OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma (October 27, 2024) – USA Softball welcomed nine new members to the National Softball Hall of Fame this evening following the 43rd Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Taking place at the Oklahoma City Convention Center, hundreds of softball fans – including friends, family members, and administrators – gathered to honor the accomplishments, history-making moments, and milestones of the nine inductees who played a role in making the sport of softball what it is today.
Members of the Class of 2024 include: Mike Bolen (Slow Pitch Player), Don Cooper (Head Coach), Peterbilt/Pay N Pak (Team), Charlie Richard (Fast Pitch Player), Pete Sandman (Fast Pitch Player), Cheryl Trapnell (Slow Pitch Player), Jody Trimmer (Slow Pitch Player), Michael Wolf (Umpire), and Andrew “Mighty Joe” Young lll (Slow Pitch Player).
Mike Bolen, recognized for his exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and contributions to softball, will forever be honored in the National Softball Hall of Fame. A powerhouse hitter of the 1970s and 1980s, Bolen was known for his versatility on the infield and his remarkable consistency at the plate. In 1981, he led the nation with 333 home runs, later reaching a career-high of 435 home runs in 1986, including tying the record for eight homers in a single game. Playing for top teams like Jerry’s Caterers and Steele’s Sports, Bolen amassed over 2,500 home runs with a career batting average exceeding .725, including an impressive streak of 27 hits in 28 at-bats.
Don Cooper’s exceptional coaching career has spanned both women’s and men’s USA Softball teams, earning him numerous national championships. He served as head coach for the women’s slow pitch national team six times, including the first-ever Border Battle team in 2017, and compiled an impressive 6-1 record in Border Battle competitions, including the 2020 Slow Pitch Showdown. Cooper also led the 2013 men’s Slow Pitch National Futures team and gained immense respect from players, coaches, and opponents alike. USA Softball selected him to lead slow pitch clinics in Europe to elevate their programs, highlighting his role as an outstanding coach and ambassador for the sport.
The Peterbilt/Pay N Pak men’s fast pitch softball team dominated the field, winning five national titles. They claimed their first championship in 1980 in Decatur, Illinois, followed by titles in 1982, 1985, 1986, and 1987 under different banner sponsors. Initially known as Peterbilt, they later competed as Pay N Pak, securing their final three championships. In 1986, they made history by becoming the first team to win the triple crown, capturing the ASA Nationals, ISC Nationals, and the Olympic Sports Festival titles. With a strong culture of excellence instilled by their sponsors and coaches, Peterbilt/Pay N Pak set the standard for championship-level play both on and off the field.
Charlie Richard’s legendary career in men’s fast pitch softball spanned over three decades, starting with a national debut at the 1957 men’s tournament where he allowed only one hit. From 1960 to 1969, he played for the renowned Sealmasters team, winning three ASA national titles with an impressive 230-35 record and a 0.56 ERA. Richard also represented the USA men’s national team, helping secure gold medals in the first two ISF World Tournaments in 1966 and 1968. He was named MVP of the 1966 games and pitched the first-ever perfect game in ISF history in 1968. Throughout his career, he threw five more perfect games and 21 no-hitters, earning recognition as the top left-handed pitcher of his era and later becoming a dedicated advocate for men’s fast pitch softball.
Pete Sandman, a highly respected fast pitch player from Sioux City, Iowa, excelled at state, national, and international levels. While playing for Penn Corp, he earned First Team All-American honors at the 1986 Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship and was named to the Third Team in 1988. Sandman also represented Team USA at the 1987 Pan American Games, where he helped secure a silver medal. Additionally, he competed in the U.S. Olympic Festival in 1987, 1990, 1991, and 1993, winning two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze, solidifying his legacy as an elite player on the world stage.
Cheryl Trapnell is regarded as one of the greatest players to ever represent the Armed Forces in softball. She began her career with the United States Air Force women’s softball team in 1981, continuing until 2005. Known as the best shortstop of her era, Cheryl had the complete offensive and defensive skills to lead any infield. Her achievements include being named First Team All-American ten times between 1989 and 2002, primarily at the A Major level. She was also a key player on six national championship teams and played a significant role in the growth and development of the sport before transitioning to a successful coaching career.
Jody Trimmer is a legendary figure in women’s slow pitch softball, having competed in 24 Women’s Major/Open Division National Championships. A 12-time All-American, she was part of two ASA Major National Championship teams and five national runner-up teams. Her success continued in the Women’s 35 & Over division, where she won six consecutive national titles with a remarkable 31-2 record, earning four more All-American honors. Jody also competed in the Women’s 50 & Over and 55 & Over Major Nationals, capturing one national title and a runner-up finish. A hometown star from York, Pennsylvania, Jody’s illustrious career in the famous York Softball League has placed her among the top names in the sport’s history, alongside legends Christan Dowling and Sue Ilyes.
Mike Wolf has officiated at the highest levels of slow pitch softball for ASA, including the Men’s Major and Men’s Super National Championships. A standout achievement in his career was being selected to umpire seven national championships, working the championship game in six of them. Since 2004, Mike has served as UIC (Umpire in Chief) for USA Softball of North Dakota, after years as a deputy UIC. Beyond his national accomplishments, Mike’s passion for softball shines through his 30-plus years as the tournament director and UIC for the annual McQuade Charity Softball Tournament. His dedication to the game and umpire program is felt both nationally and locally.
Andrew “Mighty Joe” Young was one of the top slow pitch hitters of the 1970s and 1980s. A dominant force on the field, he competed in eight national championships, leading his teams to three national titles and one runner-up finish. Mighty Joe earned three All-American selections, including two first-team honors, while playing for elite squads like Nelson Painting, Steele’s, and Jerry’s Catering in the Men’s Open and Super Divisions. In 1980, he set the all-time single-season home run record with 337 homers, driving in 764 runs and hitting an impressive .716. Known for his power, Mighty Joe was a player no team wanted to face in clutch moments!
The Class of 2024 has increased the membership in the National Softball Hall of Fame to 458 since its establishment in 1957.
For more information on the 2024 USA Softball Annual Meeting and Hall of Fame, visit USASoftball.com.