Lee Isenhart Passes
Lee Isenhart long time ISC commissioner passed away tonight (Thursday Oct
13th ) at 8:50, There will be a service this coming Sunday afternoon in
Midland, Michigan.
Viewing is Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 5-7 pm and the service at 7pm.
Ware-Smith Funeral Home
1200 West Wheeler St
Midland, Michigan
989-631-2292
http://www.waresmithwoolever.com/
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Isenhart leaves legacy of passion for fastpitch softball
By Dan Chalk, Midland Daily News
Known as an enthusiastic man who knew how to make things happen, Lee Isenhart had a passion for the game of fastpitch softball in Midland and beyond.
Isenhart, who died Thursday at age 79 after a long illness, was one of the founders of the Midland Explorers’ men’s fastpitch softball program and for the past 20 years was the Michigan commissioner of the International Softball Congress, the governing body of fastpitch.
“He’s pretty synonymous with the Explorers,” said Kyle Beane, who has played for the team since 1996, which was the year he first met Isenhart. “If it wasn’t for him, it certainly wouldn’t be the team that it is today, carrying on after almost 25 years. … There wouldn’t be an Explorers without Lee.”
Isenhart, along with Lefty Bartos and others, helped to found the Explorers — a team that competes at the highest level of fastpitch — in 1986. For many years Isenhart was also the president of the Explorers’ Booster Club, which raises funds for the team and which also oversees the Lady Explorers, a girls’ travel softball program.
Isenhart, a former fastpitch player himself, was also part of the committee that brought the ISC World Tournament to Midland in 2010 for the first time. The tournament is also scheduled to be held in Midland again next year.
“He was certainly the driving force in getting the tournament here last year,” said Jack Starling, a longtime former fastpitch player who was also involved with the Explorers.
Beane said Isenhart was involved with every aspect of the team.
“There was a number of years when Lee traveled to every tournament,” Beane said. “Whether it was organizing umpires, getting the game balls, helping shut down the park at night, Lee did it all. And we’re going to miss him immensely. … He was as much a part of the team as any of the players.”
One of Isenhart’s sons, Eric, was a standout player for the Explorers for several years in the 1980s and ’90s.
Nels Cronkright, a former fastpitch player and longtime softball and baseball supporter in Midland, said Isenhart was an ambassador for the game of fastpitch and was content to work in the background.
“He was a terrific guy that didn’t want any accolades,” Cronkright said. “He was happy to just stay in the background and get things done.”
So Sorry to hear about your dad sending you a hug you and your family are in my thoughts
Thanks Deanna
Eric,
I had the pleasure of finally meeting your dad two years ago at the Frankenmuth tournament. I had heard his name for many years as a major leader in the fastpitch community. We had a thoroughly enjoyable conversation (one of the topics was you!) and I have not forgotten it.
I know you will miss him as will the worldwide fastpitch community, particularly in the Midwest US.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rich
Thanks Rich, been a rough Xmas. He’s in a better place now. thanks again.
Cherie and I Just heard about Ike. Our sympathies and prayers to you Mary Jane and Eric and Robby. We have very good memories of Midland and they would not have been possible without the efforts of Ike. Just about every memory I have about Ike he was busily handling things behind the scenes,making sure everything was taken care of,and enjoying it all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Terry and Cherie
I’m just seeing 2 other post, Thanks Terry for the kind comment.