Eleven individuals and an organization were inducted into the Columbus Indiana Slow Pitch Softball Hall of Fame on Saturday. Pictured are, front row from left, Brian Rice, Pat Littrell, Lisa Huff, Cathy Brummett; and back row, David Welmer (representing the late Gary Welmer), Dick Hendrickson, Jeff Turnbow, Brenda Freeman, Paula Foster and Jim Norris.
Ted Schultz | The Republic
A packed house at the Fraternal Order of Eagles witnessed 11 individuals and an organization get inducted into the Columbus Indiana Slow Pitch Softball Hall of Fame on Saturday evening.
The Eagles were inducted in the “Honorary Member” category for hosting the Hall of Fame banquet the past six years. The organization was joined in this year’s class by Cathy Brummett, Paula Foster, Brenda Freeman, Dick Hendrickson, Lisa Huff, Pat Littrell, Jim Norris, Brian Rice, Jeff Turnbow and the late Ronnie Clark and Gary Welmer.
Brummett started playing softball at age 10 and retired when she was eight months pregnant at age 39. The infielder batted over .500 for her career and won multiple MVP awards at national tournaments.
Foster played softball in Columbus from 1982 through 2019. The pitcher played in co-ed and men’s 40-and-over leagues.
Freeman played for more than 20 years. The shortstop was known for her hitting, speed and sportsmanship.
Hendrickson played for more than 60 years, beginning in 1959. The third baseman played for several different teams in Columbus.
Huff played 18 years in Columbus, beginning in 1985. She won two state titles and more than 60 trophies and was on multiple All-Tournament teams.
Littrell was one of the pioneers of women’s softball in Columbus and played from 1969 to 2005. She played pitcher and middle infield.
Norris played from 1970 to 2022. He played outfield, third base and catcher and won a state championship and multiple league titles. He also played with the Indiana Legends, who won three national titles and finished his career with the Indy 70s in the 75-and-over age group.
Rice began his career in 1990 and still plays softball in Columbus. He has won numerous league, tournament, state, national and world titles.
Turnbow played from 1977 to 2005. The third baseman won several league and tournament titles. He played on the 1980 ASA state championship Deco team and played in the Industrial Nationals in Midland, Texas.
Clark played from 1970 to 2021. He was known as a smooth shortstop and clutch hitter.
Welmer played from 1972-87. The pitcher made multiple All-Tournament teams and was a key player on the legendary Pickett’s Men’s team, which was inducted into the Hall in 2022.
This year’s inductions bring the total number to 57 men, 16 women, five teams and two businesses for a total of 80 inductees.
Prior to Saturday’s inductions, the CISSHOF committee honored chairman of the board Jerry Cox with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Also, recent Hauser graduate and current Oakland City freshman Paige McDaniel was presented with a $1,000 check as the first CISSHOF scholarship recipient.
