2004 Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame Induction
Banquet
(L) Tom McCarthy & (R) Tom Burton
Brenda Paulson, Illinois Executive
Director said, "My first memory of you was with grease paint
on your face and your bow legged run to the outfield, you were
so intense. You truly belong in this Hall Of Fame."
Fischer introduced Tom Burton who was receiving a Lifetime Achievement
Award. Burton started his career with the Fox Valley Lassies in
1979 and along the way has coached on the staffs of five World
Champion teams including of the Lady Blue playing out of Michigan,
UPI from Tennessee, and the Shooters from Florida. Burton loves
the strategy of the game and the challenge of designing a defense
to shut down opponent's strengths during a slow-pitch softball
game. Fischer said, "In the game of softball today, so much
effort is put on hitting and the defense is neglected. The teams
that coach Burton has been affiliated with have attributed their
success to the defensive strategy that he would put together for
them to that the great advantage of the team they were playing."
In accepting his award Burton thanked numerous people who helped
him along the way including managers, umpires and directors. He
closed by saying "I encourage all of you to support USSSA
softball both here and at the nationals, Thank again."
Paulson said, "Tom it has been an honor and a privilege to
know you for twenty some years and you were so instrumental in
the Women's Class A Program. I really thank you. Welcome to the
Hall Of Fame.
Brown retook the podium to enlighten those in attendance about
Dennis Muth thirty plus year career in softball. Muth a left handed
pitcher, manager and sponsor who played for such teams as; Jumbo's
Pub, Legends, Back Bar, Chippers Pub, Shockers, Ken's Beverage
and KA Softball. Muth has two USSSA World titles, twenty seven
state titles (in two states Illinois & Wisconsin), and thirty
five NIT championships to his credit. He was also named six times
as he MVP of a tournament including the 2003 USSSA Men's 35 &
Over World Tournament, with over thirty all-tournament teams to
his credit. Brown said, "Perhaps the only thing that Dennis
was better at than pitching a great game was assembling a great
team. His energy and drive helped him snare the stateliness top
players for his team year in and year out. Once those players
found a great teammate and sponsor like Dennis they didn't leave."
Dave Rydberg introduced Muth by saying, "Dennis is not just
a great player, he is also a very talented coach, and if that
isn't enough, in the last ten years I've played with him he has
also been the main sponsor for all the teams that I've played
with. To be able to handle all those things behind the scenes
getting the team to those NIT's Nationals, Worlds. It's not just
about the money it's he things he has to do scheduling… and
than to come on the field and compete at the level he does is
truly a feat in itself…congratulations buddy!"
Muth in his acceptance remarks said, "If it wasn't for this
state and this program I wouldn't have met so many nice people
as I have met. Thank you very much."
In present Muth his award Paulson said, "You have been a
great manager, a great sponsor and a great player. Welcome to
the Hall Of Fame!"
(L) Dennis Muth & (R) Laurie
Smith
Next Fischer introduced Laurie Smith
who was inducted as a Lifetime Achievement inductee by saying,
"She has not been a member of a team that has won a National
or World Tournament. She has not been selected to an All-Tournament
Team, nor has she been selected as the defensive or offensive
player. What she has given to the game of softball is more important,
than hits and catches, she has given of herself.
Continue:
