2023 Organ donation awareness golf tournament hole sponsors
Outdoor sign awareness program
Hall of Fame Testimonials
Wow, you've made me tear up. I'm such a proud daughter. I loved those years and remember you (and Moonie) fondly. Thank you for this. I need three plaques please. One for myself and one for each of my children. Can't wait to post this myself, my friends call him "Good Looking Gord". Such fun, for years,
I know he's holding court up there with some great guys, playing ball, a little golf and some gin (cards, only CC for him)!Thank you, I can't wait to visit the site. Love it.
Karen Plenderleith White
Thank you, I’m overwhelmed to say the least, to have three family members inducted. My Mom will be overjoyed when I tell her and my other sister as well.
Todd Sajatovich
Thanks so much for the email. It’s such a great honour for my dad to be recognized in this way.
I was really moved when
I read your message.
Katie Czerwieniec Solly
I’m honoured and humbled and extremely proud to be recognized as an inductee to this long overdue fraternity. Fastball consumed my life for over 20 years and resulted in meeting hundreds of players, many became life long friends like yourself...the competitiveness and team approach helped me become successful in the business world and many other aspects of life...an honor such as this just puts the final touch on being recognized for competing hard with some success...I’m looking forward to sharing this with my family and friends...I would be remiss in not thanking you for your tireless efforts to form this award and bring recognition to our great sport...thank you for this honor
Bob Schroeder
Glad I was able to donate to such a great cause.
Lots of smiling Kaschak's today after hearing the wonderful news.
Fastpitch softball and baseball were such a big part of Biggie's life. I was lucky enough to play both baseball and Fastpitch Softball for him and enjoyed a great deal of success with his guidance.
I've been around the game a long time myself and really don't know anybody else who gave as much of his time to the great game.
Thanks again for what you and your Committee are doing Roger.
Gary Kaschak City Councillor for Ward 8 in Windsor
Dear Hall of Fame Committee:
I am proud and honored to be inducted into the Windsor Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame. My brothers and I participated in sports since grade school, including peewee football, grade school basketball, softball, high school basketball, football, track & field, hockey and volleyball. During the summer months we played fastball as well as Class E and Class D hardball winning championships in each division.
After high school while attending W.O.I.T (now St. Clair College) Rog and I played together on the basketball team.
Athletics played a big part of my life for many years until 2002 when I underwent a liver transplant. I returned to sports in 2004 when I joined the W.E.C.S.S.O senior slo-pitch league and continued until Parkinson’s Disease made me hang up my glove. The WFSHOF has brought back so many wonderful memories of terrific friends and athletes. Thanks for the memories!!!
Tom Awad
Testimonials
What a great honour to have Biggie inducted in the WFSHOF on the inaugural selection. Baseball was a very big part of his life and his dedication and commitment was not matched by many. He would be truly honoured. Myself and the entire Kaschak family thank you for this well deserved appointment. A special thank you Roger along with your committee for keeping the memory of this great game of Fastball alive in the City of Windsor and Essex County.
Sincerely
Bill Kaschak
Thanks for doing all that you do.
It means a lot!
Doug & Shirley Collins
I cannot express how appreciative I am for your kind nomination putting me in a class of so many great players and wonderful people. It is humbling and an honor.
I will cherish this induction for my remaining years.
To be placed alongside the likes of Bob Fraser, Hector Marinacci, Bob Schroeder, Don Dominas, Gord Haidy, Bill Noble, Garrie Nolan, Russ Evon, Tom Awad, Em Awad, Richard Awad, Dick Hames, Metro Szeryk, Al Zakoor, Sam Sisco, Evans Telegadas, Sam Sisco, Earl Dafoe, Earl Smith, Ted Zalba, Bernie, Eddie, Jimmy & Leo Hogan and the list goes on and on is unimaginable.
Each day I am truly thankful to have the mindset to look back at all the friends I've made and
reminisce about our accomplishments and disappointments. It also saddens me that so many are gone and they are unable to celebrate with us.
Hopefully, we can provide a
"Day in the Sun" for the relatives and friends of those inductees who have passed on and those
inductees still living.
I am looking forward to the day when all the plaques are displayed at both the Windsor and Riverside Sportsmen Clubs and we can all meet and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with old friends.
Roger Awad
Thank you for including my Grampa Butch in the Windsor Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame, I am proud to be from a family of really great athletes and warm people. Best Wishes to you and your family.
Krissy Collins
How wonderful that Joe Ponic is being recognized by your association. He truly was a great man and missed dearly by many!
I would like to make a donation to your association. Can you please tell me how I do that.
Thank you.
Diane Russett.
Roger, Thanks so much to you and your committee for honoring our Dad Leo and Uncles Jim, Eddie and Bernie into the WFSHOF. I guess they were all a little
better than they let on.
You and your team did an incredible amount of work, in not only your selection efforts, but in sifting through the archives of The Windsor Star articles and providing them on your website for
everyone to read.
Kudos to you and your team!
The names, stories and articles brought back so many memories of watching games at Windsor Stadium and Lanspeary Park as a kid with crowds in the hundreds. My Dad would always tell us when and where Don Dominas or Gord Haidy were going to pitch and we would always see this 'hot shot' Roger Awad banging out a couple of hits too. It's all good stuff.
Thanks again Roger.....you and your team should be applauded for your efforts!
Tom Hogan
Testimonials
Thank you Roger very much it makes him and I very happy....again thank you for your work.
Don Dominas Jr.
On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to thank you for acknowledging Don’s accomplishments and his love and participation of sports.
He certainly has left his mark
in the community and beyond.
Thank you for all the work you have put into establishing the “Windsor Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame” and honouring the many local recipients. I would like to order a memorial plaque and will send that on to you in the mail.
Sandy Gilbert
I am not only honored but quite excited to be named as a Hall of Fame member. I am not usually one for surprises but I didn't mind this one!
Rod Drouillard
What a great thing you are doing for all those forgotten athletes. I think I worked with half of them at the Brewers Retail as Gord Plenderlieth got them all hired. Good bunch of guys!
Harry Lumley
I would love to buy a plaque for my dad, Paul Bombardier. Thank-you so much for recognizing his dedication! He has committed so much to baseball and pitching, it makes me so happy to see him celebrated for that!
Kayla Bombardier
"You, Hector and your committee have been doing a great job and should be congratulated on your efforts. Thanks for honouring my Father Bert and Uncle Flash Genga."
John Upham
Testimonials
Thank you so much!!!!!!
This is such an honour and privilege! Thank you so much for considering me for this opportunity! This is absolutely surreal!
Amanda Simke
During the 1940's, 50’s and 60’s Windsor was the epicenter of Ontario Softball. The WFSHOF is a showcase of the many great teams, players, sponsors & organizers that made Windsor the hotbed of the sport.
Dick Hames
Congratulations to our parents Al and Joan Zakoor for their continued love and support to each other and to their family and their friends and to the larger fastpitch community.
Our father’s contribution to the Windsor Fastball scene is indeed a remarkable story; one in which very fond memories arise.
Thank you very much for honoring our father Alfred Zakoor, into the Windsor Fastpitch
Softball Hall of Fame.
Roger, you have been a wonderful friend to our parents for many, many years. Thank you for that.
Joal, Marc, Denise, Matthew, Chris and Jon.
Thank you so much for recognizing Mike for his fastball contribution. Our family is thrilled!
Of course we always thought he was the "best". I am sure he and his buddies in Heaven are very happy about this
Janet Ferencik
Thanks so much for doing this for our dad. We appreciate this and I am sure he will too.
Paula & Steven Radovich
Dear Roger, On behalf of the Genga family, I thank you for the honour bestowed on our beloved Flash and his fastpitch softball career. The plaque will be a treasured keepsake. Congratulations to you and your committee on your exceptional work you are doing.
Emily Jewell
testimonials
I was very touched to read your email as was my Mom. My Dad's accomplishments in sports still makes us very proud. I have very fond memories of watching the team play at Windsor Stadium and on all the trips. I loved going to all the different cities and remember Dad would manage to show us the sights in between games. My mom and I will be buying a plaque to preserve my dad's legacy.
Thank you for your work in establishing the Hall of Fame.
Ronni Noble
I am honoured to receive this recognition from your group!!
This means more than I can express. There are many players and coaches who have been very helpful in contributing to the
successes that we've made.
I am truly grateful to be inducted!!
Doug Wiseman
This is quite humbling and overwhelming!!! Thanks to you and Doug Wiseman.
Mary Caton
Thanks so much Roger and your committee, not only for me but for all the other fastball people that are being recognized for their accomplishments, long overdue. It took you to get it going.
Gerry Mayea
Well, let me be the first to congratulate Mary Caton on this award. I had the pleasure of playing with Mary ,many years. As her 3rd baseman, many of times I had to cut her off from a play. lol. Kidding, she was great at short stop, and had been known to even put the pads on behind the plate.
Nice touch, recognizing women who played the game, and in the day, it was a great competitive league to play in.
Mary Beth(Bessie) LaMantia
Wonderful news! My dad would be so humbled and proud. Thank you for recognizing his talent and contribution to the fastball community.
Kelly Czerwieniec
Testimonials
Please accept our appreciation of your efforts in establishing this group to provide the much needed recognition for these players. This will ensure that they will always be remembered for the excellence of play they exhibited.
Gary E Otton Treasurer Windsor Retirees Sports Activities
We are so excited that my Dad is an inductee in the Windsor Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame! We are all so proud of his accomplishments and enjoyed attending his games. He would have been so happy to have this recognition. He was always someone who, once committed to doing something, gave it 200%!"
Susan DelSignore
Jimmy Dimitroff also known as "Lefty" was a family man who enjoyed his job, his children, his friends who left this world too soon. He was only 53 when he passed away. He was an exceptional soft ball player who would be honoured but embarrassed to receive this wonderful award for something he loved to do. His family is very proud to accept this award in his name on his behalf.
Sincerely, His children.
Thank you for the honour of being inducted into the WFSHOF. I am ecstatic that my dad Thomas and my mom Drucilla are also being inducted at the same time, after playing softball in the 1930's and 1040's. That is so amazing. Thanks again.
Ralph Paterson
I know in all the excitement all us girls are so proud of my Dad . My sister Cheryl who lives in Chatham started crying when I showed her your post yesterday and wished dad were still here. It is a very emotional time for us we all wish mom was here to share in the pride that we feel. My mom Shirley would have been beaming with joy and in shock the same as we all are. Even though dad is gone he still finds ways to make us proud still. We miss them both, but we find joy and happiness with the memories we all can share through this wonderful tribute."
Joey Dupuis
What an INCREDIBLE way to end my work day! Wow- I'm so incredibly honoured and humbled by this. Thank you to your committee for recognizing my contributions as a player and leader in such a unique way! Also, thank you to Stoney for such a touching write up in his nomination of me, to the selection committee ♥️ I share this award with so many people over the years who were an integral part of my development as a player- my coaches, my teammates and their families, my own family. I will forever be grateful for my many years as a Wildcat. The friendships and memories will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you again!
Dayna Rodrigues
testimonials
It was wonderful news and a great honour to be inducted into the Windsor Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame. I am extremely proud to be included among so many great athletes.
Thank you Roger and your committee for this recognition.
Mario Baggio
Thank you to the entire committee for inducting my dad. Your tireless efforts to retrieve articles dating back to 1930 is monumental. It has allowed me to read through and construct a wonderful scrapbook for him. I am learning so much about the immense amount of talent that existed in Windsor. Thank you Hector and Roger for making this birthday one dad will never forget.
Fenway Bornais-Quenneville
"WOW !! Roger thank you for the induction announcement
to the "Hall of Fame ".
It's a great feeling and proud to know that I am lucky enough to be included with so many great fastball players, thank you again and thank the committee for me as I feel so proud & excited"!
Wayne Pestru
Testimonial
Thank you for your surprising phone call today.I am deeply honoured to be inducted into the Fastball Hall of Fame. I am very humbled to be mentioned with the great people and players who played or coached this fantastic game. I cannot thank the committee enough for bringing this great game of fastball back in the spotlight. It has been long overdue to give these outstanding players the recognition they deeply deserve. Thanks again.
Bill Kaschak
Testimonial
Testimonial
Testimonial
Hector, I wish to take this opportunity to THANK you and Roger for my induction into the FASTPITCH SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME. I cherish this with all my heart, and wish you and your family all the best and stay safe
Don Ing
Testimonial
Testimonial
Testimonial
Roger, I am so proud and honoured to be inducted into the Windsor Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame along side so many great inductees. Furthermore, when you asked me to fulfil the position of Treasurer of this fine organization, I was not only thrilled, but excited to add my expertise to help preserve the great game of fastball for years to come.
I am looking forward to the day following the Covid 19 Pandemic when we can fulfill our plan to hold a celebration reunion with so many wonderful Hall of Famers, friends and family members.
Best Regards,
Hector Marinacci
Testimonials
Our family was so excited to hear our mom was being inducted in the WFSHOF.
Mom would be so humbled and proud.
Roger, Thank you and your committee for recognizing mom’s contribution to the Women’s Fastpitch Softball.
Knowler, Mulligan Family
Hi Roger,
I had a chance to look deeper into the WFSHOF website and was really impressed. I am so humbled and happy to be recognized as a small piece of history of fastpitch softball in Windsor. Being the youngest of 6 kids I was too young to see my dad play when he was in his prime and he passed before being able to see me play in my young adult years. I was often told about how good of a softball player my dad was and carried that pride to the field to honour his legacy. Just looking at all the familiar names on your website brought me back to the fondest of memories playing at Windsor Stadium all those years.
I commend the WFSHOF for capturing and preserving fastpitch softball's historically significant contribution to the culture of Windsor. By honouring the people who have made significant contributions over the many decades connects the generations of people who still enjoy the game and will help ensure its future.
Thank you Roger and your fellow WFSHOF members and supporters.
Ron Parent
Roger, I cannot express enough my appreciation to you and the Executive for inducting me into the WFSHOF. It is quite an honour to be listed with those outstanding inductees -- many whose careers I have followed and respected over the years. I look forward to you keeping me in the loop as more details emerge.
Sam Dragich
Hi Roger
On Behalf of The Kell Family, we would like to thank your committee for inducting our father Henry (Hank) Kell into the Windsor Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame. We know he would have been honoured for being recognized and have his name alongside the many deserving excellent, outstanding baseball athletes who have been inducted into
the Hall of Fame.
Although it has been many years since his last game, the Kells are very proud of his accomplishments and his induction.
Please accept our Thank You to yourself and your committee for their hard and historical work to preserve the legacy of fastpitch softball in our community.
Again Thank You.
Bill, (Jack), Elizebeth, Warren, Michael and Richard Kell
What a pleasant surprise when I got the call from Roger that I was inducted.
I am honoured to be included as a member of this prestigious club.
Most of all I enjoyed playing alongside
all my teammates and winning a Championship together in 1979.
Many thanks to Roger and the
committee for my selection. I am very
grateful and will always cherish this day.
Boris “ Bo “ Ropp.
"What a great surprise and honour to be inducted into the WFSHOF. Memories that I will cherish forever."
John Marcinko
Roger: I stopped at the WSC Club tonight to speak with Rick Mahoney. He suggested that I check out the board room, which houses the fastpitch hall of fame. You have done an awesome job of preserving the game of fastpitch. The plaque honoring Sheldon Taylor is magnificent. Thank you for the work that you have done and continue to do.
Roger, thanks so much to you and your committee for your consideration. I’m honoured and humbled to be recognized as an inductee into the prestigious WFSHOF. I also extend a special thanks to Councillor Gary Kaschak, Bill Kaschak and Nick Stein who helped me along the way. My family and I were able to make many new friends and had a lot of fun and good times because of the game of fastball. It was a wonderful time for me and I’m grateful for that.
So thank-you again to all for this wonderful honour I will never forget.
What a wonderful organization in existence that recognizes the wonderful sport of fastpitch throughout the years, past, present and future. Love to be able to read of years gone by and the people involved. Thank you to Roger and the WFSHOF for considering and inducting Trisha. It truly was a surprise and a very special honour as she will be in there with her Papa Duke Snyder . Thank you for all your consideration and time spent in the process of determining who should get such an honour. Good luck to the WFSHOF for your future. It is a very worthwhile organization that is very keen on keeping the memories of this wonderful sport alive and known. CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU!!!
Cheryl Whaley
Together We Support Organ Donation Awareness
