OKLAHOMA CITY – The National Governing Body of Softball in the United States is excited to welcome Council Members and guests from across the nation to Oklahoma City for the 92nd USA Softball Annual Council Meeting. Administrators, players and tournament hosts will participate in a series of meetings slated for Oct. 28 – Nov. 1 to evaluate the needs of the organization, award 2025 National Championships and discuss proposed rule and code changes for all divisions of USA Softball while several award ceremonies and elections will also take place.
Kicking off the five-day event later this evening is the 42nd Annual National Softball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony where USA Softball will honor the nine inductees in the Hall of Fame Class of 2023, including meritorious leaders Doug Lindaman and Jim Craig; standout umpire Joe Massaro; coaching legend John Stratton; Olympian Valerie Arioto; slow pitch greats Sue Ilyes, Monty Tucker and Ray Fleetwood; and the Sikorsky Aircraft softball team. Prior to the ceremony, a Hall of Fame Reception will take place alongside a Silent Auction to benefit the National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum in which a pop-up exhibit will be displayed for guests to view artifacts and plans for future renovations. Following the Induction Ceremony will be the announcement of the 2024 National Hall of Fame Inductees, which will be voted on by the Hall of Fame Selection Committee earlier in the day.
The first General Council Session will take place on Sunday, Oct. 29 where all Council Members and guests will hear from USA Softball President Joe Patterson (USA Softball of Nebraska Commissioner) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Craig Cress on the state of USA Softball. Additionally, Council Members will have the opportunity to review all Rule and Code Proposals for the 2024 season before casting their votes on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
Happening on Monday, Oct. 30 is the annual Trade Show which will feature various exhibits and groups from across the county, such as cities bidding on USA Softball National Championships, equipment manufacturers, softball suppliers as well as additional services, products and sponsors.
Rolling into Tuesday, Oct. 31, the Wilson Awards Luncheon will recognize 2023 National Championship host sites while also honoring various USA Softball Council Members for achievements such as “Years of Service”. Following the Luncheon will be the final General Council Session as all Rule and Procedural Code changes will be announced. USA Softball Council Members will also decide which cities will host 2025 National Championships in addition to selecting a new President Elect – with the candidates including Rodney Cobb (USA Softball of Texas Commissioner), Roger Garcia (USA Softball of Alaska Commissioner) and Dan Pfeffer (USA Softball of Minnesota Commissioner) – before the current President Elect, Dave Devine, will take over responsibilities from current President Joe Patterson at the conclusion of the final General Council Session.
Closing out the 2023 Annual Council Meeting will be the Board of Directors Meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 1.
For more information on the 2023 USA Softball Annual Meeting, visit USASoftball.com.