Glen Tood (left) was inducted into the ISF Hall of Fame last week, while Bob Henning was named Softball BC’s umpire-in-chief.
By Nick Greenizan – Peace Arch News
A pair of Peninsula softball stalwarts received good news this week, as Canada Cup founder Glen Todd was inducted into the International Softball Federation Hall of Fame, and veteran umpire Bob Henning was named umpire-in-chief for Softball BC.
Todd, who was also inducted into the Softball BC Hall of Fame as a builder in 2004, has been involved in softball in Surrey since 1978, first as a coach, and later as president of the South Surrey-White Rock Minor Softball Association.
He also served on Softball BC’s board from 1987 until 2001, and also helped establish the White Rock Renegades softball program, as well as the one at Simon Fraser University.
He is perhaps best known locally as the founder and driving force behind the world-renowned Canada Cup women’s fastpitch tournament, which has been held annually at Softball City since 1993.
Todd was voted into the hall of fame during the recent ISF Congress, which took place in Venezuela. The ISF Hall of Fame recognizes people who have contributed to the sport of softball on the international stage.00
“In all capacities, Glen was a real competitor and a very hard worker who has done a great deal in the development of softball in B.C., Canada and around the world,” Softball Canada president Kevin Quinn said, in a release.
“It is outstanding to see Glen honoured for his years of service to our sport.”
Also inducted alongside Todd was Ontario native Darren Zack, one of Canada’s top pitchers during the 1990s.
Henning was named Softball BC’s head umpire during the organization’s annual general meeting recently in Kelowna.
The South Surrey resident has an impressive history, and has a reputation as one of the game’s finest umpires.
He began his career with USA Little League Baseball in 1967, and he joined Softball BC in 1973. Since then, he has umpired in seven Canadian national championships, four world championships, 15 Canada Cups, two NAIA college championships and the 1994 World Masters Games.
More recently, he worked the 2009 ISF Men’s World Championships, which were held in Saskatoon last July.
As umpire-in-chief, Henning will oversee more than 1,000 umpires throughout the province.