Illinois ASA Hall of Fame -
continued
Left The Plaque Each 2004 Illinois ASA H.O.F.
Inductee Received & Right Steve McCrillis
Spiller while accepting his award
said, "I am very grateful for the number of years that I
was able to play softball, I love baseball as much as softball.
I tried to make a career out of baseball but it didn't work out
that way. I'm very grateful for all the friend that I have made
and for all the years that I played."
Pete Salvo was introduced next to say a few words about his friend
the 'Hall of Famer' Dave Sagle with Salvo said jokingly as he
smiled at Sagle, "Wonderful second baseman, terrible guy.
Wonderful family, two children…"
Sagle accepted the fun being poked at him by his friend before
taking the podium to say, "Our team was a family affair.
If is wasn't I would be playing" Sagle went on to mention
many of his teammates by name as he thank them for playing with
him because without these teammates he never would have had the
opportunity to be standing before this evenings gathering accepting
such a special honor from the Illinois ASA.
Umpire Raymond Wise was inducted next into the Illinois ASA Hall
of Fame and he was presented by both his life long friend Dave
Montgomery and his son Dwayne Wise. Montgomery spoke first and
said, "I met Ray in the summer of 1957. He took me under
his wing and showed me everything that he knew." He added
"Ray is my brother, my friend and a true Hall of Famer."
Dwayne Wise spoke next and he said, "My brother sent me an
e-mail that read 'Here is what dad wants you to say. "What
took you so long to recognize me?"
In accepting his 2005 Illinois ASA Hall of Fame plaque Wise said,
"I want to thank God all mighty and all my family and friends
that travel here tonight to help me celebrate this honor."
Larry Moffett was inducted next and he was present to the audience
by his daughters Lindsey Moffett and Lara Menard who said, "Some
people think the game of softball is the wins, the honors and
championship trophies, but not our dad. We would like to think
the reason he continued to play the game is because of the friends
that he has made and kept in touch with all these years as well
as the sheer love of the sport." about their father.
Moffett said, "Everything that I have obtained I probable
owe to my parents. And, everything that I came up short on, I
have to take responsible for myself." He added, "I played
on a lot of great teams and I played on a lot of teams that didn't
win national championship that were great teams too."
Next Ron Carr took the podium to introduce the next inductee,
his friend Roger Sensabaugh the Illinois ASA VP and a twenty year
member of its executive board. When speaking of his good friend
Carr said, "Roger works long hours. He has made ASA a life
investment with twenty years in the association. He has work many,
many hours on this sport because he loves it."
During his acceptance remarks Sensabaugh said, "ASA softball,
got to be the best organization there is." He added, "My
success is due to my wife Joanna, umpires …. who support
me and they have done a lot for me and that is were my success
comes from." He concluded by saying a special thank you to
late Chuck McCord who family was in attendance at the banquet.
Bob Watson spoke next on his friend Steve King saying, "I
had the honor for playing with him for five year until I retired
and than I had the honor of managing him for five more years.
He continued by saying "I feel that Steve is probable the
best all-around fast pitch player from the state of Illinois.
King said during his acceptance speech, "I played for great
organizations the majority of my career and I like to give thank
the key people in those organizations."
Kathy Richards could not be present to accept here Illinois ASA
Hall of Fame Plaque.
Brewer took the microphone and explained to those in the crowd
that this year the ASA Hall of Fame was opening a new wing, organizations.
He explained that this was not a about a team having a single
outstanding year but an accumulation of longevity and success
on the softball field by a softball organization.
The Illinois ASA Hall of Fame has a permanent plaque dedicated
to organizations that each inducted group will have its name appear
upon. Each organization also received a plaque honoring them as
an Illinois ASA Hall of Fame inducted organization. With commemorative
Hall of Fame coins being given to each player attending the banquet.
The Forest Park Bloomer Girls from Forest Park being inducted
first. Today only one 'Bloomer Girl' is still living and due to
health problem within her family she could not attend the banquet.
Highland read off the 'Bloomer Girls' highlights that included
three national championship (1936, 37 & 39).
Continued
