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Online now: 3 members: CrazyMonkey58, Crazylegs46, MrB611; 11 anonymousDiscussion: Remembering Steve Simmons
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| Aug. 16 SSUSA Staff 3505 posts | We are sorry to announce that longtime SSUSA National Director Steve Simmons, who is well known throughout the senior softball world, died today as a result of severe injuries suffered in a boating accident last week. On Thursday, August 9th, Steve and his grandkids were boating on the Narrow River in Rhode Island when they hit a sand bank. The Narrow River is a challenging river that has sand banks that change with the tide. At the time of the accident, the tide was going out and the river was more shallow than when they began boating that day. Steve was standing up, we can only assume to watch for the sand banks, to be sure his grandkids were safe. When the boat hit, Steve was ejected over the bow of the boat into shallow water. His grandchildren jumped into action right away. One jumped in the water to pull Steve up and the other dialed 911. Luckily there were first responders at the scene who were able to get Steve to nearby paramedics. Upon impact, Steve suffered a cardiac arrest and another cardiac arrest while in transport. The initial CT scan and MRI showed that Steve had a C2 fracture. A subsequent CT scan and MRI show that the spinal cord is a complete sever. Steve never regained consciousness and MRI exams showed severe brain damage. Steve had been instrumental in every facet of senior softball and was a major force in the National Senior Softball Summit, helped create the SSUSA Clubs and Leagues program, created the very popular Recreational Tournament Circuits, was an exceptional tournament director, a member of the National Rules Committee – and, most important – he loved to play softball. Steve and his team, Minnesota Prize Company, recently won the 65 Division Western Nationals in Aurora, Colorado. Steve’s played on many of the best teams in Minnesota in addition to the Prize Company, including Minnesota Supreme, Minnesota Masters, and Park Tavern Masters. Steve grew up in Rhode Island, but has lived in Minnesota the past 40 years. He comes from a large, close-knit family of six kids and four double cousins who grew up within a mile from his childhood home. Steve met his wife, Nancy, while working at Grinnell. They were married in 1972 in Ada, MN. Steve and Nancy have two children and two grandchildren who all enjoy spending summer vacations at the cottage in Rhode Island. Steve is a fierce competitor and avid softball player who enjoys running senior softball tournaments all over the country. Steve has played baseball or softball every year of his life since he was a child. Arrangements are pending, with family members planning services in both Rhode Island and Minnesota. We will post specific information on the services when they are available. Steve has been a very good friend to many of us in the sport and will be sorely missed. Terry Hennessy Chief Executive Officer Senior Softball-USA |
