2007 Male Player: Leon Kreher

Leon Kreher

In the game of slow pitch softball, any player who has the ability to hit for a high average and power can help a team reach lofty goals.

Leon Kreher of New Athens used his tallents for 22 seasons as a member of a solid downstate Belleville Budweiser team, playing alongside his brother and shortstop Mike O’Connor (2002 Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame inductee).

An outfielder, Kreher hit an impressive .625 average over his career and he probably averaged one or more home runs per game. Kreher, who still competes in a 40 & Over league, says his club’s goals did not change much from year-to-year.

“Our team goal was to make it to a USSSA World Tournament every year,” Kreher said. “In 1984, we won the Illinois USSSA Class B State and finished second to Powers in the Class B Divisional Championship Tournament. I played in a World Tournament ever year from 1975 through 1992; most were Class B with two years being Class A.”

In that 1984 Illinois Class B State Tournament, Kreher put forth a solid effort that helped him be named to the All-Tournament team. He considers his most exciting moment in his career the time the team dropped their second game of that tournament, but were able to come back to win the title.

In the late 1970s USSSA league, Kreher was named most valuable player three times, while also leading the league in batting average and home runs in one of those seasons.

As far as his competitive days and the Illinois USSSA, Kreher has nothing but praise.

“Playing softball was a great experience in my life,” Kreher said. “I would play about 200 games a year. The Illinois USSSA is well-organized and they have great tournaments. I really enjoyed playing the game of softball.”

We honor Leon Kreher, a player who used his skills to help his team reach championship goals for over two decades.

2007 Male Player: Ken Dohm

Ken Dohm

For over a decade, Grayslake’s Ken Dohm played on and against some of the top teams in the country and along the way earned many individual honors.

Dohm wore the uniform of such teams as Lilly Air Systems for two different stints, Joker’s and Joe Black’s. His main positions were left or right centerfielder, but he saw a little time at second base and third base. A career .716 hitter, Dohm clubbed an average of 28 home runs a year – this would be considered Major League level today. He retired from the game of softball after the 1990 season.

Dohm started playing for power house Lilly Air Systems in 1979 as he explained.

“I went from being released from professional baseball with the Kansas City Royals to playing 12-inch softball,” Dohm said. “I probably averaged over 140 games a year for ten years. [Softball] is a great game.”

Over his career “Dohmer” was selected to All-Tournament teams twice in Illinois State Tournaments, twice at NITs and four times in Divisional/National Tournaments. In 1986, Lilly Air Systems won the State Class A (open) State Tournament held at Belleville with Dohm helping lead the way. One big highlight of his playing days would be his All-World selection at Kalamazoo Michigan in 1990 with Joe Black’s.

“The first major tournament [I played in] was in Concord, California,” Dohm recalled. “The top 12 teams in the nation were there – the best of the best.”

“The USSSA has become the best softball organization in the entire nation.”

— Ken Dohm

Over his wonderful career, Dohm admits there have been many funny moments before, during and after games and tournaments, but feels the Hall of Fame bio would not be a proper event to talk about them all.

“There are so many amusing events through the years, but I don’t think the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame banquet would be the best place to relive them,” said Dohm.

Dohm becomes the eighth member of Lilly Air Systems to be inducted into the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame (as of 2007), an organization he feels is head and shoulders above the rest.

“The USSSA has become the best softball organization in the entire nation,” said Dohm. “Illinois softball USSSA has become great only through the hard work of people like Brenda Paulson.”

2007 Male Player: Bernie Carroll

Bernie Carroll

Certain players leave you in awe when you consider all of their personal and team accomplishments. To think one person could play at a high level for an extended period of time and earn that many rewards is truly amazing. The talented Bernie Carroll is one of those such players.

In over 30 years of softball, 21 in the USSSA, Elmhurst’s Bernie Carroll has played on some of the top teams in the state, gathering personal and team accolades along the way.

Carroll played on some powerful teams including One Hour Cleaners, Ken Adams Softball, Bank of Westmont, Mid America Concrete, Tron Piping and Ken’s Beverage before retiring in 2004. He mainly played as a pitcher and catcher, but he also spent time in the outfield, first base and as a designated hitter. A lifetime .575 hitter, Carroll had power to all fields as his 1,200 career home runs can attest.

Bernie was named Most Valuable Player in three tournaments over his career. The first was at the 1987 14-inch State Tournament held in Aurora, next in the 1985 Class B Qualifier in Downers Grove and finally at the 2000 Class B NIT in Joliet. Carroll was also selected seven times to a State All-Tournament Team, the last being in the 2000 45 & Over State Tournament. He was also an All-World Team selection in the 1995 35 & Over World Tournament and the 1998 40 & Over World Tournament. He played on 16 State Championship teams and three World Championship clubs.

In 1996 and 1997, his team captured the 35 & Over Major World Championships, and in 2002, with Ken’s Beverage, they won the 40 & Over World Title. He lists the 1996 championship as one of his greatest thrills while competing in USSSA play to go along with the Bank of Westmont State Title in 1989. He also played in a class A or B at State and World Tournaments from 1982 to 2003.

“I lived for softball in the 70s, 80s and 90s,” said Carroll. “I know for a lot of the people I played with and who ran the program, it was a lot more than recreation. It has been a huge part of our lives.”

There is no doubt that Carroll did live for the game of softball and the USSSA is where he made his mark. For over two decades, he used his skills to achieve personal goals as well as helping his teams reach their ultimate goals. Therefore, we honor Bernie Carroll, who typifies what the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame is all about.

2008 Male Player: Michael "Flea" Kueker

Michael "Flea" Kueker

For over a quarter of a century, Red Bud’s Michael Kueker did something he loved and did it very well. The game of softball gave Kueker a venue to showcase his talents and quench his competitive juices.

The left-handed, line drive-hitting Kueker played either left field or right field for such teams as Horrell’s Distributing, First National Bank of Red Bud and First Bank of Red Bud. He compiled a lifetime .700 batting average and a very impressive .750 on-base percentage. Possessing great speed, Kueker was known for turning singles into doubles and doubles into triples, to accompany numerous inside-the-park home runs throughout his career.

He began his softball playing days in 1976 with veteran Horrell’s Distributing club. This is where he picked up the nickname “Flea,” which he admits he first thought was “Flee” because of his great speed, but was a little surprised after receiving his team jacket and seeing “Flea” stitched into it. That name has stuck with him ever since.

“As his manager, I can say without any reservations that Mike made an immediate impact on the success of our team, hitting regularly above .500 and fielding with grace and accuracy in the outfield,” said Horrell’s manager Larry Ehlers. “Once I explained to Mike his role on the team, the team’s leadoff hitter and centerfielder, I had no role other than consultant because Mike assumed his responsibilities at his position with vigor, knowledge and competency.”

From 1979 through 1992, Kueker was the player/manager of the First National Bank of Red Bud. In 1980, he played in his first Illinois USSSA State Tournament with Mudville Giants and a year later made his initial trip to the Class C Divisional with FNB of Red Bud. The 1986 season saw his club finish 13th place at the Class C Divisional. All told, Kueker teams participated in the Illinois State and Divisional each year from 1982-1992.

“Personal goals are always great for some individuals, but overall I’ve gotten the same satisfaction out of putting. Solid team together and then being able to go out and take that team to the next level,” says Kueker. “There is a great satisfaction in finding that right combination of speed, power and defense that sets your club apart from the rest and then going out and getting results.”

In the 1993 and 1994 campaigns, Kueker played and managed First Bank of Red Bud. In 1993, Kueker and his team finished second place at the Class D Illinois State Tournament and a solid seventh place finish at the Great Lakes Divisional Tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio. In that Divisional, Kueker hit an impressive .778 for the tournament. He then bounced around with a few different Class D teams over the next few years and played for Chester Victor Drugs in 1997-1998 in the 35 & Over Illinois State Tournament. In 1999, with Muehl’s out of Fairview Heights, Kueker helped his team to a second-place finish at the Illinois State 40 & Over Tournament.

All in all, Kueker played in ten Divisional (five in each Class C and D) and 17 State Tournaments (six in each Class C and D, plus five in Class B). He was also named All-League in the USSSA sanctioned Red Bud league 11 straight years (1990-2001).

As for his take on the game of softball in the Illinois USSSA, he admits there have been many changes since he first took the softball field to begin his career.

“The changes I’ve experienced over my years of participating in the USSSA sanctioned softball have been the change in the equipment,” Kueker said. “When I started playing this game, ten runs were a lot and most games were won by one run – 4-3/6-5 type games, as defense played a key role. Nowadays, it comes down to who bats last, there are more high scoring games decided in the seventh inning, with the home run ball playing a big part.”

Kueker continued, “As far as the betterment, I believe also that improving equipment has brought back some of the excitement into the game, therefore it has brought more of the younger crowd back in participating in the game of softball.”

We honor all of Michael’s accomplishments by bestowing the higest accolade for a USSSA player as we say “Member of the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame – Michael, the Flea, Kueker.”

2008 Male Player: Roy Ambrose

Roy Ambrose

Growing up in Elmhurst in the 60s and 70s with his three brothers, Roy always had the desire to play sports. With a big backyard, they were constantly challenging each other in all sports. Growing up next to a 16-inch softball coach also got him introduced to softball at an early age.

He fondly remembers coming home from an American Legion baseball game and having his neighbor waiting in the driveway to take him to Chicago to play softball because they were short guys. Playing on a veteran team taught him many valuable lessons including how to hit the ball to all fields.

Home from college always brought tow things into play: finding a job and finding a softball team to play on for the summer. He continued to play with his neighbor in two leagues and found a tournament team of younger players to play weekends within the city. The fall of 1978 was a turning point in Roy’s career. He had just finished a successful summer playing 16-inch ball and since he graduated from college, he was able to play in his first fall league. His neighbor asked him to play in nearby Bensenville and he accepted the offer.

The day of their first game, the neighbor came over to the house and informed Roy he needed to bring a mitt. He explained that he made a mistake and signed up for a 12-inch league. After batting above .850 for the league, Roy was asked to play hon three different teams from that fall league. This was the beginning of his 12-inch career and the end of his 16-inch one. In 1979, Roy was playing in Bensenville, Elmhurst and Glen Ellyn on three different 12-inch teams.

During the 1980s, Roy played on a number of league teams in the western suburbs and was searching for the perfect tournament team. During this time, he played on numerous teams including the Shooters, X’s, Steamers and FCA. In the summer of 1993, he decided to put his own team together for the 1994 season and Aurora Thunder was founded the next year. He combined veteran players with a new talent to formulate a winning combination. Between 1994 and 2001, Aurora Thunder won three State Championships and became one of the most successful teams of that era.

After the Thunder reign had ended, he took his veteran expertise to play on two quality tournament teams: WWJD and the Barn.

Roy has always been known as a smart precision hitter who always looks for the holes. With his ability to hit the ball to all fields, he has frustrated pitchers and infielders for many years. As a lifetime .733 hitter, he usually found himself batting somewhere in the one through five slots. During his playing career, he has won eight Illinois State Championships and one World Championship. He has been on seven All-State Tournament teams, one Divisional All-Tournament team and two All-World Tournament teams.

Roy continues to play softball on local area teams and plays tournaments in the Senior Division. In three years of playing senior ball, Roy has won nine World Championships with the Chicago Classics and Windy City Softball clubs. As you can see, softball still has not left this ball player as he has completed his 35th year of playing softball.

2009 Male Player: Randy Torgerson

Randy Torgerson

Randy began his playing career right out of high school in 1973 with the Prairie Moon team from Rockford, followed by participation in the “Classic A League” at Churchill Park with the competitive team of Ken Becker in 1974.

In 1975, he joined the ranks of another outstanding team, Diamond Bar, before finding success with the Class B World Championship Forest Hills team in 1976. The next season, he participated with Bullards before playing with what Randy says was the best team he ever played on, the Rockfod Stars, from 1978 through the 1982 season.

In 1985, as a member of the RMA squad, Randy was selected to the All-World team as the leadoff batter for the Class B Divisional Champions.

In 1986, he began playing for Rogers Drywall, which finished as state runners-up prior to becoming State Champions in 1987 where he earned an All-Tournament selection and Gold Glove award as the best defensive player while playing right-centerfield.

“None of this would have been possible without the USSSA organization. They always put on the best tournaments and they always had quality umpires at all of their events.”

— Randy Torgerson

In 1993, he again received the best defensive player award at the B state tournament, while continuing to make the Forest Hills Thursday Night “Challenge Cup” League All-League team for the 11th time.

Randy was always the type of player that set the table for those behind him in the batting order as he did what it took to either move runners or get on base for the big hitters behind him.

He admits that he played with some very terrific players over the years, as he mentioned a few Hall of Fame inductees such as Yeager, Shives and Horn, while also admitting, “None of this would have been possible without the USSSA organization. They always put on the best tournaments and they always had quality umpires at all of their events.”

When it comes to great softball memories Randy says, “It would have to be beating the defending national championship team (Snyder’s) and winning the World
Championship.”

There is no doubt that his strong accurate arm propelled him into the Illinois Hall of Fame.

2009 Male Player: Phil Higgins

Phil Higgins

Softball for Phil Higgins began with one dynamic swing in a national tournament at Southgate, Michigan in 1970 where we swatted a pinch hit walk off home run to help his team finish the tournament in second place. The lesson learned was to take advantage of every opportunity provided.

Since that time, Phil has taken advantage of every door opened and every opportunity to perform at his best with some of the finest softball teams ever assembled. He played for eight seasons with Copper Hearth of Milwaukee from 1970 through 1977 and also played for Slinger Foundry for a few tournaments in 1974 along with Snyder’s in 1976. During this period, the Copper Hearth captured third place at the 1975 USSSA World Tournament and played for Snyder’s, which captured the World Title in 1976.

In 1983, “Flip” played for Steels, which finished second in the men’s major field to Jerry’s Catering. In 1984 and 1985, he took his talents to Lilly Air Systems where he was an NIT All-Star at Salt Lake.

In 1989, he enjoyed his most exciting softball moment as his Joe Black’s team defeated Steels to capture a USSSA World Series berth to Omaha, where the team finished 5th in World Series play.

In 1993, opportunity again came to Phil’s door as he was asked to participate in a charity softball game with a local radio station against singer Michael Bolton’s celebrity team. On that day he hit three home runs and made a huge impression on Bolton. This led to him participating on Bolton’s team against Michael Jordan’s select group of All-Stars at Chicago’s Comiskey Park.

After that, Phil played with Bolton’s group of charity events for seven seasons from 1994 through the 2000 season. Through this opportunity, he was able to meet many celebrities in sports and entertainment such as Magic Johnson, Evander Hollifield, Garth Brooks, Celine Dion, Tom Sellick, Barry Bonds, Joe Morgan, Regis Philbin, Chris Cheliois and Joe DiMaggio. For Phil, this was a very rewarding time in his life, as he was playing a game he loved and doing it for a charity organization that helped so many.

There is little doubt that with a lifetime batting average of over .650 and a home run count well over 500, Phil deserves to be in the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame, as he not only plays the game, but promotes it through his competitive spirit.

2013 Male Player John Minger

John Minger

John began playing the game of softball in the late 1960s in the Joliet Park District League, which was the beginning of 25 years of competitive softball play in the Chicago suburbs.

In the early 70s, playing with Crowther Roofing, John received notoriety when he earned MVP honors in the Chicago Metro Tournament. This propelled him to play with the Chicago Storm, alongside other Hall of Fame inductees Tom Spahn, Benny Holt, Charlie Baumgartner and Ron Olesiak to mention a few (as of 2013).

In the years following, he participated with Malner’s Tap in the Stone City League where he won Triple Crown honors in 1981 with a .726 batting average, 21 home runs and 75 RBIs. He considers this one of his biggest accomplishments, remaining consistent and highly productive for an entire season and leading his team toward success.

As John began to wind down his productive career, he earned multiple All-State honors with the Bank of Westmont in the early 90s.

John admits that he has been blessed with the opportunity to play with numerous talented players, but more importantly quality people. Great friendships were developed with teammates interacting as families, while being competitive and working together for a common goal of winning the right way.

John can now join those friends and quality people in the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame.

2009 Male Player: Joel Craig

Joel Craig

Very few baseball/softball careers begin on the flat plains of an Illinois T-ball field and end at a “Mountain Top,” such as Joel Craig’s has done. A career that began under the guidance of his father Don, through his Pony League years, Joel’s plateau climb began in the neighborhood with pick-up game teammates Randy and Dave Kinley at the age of eight.

Joel’s softball climb began after high school, as he was introduced to the slow pitch game at the age of 19, by a fellow T-ball mate, Donnie Fox. Little did Fox or anyone else at the time realize the uphill path that he had provided Joel, as the introduction to competitive softball was just around the bend. The gradual climb had placed Joel among the finest in the area, as he participated in the Stone City VFW in Joliet. How fitting that at this time Stone City teammate John Zola dubbed Joel “The Llama” to aid in his steep assent as Joel joined Ken Adam’s One Hour Cleaners team from Downers Grove in 1989, which captured two Class B state championships, with Joel receiving MVP honors in 1993, under new sponsor Home Run Inn.

In 1990, teammate Brian Ward provided Joel with a map to the “Mountain Top” as he provided Joel the opportunity to play with Louie Calvisi’s Sunset Technologies, the USSSA AA World Series Champions that season, where Joel impressed future Mountain Top manager John Rector. This friendship opened the pathway to Joel’s highest peak, as he joined the Mountain Top team full time in 1998 and became a contributing factor in the team’s Class B world title in 1999, Class A title in 2001 and runner-up titles in 2000 and 2002, along with numerous State and NIT championships.

Following the 2002 season, Joel decided to begin his descent from competitive softball, as he announced his retirement at age 40, but not without a final pause with his old teammates on the Ken’s Beverage team, which he pitched to the 2003 40+ World Series title, while earning Best Defensive Player honors.

A few months later, Joel would suffer a severe back injury that would end his on-field heroics but would not take away his memories and love of the game. With over 800 home runs, a .600 plus batting average, 9 state championships, several world championships, numerous NIT titles, and countless individual awards, it was a climb that only a few have had the opportunity to make and one that few will ever forget.

2010 Male Player: Steve Walker

Steve Walker

For 20 years, every weekend during the summer was tournament time for Steve Walker as he and his teams competed to qualify for USSSA State, Divisional or World Tournament Berths around the country. This was the norm for this outstanding lead-off batter, which led teams like Brauns or Annie's Army to eight world tournament berths in 12 seasons. He also helped teams like Parksite, Sparta Merchants and Busch to World tournament play.

This fleet-a-foot right center fielder, with a lifetime batting average of .650 credits Roger Waldron for leading him to the slowpitch game and his favorite team Braun's, where he played the majority of his career for his best coach, Annie Braun. With most league locations in Southern Illinois playing without fencing during his younger stages of his playing career, Steve sped to over 200 homeruns with the majority being of the inside-the-park variety, while being selected as an All Star 12 times and a three-time Most Valuable Player.

Steve's most memorable softball experience occurred in 1995 with the Busch team, which took 2nd place in the State Tournament, while being the oldest player on the team and playing with his son-in-law Tony Dugan.

Steve was an all-around high school athlete, as he played football, basketball and baseball all four years at the varsity level and was awarded the Joe Garagiola Award following his senior baseball season. That competitive spirit and continued commitment to his teams, teammates and the sport of softball over his 27-year playing span has now led him to Rockford and the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame.

2010 Male Player: Dave Villareal

Dave Villareal

As a player (first baseman, pitcher and catcher), Dave was known as not only one of the finest in the state of Illinois, but one of the finest nationally. He played for some of the best teams ever assembled in the state, with The Boyz of Plano, The Kings of Bensonville, Sports Page of Arlington Heights and Joe Blacks of Highland Park topping the list of A and AA quality squads.

Dave also played for a number of teams over his 30-year playing span in the St. Charles league. His lifetime .615 batting average and over 1,600 homeruns helped identify him as one of the best.

Dave began his playing career at the B level, but quickly moved up to the A and AA levels, while qualifying and playing in two Men's Major World Series. He also was chosen to a number of All-State tournament teams, while playing for several state championship teams.

Dave's best memories occurred while playing for the Joe Black's team that beat Steele's Sporting Goods out of Ohio, when they were ranked #1 in the country.

Another great memory occurred when he hit 3 homeruns in a Major NIT to help his team in acquiring a berth in the Men's Major World Series in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Of all his accomplishments, Dave says he is most grateful for the opportunities to play against the best players ever to play the game.

2010 Male Player: Jim Rumple

Jim Rumple

If the next time you go to your favorite OTB facility and you see Jim Rumple on the race card, bet $20 on him to win. This is what his teammates did as they stopped traffic in Clinton, Iowa as his teammates matched him up against every other fast guy in the tournament. Those that bet on Jim were not disappointed, as he was the only undefeated barefoot sprinter in the tournament field.

Speed however, was not Jim's only prowess to fame, as he was a complete player playing flawless defense in the outfield, at shortstop, at second base and at pitcher positions during an abbreviated competitive 18-year career, which has seen him swat 350 career home runs. He achieved All-State honors twice and played on the 1976 USSSA Class B World Championship Forest Hills Lanes team.

Jim believes that the Forest Hills team chemistry was the best he had ever played with as he states, "It was a great group of guys to play with."

Jim's softball playing career began in 1971 when he began playing with the Rockford Rams, followed by Club 51, the State Champion RMA squad and highlighted with a stint with the professional Chicago Storm team in 1977. From 1980 to 1984, Jim participated with RMA/Rockford Stars, which did not finish out of the top 10 every year in world tournament play.

Jim says, "The slowpitch game was made for me. I never played it for any accolades, I just played because I loved the game."

2011 Male Player: Burgess M. Watts

Burgess M. Watts

Being recognized as a team player perhaps is Burgess Watt's biggest reward, as this fiercely competitive shortstop/pitcher demands 100% from his teammates and has little interest in individual awards. Even though he has hit over 800 home runs in his 18-year career, he considers his defensive prowess and on-field leadership as his most contributing factors to his team's success stories.

After graduation from Wheaton Central High School, he went to Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL to play football, but after just one season, it was clear that his love for baseball was his true passion. This is when he transferred to the College of DuPage and following 2 great seasons with the Chaparrals on the diamond, it resulted in him being drafted in the 19th round of the 1990 MLB draft by the LA Dodgers.

This notoriety resulted in him being asked to begin his slow pitch participation with The Thunder from Aurora in 1993. This team only lost 5 games during the 1994 season that resulted in The Thunder capturing the Class C State Championship and finishing 2nd in the Divisional.

Following this success, Burgess found himself playing major with the Joe Black's team for the next 6 seasons, before stints with Home Run Inn, Ken Adams and Shenanigans. He presently is a member of the Ken Beverage squad that captured the Joliet National Invitational this past season.

Burgess has played with some very outstanding players and names Al Van Gampler, Joe Ambrose, Dan Prater, Scott McDaniel, Larry Sheppard and Brian Schultz as just a few that he has shared the diamoned with. He also thanks Irv Porter, Tom Stark, Ken Adams and Dan Catalcini for being his managers.

Burgess's most memorable experience was participating in the USSSA Men's Major World Series with Joe Blacks, even though they did not play as well as they had hoped. He, however, realizes the USSSA has provided him the ability to travel and meet some of the best players in the game, while also blessing him with many friends that he hopes to keep for along time. In addition, he thanks God for his abilities, his wife (Pamala) and the kids for their understanding why he was gone every weekend during the spring and summer, and his mother and father for introducing him to the game of baseball as a kid and support to this day.

2011 Male Player: Ronnie L. Bievenue

Ronnie L. Bievenue

Ronnie Bievenue played every game as it was a title game and inspired his teammates to excel above and beyond their capabilities many times. Without a doubt, Ronnie was a dominating force in Southern Illinois USSSA softball for 20 seasons.

Ronnie began playing softball in 1965 with the Bill James Tavern team and continued to do so until joining the competitive Braun's Annie's Army squad in 1974 through 1978. In 1978, Ronnie joined the best team in Southern Illinois, the Southern Illinois Dons, which captured many league and tournament titles. This is where Ronnie gained recognition as a terrific shortstop and second basemen, as he posted personal season high batting marks of .740 and a lifetime BA of .650 with 300+ home runs.

His slick fielding abilities placed him on two all-state teams, while sharing the diamond with many hall of fame greats from the Southern Illinois area.

Among several of Ronnie's most memorable experiences were victories over Forest Hills of Rockford, Jerry's Bigger Jiggers of Centralia and East St. Louis Stars. His funniest experience happened at the 1978 World Tournament in Louisville, KY as he attempted to score from 2nd base on a single. The throw to home was perfect and Ronnie was called out by an exuberant umpire shouting, "You're out of there big man!" The name stuck and forever Ronnie was referred to as "Big Man" on ball diamonds everywhere.

Some of the best players that Ronnie played with were: Dennis Albert, Leon Kreher, Mike Kreher, Matt Myers, Dan Helfrich, Dwayne Laws and Steve Walker. His best coaches included: Bill Regan, Anna Braun, Rich Kaiser and Stan Wallach.

Ronnie's abilities on the diamond were many, his desire to win was unmatched, his enjoyment of sharing victory with family and friends was unbelievable. He was a "Big Man" from a small town that will always be remembered as one of the best!

2011 Male Player: Shane Amwoza

Shane Amwoza

When Shane was a youngster watching his dad (Jack) playing softball, he never dreamed that he would someday enter the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame. His impressive 19-year resume proves that he belongs among Illinois' finest.

Being chosen a Most Valuable Player four times of a state tournament is a career highlight in itself, but add three more all-state honors and Best Defensive Player recognition, including a National MVP honor to make his resume truly impressive. Playing on six state championship teams with The Illusions, LT's, Snap-On, Creative Design and Ken's Beverage, along with national champion LT's in 200L, he has had a very rewarding career as not only an outstanding outfielder, but a productive pitcher as well.

Shane began playing softball in 1991 with the Bob Salvage team of Plano. Several years later, he reached the state Class B championship game with Mid-America Concrete in 1994 and with Home Run Inn during the 1995 season. In 1998, Shane experienced his first state championship with the Illusions and followed it up with state titles with LT's in 2000, Snap-On in 2002, Creative Design in2005 and Ken's Beverage in 2007 and 2008.

When Shane was asked who was his best coach, his answer was quick and lengthy as he answered "my dad and all my softball coaches." He also stated that the best players he played with are Scott Hill (#6), Jim Cushing (The Cush), Brian Schultz (Hobbs) and Jim Kersten (Tank).

Shane's most memorable softball experience was winning the 1998 State Championship, winning the 2001 National and playing in the 2007 World Tournament at Disney. At the 2007 World Tournament, he had his funniest experience when the sprinklers came on in the middle of a 1 a.m. game.

Shane's speed was perhaps his greatest overall asset and possesses a lifetime batting average of .585. His best tournament performance came in the 2001 South National Tournament when he batted .857.

Shame hopes to be remembered as a player that gave 100% every game and as a great teammate and friend on and off the field. He thanks all the sponsors and coaches that made it possible for him to play the game he loves, all his teammates, his parents (Jack and Carlene), family (wife- Sarah and children- Ty and Teaghan), and God for giving him the ability. He also thanks the Illinois USSSA for providing the competition that allowed him to make friendships that will last forever, along with all the memories.

2012 Male Player: Jeff Ott

Jeff Ott

Jeff has never been one that would seek the spotlight, but always wanted to be the one with the bat in his hands with the game on the line. He loves to win and hates to lose, which is expected from a person that plays the game with total passion. He always hopes to gain the respect of his teammates and his opponents through his total effort on the field.

With the countless accolades that Jeff has been awarded, his only regret is not playing an entire season with one of the super teams, but credits the USSSA program with allowing him to travel the country, meet great people, and play with some great teams. He states, “The friendships that I have gained through softball will last a lifetime.”

In his 24 years of softball participation, which began in 1986 with the Peoria based Hulick Electric team, Jeff has found state, NIT, and world tournament success with such teams as Bunca Car Wash (1990 Class A World Champions), Sunnyvale (2nd in Class AA World in 1998), and perhaps the best team that he had played for in Long Haul Trucking (1999 & 2000 Class AA World Champions & Runner-up at the Major World Series).

As a primary hot corner player (3rd base), Jeff captured many all-world selections and defensive MVP awards, while also receiving numerous NIT MVP awards at A & AA classifications.

It was evident during Jeff’s early years, that he would find success on the diamond, as he played baseball at East Waterloo High School before taking his talents to the University of Iowa, where he earned all-conference recognition his junior and senior years, before being drafted by the New York Yankees where he played 2 seasons, while reaching the AA level.

Looking back at his quarter of century participation, he wants to be remembered as the guy that always came to play by playing hard and was the clutch player that got that hit when it meant the most.  For the teams that played against Jeff over the years, they will testify that he has accomplished his goal.

2012 Male Player: Mike Kreher

Mike Kreher

After 25 years of softball participation, Mike Kreher has only one regret. That he is, no longer able to compete competitively in a sport that brought him so much enjoyment, success, and friendships.

After a very successful high school baseball career at St. Henry’s High School and a state championship with the Belleville Legion program, Mike received a college baseball scholarship, while also playing soccer collegiately.

He began his softball playing days in the summer of 1969, after being asked to participate by Jim Scheibe with the 59’S team, prior to Rich Kaiser steering him to competitive softball with the Loggers in 1974.  This led him to the Budweiser team, which won the state title in 1984, prior to finishing second in the world tournament.

With a .600 plus lifetime batting average and over 500 homeruns, while playing mostly third base during his career, he earned all-state and all-world honors.

His most memorable softball moment occurred during the Worth Invitational Tournament at Tullohama, Tennessee, when he and his brothers Leon and Larry hit back to back to back home runs. He also recognizes his two brothers along with Mike O’Conner and Denny Albers as the best players that he had the opportunity to play with.

He also recognizes the USSSA as a great avenue to competitive softball through their well-run tournaments.

Mike hopes to be remembered as a player that always hustled and never gave up, no matter what the score!

2012 Male Player: Kurt Kozlowski

Kurt Kozlowski

Being a champion, always seems to have found its way into Kurt Kozlowski’s resume of sports success stories. It could be in football where he was quarterback for Sycamore High School’s undefeated conference champions, or shortstop on another high school championship squad.

Being All-State also became the norm, as he was a two-time junior college all-state selection at shortstop prior to playing Division I baseball at the University of New Orleans.

This early success laid the groundwork for future softball success stories over the next 32 years of participation, as Kurt earned several all-state and all-NIT selections while playing Class B, prior to being an all-world team selection with the world champion Ken Beverage team in 2002.

While swatting over 1000 homeruns during his career, he played mostly leftfield for outstanding teams like Joe Danials, Illusions, DeKalb Chiefs, Joe Blacks, Tron Piping, and Ken’s Beverage. 

Kurt states that he has been very blessed to have played alongside some really great players. While mentioning, Dave Shortz, Al VanGampler, Jim Cushing, Brian Schultz, Danny Prater, Dave Villareal, and Larry Hayse to name a few.  He also sighted Dave Shortz and Dave Campuzaro as two of the best coaches that he had played for.

Kurt says he wants to be remembered as a player that loved every part of the game. Kurt don’t worry, with your induction into the Hall of Fame class of 2012, you will be remembered as such. 

2013 Male Player: Mike "Oatie" Oates

Mike "Oatie" Oates

The Boyzz from Illinois, Stroh’s, The Bank of Westmont, Burla Construction, and Joe Black’s. These are legendary names in Illinois softball filled with Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame inductees and these are the teams that were fortunate enough to have Mike Oates play for them.  Talk about a storybook career …

When his minor league baseball career as a pitcher in the Cincinnati Reds and Montreal Expos organizations came to an end Mike returned home and began his softball career playing in local leagues. In 1978 Mike met Bob Raikovich, became friends, and began playing with teams Bob coached the following year. That friendship lasted 35 years, 19 of which Mike anchored those famous Illinois teams.

Bob and everyone else recognized that the powerful six-foot four Oatie was truly a five tool player, he could run, field, throw, hit for average, and hit for power. He was a star and batted cleanup all through his playing career. His consistency was such that he kept a high career batting average of .620 plus and was top three in batting average and home runs every year on every team he played .  Mike was the consummate player, the steady cleanup hitter always could be counted on in clutch situations

Forever a winner, Mike was on Illinois State Championship teams with Stroh’s, The Bank of Westmont, Burla Construction, and Joe Blacks. He made the State  All Tournament team with both The Bank and Burla. He competed in USSSA tournaments for 17 years. The 1986 Burla team finished fourth in the USSSA “A” World Tournament in Kalamazoo, MI.

Oatie was an original member of Joe Blacks, the team formed in 1988 that competed in USSSA softball until 2002.  In his 5 years with Joe Black’s they won one State title and competed in the prestigious 1989 USSSA Men’s Major World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska. . In 1990 they finished fourth in the USSSA Men’s “AA” World Tournament, coincidentally in Kalamazoo again.

Mike took pride in his ability to balance his softball career with both his family life and his successful business career. Mike knew of his induction in the IL USSSA Hall of Fame Class of 2013 and was very pleased. His time on this earth ended May 29, 2013, but his spirit and accomplishments live on.

2013 Male Player: Scott Klein

Scott Klein

Scott Klein has played over 30 years of USSSA softball, while participating on 13 State Championship teams, 10 National Invitational teams, 3 National Championship teams and 1 World Champion.

While playing primarily 3rd base, he has a lifetime batting average of .640 and has smacked over 300 homeruns in his career.

He has earned numerous individual all-state, all national, and all-world honors while participating with Illusions, Snap On/Kluever, Safecar, Precision, Ken Beverage, and K A Softball teams. Scott says, I loved all of our coaches, from Smiley, to Kluever, Dave C, and Ken Adams.

Scott also states, “ I have been lucky to play this game for a long time with guys that respected the game and knew how to play together. I think that is why we have won so much, as we actually care for each other. I have gained some great friendships that will last a lifetime.” He also reflected on how the Illinois USSSA has provided opportunities by saying, “I think the Illinois USSSA has always been great, because the best players play there and it has allowed me to compete against the greatest players across the country.”