History
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Redsox Softball Club was formed in 1976-77 after some members broke away from the former ‘Stafford Stars Softball Club’. The history books now show that Redsox has had over 2000 female and male players who have taken the diamond in the past 46 years. The first Red and White Night function was held in March 1980 to celebrate the completion of the 1979-1980 softball season. It was held at the Pasadena Lounge at Alderley (where Coles supermarket now stands), where 2 teams performed acts to entertain 143 Club mates, supporters and parents. The A1 team did a humorous rendition of ‘This is your Life’ – Margaret Reynolds. A few of our innovations that have turned into traditions are: The idea to wear red and white at our end of year function began that year and has become a tradition that continues today. Many of our Club members are very loyal and dedicated people and these qualities are recognised by Leaders in our Club. Game and ‘seasons played’ tallies are kept and announced throughout the season and at season’s end. We also confer Life Membership to deserving members who have displayed distinguished service in different areas of the Club’s organisation for over (at least) 10 years. To date, 27 people have received this honour. For example, one Life Member, Christel Strohschon was a fearless player, a great social functions organiser and after a short hiatus, she returned to the Club as a team official. Her tally of 376 games made her one of our longest serving playing Club members notching up 19 years of continuous playing until her semi-retirement at the completion of the 1998-99 season. Our players achieve so many amazing individual achievements. Four (4) other players have, through their hard work and dedication, played over 350 games each. Amanda (Percy), Desleigh (Woodhead), Belinda (Vellnagel) and Angela (Coogan) join Christel on that esteemed list. Only one player eclispes those five females - Chris (Goffer) stands alone with a tally of over 518 games as at the end of 2022 season. Individual awards also won by our Clubmates include June Spice Medal winners, Daphne Hass medallists, an Australian ‘Softballer of the Year’ and numerous other deserving award recipients. 1996 saw Redsox players represent Australia at the first Olympics. Tanya (‘T’) Harding and Frankie McRae did us proud winning bronze in softball debut’s in Atlanta. ‘T’ then backed up again, this time with Sandra Lewis (Allen) for the 2000 Sydney Olympics winning another bronze medal. At the Athens Games in 2004, Tanya and Sandra won a silver medal for their sterling efforts. Again, in Beijing, Tanya and Sandy won bronze. These are but 3 of many players who have represented Australia in the 'green and gold'. Redsox has also been well represented as Australian officials. Within Queensland circles, we have had a massive number of player (over 200) representatives and also at least 50 officials. Many of these people have served their State for many, many years. As a Club, our teams performances are impressive too! Redsox has won 1 x Australian Club Championships, 12 x BSA Senior Club Championships and 7 x BSA Junior Club Championships. Add to this tally the 88 x BSA Dayball Premierships, the 10 x BSA Nightball Premierships and you will agree that Redsox has a representative honour board like no other Club. Our strength in the BSA competition is second to none, and off the diamond we are known to set new bench marks too. Here are some:
But to many of us, softball is much more than the game. It’s also very much about the relationships we make, have made and then treasure. Many hold dear the lifelong friendships that have been formed through our Club. We endure the highs and lows of these people’s lives – we’ve celebrated with them, we’ve commiserated with them and above all, we’ve supported them throughout. After 46 years in the Brisbane competition, Redsox continues to go from strength to strength and it is our hope that this will continue for many years to come.
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