Midland County Sports Hall of Fame: Isenhart's induction an honor to family, friends, fastpitch

May 2, 2017

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A devoted fastpitch player and booster, Lee Isenhart was a co-founder and longtime president of the Midland Explorers, and was the ISC commissioner for Michigan.

 

ORIGINAL STORY by Joel Barnhart, Midland Daily News

To those who knew him best, the late Leland “Lee” Isenhart was an unselfish man who loved fastpitch softball and worked tirelessly to grow the game in Midland.

With his upcoming induction into the Midland County Sports Hall of Fame in a May 13 ceremony at Dow Diamond, the humble man who spent his life dedicated to helping others will be honored in a way he never would have asked for, but certainly deserved.

“I think everyone in the softball community around town thinks this is well-deserved,” said Eric Isenhart, one of five children of Lee and the late Mary Jane Isenhart, who were married for 58 years. “My dad did a lot getting fastpitch softball here. He and Lefty (Bartos) did so much for the game to keep it alive in Midland.”

Lee was a co-founder, in 1986, and longtime president of the Midland Explorers men’s fastpitch team, and was also the International Softball Congress commissioner for Michigan for 20 years, spreading the game across the state and helping to bring teams and tournaments to Midland.

“He helped to run ISC qualifying tournaments, so there was always one in Michigan, so that teams could (have the chance to) go to the national tournament,” said Midland Explorers Booster Club president Kyle Beane, who played for the Explorers for many years. “He was a go-between for Michigan and the ISC. He always wanted other teams to challenge themselves and go to that tournament.”

While he was a player for many fastpitch teams over the years, Lee was best known as an ambassador for the sport, displaying his passion to everyone he met.

“I think he’s one of the stewards of the sport that helped keep it alive,” added Beane, who first encountered Lee when he began playing for the Explorers in 1996. “When I met (Lee), fastpitch had a place in the state and the (Explorers) program was well-known in Michigan. Lee was part of the engine that helped keep fastpitch in the forefront as a rec sport in Michigan by helping the Explorers stay afloat. He was part of a group that cared enough to put a lot of time and effort into it.”

Time was something Lee often gave to others — as a coach, volunteer, and contributor to many people and places in Midland. He coached for the Midland High junior varsity softball team and helped out with the Northwood softball team as well.

“My dad was such a humble person,” said Glenn Isenhart. “He didn’t expect recognition for what he did. My dad was just a great giver. He gave time and effort to anyone who needed it. He’d be thrilled to be inducted.”

Glenn added that his father was a lifeline for the game of fastpitch.

“I think that without my dad, fastpitch would have died in this town a long time ago,” Glenn said. “He just kept it alive. He had a passion to bring tournaments here.”

No doubt the biggest tournament Lee helped bring to Midland was the ISC World Tournament, which was played in Midland for the first time in 2010 and again in 2012. He worked on the host committee and was an adviser to Midland coaches David Lach and Beane.

“(Getting the World Tournament) was a huge deal to (Lee),” Beane said. “To have the ISC at our home field (Currie Stadium at Emerson Park) meant a great deal to him, and I was very happy he was able to have that experience.”

Eric Isenhart said that the ISC World Tournament bid was something his dad spent years working to secure.

“He had always wanted to get it here,” Eric said. “He’s the one that wanted to get the ISC here and he did a lot for that. He went to all of the national tournaments and begged to get it here.”

Being able to witness all of his hard work pay off was a highlight for Lee Isenhart, who always worked for the betterment of the game, not for his own accomplishments.

“He was ecstatic and so excited,” Eric said. “It was kind of a proud moment for my dad to have Midland win the bid and bring (the tournament) in.”

Lee Isenhart saw the tournament come to Midland in 2010, but he died in October of 2011, prior to the ISC’s return in 2012.

Ultimately, the legacy of Lee Isenhart is one of a caring man who loved the game of softball and gave a lot to the game and those involved with it.

“He wanted people who came in (to fastpitch games) to feel like they were a part of the team,” Beane said. “He made sure he treated everyone who came like family and wanted to welcome them into the community.”

When asked what Lee would say if he could attend the induction ceremony, Eric and Glenn echoed the same sentiments about their father.

Glenn, who returned to Midland after 30 years away to help care for both of his parents during their final years, honors his father every day that he goes to work. Glenn named his kayak business “Ike’s Mobile Kayaks” as a tribute to his father, who was nicknamed “Ike” and who loved to take his family on camping and canoe trips.

“He provided for five kids and we always took camping trips every year,” Glenn said. “He was a lot of fun to go camping with.”

Glenn added that his dad would be grateful for his induction, but would maintain his sense of humility.

“He’d probably tell a few jokes and just thank everybody that helped him along the way,” Glenn said. “He’d thank Lefty (Bartos) for giving him help. He would just be very humble and thankful and excited to receive an award.”

“He’d be shy about it,” Eric said. “He’d be shy, but happy. To be elected for his knowledge and what he did for the game, it would be a proud moment for him.”

Lee Isenhart, a U.S. Navy veteran, was also inducted into the Midland Bowling Hall of Fame in 1979 and was an avid golfer.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the the second in a series of six stories about individuals who will be inducted into the Midland County Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 13 at Dow Diamond.

Tickets can be ordered through May 5 at Midland Parks and Recreation or at www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/halloffame