The USA Softball National Office has received notice of the passing of 2026 National Softball Hall of Fame inductee Les Novak, who passed away Sunday evening at the age of 92. USA Softball extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the many members of the softball community whose lives he touched.
A longtime Minnesota ASA/USA Softball Umpire-in-Chief (UIC), Novak was elected to the National Softball Hall of Fame and is scheduled to be inducted this fall during the 2026 USA Softball Annual Council Meeting. Election to the National Softball Hall of Fame is the highest honor an individual can receive in the sport.
Les Novak (1933-2026)
As Minnesota’s longest-serving Umpire-in-Chief and a mentor to generations of officials, Les Novak was a well-known and highly respected member of the softball community. He began his umpiring career in 1957 and served as the USA Softball of Minnesota Umpire-in-Chief from 1964 to 2006.
During his distinguished career as a USA Softball umpire, Novak participated in 10 ASA/USA Softball National Championships and attended every ASA/USA Softball Umpire Clinic since its inception. His accomplishments also included officiating at 13 ISC World Tournaments, 16 NCAA National Championships, three NCAA World Series and three ISF World Championships.
Beyond his work on the field, Novak dedicated countless hours to developing and mentoring umpires. He conducted clinics internationally and served as the International Softball Congress (ISC) Assistant UIC since 1998 and as an ISC Commissioner since 1999.
A true legend of the game, Novak was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the ISC Hall of Fame in 2002 and the University of Minnesota Hall of Fame in 2009. He is scheduled to be inducted into the National Softball Hall of Fame this October during the 2026 USA Softball Annual Council Meeting.
Long retired from umpiring, Les and his wife, Vickie, split their time between Minnesota and Acapulco. They have four daughters: Wendy, Wanda, Carol and Cathy.
USA Softball remembers Les Novak for his decades of service, dedication to umpiring and lasting impact on generations of officials and athletes. His legacy will continue to be felt throughout the softball community.
