on the field as well as in the classroom. Nearly every year his softball programs are named Academic All-American teams and maintain excellent grade point averages. Heinz Mueller fosters the growth of his student-athletes and pushes them to be better people, enabling them to have successful futures. When asked how he felt about this prestigious honor he stated, "I am sincerely humbled by this honor. Knowing that it is my home state makes the honor even more special to me. To know whenever our teams, coaches, players, and staff members played in the state of Arizona we represented the state with dignity and honor. I am truly blessed to have had so many great players and staff members by my side that contributed to this honor. I accept this award in their behalf as well."

Link to Bio
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Joe Bob Neely

Inducted: 1976
Category: Men Players
Other: ISC Hall of Fame

Three-time All-American centerfielder, he earned all-state honors 11 times in a brilliant career which saw him play on 10 state championship teams. A power hitter of awesome proportions. Still unbroken is his record of five consecutive home-runs in Major League play - home runs his last two at-bats in one game and his first three times up in the next game. Three times he won the league batting average championship. He competed in six national tournaments, his teams finishing runner-up on three occasions. An all-state selection as a 17 year old, he played for many of Arizona’s best teams, including Coolidge Boosters, Fike Plumbers, O.S. Stapley Co & A-1 Construction

Link to Bio
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Karl Neilson

 Inducted: 1979
Category: Contributor -Other
Other: ISC Hall of Fame

A 33-year commitment to softball has seen him active as a player, manager, commissioner and administrator, a dynamic force in the advancement of Arizona softball. Commissioner and President of the International Softball Congress, he brought to Arizona the 1974, 1977 and 1980 ISC national championship tournaments. He participated in 18 national tournaments as a player and 13 as Commissioner of the ISC. He was a member of the Schaefer & Smith team of Phoenix which won the 1970 ISC national championship. His career began in 1947 with the Phoenix Major League. He was selected to 13 Arizona all-state teams, was six times Leading Pitcher, was leading batter twice, and was twice named Most Valuable Player. He became a Commissioner of the ISC in 1967 and was elected President in 1977.

Link to Bio
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Paula Miller Noel

Inducted: 2005
Category: Women Players

Paula’s softball career was a long one but a very successful one. She pitched the Arizona State University Softball Team to the 1972 and 1973 College World Championships. For her outstanding pitching in college those years, Paula received the MVP Award. She pitched the Sun City Saints to the 1979 ASA National Championship. She was a member of the Pan American Games and the USA Gold Medal Team. After retiring from playing, Paula accepted the head coaching job at the University of Arizona. From Arizona, she went to Alaska where she taught school.

Link to Bio
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Jeff Oscarson

Inducted: 2020
Category: Contributor - Other

Jeff coached softball at the varsity level for 21 years at Chaparral High School. During his career, he accumulated 450 wins with only 122 loses and 3 ties. At one time he amassed a 62 game winning streak. In his career his teams took five State Championships, two State Runner-Up Championships and 14 Regional titles. 35 of his players received athletic scholarships to various universities and colleges. He was selected Regional Coach of the Year 1980-1984, 5A Coach of the Year 1992 & 1993, All-Around Coach of the Year 1996-1997 and Arizona Coach of the Year in 1997 & 1998. Jeff was twice the coach for the Arizona Coach's Association All-Star Team. In 2018 he was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame.

Link to Bio
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Ole Olson

Inducted: 1978
Category: Men Players

The ideal leadoff hitter, he annually led his teams in hits, stolen bases and runs scored during a 10-year career in Arizona major league softball. A left-handed batter, he was a master of the drag bunt and choppers through the infield and contributed to the success of several Phoenix teams, including Fike Plumbers and Double 7 Corporation. Always a high-average hitter, he posted a sensational .474 batting average in the National Softball Congress national tournaments in Salt Lake City. He also was one of the truly great fielding outfielders whose speed and softball savvy turned many potential extra-base hits into routine outs.

Link to Bio
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Voris Page

Inducted: 1977
Category: Contributor - Sponsor

Sponsor of the 1974 ISC World Champion Page’s Raiders, he made significant contributions to Arizona Softball as successful sponsor of men’s teams from 1957 to 1974, winning many city and state championships along the way. His 1974 championship team climaxed four appearances as the Arizona representative in four national tournaments in Tulsa; Kimberly, Wisc.; Rock Island, Ill.; and Sun City. Popular with his players, he was known as “Pappy Page,” and his behind-the-scenes counseling, advice and leadership has helped many of them through difficult periods in life.

Link to Bio
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PBSW Supply Company

Inducted: 1975
Category: Contributor - Sponsor

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Amelina "Amy" Peralta

Inducted: 1974
Category: Women Players
Other: Charter Member, ASA Hall of Fame

Amy Peralta not only was a talented pitcher but she also was an excellent hitter who often batted clean-up for the renowned Phoenix Ramblers, one of softball’s all-time great teams. She was a member of three Rambler national championship teams, 1940, 1948 and 1949, and batted .577 in the 1945 national championship. She played 17 years of her 20 year career with the Ramblers, compiling a 447-79 record with 300 shutouts. Her overall record was 670 wins and 150 loses with 20 no-hitters and 80 one-hitters. She earned All-America honors six times and in the 1948 ASA national championship compiled a 5-1 pitching record with 25 strikeouts in 42 innings, allowing only 12 hits. She also batted .304 and had five RBIs in the championship. She finished the year with 55 wins. In the 1949 ASA national championship, she was unbeaten (3-0), striking out 14 batters and finishing the season 56-10. In the 1950 national, she won three of five games and struck out 20.

Link to Bio
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Sandy Peterson

Inducted: 2012
Category: Women Players

Sandy Peterson was a pitcher and outfielder. Her 21 year career started at age 13 playing for the Prescott Nuggets. After graduating from Prescott High, she moved to the valley and started playing for the Paint Pot Dudettes, Phoenix PBS Ramblers, and the Mercury Blues. While she played for the Dudettes, they won the Copper State League and she was selected to the Copper State All Star Team

Link to Bio
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Ish Rahmatulla

Inducted: 2005
Category: Contributor - Umpire

Ish umpired in the state of Arizona for forty-seven years. He umpired at every level of softball there was. From boys and girls youth ball to men’s and women’s softball. He umpired games from church leagues to national championships. He has also umpired major league baseball spring training games

Link to Bio
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Rebecca "Becky" Rice

Inducted: 2010
Category: Women Players

Played 20 years from 1965-1985 at the highest levels of the sport. 1971 Rookie of the Year. 1972 2nd Team All-American. Member of ASU 1973 National Champiolnship Team. Coached the Sun City Saints 1973 Farm Team. Assistant ASU Coach 1974. 1974 Cactus All-Regional Team. 1975 Cactus All--Regional Team. Member of Goodwill Tour Team to South Africa 1975. Played on Professional Bakersfield Aggies Softball Team. Played for Sun City Saints from 1971-76. Becky Rice played outfield for the Sun City Saints from 1971 to 1976. She played for Glendale Community College. Becky was a member of the 1973 Arizona State University National Championship Team. In 1974, Becky was an assistant softball coach at ASU. She was member of the Goodwill Team that toured South Africa in 1975. Becky received Second Team All-American honors at the 1972 ASA Nationals.

Link to Bio
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Michael "Mike" Rivera

Inducted: 2018
Category: Men Players

Starting in 1977, Mike played softball for 17 years until he retired in 1994. He played in ISC State Travel League for 11 years. Mike played in six ISC World Tournaments and four ASA National Tournaments. He was invited to try out for the 1991 U.S. National Pan American Team. Some of the teams he played on were Prescott Merchants, Prescott Mustangs, and the Amigos'. In 1989, 1990, and 1992, he was a member of the ISC Travel League championship team. He also was a member of six city league championship teams from 1983 to 1988.

Link to Bio
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Sandy and Bill Roberts

Inducted: 2007
Category: Contributor - Other.

Bill and Sandy Roberts founded and coached the Sierra Vista Hot Peppers for 34 years. They were ASA Commissioners of Cochise County for 4 years. They coached the Hot Peppers to many state and regional championships. The Hot Peppers were Women’s ASA “C” National Champions in 1992 and the 16 & Under Hot Peppers were ASA Runners- up National Champions in 2002.

Link to Bio
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Steve "Rocky" Roberts

Inducted: 2018
Category: Men Players
Other: Veteran

Rocky started playing softball in 1976 in the Phoenix Metro League. In 1977 he joined the Southern Truck Raiders team for two years. The next team he played on was the 1979 Turquoise Kings from Kingman. Moving on to his next team he joined the 7th Avenue Auto Parts Team. Rocky's last team was the Kelland Warriors. These teams represent some of the best softball teams in Arizona. In 1989, he was asked to play in the Bar Mitzvah Maccabiah Tournament as a member of the United States Jewish National Team. It was the first year the United States Team won the Bar Mitzvah Maccabiah Tournament. Steve's RBI single drove in the winning run.

Link to Bio
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Kay Rohrer

Inducted: 1976
Category: Women Players

One of the greatest all-around women’s softball players the game has ever known, she achieved All-America honors both as a catcher and shortstop during a brilliant career capped by helping the Phoenix A-1 Queens to the 1948 national championship. She later played with the Phoenix Westerners, Mesa Premiums, Funk Gems and PBSW Ramblers, 1954-62, helping the Ramblers to three runner-up spots in national tournaments. She also competed in the professional All- America League and Chicago Professional League and in 1961 appeared in the American Softball Association All-star Game in Stratford, Connecticut.

Link to Bio
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Harry "Coon" Rosen

Inducted: 1974
Category: Men Players
Other: Charter Member, ASA Hall of Fame

Elected to two Sports Hall of Fames - in Chicago and San Diego - Harry “Coon” Rosen was one of Arizona’s best pitchers and hitters and played with Phoenix teams in 8 of the 13 national softball tournaments in which he competed. Rosen pitched and won eight games in three days as his Chicago team won the national crown in 1933 and he was five times chosen leading pitcher in national tournaments. His lengthy career included 300 no-hit games.

Link to Bio
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Lois Barbour Royster

Inducted: 1977
Category: Women Players

An All-America second baseman and member of the 1940 World Champion PBSW Ramblers of Phoenix, she competed in five national tournaments during an illustrious career in which she earned national acclaim for her bunting and base-stealing skills as well as her prowess afield. A swift base runner, she averaged 44 stolen bases per season, compiled a .275 batting average, and posted a brilliant .910 fielding average.

Link to Bio
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Ray Ruman

Inducted: 1978
Category: Contributor - Other

Softball supervisor for the Tucson Parks and Recreation Department since 1963, his dedicated leadership enabled the city’s softball program to expand from 50 teams to a record 220 fast pitch teams by 1977. As commissioner of the ASA since 1971, he produced numerous successful tournaments in Tucson, including serving as assistant director in 1969 and as director in 1972 of Women’s World Softball Tournaments. He also has staged regional men’s and women’s tournaments leading to nationals. A member of the Arizona Softball Foundation board of governors since 1974, he also is chairman of the Southern Arizona Softball-Baseball Foundation, was a director of Men’s Pro Softball League in the southwestern U. S. in 1975-77, serves as advisor to the Tucson Umpires Association, and is host to foreign teams visiting Tucson

Link to Bio
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Tom Shackelford

Inducted: 2006
Category: Men Players

Tom’s softball career spanned over four decades. He played shortstop and third base in seventeen national tournaments. His talent in the game led to being able to play the game he loved in the United States, Canada and New Zealand. He was a member of the National ISC Corporate Collections Championship Team. He was a member of the ISC Runner-up World Championship 7th Ave Auto Parts Team. He was a member of the ASA Runner-up National Championship Arizona Gorillas Team. He was a first team All-American, All- Regional and invited to try out for the United States Pan-American Team

Link to Bio
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Helen Andrade Siggelkow

Inducted: 2000
Category: Women Players

Helen was a very talented softball player. She could play shortstop or third base. She played from 1969 to 1990. Was voted to the All-American Team in 1982 and 1983. Played for the famous Sun City Saints where she won the Erv Lind Award for outstanding defense at the 1982 ASA National Tournament. Was a member of the 1982 Gold Medal team at the Olympic Sports Festival. Helen was voted to the 1981 NJCAA All-American Team for Glendale Community College

Link to Bio
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Joe Smith

 Inducted: 1978
Category: Contributor - Sponsor

In his first season as sponsor of a major softball team, his 1970 Schaefer & Smith Insurance team won the World championship of the International Softball Congress. In nine years as a sponsor, his teams competed in eight national tournaments and was runner-up in 1977. Most active sponsor in Arizona, his teams include the Westerners of the Copperstate Women’s Softball League, 50 youth teams in softball, Little League baseball, soccer and basketball. He was chairman and director of the two most financially successful world softball tournaments in history of the ISC. His service to sports earned him the Arizona Softball Foundation’s Man of the Year Award in 1977 as well as the Phoenix Press Box Association’s tribute as Arizona Sports Personality of 1977.

Link to Bio
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Darlene Spiva

Inducted: 2001
Category: Women Players

Darlene was one of Arizona’s great pitchers with 459 wins. She was a member f the All-State Team 9 times and Arizona State Tournament All-Star 3 times. In 1977, she was voted the Arizona Softball Foundation’s Player of the Year.

Link to Bio
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Beverly "Bev" Dryer Stewart

Inducted: 2001
Category: Contributor - Other

Bev was a player, coach and contributor to the game of softball in Arizona from 1951 to 1973. She began her playing career with the Webster Buttercups and then went to the world famous Phoenix PBSW Ramblers. She was a member of 18 Regional Championship Teams, including the PBSW Ramblers and the Sun City Saints. She founded the Sun City Saints in 1965.

Link to Bio
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Dennis "Stump" Stilwell

Inducted: 2010
Category: Men Players

Played 32 years Went to 30 nationals
Played outfield, first base and pitched
8 time All-American
2 time Player of the Year
2 time MV pitcher award
MVP Award
Invited to Pan American Tryouts Twice. Dennis Stilwell played fast pitch softball for thirty-two years. In thirty-two years, he played in thirty national tournaments where he was selected Player of the Year twice. He played for Lightning Movers, Tally Page Raiders, Hays roofing, Southern Truck, Seventh Ave Auto Parts, Turquoise Kings, Florida Clearwater Bombers and Paddock Pools. Dennis played outfield, first base and pitched. Dennis was selected as an All American eight times.

Link to Bio
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Paula Stufflebeam

Inducted: 2013
Category: Women Players

Played 25 years; primary positions second base, and outfield, Arizona State University 1977-1980, all conference Championship AIAW- 1980, Sun City Saints 1977-1983/4 with the National Champions 1978 and played on the United States Pan Am Gold Medal 1979 team in San Juan Puerto Rico.

Link to Bio
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Robert "Bob" Swan

Inducted: 2006
Category: Contributor - Other

Bob was not only inducted into the Arizona Softball Hall of Fame as a coach of fast pitch softball but also his contribution to the betterment of high school softball programs and facilities. Bob spent twenty years in softball, he coached his teams to two National Championships, eighteen national appearances, four top ten finishes at the nationals and numerous state and regional titles

Link to Bio
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Nonie "The Hustler" Land Thomas

Inducted: 2003
Category: Women Players

Nicknamed the “hustler”, Nonie was the star second baseman for the world famous A-1 Queens. She was their lead-off hitter and base runner. She was a member of the 1947 National Softball Congress (NSC) A-1 Queens Championship Team. She batted over .300 with the Denton Tire Queens and A-1 Queens from 1940-48. She was an outstanding at Phoenix Union High School in 1944.

Link to Bio
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Manly Traylor

Inducted: 1980
Category: Men Players

An outstanding catcher and along ball hitter, Manly Traylor earned numerous honors in a career which spanned 33 years. A frequent state and regional tournament all-star, he was the state tournament’s most valuable player leading Phoenix Elks to the championship. He participated in two national tournaments, for the Elks and for McGinnis Equipment Company. He also starred for Roy Brooks Plumbers, International Metals and Funk Jewelers in the Phoenix Major League. A Marine Corps veteran, he played with Marine teams in New Zealand, Hawaii and Saipan, where his teams won the division championship. A power hitter, he once hit for the cycle and once hit three home runs and a triple in a single game. In a district tournament game in Globe’s O’Brien Baseball Park, he hit a home run which cleared the left field fence, 365 feet from home plate. And in Mesa’s Rendezvous Park, he cleared the 335-foot barrier in left field. He also was player-manager for the Globe Elks. He continued playing until he was fifty years of age.

Link to Bio
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Arnold "Nolly" Trujillo

Inducted: 1974
Category: Men Players
Other: Charter Member

Winner of more than 600 games, Nolly Trujillo is considered by many to be Arizona’s all-time great softball pitcher. Arizona teams have won three national championship tournaments - and Nolly was the pitcher of record in two of them. In 1938, he did it for the Funk Jewels and in 1947, he repeated with Farm Fresh Markets. He also was an outstanding hitter with tremendous power. His pitching and batting accomplishments over a 15-year period in Arizona softball- seldom matched seven for a season - leave no doubt as to his superiority

Link to Bio
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Art Van Haren Sr.

Inducted: 1974
Category: Contributor - Other
Other: Charter Member

The greatest umpire in Arizona softball history. Art Van Haren was always the man behind the plate for championship games, working in 20 national tournaments as umpire-in-chief. A vital spark in helping Arizona softball attain national prominence, his never-questioned impartiality earned him respect and admiration during a 43-year career which included more than 4.,500 games. A tireless worker, Van Haren worked 256 games one season calling balls and strikes for all levels of competition in both softball and baseball

Link to Bio
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Rosemary Ybarra Urtuzuastegui

Inducted: 2004
Category: Women Players

Rosemary was one of Arizona’s finest. She had a long and prosperous career in pitching for some of the highest ranked teams in Arizona. She played in Canada, Puerto Rico and Panama. In 1967, she received the Outstanding Pitcher Award and in 1981 the MVP Player Award in the Phoenix Metro ASA Tournament

Link to Bio
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Dodie Nelson Walker

Inducted: 1975
Category: Women Players

Voted to the All-American team eleven consecutive years and named the No. 1 outfielder in the 22 year history of the Phoenix A-1 Queens. She ranks as one of the greatest individual women softball players of her time and foremost centerfielder in Arizona history. Leading hitter in the 1951 national tournament and Most Valuable Player in both the 1948 and 1951 nationals. She led the legendary A-1 Queens to five national titles and three second-place finishes. Voted Miss Softball of 1950, this fleet-footed outfielder gained numerous honors and set many records during her career, including leading the Queens in batting, stolen bases and runs scored each of her 11 seasons with the team.

Link to Bio
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Anita Jane (Byrd) Wells

Inducted: 2016
Category: Women Players

Anita Jane (Byrd) Wells Legend Player/Pitcher Anita (Byrd) Wells played softball for the Dudettes and PBSW Ramblers from 1948 to 1957. She was recruited right out of elementary school by Dot Wilkinson and Ford Hoffman. At 13, Anita traveled with the Ramblers to pitch in the ASA Women's National Softball Tournament in Toronto, Canada. Anita pitched in numerous State, Regional and six National ASA Tournaments with the Ramblers.

Link to Bio
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Linda Marie Wells

Inducted: 2010
Category: Contributor - Other

Inducted into 8 Hall of Fames Played fast pitch softball from 1956-1993 in organized competition as a catcher, outfielder and pitcher receiving All-American status as a catcher
Participated in 17 national championships in women's major softball
Played and coached professionall;y in the Women's International Professional Softball League
Head coach of the ASU Sun Devils from 1989-2005.
Coached ASU to 14 NCAA Regional appearances in 16 years
Guided ASU to NCAA College World Series appearances in 1999 and 2002
Names Arizona Women's Sports Association's University Coach of the Year
President of the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association
Assistant Coach of the 1985 USA South Pacific Classic gold medal team
Assistant Coach of the 1987 USA Pan American gold medal team
Head Coach of the 2004 Greek Olympic Team
Pitching Coach of the 2008 Dutch Olympic Team
Conducted hundreds of clinics in and out of Arizona; author and publisher of many books, articles and videos on softball. Linda Wells wa a Player-Coach for the St. Louis Hummers in the Women's International Professional Softball League from 1976 to 1979. Linda started her college coaching at the University of Minnesota where she coached for 14 years. Linda left Minnesota to take the head coaching position at Arizona State University. She coached at ASU from 1989 to 2005. She coached the Greek (2004) and Dutch (2008) Olympic Softball Teams in Athens and Beijing. Linda is nationally renowed for her publications on coaching and is a much requested speaker on all the aspects of the game of softball.

Link to Bio
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Jo Wilson West

Inducted: 2000
Category: Women Players

Jo’s playing career spanned the years from 1958 to 1978. She played first base for the Cooperstate League powerhouse Phoenix Westerners. She was selected to the ASA All-State Team in 1960 and 1961. She made numerous All-State and All-Region selections as an infielder and played against teams from Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, Sweden and New Zealand. She was voted to the Arizona Softball Foundation All-State Team in 1973 and 1978.

Link to Bio
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Dot Wilkinson

Inducted: 1974
Category: Women Players
Other: Charter Member, ASA Hall of Fame

Wilkinson started out playing second base for the PBSW Ramblers and a few years later was switched to behind the plate by coach Ford Hoffman, who told her, “You’re the catcher, you run the team. Before retiring in 1965, Wilkinson earned 19 All-America awards and had some outstanding years for the Ramblers, including 1952 (.374 batting average), 1953 (.365 batting average), 1957 (.387 average in national championship); 1955 (.450 average in national with no errors on 36 chances) and 1954 (.455 average and 1.000 fielding percentage on 84 chances in national). Dot said one of her greatest thrills came in 1940 when the Ramblers won their first of three national titles (1948 and 1949). Another Thrill came in 1970, when she received her Hall of Fame plaque.

Link to Bio
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Kathryn "Cotton" Williamson

Inducted: 2014
Category: Women Players

Cotton was a utility player and a catcher for over 25 years. She played for the Hunting Park Blues and for the Orange Lionettes for three years before coming to Phoenix to play for the Phoenix Ramblers and then the Sun City Saints. As a Lionette she became an All American. Cotton was selected as a Pacific Coast Women's Softball league All Star many times and played in several ASA National Championships. Cotton is inducted as a Legend's Player.

Link to Bio
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Archie Wilson

Inducted: 1978
Category: Men Players

Arizona’s premier pitcher when the sport of major league softball was introduced to the state in 1932 and 1933, he blazed a trail of greatness during a 15-year career which found him an annual participant in state and regional tournaments. He began pitching major league softball in 1932 as a 15-year-old and his pitching prowess and batting ability earned him outstanding pitcher and most valuable player awards in 1932 and 1933 when he led his team to the state championship each year. He pitched both for and against Arizona major league teams during his career.

Link to Bio
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Herb Wisdom

Inducted: 2000
Category: Contributor - Other
Other: ISC Hall of Fame

Herb was a successful pitcher, coach and contributor to Arizona softball. He has kept men’s fast pitch alive in southern Arizona in recent years, sponsoring more than 150 players at numerous national and world tournaments.

Link to Bio
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Margie Yetman

Inducted: 1976
Category: Women Players

Five times an All-American, considered the greatest second baseman in women’s softball during the 1940’s and 1950,’ she joined the Phoenix A-1 Queens after a lengthy, star-studded career in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. She was judged Most Valuable Player in the 1948 national tournament in Phoenix. A member of the Queens’ All-time Team, she was a key factor in the Queens’ winning three of their five national championships. Her strong hitting and flawless fielding played starring roles in 17 national tournaments, including national championships for the Tulsa Midgets in 1942-43.

Link to Bio
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Emily Alexander

Inducted: 2003.
Category: Contributor - Umpire
Other: ASA Hall of Fame

Emily has worked an untold number of ASA, NCAA, NJCAA and High School Games. She was the first woman umpire inducted into the National ASA Softball Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She worked at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, the Pan American games in Argentina in 1995, the ASA Men's Major Nationals in 1994, the ASA Women's Major National in 1979 & 1987 and the Women's College World Series ten times.

Emily served as Metro Phoenix ASA Umpire-in-Chief for many years and ran an first rate umpire program involving training, schools, mentoring and an outstanding Host-Exchange network that created many opportunities for local umpires. She was the mechanics branch head of the first ever NCAA umpire program where she authored an extensive three umpire mechanics manual that created a consistency in umpires nationwide.

In 2007 Emily was voted by the editors of Referee Magazine as one of only 52 people as being the 'most influential in officiating history'. In 2010 she was awarded the prestigious Gold Whistle Award by the National Association of Sports Officials - only the second woman to receive this award and the first one in softball.

Link to Bio
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Rosie Miranda Andrade

Inducted: 1979
Category: Women Players.

An outstanding fielder, she starred at three infield positions during a 22-year career which included eight national tournaments. She earned All-America second team honors at third base while playing for the famed Phoenix PBSW Ramblers in 1957. Following a seven- year stint with the Poston Tillage Sweethearts of Glendale, where she earned all-state honors five times as a shortstop, she joined the legendary Phoenix A-1 Queens and starred as their second baseman in 1956. With the Ramblers (1957-60), she helped lead the team to the runner-up spot nationally in 1957 and was voted most colorful and popular player in the regional tournament. Blessed with a strong, accurate arm., good speed and hitting prowess, she ended a five-year retirement to join the Sun City Saints in 1966. During three seasons with the Saints, she twice was chosen on the Pacific Coast Women’s Softball League all-star team, in 1967 and ‘68.

Link to Bio
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Jean Klont Dalmolin

Inducted: 1975
Category: Women Players

The cleanup hitter for the nationally famous PBSW Ramblers of Phoenix for 13 years, this brilliant fielding shortstop compiled a lifetime batting average of .320, played in 12 national tournaments and earned All-America honors. A mainstay of the original Ramblers, her play contributed greatly to world champions and for keeping the Ramblers perennially among the nation’s top ranked teams.

Link to Bio
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Del E Webb - Corporation

Inducted: 1975
Category: Contributor - Sponsor

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Rex Dernovich

Inducted: 2008
Category: Men Players

Rex played third base from 1963 to 1976 for Mitcham Construction, Hays Roofing, Sports Club of America and the Turquoise Kings. He was an outstanding hitter who played in seven ISC World Tournaments. He played on three Arizona State Championship Cactus Regional Championship teams.

Link to Bio
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Hank Duffy

Inducted: 2018
Category: Contributor - Coach

Women's Contributor: Hank Duffy: Hank began his 42 years as a pitcher for many men's softball teams in Arizona. From those early playing years, Hank moved on to coaching high school, college, and girls club teams. His heart was in teaching girls to throw fast pitch softball. In his 60 plus years in softball, Hank has truly left his mark, with private pitching lessons for: Debbie Doom, Michelle Duncan, Lauren Hauger and many more. In 1999 Hank joined Emily Alexander's Cactus Umpire Staff. He umpired for 13 years.

Link to Bio
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Lee Ann Easley

Inducted: 2000
Category: Women Players

Lee Ann was an outstanding infielder from 1972 to 1978. She was a member of the 1972 and 1973 Arizona State University National Championship Team. She was named to the 1975 and 1976 ASA All-American Team and 1975 Pacific Coast Conference All-Star team.

Link to Bio
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Nancy Ellis

Inducted: 2019
Category: Contributor - Coach

Nancy Ellis Nancy coached high school softball for 37 years. 33 years at Dobson High School, and 4 years at Mountain Point High School from 2002-2005. Her teams won 9 regional championships and 2 state champions. Nancy was selected by the Arizona High School Coaches Association Region 8 Softball Coach of the Year 4 times and in 2002 she was selected by the National High School Coaches Association as the National Softball Coach of the Year. She is an Arizona High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame member. Nancy finished her coaching career with 570 wins.

Link to Bio
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Paul Fannin

Inducted: 1975
Category: Contributor - Other

One of the staunchest supporters of softball the game has ever known, this former player and team sponsor became a major force in earning for Phoenix the title of Softball Capital of the World. He provided the ground upon which was built the 5,000 seat Phoenix Softball Stadium in 1945 and where 21 men’s and women’s national tournaments were held. His leadership and devotion to Arizona softball during a two-decade period helped focus eyes of the nation on the Valley of the Sun. A pitcher in his own right, he was a member of the original Funk Jewels, Arizona’s legendary champion of early softball and whose spirited play in national tournaments earned its acclaim as softball’s most colorful team.

Link to Bio
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Dennis Ferguson

Inducted: 2000
Category: Men Players

Dennis was one of the many outstanding outfielders to come out of Arizona. He played from 1968 to 1980 on several of the nationally ranked men’s fast pitch teams. He played in 9 national tournaments and on 8 Arizona state championship teams. He was a member of the 1974 ISC World Champion Page’s Raiders . In 1977, Dennis was voted to the ISC All-World team and was named Arizona Softball Foundation Player of the year. He was named to the Arizona All-State team four times.

Link to Bio
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Harlin B. Fike

Inducted: 1975
Category: Contributor - Sponsor

Sponsor of the Fike Plumbers which dominated Major Men’s League softball during the years 1949 through 1954, his teams attracted nationwide attention, finishing runner-up three times in national tournaments. His teams won regional honors in 1951, 1953 and 1954 and maintained Arizona softball prestige at a high level with his competitiveness on both state and national levels. His interest and support as a sponsor was a major contribution to success of softball during the 1950s.

Link to Bio
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Cornell Fisher

Inducted: 1976
Category: Men Players

One of Arizona’s finest catchers and most powerful hitters, he was named to the All-State team eight times and was always among the leaders in home runs and runs batted in. He won several batting championships in major competition in Mesa, where he also had been an outstanding high school athlete. His list of honors include All-State selection both in football and baseball, earning seven varsity letters in those sports. His 17-year softball career spanned three decades and earned him recognition as one of Arizona’s all- time greats.

Link to Bio
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Conrad Flippen

Inducted: 1975
Category: Men Players

Considered Arizona’s greatest all-around high school athlete, this peerless performer brought his versatile skills to the original Funk Jewels of Phoenix, softball’s most colorful team. A superb infielder and outfielder for the legendary Funk Jewels, his speed and alert play helped guide the Jewels to two national tournaments where their colorful antics earned national acclaim. His brilliant play was recognized by repeated selection to all-state and regional all-star teams.

Link to Bio
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Barbara "Bobbi" Maldonado Forner

Inducted: 2006
Category: Women Players

Barbara “Bobbi” (Maldonado) Forner played softball for 24 years from 1959 to 1983. Her outstanding play at shortstop led to her being named a nine time All-Star and voted to the All-State Team in 1965 and 1971. She played on eight state championship teams, five time league championship teams and six time Metro Championship teams. In 1975, she started and coached the varsity softball program at Sunnyslope High School in Phoenix, Arizona for three years.

Link to Bio
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Bobby Freeman

Inducted: 1976
Category: Men Players

Blessed with a blazing fast ball which earned him honors as one of Arizona’s premier softball pitchers, he appeared in five national tournaments in Austin, Texas; Ogden, Utah; and Phoenix, as well as in six regional tournaments where he once was chosen Most Valuable Player. He spent the 1948 and 1949 seasons touring with the Chicago Ho-N-Tots, one of the nation’s top softball attractions of the era. His Arizona teams were among the best in major league play and included Mesa Elks, Colored All-Starts, VFW, Bog’s Rose Room and Russ Keaton.

Link to Bio
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Roy Fries

Inducted: 2008
Category: Contributor - Umpire

Roy has umpired in Nebraska and Arizona for the past 62 years. He was also a youth softball Deputy Junior Olympic Commissioner for three years. In 1976, Roy was selected as Umpire of the Year. The ASA presented Roy with the John McGonigle Memorial Award for Umpire Excellence in 1998.

Link to Bio
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Art Funk

Inducted: 1973
Category: Men Players

Art Funk, chairman of the board of Greyhound Parks of Arizona, was the first person inducted into the Arizona Softball Hall of Fame. Sponsor of the legendary Funk Jewels, which included many of the greatest softball stars of all time, Funk also was the dominant force in 16 national championship tournaments held in Phoenix at softball fields which he built, including a $100,000 park at 17th Avenue and Roosevelt.

Link to Bio
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Jim Garrett

Inducted: 1978
Category: Men Players

One of the leading hitters in Arizona softball history - his batting average was above .300 during a 13-year career with the Coolidge Boosters - this outstanding outfielder spent 22 years in major league softball and participated in 15 Arizona state tournaments (in Phoenix, Mesa, Coolidge and Tucson) and four Regional Tournaments (in Casper, Wyo.; Plainview, Texas; and two in Fullerton, Calif.). He was most valuable player in one tournament, an all-tournament selection three times and was leading hitter in one. Besides playing for the Coolidge Boosters, his major league service included seasons with Denton Tire Co., and Brooks Plumbers of Phoenix and the U. S. Marines.

Link to Bio
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Jimmy Geare Jr.

 Inducted: 1975
Category: Men Players

As sponsor of the Farm Fresh Markets softball team which in 1947 won the first national championship of the National Softball Congress, forerunner of the International Softball Congress. His active and dedicated support played a major role in earning for Phoenix the title of Softball Capital of the World. His teams won Men’s Major League, state and regional championships as well as the national title which enhanced Phoenix’ position as leader in the world of softball.

Link to Bio
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George Ghiz

Inducted: 1975
Category: Contributor - Sponsor

As sponsor of the Farm Fresh Markets softball team which in 1947 won the first national championship of the National Softball Congress, forerunner of the International Softball Congress. His active and dedicated support played a major role in earning for Phoenix the title of Softball Capital of the World. His teams won Men’s Major League, state and regional championships as well as the national title which enhanced Phoenix’ position as leader in the world of softball.

Link to Bio
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Carmen Giglio

Inducted: 2005
Category: Contributor - Other.

Carmen was nicknamed the “GURU OF SOFTBALL.” He not only was an umpire but a scorekeeper, announcer and general contributor to the game of fast pitch in Kingman, Arizona.

Link to Bio
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Steve Goodman

Inducted: 2017
Category: Men Players

Steve played softball 21 years from (1955-1976). During his career, he played catcher and outfielder for some of the best men’s fast pitch teams in Arizona including: the Turquoise Kings, F.E. Bailey, Mesa Kings, Sports Club of America, and U-Kamp. He participated in seven National Tournaments (4 ASA Nationals and 3 ISC Nationals). Steve was a member of several ISC State Championship teams and several ASA and ISC Regional Championship teams.

Link to Bio
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Clyde Gordon

Inducted: 1976
Category: Contributor - Umpire

Former president of the Arizona Umpire’s Association, this arbiter began calling balls and strikes in Eastern Indiana in 1931 and achieved notable success in this difficult field. He organized the American Legion Umpire’s Association in 1960 and served as their booking agent for several years, a function he also fulfilled for the AUA (Arizona Umpires Association). After earning distinction as an umpire in the Indiana High School Athletic Association and the National Fast ball League, he became one of he leading umpires at Phoenix Softball Park, home of Arizona’s major softball.

Link to Bio
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Richard "Dick" Griesser

Inducted: 2007
Catigory: Men Players

Dick was an NCAA Baseball All-American as an outfielder for the U of A in 1958. :He played on the Mead’s Pharmacy Softball Team that went to the ISC Nationals in 1963. Dick coached the Rattlers Professional Softball Team that won the American Professional Softball League Championships in 1976. Dick was a member of the Tucson King’s ISC State Champion softball team. He played on 3 Arizona State Championship Teams and was selected to 2 regional All-Star Teams.

Link to Bio
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John Guthrie

Inducted: 2012
Category: Men Players

John Guthrie played on many top Arizona Teams over a nineteen year career including Hays Roofing, and the nationally known Turquoise Kings. He was a first baseman and outfielder. John attended five ISC World Tournaments. Early in his career he was drafted by the San Francisco Giants

Link to Bio
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James "Bo" Hall

Inducted: 2010
Category: Men Players

Played 17 years at third base and outfield. Played in four national tournaments. Hitting Award at 1985 ISC World Championships. 6 time All-Region Team selection. 4 time League Champions. 2 time MVP. Member of National Champion Rattlers Professional Team where he was selected to the All-League Team and led the league in home runs and RBIs. Bo Hall played for seventeen years from 1974 to 1991. He played on Wilcox teams in three ISC World Championships and one ASA National Championship. He played for the Wilcox Freeway Exxon Team, Antonick Team, Joe's Auto Team and N.S.S.I. team of Phoenix. Bo was a two time leading hitter in ISC World Championship Tournaments. He was a five time ASA All-Regional selection. He played in the North American Professional Softball League for the Tucson Rattlers where he was selected to the All-League Team.

Link to Bio
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Betty Giertz Hardwick Wainwright

Inducted: 1977
Category: Women Players

Named to the All-America team three times at third base, she played a key role in helping the legendary A-1 Queens of Phoenix win five national championships. Blessed with one of the strongest throwing arms in women’s softball, she began major league competition at age 14 and upon completion of her illustrious career she was named to the A-1 Queens All-time Team. A left-handed power hitter, she also was on of the best drag-hitters in the sport and once enjoyed a 20 game hitting streak. An all -around athlete, she was a high-average bowler and twice won golf club championships.

Link to Bio
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Lloyd Harper

Inducted: 2004
Category: Men Players

Lloyd filled many shoes in the game of softball. He was a player, manager and umpire for thirty years. He attended 10 national tournaments and was four times received the ISC All-State Honors. In 1960, he was the ASA Regional Batting Champion. It can be said “he really loved the game.”

Link to Bio
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Dave Harris

Inducted: 2004
Category: Men Players

Dave pitched for Wilcox from 1946 to 1982. He was selected Arizona Player of the Years in 1951 and voted Most Valuable Pitcher in the ASA Regional Tournament of 1962. After retiring from the playing field, he continued to coach the Wilcox teams to the ISC State Championships in 1984 and 1985. Respected by all, Dave was a fierce competitor as a player and coach, and a gentleman on and off the field.

Link to Bio
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Merle "Pee Wee" Heatwole

Inducted: 1977
Category: Men Players

A 35-year career as a player, manager and organizer resulted in major contributions to Arizona softball. As a player he ranked as one of Arizona’s best catchers and batters during the 1930s and continued to play until his 55th birthday. He was player-manager, coach and organizer of Skull Valley softball for 15 years during which his Skull Valley Skunks won more than 400 games against 100 losses in 15 years. His team won 27 trophies, much of its success coming in Prescott where his team and leadership contributed to that city’s universal appeal as one of the nation’s softball hot beds. He also was a top semipro baseball catcher for 15 years before turning to softball.

Link to Bio
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Missy Hixon

Inducted: 2019
Category: Women Players

Missy played on the Chaparral High School Softball Team that was the 4A high school state champions for four years. In 1999 she was a member of the Junior Olympic Team. In 2001 she was a member of the ASA/USA National Softball (Blue) team that won the Pan Am qualifier in Maracay, Venezuela. Missy played her college softball for Arizona State University. In 2000 she was a Pac-10 honorable mention choice. She was a four year starter for ASU. Missy was a member of the 2000 and 2001 Phoenix Storm National Champions at the ASA Women's Major Fast Pitch National Championships. She was selected second team ASA All American.

Link to Bio
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Glen "Skinny" Hogue

Inducted: 1978
Category: Men Players

A virtual one-man gang, he played all positions well, excelled as one of Arizona softball’s best outfielders and achieved acclaim as a pitcher. The versatile athlete played major league softball for 13 years, 10 in Phoenix and three in the armed forces. He starred for the Funk Jewels, Fike Plumbing and Double Seven Corporation of P phoenix in three national tournaments and pitched his armed forces team to the service championship in 1944. Other Phoenix major league teams to enjoy his services were Milt Coggin’s Sporting Goods, Phoenix Auto Supply, Phalanx Fraternity and Delaware Punch.

Link to Bio
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Rojelia "Roy" Holguin

Inducted: 2009
Category: Women Players

Catcher, Played for 17 years, 3 Time ASA Cactus Regional All Star Team, 5 Time Outstanding Hitter Award, Metro Divisional All-Tournament Team, Outstanding Fielder Award, MVP, Member of Cactus Softbal League Champion Mercury Blues for 5 years, Membor of Metro Tourney Championship Team for 5 years. "Rojelia wa a catcher for the Mercury Blues Women's Softball Team in the Copperstate League. She was a League All-Star seven times and league batting champion three times. She was also selected to the ASA All-Region Team three times. In 1969, she was selected as the MVP of the Copperstate Softball League."

Link to Bio
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Glen Homes

Inducted: 1977
Category: Contributor - Umpire

One of Arizona’s finest umpires, he worked five national championship tournaments and umpired 10 years in the Men’s Major League in Phoenix. He joined Art Van Haren in forming the Arizona Umpires Association, serving as president or vice president several times. He helped start the first umpiring school in Arizona, helping others become competent umpires for the betterment of the sport. He also had a fine record as a player, beginning in 1929, both as a pitcher and at other positions

Link to Bio
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Helen Watkins Howk

Inducted: 1977
Category: Women Players

Considered to be one of the finest infielders in the 22 -year history of the nationally famed A-1 Queens of Phoenix, she performed with equal skill at second base, third base and shortstop. Her strong, accurate throwing arm and virtually flawless play were instrumental in carrying the Queens to the Regional title and a strong showing in the 1945 national tournament in Cleveland. In 1951, she was founder and president of the first women softball league in Ft. Bragg, California, where she moved following her Arizona career. As coach, manager and player, she led several Ft. Bragg teams into regional tournaments before her retirement in 1956.

Link to Bio
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Fred Hyder

Inducted: 1977
Category: Men Players

A star outfielder for the nationally ranked University of Arizona baseball team in the 1930s, he entered softball competition in the strong Phoenix Major League and helped lead Travis Cafe, Tom’s Tavern and the Lettuce Kings into three national championship tournaments in Chicago. A versatile performer, he ranked among the top 10 hitters in major league softball and won the batting championship in 1946. The Lettuce Kings were regarded as the best men’s softball team in Arizona history and his contributions were significant to their success.

Link to Bio
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Lloyd Jenney

Inducted: 2009
Category: Contributor - Other

Lloyd Jenny was selected as a contributor for his sponsorship and coaching of the Lamb Chevrolet and the Mueller-Stevens terms from the Prescott area. He also was an assistant coach of the Turquoise Kings. Lloyd was instrumental in bringing the New Zealand pitchers to Arizona. He organized the first boys softball team at the Prescott Boys Club and later was on the coaching staff of the Prescott 18U Boys Team that won the 1981 nationals.

Link to Bio
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Bernard "JoJo" Jones

Inducted: 1976
Category: Men Players

One of Arizona’s all-time greats at third base, this two-time All- American was a power hitter who twice led the Phoenix Major League in home runs and runs batted in. Proficient also as a catcher and outfielder, he starred for several state championship teams and competed in numerous national tournaments during a 20-year career with teams representing Adams Hotel, Funk Jewels, Marstons, Delaware Punch, O. S. Stapley, Lettuce Kings and Phoenix Auto. He was the first player of record to hit three out-of-the-park home runs in a single game in the Phoenix Major League - June 1941. He was named Most Valuable Player as his Coast Guard team won the U.S. Military championship in 1943. He later served as one of Arizona’s leading softball umpires for 11 years and spent two seasons as manager of the nationally prominent Holsum Bakery Maids women’s softball team.

Link to Bio
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Katherine Mann Jones

Inducted: 2001
Category: Women Players

Katie was one of Arizona Softball’s pioneers. She played on several of Arizona’s finest teams from 1935 to 1946. In addition to playing on the World Champion A-1 Queens, she played for the Arizona Cantaloupe Queens, Allen’s Furniture and the Buena Park Lynx. She was a tireless hustler who took pride in her defensive skills.

Link to Bio
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Louis "Butch" Kappes

Inducted: 1975
Category: Men Players

A member of the 1938 national champion Lettuce Kings of Phoenix, he was one of the most outstanding second baseman, was one of the state’s finest hitters and was voted regional honors while playing for some of Arizona’s greatest teams. In addition to playing for A. J. Bayless, Travis Cafe and Tom’s Tavern, all nationally ranked teams, he also found time to manage a girl’s softball team during the 1930s

Link to Bio
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Russ Keeton

Inducted: 1975
Category: Contributor - Sponsor

As sponsor of Safeway Pay’n Takit Stores men’s softball team during the 1930s, his active and dedicated support played a major role in earning for Phoenix the title of Softball Capital of the World. His teams won numerous Major Men’s League and state championships and enhanced the prestige of Arizona softball by recruiting some of the nation’s most outstanding pitchers. The rivalry between his Safeway team and A. J. Bayless Markets produced some of the most exciting games in softball history and was the annual highlight of the Phoenix season.

Link to Bio
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Don Kelland

Inducted: 2003
Category: Contributor- Sponsor

A great contributor to men’s fast pitch softball in Arizona. A good man who brought major fast pitch to the city of Yuma, Arizona.

Link to Bio
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Jerry Kellerhals

Inducted: 2005
Category: Men Players

Jerry played softball in Arizona for twenty plus years. He played on two of the most famous Arizona men’s softball teams in Arizona, the Page Raiders and the Southern Truck Raiders. He played second base and was a member of the 1974 ISC World Champion Page’s Raiders Softball Team. He was also a member of the 1975 national runner-up champion, Southern Truck Raiders.

Link to Bio
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Harold Kleinman

Inducted: 1979
Category: Contributor - Other

An outstanding player who competed in three national tournaments, he became a successful manager and administrator. As state and metro ASA Commissioner, his efforts have greatly advanced Arizona softball on the national level. With the Coolidge Boosters (1955-1961) he played in national tournaments in Phoenix, Tulsa and Plainview, Texas. He turned to managing when a knee injury ended his playing career in 1960. Among his clubs were Sports Club of America and Arizona Turquoise Kings, a national power during the 1970s. He served two 2-year terms as National ASA Vice President, was Chairman of several committees, including rules, national tournaments and conventions. He was responsible for two national women’s championships played in Tucson and brought the ASA convention to Tucson in 1968.

Link to Bio
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Ginger Kurtz

Inducted: 2000
Category: Women Players

Ginger was an all-star shortstop for the Sun City Saints from 1967 to 1977. She played in 10 national tournaments. She was a member of the 1972-1973 Arizona State University National Championship Team and made that year’s All American Team. She coached the Moon Valley Rockets Softball Team to two state championships and was named Coach of the Year at Moon Valley and Glendale Community College.

Link to Bio
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Margie Lang

Inducted: 2001
Category: Women Players

Margie’s softball career lasted 35 years from 1930 to 1965. She played on many championship teams including the Phoenix Gems and the Phoenix PBSW Ramblers. She played in the Women’s Professional Baseball League during World War II. She was a consummate pitcher and first baseman.

Link to Bio
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Margie Wood Law

Inducted: 1974
Category: Women Players
Other: Charter Member, ASA Hall of Fame

Skilled enough to win All-America honors at three different positions, Law played for more than two decades for the famed Phoenix, Arizona Ramblers and was a member of three national championship teams (1940, 1948 and 1949). Starting her career in 1935 as an outfielder, Law played first base and third base before switching back to the outfield and trying pitching tutored by her husband, Kenny. She earned ASA All-America honors no less than 11 times including 1948 when she was named as an outfielder. She repeated as an All- American in 1949 and was also selected in 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955 and 1957, playing in 22 ASA national championships and In the 1953 and 1954 nationals, she split four games in each event; one of her wins in the 1954 national was a perfect game against St. Louis.

Link to Bio
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Bob Lewis

Inducted: 2001
Catefory: Contributor - Other

Bob played and coached fast pitch softball in Arizona for 17 years from 1962 to 1979. He was the head coach of the 1974 ISC World Champion Page’s Raiders. He played and coached in 7 national tournaments. He was a tough, hard-nosed but fair athlete and coach.

Link to Bio
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Esther Holton Lockway

Inducted: 1976
Category: Women Players

wice an All-American, she had a distinguished career with the PBSW Ramblers, playing first base with matchless skill and serving as team captain. She led the Ramblers to the 1940 national championship in Detroit and performed in eight national tournaments. An excellent fielder as well as a dangerous hitter, she earned All-American honors in 1939 and 1940 and was selected on the Arizona All-State Team each of her ten years with the Ramblers.

Link to Bio
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Missy (Panzer) Lombardi

Inducted: 2017
Category: Women Players

Missy started playing softball at the age of 8 or 9 in the Arizona Girls Softball League (AGS) on the Red Socks team. She started her softball career playing shortstop but changed to catcher. She remained behind the plate throughout her playing career. She moved up to Arizona’s top ASA travel teams including the Cubettes, Lil Saints and the Flames. While on these teams, she attended in many ASA Regional and National Tournaments. Missy played at Greenway High School, where she was selected to many Skyline Regional All Star teams and the All Arizona Team plus the All Star Game MVP. She played College ball for Central Arizona Junior College and the University of Oklahoma. At Oklahoma, Missy was a member of the Big 12 1996 Championship Team. She was named to the 1996 Big 12 All Tournament Team and second Team All Midwest Region. Missy started her coaching career at Oklahoma in 1997 as an Oklahoma Student Assistant, then moved up to Assistant Coach in 1998 and in 2007 she became an Associate Head Coach. During her coaching tenure the Sooners have won 15 NCAA Regional Championships and four NCAA National Championships.

Link to Bio
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Delores "Dee" Low

Inducted: 2000
Category: Women Players

Dolores played infield and outfield from 1946 to 1952 with the world famous Phoenix PBSW Ramblers. She was a member of the 1948 and 1949 World Champion Ramblers. In addition to the world championship teams, she played on seven Cactus Regional Championship teams.

Link to Bio
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Mildred Dixon Marchi

Inducted: 1976
Category: Women Players

A member of the famed Phoenix PBSW Ramblers, she competed in 25 national tournaments and was chosen on 10 national tournament all- star teams. A versatile performer, she was equally skilled in the infield and outfield, performing with three national championship teams – PBSW Ramblers, Orange, California Lionettes and Stratford, Connecticut Raybestos Brakettes, winning eight national titles. A veteran of international competition, she represented the U. S. State Department on a six-week tour of the Caribbean in 1960 and competed in the first International Softball Tournament in Melbourne, Australia, in 1965.

Link to Bio
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James "Jim" McCasland

Inducted: 2006
Category: Men Players

Jim played for seventeen years with several nationally known teams. He played in ten national tournaments and was a member of the 1980 Runner- up National ISC Champion 7th Ave Auto Parts. He was selected as an Arizona All-State player four times and MVP at the Ed Smith Invitational Tournament in Bakersfield, California. He played in every major tournament in Arizona multiple times as well as numerous out of state tournaments in Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, Wisconsin and California. He played against teams from New Zealand, Taiwan, Australia, South Africa and Canada.

Link to Bio
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Eva McGonigle

Inducted: 2015
Category: Women Players

Legend Player / 3rd Base Eva played softball from 1950 – 1973, beginning with the Webster Dairy Buttercups of Glendale. In 1958, she joined the Phoenix Blues, which became a member of the Copper State League from 1962 to 1973. Eva was selected as a Copper State League All Star 12 straight years and an ASA All State and Cactus Regional All Star 3rd Baseman. While playing for the Blues she won 5 Copper State League Championships, 6 ASA Metro Phoenix Championships, and 6 Independent State Championships plus participated in 7 ASA Cactus Regional tournaments. Her lifetime batting average was .401.

Link to Bio
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Betty McIlvain

Inducted: 2011
Category: Contributor - Other

Betty McIlvain was an ASA fast pitch player, playing 1st base in Indianapolis, Indiana. A true southpaw who was born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1939 and lived in Indian for 27 years. She graduated from the Sacred Heart High School and entered Indiana University. 1954 - Betty started playing organized softball in 1943 at the age of 14 for the Perryettes, coached by Harry Wade. The Perryettes played and hosted the 1954 Indiana Regionals in 1954. 1956-56 - Played again for Perryettes. 1957-58-59 Betty played for the Anchorettes sponsored by the Anchor Tool Company. IN. 1960 – 1961 Did not play was completing post graduate degree work in Colorado. 1962 – Betty returned to playing softball with the Southeastern Supply Co Team. The Team won the Mid-West Tournament where Betty was voted to the All-Star Team. The team lost to the Frosch Flamingos team for the first time. 1963 – Continued to play for Southeastern Supply Co. Team. The team won the Mid-West Tournament for rival Frosch Flamingos. Betty received the Sportsmanship Award. The team went on to win the Regionals in Oshkosh, Wis. The team come through the losers bracket to win the tourney. The team played a total of 39 innings from 3pm to 12:42 AM. Almost a 10 hour fast pitch marathon. Betty was selected to the All-Regional Team. In the championship game, Betty went 3 for 3 and had a .960 fielding average. The Southeaster Supply Co qualified to the nationals in Stratford, Conn finishing 9th. 1964-65 – Continued playing for Southeastern. Won Mid-west Tourney, Metro Tourney and Runner-up champions at the Regionals Last year playing in Indiana. Moved to Arizona. 1966 – played for the Sun City Saints under coach Ford Hoffman. Went from playing first base in Indiana to the outfield for Saints. Thelma Keith had locked down first. But Betty said she got to play first when Thelma was on the injury reserve list. She with Bev Dryer Stewart started the Saints. Played 5 years in the outfield. Selected in 1969-70 Pacific Coast League All-Star Teams. Top Hitter in Cactus Regional Tournaments. Retired in 1970. B. J. was one of the persons responsible for bringing the Sun City Saints into existence. She solicited sponsors, organized special events and parades to increase awareness, and coordinated with the Sun City Merchants Association. She played with the Saints in 1966, 67, 68, 69 and 70. During this time, she was named to the Pacific Coast All-Star Team and served as Secretary of the Pacific Coast Softball League. She also managed the Saints which included uniform acquisition, travel arrangements, ticket sales, printing of programs, liaison to media, field operations, hiring and firing of team support staff. As a testament to her softball skills, she was selected into Indiana Softball Hall of Fame in 1995. A total of 11 years in Indiana, 5 yrs with the Sun City Saints. Playing 16 yrs in all. Playing in 7 nationals. Betty was a player the loves the game and was a dedicated player, full of determination and dive, outstanding defensive player at 1st base and outfield. She is deserving and should become an Inductee in the ASA Hall of Fame.

Link to Bio
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Alita Beauchamp "Spank" Mecey

Inducted: 2004
Category: Women Players

Alita was a pioneer in women’s softball. She played shortstop and outfield for the A-1 Queens and toured the nation for five years

Link to Bio
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Rose Mofford

Inducted: 1974
Category: Women Players, Contributor

An outstanding player in her own right, Rose Mofford has been one of the driving forces behind softball in Arizona. An organizer of the Arizona Softball Foundation, she has served the past four years as chairman of the Foundation’s annual Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet. She is a charter member of the Arizona Softball Foundation Board of Governors and was honored as the Foundation’s Woman of the Year in 1976. The Softball Foundation owes much of the success to her organizational talents and support. As a player, she started in Globe and was picked to play third base for the Phoenix A-1 Queens in two exhibitions in New York’s Madison Square Garden in 1938.

Link to Bio
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Claude Moore

Inducted: 1977
Category: Men Players

Player-Co-manager of the 1947 national champion Farm Fresh Markets of Phoenix, he competed in two national tournaments in Detroit and Phoenix where his exceptional defensive skills and strong hitting led his teams to nationwide acclaim. A strong-armed catcher on defense, his batting in Arizona major league competition produced high rankings in runs batted in and extra base hits each of his 19 seasons, culminating in selection to several Arizona All-State and All- Regional teams.

Link to Bio
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Carolyn Morris

Inducted: 1974
Category: Women Players
Other: Charter Member

Author of 20 no-hitters and one perfect game, Carolyn Morris is considered perhaps the greatest pitcher the legendary Phoenix A-1 Queens ever had, helping them to five national championships as well as hurling the Funk Gems to another national title. An All-American six times and m sot outstanding pitcher in three national tournaments, she appeared in more than 500 games. In 1945, Carolyn pitched Rockford, Illinois to a world professional championship winning seven straight games in world series play

Link to Bio
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Clint Myers

Inducted: 2001
Category: Contributor - Other

Clint coached the Central Arizona College teams from 197=87 to 1995 amassing a record of 481 wins and 43 losses. He won 6 national championships in 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1995. His teams won 7 conference championships and 7 regional championships. He was inducted into the NJCAA Women’s Fast pitch Hall of Fame in 1998. He is now the head coach of the Arizona State University Sun Devils.

Link to Bio
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Teri Neeley

Inducted: 2019
Category: Women Players
Other: Veteran Player

Teri started her softball career playing in the Phoenix city leagues. She moved on to compete in the Copperstate League in 1974 playing for the Phoenix Blues. She received CSL All-Star honors in 1974. In 1976, she was selected to the Arizona Softball Foundation All State Team Honorable Mention. While on the Blues they were the South Pacific Tournament Champions, Copperstate League Champions and in 1979 ASA Metro Division Champions. Teri played for Glendale Community College starting in 1975. While on the team they were State Champions, Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Champions and National Champion Runner-up. From Junior college she moved on to play for Arizona State University. While at ASU, in 1977 they were Intermountain Conference Runner-ups, they placed 4th place in the College World Series in 1977, and in 1978 they placed 9th in the College World Series. After graduation she coached the Thunderbird High School Softball Team from 1979 to1982 and Apollo High School from 1983 to 1992.

Link to Bio
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Joanne Winter

Inducted: 1979
Category: Women Players

One of the world’s greatest women softball pitchers, she led her teams to national and world championships during a 16-year career. She led the Phoenix A-1 Queens to the national championship in 1955, beating intra-city rival PBSW Ramblers seven times in 10 meetings. A top pitcher in the Chicago Major League, 1940=42, she moved to Arizona in October 1942, but returned to pitch for the Racine Belles in the All-American Softball League, founded by P. K. Wrigley and Branch Rickey. During 7 seasons in this first-ever women’s professional league, she led her team to three world championships. Her career earned run average was an amazing 0.76. She then joined the A-1 Queens in 1955 and posted a 36-6 record. Against women’s teams and won 10 more against men’s teams.

Link to Bio
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Ray Odom

Inducted: 1977
Category: Contributor - Other

Outstanding service as a player, manager, announcer and publicist over a span of 15 years has earned him widespread acclaim as one of the major contributors to softball success in Arizona. He performed with distinction as a player, earning All-State and All-Regional honors as an infielder with Arizona teams, competing twice in national tournaments. He managed several Arizona teams in major league competition and was the announcer-publicist at the Phoenix Softball Park, for many years site of the nation’s best softball. Serving as Master of Ceremonies for Arizona Softball Hall of Fame and Awards Banquets, he had been as responsible as anyone for the rapid growth of the Arizona Softball Foundation and the overall promotion of softball in Arizona.

Link to Bio
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Ted Olea

Inducted: 1978
Category: Men Players

Skilled at all softball positions except pitcher, he earned All-America honors at shortstop in the 1953 World Tournament in Salt Lake City while playing for the runner-up A-1 Construction team, Arizona state champion. He played on more championship teams than almost any athlete in Arizona in a career that began on the major softball level in 1937 and included service with the Farm Fresh Markets Team which won the first National Softball Congress World Tournament in 1947. He made almost annual appearances in world tournaments throughout the United States as a member of various Arizona championship teams.

Link to Bio
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Joe Ortiz

Inducted: 1979
Category: Men Players

Arizona’s state batting champion in 1962, his 15 year career included participation in six national tournaments with Arizona regional championship teams. He broke in with the Coolidge Boosters, one of the state’s perennial standout teams, at age 17. An outstanding batter, he was one of the finest catchers, owner of a strong, accurate throwing arm. Base-stealing was virtually out of the question when he was behind the plate. His receiving skills were acknowledged by many of the nation’s leading pitchers who were fortunate to have worked with him.

Link to Bio
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A.C. Williams

Inducted: 1976
Category: Contributor - Other
Other: ASA Hall of Fame

American Softball Association commissioner for Arizona since 1970, his tireless efforts are the main reason Prescott has become the softball capital of Arizona. After managing the Tucson Rancherettes, a girls’ team in 1954, his leadership qualities led him to sponsor and serve as tournament director for many state and regional men’s and women’s competition in Prescott. This internationally respected organizer was responsible for Arizona teams touring in New Zealand in 1970, ‘72 and ‘74; for the Sun City Saints tour of South Africa in 1975 and to the Netherlands in ‘76; and brought to Arizona, New Zealand teams in 1966-68-72-74-75-76. His contributions to softball in Arizona have Resulted in increased quality and quantity of softball not only in Arizona but in the entire nation as well.

Link to Bio
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Lois Williams

Inducted: 1975
Category: Women Players

She began playing softball competitively at the age of 14. Captain and catcher for the A-1 Queens of Phoenix, frequent National Champions, she garnered a half dozen All-American awards and was named 'Number One Catcher' in six consecutive World Tournaments. She won the games' highest award when she was honored as 'Miss Softball' in 1948. In 1950 she was named the Most Valuable Player at the National Softball Congress tournament. The talented and durable team leader once caught all 163 games scheduled for the season. In May, 1975, she was unanimously elected to the Arizona Softball Hall of Fame. In 1954 Lois moved to Portland, where she caught and played first base for the Erv Lind Florists from 1954-58, before retiring at the end of the 1958 season. She was the Florist's assistant coach from 1960-62, and Head Coach from 1963-65, directing the Erv Lind Florists to the A.S.A World Championship title in 1964. 

Link to Bio
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Reid Neilson

Inducted: 2014
Category: Men Players

Reid played first base for over 20 years with F.E. Bailey Construction, U-Camp, Turquoise Kings, and Sports Club of America. Teams he played with won the ASA State Tournaments in 1965-69, the ASA Regional Tournaments 1969-72 and attended the ASA National Tournaments 1969-72. While with the Turquoise Kings the Kings won the ISC State Championship in 1970 and were the ISC Travel team champions in 1975 and 1976. Reid played with the Turquoise Kings in the ISC National Championships in 1974-76. He played on the 1974 Turquoise Kings ISF (International Softball Federation) National Championship runner up team and was selected MVP. He began playing softball in the early 1960s and played through the mid 1970s. Reid was known as the best defensive fielding player.
Reid was selected as a Veteran Player

Link to Bio
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Spotts Willis

Inducted: 1976
Category: Men Players
Other: ISC Hall of Fame

An outstanding catcher, manager and administrator, this three-time All-American was one of Arizona’s top softball personalities for 15 years. Blessed with a quick and accurate throwing arm, he was receiver for many of the nation’s leading pitchers in seven national tournaments. An All-State selection eight times, he starred in Phoenix major league play for Fike Plumbers, Phalanx Fraternity, O. S. Stapley, Denton Tires, Itule Bros., Shawyer Bros., and Clark Smith Autos. He later became a successful manager and in 1959 was named Arizona commissioner for the International Softball Congress, staging annual state and regional tournaments. He was one of the organizers and officers of the Arizona Softball Foundation, which sponsors the Arizona Softball Hall of Fame.

Link to Bio
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Jim "Pony" Woods

Inducted: 2001
Category: Contributor - Sponsor

Pony sponsored the Great Southern Truck Raiders Teams in the 1970s and 1980s. His squads reflected his own personality- Relentless, loyal and always a winner.

Link to Bio
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Stuart "Stu" Zinc

Inducted: 2000
Category: Men Players
Other: ISC Hall of Fame

Stu played softball for twenty-four years. He was both a player and manager of the world famous Schaefer-Smith Men’s fast pitch team. He played in 20 national tournaments and on 11 Arizona state championship teams. He was a member of the 1970 ISC World Championship Schaefer-Smith Team. Stu was voted to the 1977 ISC All-World Softball Team and inducted into the International Softball Congress (ISC Hall of Fame in 1980.

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