OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma (October 27, 2024) – USA Softball celebrated the induction of nine new members into the National Softball Hall of Fame during the 43rd Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. Hundreds of softball fans, including family members, friends, and administrators, gathered to honor the exceptional accomplishments and contributions of the inductees, who have played pivotal roles in the sport’s growth and development.
Class of 2024 Inductees:
- Mike Bolen – Slow Pitch Player
A legendary power hitter in the 1970s and 1980s, Bolen hit over 2,500 home runs and became famous for his consistency and dominance at the plate, including a record-tying 8 home runs in a single game. - Don Cooper – Head Coach
A renowned coach for both men’s and women’s USA Softball teams, Cooper led national teams to multiple championships and is celebrated for his leadership and contribution to slow pitch softball, including coaching in the first-ever Border Battle in 2017. - Peterbilt/Pay N Pak – Team
This dominant men’s fast pitch team won five national titles between 1980 and 1987 and made history in 1986 by becoming the first team to win the triple crown of ASA Nationals, ISC Nationals, and the Olympic Sports Festival. - Charlie Richard – Fast Pitch Player
Richard was a standout pitcher in men’s fast pitch, winning multiple ASA national titles and achieving legendary status with five perfect games and 21 no-hitters, including being named MVP of the 1966 ISF World Tournament. - Pete Sandman – Fast Pitch Player
A member of Team USA at the 1987 Pan American Games and the 1987-1993 U.S. Olympic Festivals, Sandman earned several accolades, including First Team All-American honors and a silver medal at the Pan American Games. - Cheryl Trapnell – Slow Pitch Player
One of the best shortstops in women’s softball, Trapnell had a remarkable career with the United States Air Force women’s team, earning First Team All-American honors ten times and contributing to six national championship victories. - Jody Trimmer – Slow Pitch Player
A 12-time All-American, Trimmer played in 24 Women’s Major/Open Division National Championships and won six consecutive national titles in the Women’s 35 & Over division. She remains a prominent figure in the York Softball League. - Mike Wolf – Umpire
Wolf’s distinguished umpiring career includes officiating seven national championships and serving as the Umpire-in-Chief for USA Softball of North Dakota. He is also known for his work in the McQuade Charity Softball Tournament. - Andrew “Mighty Joe” Young III – Slow Pitch Player
Known for his extraordinary power, Young set a single-season home run record with 337 home runs in 1980. A dominant force in the Men’s Open and Super Divisions, he helped his teams win three national titles.
The Class of 2024 has raised the total membership of the National Softball Hall of Fame to 458 members since its founding in 1957. This year’s inductees have left an indelible mark on the sport, and their contributions will be celebrated for generations to come.