USA Softball Mourns the Loss of National Softball Hall of Fame Member, Dot Wilkinson

OKLAHOMA CITY – USA Softball joins the softball community in mourning the loss of National Softball Hall of Fame member Dorothy (Dot) Wilkinson, who passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2023. She was 101 years old.

Dorothy (Dot) Wilkinson (1921-2023)

Dot Wilkinson was a true trailblazer in the sport of women’s fast pitch softball, beginning her playing career for the Phoenix Ramblers in 1933 when she was just 11 years old and continuing through 1965. Wilkinson was a force to be reckoned with behind the plate, spending majority of her career as a catcher – a position that allowed her to capitalize on her natural leadership skills. A standout player for the Ramblers, Wilkinson helped lead the squad to national championship titles in 1940, 1948 and 1949, while earning 19 All-American honors throughout her 30-year career.

A member of the National Softball Hall of Fame (1970), Wilkinson collected a variety of accolades throughout her storied career including being enshrined into the United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame (1990) as well as being the first woman to be inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame (1975). Additionally, Wilkinson was the only female named among the Top 10 of The Republic’s Arizona Athletes of the 20th Century. Click here to view Wilkinson’s National Softball Hall of Fame bio.

Dorothy’s influence and contributions to the growth of softball created a legacy that will continue for years to come. Anyone wishing to share condolences or memories of Dorothy is encouraged to do so here.