Pat Becker - Doug Blair - Chick Campbell - Jerry "Fats" Click - Dan DeWitt - Denny Dickensheets - Bernie Floetker - Glen F. Ford - Terry E. Halderman - Tony Helmlinger - Steve Hester - Carl Jamison - Rob Lake - Chuck "Cheese" McDaniel - Bruce Melton - Bob McFerrin - Dennis Ooten - Susie Reed - Roger Rill - Ross Rizzo - George Shuler - Jenn Yontz
Pat Becker
Pat was known as a good fielder and a hitter with exceptional speed. He was able to hit the ball all over the field. He played short stop for 3 years with Buckeye Rooter, 8 years with Hague, and 2 years with Gardos Pizza. Pat's 1985 City Championship team won all 5 games, and he went 18 for 21 in the 5 games.
Doug Blair
Doug started the Alpha Athletic softball team in 1987, and the team promptly won the USSSA state tournament. In order to keep the team going, Doug was instrumental in facilitating fund raising projects. He coached the team for 12 years compiling a 755 win/252 loss record. He coached the team to 15 Columbus city league titles, 38 tournaments championships (including 1 Champ of Champs), 6 state tournaments, and 3 national tournaments.
Chick Campbell
Chick played for the Columbus Dispatch, Sub City, Smile-Makers, Hague/HER, Gatsby's. He was named player of the month on Sports Beat for the Tuesday Night Premier League. Chick was a member teams who won many city league championships, and he was a utility player who had a .750 batting average.
Jerry "Fats" Click
Jerry was the first manager of a Class "C" team, the Columbus Merchants, which was rated on the City o fColumbus' television program Sports Beat. The team was the first Class "C" team to win the Jeff Hague Heart of Ohio Class "A" tournament. Although he had opportunities over the years to play with other teams, his loyalty always remained with Columbus Merchants. Jerry belongs to a family of 4 generations who have played softball, and he continues to play the game today.
Dan DeWitt
Dan helped organize and bring USSSA to Central Ohio area in 1978. He was the USSSSA Area Director for 10 years in the
Springfield/Central Ohio area. He was the director of the Stroh's tournament for 28 years from 1978 until 2000. His achievements include being inducted into the 1st class of the Ohio Hall of Fame in 2012, USSSA State Directors Award in 1991, and induction into the Dayton Softball Legends Hall of Fame in 2007. Dan made Ohio State all tourney team as a pitcher in 2001. He played in the Elite and Premium leagues in Columbus over 8 years and was on a league winning elite team twice. Dan played for Whitie's Tavern, Old Milwaukee, Sewells Office Equipment, Coors Light, Springfield Storhs, Moose Lodge 536, Mark Finchum, Atrium, Poo's Drive Thru, Kimball, Midwest, Walts Auto, Lacy's/V&D Bar, and Mader Electric. He has played and/or managed these teams for the past 45 years. He is currently managing Kimball, Midwest, and Mader Electric.
Denny Dickensheets
Denny may have been the best softball player in the Columbus area that never played on an upper level team. He was a great hitter and hit for average and power. He was a great athlete on top of everything else. Denny was recruited by all of the top teams, but for reasons unknown, he never moved to the upper level of men's softball.
Bernie Floetker
Bernie was a member of the BATS Board during its early years. He began sponsoring and playing softball for the Attorney Bernie Floetker softball team in the 80's. His team won several league and tournament championships (.900 winning percentage over 20 years), as well as state and national qualifiers, and top ten recognitions several times on Sports Beat. He also sponsored 40+ and 50+ teams in Westerville. he umpired games on the recreational, high school, and collegiate levels. Bernie died at the age of 57 in 2010 due to a rare muscular disease. He was a single parent raising the true inspiration in his life - his daughter, Nicole. Until Bernie's untimely death, he was playing for Victory's/Old Dogs in the Columbus Lawyers League.
Glen F. Ford
Glen was an administrator with the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department office for 13 years where he worked with Gary Ogle. He was a member of teams that won 6 state championships, 6 national championships, 4 regional championships, and 2 Christopher Columbus championships. As an individual player, he won 8 MVP's, 20 all tournament player, and 12 best defensive player. Glen began playing in 1969. He played for Geno's, R.W.I., Owens, Owens II, and Frebis. During his middle years, he played for Shamrock and All Stars. In his later years, he played for Schone's, Line Drive, Universal Mechanical, Ernie's, and Grove City.
Terry E. Halderman
Terry began playing softball for Western Electric at the age of 18 in 1964. He continued to play, coach, and manage softball throughout the Columbus area for the next 30 years. Other teams he played for were Whitehall Mechanics, Geno's first team, Westside Tax Service, Balloon Boutique, Whitehall Moose 1245, and Buckeye Screen. Terry umpired girls' fast-pitch softball games and tournaments and boy's baseball games until he had to quit due to health problems. he founded and coached softball and baseball teams at Rosemore Junior High in Whitehall. These programs continue to this day. Terry's 5 children and 16 grandchildren have followed in his footstep continuing to be involved in sports.
Tony Helmlinger
Tony played in the 70's and was known as a good teammate. He had great speed, outfield defense, and hitting ability. Some of the teams he played for were Surburban Motor Freight, COW, and Triple L.
Steve Hester
Steve played with many top teams during the 70's through the early 90's. He was an outstanding defensive player who was capable of playing every position and playing it well. He had power to all fields with a flair for the dramatic; and at the same time, was one of the craziest people to put on a softball uniform.
Carl Jamison
Carl was a member of teams that won more than 30 league titles, 2 VFW state championships, and Champ of Champ titles. He considers his time of playing softball as "a lot of titles to remember; a lot of wins to cherish, and a great time of my life." He was a member of the following teams: Kingswood Bombers, VFW 3424, Heck's Siding, Triple L Lounge, Surburban Motor Freight, Central Ohio Welding, and Charlie's.
Rob Lake
Rob was manager of Stewart Glapat/Zanesville Express from 1985 to 2004. He put his personal resources into his teams making them a perennial power each and every year. The win-loss record during those years was 1,124 wins and 239 losses for 82%. The teams won 99 tournaments, which included national titles, world titles, triple crowns, state titles, Columbus city champ of champs, and Zanesville city championships. Rob always wanted women's softball and women athletes to get the recognition he felt they deserved.
Chuck "Cheese" McDaniel
Chuck started playing softball in the industrial league on a team for JC Penney Warehouse. He then played on a Class D tournament team sponsored by Little Sicily's from Lancaster/Logan area. While playing for Schone's Chuck was given the nickname "Cheese". He played with Hague for years. Hague won many tournaments and league titles. He also played for Creative Stucco and ended his career playing for Aqua Science.
Bruce Melton
Bruce was a former minor league pitcher for the Washington Senators/Texas Ranger. He played softball in central Ohio from 1974 through 1995 with various teams including Ernie Cooper & Associates, which won many tournament championships and the city league championship 3 years running until the team disbanded. He also played for M & R Rooter, Minelli's Pizza, and Tom's Carpet. His first introduction into Columbus softball was playing with Walnut Heights Baptist Church on Saturdays at Berliner Park and winning many league championships and tournaments. He umpired for the City of Columbus and USSSA from 1982 through 2000. He was a softball tournament director in central Ohio from 1982 through 2013 for USSSA, NSA, and most recently GSL. He was director for the Northern State Ohio Church State Tournament, NSA Church Tournament, and was co-director for the first GSL World Tournament in central Ohio in 2012. He had directed various state, regional, and world tournaments in central Ohio.
Bob McFerrin
Bob played with top teams during the early 70's through the mid 80's. He was a classic left fielder making the right "read" on fly balls and had a strong arm to go with it. He was a very good hitter carrying a 600+ batting average with power to go along with his base hitting abilities.
Dennis Ooten
Dennis played for Colombini's, Pizza City, Sycamore Cafe, and Schone's 40+, 50+, 55+, and 60+ teams. In 2005, he was player-coach for the 55+ Major World champions in Las Vegas. He made numerous all tournament and world teams. he was a tremendous team player, had a great hitting average, and played a great defense.
Susie Reed
Susie started her softball career at the age of 16 in 1968 while playing for Woodie's All Stars of Nelsonville. She then played for Seaman's IGA of Athens where she became a catcher. Seaman's later became Stroh's and continued their winning ways. Susie played for the Un-Bee's in Columbus and who later became Triple A Transmission. This team became State champs in Cincinnati K of C and also participated in Minnesota and Massachusetts championships. While in Columbus, Susie also played for McLaughlin Oil, Columbus Cobra's, and Columbus Oreo's. She was known as one of the best catchers in the game and was selected to many all star teams over her number of years playing softball on all levels.
Roger Rill
Roger has served over 20 years on the BATS Board and is currently President of the organization. he was one of the founding members of BATS. He has been a player and an umpire. He was a tournament director for over 30 years. Roger was founder and President of the Columbus Hospital League from 1973 through 1996; which in turn led to the creation of the Ohio Hospital Softball Tournament that ran from 1974 to 2003. He started the Midwest Supplier Tournament that was in existence for 10 years. Roger has been a driving force in the success of over 70 tournaments.
Ross Rizzo
Ross was pitcher and played all infield positions as well as outfield positions. He played for Sycamore Café, Haida-Cedar & College Carryout. He one many individuals awards such as 4 all-world, 7 all-american, and many offensive and defensive awards. Ross has been on teams that won 2 national titles, 3 Ohio State titles, 10 Columbus city championships, 2 Columbus champ of champs, 4 senior championships with COSSA, 14 Gahanna championships, and 2 Westerville titles. He is currently one of the best senior pitchers in the region. After moving back to Columbus from Cleveland in the 90's, he starred with Sycamore Cafe in the Southside Old Timer League. As a senior he has played for Schones, Akron, Hawk's nest from Pittsburgh, and Dayton Legion's 55+. He continues to be a great defensive pitcher and consistently produces at the plate.
George Shuler
George played on Geno's Russo's, and some of the other great teams of the mid to late 80's. He caught and played a little first base. He could hit the ball hard and was one of the better left-handed power hitters coming out of Columbus.
Jenn Yontz
Jenn attended Muskingum College from 1990 to 1994 on teams that won many Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) awards. She was named to the First Team All-Region in 1993. Dring the years of playing slow pitch softball beginning in 1989, she has played for Stewart-Glapat/Zanesville Express, Shooters from Dayton, Dented Bats from Indianapolis, Cincinnati Softball from Cincinnati, Stage II from St. Louis, and John Snyder/Red Eye Sports of Indianapolis. Jenn was a part of some of the above mentioned teams that won national, world, and NIT championships.
1996
Billy Agler
Jody Booker
Ellen Burnet
Darcel Cordell
Cookie Ebert
John Fleeman
Bob Harper
Jimmy Ray Hatfield
Dick Linson
Gail Malloy
Lorenzo Miller
Pat Miller
William Miller
Janet Patton
Don Sibert
Jeff Swanner
Jan Terry
Crystal Thompson
Jim Wharton
1997
Orfeo Angelo
Jackie Bice
Bruno Del Col
Cara Edwards
Terry Emswiler
Frank Griffin
Sara Kirk
Shorty Lewis
Bill McDonald
Hannah Meseroll
Julie Middlebrooks-Reid
Donald Miller
Stan Wilkes
1998
Georgia Barfield
Otis Byers
Judy Guth
Rush Hatfield
Hooch Haynes
Mark McEvoy
Larry Milliron
Tom Pope
Dave Roese
Bill Speaks
Ron Starner
Sue Swisher
1999
Layne Bell
Jim Chiero
Fritz Drumm
onnie Kellenberger
Mark Minor
Rick Mock Gary
Ogle
Dick Traphagan
Terry Traphagan
Charlie Walker
Keith Winter
2000
Ron Anthony
Pam Danko
Jeff Hague
Larry Harper
Pete Hart
Nick Inboden
Butch McDaniel
Terry Meinberg
2001
Mary Amerine-White
Kenny Clapsaddle
Terry Dean Darrell Jones
Sammy D. Kirk
Barney Miller
Tom Pappas
Gary Peffly
J-Anne Roese
Millie Ruen
2002
David Matunas
Margie Miller
Jerry Myers
Doug Reed
Larry Thibaut
2003
George Becker
Tom Becker
Kathy Buckerfield
Jerry Collins
Larry Garrard
Cliff Harris
Pam Nelson
Gene Rains
2004
Tamarra Bailey
Bob Capuano
Linda Cairney
Joe Foley
Larry Hall
Jimmy Jude
Darrell Miller
Ken Schone
Dan Smucker
2005
Cliff Carpenter
Bobby Cloud
Celia Fritz
Dave Gloeckner
Laverner Harris
K.R. Patridge
Steve Ramey
P.D. Shannon
Lundy Williams
2006
Tommy Baker
Alan Clark
Mark Cobb
Karen Deveraux
Bill Pethtel
2007
Rick Ballard
Sandy Edwards
Tim Linson
Aaron Schirtzinger Jr.
Doug Shanyfelt
2008
Jimmy Allen
Tim Clemmons
Randy Kortokrax
Ray Simendinger
Lisa Shaver
2009
Ron Anthony
Don Botts
Bill Curry
Charles Lucas
Dennis L. Wilkerson
2010
Rex R. Hicks
Budd Johnson
India Oaks
Troy Rawlins
Tom Yinger
2011
Tim Beard
Shelly Curry
Norm Danko
Bobby Walker
Brad Warner
2012
Fred Camp
Bill Friedlinghaus
Rusty Grubbs
Jack Johnson
John Yoder
2013
Lloyd Clifton
Clifton, known as one of the hardest-nosed players in the history of Columbus softball, was an outstanding pitcher and part of the Geno’s nucleus during their strongest years from 1979 through 1985. He pitched in all of the Geno’s national tournaments during those seven years. He was chosen for the all-state team in the 1979 Class “B” state tournament, where Geno’s finished runner-up. Lloyd’s passion for the game was contagious among his teammates; he always played every game with his heart, never quitting, or even letting up for a second.
Bucky Loudermilk
Bucky started playing softball in 1962. Known as a skilled pitcher and great defensive player, he found success playing on numerous teams including playing industrial ball for twenty years for Columbus Gas and Oskey Sales. After taking a twelve year leave to coach his boys little league teams, he is now back, pitching on the senior circuit. He celebrated three National Tournament wins in 2011, while playing with the Central Ohio Senior Softball Association (COSSA) 65+ team.
Rob Luneborg
A multi-talented hitter and great competitor, “Looney” played on some of the city’s best teams including Creative Stucco, Capital City Merchants, Columbus Pipe, Schone’s, and Bays. He played on two National/World Championship teams, and played on many state, regional, and divisional championship teams allowing him to earn numerous individual accomplishments such as all-tournament and many MVP awards. Those who know him best admire his class and warm personality as much as his contribution to the softball community.
Greg Powers
Greg began his softball career as a player in 1980 in Dayton, Ohio until a shoulder injury ended his playing career. In 1988, after moving to Columbus, he began organizing/sponsoring teams and continued to do so until 2007. Greg’s teams won 7 Class nk ,“AA” and above World Championships, and won the USSSA Major World Series in 2002. Greg’s seven World Championships ties Creative Stucco/Doug Reed for the second most in the history of Columbus Softball.
Diane Testa
The epitome of a women’s softball player, Diane was one of the all time greats to play the game. A versatile player, Diane could, and was often called upon to play any position on the field; however, she was best known for her great arm as a pitcher. Opposing players learned quickly not to test Testa’s arm. Diane enjoyed great success in both local and national tournaments. Her family, always an important part of her life, was evident by the presence of her children who were often found right there with her at the ball park.
2014
Brian began playing softball in 1991 with high school friends; by 1995 he was invited to play with the Hague team on Tuesday nights. He later went on to play for Doug Reed’s Creative Stucco team. His softball career has awarded him numerous accomplishments including making All-World teams, as well as, many MVP awards. However, none more amazing than his wife Erin, as they met when they both played intramural softball at OSU.
Marilyn Clifford
Marilyn will undoubtedly go down as one of the best pitchers to ever play in Columbus. She began playing in 1984 after graduating from Hilliard High where she achieved eight varsity letters. Marilyn has traveled across the US playing in tournaments, charity events, city championships, NIT’s, states, nationals, and worlds. During her career she has been awarded many All-Tournament selections and MVP awards.
Jeff Edington
Jeff began his career in the late 80’s as a 175 lb., base hitting, outfielder that could really run and track down a ball. He finished his career as a power hitting, third baseman, first baseman, and catcher. Playing on all the great teams in Columbus during his career, he was the personification of a well seasoned player. He started his career being a good player, but through hard work and dedication, he made developed into one of the premier players in the city.
R.G. Kouns
This year marks the 50th year that RG has either played or umpired softball. At only 15, RG played on his father’s Union Department Store team, and later went on to join his Grove City Merchants/Village Trophy teammates to win the first district “B” championship. In 1975, he transitioned into umpiring and has done so successfully for ASA and USSSA. He has served multiple terms as President of central Ohio Softball Umpires Association, as well as, President of Hub Softball Umpires Association.
Tim Mattox
Tim started his softball career in the late 80’s and was a slick fielding shortstop. He had short stints with Columbus Pipe and Hague. A few years, and a bigger Tim emerged on the Willis Garage team where he flourished, becoming a five-tool player. In a very short time, he was among the top players in the city and has enjoyed playing for many winning teams. Tim continues a successful career still today.
Larry Spahr
Spahr’s 30 year softball career began in 1958 in Springfield, Ohio with his father’s church team. He quickly moved up the ranks and played for teams such as Strohs, Pabst-International, and Columbus’ Hall-of-Fame Dubois Chemical team. Larry enjoyed many successes in his career including: Hitting over 2000 home runs, selected All-World 7 times, MVP of the 1973 World’s Tournament, and won the National Batting Title with a .760 average.
2015
Billy Bowyer
Known as one of the finest pitchers in his time, Billy enjoyed a career which spanned over 25 years. Playing for teams such as Creative Stucco, Schones, Perkins Roofing, and Bays, he was a tough defensive player and always did the right things to win. His softball career has awarded him numerous accomplishments including a 2004 Major World Championship for WSL, B National Great Lake Championship, and making 2 All-World teams.
Wendell Caulley
Wendell's umpire career began in 1991 and spanned 23 years. Umpiring more than 600 games for the Columbus Parks & Recreation, he umpired all levels of leagues; beginners to major, including various Champ-of-Champs, numerous tournaments as well as the 2001 ASA Men's Master 40+ championship. He also served as an instructor for several clinics for new umpires. Wendell was inducted into the 2013 Ohio ASA Hall of Fame.
Jerry Mahon
Jerry’s career started on the baseball fields at the Ohio State University where he was a two time All Big 10 infielder. Jerry broke OSU records for all-time hits and RBI’s. In his brief softball career he managed to make a big impact as a power hitting, second basemen, and at the same time flashed a great glove. Jerry played on powerhouses of the time including Dick Strait Realty, COW, CP Medical, Gooslin Construction and Art Russo Realty.
Bill Nisbet
Bill was a great contributor to the game of softball through the years, as a player, then manager. An impressive 40 year career, Bill has always been a competitor who played the game the way it was meant to be played. He was in the game long enough to have his son Dennis as a teammate. His love of the game inspired many to take up the game. Bill enjoyed many successes with teams such as Gordon’s, Bobby Layman, Dick Strait, Elkhead Oil, Dynasty Cattle, Alpha, and Stiffler.
2016
Mindy Anthony
Playing shortstop for Converse Electric, Anthony was known as a reliable, 5-tool player. Mindy is remembered as a great leader who led by example. Defensively, she always wanted to be the one to snag the ball. Offensively, she was the lead-off batter and was known as a competitive athlete that always gave 100% in every game, earning her many Tournament MVP’s.
Rosby Lee
Lee’s career as a softball umpire began 34 years ago, when then, Columbus Parks and Recreation Supervisor, Gary Ogle encouraged him to officiate. Lee is among few umpires that have officiated for ASA, NSA, USSSA, GSL, and SPA. During his tenure he has officiated all levels of softball including games at local, regional, national and world competitions.
Rick Sedlacek
Sedlacek’s resume reads long and impressive. Among his many accomplishments, he has won 5 Columbus City League Championships, 11 World Championships, Selected All-World 8 times, selected All-Conference USSSA 4 times. He ended his career in 2011 at the Disney Major World Series where he held the highest batting average at the time (.685). Most recently, Sedlacek was selected as a member of the Hall of Fame’s All-Century Men’s Team in 2014.
Ray “Ramone” Stokes
Ray began his softball career in 1962, playing in slow- and fast-pitch Columbus youth softball leagues. He played adult slow-pitch softball for 15 years (1976 -1990). Ray was an outstanding base hitter, runner and left center fielder. He was part of the Geno’s nucleus during their strongest years (1979-1985), helping them become a great Class “B” team. His talents allowed him to play Class “A” softball for Geno’s/Russo and HER/Hague. Ray’s passion for the game was infectious among his teammates.
John Whitacre
Whitacre began his softball career in 1965, and has been involved in softball for more than 50 years. John played and coached on many teams that won city, state, and national championships. He has coached 35+, 40+, 50+, 55+ teams, and even served as a Tournament Director for more than 20 years. Rounding off his illustrious softball career, he has served as a member of BATS since 2008, and has served as a member of the Columbus Softball Hall-of-Fame Committee since 2013.
2017
Joe Ausec
A menacing adversary and admired teammate, Joe was a passionate first baseman and a strong hitter. Playing for teams such as Hague, Creative Stucco, Willis Garage, and R & D, Joe won championships at all levels of softball, and was also selected for All-Tournament teams at every level of the game. Joe was recently voted to the Columbus Softball Hall of Fame’s All-Decade Team. As impressive as he was in his early years his career isn’t over yet, as he is playing better than ever in the over 50’s category.
Dale Filby
Dale began his softball career in 1981, playing for the Delaware Moose. He moved up quickly and developed into a fiercely competitive player and clutch hitter. Among his many accomplishments, Filby’s impressive career awarded him 30 All-Tournament team spots, 5 MVP’s, and 5 Defensive Player awards. Additionally, he has won NSA & USSSA Class “A” World Championships.
Max Green
Max was known as a versatile ballplayer, crafty hitter, and fast base-runner. As a manager, he was proficient at making quick and correct adjustments on the field. Playing and coaching for teams such as Central Ohio Welding and Art Russo Realty, he was best known as being a great teammate and a better man; “to know him is to love him as a teammate and a friend!” proclaims a softball colleague.
Tim Haley
Tim “the whale” Haley was one of the great power hitters of his time. He played several positions and was a formidable presence. Haley’s long and illustrious career awarded him more accomplishments than can be outlined here. Among them are 17 State Championships, 5 MVP’s, 6 Home Run Titles, 11 1st Team selections, several All-State, All-Team, and All-Star selections. Tim always left it all on the field. More than his softball accomplishments, he is a great family man.
Forrest Lines
Forrest “Tree” Lines, playing softball from the age of 16, played for many of the best teams of the time including Gooslin Construction, Central Ohio Welding, Hague, Gatsby’s, and Schone’s. He was a terrific hitter, always hitting for high averages and a lot of homeruns. He was one of the best clutch hitters of his era and had a legendary home run trot. A man with a great deal of kindness, you couldn’t ask for a better example of a Hall-of-Famer.