If you’re discussing the greatest hitters in the game, or greatest players to come out of California, one name is likely to come up: Alan Rohrback.
The fastpitch softball community mourns the recent passing of Alan Rohrback, a Lakeside, California native who left an indelible mark on the sport. From the San Diego area, Alan represented the best of California fastpitch softball throughout an illustrious career that spanned more than a decade at the highest levels of competition. Alan was inducted to the ISC (International Softball Congress) Hall of Fame in 2010.
Alan’s rise to prominence was meteoric. In 1981, he was named “Rookie of the Year” in the Western Softball Congress while playing for the San Diego Vista Bombers. His exceptional talent quickly caught the attention of elite programs, and that same year, he was added to the Camarillo Kings roster for his debut ISC World Tournament in Saginaw, Michigan. In a storybook beginning, the Kings won that memorable tournament, and Alan was selected to the ISC First Team All-World—an extraordinary achievement for a rookie playing alongside teammates Larry Nolan (ISC HoF 2002) and Floyd “Blue” LaVergne (ISC HoF 2008).
The 1983 season marked another pinnacle in Alan’s career when he joined the Lancaster Chameleons. He dominated Western Softball Congress pitching that year, winning the batting championship with a remarkable .411 average and earning MVP honors. The Chameleons captured the ISC tournament title, cementing Alan’s reputation as one of the game’s premier hitters. The following year, the Chameleons finished third, and Alan earned his second ISC All-World team selection.
Two years later, with the newly formed Lakewood Chameleons, Alan added a third ISC All-World selection to his growing list of achievements. His consistency and ability to perform on the biggest stages defined his career.
Alan continued to compete with various elite teams throughout California, culminating in an ASA championship ring in 1991 with the Santa Rosa Guannella Brothers. Throughout his career, he was known not just for his prodigious hitting ability, but for his professionalism and the respect he earned from teammates and opponents alike.
As one former teammate and opposing pitcher noted, facing Alan in the batter’s box was always a formidable challenge. Whether wearing the uniform of the Kings, Chameleons, or any other team fortunate enough to have his bat in the heart of the order, Alan elevated those around him and helped his teams achieve greatness.
Alan Rohrback’s legacy extends beyond statistics and championships. He represented the golden era of California fastpitch softball and inspired countless players who followed in his footsteps. The softball community has lost one of its true legends, but his contributions to the game and his three ISC All-World selections ensure that his name will forever be remembered among the greatest to ever play.
Rest in peace, Alan. Your impact on fastpitch softball will not be forgotten.
A San Diego memorial service for Alan is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2025.
.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.