Jim Vandergrift’s contributions to softball as a player, manager, coach, and umpire lasted from the mid 60’s well into the next millennium.  He was a part of some of the greatest teams in the history of the Mid Ohio Valley and the State of WV winning several state titles along the way.  Some of the teams from the 60’s included Harlow Lime, Stonefingers and The Mountaineers.  The 70’s would see him playing for Bonded Sleep, The Moose, and of course the legendary Jimbo’s team which beat The King and His Court.  During the 80’s he played for Snelling & Snelling and The Dugout before one final move to finish out his career spending more than a decade through the 90’s with Eagles 2307. In addition, he played in the WV Old Timers Tournament from its inaugural year being a part of more than a dozen state championships at that level.

More than just a player, Jim managed and helped coach teams by bringing along younger, less experienced players, taking the time to teach them his passion and skills for the game. He was a enthusiastic umpire for over 20 years who would take the plate ranging from league games to girl’s tournaments, including state, region, and national tournaments.  There is not a field in the area that he has not left his mark on, nor a fence or backstop he has not put the welds upon, not only as a team member, but as a man who could be called upon to prepare the fields for play.

As a player, manager, coach and contributor, Jim Vandergrift gave more than half his life to the game of softball.  Along the way he won dozens of state titles, a national title, and several runner-ups. He had the privilege to play along side some great players, and stare across the field at some of the greatest teams ever assembled (Howard’s Furniture, The King, Steele’s Sports, to name a few).  His induction into the Softball Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute for a person who dedicated his life not just playing softball, but being a living ambassador for the game of softball in the Mid-Ohio Valley.