National Hall of Fame Inducts 8 Players, 8 Pioneers

Sept. 1, 2009

The National Senior Softball Hall of Fame has announced the election of eight players, eight pioneers, two managers (one a pioneer) and one umpire for its class of 2009.

Voting this year took place entirely on-line and individual nominee biographical information was made available to all National Senior Softball Hall of Fame voters via an electronic voting ballot.

The Hall of Fame noted that the response was greater than anyone anticipated and said that “this new procedure added to the validity and honor associated with election into our National Senior Softball Hall of Fame.”

The National Senior Softball Hall of Fame was founded in 1995 in Chattanooga, Tenn., and is now headquartered in Mustang, Ok. Its purpose is to recognize players, managers, umpires, directors, and sponsors, who have achieved the highest honors in Senior Softball.

Those inducted into the Player Category include:

MARK “BOO” CANEGALLO. Affectionately called “Boo,” Mark Canegallo is one of senior softball’s most prolific home run hitters. Boo not only hits many home runs, he hits some of the longest home runs in senior softball, an accomplishment that creates a sense of awe among opponents all over the country. A main cog in the success of his teams, at 6-foot-4 and 270 pounds, Boo presents a formidable presence and plays as large as his physical dimensions.

ZEB CARTER. Zeb’s character is exemplary, he is enjoyable to be around, and has a positive influence on all of his teammates. Fellow player David Decker said, "I have played with and against Zeb for the past 16 years, and he is one of those players that you love to have on your team, but hate to play against. He hits with enormous power and high batting average tournament after tournament.”

ROLAND “LEFTY” CHELL. “Lefty is not only a very gifted player who has won many awards leading his team to championships, but is a quality human being,” says Pat McGuire. Steve Dietrich adds that “Lefty is truly a five-tool player, and his skills seem to sharpen when the game is on the line.” And Bob Woodruff notes that “Lefty is truly a big asset who puts the team over himself.”

JOE CZARNECKI. Joe has been a double threat on every team that he has played, both at the plate and in the field. His excellence in hitting is due to a wonderful knowledge of the strike zone and his ability to hit for power as well as for average. Joe’s teams have been successful, and a good share of that success can be attributed to Joe’s fielding skills. An outfielder by trade, Joe can also double as the middle infielder on the five-man infield alignment.

WAYNE HARPER. Gary Tryhorn says that "Wayne is a manager’s dream of a player. He will rise to the occasion when it is demanded, and helps his teammates whenever possible. His positive attitude is infectious, which is a benefit to our entire team. He has the ability to relax the team at just the right moment." Ron McElyea added that “On the playing field, Wayne is very intense and focused on what needs to be done. The camaraderie with teammates and players on the opposing team is something to behold. This is a trait that few men possess.”

RAINER MARTENS. A true student of the game, Rainer always strives to win, hates to lose, and never places blame when it happens. He is the team leader at shortstop, but knows the dynamics of each position and how it should be played. "He continually strives for perfection in his game, and asks for and usually gets the best his teammates have to offer. Rainer sets the standard of excellence," says Derry Dedmon. And Lou Giovanini adds that "the qualities of talent, hard-working, dedication, and team attitude are exemplified by Rainer in everything that he does, both on and off the field."

JOHN “XE” MCANDREW. “John has been an inspiration to me over the past 20 years as a softball player and as an ambassador of the game," says Kevin Schullstrom. In addition, Frank Cosentino says, "John has been one of the most prolific home run hitters in Senior Softball, who hits for high average. XE is a great player and he always excels under pressure. He is the ultimate team player who does whatever it takes to win. XE has played many roles. He has been the team counselor, medic and jokester. John has the ability to inspire both teammates and friends with his integrity, sportsmanship, wisdom and laughter."

TOM “TRUCK” SCHNEIDER. Gary Tryhorn says that "Tom has proven his ability time and time again. He is always one of the leading hitters on any team that he has competed with, and is known around the country as a feared long ball hitter." Bob Holland says that "aside from his rather formidable softball skills, I think those individuals personally acquainted with Tom, will readily agree, he is a man totally devoid of ego; he is dignified, unpretentious, well respected, and to put it simply a morally principled and true gentleman."

Those inducted into the Hall of Fame in the Pioneer category include:

ROBERT CONK. “During the 13 years that I have played with and/or managed Bob, I always found him to be a fine gentleman, and his dedication to the sport is surpassed only by his desire to play," says Bob Jones. Al Wallace noted that Conk is a stellar third baseman with a very strong arm. When not playing third he moved over to 1st base where he demonstrated an exceptional ability to dig out the low throws.

PAUL CONRAD. Jack Hatter says that "at 75 years old, Paul was one of the best softball players in the country. Paul was one of those players who could play anywhere, and always do an outstanding job. With great range and a very strong arm, he was also an excellent pitcher. Hitting with power, and for average, Paul was always one of the top hitters in every tournament he played in.” Hatter noted that when things weren’t going well, Paul was the one player you could count on to make the big play, or to come up with the key hit. Unfortunately, Paul Conrad passed away this past winter at a softball tournament.

EDDIE HOGAN. “Eddie has just been outstanding both in the field, with his sure hands and accurate arm, and at bat, where he has been a feared hitter, continually driving in his team's big runs," says Ron Forte. "His versatility has always been a big assist to his team, as he is not only and excellent infielder, but also a first-rate pitcher,” he added. Rex Rayfield notes that "Nobody likes to win more than Eddie, and he always gave his all for the team."

FRANK LAPPLE. Jerry Simon says that "Frank Lapple has for years been one of the most prolific softball players both in California and across the country. He has performed at the highest level regarding not only his Senior Softball play, but his personal attitude toward Senior Softball." And Spider Pitzer added that "Frank has been one of the most outstanding first basemen and a power hitter deluxe. Not only has he been an outstanding player, but as fine an individual as I have encountered as a manager. He is a real team leader."

EVERETT “BUZZ” PIERSON. Wilfred Magone says that "I have found Buzz to be one of the most outstanding pitchers in the league. His consistency as a pitcher and a winner deserves merit." And Paul Oliver adds that "Buzz is an unselfish team player and unquestionably the best Senior Softball pitcher in the country. Having played for many years and facing many pitchers, no one compares to Buzz. He has ice water in his veins and nothing bothers him while he is pitching. He is a man of outstanding character, and an inspiration to his teammates."

JOHN RAWLINGS. Spider Pitzer says that "John gave me everything that I could hope for in a player. A good infielder, he can play second, third, shortstop or rover. He has great hands and is a clutch hitter. I especially like his attitude, he's great, he is a fine Christian man." Lyle Nielsen adds that "John Rawlings is the epitome of the kind of player and person we all strive to be. He is a living legend to us all. The oldest player in this league, he pinch runs for many of the younger players."

RON SCHWARTZ. Bob Bedolla wrote, "Ron’s stoic personality disguises a fierce inner competitive desire with a refuse to lose attitude. Not only is this man an exemplary ballplayer, he exudes an attitude that transcends softball. Always cajoling his teammates to give that extra effort, Ron will also compliment an opponent on a great play as quickly as he would his own teammate." Don Farber adds that "You could blindfold him, turn in circles, put him on the mound, and he’ll throw a strike each and every time. He is a loyal and thoughtful teammate.”

BILL WINTER. "Bill has been a major contributor, not only as a fine defensive and offensive ball player all these years, but as a major ambassador of softball belief. He is a gentleman who is known by a huge majority of softball players throughout the U.S. If you don’t know Bill, he is the one with the constant smile, who is forever promoting other teammates, players from other teams, and teams from the softball world," says Bob Lycan. Al Brotherton notes that "Bill was almost always one of the top few players in batting average. In addition he is a tremendous infielder. He seldom makes and error and consistently makes difficult fielding plays look easy."

Two managers were inducted into the Hall of Fame. They are:

DON FARBER, MANAGER PIONEER Jim Phillips says that “Don has that ability to take a group of individuals and through his guidance, mold them into a world championship team. He has shown the ability to encourage players with either a kind word or if warranted, an in your face approach to improve. Being a manager and keeping everyone happy is a very difficult thing to do. Don has shown the patience, perception, ability and personality to perform the job as manager at the highest level."

MURL SKALLA, MANAGER. Kenny Green said that he and Murl gave up managing the young men’s teams and started the Scrap Iron Softball Club for Seniors in 1990. "Murl was not only a manager, but a sponsor as well. He contributed each year to the Scrap Iron Club. Because of Murl’s loyalty to the club, we have more than 200 members and 11 teams ranging from 50’s thru 75’s. Murl had a tremendous impact on a large number of senior players from all across the country. He helped them reach the highest possible level of play. He was loved by the senior softball community, and will be greatly missed." Ridge Hooks adds that he talked to Murl a few days prior to his death, and although struggling with cancer, all he wanted to do was talk about rebuilding the Scrap Iron team. Murl died on June 21, 2008.

One umpire was included in the Hall of Fame class this year. He is:

JOE LYSAGHT. Mickey Mathews says that "Joe will listen to all. Umpires can talk to him about rules and or possible rule changes without fear of reprisal. I can honestly say that softball; the players, the coaches, and the umpires are better off for having Joe Lysaght as a National Umpire-in-Chief."