Jody Hennigar Induction
November 15, 2008
Fredericton, NB
Hello Al, Fastpitch Fans & Players,
It was a very special night last Saturday night for my family and myself to be inducted to the Softball Canada Hall of Fame to say the least and my speach was short and simple but I didn't get to say all that I wanted because it was hard to hold back the emotions and tears. So I thought I would write this letter to everyone that has touched my life in this great sport from sponsors to players to teamates and to fans. First I would like to thank all sponsors who I've played for especially Kurt Packingham from Cedar Rapids Iowa who took a chance on this kid from the North End of Halifax and gave me a chance to play in the U.S. You and the boy's from C.R. opened up my eye's to the Fastpitch World that I grew to love. Rand Kellock from the Halifax Keith's who I played for many years and enjoyed every second of, thank you. Mike Groves from Fedlock in Washington D.C. it was a short 3 years but man did I have an awesome time there, you and the Fedlock boy's made me feel like family from the moment I got there, thanks very much. Rod Peterson from the Famous Farm Tavern, what more can I say about a guy who I loved like my second father, for 12 years it was like a marriage that had it's ups and downs but I respected him no matter what, without Rod in this sport and all he has contributed it may have died long ago, thanks for the great ride..... Rod.
To my friends & teamates in New Zealand and my coach Zap & Grant Wheelan thanks for all the memories and hope we get to meet again, the softball their was awesome and it really did make me a better player playing against the greats like Mike White, Chub Tangaro, Steve Jackson, Paul Algar, Mark Sorenson to name a few. You wonder how these Kiwi's got to be so great for being such a small country, they did it by playing with Heart and that's what I learned from them the most, I admire all of my teamates and opposition from this powerhouse country of softball, you all touched my heart and thank you.
Playing for Team Canada was a great honor especially under coach Terry Baitor, he motivated me in way's a lot of coaches couldn't and he brought out the best in me as a player, thanks Terry. Putting on a jersey with the Maple Leaf on your chest was exciting and terrifying at the same time knowing a whole country depended on you to bring home the Gold, and not only did we play for ourselve's but play for everyone in Canada... wow, what a rush that was. To everyone in Canada, softball fans and teamates it was a pleasure playing with you and for you, I will never forget the many great momories. Stepping on the field with greats like Darren Zack, Adam Smith, Ray ( grumpy ) Tilley, Brian Paton, Colin Abbott to name a few was some of the greatest moments of my life, thank you all and hope to see you at the park some day again.
For those of you I have not mentioned like teamates, players, fans, coaches or sponsors I'm sorry otherwise this letter would have gone on forever, so thank you everyone. I knew my time was over when It was hard to get out of bed on Sunday mornings with an aching body all at the age of 40, I couldn't believe it because my mind still wanted to play but I made my decision after the 2005 season with Circle Tap, Wisconson. It was the hardest decision of my life to put the glove and cleats down forever. I gave all of my equiptment away to kids around the park and to see their smiles was precious, sad and joyful all at the same time because I knew myself enough to say it was finally over for me. When I played I played hard for everyone other than myself and it gives me chills when I reflect on the past.
A very special thanks to my soulmate April for all your support over the years, my father Stan Hennigar Sr. who taught me this great game, my brother Stan Jr. who I've always tried to fill his shoes and Mike White who showed me how to be a graceful winner, I love you all. I'm still involved this game here in Tampa Florida teaching girls how to pitch and hit at my academy and help coach an 18U girls fastpitch team that travel's all over the U.S. to help them get a college scholorship and better their lives. Even though I don't play now I hope my knowledge and experience will help these atheletes get to accomplish everything I have. Hope to see everyone soon at the park and talk about " good times .."
Regards,
