The youngest player ever named an ASA All-American in women’s major fast pitch, Chris Miner started her softball career in 1960 with the Portland Rosebuds, a junior team. In 12 years—she sat out the 1968 and 1969 seasons—Miner played for the Rosebuds, Erv Lind Florists, Dr. Bernard’s, the Sun City Saints, Sun City, AZ, the Fresno, CA Rockets and the Fullerton, CA Royals. Born July 2, 1946, Miner played in seven ASA national championships and was a member of the 1964 ASA national champion Erv Lind Florists. She was named an All-American five times: 1962 (.227 BA), 1963 (.318), 1965 (.263), 1970 (.316) and 1972 (.462). In 1972 she also was named winner of the Erv Lind Award as the outstanding defensive player in the Women’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship. Despite having a broken thumb, she played errorless ball for the Fresno Rockets at shortstop in five games. “It meant (winning the award) so much to be because it was Erv’s,” said Miner. Lind was one of the people who greatly influenced Miner’s career. “He was a great influence, a great man, a first class person. I can ‘t say enough good things about him,” Miner said.Miner also singled out Portland coaches Lois Williams and Hap Piper for praise. “They were two different type of coaches, but they would get the best from you. Portland coach Harvey Oberg also was important. “ He was like the father I didn’t have,” Miner said. Miner retired after the 1973 season as a player.
