Rochester Inductees - Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame

 

1982 Hall of Fame - Tom Connolly

Tom Connolly is considered throughout southern Minnesota as one of the finest third basemen ever to take the filed.  He began his career in 1932 with the 7-Up team in Rochester and later played on most of the better teams in southern Minnesota.  Among them were the Rochester Elks, Brown Derby, Boutelle & Sons, Normandy Bar, Eagles Lounge and the North Star Bar.

Connolly and his teams played in more than 20 Minnesota state tournaments during his career.

Tom retired from playing in 1968 after 36 year of softball. He was 53 at the tine and still was playing at the classic league level.

Many fans and players who have observed the state tournaments throughout the years mention Tom Connolly.  His tremendous hitting ability and intensity for playing the game made him one of the finest in Minnesota.

 

 

1982 Hall of Fame - Stan Mount

Stanley, “Stony” Mount started playing organized softball in 1935.  A catcher during his career, he was considered as one of the finest in southern Minnesota.

His steady play behind the plate and his ability to hit all pitches were the main reasons Rochester teams consistently finished near the top in state tournaments.  In fact, Stoney participated in 22 state tournaments during those 32 years he played.

Some of the teams Stony played for included: Brown Derby, Elks, Normandy Lounge, Eagles Lounge and the North Star Bar.  These teams, with Stony catching, won many invitational tournaments throughout southern Minnesota.

Many fans and players who are familiar with state tournament over the years all mention Sony Mount as an all-star catcher and one of the better hitters in the state.

 

 

1983 Hall of Fame - Vince Beyer

Vince Beyer started playing softball in high school leagues in the Rochester area in the late 1030’s and early 40’s.  In the army in 1942 and 1943, Vince played in Kentucky and Tennessee, where he got the chance to perfect his skills. When he got out of the army he played in the Rochester “B” leagues a couple of years, then moved up to the Class “A” leagues.  With C.M.B., Merchants, and North Star teams, they always drew large crowds during league and tournament play.

In tournaments, Vince and the Rochester teams played in Lacrosse, Waterloo, and most of top teams in the Twin Cites that featured pitches such as Joe Purcell, Johnny Vollmer, Bill Klesk, and Dutch Albers.   With North Star Bar, Vince played in 12 state tournaments; however they were always the bridesmaid and never the bride.  In a state final against Herges Bar of St. Paul, Vince hit a triple with no one out.  As the home team, you guessed it, he died on the third base in the eight, and Herges came back in the ninth inning to win the game.

Vince always was one of ht first players opt be picked up by other teams in Rochester whenever they were going to a tournament.   Hits hitting always carried many a team.  From 1946-1966, Vince played in over 100 games per season by filling in for teams in tournaments.  During his playing days, Vince also prepared the softball fields for the Rochester Park Department after work.  They were considered some of the very best in the area.  After his playing days had finished, Vince turned to umpiring by working baseball, fast pitch in both league and tournament play. In addition, he also worked 10 state tournaments.

 

 

1984 Hall of Fame - Ray Sibley

Ray Sibley was a fastpitch catcher for 29 years form 1938-1967 in Rochester.  He was a quick, aggressive, vocal and strong-armed receiver who excelled in all defensive phases, particularly throwing handling pitcher, and fielding bunts.   Offensively, Sibley was a rare mixture among catchers, a power hitter and a fat, daring base-runner.  Ray was especially tough in the clutch, and was known for his hot hitting streaks, where he would literally carry a club for a couple of weeks.  A 9-11 binge in the City league playoffs, helped to propel under-dog Louie’s Bar to the state tournament back in the early 1960’s.

Ray played on numerous strong teams in the always tough Rochester “A” league, including 10 state tournaments; most memorable of these were the powerhouse Huey’s and Circus Bar club of the 40’s, and 50’s.

Sibley regularly caught such great pitchers as Carl Miller, Ralph Synogournd and Hall of Famer Morrie Turbenson.  He caught these men in Rochester league, tournament and all-star games.  Unquestionably the strongest team Ray ever played on was fearsome barn-storming team know a “Turbie’s Hill Topper’s”.  From the late 1940’s through the 1950’s, this wreaking crew dominated tournament in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.  But for all of the classy pitchers and super teams ray played with, it was his handling of mediocre pitchers and leadership of unsung clubs that showed his true greatness. 

A fierce competitor, Ray always relished the role of the under-dog.  Through many of his playing years, Ray performed the difficult dual-role of player-manger.  Ray was also a well respected umpire, working both men’s and women’s fast pitch, a take charge type of arbiter, today at 64, he is still an active umpire, working both the Rochester and Elgin branches of the Rochester Park & Rec. fast pitch  leagues.  He also does youth 4-H and an occasional slow pitch game.

Ray has also serves as a long time officer and director in the Rochester Fast pitch softball association and in the 1970‘s and up to the present he has helped to found and maintain the Governors Slow Pitch League.  He remains an officer of that organization to this day.  Ask Rochester to name A “Mr. Softball” through all the years, and the answer is likely to be Mr. Ray Sibley.

 

1986 Hall of Fame - Dan Juenger

In Southern Minnesota, Rochester’s Dan Juenger was one of Minnesota’s most remarkable hitters and infielders.  For the years from 1953-1075, he led the Union Club, Mengedoth Sheet Metal and North Star Bar to countless City League Titles, Invitational, State and regions Tournament Championship.

Many times Rochester teams advanced in state tournament play on the hitting of Dan Juenger.  In one year, playing 80 games for the North Star Bar, Dan hit 38 homeruns.  He led the Rochester City Leagues in hitting for over 14 year and had a life time average of 312. Dan played in 12 state tournaments, was league president and secretary for 8 years in for the Rochester Softball Association. 

In later years he coached “A” women’s team to 2 state tournaments and once the final of the “AA” tourney.

We welcome Dan Juenger in The Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame.

 

1986 Hall of Fame - Mike Sternberg

Rochester’s Mike Sternberg has to be one of the truly special and remarkable softball players for the years past, although Mike died in 1949 at the age of only 36, those who knew him and saw him in action on the field, will never forget what a great hitter and defensive first baseman he was.

Mike’s playing career stared back in the pioneer days of softball, in the very early 1030’s, when the game was still known as “kittenball’, later becoming “diamond ball”.   Mike at first base, together with his brother, Phil at shortstop, and Ben in centerfield provided a defensive nucleus for a number of the better teams in R Rochester during the heyday yeas of fastpitch in Rochester and other cites in the Upper Midwest. 

The three Sternberg Brothers, hitting always in the meat of the batting order, with Mike in the clean-up spot, produce many game winning runs for such top city league teams of that era as Natural Gas, Mercantile, Coolerator and Dr. Pepper as they fought for the right to represent Rochester in the AA Division of the state tournament each Labor Day Weekend.

Swinging for the left side of the plate, Mike Sternberg thrilled the hometown crows, of up to 5,000 fans at Soldiers Field exhibition games, with his towering blasts that would roll into the street in right filed, over 400 feet from home plate.  There were no outfield fences at that time, but the ball couldn’t be caught non-the-less.

Mike loved the challenge offered him by the pitchers of those great teams including Winona’s Hall of Fame Pitcher, San Kropick and Twin Cities Hall of Fame Pitching Stars Johnny Vollmer and Bill Klesk, who were regular visits in Rochester to throw their best and especially at Mike.

Mike had a sure glove at first base fielding bunts and ground balls; in addition to scooping the errant throws from his infielders…..all of this was especially amazing to the spectators as well as the opposing players and even his own teammates.

Mike’s stature totally belied his ability and agility.  He was only 5’ 10” tall but he weighted in at 275 pounds.  This pear-shaped crown-pleasing magician repeated his timely performance at the plate and in the filed throughout his playing yeas to the great delight for all.  His trip around the bases, after one of his tape measure blows, was the cause of admiring wonderment as to how he managed to put it all together.  But, he did it and consistently.

Mike’s career batting average was over 0.350 and he averaged over 20 homeruns each year.  He also got his base hits in the 7 state tournaments that he participated in.  Mike Sternberg played softball in a great era of the fast pitch game and always figured in the hard-fought competition for the Rochester City League Championships for years.  His contribution to the game as a pioneer must not be forgotten.

After Mike died, a game was held in his memory at Mayo Field in Rochester. Admission was charged, and over 2,000 fans paid their respects.  It would seem this would indicate the esteem in which he was held by sports fans in Rochester and Southern Minnesota.

 

1988 Hall of Fame - Wayne Knipschield

August 1948, Wayne “Knipper” Knipschield moved from Madison, Wisconsin to Rochester, Minnesota to take over as Head Basketball Coach at Lourdes High School.  It was then that Knipper was recruited by Johnson Standard Service, a softball team that most certainly needed his help at the time.  That year, he pitched them to the Rochester “A” City league championship over a tough field of opposition which included current Hall of Fame members, Carl Miller, Ray Sibley, Stan Mount, Tom Connolly and Vice Beyer. 

During the following two decades, Knipper played on some of the very best fastpitch teams in Rochester, including: North Star Bar, Eagles Club, and Louie’s Bar.  Winning Eight City Championships and participating in 12 Minnesota Class “AA” State Tournaments.

In annual Labor Day outings featuring the best from all over the state, Knipper often pitched his team to the finals only to lock horns with Hall of Famer Johnny Volmer, everyone’s nemesis.  To this list must be added a number of classic softball tournaments that Knip Ptich3ed in.  Like the wide open Eagles Annual Invitational in Faribault and the numerous exhibition games against top team in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.  Knipper was a member of a potent gang of tournament wreckers known as “Turbie’s Hill Toppers”, organized by Hall of Fame Pitcher, Morrey Turbenson.  This team, with its deceiving small town name, had a field day in the late 1950’s devastating the elite and front running teams in Southern Minnesota, Northern Iowa and Western Wisconsin.

Knipper’s fire-balling style caused fits for opposing teams.  Other teams Knip pitched with included Edgerton, Wisconsin and the Mayo Clinic of Rochester.  He has over 30 no-hit games to his credit.  During a weekend tournament with Mayo Clinic, Knip pitched 26 consecutive scoreless innings to win the tournament.

 

1992 Hall of Fame - George Grubb

Nominated by Ray Sibley

George Grubb has been active in Softball promotion and sponsorship in Rochester for 37 years.

George Grubb’s father, Joe and hi Uncle Arden, under the persuasive influence of “young” George, started sponsoring Fastpitch softball through their North Star Bar in 19655.  After Joe Grubb died in 1961, George took over the management and operation of the North Star Bar and continued to sponsor top softball teams under that that name through 1969, when the business was sold to new owners.

George’s persuasive influence is further evidenced by the fact that the new owner of the North Star Bar have continued to sponsor top-notch softball team right up to today.  George Grubb’s interest, dedication and involvement was more recently re-kindled in 1988, when he started sponsoring a young and strong fastpitch team know as “Grubb Refrigeration”.   The team competes in a tough Rochester league as well as in several tournaments in SE Minnesota.

North Star Bar, which featured through the years, such players as charter-year-1982 Hall of Fames, Stan Mount and Tom Connolly, and later, Hall of Fame Inductees Dan Juenger and Wayne Knipschield captured 10 consecutive city championships in Rochester from 1958 through 1967.

George Grubb’s team competed in the Class AA State Tournament each of those years advancing twice to the finals.  They had a recorded of 54 wins and only 5 losses in 1961.  In 1962, they were the State Class AA finalists, and finished with a record of 48-7.  And in 1963, with a record of 47-11, they were eliminated in the State Class AA tournament by Hall of Famer, Wayne Erickson of Scandia.

North Star won 19 straight games since 1961 before losing to Booby Moore, than pitching for the Decorah, Iowa Odd Fellows team in the Rochester Invitational Tournament.  This string of wins included games played in the city league, the Redwing Invitational and the always-tough, Owatonna Eagles Invitational Tournament.

George Grubb’s hospitality for all softball players and friends is renowned.  He always came up with “that little something extra” for the players in uniform and their guest at the North Star after the game.  Just as Hall of Fames Lou White and Leroy Hardeman of Cloggy’s and another top softball sponsor, Hall of Fame, Bill Whitaker!

George’s work in softball included his willingness and diligent participation in the administration of the original Rochester Softball Association.  He served as Vice-President for two years and President for three years, after which he was on the Board of Directors for an additional number of years.

George managed the annual Rochester City Invitational Tournament for four years, with all the headaches that go with such events.  It was not unusual for George to be found helping in the layout of extra diamonds, putting up and tearing down temporary fences, operating borrowed tractors, burning gasoline on the fields, raking ling foul lines and doing what ever else it took.  It wasn’t easy in the early days before the park department took over the maintenance of the playing fields.  Players would say, “George will be here pretty soon, he’ll take care of it”. And George would too!

We welcome George Grubb to the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame.

 

1997 Hall of Fame - Char Alexander

Nominated by Rochester Women’s Softball Association

Char Alexander has dedicated herself to promoting amateur softball in her Rochester, MN community for over 35 years.  A pioneer and an active advocate for women’s softball, Char states that everything she was able to accomplish for women’s softball was a partnership between herself and her husband, Joe.

In 1961, Char organized the first fastpitch women’s league at IBM in Rochester.  She managed and played on the team, and after three years of winning the league championship, their team joined the city park and recreation league.

Although her playing days were short, Char found her skills were best used recognizing talented softball players and coaching.  In 1964, she spearheaded the organization of the first Rochester Women’s Fastpitch Association and elected president of the RWFA.

In 1967, the association won the bid to host the 1969 women’s state tournament in Rochester, the first state tournament to be held in the community.  Also in 1967, growing popularity in the slowpitch game prompted Char and Joe to start the Adler’s women’s slowpitch tournament.  Little did they know that their tournament would become a premier event in the state!    The tournament started with nine teams in 1967 and grew to 36 teams within five years.  It was strictly a trophy tournament and was one of the first tournaments to guarantee three games using triple elimination.  Teams form Nebraska, Michigan, Iowa and Wisconsin came to participate.  Hundreds of spectators would be on had to watch the championship games at Soldiers Field as teams like Avantis, Spooks, Chuckwagon and Patch of Blue would vie for the prestigious championship trophy.  Char and Joe sponsored the tournament for 15 years and to this day, the tournament is a special memory for many softball players and fans.

Char was the tournament director of the women’s fastpitch state tournament in 1969.  Due to the overwhelming success of this tournament, Rochester was awarded the bid for the same tournament in 1971 and the men’s fastpitch state tournament in 1972.  The state tournament games were played throughout the cit and Char enlisted the help of a ham radio club to provide the communications to relay scores.  Also, the first radio broadcast of a championship game was originated.

In 1974, mainly through Char and Joe’s insistence, Rochester organized the first fastpitch league for young girls in grades 4-6.  They managed a team in 1974 and had 40 girls attend the first practice, needless to say, they split the team and both had an opportunity to be head coach.  It was obvious many young girls were aspired to play, so the next year the league included all age groups and provided playing opportunities to hundreds of girls.

Char was recognized by the Rochester Women’s Softball Association in 1998 for her efforts by throwing out the first pitch at the Junior College Division III National tournament held in Rochester.

Though Char’s dedication and extra efforts, women were given the chance to participate and compete at an organized level of play.

We are honored to welcome Char Alexander, the first women form Rochester to be inducted into the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame.

 

1999 Hall of Fame - Bill Beaupre

Nominated by Rochester Softball Association

When it comes to softball there isn’t much Bill Beaupre hasn’t seen or done on the playing field.

Beaupre has been involved in the game of softball fro 35 years, as a player, manager, tournament director, umpire, and now again as a player.  After playing baseball and fastpitch softball he began his career as a slowpitch player and manager.  Over the course of his career Beaupre played on and managed some of the best teams in the Rochester area, often competing in post-season tournament play.

Starting in 1972, Beaupre began organizing tournaments if the Rochester area.  Teams from all across the stat and Midwest began flocking to his outstanding tournaments.  In 1979 Bill was approached by the March of Dime to start running tournaments to benefit the charity.  He decided to take a shot, and hasn’t looked back since.  After the success of the first Sno-Ball tournament for the March of Dimes, Beaupre decided to run two more annual events benefiting the Cancer Telethon, American Cancer Society, and PossAbilities, along with the March of Dimes.  At last tally, Bill has raised over $185,000 for charity organizations.

Currently, Bill is back in playing shape, taking the field in the Seniors league in St. Paul, and continuing to umpire on a part-time basis.  He continues to run his annual charity tournaments.

We are proud to induct Bill Beaupre to the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame.

 

2000 Hall of Fame - Dave Dostal

Nominated by the Rochester Softball Association

In 1965, 18 year-old Dave Dostal, from Rochester, played in his first state tournament. It was the first of many state, regional and national to tournaments Dave would play during his illustrious softball career.

Dave played for more that two decades on class AA and Class A men’s slowpitch teams and from 1965 to 1986, his name appeared on a state tournament roster in all but one year.  Dave holds the record as the only player from Rochester to have played in twenty Class AA and class A men’s slowpitch state tournaments.

Dave played a minimum of three nights a week and almost every weekend. So, in addition to attending the state tournament, one could frequent the ball fields in Rochester and throughout the five state area and find Dave making another great play look routine.

Dave’s dedication to the game and competitive style frequently helped lead his team to success.  Dave’s contributions at the 1983 state tournament enabled Berge Sports to take home the state title and qualify to advance to the national championships.  In at least six other state tournament appearances, Dave’s team finished in a position to qualify for regional competition.

A smooth fielding middle infielder, Dostal was best known for his defensive plays, which often included a double play to end the opponent’s rally.  Dave’s steady play earned him numerous individual honors, including twice being named all-region.

Dave was not jus a standout on defense.  A well-respected batter, consistently posting a batting average over 0.500 and always occupying the first or second batting position, Dave was seemingly able to place base hits at will.  His durability and love for the game enabled Dave to enjoy the game year in and year out routinely playing over 90 games a season.  A tremendous hitter and gifted fielder, Dave is remembered by all that played with and against him as a true competitor.

It is with great honor that we welcome Dave Dostal into the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame.

 

2000 Hall of Fame - Jon Springer

Nominated by Rochester Softball Association

Jon Springer grew up first enjoying sports in “sandlot pick-up” games in small town Minnesota.  Jon played high school football and baseball earning letters in each sport for four years.  Jon then entered the US Air Force and began playing fastpitch softball in Spain, traveling much of Europe and playing ball in almost every country including England.  After returning from four years in the service, Jon played baseball and softball for two years in Rochester.

Jon became interested in umpiring during his service years when he became friends with an umpire who worked many of his “home” games in Spain.  In 1963, Jon pursued becoming an official in football and basketball with the Minnesota Stat High School League.  In 1964, he began umpiring fastpitch softball with the likes of Vice Beyer and Ray Sibley.  The following year he worked slow itch and continued both until 1998.  HE now umpires only fastpitch.  Jon considers the likes of Dave Tollefson and Les Novak mentors and he later umpired many games with both of them.

Jon began umpiring high school baseball in the mid 1960’s prior to any registration requirements and has been registered since its inception.

Jon has umpired too many to mention district and state tournaments, and at least a half-dozen national tournaments in slowpitch, fastpitch and modified.  His first state tournament was in 1972.

Jon serves as District I Umpire in Chief for five years.  He was secretary of the Rochester Area Officials for 12 years ands still serves as vice president of softball/baseball.

Jon has officiated in seven high school football state championships games, all as referee.  He has worked football in the Community College Conference as well as the MIAC in the past, but only works high school now.  While working MCC football he worked the state championship 3 times and numerous play-off games.

Jon has umpired high scoop softball and baseball in at least 15 MSHSL state tournaments, having worked the most recent three years in baseball.  John also has umpired MCC, NIAA and MIAC baseball for years.  He also worked two years in the now defunct Prairie Professions Baseball League.

Jon continues to officiate football, baseball and softball with no immediate plans of giving them up.  He enjoys mentoring new officials with positive encouragement.  He has encouraged both minority and female officials, showing them how to improve as an official.  He continually approaches each contest as an opportunity to learn.

Two of Jon’s main attributes are his sense of humor and engaging disposition.  He can defuse any undesirable situation with his calm demeanor.  With Jon’s impressive resume, it is easy to applaud his induction into the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame.

 

2001 Hall of Fame - Cy Yess

Nominated by Anna Crowson & Becky Macken

Most people have heard the phrase, “you’ll never know until you try it”.  Cy Yess not only has heard that phrase, but she has lived it during her softball career.  Cy has been a player, coach, umpire and organizer – a varied softball career, indeed.

Cy began her softball life in the late 60’s in Waseca.  Because money and equipment that properly fit women was limited, most teams played in tennis shoes and alike, not Cy’s team. Her team played barefoot and teams around the area would want to play the “barefoot team”.  Cy was active in high school playing in the Girls’ Athletic Association (GAA) and was actively involved in petitioning the State of Minnesota to pass Title IX legislation for female sports.  In the summers, Cy played for the “Les Petites” women’s softball team which held a city league record of 60 straight league victories.

Cy left Waseca for Wartburg College in Iowa where she played right field and participated in the 3rd Annual College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.  After college, Cy settled into Rochester and participated from 1972 to 1983 on both women’s and co-rec softball teams such as, Recreation Lanes, Town House, Ground Round, Country Kitchen, Indianapolis Life, Manahan & Company and Thein Well Company.

As a pitcher, Cy was known as the “Nolan Ryan” of the softball leagues.  Cy could throw different spins, vary the height of the pitch or drop the ball out of the sky on a dime.  One of her most exciting memories is pitching in the Class A Championship game in 1983, which was won by her team, Manahan & Company.

In 1979, Cy not only had pitcher listed behind her name, but added “coach” to her title.  Her coaching strategy was work hard at practice, look sharp, and respect your opponents whether you win or lose and be a gracious winner and humble loser.   As a coach, Cy had a winning percentage of 74%.  Her teams’ accomplishments include: 1983 Class A State Championship; 1991 Class A State Finalist; four time Class A Hall of Fame Qualifier Champion, eight Class A National Tournament appearances with a 9th place finish in 1988 and 1992 and a 5th place finish in 1993.  Cy retired from coaching after the 1993 season.

Cy not only stepped onto the softball field as a player and coach, but also as an umpire.  Cy was the first female umpire for the City of Rochester and was considered a trail blazer, as many players and fans thought women should not umpire. Cy combated those nay sayers by her hustle and knowledge of the rules.  Cy, the umpire, served the softball playing public for 20 years.  Cy was also a leader in the formation of the R Rochester Women’s Softball Association and the Rochester Softball Association. She served as President for both organizations in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Cy has also served as tournament manger for district, state and national events, as well as, throw out the first pitch at the 1997 National Juniors College Athletic Association World Series.  Besides serving in administrative capacities, Cy has volunteered to coach youth, conduct clinics and volunteer at numerous softball vents held in Rochester.

Cy says she learned many lessons during her softball career, but one lesson in particular stands out in her mind.  As a youth coach, her team was in contention for a playoff spot and down by one run in the bottom of the seventh.  The bases were loaded and next batter up was the smallest girl on the team.  She could barely pick up the bat and swing it and had struck out on a number of occasions.  As she walked up the plate, Cy glanced over at eh bench and noticed the other players faces had fallen as if they had already lost the game.  Cy contemplated what coaching words of wisdom to share with her young player as she walked towards home plate. She thought, “Maybe I should say try to get a walk or swing hard and keep you eye on the ball”. As she reached home plate, the looked up to Cy and said, “Coach, I’ll do the best I can do”. The story has a fairy tale ending. The girl hit a “seeing eye” ground ball which scored two runs and won the game.

Cy, there is no question in anyone’s mind; you have always done the best that you could do!

It is with our honor and privilege that we welcome Cy Yess to the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame.

 

2001 Hall of Fame - Les Ernster

Nominated by Rochester Softball Association

Les Ernster’s love for the game of softball started as a small boy.  Many mothers were upset with him during the spring and summer months for knocking on doors and ringing doorbells early on Saturdays to get the kids in the neighborhood up and to the baseball field to play.  A normal Saturday back then, included playing all day right through lunch time and into the late afternoon.

He started playing when he was 12 yrs. old league and then as he got older he played in the Babe Ruth League and Legion and High School ball.  When Les played high school ball he alternated as a staring pitcher and shortstop in Dyersville, Iowa.  As a sophomore in High School, Les started playing for the town team as a pitcher and shortstop.  His team was very successful in the summer months and was slated to play in the Little World Series in Montana.  However, his father did not allow him to play because school was almost underway.  Les moved to Minnesota in November of his junior year in high school.  After he graduated from high school he went on to play fastpitch and slowpitch softball at Winona State University.  Les settled in to slowpitch in 1970.

Les played on a team with many of the same players for 1970-1986, but the team used a variety of names such as: Jim & Joes, Brueske Reality, Murph’s, and Lantern Lounge.  Courage and love for the game encouraged the team to play as many games as possible a summer.  Les had many achievements over the years including being named to the All-State team for three successive years (1971-1973) and to the all tournament team at the regional level in 1973 & 1974.  A few of Les’ Highlighted for just one year were: a season recorded of 74-19 and a batting average of 0.569 on 132 hits in 233 at bats.  He also clobbered 36 home runs.

His love for the game enabled Les to enjoy the game year-in and year-out, routinely playing over 100 games per season.

It is with great pleasure that Les Ernster is inducted into the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame.

 

2002 Hall of Fame - Gene Alexander

Nominated by Al Horstmann & the Rochester Church Softball League

When one mentions the Rochester Church Softball League, the name “Gene Alexander” is synonymous.

“Jigger”, as he was known in his younger years, stated umpiring in 1954 in the Rochester City Park & Rec. leagues.  After two years of umpiring in these leagues, he began to look elsewhere for a place to put his time and talents.  The city leagues often got out of hand with yelling and arguing.  The church softball league seemed the perfect place.  The teams were competitive, yet easy to get along with and got along with each other.  They realized that they were out there for fun.

Gene was very familiar wit the church league, having grown up in the same neighborhood as the Slatterly Park Ball Field.  This filed was long ago designated as the church league ball field.  As the space crunch came for softball and Little League field in Rochester, Gene was told that as long as he was running the league, the filed would belong to the church league.

The league started out as fastpitch, but due to lack kof pitchers, slowly changed to slowpitch.  Gene welcomed this change as it allowed more pe9ople to enjoy the sport of softball.

Lighting at Slatterly Park was never very good, but he lights were there and allowed the games to be played. After spearheading a fund-raisin effort to two years, Gene used his connections at Rochester Public Utilities to buy some second had lights and set new poles for the filed.  The lights have been a great addition and we have Gene to thank for them.

The players all know to show up for each and every game.  Except for lightening, games are played regardless of the weather.  Rain, sleet, even snow, is no reason not to play in Gene’s mind.

Since his retirement from Rochester Public Utilities, Gene has been living in Lake City, MN.  He makes a forty-five minute drive to and from Rochester four nights a week from the beginning of May to the end of August.

Gene is not only the umpire for the league, he also organized the managers meeting each spring and he’s been the secretary/treasurer for the league year after year.

Gene always has a big smile and warm greeting for everyone that plays ball in Slatterly Park. He shows no favoritism and tries to keep thinks light.  If someone gets a little heated, Gene reminds them that this is the church league and we are here for a little exercise and some fun.

Gene has been the single driving force behind the league for so many years its’ hard to imagine the league without him.  When he does decide to hang it up, he’ll have something lined up to keep the leagues going.  Gene will make sure we’re taken care of, just like he has for the last forty-five years.

It is our honor to welcome Gene Alexander to the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame.

 

2003 Hall of Fame - Cindy Nelsen

Nominated by the Rochester Softball Association

Cindy's performance on the softball field is second to none. When Cindy first started playing softball, she was arguably the best shortstop in the state. She was beyond her years in skill and even played shortstop on her Class A Co-Rec team, the Stumble Inn, which was a powerhouse in the late 80's. This team evolved into Jonny's Saloon, and Cindy was a ramrod for that team in the early 90's.

She was the shortstop for women's teams from Rochester including Midwest Federal, Boat World, Superior Screener's and Macken Plumbing. Only a torn rotator cuff, and elbow surgery took her from that position. When these physical roadblocks became a problem, it was anticipated that she would perhaps retire, or retreat to recreational softball. Of all places to end up, Cindy is now pitching in Class A Women's slowpitch and had led Macken Plumbing to several state titles and, most notably, a National Championship in 1999.

Her cat-like instincts, and acrobatic dives and outstanding base running skills, are truly amazing. She is also a member of the 2002 Major National Champions, Jonny's Saloon of Elba. In addition, as a result of her dedication, she has worked hard enough even to return to the outfield when called upon.

Although soft-spoken, the teams that she has played against know Cindy well. She manages to make friends on every opponent's team and is highly respected in the softball community.

One incident recalled was in the Class “A” Women's National tournament in Dothan, Al, in 2000. Macken Plumbing was fighting their way back in the loser’s bracket, playing in the third place game against the Armed Forces of America. Cindy was pitching, and in the early innings took shot up the middle and received what we thought, was a career ending fracture of her arm. Almost every manger in the tournament called when the team returned home to see "if that incredible pitcher", indeed did fracture her arm. They couldn't believe that she was uninjured, and expressed their compliments about Cindy's attitude, desire, toughness and sportsmanship.

Her list of achievements includes several state tournament MVP's in co-rec and women's and national all-tournament honors as well.

Beyond all of here considerable accomplishments, Cindy is also known as a kind and gentle human being.

It is our privilege to welcome Cindy Nelsen to the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame.

 

2003 Hall of Fame - Char Robinet

Nominated by Rochester Women’s Softball Association

Char began her softball career in 1959 at the age of 11 playing fastpitch in the male dominated 4-H league in Mower County.  In an era when sports opportunities for female athletes were limited, Char became the pitcher on the team that went on the win the Mower county championship for the next 3 years.

Her fastpitch softball career continued in 1967 when she began to participate in the Park and Recreation Women’s Fastpitch League in Rochester, Minnesota.  Char played both pitcher and first base positions until 1971.  IN 1971, Char stared 13 years of participation in competitive slowpitch softball on both women’s and co-rec teams.  She was an excellent pitcher, who could selectively put the ball over the plate anywhere she wanted.  Her quick reactions allowed her to become one of the best defensive pitchers of her time.  In addition, she had the ability to place hit with power, a combination of skills that made her both an offensive and a defensive asset.

Char led the Unique Waterbeds women’s slowpitch team the Minnesota “BB” State Championship in 1980.  Again in 1981, Char was a leader on the Tropic Bowl co-ed slowpitch team that won the Minnesota Co-Rec 12” Slowpitch State Championship.  Char also participated on the Nigon Woodcraft women’s slowpitch team that competed in the 1984 “A” National tournament, where they finished 6th.

Long before here playing career began to wind down; Char began umpiring softball in 1973.  She lists her mentors as Jon Springer, Les Novak and Billy Peterson.  She has worked numerous district, state and nationals qualifiers at all levels and all division of men’s, women’s, co-rec and youth.  Based on her qualifications, Char has been selected to umpire in 3 ASA National tournaments, women’s “A”, and “AA” held in Duluth, co-rec “A” held in Austin and the 18-under “A” girls fastpitch held in Eden Prairie.   Char umpired and held the position of Umpire Coordinator at the National NJCAA Division III National Fastpitch tournament in 1997 and 1998 in Rochester.

In the 1980’s when Char and Joe Alexander were ready to pass the torch for the Adler’s Women’s Slowpitch Softball Tournament in Rochester, Char stepped forward to assume responsibility for coordination of this annual tradition.  She hosted the event for an 11 year period solely because of a “love of softball” and a “desire to carry on a tradition”.

She was a founding member of the Rochester Softball Association and served as one of the umpire representative on the inaugural board of directors of the organization.  She also volunteers her time and talents as an umpire at the Rochester Special Olympics.  We are very proud to welcome Char Robinet to the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame.

 

2004 Hall of Fame - Anna Crowson

Nominated by Rochester Women’s Softball Association and Rochester Softball Association

Few players are in the class of Rochester native, Anna Crowson. Crowson has been a perennial softball player for more than 30 years, earning the "MVP" award during her playing career. Anna not only led her team in batting average and RBI’s but she also earned the nickname "Hoover" for exhibiting an equal degree of excellence on the field. It is Anna’s leadership skills and awesome play that helped win a state championship trophy for her team. Her teammates looked to her as their leader and motivator during crucial games. She was the anchor that united a group of individual players and made them into a winning team. Anna exhibited a charismatic character, which allowed her to bring out the best in everyone on the team.

Anna has consistently been an exemplary leader in the Rochester softball community. She continues to give back to the game of softball through her commitment and involvement in the formation and organizing of the Rochester Women’s Softball Association and the Rochester Softball Association. Anna has served as an officer in both groups. Her endless hours of volunteer work putting on tournaments are a tribute to her commitment to the sport of softball. It is through Anna’s efforts the Rochester Women’s Softball Association started a community college scholarship fund for female athletes Please join us in welcoming Anna Crowson, a dedicated and talented player, to the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame.

Softball Hall of Fame makes call

Anna Crowson has participated in the sport for years

By Paul Christian pchristian@postbulletin.com (printed with permission)

Finally, it appears, Anna Crowson is going to hang up her competitive softball spikes for good. Maybe. You just never know. "I wanted to at least play until I turned 50,’’ she said, "and last year on my birthday weekend we qualified for the national tournament in Topeka. And I did get to play an inning, but then I injured my hamstring. "So I suppose that’s it but at least I did get to play when I was 50.’’ And for many years prior.  "I started in 1972, playing in an IBM league with my father,’’ she said. “That got me going. From then on it was all softball. I became a softball maniac.’’
That she has.
And she will be honored for it. Saturday, Crowson will be inducted into the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame in ceremonies at the Minnesota Sports Cafe in Fridley.
"Obviously, this is quite an honor,’’ she said. “Having several members of my family there really makes it special. We’ve always been a close-knit family, and softball has had a lot to do with it.
"For years on Friday nights, we played softball as a family in co-ed leagues. Back then it was a must thing to do but I’m afraid that commitment by families is not around today.
"But back then it was a big deal. My dad (Gordy), mother (Helen) and all my brothers and sisters (she was one of seven) played at one time or another.
"In fact, my oldest sister (Donna) who lives in Oregon is flying here this weekend for the induction ceremony.’’
Crowson is being recognized by the hall of fame for more than longevity in playing the game, however.
Here’s why:

• She was a team member of four state champion teams (1980 Women’s Class BB; 1981 Co-ed "12"; 1983 Women’s Class A; and 1996 Women’s Masters 35 and over.

• Participated in 17 national ASA tournaments, taking fifth in both 1993 and 1998.

• For six years served on the board of directors of the Rochester Softball Association.

• Served as president of the RSA in 1994-95.

• On board of directors of the Rochester Women’s Softball Association, where she served as president from 1992-1998.

• Helped establish the RWSA Scholarship for incoming freshman at Rochester Community and Technical College.

• Was instrumental in forming the partnership of RCTC and the RWSA in 1997 and 1998 when they combined to host the first ASA affiliated national tournament in Rochester. That was the NJCAA Division II National Softball Tournament, which was held at McQuillan Field for two years.
Crowson was born in Lake City but moved to Rochester when she started school and graduated from John Marshall in 1972. She is a manager at IBM, where she has worked for 32 years.
"We didn’t have softball when I was in high school,’’ she said. "There were no organizations simply because it wasn’t popular.
"That’s why I’m excited because my nieces (Nicole, 16, Hannah, 14 and Brittany 13) are all playing the game.
"So the one thing I’m probably most proud of is what I’ve done to promote girls softball in Rochester and the surrounding area.’’
Crowson started playing softball in an IBM league even before she was old enough to get her driver’s license.
Back then people would have laughed if you mentioned something about a softball scholarship. Not any more.
"We (RWSA) started one for a pair of incoming freshmen at RCTC,’’ she said.
"These are the things that I’m excited about. Young girls getting the opportunity to play. I know what it’s like to never get the chance. Hopefully that won’t happen again.’’