Don Stratton's Lasting Legacy

June 1, 2016 – Terry Hennessy CEO

An Appreciation by Terry Hennessy

BARTOW, FLA – Don Stratton, 68, chief executive officer of the Independent Sports Association died of a heart attack here, in his home town, on March 24.

Don Stratton’s life filled the town he loved and the sport to which he dedicated much of his life.  He was a key partner in establishing major events with Senior Softball-USA and was an avid ambassador of the sport internationally.

The details of his accomplishments both for his town and his sport are extensive indeed.

After graduating from Bartow High School in 1966, where Don played baseball and football, he went to Vietnam, where he served his country in the Air Force, and then returned to Bartow and dove back into sports.

Don was the coach and/or president of Bartow Youth Football for 17 years, coached high school basketball, Dixie Baseball, coached the Bartow Mighty Mites football team, spent 12 years helping direct the Bartow recreation advisory board, and was the radio voice of Bartow High football and basketball games for more than 20 years.

In a 2007 interview with The Ledger newspaper, Don explained why he thought sports were so important to the young: “The best times in a person’s life is when they are young and playing sports.  They just don’t realize it until it is over.  I think now a person pushes a kid too much to concentrate on one sport.  I think kids should do it all.”

But Don’s intelligence, innovation and love of the game pushed him far from beyond the borders of his beloved town.

In his more almost 30 years with ISA, Don moved from area director, to Florida state director, to national director and in 2007 was named chief executive officer in 2007.  ISA, one of the “Big Four” all-age group softball associations, sanctions more than 25,000 teams throughout America. 

 “Don Stratton was one of the most unique, innovative, energetic and caring individuals that I have ever met,” said Bill Ruth, ISA president.

 “Whenever a problem arose, whether it be in business, softball or personal, Don provided and implemented the solution!  Don always ‘had your back’.  He was truly one of a kind and we all will miss him greatly,” said Ruth.   

“Key Lime pie, Cherry Pocket and deep fried dill pickles, gator strips -- Florida will never be the same.” 

Stratton’s innovative thinking and drive was recognized by ISA in 2001, when he became the first director elected into the ISA Hall of Fame.

Internationally, Don represented ISA on SSUSA International Softball Tours to Cuba, Mexico, Ireland and England.  Don shared these adventures with his wife of 46 years, Mary.

Don managed international teams, helped collect equipment for softball clubs in those countries, and acted as an ambassador not only for the sport, but for his country.

On the trip to Cuba, the charter airline would only take cash to pay for all of the extra equipment Senior Softball was bringing to distribute to Cuban teams.  The charge was almost $1,000.  Fortunately Don was carrying cash proceeds from one of his recent tournaments and collected the rest of the U.S. dollars from U.S. team players so we could get the equipment to the players who badly needed it in Cuba.

Don was also adventurous. On another trip into Mexico from Brownsville, Texas, we were told we had to rent a Mexican bus for the U.S. team members and their wives because banditos were hijacking American buses.  The organizer thought we might cancel the trip.  Don looked at me, shrugged, smiled and we decided the trip was on.

Domestically, he was an integral part of the planning process for the SSUSA Tournament of Champions—which has evolved into the jewel of the sport – as well as the SSUSA Winter Nationals – one of the largest senior tournaments east of the Mississippi River -- and several other major SSUSA tournaments. 

Don Stratton had the innovation and energy needed to constantly improve, the compassion needed to lead and enough humor to make you smile and shake your head.

Don said it simply in his 2007 interview with The Ledger: “I enjoy the people in sports.”

The thousands of people in sports who have been touched by Don Stratton will miss him greatly.

Terry Hennessy is SSUSA’s chief executive officer.