SHIRLEY FOGARTY - Inducted February 2012

(Photo courtesy Donkin Gook Photography)

Shirley Fogarty first represented NSW in 1952 and went on to play in 17 Australian Championships, including one representing South Australia in 1956. During this time Shirley was not only Captain of some of these teams but was also a player/coach. Shirley went on to represent Australia.

Shirley was renowned for being a courageous player with legend having it that on one occasion she played on despite having a fractured leg.

After Shirley’s retirement as a player in 1970 Shirley then turned to putting back into the sport where she went on to coach, manage and score at no less than 21 Australian Championships.

Shirley has had an impact at grass roots over many years with her involvement through North Shore, Sutherland,  Southern Districts and Tweed District Softball Associations.  Shirley is a Life Member of three of those Affiliates and also a Life Member of SNSW, all of which she is very proud of.

On doing a very quick calculation of how many  training sessions Shirley may have attended over the 55 years she has been involved with NSW Teams it works out at about 1200 sessions and that is being very conservative. This does not include the endless hours Shirley put in on individual sessions and those coaching many players at grass roots level.

Shirley Fogarty is congratulated on becoming the first inductee into the SNSW Hall of Fame.

MELANIE ROCHE - Inducted February 2012

(Photo courtesy Donkin Gook Photography)

Mel Roche was first selected in the 1986 NSW U16 Team where she made an immediate impact by winning the pitching award. Mel made her debut in the NSW Open Women’s Team in 1988 and was instrumental in NSW winning their first championship in 16 years and  she again took out that tournament's pitching award. Mel's debut game in Brisbane was against Queensland where she K2'd the first 9 batters she had ever faced at Open Level and this at only 17 years old.

Mel went on to play in 18 national championships spanning 23 years and only retired in 2011.

Mel was selected to play for Australia and represented at four Olympic Games, medalling in each, to become one of only three females in Olympic history to do this.

Mel is a passionate person but no more so than when she is wearing the Blue and Blue.

Mel Roche is a legend and is congratulated on becoming the second inductee into the SNSW Hall of Fame.