OKLAHOMA CITY – Known for his unwavering support of the sport of softball, former ASA Executive Director, Don Porter, was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame this week at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
Also a member of the National Softball Hall of Fame, Porter served as ASA Executive Director for over 30 years, working tirelessly to grow the sport to the highest level possible – the Olympics. In 1991, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially added softball as a sport for the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, allowing his dream to be realized.
In his first years with the ASA, Porter launched the first-ever Softball World Championship in 1965, earning the title of Secretary General of the ISF. In 2025, thanks to Porter, the sport of softball has seen thriving international competition through the WBSC umbrella with softball being played in all corners of the globe.
In 1987, Porter was elected as President of the ISF, a role he would hold for 26 years. His work with the sport was instrumental in the formation of the WBSC in 2013 alongside WBSC President Fraccari, eventually winning the WBSC Order of Honour, the highest distinction in the WBSC.
During his tenure with USA Softball, Porter saw outstanding growth and development through the associations, including building the ASA National Office, National Softball Hall of Fame and the Hall of Fame Stadium, now known as Devon Park, in Oklahoma City.
Born May 18, 1930 in Southern California, Porter served as the Southern California ASA commissioner before becoming executive director. He passed away on June 7, 2020, dedicating his life to the sport of softball.
Former ASA Executive Director Don Porter Inducted Into Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame
