WBSC Executive Board honours memory of int'l softball pioneer Don Porter
The world governing body observed a minute of silence and acknowledged the impressive number of tributes received, ranging from high-ranked officials to softball fans.
The WBSC Executive Board paid a tribute to former Co-President and international softball leader Don Porter during its online meeting on Thursday, 10 June.
WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari resumed the meeting and acknowledged the impressive number of tributes received by the organization.
The most heartfelt came from Robert Smith, the former President of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF).
Smith wrote that the night of 1986 when baseball was voted into the 1992 Olympic was "bittersweet knowing that the IOC Members had let our softball friends down."
He also remembered: "At one time in the 1980s, at the suggestion and direction of Juan Antonio Samaranch, Don and I worked together and officially formed an organization of both of our sports together, in order to try and get both sports, men's baseball and women's softball, into the Olympics."
Smith added on a final note: "He was a man of impeccable integrity and he will be missed."
USA Softball joins the softball community in mourning the loss of our former Executive Director, Don Porter.
Porter’s influence and contributions to the sport of softball extend across the globe. He will be greatly missed.
Other tributes came from a variety of people of the baseball and softball community, ranging from high-ranked officials to the ordinary fan.
Kee Heung Lee, President Korean Olympic Committee and IOC Member:
"We will remember him for his outstanding achievements at the Olympic Movement."
Takeda Tsunekazu, Honorary Member Japanese Olympic Committee:
"He was known for his passion towards softball, his strongest faith and understanding of the importance for softball to be included in the Olympic Games."
Along with the rest of the international softball community, Softball Canada mourns the passing of long-time International Softball Federation (ISF) President Mr. Don Porter. https://t.co/WPp5U9znYZpic.twitter.com/NCxLrU0FNa
Marvalyn Campbell, President Jamaica Amateur Softball Association:
"We extend profound condolence to his family, friends, associates, and pray that God will guide, protect and comfort them during this time of grief. The WBSC has lost a true stalwart of the Sports."
The State of Oklahoma, where Porter resided and served on the Governor's Council for Physical Fitness and Sports for 14 years, proclaimed 8 September the Don E. Porter Day.
We are saddened to hear the news of the passing of former International President, Don Porter.
He was a great supporter of softball in Australia. Softballers benefit from Don's vision today, as he was instrumental in softball entering the Olympic arena.
