USA Softball legendary director Ronnie Isham passes away

Ronnie Isham, who served USA Softball through a variety of roles for over 35 years, passed away on Monday, December 3. He was 75.

“It’s a very painful loss for the world of softball,” said WBSC Softball Chairman, Tommy Velazquez. “Ronnie was a great friend and a tireless worker, who dedicated his life to our sport. His legacy lives in all of us who love softball. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this very sad and difficult time.”

Manager, player, At-Large Player Representative, Team Leader, Commissioner, and Director of National Teams are just some of the positions Isham held with USA Softball.

Isham was selected as the USA Softball National Team Leader for several National Teams, including the 1996 Olympic Team. From 1992-2001 as a member of the Women’s National Team Selection Committee, Isham was involved in selecting multiple USA Softball Women’s National Teams, including the 1994 and 1998 World Championship Teams that captured Gold; 1995 and 1999 Pan Am Gold Medal teams and the 2000 Olympic Gold Medal Team.

In September of 2001, Isham was appointed as the National Teams Director and served in that role until January of 2017.

“Ronnie Isham, both as an administrator within our grassroots program and as the Director of National Teams for USA Softball, served our organization for over 35 years,” said USA Softball Executive Director, Craig Cress. “He fought for what he believed in, and there was never a doubt that he was committed to the growth and development of our National Team Programs. He will be missed by the hundreds of athletes and staff who have had the honor of working with him.”

Isham will be deeply missed throughout the ranks of USA Softball and the international softball world.