Softball NL Celebration Of Excellence

 

Softball Newfoundland Labrador (Softball NL) is extremely pleased to announce that the Softball NL Hall of Fame Committee will induct 9 new members into the Softball NL Hall of Fame and the Softball NL Awards Committee will present the Provincial Awards (2024 & 2023 Seasons) to 22 deserving individuals.

 

In addition to the Softball NL Hall of Fame Inductions and the Softball NL Awards Presentations, the Softball NL Board of Directors, on behalf of the entire membership will recognize the Galway Hitmen on winning the 2024 Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship, the Murno Mariners on winning the 2024 U23 Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship and Ryan Boland, Jason Hill and John Hill on their retirements from the Men’s National Team.

 

The Softball NL Celebration of Excellence is being held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at GlenDenning Golf – 120 Gabriel Road, St. John’s, NL.

 

 

JERRY BRUCE (BUILDER)

MARK DWYER (ATHLETE/BUILDER)

BRIAN FLEMING (ATHLETE)

BILL NIXON (ATHLETE)

RAY O’BRIEN (BUILDER)

GEORGE POMROY (ATHLETE)

DON ROCHE (ATHLETE)

PAUL THOMEY (BUILDER)

*RAY WITHERS (ATHLETE)

*Posthumously

 

Jerry Bruce has enjoyed success as a Manager/Sponsor at the Local, Provincial and National levels. At the Local level, his 3 Cheers Pub team have captured 6 Senior League Championships and 1 St. John’s Day Tournament Championship. At the Provincial level, his 3 Cheers Pub team have captured 5 Senior Provincial Championships. At the National level, his teams have captured 5 Medals at Senior Nationals (3 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze). In addition to his success as a Manager/Sponsor, he has also served as a Committee Member responsible for overseeing the Beer Garden at the WBSC World Junior Men’s (1997), Senior Men’s Nationals (2007), Hill United Rock Invitational (2016) and Senior Men’s Nationals (2022).

 

Mark Dwyer played in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League for 23-years, was a member of 5 St. John’s Day Tournament Championship teams, won a number of individual awards and was named to the Senior League All-Decade Team (1997-2006) – Infielder (2nd Base). At the Provincial level, he was a member of 1 Pee-Wee Championship team, 2 Junior Provincial Championship teams and 1 Senior Provincial Championship team. At the National level, Mark represented the Province as a player at 2 Junior Men’s Nationals where he captured 1 Silver Medal and 1 Bronze Medal and at 2 Senior Men’s Nationals. After his playing career ended, he ventured into coaching and has represented the Province as a coach at 9 Senior Men’s Nationals and captured 9 Medals (6 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze). The 6 Gold Medals and 2 Silver Medals as Head Coach of the Galway Hitmen, while the Bronze Medal came as Head Coach of ICA Mark’s Hitmen.

 

Brian Fleming played in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League for 18-years, was a member of 3 Senior League Championship teams, won a number of individual awards and was named to the Senior League All-Decade Team (1977-1986) – Infielder (1st Base). At the Provincial level, he was a member of 1 Junior Provincial Championship team and 3 Senior Provincial Championship teams. At the National level, Brian represented the Province at 4 Senior Men’s Nationals. Brian was inducted into the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame on Friday, June 22, 1990.

 

Bill Nixon played in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League for 19-years, was a member of 1 Senior League Championship team, was a member of 1 St. John’s Day Tournament Championship team and won a number of individual awards. At the Provincial level, he was a member of 1 Junior “B” Provincial Championship team, 2 Junior “A” Provincial Championship teams and 2 Senior Provincial Championship teams. At the National level, Bill represented the Province at 3 Junior Men’s Nationals where he captured 1 Silver Medal and 1 Bronze Medal and at 7 Senior Men’s Nationals – 6 as a player and 1 as a coach.

 

Ray O’Brien played in the Southern Shore Softball League, Bay Bulls Senior League, Mercantile Senior League and St. John’s Senior League and won a number of individual awards. After his playing days he went on to be the Manager/Fundraiser for the powerhouse Green Sleeves teams that captured 6 Senior League Championships, 6 Senior Provincial Championships and 3 St. John’s Day Tournament Championships. He also represented the Province at 6 Senior Men’s Nationals and also helped other teams fundraise in years in which Green Sleeves didn’t attend Nationals.

 

George Pomroy played in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League for 17-years, was a member of 1 Senior League Championship team, was a member of 3 St. John’s Day Tournament Championship teams and won a number of individual awards. At the Provincial level, he was a member of 1 Squirt Provincial Championship team, 1 Junior Provincial Championship team, 1 Senior “B” Provincial Championship team and 3 Senior Provincial Championship teams. At the National level, George represented the Province at 1 Junior Men’s Nationals and at 10 Senior Men’s Nationals.

 

Don Roche played in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League for 16-years, was a member of 5 Senior League Championship teams, was a member of 4 St. John’s Day Tournament Championship teams and won a number of individual awards. At the Provincial level, he was a member 1 Junior “B” Provincial Championship team, 1 Junior “A” Provincial Championship team and 3 Senior Men’s Provincial Championship teams. At the National level, Don represented the Province at 1 Junior Men’s Nationals (Bronze Medal) and at 10 Senior Men’s Nationals (Bronze Medal).

 

Paul Thomey impacted the game as an athlete, coach, umpire, administrator and sponsor. He started playing ball in Dunville, played in the Placentia Inter-Town League, played in the Mercantile League and played in the Torbay Men’s League. He served on the Softball NL Board of Directors for 3-years, was an active Umpire for 14-years and served on the executive for 3-years. Paul also served on Hosting Committees for 8 National Championships and 1 World Championship and held various roles – Accommodations, Chair, Executive, Facilities, Grounds, Hospitality & Transportation.

 

Ray Withers played in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League for 12-years, was a member of 6 Senior League Championship teams, won a number of individual awards and was named to the Senior League All-Decade Team (1957-1966) – Outfielder. He was also a member of 1 Commercial League Championship team and 1 Mercantile League Championship team. At the Provincial level, he was named MVP of the 1964 Senior Provincial Tournament despite his team finishing 2nd place. Ray was inducted into the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame on Friday, June 21, 1985.

 

 

EMMA GIFFORD – Junior Umpire of the Year (Len King Memorial)

TERRY WALSH – Umpire of the Year

RICHARD CLARKE – Minor Coach of the Year (Slo-Pitch)

BRIAN ROCHE – Minor Coach of the Year

LOYOLA POWER – Adult Coach of the Year

SHELDON STREET – Bob Whelan Memorial Award Recipient

MADDIE SIMMS – Minor Female Player of the Year (Slo-Pitch)

HALLE JOY – Minor Female Player of the Year

KILEY RICE – Junior Female Player of the Year

DANIEL MCGRATH – Minor Male Player of the Year (Slo-Pitch)

KYLE DWYER – Minor Male Player of the Year

ADRIAN GREEN – Junior Male Player of the Year

COLIN WALSH – Senior Male Player of the Year

 

Emma Gifford is a Level 1 Umpire and her love of the game started at the age of three. Not only is she a player, but her love of softball has flowed into the umpiring role as well. Her experience as a player has helped her professionalism on the diamond in how she manages players, coaches and the occasional vocal fan. Emma takes all aspects of the game in stride and isn’t afraid to step in behind that catcher and give it her best game.

 

Terry Walsh is a Level 2 Umpire and has been instrumental in helping the Bay Roberts Association run their program each summer. Whether it was organizing provincials, scheduling umpires or working on the field to make sure games had an official, he puts his all into the program. Terry doesn’t shy away from volunteering within the Bay Roberts Association and the amount of time he puts in to the umpiring program each summer hasn’t gone unnoticed.

 

Richard Clarke captured a Gold Medal at the Junior Male Slo-Pitch Regional Championship. He captured two Provincial Slo-Pitch Championships – U15 Male Slo-Pitch Provincial Championship and U17 Male Slo-Pitch Provincial Championship – a team he helped create. Richard organized countless practices for his teams each week and worked hard to hone their individual and team skills and made the game fun for all involved.

 

Brian Roche captured a Gold Medal at the U13 Female Constable William Moss Memorial Softball Tournament, a Gold Medal at the U13 Female Physio and Co. Invitational and a Gold Medal at the U13 Female Fastpitch Provincial. He also guided his team to the Semi-Finals (2-2 Record) at the Summerside Showdown in PEI – it was the first time a team from Newfoundland Labrador attended the U13 event. His U15 Male team reached the Semi-Finals of the U15 Male Constable William Moss Memorial Softball Tournament. In addition to coaching at the minor level, Brian was also an Assistant Coach with Galway Hitmen and captured Gold at the Men’s Nationals.

 

Loyola Power captured 1st Place finishes in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League Regular Season and Playoffs, as well as the Senior Men’s Fastpitch Provincial Championship. Loyola guided the Murno Mariners to a Gold Medal at the U23 Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship.

 

Sheldon Street has been instrumental in the success of teams from Port aux Basques – both on the field and off the field. He captured two Softball NL Male Slo-Pitch Provincial Championships in 2023 and two Female Slo-Pitch Provincial Championships in 2024. He works hard to promote and encourage the game of softball in Port aux Basques and has dedicated countless hours and demonstrated an excellent balance between the development of his players on the field (technical skills) and off the field (fostering personal growth). Sheldon has worked hard to reduce financial barriers for his athletes through fundraising efforts and securing donations from local businesses and community partners.

 

Maddie Simms captured two Provincial Championships – the U15 Female Slo-Pitch Provincial Championship and the U17 Female Slo-Pitch Provincial Championship. She pitched and batted clean-up for her respective teams and earned Player of the Game honours at each event. Maddie demonstrated excellent sportsmanship on and off the field and always puts her team’s success above her own. Note: Maddie also represented Western at the NL Summer Games in Bay Roberts.

 

Halle Joy was a member of the East Coast Women’s Fastpitch League Championship team, captured the League MVP Award and was named to the League All-Star Team. She was a member of the Women’s Fastpitch Provincial Championship team and was named Tournament MVP. Halle represented the Province at the U19 Female Eastern Canadian Softball Championship and was named to the Tournament All-Star Team and represented the Province at the U17 Female Canadian Fastpitch Championship. Halle attended the Softball Canada Junior Women’s National Team tryout, has committed to play softball with the Hill College Rebels (Texas) and was named to the 2025 Canada Games Female Softball Team.

 

Kiley Rice was a member of the East Coast Women’s Fastpitch League Championship team and was named to the League All-Star Team. She was a member of the Women’s Fastpitch Provincial Championship team and represented the Province at the U19 Female Eastern Canadian Softball Championship and was named to the Tournament All-Star Team. Kiley was named to the 2025 Canada Games Female Softball Team.

 

Daniel McGrath was a member of the School Sports NL Regional Varsity Co-Ed Championship team and played 2nd Base and finished the tournament with a .700 Batting Average. He was a student assistant coach with the School Sports NL Regional Junior Male Slo-Pitch Varsity Championship team. Daniel was Co-Captain of the U17 Male Slo-Pitch Provincial Championship team and was a leader both at the plate with a .600 Batting Average and in the field at 1st Base.

 

Kyle Dwyer was a member of the U15 Moss Tournament Championship team. He played in the St. John’s Intermediate Men’s Fastpitch League and was named Rookie of the Year and he was a member of the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League Championship team. He was a member of the Senior Men’s Fastpitch Provincial Championship team, earned a Silver Medal at the U17 Male Fastpitch Provincial Tournament and 3rd Place at the U15 Male Fastpitch Provincial Tournament. Kyle attended the East Coast Showdown (Pre-Canada Games Tryout), captured a Bronze Medal at the U15 Male Canadian Fastpitch Championship and played in the Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship.

 

Adrian Green played in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League and was named to the All-League Team – Catcher. He played in the St. John’s Intermediate Men’s Fastpitch League and had success during the Regular Season (Top Batter, All-League Team – Catcher and Player of the Month – June) and during the Playoffs (2nd Place, Top Batter and Player of the Month – September). He was a member of the Intermediate Men’s Fastpitch Provincial Championship team. Adrian represented the Province at the U23 Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship and captured a Gold Medal.

 

Colin Walsh was a member of the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League Championship team, captured the Regular Season MVP, Playoff MVP, All-League Team – Pitcher, Wins title, Strikeouts title and two Player of the Month Awards. He was a member of the Senior Men’s Fastpitch Provincial Championship team and was named Tournament MVP. Colin captured a Gold Medal at the Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship and was named Top Player (Playoff MVP) of the Championship Round.

 

 

SEAN COLE – Junior Umpire of the Year (Len King Memorial)

FRANCIS O’DRISCOLL – Umpire of the Year

GERARD O’REILLY – Minor Coach of the Year

LOYOLA POWER – Adult Coach of the Year

ROSS CROCKER – Bob Whelan Memorial Award Recipient

MADELYN TRANSUE – Minor Female Player of the Year

SHILO CHISLETT – Junior Female Player of the Year

JENNA CONNOLLY – Senior Female Player of the Year

JARED PICCO – Minor Male Player of the Year

ADRIAN GREEN – Junior Male Player of the Year

DOUG MARSHALL – Senior Male Player of the Year

 

Sean Cole is a Level 2 Umpire who enjoys interacting with the players on the field and has no objection to taking an assignment in high stress games. He has a passion for umpiring and his cool, calm and collective demeanor is a valuable asset in keeping games running smoothly. The Newfoundland Labrador Umpires Association repeatedly received positive feedback after tournaments that he attended. Sean implemented suggestions received from evaluators and continued to look for ways to improve on the diamond.

 

Francis O’Driscoll is a Level 3 Umpire and has been a familiar face in the Southern Shore Softball Association for numerous years as an organizer, coach and umpire. Over the last several years he has been more involved in the umpire program, helping with clinics and umpiring across numerous other Associations for Leagues and Tournaments. Francis stepped up and helped the umpire program in the St. John’s Intermediate Men’s Fastpitch League doing 18 games overall.

 

Gerard O’Reilly captured a Silver Medal at the U15 Male Constable William Moss Memorial Tournament and a Silver Medal at the U15 Male Mikey Ryan Memorial Fastpitch Tournament. Gerard guided his U15 team to a Gold Medal at the U15 Male Provincial Fastpitch Championship.

 

Loyola Power captured the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League Regular Season and Playoff Championships. He also captured the Senior Men’s Fastpitch Provincial Championship. Loyola represented the Province at the U23 Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship – 4th Place finish.

 

Ross Crocker enjoyed a Hall of Fame Career as an athlete and has captured numerous championships and awards at the Local and Provincial levels. He represented the Province at 10 Senior Men’s Nationals as a player. At the Junior Nationals, he served as General Manager of 6 Medal winning teams (3 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze). He was instrumental in restarting the Constable William Moss Memorial Softball Tournament. He also served on the Softball NL Board of Directors for 15-years (2008-2022). Ross served 1-Year as Adult Director (2008), served 4-Years as President (2009-2012), 6-Years as Vice-President (2013-2018) and 4-Years as Western Director (2019-2022).

 

Madelyn Transue was a member of the East Coast Women’s Fastpitch League Championship team and was named Regular Season Top Batter. She captured a Gold Medal at the U17 Female Fastpitch Provincial, a Silver Medal at the U15 Female Fastpitch Provincial and a Silver Medal at the Women’s Fastpitch Provincial. Madelyn represented the Province at the U15 Female Canadian Fastpitch Championship.

 

Shilo Chislett was a member of the Marble Zip team that finished 2nd Place in the Corner Brook Women’s Fastpitch League. At the University level, she helped her the Toronto Varsity Blues to a 1st Place Regular Season finish, led her team in Home Runs and a 1st Place finish in the Ontario Provincial Championship.

 

Jenna Connolly was a member of the Women’s Fastpitch Provincial Championship team and was named Tournament MVP, Top Pitcher and earned three Player of the Game Awards. She went 4-0, with a 0.91ERA and .600 Batting Average.

 

Jared Picco captured a Silver Medal at the U15 Male Constable William Moss Memorial Tournament and was a member of the Intermediate Men’s Fastpitch League Championship team and was named Rookie of the Year. He captured a Gold Medal at the U15 Male Fastpitch Provincial, a Silver Medal at the U20 Male Fastpitch Provincial and a 2nd Place finish at the Intermediate Men’s Fastpitch Provincial. Jared represented the Province at the U15 Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship and was named Top Batter of the Qualifying Round.

 

Adrian Green was a member of the St. John’s Day Tournament Championship team. He represented the Province at two Canadian Fastpitch Championships – U20 Men’s and U23 Men’s and was named to the All-Star Team – Catcher at the U20 event. Adrian captured two Bronze Medals with the Softball Canada U18 Men’s National Team at the 2023 WBSC Americans Pan America Championship (Sincelejo, Colombia) and 2023 WBSC U18 Men’s Softball World Cup (Hermosillo, Mexico).

 

Doug Marshall captured the Senior League Regular Season and Playoff Championships, was named Regular Season MVP, All-League Team – Infielder, RBI Leader, Player of the Month (July) and Playoff Top Batter. He was also a member of the Senior Men’s Fastpitch Provincial Championship team. Doug represented the Province at the Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship and earned a Silver Medal with Galway Hitmen.

 

 

The Galway Hitmen captured the 2024 Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The Galway Hitmen went a perfect 9-0 and outscored the opposition 77-17 (+60). The Galway Hitmen claimed the Provinces 9th Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship.

 

Brad Ezekiel (MVP)

Blair Ezekiel (All-Star Infield)

Nick Shailes (All-Star Infield)

Jordan Pomeroy (All-Star Outfield)

 

Colin Walsh (Top Player)

 

Ryan Boland, Shane Boland, Sean Cleary, Blair Ezekiel, Brad Ezekiel, Kyle Ezekiel, Jason Hill, Peter Kavanagh, Sheldon Keough, Ryan Maher, Doug Marshall, Jordan Noftall, Patrick O’Leary, Jordan Pomeroy, Nick Shailes, Liam Shea, Colin Walsh, Mark Dwyer (Head Coach), Eddy McDonald (Assistant Coach), Brian Roche (Assistant Coach), Aidan Keough (Bat Boy) And Danny Williams (Sponsor – Galway).

 

The Murno Mariners captured the 2024 U23 Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship in Kitchener, Ontario. The Munro Mariners went 6-2 and outscored the opposition 42-31 (+11). The Murno Mariners captured the Provinces 6th U21/U23 Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship.

 

Mitchel Whelan (All-Star Utility)

 

Alex Baillargeon (Top Player)

 

Alex Baillargeon, Mark Corbett, Patrick Costigan, Austin Earle, Adrian Green, Brady Hanlon, Joshua Kennedy, Matthew King, Jacob Kippenhuck, Ryder Lewis, Ryan Maher, Blake O’Keefe, Marcus Pittman, Linden Power, Mitchel Whelan, Loyola Power (Head Coach), Chris Maher (Assistant Coach), Rodney Green (Assistant Coach), Missy Power (Manager) And Murno Mariners (Sponsor).

 

 

Ryan Boland Member of the Softball Canada Men’s National Team for 12-years (2011-2022).

Captured 3 Gold Medals, 1 Silver Medal and 2 Bronze Medals.

 

Jason Hill Member of the Softball Canada Men’s National Team for 15-years (2008-2022).

Captured 4 Gold Medals, 1 Silver Medal and 3 Bronze Medals.

 

John Hill Member of the Softball Canada Men’s National Team for 8-years (2015-2022).

Captured 2 Gold Medals, 1 Silver Medal and 2 Bronze Medals.

 

Softball NL Awards Committee & Softball NL Hall Of Fame Committee

 

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NL Fastpitch Would Like To Take This Opportunity To Congratulate The 9 New Members Selected For Induction Into The Softball NL Hall Of Fame (Class 2025), The Softball NL Award Winners For The 2024 & 2023 Seasons, Galway Hitmen On Capturing Gold At The 2024 Men's Canadian Fastpitch Championship, Murno Mariners On Capturing Gold At The 2024 U23 Men's Canadian Fastpitch Championship And Ryan Boland, Jason Hill & John Hill On Their Retirements From The Softball Canada Men's National Team.

 

Congratulations To All!