WESTFIELD-Softball has played a major role in Donna McLean’s life for more than 40 years.
McLean, who grew up in the city and was the first girl to play baseball in Westfield’s Little League in 1975, will be among those feted on Oct. 20 during the USA Softball of Connecticut’s annual Hall of Fame awards dinner. She has been a resident of Torrington, Conn., for many years and owns her own business, Donna’s Critter Sitter Pet Service, LLC.
Former Westfield resident Donna McLean will be feted Oct. 20 during the USA Softball of Connecticut Hall of Fame ceremonies. (Submitted photo).
The fast pitch inductees joining McLean at the dinner include Scooter Zappone of Mystic, Willie Santiago of Bridgeport, Gus Prete of Greenwich, Mark Poulin of Prospect, John Fullana of Windsor, John Couture of Waterbury, Mark Callahan of Woodbury and Kristine Botto Drust of Cheshire.
The dinner is planned at the Costa Azzurra Restaurant in Milford. A social hour begins at 4 p.m. with dinner following at 5.
During her Little League days, McLean played left field for the Moose Club for four years and was named to the Little League’s All-Star Team during her second year of play.
At Westfield High School, she made varsity softball playing center field during her freshman year. During her sophomore year, she learned how to pitch and was one of the team’s pitchers for her sophomore, junior and senior years. During her high school career, McLean received three MVP awards for softball and two MVP awards for basketball.
While at Westfield State, she played center field during her freshman year and came in for relief pitching. For her last three years, she pitched. She was named an All-America and All New New England softball player from 1984-87. Also, McLean was a four-time all-conference and All New England selection, and led the Owls to an NCAA Tournament berth in 1985 and the 1987 ECAC championship.
After college, she joined the Brakettes, Stratford (CT) women’s major fast pitch team which has won three World Championships, 28 National A.S.A. Championships, and has had 22 National Hall of Fame members and 12 Olympians. During McLean’s time with the Brakettes the team won four national titles in 1988, 2002, 2003 and 2004.
While McLean “retired” from the Brakettes in 2005, she has since played on numerous women’s softball teams over the years – including the last few years with the Twisted Fossils.
“I love the game of softball,” said McLean during an interview, adding that “love” extends to her teammates who are part of her extended family. “I play softball to keep in shape, to meet new teammates and reconnect with old teammates. Softball keeps me feeling young.”
Tickets are $55 per person for the Hall of Fame induction dinner and tables of 10 are available. For dinner information, contact Lisa DiLullo at (203) 876-0078 or via email to [email protected]. Tickets will not be available at the door.
Hank Koritkoski is the contact for anyone wishing to place an ad or message to any inductee in the Hall of Fame Awards Dinner booklet. He can be reached at (860) 803-3012 or via email to [email protected]. Ads or messages must be received by Sept. 15.
