2018 Male Player: Dave Shortz

Dave Shortz

“Shortzy,” a DeKalb native, has spent 30 years participating in USSSA play, catching behind the plate in numerous Worlds, National and State Championship contests. His individual home run count of over 2,000 is unequaled by few within the Illinois USSSA program. His numerous All-World, All-National (NIT) and All-State honors provides a resume that reaches as far as some of his long home runs.

His contributions to the game and to the teams he has participated with are numerous, as he is the definition of camaraderie and leadership on such outstanding AA, A and B teams such as RMA, Joe Black’s, The Lantern and Burla Construction. He has also contributed to outstanding play on co-ed and senior softball teams in World Tournament play.

“The USSSA has enhanced the game of softball over the years,” Shortz said.

He has also participated on the Chicago-based team, The Chicago Storm. He feels that his association with the good teams of the USSSA has helped land him in the Illinois Hall of Fame. The participation with great ball players has helped him get better over the years.

It may be hard to believe, but Shortz had controversy with an umpire after he was caught leaving first base early in a game in Wisconsin. It seems his tone of disapproval created a double pump ejection and a cry of “You’re out of here!” from the umpire. As Shortz removed himself from the field of play, he remarked, “That was one of the best throw outs I have ever experienced!”

Dave now gets to experience getting thrown into the Illinois Hall of Fame!