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National Director Don Brooks Inducted Into SSUSA Hall of Fame
Aug. 1, 2020
Don Brooks
LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA – Senior Softball USA (SSUSA) National Director Don Brooks was officially inducted into the SSUSA Hall of Fame, here during the 2020 Eastern National Championships, July 28 – Aug. 2.
Brooks was inducted in the Director Category. The Class of 2020 also includes Tom Admundson (Player Category) and Dave Sommerville (Sponsor Category).
The induction ceremony was originally scheduled to take place later this year during the annual convention in December in Sacramento. However, due to the pandemic, the convention has been postponed for 2020, and will be held in 2021 in Sacramento.
Brooks is SSUSA’s longest tenured Tournament Director, running his first SSUSA tournament in 1989 as a tournament director in Maryland. He established the Crabtown Classic, which is annually held in Glen Burnie.
Brooks would later relocate to El Paso, Tex., in 2000 and then was promoted to National Director in 2001.
He has been the Tournament Director for several of SSUSA’s premier tournaments, including the Eastern Nationals, Texas State Championships, and Winter World Championships. Brooks also serves on the SSUSA National Rules Committee.
“When we need a leader for a major tournament, Don Brooks is always at the top of the list,” said Terry Hennessy, CEO of SSUSA. “Don represents the best of the sport, with his honesty, integrity and dedication. I count myself very lucky to know Don and count him as a very good friend.”
“Don Brooks has been a very special mentor and friend to me for many years,” said Fran Dowell, SSUSA Executive Director. “I am so thankful that he is my friend and I have been incredibly lucky to have learned so much from him.”
Brooks currently runs the Chili Pepper Classic in El Paso.
Brooks spent 20 years in the military serving in the Navy, where he also played fast pitch softball.
Following his retirement from the Navy, Brooks began his career as a recreation supervisor in Annapolis, Md., retiring after 24 years.
