2022 Male Player: Curtis Stewart

Curtis Stewart, Plainfield, IL

Curt “Stew” Stewart was born and raised in Joliet, IL. He spent much of his childhood at the ballfield, playing little league and watching his dad Jim Stewart, play softball for teams like Malnar’s Tap and the FOP. Curt learned early on that there is no substitute for hard work. His upbringing taught him the importance of preparation and effort, things that helped him earn a scholarship to play NCAA Division I baseball at the University of Louisville and later became a nationally renowned softball player.

Dave Catalani (Cat), the manager of Ken’s Beverage, Inc. (KBI) and fellow Hall-of-Famer, first asked Stew to play for his softball team in 2010. That invitation led to a ten year run that saw Stew go from playing locally at the D level to being classified as a Major Player and competing nationally at the highest level. After beginning his career as an infielder, primarily playing first base, he moved to catcher in recent years. Cat described Stew’s approach to the game as “100% commitment” and “always prepared”.

An imposing offensive player with excellent base hitting ability and prolific power, Stew has accumulated a lifetime OBA of .725 and over 1000 home runs in tournament and league play. He has numerous All-Tournament and MVP accolades at the conference level, following All-State and All-National honors earlier in his career. Stew has been recognized as an All-World Series team member at the A, AA, and Major levels and is a two-time All-Conference USSSA honoree. Beyond the awards, Stew was recognized by Bryan Voss, a Conference USSSA umpire, as “One of the genuine players I have ever met and umpired. He has a respect for the game and those around him. A flat-out gamer!!! Plays big when it’s big. Period”.

Over the years Stew has played for teams such as KBI (IL), H-Auto, LLC (MN), Precision (IL), Eurotech (MN), OA Apparel (IL), TDB (NC), and Xtreme (MN). He recognizes his managers and sponsors for giving him the opportunity to compete at this level. In his opinion, KBI is the premier sponsor in Illinois USSSA history. Ken Reimer’s generosity has provided countless players - many of whom are now Hall-of-Famers - a place to play for decades. To simply thank Ken and Cat would be a massive understatement. Stew might not be speaking about his IL USSSA Hall of Fame induction today.

In addition to the franchises that helped him to thrive in the softball world, Stew is thankful for his wife Jen, and mom Amy, who offer unwavering support in all he does. He is especially appreciative of HOF’er Jim “Tank” Kersten for endless hours of batting practice, advice, and encouragement. Tank is the best teammate a player could ask for. After years spent together on and off the field, Tank calls Stew “[a] true professional from his preparation to game performance Curt Stewart exemplifies the embodiment of what every athlete strives to become: A Player!”

Stew looks forward to making the next decade of softball even more successful than his first.

2022 Male Player: Jamie Mackert

Jamie Mackert, Minooka, IL

Jamie Mackert played USSSA softball for 11 years, beginning with the Grim Reapers in 1997. He played shortstop and batted in the middle of the lineup for KA Softball from 2001 through 2007. He compiled a batting average of over .650 and hit over 500 home runs. At shortstop, he anchored the defense with his sure-handed fielding. He won MVP awards at the National, State and National Invitational level, as well as numerous All-Tournament Team selections including Class B All-World Tournament Team in 2004 and 2006.

Jamie recalls playing with many great players over the years and learning the game from fellow IL USSSA Hall of Famers, like Larry Shepard, Bill Sahagian, Jim Cushing, Jerry Pietryk, and Al Van Gampler. He recalls being part of “The Four Horsemen”with KA Softball along with Lincoln Adams, Don Schlenbecker and Bruce Rhines plus other close teammates Dave Shaff and Don Vleck. Jamie’s biggest memories were finishing second in the USSSA B World twice (2004 & 2006) and winning both the Illinois B State and Michigan B State Tournaments in the same year. “We were invited to play in the Michigan B State in order to add to the competition and we ended up winning it!”

For Jamie, the most satisfying part of the USSSA competition was the national respect gained in the KA Softball years. Plus, “We always felt that somehow we would manage to win!”

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.