18 months after the Class of 2020 was scheduled to be inducted into the North Dakota Softball Hall of Fame and 6 months after what would normally have been a similar ceremony for the Class of 2021, many of the best to represent this sport along with friends and family finally gathered to honor our 10 newest legends. Over 160 people attended the event in Jamestown which also acknowledged other tremendous contributors with a variety of awards.

While there was a much-appreciated familiarity with getting the opportunity for so many to get together for such a celebration, the delay did prompt quite a few changes. With the passing of long-time Masters of Ceremonies Walt Stack - whose unparalleled knowledge & humor became a hallmark of this event - the microphone passed to new Hall of Fame Council President and state Umpire-in-Chief Mike Wolf, who performed remarkably well in such an unenviable position. Erring on the side of caution with the ongoing pandemic, the traditional handshake line introducing all of the Hall of Famers in attendance was eliminated - replaced instead with a group introduction at the top of the festivities. The banquet was hosted at the Quality Inn in Jamestown for the first time since it used to be known as the Dakota Inn long ago.

Once the new Hall of Famers were introduced, however, normalcy seemed to return. The 2020 inductees were first under the spotlight. Greg Crowley earned his Hall of Fame plaque predominantly on his skill as a fast-pitch pitcher. He was a workhorse on the rubber for the great Kegel Sign teams on the 80s & 90s. Kelly Wrangham has not been unfamiliar with receiving awards, having been a five-time All-American Team selection, a batting champion, and a Most Valuable Player at the highest levels of national tournament play. He continues to contribute to the sport not only as a player, but as a sponsor and a youth coach. Tony Kunka’s resume includes All-World selections and National Home Run Championships while also serving as a top-level fast-pitch pitcher. Dorene Brown’s dynamic fast pitch career playing for a variety of small town teams was punctuated by an opportunity to play for and be a leader on her daughter’s team.  Angela accepted the award on her mother’s behalf after Doreen’s passing earlier this year (page __). Wayne Becker’s 25 state titles and 3 national titles are a monumental accomplishment that few will even approach. Wayne continues playing to this day, even as he approaches 70 years of age.

The Class of 2021 opened with Nick Joliffe. Nick’s was a classic five-tool player as he excelled on the left side of the infield playing either fast or slow pitch. The wealth of respect that he earned resulted in a first-ballot selection to the Hall of Fame. Similarly, Scott Johnson was another superstar in both the fast pitch and slow pitch games, flashing all the tools defensively while anchoring the heart of any lineup. Gale Olsen’s slow pitch career was not just that of a classic power-hitting first baseman, but a player who would step in at other positions or deliver the timely single when needed. How national tournament accolades include All-American Team selections, an MVP, a batting title, and a home run championship. Kelly Krahler became the latest member of one of North Dakota softball’s most decorated families to earn induction and he did so as one of its best pure shortstops. One of the most clutch and dependable hitters in the game, he joins his father (Chuck) and brother (Curt) in the Hall. Fred Mueller had an excellent playing career, but his primary contributions to the game came as an umpire. Fred’s 30 year career behind the plate included as many as 20 national tournament assignments, including many well beyond North Dakota’s borders.

Congratulations to all of the newest Hall of Famers and thank you to everyone who contributed to making this a special event. We are grateful to all who attended the ceremony and provided donations to the Hall of Fame fund to make it possible. Special thanks to Hall of Fame Secretary Amy Anderson for her efforts coordinating the banquet and the Quality Inn of Jamestown for stepping up as our host after a scheduling conflict.

We look forward to seeing everyone again in April 2022 as we induct our next Hall of Fame class. Nominations will be accepted through December 1, 2021. The Hall of Fame Council will make their selections at the Winter Meetings in January 2022.