The Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame has recently welcomed a distinguished group of inductees, including an individual and teams with a connection to Portage la Prairie.
Among them is Rob Olson, whose career in fastball has left a lasting impact on the game, particularly in Portage la Prairie and surrounding areas.
The Hall of Fame honors those whose dedication to the sport has shaped Manitoba’s softball landscape, and Olson's induction is a reflection of his legacy.
Rob Olson’s career began in his hometown of Gladstone, Manitoba, where he started playing men's fastball at the age of 16. In 1988, Olson was instrumental in forming the Gladstone Whips, a team that competed at various levels, including Junior Men’s, Intermediate A, and Senior Open.
"It was the speed of the game is what got me hooked," stated Olson.
Olson’s leadership and performance on the field earned him numerous accolades, including being named Top Male in Manitoba Senior Fastpitch and an All-Star 2nd Baseman at the Sr. A Nationals in 2002.
Olson’s journey with the sport has evolved over the years, noting he has now moved onto coaching.
Reflecting on his induction, Olson recalls, “I think I got the phone call in January. They usually give you a few months to prepare...It was very humbling."
The induction ceremony was held on May 3 at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg.
The Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame induction also recognized several other prominent figures in the sport, including:
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Reid Birss – A key player in Manitoba’s fastball scene, Birss played with top teams such as the Ste. Anne Saints and the Winnipeg Ashams. Birss appeared in 14 Senior A Men’s National Championships and was a Gold Glove Award winner in 1976.
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Lorne Seneshen – With over 50 years in softball, Seneshen made a significant impact as both a player and a coach. He played as a 3rd baseman and catcher, earning multiple All-Star selections. After his playing days, he transitioned to coaching and managing teams, including leadership roles in the Slo-Pitch community.
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Ed Shore – Known for his contributions as both a player and a builder of the sport, Shore spent over 50 years promoting and growing the game. He was a key member of the Winnipeg Fastball League, both on the field and in various executive roles.
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Gord Zamzow – From Swan River, Zamzow has been an integral part of softball in his community, coaching and organizing fastpitch and slo-pitch leagues, as well as serving as an umpire for over a decade.
Additionally, two teams were inducted:
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Portage Bison/Seals (1965-1966) – The Portage teams participated in the first-ever Canadian Senior Men’s Fastball Championships, representing Manitoba and competing in Calgary.
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Smitty’s Terminators (1999-2003) – Dominating women’s softball, the Terminators captured multiple national titles, with four golds and one silver at national championships during their five-year run.
The Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame & Museum, located at the Fort la Reine Museum, east of Portage la Prairie, serves as a testament to the history and growth of the sport in the province.
The Hall of Fame continues to recognize players, teams, and builders who have made a significant impact on Manitoba softball. Visitors can explore the rich history and achievements of the sport at this facility, which celebrates the legacy of local softball heroes.