LV Premier Shortstop Duga Gone

June 1, 2013

Steve Duga, whose soft hands and quick reflexes helped his senior softball teams win 10 national titles, died in Pahrump, southern Nevada, in January.

Duga played on some of the premier teams in the sport, including the Las Vegas Elks, Tharaldson’s, Arizona Heat and Skinny Dugan’s. He was playing on Stark Street Pizza 70 Major-Plus when he died.

“Steve also played in a number of international tours with me,” said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA chief executive officer. “He was a gifted athlete and had a wonderful sense of humor.”

Duga began his baseball career on a high note, as well. As a youngster, he played on his hometown Bethlehem, Penn., team that made it to the Little League World Series.

In between Little League and Senior Softball, Duga worked as director of the Detroit Boys and Girls Clubs, worked at Bethlehem Steel Research Center, General Electric and started his own company (Entre Computer).

After retiring, Duga moved to Pahrump, became the assistant fire chief, restored jeeps – and played softball.