HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2015 - PART 2

Aug. 21, 2015

The National Senior Softball Hall of Fame recently elected the class of 2015.

     The purpose of the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame is to recognize players, managers, umpires, directors, and sponsors, who have achieved the highest honors in Senior Softball. Founded in 1995 in Chattanooga, TN, it is now headquartered in Mustang, OK.

     Following that spirit, we will be highlighting members of the 2015 Hall of Fame class in future issues of the newsletter. Below are the second of three sets of 2015 Hall of Fame Inductees:

Robert “Red” Hannan
Points Player Path

Playing senior softball over the last six years, Bob “Red” Hannan continues to surprise his opponents and teammates by his prowess at the plate. Neither tall nor intimidating in size, he consistently makes clutch hits and homers and bats close to .700.

     Playing with three different teams during his relatively fledgling softball career including the NY Statesmen, Thermco and CT Sportsplex, Hannan’s presence on any team is vital to their success. He is dedicated to winning and nothing short of that goal ever satisfies him.

     During his six years playing senior softball, Hannan has won nine national championships and has been selected as the All-Tournament player in several championships and qualifying tournaments. His defensive skills also have contributed to his teams’ successes as he is very versatile and can play multiple positions.

Cathy Nicholson
Points Player Path

Cathy Nicholson’s softball career may have begun in 1999, but she has been playing and promoting girls and women’s sports since the beginning of her teaching career in 1964. Nicholson worked as a teacher in the Long Beach Unified School District.

     Playing primarily with California Spirit 55’s, Karen Honey, coach and teammate said of Nicholson, “she has a sweet swing and is a great defensive player.” Earning 16 All Tournament selections, Nicholson has proven to be “a team player, capable of playing numerous positions,” said Charles Savers. During her time with the California Spirit 55’s, Cathy also raised money for the Senior Softball Cancer Fight.

     Linda Mohrfeld spoke highly of Nicholson, stating that she has “excelled in three major areas: consistently playing and producing high-caliber softball, recruiting players to help her team succeed, and promoting the sport of women’s senior softball at every possible opportunity.”

     “Cathy is an excellent player and a great coach,” said Dick Williamson, “She is an enthusiastic, hard-working, and upbeat softball advocate.” 

Bob Swarthout
Pioneer Player Path

Playing competitive senior softball since 1994, Bob Swarthout epitomizes “what senior softball is all about: sportsmanship, fellowship, and an insatiable love for the game,” said one unnamed nominator.

     Playing with several teams over his long career including the San Francisco Seals, Gold Rush, Men’s Wearhouse, Blue Jays and CA Oaks, Swarthout has helped his teams earn nine World Championships with SSUSA and two Triple Grand Slams.

     “A major contributor to the unparalleled success of teams at the Major and Major Plus levels for 20 years. Swarthout’s attitude and competitiveness distinguish him among his peers,” said another anonymous nominator.

     An ambassador of senior softball for as long as players have known him, Swarthout always puts his team first, despite the fact that “he is a great hitter, a tough out and a wily veteran of the sport.” A lifetime .650 hitter with numerous All-Tournament and MVP awards under his belt, Swarthout is a great team player and teammate; constantly showing his respect and love for the game.

Don Cate
Pioneer Player Path

Currently playing with Tiodize D-99 80’s, Don Cate has been playing senior softball for more than 20 years. Having also played with Southern California Jets and Southern California Chiefs, Cate “represents all that is positive in Senior Softball. Cate has an outstanding work ethic, a team-oriented attitude, and is an unselfish teammate,” said a nominator.

     With nine SSUSA Championship rings and four SSUSA All-Tournament selections, Cate is highly praised by his teammates, coaches and opponents. A strong defensive anchor in the infield and a potent hitter, Cate “consistently ranks high at getting on base and in driving in runs,” said an anonymous nominator, “He is talented in all aspects of the game.”

     Echoing that sentiment, another nominator declared of Cate, “He exemplifies the five most important skills a player can contribute to his team: running, throwing, catching, hitting and hitting with power.”

     On top of Cate’s strengths on the field, many nominators stressed that it was his leadership and team building skills off the field that also contributed to his many successes in senior softball. Stating that Cate “has a wonderful talent for getting along with others and building unity.” 

Marcel Matheiu
Pioneer Player Path

Known by his teammates and opponents as a “holy terror” on defense and player who “hit where they ain’t,” Marcel Matheiu has proven that over his 25 years of playing Senior Softball he has been an indispensable element for his teams’ many successes.

     Matheiu has accumulated more than 10 SSUSA Championship titles and two SSUSA All-Tournament selections, and this doesn’t include his several championships with SPA, Huntsman Games and Senior Olympic Gold Medals.

     Matheiu is described by nominators as possessing “all the tools: intellect, speed, power, dedication and team spirit.” Several nominators spoke to Matheiu’s defensive skills, saying “At shortstop, he is the backbone of his team’s defense. He has such a quick release that many have noted that he almost throws the ball before he even gets it.”

     One nominator stated, “Even at 80, Matheiu can still go to the hole and make the pivot and throw for the out. He is a consistent .700 hitter, hits with power, and usually leads the team in RBIs. He has an excellent batting eye and can hit a wide variety of pitches, but also leads the teams in walks. His intangibles are also exceptional — supportive and encouraging of teammates.”