(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Softball Canada Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
Ottawa, Ont. – Softball Canada is proud to announce the inductees for the 2025 Hall of Fame class, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport through their dedication, leadership, and excellence. These exceptional athletes, coaches, and officials have shaped the legacy of softball in Canada.
The Hall of Fame Banquet will take place during Softball Canada’s Annual General Meeting on November 8th in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Mike Branchaud, CEO of Softball Canada, expressed his appreciation:
“Congratulations to this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. Your dedication and achievements on and off the field have helped shape softball in Canada. Your hard work and commitment inspire others, and we’re grateful for the unwavering support of your families and friends.”
2025 Hall of Fame Inductees:
Athlete Category:
Jeff Ellsworth (PEI)
Builder Category:
Bev Adams (NB)
Coach Category:
John “Les” Howey (NL)
Umpire Category:
Lou Davis (NS)
Team Category:
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2015 WBSC Men’s World Cup & Pan American Games Gold Medal Team
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2015 Women’s Pan Am Gold Medal Team
Bev Adams – Builder Category
Bev Adams, from Rusagonis, N.B., has dedicated over 30 years to developing softball in New Brunswick and across Canada. As a member of Softball New Brunswick’s board since 1998, she played a pivotal role in launching the Learn to Play program and supervising major championships. Bev’s efforts earned her several prestigious accolades, including the 2014 Softball Canada Rose Hodgson Volunteer of the Year Award.
Lou Davis – Umpire Category
Lou Davis, from Lower Five Islands, N.S., has been a key figure in officiating softball in Canada for more than 30 years. Known for his professionalism, Lou officiated at numerous Canadian Championships and international events. He also served in leadership roles with Softball Nova Scotia and mentored fellow umpires throughout his career.
Jeff Ellsworth – Athlete Category
Jeff Ellsworth (O’Leary, P.E.I.) is one of Canada’s most accomplished softball players. He competed in multiple WBSC World Cups, earning Gold in 2015 and Bronze in 2009. Ellsworth also helped Canada claim Gold at the 2015 Pan American Games. After retiring from playing, he became a coach, leading Prince Edward Island’s women’s team at the Canada Games and coaching Canada’s U18 Men’s National Team.
John “Les” Howey – Coach Category
For over 30 years, John “Les” Howey (Conception Bay South, NL) has been instrumental in Canada’s Men’s National Team’s success. He contributed to multiple podium finishes, including back-to-back Golds in 2015 at the WBSC World Cup and Pan American Games. Known for his strategic coaching and scouting expertise, Howey played a key role in athlete development before retiring as Assistant Coach of Canada’s Men’s National Team.
2015 Gold Medal Teams – Team Category
The 2015 WBSC Men’s World Cup & Pan American Games Gold Medal Team made history by winning back-to-back gold medals. Canada clinched Gold at the World Cup in Saskatoon and followed up with another victory at the Pan American Games in Ajax.
The 2015 Women’s Pan American Games Gold Medal Team defeated Team USA in a thrilling 4-2 extra inning victory, breaking the Americans’ seven-year gold streak at the Pan Am Games.
The Hall of Fame class of 2025 showcases the remarkable contributions of individuals and teams who have advanced the sport of softball in Canada. Their dedication to excellence continues to inspire future generations of players, coaches, and officials.
Softball Canada continues to recognize individuals who have had a lasting impact on the game, ensuring the growth and success of the sport nationwide.
