2022 Male Player: Steve Lane

Steve Lane, Johnsburg, IL

“One of the most feared number two hitters of his time. Steve “Laner” Lane hit seond for such great teams as Hiller and Hamm, Pit Stop, Joe Black’s, and many others. His automatic ability to hit to the right side enabled many a leadoff man to reach third base; “setting up great starts to games” said Tom Starck, manager, Joe Black’s Softball Club.

Steve started his 40-year USSSA career in 1977. Having played for Joe Black’s, Hiller & Hamm, Dill Brothers, Second Federal Savings, and Monkeys. Steve spent most of his time playing second base and showing his strength in the batter’s box. With over 4,000 home runs and countless number of RBIs, Steve could always be counted on to put the ball in play and make things happen on the base paths. He ended his career with a lifetime batting average of .675. Over the years, Steve won many All-Tournament and MVP awards. With the Monkeys, he received MVP in a Class D Tournament, in his years with Hiller & Hamm he received an All-Tournament in Class B and an All-Tournament in Class A. While playing with Dill Brothers, he received an All-Tournament in Class C, earned the team MVP, and another MVP in Class C. Over his years with Joe Black’s, he received 5 All-Tournament Awards.

Steve played in ten Divisional and National Tournaments between Joe Black’s, Pit Stop and Hiller & Hamm. The most exciting event in his USSSA career was in 1992 with the Hiller & Hamm Team winning the World Championship Class B in Detroit, Michigan. Steve also recalls beating the Men of Steel in the Major NIT in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to qualify for the AA World Tournament.

On September 3, 1983 the Sheboygan Press said that runs were easy to come by for Dill Brothers of Zion, Illinois and shared a picture of Steve receiving congratulations from his coach for the first of three homers on the day. This one, a three-run blast in the first inning.

On August 20, 1998 the News Sun reported the New Champion is a Real Powerhouse. “Steve Lane of the Grover/Bud Light/Harbor House team smashes one of his two home runs over the fence at Belvidere Park’s south diamond on Wednesday night in the Championship game of the Waukegan City Softball Playoffs. Lane drove in seven runs in his team’s 39-14 victory.”

These articles are just a small portion of the accolades that Steve has accumulated throughout his career. Steve is grateful for being inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame. He believes that USSSA is a great organization for promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and character building throughout the game. His love for the game is unmatched and is passed along to future generations throughout his family; who he holds as his greatest treasure.