During the 1980’s, Springfield’s Cheryl Snyder forever put her name on the map in Women’s and Co-Rec softball.  A very talented outfielder, Snyder played in many State, National and World Tournaments with the Alleycats as well as a very good ZZZ Fastner club in her 10 year career.

Cheryl lists her career batting average at .310, which is more than likely much lower than her actual numbers.  As far as home runs shehit, she has no idea saying it was to long ago.

In 1980 at the National Tournament, Snyder was named to the all-tournament team and in 1984 was a member of the Class A State Tournament All-Tournament team.

“One of the most exciting moments of my USSSA softball career was stepping onto the field against to top men’s and women’s teams in the country during our first Co-Rec National Tournament,” said Snyder.  “It was a thrill to be up against the likes of Howard’s Furniture and the Virginia Bells.  The biggest thrill came from the fact that we could actually compete and win against the best teams in the country.”

The fact that the USSSA was always seeking to improve the game of softball for everyone evolved was something Snyder says breathed a renew life into the Women’s game.

“The addition of USSSA brought a new excitement to the game of slow-pitch softball,” Snyder said.  “Maybe it was the novelty of the 11” ball; maybe it was the energy and enthusiasm if the State Director Brenda Paulson or maybe it was the idea that the organization was built on a philosophy of improving the game by seeking input from teams and the players at every level.”

Snyder says just being thought of as a hall of famer is something very special and adds the chance to compete against the nations elite was something she’ll never forget.

“It is an honor to be inducted into the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame,” added Snyder.  “I must admit, the statistics are long gone and somewhat of a distant memory.  Although we enjoyed participating in several State, National, World and Co-Rec Tournaments, the most memorable aspect of my softball career was the opportunity to compete with and against some of the best softball players in the country.  Of course winning against those players and teams was even sweeter.”