THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 6, 1996 TAG: 9610060195
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 43 lines
There was a world of softball experience Saturday at the Lake Wright Resort and Conference Center as the Tidewater Virginia Amateur Softball Association conducted its 14th annual Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.
And with the 10 inductees, there was nearly as much diversity.
From men to women, church players to men's major participants, from those who hadn't played in 17 years to those still playing, nearly every facet of softball in Hampton Roads was represented.
The nine individuals brought together more than 500 years of playing expertise and the players from the Tiller's Taxi team that was inducted as a unit added nearly 150 more.
``This is the largest group we've inducted,'' TVASA Hall of Fame chairman Tom Beck said. ``It brings the total to 147.
``The criteria to get voted in is pretty complicated, so many things go into consideration for the selection committee.''
Easily meeting those sets of standards were players Melva Grimstead, Jay Smith and Billy White of Chesapeake; Bob Freeland and Dewey Fussell of Portsmouth; and Gina Sivells and Al Walke of Virginia Beach. Linwood Manning of Chesapeake was inducted for meritorious service, Ed Tyree of Norfolk for special recognition and John Haney of Norfolk as the commissioner's choice. Virginia Beach's Philly Fellion of the Tidewater Amateur Sports cable television show was inducted for his contributions as a sponsor.
But before any player can be considered, they must be 40 years old. White made it in on his first year of eligibility.
``Softball is more recreation for me than it used to be,'' said White, 40. ``I have a lot of other interests now, but I don't see a day when I won't play anymore. You can play into your 50s and 60s now with no problem.''
Smith could attest to that - had he been able to attend the ceremonies.
Smith, 49, was in Florida playing in the men's 45-over U.S. Slo-Pitch Softball Association's World Series - lending credence to the fact that he was and still is one of the best players in the country.
But in a prepared speech, he noted that the biggest honor was being inducted with the people in this year's class - a point others agreed with.
``I've traveled the country with some of these guys,'' said Walke, 52. ``I've lived with them and learned their good points and bad points. It's more of an honor to me to be inducted with these people than anything else.'' by CNB