Congrats to the mssa "hall of fame" inductees...
The Marion Senior Softball Association (MSSA) had the first inductees into the MSSA Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame was established in 2024, and a board of Directors was elected to review nominations for the recognition.
In 2025, 46 nominations were reviewed by the board of directors, and 9 members received the number of votes required for induction.
Congratulations to all of those elected, and for those who were not elected, they will remain eligible each year moving forward.
2025 elected Hall of Fame inductees
Don Bentley
Don has been with MSSA for many years and has always been a person who takes on any role possible to ensure softball for seniors is a success. Don not only plays locally in Marion, but travels with a tournament team across the states to compete with other athletes. Don is always making the park ready for play. He mows the grass, drags the fields, and takes on the role of director for a league night and making sure coaches are updated on delays. Don does so much behind the scenes without looking for accolades. Don is a true advocate for MSSA and the sport of softball.
Sam Grisham
Sam returned to playing in Marion when he was invited to play senior softball by Ed Slone. Sam has taken on different roles within MSSA, which include taking on a coaching position so that another team could be formed. Sam also played travel ball and competed with some of the elite levels of players from other states. Sam is always reminding players to never forget that they get to act like kids, play in the dirt, make mistakes, and not be judged. So, give thanks to God for that opportunity. Sam is always looking to bring in new faces (players) to keep the sport of softball alive and growing in Marion.
Steve Romshe
Steve is the "Godfather" for MSSA. In 1997 Steve and a few players saw the sport of softball losing its impact in Marion. Steve met with Marion Parks and Recreation and worked out a deal to be able to have the senior league at its current location. Steve's commitment continues today as he is an active player and plays at a competitive level of play. His commitment to ensure senior players have an outlet to go and be competitive with others in Marion cannot be overlooked. He is willing to step up and take on any role asked of him to this date. Steve's passion for the sport is unmatched and if not for he and a couple of other players, MSSA would be only a dream and not a reality.
Tom Shirk
Tom is another of those that took an idea and made it a reality. Along with Steve they ensured that senior players would be able to have a playing field. Tom not only continues to play today, but is a coach and sponsor for MSSA. Tom is a true asset to the MSSA organization. He plays his heart out and will give you everything he has both on and off the field. Tom will step up to help other teams who are short players just so the team has enough players.
Ed Slone
Ed has been with MSSA since the beginning. He is one of the most winning coaches in the association. Ed is not only a coach, but a player who, like many others in MSSA, will give you everything he has both on and off the field. Ed's knowledge of players and his ability to bring players into the association are unmatched. Ed is another person who does a lot behind the scenes; he, too, will ensure the field is ready for play. As a league director, he communicates with coaches and players to ensure they are updated on any changes. Ed, too, has played on the senior tournament circuit, but he always comes back to his roots with MSSA to ensure the league continues to have success.
Ralph Smith
Ralph was one of the original organizers for senior softball when it started. He, along with Steve, Tom, and a few others, met with Parks and Recreation to get the agreement to use Bigford Park so senior players could continue to compete and enjoy America's favorite pastime sport of softball. Ralph was a coach and player who got players to come to Marion to continue to build rosters of players in Marion. Ralph's commitment to MSSA was not one for attention to himself, but to ensure others had an opportunity to be active in the community.
Roger Smith
Roger has been with MSSA since the beginning as well. He has taken on multiple roles not only as a player who loves the sport, but as part of the board of directors. He handles not only the financial records, but he also keeps the concession stand stocked so players and spectators alike can grab something to snack on. He runs the grill to ensure the food is properly prepared, maintains financial records of expenditures to ensure those records are accurate. He would ensure all the awards were ordered and completed so the sponsors and teams were able to receive them in a timely fashion. Roger is always willing to step in and be a sub if needed, or take on other roles to ensure tasks are successful, and is an asset to MSSA.
Gene Smithberger
Gene, too, has been with MSSA for many years. He served as the first president of the board and held that role for over 10 years. He ensured we had enough coaches, players, and ensured the rosters were accurate as well as the schedules for the leagues. When games had to be rescheduled due to inclement weather, he made sure coaches and players were kept informed. Gene continues to play in MSSA not only as a player, but willing to sub when teams are short or have players out due to injury. His commitment to the success of MSSA is unwavering, and it is because of people like Gene that MSSA continues to grow and be successful.
Keith Thrush
Keith, too, has been with MSSA softball for many years. His commitment to MSSA is without a doubt just one more reason it continues to grow each year. He coordinates the midseason tournament as well as the end-of-season tournament. He completes the brackets and schedules for these events. He is quick to step up and coach as well as play or sub to ensure teams have equal playing fields. Keith is a true competitor and is always offering ideas to improve the MSSA play each year, by bringing in new players eligible for play, or making a suggestion to improve the quality of play while maintaining the safety of all players and spectators.
hall of fame "fame" continues...
Sam Grisham is the contact for this endeavor. Please see him for additional information and any questions. Also please note that there will be blank applications at the concession stand for players to pick up and complete.
Hall of fame application viewer
Hall of Fame Docs viewer
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