Columbus Indiana Slo-Pitch Softball Hall of Famers, from left, Dave Pope, Dewey Whitis, Lou Giovanini and Ron Cochran pose for a photo with Ted Winterrowd, right, after their Capitol team won the 45-and-over national tournament in Gadsden, Alabama.
The Republic file photo
Four years ago, Jerry Cox and a group of individuals started the Columbus Indiana Slo-Pitch Softball Hall of Fame.
Since that time, 69 players, coaches, teams and organizations have been inducted into the hall. With that number, Cox felt he had enough to be able to start an annual Hall of Fame Game.
“It’s been something that’s been talked about, but we had to wait until our numbers were large enough to have enough to be able to play,” Cox said.
So on Aug. 11 at Lincoln Park, CISSHOF will host the inaugural Hall of Fame Game. More than 40 Hall of Famers will play, coach or umpire.
Jerry Littrell and Dave Cleland will coach the Blue team. Players are Dewey Whitis, Fred Lawson, Lisa Elkins, Ron Turnbow, Jim Ogilvie, Lynn Montgomery, Ron Cochran, Bobby Bennett, Larry Holden, Hedy George, Marlin Cox, Tom Crawford, Randy Lawson, Steve Corya, Jerry Burton, Barb Minor, Jerry Newsom and David Forrest.
Phil Pickens and Margie Bowman will coach the Red Team. Players are Russell Wilhoit, Rob Roop, Maria Stack, Butch Drake, Don Ward, Ron Albert, Steve Imlay, Dave Pope, Derck Engelbert, Linda Roberts, Rusty Huston, Rich Delay, Steve Pavey, Dan Reynolds, Jody Wendel, Kathy Cox, Steve Welmer and John DeJarnette III.
Columbus Indiana Slo-Pitch Softball Hall of Famers Russell Whilhot, left, and Dewey Whitis pose for a photo.
Submitted photo
“It will be an annual event,” Jerry Cox said. “It will happen every year. Hopefully, as the years go on, and our numbers continue to increase, we might be able to have maybe four teams playing. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there, but for now, we’re pretty happy. We certainly appreciate the Parks and Rec letting us use the diamonds there (at Lincoln Park).”
Safety measures have been put in place to ensure the health of the players. There will be a pitcher’s net in front of the circle. Seniors will be able to use senior bats, and any baserunner can opt for a pinch runner at any time.
Teams will use 11 defensive players at a time, and all team members will bat. A maximum of five runs can be scored in any half-inning.
Columbus Indiana Slo-Pitch Softball Hall of Famer Fred Lawson waits for a pitch.
Submitted photo
The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 11. At 6 p.m., there will be a Home Rum Derby, which is open to anyone. Cost will be $10 for 10 pitches. Players must have their own pitchers, and only Columbus Softball Association-approved bats will be allowed.
“That’s just another way to incorportate what our Hall of Fame is all about and give a chance to people who could be future Hall of Famers,” Jerry Cox said.
T-shirts and hats will be on sale. The All-Star game not only will serve as a mini-fundraiser for CISSHOF, but an exhibition for fans.
“It’s just a good way for all the inductees and families to get together and give them some recognition,” Jerry Cox said.
