September 2023 Obituaries

Sept. 1, 2023

Tommy D. French

Tommy French, 80, of Woodland, Calif., died on Aug. 13.

     Tommy, a lifelong resident of Woodland, joined Senior Softball USA in the 1990s and played until 2021.

     “Tom had a passion for softball and played for 60 years,” according to his online obituary written by his wife of 57 years, Betty. He “also umpired Woodland softball games [and] played on several senior softball teams with talented teammates winning championships in several states.” 

     He was inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame in 2002 and into the Northern California Senior Softball Hall of Fame in 2015.

     “Tommy French was one of the kindest men I knew,” said Fran Dowell, executive director of Senior Softball USA. “I would look forward to seeing him at tournaments and the many times he and his dear wife Betty would come to the office to visit. He is going to be missed so much. Bless you Tommy... Thank you for being what is so great about our softball family.”

     After attending Sacramento City College, he joined the Army National Guard and worked at UC Davis for 33 years.

     Tommy will be remembered by playing with several California team, including Nor-Cal Bluejays 65s, Easton Pumps 50s, Grumpy Old Men 65s and 70s, Omen 70s and 75s, California Wrecking Crew 70s, and San Francisco Seals 75s and 80s.