Eleven Individuals Inducted Into The ASA Hall
Of Fame
Eight Organizations Were Also Reconised At
The Dragon Dome On In Pekin
The 2005 ASA Hall Of Fame Inductee's
PEKIN: The State Of Illinois
ASA Organization held its Annual Hall Of Fame induction Banquet
at the Dragon Dome in Pekin on Saturday April 2nd, 2005 with more
than 250 people in attendance. Following the cocktail hour the
audience was entertain by an 'Elvis Impersonator' before sitting
down to dinner.
ASA State Commissioner, Don Brewer recognized the Illinois ASA
Hall Of Fame member in attendance, and the visiting ASA dignitary
Wayne Myers was attending as the long-time Indiana ASA State Commissioner
who on hand to help celebrate the induction of tonight's Hall
of Fame inductees. Brewer also took the time to acknowledge Illinois
ASA Senior Vice President Leroy Emerick on his 80th birthday.
ASA Hall of Fame Chairman Jim Nicol acted as 'Master of Ceremonies
by introducing each speaker as they came to the podium. Nicol'
s also read the inscription from the 2005 Illinois ASA Hall of
Fame Plaque which reads "In Recognition Of an Outstanding
Career in Softball the Highest Honor Attainable in the Illinois
ASA." Below the inscription is a plaque with the person's
name and date on it.
Emerick spoke on behalf a Don Donohoo (Player / Sponsor) saying,
"One of his biggest thrills came in 2001 at the ASA Co-Ed
state finals when pitched with his daughter Jennifer catching.
He also homered in one of those game and there to great him at
home plate was the next hitter his daughter Jennifer."
In accepting his place in this honored hall of recognition Donohoo
said, "Seems as if they have covered it all so lets get on
with the ceremonies. Thank you."
J.Y. Davis spoke on behalf of Jodi Rathbun next and said, "She
led our team in every offensive category that first year except
singles, I had expect more."
Rathbun Said, "Growing up, I had coaches that pushed me,
and I'd like to thank every single one of them."
ASA Commissioner Jerry Stewart introduced umpire Steve McCrillis
by saying, "He has worked a combination, twenty-five Women's
Class A, & Major State Tournaments He has also worked twenty
Illinois Men's Class A, B, & Major State Tournaments. In 1996
he worked the Men's Major Fast Pitch National Tournament. He has
also worked a number of other ASA National tournaments."
McCrillis said while accepting his award, "I would like to
thank the many umpires and UIC's that I have had the honor to
officiate with and work for. These are the individuals that I
have learned from and without their tutelage I would never got
to this level." He concluded by saying, "I want to thank
my family for letting me something that I really enjoy."
Lou Dobrina spoke next as she introduced her teammate and friend,
Leann Bonifas on her induction day into the Illinois ASA Hall
of Fame by saying, "You don't get to play against the best
unless you are one of the best." Dobrina than spoke about
Bonifas strong family values by saying, "She's family structured
and her family always comes first" Dobrina closed by saying,
"It is my privilege and honor to extend to you this plaque
inducting you into the ASA Hall of fame."
Bonifas spoke next saying, "First of all I want to thank
all the ASA commissioners and officials. You have provided the
avenue for all of us players and coaches. Now of this happens
without all the stuff that you kind people have done throughout
your lives." She closed by say, "I'd also like to thank
the fine people who are the hidden part of the game, the umpires…the
game does not happen without you and you have my utmost respect."
Brewer introduced Richard Spiller next and during his remarks
he said, "When I told the people back home in Southern Illinois
That Rich Spiller would be going into the Illinois ASA Hall of
Fame, the reaction was nearly unanimous. They all said, 'What
took so long'?" Brewer went on the touch upon several of
the highlights of Spiller's career before closing by saying, "As
a friend, A team mate, his field manager for over twenty years,
its my please to introduce and induct into the Illinois ASA Hall
of Fame Richard Spiller."
Continued
