In his 17 years playing USSSA softball, Brian Schultz has played on a Who's Who of elite Illinois teams, including the Belcher's Construction, Joe Black's, Mid America Concrete, the Bank of Westmont, and Tron Piping. A fleet outfielder blessed with an exceptional glove, Schultz is a lifetime .678 hitter who likes to hit the ball to all fields.  He also has 600 homers to his credit, clearly has the power to hit the ball out to all fields as well. He also was a threat on the basepaths, usually taking the extra base.

"I like to take the extra base if the defense gives it to me," Schultz said of his running ability. "My greatest thrill was playing in the 1989 USSSA Major World Series in Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska against the likes of Bruce Meade, Rick Scheer, and Dirk Androff. They pushed me to be a better player."

Schultz also points to his lead off inside the park homer against Steele's for the Illinois All-Stars in Rockford. Finally, he's proud to have been part of the two-time defending National 35 & Over champs, and to have done it with so many friends, saying, "It was more than I could ask for."

"Brian is a special talent," said old teammate and manager, Tom Starck. "No matter what the competition, leagues or tournaments, Brian played his hardest and left no doubt about who the best player on the field was. Even today, when I talk to young players, I use Brian as an example of drive and having pride in your performance. He never loafed or took innings off; he gave it his all every at bat, every game."

Among the tournaments at which Schultz won honors are the 1988 Great Lakes B Divisional, 1996 35 & Over World, 1993 Kiracoff Memorial AA-A NIT, 2002 40 & Over World, and 1998 35 & Over World. He was also All-state at the 1988 B State, 1990 Open state and 2001 B State, and MVP of the 1997 and 1998  35 & Over, and 1997 fall state.

Schultz says his most amusing incident in softball occurred during a qualifier at Rockford¹s Forest Hills Diamonds, when he threw a ball from left field that sailed over the backstop into the bleachers across the way, hitting a women watching another game in the back.

"She didn¹t scream or rub her back," says Schultz. "She just turned and shook her head."

Softball players are usually loathe to miss an opportunity to raze a teammate, and Schultz caught plenty of grief for "not having a
good enough arm to injure an old lady."

Schultz says he is honored to be entering the hall, but that "It's hard for me to talk about myself and why I belong in the hall. I feel there are so many players who played before me who are also worthy.

"I hope I have given something to the game over the years and have made it a better sport, and have done nothing to tarnish it. The game of softball and the Illinois USSSA have both been good to me," he adds. "It's enabled me to compete at a high level and also make friendships that will last a lifetime. The only thing I¹d change is the double and even triple walled bats. It¹s getting way out of hand."

"I thank God for my talents, this game, and the opportunity the Illinois USSSA has given me to make a mark on it."

The Illinois USSSA is pleased in return to have players of Brian Schultz's caliber competing in its program. Tonight were equally pleased to welcome him into the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame.