2004 Meritorious: Dennis Muth

Dennis Muth

Over the years of softball at every level from Class C to Major, Janeville’s Dennis Muth has played on some of the best teams around the Rockford area, including Jumbo’s Pub, Legends, Back Bar, Chipper’s Pub and Shockers.

Over that time, he has played in 27 State Championships in two states, 35 NITs, two World Titles and finished in the top ten in many other World events. Along the way, he’s been named All-Tournament more than 30 times and has earned six Most Valuable Player awards. His most recent MVP was at the USSSA 35 & Over World in 2003.

Asked to give his overall won-lost record, Muth can only say thousands of wins and hundreds of losses.

Muth retired three years ago, but it didn’t last.

“He was going to semi-retire,” USSSA State Director Brenda Paulson said. “But he couldn’t stand it. It was too much for him.”

So Muth continues to play highly competitive softball despite turning 50-years-old this past spring (as of fall 2003). The last two seasons, he has sponsored and pitched for the Shockers, a competitive B team.

It’s good that the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame does not require people to retire before they’re eligible for induction because it’s unclear whether Muth will ever truly hang up his softball spikes. What is clear is that he is one of those people who is most happy with those spikes on his feet, most alive on a softball field.

“We need more people like Dennis Muth who really love the game of softball,” Paulson said.

We honor Dennis Muth’s long career in softball by welcoming him into the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame.