Adapt at fielding and hitting, Diane (Schuie) Schumacher compiled a lifetime batting average of .329 during her career (1976-1986) with the Raybestos Brakettes of Stratford, CT. Diane led the team in batting five times as the Brakettes won eight ASA national championships (1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985) and one International Softball Federation world championship (1978). Seven times an ASA All-American, Diane earned first-team honors four times in 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1984. In 1982 and 1983 she was a second-team choice and was a third team selection in 1985. In the 1978 ASA nationals, she batted .400 to lead all hitters. When needed, she also pitched and compiled a 55-16 record with an ERA of 1.01. Twice she was named to the USA Pan American team (1979 and 1983) and batted .333 and .387 in those events as the USA captured a gold medal and a silver in the latter. She also participated in six U.S. Olympic Festivals. A native of West Springfield, MA, Schumacher was named the Outstanding Alumni of Springfield College in 1985 for her service to softball. In 1987, she coached the Holland team in international competition, including the 1990 World Championship in Normal, IL. In 1992, she was elected to the Springfield College Hall of Fame and the Connecticut ASA Fast Pitch Hall of Fame. In 1993, she was the first former American player elected to the International Softball Federation Hall of Fame. In 2001, was elected to the Cathedal High School Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA.
