The Legacy Award was created in 2019 and is in honor of Elliott Hawke who founded ASA/USA Softball in Kansas City in 1973. Through his vision and hard work, ASA/USA Softball became & continues to be one of the most successful associations in the country. Elliott passed away in 1993 and his son Chuck Hawke took over as Metro Commissioner and has continued his dad’s legacy to this day.
This award is to recognize someone from our community who has served as either a coach, manager or staff member and who in that capacity has made sustained contributions to the growth of Girls Fastpitch Softball. We honor them for their commitment of time, expertise & support of our USA Softball programs in Kansas City.
To nominate a Coach, Player, Team or Staff member > email Mary at: kcmetroasa@aol.com
Award Winners:
2022 = Larry Swoboda – For 30+ years, Larry has worked at Adair Park serving on the maintenance staff and tending to the needs of the facility. He has gone over and above in supporting our USA Softball events at Adair. His tireless work is what makes the park look so good and why teams enjoy playing at Adair Park. Larry has been at the helm since the complex opened up. He takes great pride in his work, and one never has to worry about the complex being ready to go. He has dedicated his life to make sure the players, coaches, and spectators have a great experience while at the complex. With 30+ years of service we are lucky to have Larry.
2021 = Frank Wilson – for nearly 50 years, Frank has served as both an Umpire and as an Umpire-in-Chief for ASA / USA Softball. We appreciate his many years of service & dedication to our programs and all the assistance he has provided to us. If you beat Frank to the ballpark, you might consider playing the lottery that day. Frank is a guy who made an impact not only with the kids on the field but the entire USA Softball Staff. He’s dependable, knowledgeable and caring. He worked countless hours walking the entire complex evaluating and guiding the young umpires and checking on the rest.
2020 = Daniel Eakin – in 1979 Dan began his softball career at the OGSA (Olathe Girls Softball) and has been there ever since serving as President of their leagues for many years. He was instrumental in developing the league and in getting the facility built at the Lone Elm Complex. In 1986 he began the KC Peppers organization and continues on today as Head Coach of their Gold level team.
His coaching began with the Olathe Express, which later became the KC Peppers. During his time overseeing the KC Peppers he has had over 150 players go on to play college softball, many earning College All-Conference Honors including Christie Ambrosi (UCLA) who was on the USA 2000 Olympic team.
2019 = Earl Turnure – considered by most to be the father of girls fastpitch in Kansas City. For more than 50 years Earl coached and mentored thousands of young athletes beginning with his Hi-Boy teams and later creating the “Originals” softball organization which was founded in 1982 and continues today as one of the premier softball clubs in Kansas City.