Tom Evans

Tom Evans – Beloit, WI

After graduating from Beloit Memorial High School, Tom "Beaver" Evans had the chance to play with one of, or maybe, the best team in town, Dal House. He was 20 years old and it was his first USSSA team. They won a couple of tournaments and Tom was voted to the All-Tournament Team twice and also awarded an All-Defensive Team award. When Ken Lanning put together a Class B team with local players, Tom was added to Lannings of Beloit, WI and played from 1981 to 1989. Lannings' best finish in a national tournament was 3rd in the Great Lakes Class B Divisional Tournament in Milwaukee, where he was voted to the All-Tournament Team while leading off, playing first base, and going 28 for 33 in that tournament.

Tom played 16 years in the Challenge Cup League at Forest Hills Diamonds and was elected to the All-Star Team at least 12 of those years. The All-Star team was picked by their own coach and then the other coaches voted on players by each position. This left-handed first baseman's defense was outstanding with his size and smoothness at first base, and he batted at the top of Lanning's lineup. "Beaver" played in Rockford for most of his years, playing USSSA softball with Surface Improvement, Beloit Merchants and New Mill Tap.

He also made All-Tournament Teams while playing in two Black American World Tournaments. Tom semi-retired but came back to play a couple of years in the 55 & Over league at the Sportscore. Tom Evans was a true gentleman on and off the field but was out to have fun. An outstanding basketball player at Beloit Memorial High, he shares an MVP title with his son Ty Evans on their respective basketball team years — the only father and son to hold this distinction. His love of competition and devotion to making himself a better player never diminished. Tom was a team ball player who just loved playing the game.

Since "Beaver's" final retirement from softball he has been involved with a community-wide softball program in Beloit which includes over 400 boys and girls playing slo-pitch. There is no entry fee for the players, and they are given gloves and uniforms. Free lunches are even provided on weekends during tournaments. Tom is heavily involved with this non-profit organization, has coached teams in the past, and is now umpiring.

This Hall of Fame honor is well overdue — congratulations on a job well done.