Mike Shenk Jeff Hague Mary Crechiolo Papiersky 34 <strong>USSSA</strong> TODAY talking about sports and reminiscing about the good old days, but it was never about his ac<strong>com</strong>plishments. He was very humble when it came to talking about his athletic abilities.” Tammy adds, “Charles not only impacted his generation, but many generations to <strong>com</strong>e. At his funeral, I had fathers that played ball with Charles introduce me to their sons who had also played with him. They talked about how he was a man of integrity, <strong>com</strong>passion and with such a selfless heart. His legacy will live on for years in the hearts and lives of many generations of ball players.” Mike Shenk Mike Shenk is a 2-time <strong>USSSA</strong> Major World Series Champion, a 4-time All-World Series Selection, the 1998 World Series MVP and now, a <strong>USSSA</strong> Hall of Fame member. A third basemen who has been affiliated with the association since 1990, Mike remembers the World Series of 1998 like it was yesterday. “I was playing for TPS and we were told on Saturday that we were part of the leaders bracket playing Sunday morning,” he reminisces, “We headed out to a 7am batting practice for an 8am game and after playing five games in a row, we didn’t step off of that field until 9 at night. We came back and became the 1998 World Series Champions, winning the final game on a walk off walk. I’ll never forget it.” With an impressive career behind him, Mike has made his mark on <strong>USSSA</strong> history. Bob Holland, <strong>USSSA</strong>’s Atlantic Coast Vice President for 30 years running, re-iterates Mike’s ac<strong>com</strong>plishments and athletic talents, “Mike Shenk was the best slow pitch player to <strong>com</strong>e out of Pennsylvania.” Bob adds, “I had the pleasure to watch him grow as a young raw talent, to one of the best that slow pitch has seen in his era.” When asked what it means to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, Mike said “This means everything to me. I was fortunate enough to play for some of the best teams to ever play. Throughout my career, the goal was to be there and give 110% to my team. That’s why it’s hard to go into the Hall of Fame, because without my team this wouldn’t be possible.” His advice to young and aspiring baseball and softball players, “You can never take enough batting practice and always be prepared and there for your teammates.” Jeff Hague Jeff began playing softball in 1976 and three years later, was running his own team; Hague Softball. By 1993, he and his team were playing at the AA level, which at the time was the highest amateur level in <strong>USSSA</strong>. Jeff’s team won 6 <strong>USSSA</strong> Championships from 1991 to 2003, two of which were <strong>USSSA</strong> Major World Series Championships, in 1995 and 2003. They were the first and only non-major team to ever win a major world series. Over the past 20 years, there have been more than 25 major championships won by teams sponsored and/or based out of the Central Ohio area. Jeff adds, “It means a lot to be the first person from Columbus, Ohio to be inducted into the <strong>USSSA</strong> Hall of Fame.” Currently, Jeff owns and operates a water treatment business (Hague Water Conditioning), in Groveport, Ohio. Mary Crechiolo Papiersky Mary was part of Women’s Class A Softball from 1976 to 1989. She was a part of 3 world championship teams; the Stingers in 1980 and Little Caesars in 1983 and 1984. Mary remembers winning each world championship; they were exciting and memorable ac<strong>com</strong>plishments for a number of reasons. The 1980 championship was a dream <strong>com</strong>e true and in 1983, she remembers her team <strong>com</strong>ing back to win 6 games in a row on the last day of play, to win the tournament. In 1984, she played in Southgate, Michigan in front of her family and friends; this was so important to her and a day that she will never forget. In 1991, Mary was inducted into the Michigan <strong>USSSA</strong> Hall of Fame and she was also part of the 1980’s Team of the Decade. “I would like to thank my family, friends, teammates and coaches for all of their support, friendships and life-long memories,” Mary said. She also adds, “Thank you to Don DeDonatis and <strong>USSSA</strong> for giving so many of us an opportunity to play the great game of softball at such a <strong>com</strong>petitive level.” Long time fellow teammate and friend, Kim Schwartz- Alexander, will be speaking on behalf of Mary at the induction ceremony. Rick Brockwell Rick has been an integral part of <strong>USSSA</strong> for many years. In 1994, he received the Virginia <strong>USSSA</strong> Director Achievement
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