Miranda Fudge Anderson

Born into a softball-loving family, Mirand Fudge Anderson began her own journey at age 8 on the travel team "Mean Machine." She went on to play fastpitch at Lewis University and spent summers in slo-pitch, eventually competing with top teams like Blackhawk Athletic Club, Add a Bath/DeMarini, Kaisers Pizza/DeMarini, Settimi Fetters and DeMarini Athletic Club/S2N. Over the years, she earned multiple All-Tournament and MVP awards and met her husband, Drew, through the sport. Married for 15 years, they now share their passion for softball with their children, Brayden and Grace.

Jennifer Glonke Sterwart – Palatine, IL

A Palatine, Illinois native, Jennifer Glonke Stewart grew up surrounded by athletes and began her own softball journey early, ultimately walking on to Northwestern University's Division I team. After college, she joined competitive USSSA teams Mood Swings and Made to Order, earning state, regional, and national accolades. Stewart's career highlights include All-World Tournament honors and top finishes in the Women's Major World Series. Now a Hall of Fame inductee, she enjoys retirement by traveling with her husband Curt and cheering on the next generation of players.

Mike Emerson

After a successful college baseball career at Rock Valley Jr. College and Eastern Illinois University, Mike Emerson moved to Clearwater, Florida and began playing slow-pitch softball. Influenced by Hall of Famer Jim "Big Daddy" Yeager, he returned to Rockford in 1974 and played for various teams, including Diamond Bar and Little Caesars, maintaining a batting average around .600 over 11 years. Mike earned a spot on the Class "A" All State Tournament Team in 1982 with a .722 average and was instrumental in Park Town Hall's Class B Divisional win in Milwaukee in 1981. He fondly recalls the vibrant slow-pitch softball scene in Rockford during the 70s and 80s.

Keith Laski – Lisle, IL

Originally from Lisle, Illinois, Keith Laski was a founding member of the Precision softball team, helping them achieve an unprecedented rise from Class E to AA. Known for his versatility on the field, Laski primarily played shortstop but also contributed as a center fielder, second baseman, first baseman, and catcher throughout his career. He earned numerous accolades, including Tournament MVP at the 2014 USSSA B World Tournament, Offensive MVP in 2015, and a spot on the 2016 All-World Tournament Team at the Major World Series. Laski later played for top-tier teams like The Scene and Sonny's, representing brands such as Miken, Pure, and Spiderz.

Brett McCollum

Brett began his USSSA softball journey in 2004 and quickly advanced through the ranks, playing for KA Softball in Class B and Rope Club in Class A before joining the Men's Major program. Over the years, he competed with notable teams, including Long Haul, Dan Smith, Nordkap, Shoppe, Backman, and Precision, where he played AA for four years. Brett has amassed over 40 All-Tournament Team Awards, 5 Best Offensive Player honors, and 7 Most Valuable Player awards, primarily as a shortstop from 2004 to 2018 before transitioning to first base. With a remarkable batting average of .690 and 824 home runs, he has made a significant impact on the game.

Jeff Brown – Machesney Park, Illinois

Jeff Brown of Machesney Park, Illinois, has dedicated over 40 years to the game of softball, influenced early on by his father, Hall of Famer Paul Brown. He began his journey by keeping score at tournaments and working on the grounds crew at Forest Hills Diamonds, eventually serving as a stadium announcer for the USSSA Men's Major World Series since 1994. As the Master of Ceremonies for the USSSA National Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for the past 15 years, Jeff has celebrated generations of softball talent while building lasting friendships within the sport. In addition to his softball career, he has excelled as a corporate attorney, holding significant positions at major firms and leading corporate governance at Activision Blizzard.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau

In 1984, the Rockford community established the RACVB to promote growth through tourism and enhance the region's appeal for residents and visitors. Wendy Perks Fisher became the first President/CEO in 1986, leading the coordination of various amateur sports programs and fostering partnerships, particularly with the IL USSSA. Under her leadership, the RACVB successfully hosted numerous events, including the USSSA Women's Slow-Pitch World Series in 1993, leaving a lasting legacy in the Rockford area. The RACVB continues to support a wide range of community initiatives and has been recognized with multiple awards, solidifying Rockford's reputation as a vibrant destination for sports and events.

Hall of Honor Team

Made to Order (MTO)

What began as two high school friends coaching women's softball at the park district level in 1988 evolved into an impressive thirty-year journey with Made to Order. The team, established in 1989, quickly found success by winning nine out of twelve tournaments that season, including the USSSA C National Championship. Throughout their history, Made to Order achieved over 1,500 wins, numerous championships, and notable qualifications for prestigious tournaments, all while fostering a culture of self-belief and respect for the game among their players. The team disbanded after the 2021 season, leaving behind a legacy of camaraderie and excellence in women's softball.

2024 Inductees: Back Row (L to R): Jeff Brown, Mike Emerson, Brett McCollum, and Keith Laski; Front Row (L to R): Lindsay Arellano (RACVB), Miranda Fudge Anderson and Jennifer Glonke Stewart.

Made to Order (MTO)