Mike Caldwell Named North Carolina State Director

Jan. 1, 2009

By Steve Simmons

Softball News Report

SYLVA, NC – Mark Ogletree, newly appointed SSUSA Clubs & Leagues Southeast Regional Director, wasted no time in making his first appointment. He named Mike Caldwell, ISA North Carolina state director, as the SSUSA Clubs & Leagues North Carolina state director.

Caldwell is excited about the prospects of representing both associations. He feels that the associations will complement each other and provide opportunities to grow the game of softball both in line with the full program concept of the ISA as well as the senior specific SSUSA.

Caldwell has the pedigree to handle a dual director’s role. He has been around the game of softball for over half his life. “I have played softball for 25-plus years,” he said. “I have been fortunate to have won several state championships and two world championships. I have been directing for 20 years and love it. I would love to see the SSUSA grow in North Carolina.”

Caldwell, five years from being a senior competitor himself (senior ball starts at age 50), has designs on forming softball leagues and tournaments, and senior play is definitely part of the plan.

He has facilities in mind that could be utilized, with amenities nearby, to create a total enjoyable league or tournament experience for players, family and friends. “I live in the mountains of North Carolina next to the Cherokee Indian Reservation,” he said. “We have a four-field complex (with plans of adding more fields soon) that is just three miles from Cherokee’s Harrah’s Casino. The eastern band of Cherokee Indians is building a golf course just minutes from the softball complex.”

If you wish to know more about senior softball in North Carolina or can contribute towards building the SSUSA Clubs & Leagues program, contact Caldwell at 828-586-0544 or

828-506-7610. His email address is tardevils@msn.com