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.