Friday, March 13, 2015

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#WITH the English Caribbean Amateur Softball Confederation (ECASC) Men’s Championship on the horizon, the Bahamas Softball Federation (BSF) is also using the opportunity to recognise Hall of Fame honourees at several levels.

#Two members of the BSF, Oria Wood-Knowles and Rommel Knowles, will be inducted into the International Softball Federation’s (ISF) Hall-of-Fame as a player and an administrator respectively.

#In conjunction with ISF Hall of Fame inductions the BSF will honour its players, administrators, coaches and sponsors in its class of 2015 Hall of Fame inductees.

#BSF President Burket Dorsett calls it an impressive class worthy of the honours they are about to receive in two weeks. “It is group of iconic softball names that have come from every aspect of Bahamian society and have contributed to the game in a number of ways. A testament to their dedication is that many of them still contribute to the growth of the game, locally, regionally and internationally,” Dorsett said. “As the local governing body its important to show and give recognition to our local athletes and contributors and simultaneously show the range Bahamian softball has had with our international honourees.”

#Both ceremonies will be held in the Ballroom of Government House on Wednesday March 25 at 6pm.

#The BSF Hall of Fame inductees are:

#Male players: Anthony ‘Bubba’ Douglas, Byron ‘BJ’ Johnson, Courtney Chandler, Garth Rolle, Gladstone Sands, Hastings ‘the Hurler’ Campbell, Hawitte Ingraham, John Sands, Leroy Thompson, Mark Gates, Michael Laing.

#Female players: Carolyn Ferguson, Ernestin Butler, Hycinth Farrington, Leona Roache, Nerissa Seymour, Vernie Curry.

#Coaches: Paul Demeritte, Richard Morley, Spurgeon Johnson.

#Sponsors: Bahamas Wholesale Agency (BWA), Five Wheels of Grand Bahama.

#Administrator/sponsor: Cornelius ‘Money’ Williams, Darrell Weir, Hansel Collie, James Smith, Johnnie Butler, Keva Turnquest (posthumously), Lauri C Newton, Paula Johnson, Penal B Wilson.

#ISF President Dale McMann will make the presentations.

#The BSF host their first ECASC men’s championship in Nassau from March 25 to 29. In 2013 the Bahamas hosted the ECASC women’s championship in Freeport, Grand Bahama, when Aruba emerged as winners.

#Six countries from the region have confirmed their participation along with the hosts: Aruba, Belize, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

#The championship will take the format of a round-robin, with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs.

#“It is anticipated that over 400 fans and players from around the English Caribbean Confederation will travel to the first ever men’s championship, providing yet another benefit to the country’s sports tourism product,” Dorsett said. “The ECASC is pleased to enjoy the support of the government of the Bahamas through the ministries of Tourism and Sports for this tournament and appeal to the business community for their support in making this event a success. This effort is being co-ordinated by Paul Fernander, the tournament’s special project offier and public relations director.”

#The tournament is one of three major events scheduled for the week of March 21-29.

#“During this tournament, the fourth General Assembly of ECASC will also be held in Nassau and it is anticipated that the presidents of the International Softball Federation, Softball Canada, the World Baseball/Softball Federation, the Confederation of Pan American Softball Associations, and the Confederation of Central American and Caribbean Associations of Softball will be in attendance. With the visit of the president of Softball Canada, we will link a pact to have that organisation provide the expertise to conduct programmes in the region in the areas of pitching, coaching, officiating, development and administration for the members bodies of ECASC during the 2015 year. The assembly will be held prior to the start of the tournament, March 25, and play will commence that evening until March 29.” Dorsett said.

#Stephen Coakley, president of the New Providence Softball Association, will serve as the tournament director, Endy Croes, of Aruba, will serve as the technical director, Patrick Henry, of Belize, as the disciplinary director, and Hellio Hillburg, of Curacao, as the chief umpire.

#Other member bodies of the ECASC include the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica and Curacao while applications are pending from Bermuda, St Marten and Bonaire.

As of Friday, February 1, 2013

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#FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, Bahamas: Aruba carted off the title in the 1st English Caribbean Amateur Softball Confederation’s Women’s Championship and Qualifier for the World Games in Cali, Colombia in July with a 13-5 victory over The Bahamas.

#Aruba followed up an extra inning victory, 12-4, and a 1-run victory, 8-7 over the Bahamas with a 13-5 victory in the championship game to finished the tournament with a 7-0 record. The Bahamas finished overall 5-3 followed by the Turks & Caicos Islands at 1-6, and Jamaica at 1-5.

#Other eligible affiliates of ECASC that did not participate in the event were the Cayman Islands, Belize, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands.

#Don Porter, President of the International Softball Federation was on hand for the opening of the championships and the II General Assembly, where he encouraged the new confederation to continue to organise and develop the game in the English Caribbean as he thanked the members of ECASC for a job well done and also with the preparations to hold the championship in the Bahamas.

#“Baseball/Softball has entered a pact to promote their return to Olympic competition both and are looking forward to an early return”, said Porter, who also spoke about the ISF’s effort to return men’s softball to the Pan American Games and the Commonwealth Games, and a planned umpiring clinic

#Also in attendance for the Assembly and competition was J. H. EndY Croes, vice president of CONPASA), the Confederation of the Pan American Softball Associations, (Caribbean Region), vice president of ECASC, and President of the Aruba Softball Federation.

#President for the ECASC, and the Bahamas Softball Federation, Burkett Dorsette, noted in his report that the Training/Development Camp planned by Softball Canada for coaches and pitchers will be rescheduled as this date was not conducive to the trainers, something Porter noted requires timely notice as clinicians would need enough advance time to be ready, especially for those who have jobs.

#“We were able to host this event with the support of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the Bahamas 
Telecommunications Co, the Grand Bahama Port Authority, and Sigma Management Co, and we thank them immensely for their support.

#Outstanding performances in the championships were awarded to co-MVPs, Shavelle Taylor – .692 ba, 9 hits and All-Tournament Utility Player, Bahamas; and Riangella Flanegin – Aruba, 4 Home Runs, 13 rbis and All-Tournament Shortstop.

#The Outstanding Pitcher was Sulivienda Hooi with a 2-0 record and a 0.00 era; and Outstanding Batter was Shavelle Taylor. Linda Brown of Aruba led in strikeouts with nine.

#The ECASC is looking forward to it new competiton, a juniors event, to be announced soon by the Directors.

#Photos in website dailyARUBA’S Gold Medal Team that captured the 1st English Caribbean Amateur Softball Confederation’s Women’s Championship played in Freeport, Bahamas. The eam will represent the Caribbean region in the upcoming World Games in Cali, Colombia in July.THE Bahamas Team during the Opening CeremonyFIRST Pitch. On hand for the Opening Ceremony of the ECASC 1st Women’s Championships and the throwing of the first pitch were, from left to right: Churchill Tener-Knowles, ISF Hall of Famer and past president of the Bahamas Softball Federation; Godfrey Been, vice president, ECASC and president the Turks & Caicos Islands Softball Association; J. H. Endy Croes, president of the Aruba Softball Federation and vice president of ECASC and CONPASA; Don Porter, ISF president; Government Senator, the Honourable Taneisha Tynes; Burkett Dorsette, president of ECASC and the Bahamas Softball Federation; Government Senator, the Hon Julian Russell; Mrs. Geneva Rutherford, Community Relations, Grand Bahama Port Authority; Mrs. Shelly rolle, Bahamas Telecommunications Co., and Gregory Christie, ISF Hall of Famer, past president the Bahamas Softball Federation, and vice president, ECASC. Photo by Eugene Thompson.BRASHANTE Darius, the young catcher for The Bahamas is called out at third base during the championship game.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#TO highlight “Softball Week” in the Bahamas, the local governing body of the sport will host the English Caribbean Amateur Softball Confederation (ECASC) Men’s Championship in the capital.

#The Bahamas Softball Federation will again host a championship for the ECASC with the first men’s championship to be played in Nassau, March 25-29, 2015. 

#In 2013 the Bahamas hosted the ECASC Women’s Championship in Freeport, Grand Bahama. Aruba emerged as the winners in the tournament.

#Six countries from the region have confirmed their participation in the ECASC Men’s Championship along with the hosts, including Aruba, Belize, The British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

#The championship will take the format of a round robin, using the page system where the top four teams will advance to the playoffs.

#BSF president Burket Dorsett also serves as the president of ECASC.

#“It is anticipated that over four hundred fans and players from around the English Caribbean Confederation will travel to the first ever men’s championship, providing yet another benefit to the country’s sports tourism product,” he said.

#“The ECASC is pleased to enjoy the support of the Government of the Bahamas through the ministries of tourism and sports for this tournament and appeal to the business community for their support in making this event a success. This effort is being coordinated by Paul Fernander, the tournament’s special project officer and public relations director.”

#The tournament is one of three major events scheduled for the week, which will be celebrated March 21-29.

#“During this tournament, the fourth general assembly of ECASC will also be held in Nassau and it is anticipated that the presidents of the International Softball Federation, Softball Canada, the World Baseball/Softball Federation, the Confederation of Pan American Softball Associations, and the Confederation of Central American and Caribbean Associations of Softball will be in attendance. “With the visit of the president of Softball Canada, we will link a pact to have that organisation provide the expertise to conduct programmes in the region in the areas of pitching, coaching, officiating, development and administration for the member bodies of ECASC during the 2015 year.

#“The assembly will be held prior to the start of the tournament, March 25, and play will commence that evening until March 29.” Dorsett said.

#“The BSF is also pleased to announce that during a reception to be held under the patronage of the Governor General, Dame Marguerite Pindling and planned for Government House, Wednesday, March 25 to welcome out guests, the induction ceremony for the 2015 inductees to the BSF Hall of Fame will take place. The name of these inductees will be made public at a later date.”

#Stephen Coakley, president of the New Providence Softball Association, will serve as the tournament director, Endy Croes of Aruba will serve as the technical director, Patrick Henry of Belize as the disciplinary director, and Hellio Hillburg of Curacao as the chief umpire.

#Member bodies of the ECASC include Aruba, the Bahamas, Belize, British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Curacao, Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

f Friday, March 13, 2015

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#WITH the English Caribbean Amateur Softball Confederation (ECASC) Men’s Championship on the horizon, the Bahamas Softball Federation (BSF) is also using the opportunity to recognise Hall of Fame honourees at several levels.

#Two members of the BSF, Oria Wood-Knowles and Rommel Knowles, will be inducted into the International Softball Federation’s (ISF) Hall-of-Fame as a player and an administrator respectively.

#In conjunction with ISF Hall of Fame inductions the BSF will honour its players, administrators, coaches and sponsors in its class of 2015 Hall of Fame inductees.

#BSF President Burket Dorsett calls it an impressive class worthy of the honours they are about to receive in two weeks. “It is group of iconic softball names that have come from every aspect of Bahamian society and have contributed to the game in a number of ways. A testament to their dedication is that many of them still contribute to the growth of the game, locally, regionally and internationally,” Dorsett said. “As the local governing body its important to show and give recognition to our local athletes and contributors and simultaneously show the range Bahamian softball has had with our international honourees.”

#Both ceremonies will be held in the Ballroom of Government House on Wednesday March 25 at 6pm.

#The BSF Hall of Fame inductees are:

#Male players: Anthony ‘Bubba’ Douglas, Byron ‘BJ’ Johnson, Courtney Chandler, Garth Rolle, Gladstone Sands, Hastings ‘the Hurler’ Campbell, Hawitte Ingraham, John Sands, Leroy Thompson, Mark Gates, Michael Laing.

#Female players: Carolyn Ferguson, Ernestin Butler, Hycinth Farrington, Leona Roache, Nerissa Seymour, Vernie Curry.

#Coaches: Paul Demeritte, Richard Morley, Spurgeon Johnson.

#Sponsors: Bahamas Wholesale Agency (BWA), Five Wheels of Grand Bahama.

#Administrator/sponsor: Cornelius ‘Money’ Williams, Darrell Weir, Hansel Collie, James Smith, Johnnie Butler, Keva Turnquest (posthumously), Lauri C Newton, Paula Johnson, Penal B Wilson.

#ISF President Dale McMann will make the presentations.

#The BSF host their first ECASC men’s championship in Nassau from March 25 to 29. In 2013 the Bahamas hosted the ECASC women’s championship in Freeport, Grand Bahama, when Aruba emerged as winners.

#Six countries from the region have confirmed their participation along with the hosts: Aruba, Belize, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

#The championship will take the format of a round-robin, with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs.

#“It is anticipated that over 400 fans and players from around the English Caribbean Confederation will travel to the first ever men’s championship, providing yet another benefit to the country’s sports tourism product,” Dorsett said. “The ECASC is pleased to enjoy the support of the government of the Bahamas through the ministries of Tourism and Sports for this tournament and appeal to the business community for their support in making this event a success. This effort is being co-ordinated by Paul Fernander, the tournament’s special project offier and public relations director.”

#The tournament is one of three major events scheduled for the week of March 21-29.

#“During this tournament, the fourth General Assembly of ECASC will also be held in Nassau and it is anticipated that the presidents of the International Softball Federation, Softball Canada, the World Baseball/Softball Federation, the Confederation of Pan American Softball Associations, and the Confederation of Central American and Caribbean Associations of Softball will be in attendance. With the visit of the president of Softball Canada, we will link a pact to have that organisation provide the expertise to conduct programmes in the region in the areas of pitching, coaching, officiating, development and administration for the members bodies of ECASC during the 2015 year. The assembly will be held prior to the start of the tournament, March 25, and play will commence that evening until March 29.” Dorsett said.

#Stephen Coakley, president of the New Providence Softball Association, will serve as the tournament director, Endy Croes, of Aruba, will serve as the technical director, Patrick Henry, of Belize, as the disciplinary director, and Hellio Hillburg, of Curacao, as the chief umpire.

#Other member bodies of the ECASC include the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica and Curacao while applications are pending from Bermuda, St Marten and Bonaire.

HALL OF FAME: Shown (l-r) are Oria Wood-Knowles, Dale McMann, president of the ISF and vice president of the World Baseball/Softball Confederation and Bahamas Olympic Committee president Wellington Miller. Photos by Kevin Major

Thursday, March 26, 2015

FITTING HONOUR: Shown (l-r) are Rommel Knowles, Dale McMann and Wellington Miller.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AN emotional Oria Wood-Knowles, who holds the distinction of being the first Bahamian female manager, and an overjoyed Rommel ‘Fish’ Knowles, who had a tremendous transformation from the playing field to the administration office, became the 15th and 16th Bahamians inducted into the International Softball Federation’s Hall of Fame.

#The duo were enshrined last night at Government House by Dale McMann, the president of the ISF and vice president of the World Baseball/Softball Confederation, just before Bahamas Softball Federation president Burkett Dorsett and Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling inducted the Class of 2015 into the BSF’s Hall of Fame.

#Dorsett, who also serves as president of the English Caribbean Amateur Confederation (ECASC), which is hosting an international men’s softball tournament that starts today at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, said it’s a proud moment for the Bahamas as the latest honourees help to push the country in the top five in the entire world with its distinction of honourees.

#“Tonight, a grateful nation, along with the International Softball Federation, pauses to acknowledge two of the most decorated softball icons who have successfully and with pride, carried the Bahamas around the world, from Nassau to China, USA, Cuba, Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, El Salvador, Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico, among other countries over the past 30 years,” Dorsett said.

#Bahamas Olympic Committee president Wellington Miller said the BSF has done well over the years in gaining international recognition in softball for its athletes and a lot of that recognition had its roots in Eleuthera, known as the “mother island” of softball in the Bahamas.

#“Tonight is another night that we who are involved in sports in the Bahamas on the whole can be proud of Bahmians accomplishments in sports internationally,” Miller said. “Tonight, we have two persons who have received such worthy international recognition to be placed in the International Softball Federation Hall of Fame.”

#Also present for the event was Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson, who hailed the two honourees as exemplified leaders in the sport and sports in general as they have made and continue to make their contribution to the development of sports in the Ministry of Sports (Wood-Knowles, a senior sports officer) and in the BOC (Knowles as the secretary general).

#Reliving the contributions of both Wood-Knowles and Knowles, McMann said they have both made some valuable contributions to the sport, but have touched the lives of others as they positively impacted the sport of softball in the Bahamas on the local and international scene.

#“Oria Wood-Knowles’ résumé speaks for itself. A 34-year career during which she represented the Bahamas in four World Championships and two World Games,” he said. “She was the first head coach of the Bahamas Softball Federation’s women’s national team and developed and operated many youth tournaments later in her career.”

#As for Knowles, McMann said he has known him personally for many years.

#“As an accomplished player and coach, Rommel was at his best as an administrator in our sport. He is a founder of the ECASC, a former board member pf the ISF, the youngest president of the Bahamas Softball Federation and the secretary general of the Bahamas Olympic Committee,” he said.

#“Hard-working, dedicated and passionate about growing and developing our great game, Rommell is a welcome addition to our Hall of Fame.”

#McMann said it’s the personal accomplishment of both Wood-Knowles and Knowles that has made them more than qualified for the ISF Hall of Fame before he presented them with their plaque and rings to signify their achievement, joining the list of Bahamians that include the late Leon ‘Apache’ Knowles, Minister Neko Grant, Sidney ‘Baylor’ Fernander, Candice Culmer-Clarke, Austin ‘King Snake’ Knowles, the late Arthur ‘Old Art’ Thompson, Master of Ceremonies Churchill Tener-Knowles, Douglas ‘Douggie’ Smith, Richard ‘the Lion-Heart Johnson, Naomi Ellis, Alfred ‘Ail’ Culmer, Linda Ford, Greg Christie and Godfrey ‘Gully’ Pinder.

#Both Wood-Knowles and Knowles played on the infield.

#An emotional Wood-Knowles

#After receiving her accolade, Wood-Knowles said it was a nice, short ceremony, but it was one that she had mixed reactions.

#“I wished this had been done a little while back because right now I’m missing my two men,” said Wood-Knowles, who lost both her father, iconic baseball administrator Jim Wood and her husband ‘Colin’ Troppy’ Knowles, both in the span of two months last year.

#“It’s really hard. I actually had this ring sized for my Troppy, but he’s not here, so I guess I have to get it sized back down. It’s a really great honour. I really appreciate it and to see all these persons who came out to share in the honour. I just thank God for my time right here.”

#Wood-Knowles, who began playing Little League baseball with her brothers, was probably one of the most versatile female sporting personalities in the Bahamas. She has participated in just about every sport and excelled on a national team in every one. However, this is her first major international induction and she said she will certainly enjoy it.

#An overjoyed Knowles

#When asked how he felt, Knowles said he doesn’t know yet, but during his acceptance speech, he said he felt he should have been inducted as a player and not an administrator because he thinks he may have done more on the field rather than later in his career when he went into the front office.

#“It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” he said. “But anything you have an opportunity to represent your country, when I travelled, it was always Rommell Knowles, Bahamas Softball Federation,” he said. “I did my best to represent my country and by extension, I am very happy and pleased to be inducted.”

#It was even more special for Knowles to go in with Wood-Knowles, whom he said he appointed as the manager of the women’s national team.

#BSF Inductees

#It was a list of “Who’s Who” when it came down to the BSF’s induction of players, administrators and sponsors.

#The Class of 2015 includes Anthony ‘Bubba’ Douglas, Byron ‘BJ’ Johnson, Carolyn Ferguson, Cherry Elliott, Cornelius ‘Money’ Williams, Courtney Chandler, Darrell Weir, Ernestine Butler, Garth Rolle, Gladstone Sands, Hansel Collie, Hasting ‘the Hurler’ Campbell, Hawette Ingraham, Hyacinth Farrington, James Smith, John Sands, Keva Turnquest (posthumously), Larie Newton, Leona Roache, Leroy Thompson, Mark Gates, Michael Laing, Nerissa Seymour, Paul Demeritte, Paula Johnson, Penal Wilson, Richard Morley, Spurgeon Johnson and Vernie Curry as players and administrators.

#The sponsors were Bahamas Wholesale Agency, Bahamas Telecommunications Company Limited and Five Wheels of Grand Bahama.

#For Farrington, it’s only her second trip to Government House and this one will be the most memorable.

#“Besides being blessed, it’s truly an honour to be a part of the BSF inductees. It’s been a long time, but good things come to those that wait,” Farrington said. “I’m always one who is adamant about giving people their flowers while they are alive and so I’m truly thankful and honoured to be a part of this great group of ball players.”

#Coming all the way from Exuma was Garth Rolle, who is still young compared to some of the honourees. “I feel nice about it because they are doing it while I’m alive and it’s a pleasant thing for them to do,” the pitcher said. “This is an outstanding class. Looking at the older folks who are in this class, I’m very honoured to be included with them.”

#And Butler, a former player and administrator from Eleuthera, said he was surprised that he was chosen. “Despite the fact that I put in a lot of years into softball, first as a ball player and then in administration, I really appreciate it,” he said. “The class of 2015, there are some outstanding individuals who are not only softball players but administrators, so I’m proud to be included.”

The ceremony at Government House.

Monday, April 8, 2019

Godfrey Burnside

Burket Dorsett

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#Two Bahamian softball icons were added to the list of World Baseball Softball Confederation – Softball Hall of Fame inductees and were also among a group of 21 inducted into the local Bahamas Softball Federation Hall of Fame.

#Burket Dorsett (administrator) and Godfrey Burnside (coach) headlined the list of honourees inducted at an official ceremony on Friday, April 5, at Government House.

#The pair were elected along with 12 others from around the world at the 2017 edition of the WBSC Congress, hosted last October in Botswana, Africa.

#Their selection brings the total number of Bahamian inductees in the organisation to 18.

#Tommy Velazquez, WBSC Softball Division Chairman, congratulated the honouress and Bahamian softball for the achievement.

#“I’m extremely delighted to join softball in The Bahamas on this historic day. Two of the most decorated personalities are joining the most important group in softball history: the Hall of Fame. Congratulations to them and the entire softball Bahamas community,” he said.

#Dorsett has been an administrator for over three decades and currently serves as president of the English Caribbean Amateur Softball Confederation. His list of accolades includes president of the Bahamas Government Departmental Softball Association, New Providence Softball Association, and the Bahamas Softball Federation.

#Burnside, the immediate past president of the New Providence Softball Association, has served as an BSF executive and is a long time manager/coach of various men’s national softball teams at several levels

#He was a member of the coaching staff of The Bahamas’ historic appearance at the 1981 World Games when the women finished with a bronze medal.

#As of the most recent elections, there are now 226 members in the World Softball Hall of Fame, representing 35 countries. The Softball Hall of Fame was established in 1981 and inducts new members every two years.

#In 1987, Leon Knowles was the first Bahamian elected to the Hall of Fame. He was followed by Churchill Knowles Tener in 1991, Neko Grant in 1997 and Arthur Thompson in 2001. The Bahamas saw multiple inductees for the first time in 2003 with Douggy Smith, Sidney Fernander and Greg Christie. Candice GeGregory Culmer, Richard Johnson, Austin Knowles and Godfrey Pinder were elected in 2007 followed by Naomi Ellis in 2009. Ali Culmer and Linda Ford were elected in 2011 followed by Rommel Knowles and Oria Wood-Knowles in 2013.

#Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland the WBSC is the world governing body for baseball and softball. WBSC has 208 National Federation and Associate Members in 135 countries and territories across Asia, Africa, Americas, Europe and Oceania, which represent a united baseball/softball sports movement that encompasses over 65 million athletes and attracts approximately 150 million fans to stadiums worldwide annually.

#Dorsett and Burnside also joined the 2018 Class of the local Bahamas Softball Federation.

#They were joined by inductees all throughout the Bahamas including Licina Ingraham (Abaco), Percival Thomas Albury (Abaco), Billy Evans (Andros), Nicole Evans-Holder (Andros), Sherry Beney (Eleuthera), Edmond Bethel (Eleuthera), Donald DeGrerory (Grand Bahama), Elizabeth Johnson (Grand Bahama), Bernie McPhee-Major (New Providence), Charles Moss (New Providence), Dorothy Marshall (New Providence), Stephen Beneby (New Providence), Anthony Pearce (BSF), Brazilla Kelly (BSF), Dereck Christie (BSF), Daphne McKinney (BSF), Senator Jennifer Isaac-Dotson (BSF) and Telford Roberts (BSF).

#Romell Knowles is the current President of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, Past President of the BSF and also an ISF Hall of Famer

#“The privilege of bearing witness to more Bahamians joining the halls of the Bahamas Softball Federation/World Baseball Softball Confederation is yet another victorious milestone for the Bahamas Softball Federation. Without prejudice, no other sport in our Commonwealth can boast of such an accomplishment,” he said,

#“Further, I count it all joy to witness more distinguished softball personalities being inducted into the BSF’s halls. Yours is a very personal one for me as it was under my administration, we dare to dream of recognising with distinction those within the community of softball for their sacrifices and dedication in the promotion and development of our beloved sport softball.”

Bahamas executives (l-r) Ted Miller, Daphne McKinney, Terran Rodgers, Oria Wood-Knowles and Sam Rodgers.

Monday, October 16, 2017

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#The Bahamas will add their 17th and 18th inductees in the World Baseball Softball Confederation Hall of Fame after administrator Burket Dorsett and coach Godfrey ‘Gully’ Burnside were added to the list last week.

#During the WBSC’s Extra Ordinary Congress in Gaborone, Botswana, it was agreed that Dorsett and Burnside will be among 14 honourees from seven countries enshrined in the class of 2018.

#The Hall of Fame Commission elected Dorsett for his role as an administrator, having served as the immediate past president of the Bahamas Softball Federation and the current president of the ECAST, the English-speaking body for softball in the region.

#Burnside, the immediate past president of the New Providence Softball Association, has served as an BSF executive and is a long time manager/coach of the men’s national softball teams.

#They join Colombia’s administrator Luis Diaz Ramirez; Canadian player Doug Chase; Guatemala’s player Diane Lucia Duarte; Hong Kong’s player Johnny Lau Kwok; New Zealand’s players Jerrad Martin and Fiona Timu; Australia’s players Melonie Roche and Natalie Ward; Colombia’s coach Raymundo Narvaez; Panama’s umpire Roberto Peralta and New Zealand’s Bob Leveloft and Guatemala’s Andrew J. Sherman for their Meritorious Service.

#“WBSC welcomes these new Softball Hall of Fame inductees and their home federations for helping to shape history and our sport,” said newly elected WBSC Softball chairman Tommy Velazquez.

#“WBSC Softball Hall of Fame members represent not only years of the highest excellence on the international stage, but also years of service and dedication to building our global sport.”

#Velazquez thanked the Hall of Fame Commission for their diligent selection of the legends who will be enshrined. The class of 2018 now raises the total number inducted to 225 since it was established in 1981 and held every two years.

#The WBSC is headquartered in Lausanne Switzerland, known as the Olympic capital of the world. It is the governing body for baseball and softball and has 184 national federation and associate members in 128 countries and territories across Asia, Africa, Americas, Europe and Oceania.

#The Bahamas was represented at the congress by BSF president Ted Miller and secretary general Daphne McKinney. The Bahamas Baseball Association was also in attendance and represented by president /Sam Rodgers, vice president Terran Rodgers and secretary general Oria Wood-Knowles.

#During the working sessions, Miller served on the Playing Rules Commission where updates and discussions of the new rule book and changes to the playing rules took place.

#There were a total of 12 new rule changes, which will be interred into the new formatted rule book for 2018-2021.

#McKinney served on the Women in Sports Commission as the vice chairman and a member of the Athletes Commission. The aim of both commissions were to increase the number of women and countries participating in senior women’s competition, increase the number of women as technical officers and director’s roles as well as increase the opportunities for girls and women with disabilities, both locally, nationally and internationally.

Friday, March 6, 2015

#IN conjunction with the International Softball Federation’s (ISF) Hall of Fame inductions for Romell ‘Fish’ Knowles and Oria Wood-Knowles, the Bahamas Softball Federation (BSF) has announced the list of players, administrators, coaches and sponsors who will be inducted in its class of 2015 Hall of Fame inductees. 

#Both ceremonies will be held in the Ballroom of Government House on Wednesday March 25 at 6 pm. In attendance will be Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling, Dale McMann, ISF president, Dr Daniel Johnson, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, and English Caribbean Amateur Softball Confederation and BSF executives.

#The BSF’s inductees are:

#Male players: Anthony ‘Bubba’ Douglas, Byron ‘BJ’ Johnson, Courtney Chandler, Garth Rolle, Gladstone Sands, Hastings ‘the Hurler’ Campbell, Hawitte Ingraham, John Sands, Leroy Thompson, Mark Gates, Michael Laing. 

#Female players: Carolyn Ferguson, Ernestin Butler, Hycinth Farrington, Leona Roache, Nerissa Seymour, Vernie Curry.

#Coaches: Paul Demeritte, Richard Morley, Spurgeon Johnson.

#Sponsors: Bahamas Wholesale Agency (BWA), Five Wheels of Grand Bahama. 

#Administrator/sponsor: Cornelius ‘Money’ Williams, Darrell Weir, Hansel Collie, James Smith, Johnnie Butler, Keva Turnquest (posthumously), Lauri C Newton, Paula Johnson, Penal B Wilson.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#When the Bahamas Softball Federation hosts its Round Robin Championships at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex next weekend, they will not only be honouring all of its presidents and founders as a part of their 40th anniversary, but they will also induct almost 30 persons and two sponsors into their Hall of Fame.

#While the action in the round robin, which has been dubbed the “40th Anniversary Presidents Cup” in honour of Michael Moss, Austin ‘King Snake’ Knowles, Churchill Tener Knowles, Neko Grant, Greg Christie, Romel ‘Fish’ Knowles and Burket Dorsett, is scheduled to get started 7pm Thursday, the official opening ceremonies and induction ceremony is set for the same time on Friday.

#During the ceremony, the following persons and companies will be inducted into the Hall of Fame:

#Kay Seilier, Rodney Gibson, Sue Roberts, Sherwin Smith, Cyril Smith, Anthony Weech, Marjorie Delaney, Arthur Johnson, Jeff Roberts, Rudy Gardiner, Eddie McSweeney, Spence Lynes, Joe Deal, Alphonso ‘Chicken’ Albury, Pat Maynard, Sherry Thompson (posthumously), Jay Rolle, Michael ‘Reds’ Major, Boomer George, Monica Woodside (posthumously), Frank Forbes, Brusell Bradshaw, George Ferguson, Ronald ‘Ding’ Woodside, Paul ‘Dingus’ Thompson (posthumously) and Clifford ‘Butch’ Scavalla.

#The two sponsors to be honoured are Boomer’s Trucking and Sigma Management Limited.

#Honouree Burket Dorsett, the current president of the BSF, said they have decided to adopt this year’s induction in the form of the International Softball Federation (ISF) where they look at players, coaches, managers, officials and sponsors.

#But while the BSF’s inductions are held every two years, Dorsett said their list will cover a four-year span since they haven’t held an induction since 2008.

#“All of the inductees are not from the fast-pitch league,” Dorsett said. “We are just doing it as a part of our 40th anniversary and so we have included fast-pitch, slow-pitch and oldtimers. It’s a mixture of administrators, umpires, a scorer, sponsors and people going for meritorious services.

#“The list has been submitted by the various associations and we in the BSF just went through it and came out with the final selection. Normally an induction won’t be no more than about 10 persons, but we’re doing this for a longer period, so we are including a few more persons than normal.”

#As for the competition that will feature six men and six women teams from the federation’s affiliated associations, Dorsett said they are anticipating a keenly contested tournament with two new champions being crowned after both the defending women’s champions Proper Care Pool Lady Sharks from New Providence and the defending men’s champions US Gold Panthers from Grand Bahama were dethroned.

#Islands participating on the men’s side are Abaco, Andros, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Spanish Wells (Eleuthera) and New Providence. The women’s teams participating are Abaco, Andros, Inagua, Grand Bahama, Spanish Wells (Eleuthera) and New Providence.

#“From what I’ve seen and heard, the competition in the men’s division should come from New Providence and Abaco. It doesn’t appear that Grand Bahama is as strong as the US Gold Panthers were last year, but you can never count them out,” Dorsett said. “So we should have a very exciting competition in that division.

#“As for the ladies’ division, we expect that New Providence will once again be competitive. We know that Grand Bahama has always been a force to reckon with and so we anticipate that they will once again provide the challenge, along with Andros and Abaco.”

#Each team will play six games in the round robin and the top four teams will advance to the playoffs.

#A technical meeting is set for 2pm Thursday for all coaches and managers.

#The bronze medal and championship games are all scheduled to be contested on Sunday, November 4.

Tuesday, August 14, 201

Greg Christie

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#LONG time Grand Bahamian softball executive Greg Christie, a class of 2003 World Softball Hall of Fame inductee, died on Monday morning at the Princess Margaret Hospital as a result of heart complications.

#The former media consultant, 70, was a former secretary general and president of the Bahamas Softball Federation and was inducted into the International Softball Federation’s World Softball Hall of Fame in 2003 with coach Sidney ‘Bobby Baylor’ Fernander and player Dudley ‘Douggy’ Smith.

#Christie, one of 18 Bahamians inducted into the Hall of Fame of the WBSC, formerly known as the International Softball Federation, was also inducted into the BSF and Bahamas Hall of Fame in 2002.

#Yesterday, upon hearing of his death, condolences poured in from around the world as the president and other officers from the World Baseball Softball Confederation – Ricardo Facarrai, Don Porter, Dale McMann, Kevin Quinn and Tommy Velesquez – as well as from associations in Jamaica, Turks & Cacios Islands, Barbados, Curacao, St Martin, British Virgin Islands, Aruba and Belize.

#Condolences

#Here at home, a number of sporting dignitaries expressed their condolences on the passing of Christie, who will be remembered as one of the brightest minds as an administrator, who took careful consideration to every minor detail that others didn’t think was necessary.

#“It was during my sojourn as a softball athlete (in Grand Bahama), I came to know Greg in a more intimate way and quickly learnt he was the brightest of the lot and would pay attention to every iota of detail,” said Rommel Knowles, president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee and a 2013 ISF Hall of Fame inductee with Oria ‘Big O’ Wood.

#“For the few months, he was my coach. I learned what made Greg tick. He was a perfectionist. He expected a team of professionals to win softball games not withstanding for most of it was a time to let their hair down away from their offices, despite not being the most talented softball team.”

#It was during that time that Knowles said softball was at its peak and players as well as the fans looked forward to the competitive national championships and the All-Star Classics held once a year.

#“As I reflect on our days together, I think I was being mentored for the role I now play in sports in our beloved country,” said Knowles, who also at time served as president of the BSF and the Eleuthera Softball Association. “I learnt showmanship from Neko (Grant), attention to details from Greg (Christie) and working hard from Churchill (Tener Knowles).”

#When he became the BSF president in 2000, Knowles said it brought an end to the era of Churchill, Tener-Knowles, Grant and Christie, but the transition was filled with good and bad emotions as the dreadful politics of sports separated them for a brief time.

#“Greg and I never became as close as we once were, but from a distance, I had a profound admiration and respect for this quiet, but resourceful leader,” Knowles stated. “Greg was the one singular person that made me stay on the top of my game as it were, although rivals. I believe I am a product of their dynasty. Whilst the baton was not officially passed, it became mine none the less.”

#Burkett Dorsett, a former president of the BSF and now the president of ECASC, the English speaking association of the World Baseball Softball Confederation, said Christie was indeed a trailblazer for softball in the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

#“His death leaves an extremely big void in the future of the development of softball in our region,” said Dorsett, of Christie, who up to the time of his death was the secretary general of the ECASC.

#“He was indeed a dedicated, committed and devoted Bahamian sports icon, a great sports warrior in our country and a true patrioat. Greg’s 40-plus years in the administration of softball is a testimony to his willingness to assist all who can in contact with him and wanted his advice.”

#Dorsett, who, along with coach Godfrey ‘Gully’ Burnside, was the latest ISF Hall of Fame inductees in 2017, called Christie a “community builder,” who went out of his way to see that things in his environment were of a standard that would befitting one and all.

#“On behalf of the World Baseball Softball Confederation, our president Ricardo Facarrai and Tommy Velesquez, chairman of the softball division of the WBSC, we offer our condolences to the family of the late Greg Christie.”

#As a long-time friend and collegiate in Grand Bahama, businessman and former BSF president and fellow ISF Hall of Famer Churchill Tener-Knowles said they first became acquainted in 1970s on the softball field.

#“We did a lot of traveling together with the federation’s national teams and locally throughout out the islands and particularly getting things done in Grand Bahama,” Tener-Knowles pointed out. “We were even involved in baseball for a while.

#“But Greg was very active in softball. He was also active in the international scene, so we had some good times traveling around the world and to the Family Islands. We also started the National All-Star Classic back in the 1980s, which was one of the highlights of softball.”

#Tener-Knowles, the second Bahamian to be inducted into the ISF’s Hall of Fame in 1991, said Christie will certainly be missed by the Grand Bahama community and softball in general because he made a valuable contribution.

#Also from Grand Bahama, Yvonne Lockhart, chairman of the Rising Stars, added: “We are saddened to learn of Greg’s passing. Greg was truly our hero. He was the bedrock from the inception of our organisation, always advising and available to assist when called upon.

#“He was one of a kind, irreplaceable and will be missed. Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord and may the perpetual light shine upon him. Our deepest sympathy to the family.”

#Christie began his career in journalism in 1970, and worked at the Freeport News as its Editor and Special Projects Officer. Over the years, he also headed his own public relations company, GregChris.

#He has also served as an executive of the Lion’s Club, Freeport, Grand Bahama, and a member of the Knights of Columbus organisation.

#He was quite active in his parish at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Grand Bahama.

#Christie served as a Consultant to BIS on two separate occasions, firstly between 2002-2007 and again between 2013 and 2018.