Richard Ochampaugh and James Thomas Inducted into NSSHOF

Feb. 1, 2019

POLK COUNTY, Fla – Richard Ochampaugh and James Thomas were both officially inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame (NSSHOF), as part of the Class of 2018, here at Auburndale Sports Complex on Feb. 9, prior to the Louisville Slugger vs. TOC All-Stars game.

                               Richard Ochampaugh                                 James Thomas (left) with Hugh Brotherton (NSSHOF '16)

Ochampaugh, 79, of New York, began his senior softball career in the early 2000s playing with the Syracuse Cyclones 60 team.

In 2007 and 2008, Ochampaugh helped lead his teams to a victory at the SSUSA World Championships in Phoenix.

The 2007 season saw his Syracuse Cyclones 65 AA team win the 15-team division, as the No. 12 seeded Cinderella Cyclones posted a perfect 5-0 record in bracket play.

In 2008, his Syracuse Cyclones 70 AAA team went unbeaten (4-0 in seeding and 4-0 in bracket) to win the 12-team division.

Ochampaugh would earn All-Tournament honors both times.

Playing with the New York Statesmen 75 at the 2015 LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters Championships, Ochampaugh led his team to a runner-up finish in the eight-team division, while earning All-Tournament honors.

With SPA, Ochampaugh earned All-American honors with the NY Statesmen 75 in 2014 and 2015.

Thomas, 86, of Michigan, has an incredible senior softball career of 35 years, dating back to 1982 in Oak Park, Mich.

Most recently playing with Center For Sight 85 (FL), Thomas helped lead to the team to back-to-back titles at the LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters Championships (2017 and 2018).

Along with Center For Sight, Thomas has also played for Florida Investment Properties 80, Arizona Prospectors 75 and 80, Arizona Wranglers 70 and Arizona Mustangs 65.

Thomas has won titles in numerous organizations, including SSUSA, SPA, Huntsmen Games and National Senior Olympics.