1999 Female Player: Jan Wilson

Jan Wilson

Jan Wilson’s 25-year career began in the 16-inch program, converted to 12-inch and then 11-inch when the USSSA adopted that ball in 1979. Her ten-year career in the USSSA consisted of three Class A State Championships and appearances in six USSSA Class A World Tournaments.

Considered one of the top power hitters in the women’s program, Wilson hit in the “meat” of the order, belting over 200 home runs and having a lifetime USSSA batting average of .557.

All-State Tournament Team honors include: 1979 with the Chicago Stingers; 1982 and 1984 with The Chicagoans, Class A State Champions. 1980 also produced an All-State Award with the Chicago Wind, runner-up in the Class A State Tournament. In addition, this first baseman/catcher earned All-Tournament team awards at the 1982 Milwaukee NIT and in 1990 at the Rockford NIT.

She stated her challenge to all male and female players, “Keep the game alive, pass on your passion. Give the young players an opportunity to experience the fun, success and camaraderie to which you were privileged.”

1999 Female Player: Mary Malpede

Mary Malpede

Behind Mary Malpede’s pitching, her team won over 500 games and appeared in ten USSSA Class A World Tournaments. Compiling a 30-20 record at these National events, she spent the last 11 years of her 16-year career in USSSA competition.

The Chicagoans won the Illinois Class A State Tournament in 1982 and 1984, and with a team name change to C.M.C., they won the State Title again in 1988.

Mary’s pitching brought much success at many USSSA NITs including The Lassie Invitational, Werner’s at Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Rockford and Louisville, Kentucky.

The Chicagoans and C.M.C. were ranked in the top ten nationally for many years due to solid defense and power hitting. Although power hitting was not Mary’s forte, she could move the runners on her base hitting.

Mary sums up her attributes not as physical but as personal accomplishments learned by the camaraderie she had with such a great group of athletes and friends she made in softball.

1999 Female Player: Sheila Eversole

Sheila Eversole

Sheila Eversole played softball for 20 years, of which ten were spent playing USSSA. She was respected for both her offense and her defense, making her one of the most sought-after softball players in the Rockford area.

She participated in ten USSSA World or Divisional Tournaments. Three times, she was named to USSSA All-Tournament teams and twice as MVP.

She was a strong pull hitter with a career batting average of over .600 and the capability to hit either the base hit or home run. With her great speed on the base paths, her teammates loved batting behind her knowing she would be able to score on a base hit.

She was an all-around athlete who excelled in all sports at Harlem High School and Rock Valley College.

Sheila’s teams include: Town Hall, Prairie Moon Saloon, Three Hammer and Blackhawk Athletic Club.