Three Women - Hackney, Garnett, O'Neill - in Hall of Fame

Sept. 1, 2009 – Connie Stewart

Three women have been named to the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame for the class of 2009. The are:

Donna Hackney. Donna has been playing senior softball for 13 years. She currently plays for the Tennessee Senior Stars. Her career batting average is .800 and leads the team in RBIs. She has been known to play hurt on the field to keep the team motivated. Tommy Bryan, sports editor of the Wilson Post writes that “Donna has been a vital member of the softball scene in Wilson County and Middle Tennessee for many years, both as a player and a coach. As a player, Donna was and still is a great line drive hitter”.

Betti Garnett. Betti began playing ball when she was just 10 years old. Playing fast pitch with the Providence Oilerettes she then played on the All Navy team for 12 years. Betti currently plays and coaches the Florida Spirits team. She brings a spark to any team she plays on and motivates players to be the best they can be. Betti also has served as a USSSA Florida representative, prior SSUSA Eastern Women’s Director and is a current member of the Senior Softball Women’s Advisory Board. Regardless of their skill level, Betti has infected all the players she plays with that “we are all winners when we participate in this sport.”

Peggy O’Neill. Softball is an integral part of Peggy’s life. She started playing slow pitch in the early 1980s on both women’s and co-ed teams. Since 2005 Peggy has won 13 championship rings. Peggy’s 14th ring is the prestigious Miken MVP ring. Peggy’s on base percentage was at .803. She has received and been nominated for numerous All-American/All World selections. Peggy plays on the Las Vegas Neon 60s and serves on the Women’s Senior Softball Advisory Board.