2024 Hall of Fame Inductees
Russ Figueroa Brian Holliday Tom Ranalls
* Judy Muller, HOF Class of 2014, introduced Russ Figueroa into the Hall of Fame since Russ could not be present.
Russ worked with Brian (Holliday) to learn our Manage Your League program.
He with the assistance of wife Eileen pretty much ran the Saturday League for the past 8 years. He did everything from commish to bat boy! He worked with the women to be sure they had time to play.
He was not only efficient but poured his heart and soul into making it a fun league based on respect and camaraderie. He not only ran Saturday League, he, along with Jim Palzer was responsible for putting together many tournaments raising money for Relay for Life. His wife Eileen was with him every step of the way.
Our inductee Russ Figueroa was unable to be here today but would like to extend his thanks to the HOF Committee and the Club.
It is my honor to accept this award on behalf of Russ. It is truly well deserved.
Brian and his wonderful wife Becky (who is also a Grand softball player) and a very good one I might add. They came here from the beautiful state of Washington 21 years ago. Becky was a Washington State trooper attached to the Governor’s detail.Brian started out as a Washington State trooper and then became one of the pilots for the Governor of Washington Brian has also been a corporate pilot. What a pretty interesting career!
Now to Grand softball. Brian has played in various Grand leagues. Brian has dedicated himself to making Grand softball a better place to play. As most of you know. When you see Brian at the park he is never without his laptop. I even asked Brian “Do you sleep with that thing?” He is always checking on different league issues. Brian was on the Board for 8 years. It is so sad that we can’t get anyone to sign up for 2 years.He was VP, Director of Admissions. He’s been involved in just about every technical aspect of the club. Most of you here really don’t know what it takes to run this club. As we speak, people at home can watch this ceremony on the computer right now.
Thank you to Brian and his fellow colleagues. You all know who you are.
Before I call Brian up to get his award, I’d like to give a “big shout out” to Brian’s buddies, the Washington State troopers, who play softball at Grand. Each one of you volunteer for the club whether it be manager, committees, ground crew or techies. Thank you very much
Tommy and his lovely wife Kris came to Sun City Grand from White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Tommy was a mortgage broker for 20 years in Minnesota.Kris was in medical sales until she retired last year.Tommy has continued his career selling real estate in Arizona.Tommy started playing softball at Grand at the young age of 47. He was drafted in the Red League.
In 2016 he decided to step up and become an Asst. Manager and progressed to manager while playing in the Red League for 7 years.He was also on the Rating Committee and softball testing committee. In 2018 Tommy decided to run for president of the softball club.Tommy did two terms as president, 4 years, not an easy job.While president, Tommy got the commissioners to take better control of the players in their leagues – no second chances when a player needed to be suspended. It has worked well. No more complaining to the umps or arguing with fellow players, etc.We got a new pitching screen for safety. He sped up the games with the 1 and 1 count.We got a new $47, 000 piece of equipment under Tommy’s term as president for dragging the field, that made Jimmy Opyd very happy.Tommy was president when COVID hit. But with the help of our softball board, we got through it. Testing and masks and various procedures me it able for the games to continue, not an easy task.Tommy Ranalls has been a sponsor in our league since he arrived.
Tom and Kris Ranalls have raised over $25,000 from tournaments and charity events for
- Relay for Life
- Soldier’s Best Friend
- Fortress