The most successful national teams in Bahamian softball history will have their accomplishments recognised when the local governing body in the sport hosts its year end competition.
The stories of the men’s and ladies’ national teams of the early 80s have been heralded by Bahamas Softball Federation president Burket Dorsett as the “greatest softball accomplishment made by the Bahamas on the international stage” and the teams will be honoured at this year’s National Round Robin Championships.
The teams will be celebrated during the opening ceremonies of the National Round Robin Championships, set for 7pm Friday, November 1 at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
“The Bahamas has the distinction of our two senior national teams ranked third in the world in the 1980s. As the saying goes it’s never too late to say thanks and pay tribute. These softball ambassadors have excelled in those tournaments and brought a sense of pride and joy to the Bahamas,” Dorsett said. “This occasion will allow our ‘new’ softball enthusiasts and the general public the opportunity to see and pay recognition to those who have put the Bahamas on the world stage in softball.”
At the 1980 International Softball Federation Men’s World Championships in Tacoma, Washington, the Bahamas finished for the bronze medal behind international powerhouses the United States and Canada.
Starting in 1966, the event has been held every four years featuring the best men’s teams in the world.
The Bahamas remains the only Caribbean country to medal at the event and just one of eight countries to ever do so alongside New Zealand (11), Canada (10), United States (9), Australia (three), Mexico (two), Japan (two) and Venezuela (one).
The team was managed by the Late Leon “Apache” Knowles and coached by Bobby “Baylor” Fernander and Godfrey “Gully” Pinder.
Just a year later, the women’s national team duplicated the feat when they finished third at the World Games in Santa Clara, California.
Softball had just a brief appearance at the World Games from 1981-85, but the Bahamas made its mark in that inaugural edition to finish third, following a 2-1 loss to Australia in the seventh inning.
The team at that time was managed by Bobby “Baylor” Fernander and coached by Godfrey “Gully” Burnside and Alfred “Ali” Culmer.
Charlie “Weblo Papi” was the pitching coach.
“It was definitely a golden era for softball in the Bahamas, a time when we were an international force to be reckoned with. To have two teams ranked simultaneously in the top three in the world is an achievement that should always be celebrated and should give the current generation of softball players a goal to work toward.
“We hope that seeing and interacting with these team members that have reached such great heights will act as a catalyst for the current members of our programme, because everyone involved in softball that loves softball wants us to regain that status,” he said. “It is fitting that this would take place at the round robin, which is our largest stage and we expect it to be our biggest national tournament to date as we continue to celebrate 40 years of Independence in the country.”
Ladies’ Team
Manager Bobby “Baylor” Fernander
Coaches Godfrey “Gully” Pinder
Alfred “Ali” Culmer
Charlie “Weblo Papi” Mortimer
Players
Daisy Walker
Linda Ford
Naomi Ellis
Debbie Forbes
Candace Degregory
Denise Reckley
Oria Wood
Cyprinana NcKinney
Cynthia “Mother Pratt” Moxey
Audrey Sears
Kay Moxey
Jan Poitier
Nancy Russell
Sherlyn Bain
Ernestine Butler
Cheryl Turnquest
Carolyn Ferguson
Men’s Team
Manager Leon “Apache” Knowles
Coaches Bobby “Baylor” Fernander
Godfrey “Gully” Pinder
Players
Max Sweeting
Sonny Haven
Douglas Smith
Jimmy Lee
Colin Russell
Richard Johnson
Anthony Huyler
Roy Rodgers
Adli Moss
Keith Butler
Fred “Papa” Smith
Roosevelt “Dog” Turner
John Rolle
Jason “Pegs” Moxey
Dencil Clarke
Panzy “Cat” Johnson
Eddie McSweeney
Reggie “Juicer” Knowles