It is with great pleasure that we share the news of Darren Zack’s upcoming October 29 induction to the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.
Information courtesy of Lorenzo Gavilan Vargas Digital Marketing Coordinator at Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame (CSHoF).
Darren’s HOF bio, from the Official Canadian Sports Hall of Fame program:
Darren Zack among 2025 Inductees to the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame
Darren Zack is a legendary Ojibwe pitcher who dominated the softball diamond in the 1990s. Growing up on the Garden River First Nation, Darren mainly played softball and hockey with his numerous uncles and cousins. Everyone on the team was part of a large extended family, and this nurturing, family-oriented style shaped how he viewed his teammates throughout his career.
Spending countless hours honing his skills with his father, John, Darren expanded his pitching arsenal into one of the finest in the world. His vast array of pitches included the overpowering rise ball, the mystifying drop ball, the elusive screwball, and the tantalizing curveball. To further disarm batters, he threw each of these pitches with variations in speed and location. These changeups left batters across the world shaking their heads in bewilderment.
In 1974, “Z-Man” began his career with the Garden River Braves at first and third base at just 14 years old. He established himself as a formidable pitcher by age 19, playing for teams across Canada and the United States. In 1991, Darren was called up to the Canadian National Team. His time wearing the maple leaf included a gold medal at the International Softball Federation (ISF) World Championships in 1992, and two silver medals in 1996 and 2004.
He also won three consecutive Pan American Games gold medals with Canada: 1991 in Havana, 1995 in Argentina, and 1999 in Winnipeg. Darren’s most storied tournament run came at the International Softball Congress (ISC) World Championships in 1995, where he did not allow a single run in ten straight games, striking out a record 150 batters. Darren and his Toronto Gators went on to win the ISC World Championship for the second time, after becoming the first Canadian team to capture the title in 1993. “Z-Man” was the go-to pitcher, adding two more ISC World Championships in 1998 and 2000. He earned the Most Outstanding Pitcher award in 1992, 1993, 1995, and 2000.
Darren was recognized with a National Aboriginal Achievement Award in 1997 and the Tom Longboat Award in 2000 for his outstanding contributions to sport in Canada. In 2009, he was inducted into the Softball Canada Hall of Fame, and in 2010, he entered both the ISF and ISC Halls of Fame.
Throughout his career and into retirement, Darren has remained a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights and youth engagement in sports. A lifelong resident of the Garden River First Nation, he continues to be actively involved in his community, focusing on youth mentorship, promoting healthy lifestyles, and encouraging participation in sports. His work with organizations dedicated to Indigenous youth has been pivotal in creating opportunities and fostering a sense of pride and identity among young athletes.
There are two livestream opportunities that people can sign register for:
The 69th Annual Order of Sport Awards Presentation and Acceptance Speeches, and an engaging fireside chat featuring Conversations with Scott Russell and the Class of 2025, presented by Canadian Tire.
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