Yuma Slowpitch Softball HOF’s Class of 2017 announced

The Yuma Slowpitch Softball Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2017, which includes five men, two women, a coach and a sponsor.

The 2017 player inductees are Chris Dominguez, Pancho Figueroa, Billy Laguna, Becky Herrera Leffler, David Ordaz, Kent Phipps and Robbie Rosas.

Also, Billie Olea will be recognized for her years as a coach, and Coors Beer will be inducted in recognition of the local distributor’s years as a sponsor. The Class of 2017 was selected on the basis of participation, longevity, level of success and contribution to the game which is played almost year-round on City of Yuma Parks and Recreation facilities scattered throughout the area. The 2017 selections were made by members of the inaugural Class of 2011 along with members of the Classes of 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The ballot included 25 male nominees, eight female nominees, eight coaches and seven sponsors.

The new hall of famers will be formally inducted during a ceremony Thursday at Yuma Landing Bar and Grill, 195 S. 4th Ave., the official home of the Yuma Slowpitch Softball Hall Fame. The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. with a meet and greet, followed by the inductions at 7 p.m.

The inaugural Class of 2011 consisted of Chris Beltran, the late John Boemer, Tom Burrell, Dean Burrow, Geraldo Cabrera, Steve Cedillo, Hunce Cleaver, Kelly Cleaver, Mike Cleaver, Will Cuen, Wacel Harvick, Robert Lagunas, Robert Rico, the late Paul Riley, Keith Rowe, Dave Sellers, Sue Sharkey, Eddie Wahl, Bill Vaughn and Jim Watson.

Making up the Class of 2012 were players Jackie Bruno, Tony Cabrales, Joe Gill, Steve Gonzalez, Joe Rojas and Miguel Villar-