Roy Brockmeyer is one of those people whose contributions comprise the background of Illinois softball, and who's presence throughout the years has truly made the Illinois USSSA what it is today. Moving from player to manager to assistant state tournament director to USSSA area director, Brockmeyer has left his mark on the Illinois USSSA program in a variety of
roles.

A center fielder and leadoff man, Brockmeyer started his 21 year playing career as an 18 year old in 1977. The .600 hitter wasn¹t a power hitter, instead believing that "My job was to get on base." Brockmeyer did that well enough to be named Class C all-state in 1991, and in 1995 and 1997 at the Master State with Victor Drugs.

In 1982, Brockmeyer moved to manager, where he compiled a 675-223 mark. Ten years later Brockmeyer also took on USSSA assistant director responsibilities. Through the years Brockmeyer took great satisfaction in the process of fielding a team and competing year in and year out. He also took pride in playing the game with dignity and style. That approach is a key reason that his 1996 Victor Drug team won the Team Sportsmanship Award at the Masters State.

"That award meant almost more to me than winning the state tournament," said Brockmeyer.

Roy considers qualifying for his first USSSA Divisional tournament in 1984 his biggest thrill. Another memorable moment came in 1995, when, after 18 years of trying, he won a state title with Victor Drugs. Two years later he hit .800 and was named to the all-state team as Victor Drugs went 4-0 to win its second state master's title.

As is so often the case, Brockmeyer remembers the faces in the dugout as much as the plays on the field.

"The (biggest) thrill, for me as a manager," Brockmeyer said, "was the quality of people that were involved with the team, especially the Victor Drugs team from 1986 through 1999. Not only were these guys good ball players, they were great individuals. That's what made the team so much fun.

"Softball has been a great game to play over the years, especially in the late 70's and in the 80's. Personally, I am disappointed
in the way technology has changed the game."

He's not disappointed in the USSSA, however. Brockmeyer has been involved with USSSA ball for 21 of the 26 years he's been in softball, and calls it "the best program out there today."