2007 Female Player: Cheryl Snyder
/Cheryl Snyder
During the 1980s, Springfield’s Cheryl Snyder forever put her name on the map in women’s and co-rec softball. A very talented outfielder, Snyder played in many State, National and World Tournaments with the Alleycats as well as a very good ZZZ Fasteners club in her ten-year career.
Cheryl lists her career batting average at .310, which is more than likely much lower than her actual numbers. As far as home runs she hit, she has no idea, saying it was too long ago.
In 1980 at the National Tournament, Snyder was named to the All-Tournament Team, and in 1984 she was a member of the Class A State Tournament All-Tournament Team.
“One of the most exciting moments of my USSSA softball career was stepping onto the field against two top men’s and women’s teams in the country during our first Co-Rec National Tournament,” said Snyder. “It was a thrill to be up against the likes of Howard’s Furniture and the Virginia Bells. The biggest thrill came from the fact that we could actually compete and win against the best teams in the country.”
The fact that the USSSA was always seeking to improve the game of softball for everyone involved was something Snyder said breathed renewed life into the women’s game.
“The addition of USSSA brought a new excitement to the game of slow pitch softball,” Snyder said. “Maybe it was the novelty of the 11-inch ball, maybe it was the energy and enthusiasm of the State Director Brenda Paulson, or maybe it was the idea that the organization [USSSA] was built on a philosophy of improving the game by seeking input from teams and the players at every level.”
“The addition of USSSA brought a new excitement to the game of slow pitch softball. Maybe it was the novelty of the 11-inch ball, maybe it was the energy and enthusiasm of the State Director Brenda Paulson, or maybe it was the idea that the organization [USSSA] was built on a philosophy of improving the game by seeking input from teams and the players at every level.”
Snyder said just being thought of as a Hall of Famer is something very special. She adds the chance to compete against the nation’s elite was something she will never forget.
“It is an honor to be inducted into the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame,” said Snyder. “I must admit, the statistics are long gone and somewhat of a distant memory. Although we enjoyed participating in several State, National, World and Co-Rec Tournaments, the most memorable aspect of my softball career was the opportunity to compete with and against some of the best softball players in the country. Of course, winning against those players and teams was even sweeter.”
We formally recognize all of Cheryl Snyder’s accomplishments and feats by welcoming her into the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame.