In over a quarter century of USSSA softball, Tom Burton support of the game has been unwavering. Always willing to do whatever it took to give his team the best chance to win, Burton prided himself on his scouting acumen and ability as a defensive strategist. Along the way, he’s also sat behind the microphone as a tournament announcer for over half a dozen tournaments.

Starting with the legendary Fox Valley Lassies in 1979, on through stints with Lady Blue and UPI, Kinder Sharks and today with Shooters out of Orlando, Florida, Burton has contributed his coaching skills to some of the top women’s slow pitch teams in America. Burton can list players, officials and coaches from all over America who will attest to his skills and personal characteristics, including directors in Kansas, Florida, Kentucky and, of course, here in Illinois. He has coached for five World champions, including three Lady Blue teams, the 1995 UPI team, and the 1994 35 & Over World champion Bret Givens team.

Scouting isn’t near the top of the lists of most coaches favorite activities, but Burton thrived on that essential task. He loved to break down other team’s offenses and draw up defensive schemes to beat them.

“I just love the strategy part of the game,” says Burton. “”Trying to stop the opposing team’s hitters.”

That job often required sitting for hours and watching opposing offenses play, which was just fine with Tom, who says “I enjoyed watching games until midnight.” Or much later.“I will never forget his tenacity to get a scouting report,” writes Dr.Deborah Kerr of the Lassies. “even if it meant watching a team at 4 a.m. in the rain .”

“(His) teams have been successful because of Tom’s knowledge of other team’s statistics, where opposing players hit, and (their) weaknesses and strengths,” writes USSSA National Women’s Director Tammy Totland.

While Burton obviously takes great pride and satisfaction in being part of five World championship teams, he’s quick to bring up what he still considers the greatest accomplishment he’s ever been associated with.

In 1993 in Rockford, Burton drew up a defensive strategy that helped Lady Blue hold World Series opponents to just six runs in five games, including a 25-2 title game win.

“Six runs allowed in five games of slow pitch softball,” says Burton, as if he still can’t believe it. “I doubt that will be repeated again.”

Most of all, Burton cherishes friends he’s made over the years and across the country, something that’s reciprocated by many of those people.

Says the Lassies Jo Suave, “Besides Tom’s abilities on the field, he also was good friend to all players, coaches and fans.”

“That’s what I want to take away from the game,” says Burton.