Softball Hall of Fame

When men's fast pitch softball was a major part of the Peoria sport scene, Ray Fisher was one of the very best. For 14 years he played the game and his educated bat and great speed afoot made him a vital part of his team.

A versatile performer who played the outfield, second base and caught, Fisher played with the two teams that were renowned powerhouses in the 1942-52 era, Gipps and Caterpillar.

As a teenager he played with Farrow Chix and Lyceum Stag, then joined Gipps in 1943 and played with the Brewers for three seasons including the 1945 team that finished 42-6.

He was with Farrow Chix in 1946 and joined Caterpillar in 1947 for a six-year stint, playing with the Diesels when they were part of the Western Division of the National Softball League that included such teams as the Aurora Sealmasters, the Ft. Wayne Zollner Pistons, Dow Chemical and Kenosha and Racine, Wisconsin.

Retiring after the 1952 season, he turned to the game to manage Al's Radio of Peoria to a state championship in 1954.

When the Illinois Amateur Softball Association founded its Hall of Fame in 1971, Ray Fisher was included in the inaugural class of inductees.