Michael Leitner Inducted into National Senior Softball Hall of Fame (NSSHOF)

Mike Leitner with Terry Hennessy, SSUSA CEO

Mike Leitner, 78, of California, was officially inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame, as part of the Class of 2018, in the Pioneer Player category. The ceremony was held during the opening ceremonies of the second session of the 2019 LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters Championships at Big League Dreams.

Leitner’s senior softball career spans over 26 years. From 2003-2007 and 2010-2014, Leitner earned all-tournament selections in the SSUSA Worlds and LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters Championships.

“Mike is considered one of the best pitchers in senior softball, said Tom Palma, NSSHOF ’00 Member.  “It’s hard to get a ball past ‘Big Mike.’  He was a hard out when he came to bat.” Bob Swarthout, NSSHOF ’15 Member added “’Big Mike’ is very agile and quick, standing on the pitcher’s rubber. He catches every ball in his reach.”

Leitner has played with some of the top teams in California at the Major Plus level, including the San Francisco Seals 70s, 75s, and now 80s, and NorCal Bluejays 65, among others. He also helped lead his teams to the Triple Grand Slam in 2016 (SF Seals 75) and 2011 (SF Seals 70).

From 1968-2000, Leitner served as the Northern California Softball Commissioner for ASA; and was inducted into the Chico Senior Softball Hall of Fame in 2002.