This Month's News
October2014

Mike Piechnik inducted into ISF Hall of Fame

October 19, 2014

Vancouver, BC

 

 

Legendary left-handed pitcher Mike “Peaches” Piechnik of Victoria B.C. was inducted into the International Softball Federation Hall of Fame at Softball B.C.’s annual banquet on Saturday night, October 18, 2014. Softball Canada President Kevin Quinn and ISF President  Dale McMann  presented him with the award. Mike’s accomplishments at the International level were truly outstanding. Highlights during Peaches’ 12 years as a stalwart on Canada’s National Team included a 5-0 record at the ISF World’s in Manila, Philippines in 1992 when Canada last won Gold, and  a 4-0 record at the ISF’s in 1996 when Canada were the Silver medalists. Mike also helped lead Canada to two Pan American Games Championships (1995, 1999) with a combined 7-0 record, including being the winning pitcher in the Final in 1999 in Winnipeg.

 

At the club team level, Mike had a stellar career, with 4 Canadian Championship wins (1991, 1992,1997 and 2001),  4 Top Pitcher awards (1990,1993,1995,and  1998),and  two A.S.A. Championships (1993, 1996) – Top Pitcher in both). While with The Farm In in the 1998 ASA’s,  Peaches set the current tournament record of 140 strikeouts including K’ing 46 batters in a 20 inning 1-0 win v Peter Meredith and Trans Aire of Elkhart, Ind. At the ISC World Championship, Mike racked up 49 wins over 25 years with a variety of teams from both sides of the border.

 

At last night’s ceremony Mike made a short but emotional acceptance speech during which he gave heartfelt thanks to his family, Softball BC and Softball Canada, and the many teammates (especially his catchers, including Doug Chase), coaches, volunteers, sponsors, umpires and fans who helped make his lengthy career at the top of the game possible. Mike also humbly singled out fellow competitor and Canadian National Teammate  Darren Zack as an inspiration to him and the best overall pitcher Mike ever saw.

 

Mike came out of retirement briefly last year to play some Masters’ ball in Victoria, but sustained a serious injury to his pitching (left) shoulder and will undergo surgery shortly. I am sure the entire fastpitch world wishes Mike a speedy recovery, and would like to congratulate him on his most deserving induction into the ISF Hall of Fame.

 

Conrad Margolis

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