Ken Many Wounds Billingsly, Pine Ridge; Mens Fastpitch USA Softball
Ken Many Wounds Billingsly is a legendary figure in fastpitch softball, whose remarkable career spans across states, regions, and even the world stage. Beginning his journey with the Pine Ridge Sioux, Ken honed his talents during a transformative era in Western South Dakota. As fastpitch evolved, his exceptional skills took him beyond regional states to national and international prominence.
Ken’s accomplishments include being named All-American 3rd baseman at the 2003 ASA/USA Nationals and playing in 15 ISC World Tournamentscompeting at the sports highest level in the prestigious nine-day event showcasing the world’s top 48 teams. Notably, Ken’s Pine Ridge Sioux team claimed the championship at the 1987 A Tournament. He also made an extraordinary impact in national Indian Tournaments, where he played on teams that claimed four national titles. His individual excellence earned him an MVP award and a spot on the Tournament All-Star team an impressive 12 times.
Ken’s versatility and unwavering dedication to the sport led him to celebrated teams such as the Pine Ridge Sioux, the Storm from Texas, Frontier Bar from Bismarck, and Nariko from St. Paul. His international contributions include representing Nariko in ISC tournaments and spending 13 years with the North Americans. Gary Young, who nominated Ken for this honor, shared, “I saw Ken hit line drive homeruns and play defense as well as anyone at the tournaments. But what I remember the most was that he was a competitor who had respect for the game and those who played it.”
Fellow Hall of Famer Richard Tuffy Lunderman praised Ken’s extraordinary career, saying, “I played ball with Ken for nearly 25 years. Ken did not just play ball, he competed at every level. Players of Ken’s caliber deserve to be honored at the highest level.”
Hall of Famer JC Crawford also shared his admiration for Ken, noting, “I have played ball both with and against Ken my favor of the two would be teammate. Ken was not only one of the best players in South Dakota, but also within the upper Midwest.”
Ken Many Wounds Billingsly illustrious career is a testament to his unmatched talent, dedication, and the lasting impact he has made on fastpitch softball, both nationally, internationally, as well as South Dakota.
Kellys Sport Lounge/Jeremy Ofstead, Rapid City; Promoter/Sponsor USA Softball
Jeremy Ofstead, owner of Kelly’s Sports Lounge in Rapid City, South Dakota, and a lifelong supporter of softball, will be honored with induction into the prestigious Softball Hall of Fame. This recognition celebrates Jeremys ongoing efforts to preserve and expand the remarkable legacy of the Lounges late founder, Kelly Cotton, and its lasting impact on the softball community.
For over 30 years, Kelly’s Sports Lounge has been a cornerstone of the softball scene, providing athletes and fans with sponsorships, encouragement, and a welcoming hub that fosters camaraderie. Jeremy has continued Kelly Cottons vision, ensuring the Lounge remains a vibrant gathering place while championing local sports initiatives throughout the region.
Under Jeremys leadership, Kelly’s Sports Lounge has sponsored numerous teams that have competed in Regional Events as well as Womens Senior Nationals. Their dedication goes far beyond team sponsorships, playing an integral role in supporting the game through partnerships such as sponsoring state scorebooks, hosting umpire suppers before tournaments, providing gift cards for benefit events, and sponsoring two fields at the Star of the West Complexwith plans for additional sponsorships in the future. Kelly’s also proudly fields teams playing every night of the week at Star of the West, solidifying their commitment to softball at all levels.
Speaking of Jeremys and Kellys collective contributions, league Vice President Jenna McNabb reflected, As the VP of the league for 20 years, I was able to see firsthand the dedication of Kelly and Jeremy to the teams and tournaments of the RC Softball Association. They have made a substantial investment in the teams and the league and a commitment to USA Softball.
In nominating Jeremy for this honor, Keith Morell emphasized, Kelly’s has shown consistent commitment to fostering the development of softball with sponsorships and financial commitments to teams and the league. Through their ongoing commitment to the community, Kelly’s Sports Lounge has proven to be a valuable asset to the world of softball in Rapid City and the state.
Lets honor Jeremy Ofstead and remember the late Kelly Cotton as we celebrate Kellys Sports Loungea true symbol of softballs spirit, dedication, and community.
Sheri Lappe, Pierre; Womens Slowpitch USA Softball
USA Softball has officially announced the induction of Sheri Lappe into the USA Softball Hall of Fame Class of 2025, a prestigious recognition celebrating her extraordinary contributions to the sport as a player, umpire, coach, and leader.
Sheris softball journey began at just 13 years old, playing alongside her grandmother and aunt at Robs Flat cow pasture. From those humble beginnings, she went on to compete at the highest levels, playing for over 30 years in fastpitch, slowpitch, and co-ed leagues. She has won state championships with five different teams, including Oahe Vet and Chuck Wagon in Class B, Shenanigans in Class C, the Longbranch in Class D, and the Legion in D5. Her Chuck Wagon team went on to win the Northern Regional Championship in Bismarck, adding to a long list of league titles while showcasing her versatility as a center fielder and catcher.
Beyond her playing career, Sheri served 13 years as an umpire, officiating mens and womens leagues, as well as state tournaments. She also thrived as a player-manager, guiding Chuck Wagon to a state and regional championship.
Her dedication extended beyond the diamond, where she has been a womens league officer for more than two decades, championing the growth and success of the sport in Pierre. She played a key role in rebuilding the bathroom/concession facility and, after the 2011 flood devastated the Oahe Complex, she was instrumental in reconstructing the facility. In addition, she has managed the Oahe Concession Stand for the last three years.
Sheri has also served as the Pierre Womens Commissioner since 1993, working alongside respected figures such as Joyce Gall, Cindy Johnson, and Stacie Morell. Her leadership has been pivotal in organizing state tournaments, ensuring teams and players receive the resources needed to compete at the highest levels. Sheris legacy was further cemented in 2024, when she was inducted into the Oahe Softball Wall of Fame. Nominator Stacie Morell, Sheri is the heart and soul of our softball community. Shes always the first person at the fields and usually the last to leave. Her dedication over the past 32 years has been unmatched.
Cindy Johnson echoed this sentiment, saying, She is everyones go-to person. Need fields? Ask Sheri. Need umpires? Ask Sheri. A team, food, water, a beer, or even an opinionask Sheri. She is an outstanding leader.
Silas “Mo” Skates, Rapid City; Mens Slowpitch USA Softball
Silas “Mo” Skates has been honored as a Hall of Fame inductee in recognition of his incredible softball career. As a versatile player who excelled in left field, catcher, and EH roles, Mo contributed to the success of three different Kelly’s teams as well as Sonny’s, Thomas Electric, Saloon 10, and Team Primed.
Mo’s career is defined by consistent excellence, winning league titles every single year he playedprimarily in upper-division softball. Among his notable achievements are a state championship with Kelly’s in the 1998 State Open and two out-of-state titles: one in Wyoming and another in Montana with Sonny’s.
In addition to his league and state victories, Mo competed in two C Nationals tournaments (held in Rapid City and Las Vegas) and three 35 & Over Nationals, achieving two second-place finishes and one third-place finish, all in Mandan. While he has earned numerous All-Star and All-Tournament awards, Mo is known for his team-first mentality and prefers to celebrate the collective effort over individual accolades.
Beyond softball, Mo proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1987 to 1996, demonstrating his dedication and leadership in service to his country. Off the field, Mo has shared his passion for the game by coaching girls fastpitch softball, youth baseball, and even trying his hand at coaching a women’s slowpitch team in recent years. His mentorship has left a lasting impact on countless young players.
As nominator Keith Morell attested:
“Mo was absolutely one of the best players in the state. On top of his exceptional skillshitting, fielding, runninghe was also a team leader, both on and off the field. He could hold his own at the highest levels of the game, and his passion for discussing and strategizing the game was unmatched. Today, Mo remains involved in the sport, playing occasionally while dedicating himself to mentoring younger players.”
Jim Sullivan added:
“Mo was an incredible softball player, in my opinion the best in the state during his prime. But he was also a good guy, which to me was as important as being a great player.”
Dennis Brewer, Pine Ridge; Mens Fastpitch USA Softball
Pine Ridge celebrates the remarkable achievements of Dennis Brewer, a true legend in the world of fastpitch softball. As both a player and coach, Dennis Brewers contributions to the Pine Ridge Sioux team and his community have left a lasting legacy.
Dennis began his illustrious career in 1969 as a pitcher, infielder, and outfielder, later transitioning to the catching position in 1983. He spent decades excelling in the game, playing alongside Hall of Famers Richard “Tuffy” Lunderman and North Dakota Hall of Famer Ollie Fiedler. Dennis dedicated 20 years (19721992) to the Pine Ridge Sioux team, guiding them to historic victories.
Under Denniss leadership, the Pine Ridge teams dominated the Pine Ridge League from 1980 to 1989, and also claimed the Sioux Trail Baseball League title from 1972 to 1983. A significant milestone came in 1987 when Dennis and his team triumphed at the ASA State A Championship in Watertown, securing a third-place finish at the A Regionals in St. Paul that same year.
Denniss career is marked by outstanding individual accolades, including six MVP awards and over 50 all-tournament awards from Pine Ridge, Rosebud, and Yankton Sioux competitions. His teams won a remarkable 150 tournaments over 20 years, and he hit more than 300 home runs, including an awe-inspiring performance of five homers in one day. As a pitcher, he achieved a one-hit game and recorded 242 victories. The Pine Ridge Sioux achieved an 844 record in 1985losing only at the State and Nationals tournaments in Reno.
Known as a student of the game, Dennis meticulously analyzed his opponents with Tuffy Lunderman, finding strengths and weaknesses to give their teams the winning edge.
Denniss impact extended beyond the field as Hall of Famer Richard Tuffy Lunderman shares, Dennis Brewer is many things to many people. He is respected for being a devoted father, grandfather, friend, and community member. Dennis and his wife welcomed children into their home, raising them with love and care as their own. He brought positivity to his work, family, and any arena he was part of.
Fellow inductee Ken Many Wounds adds, Dennis was the rock who solidified the Pine Ridge Sioux. He inspired through his leadership, dedication, and warrior heart. Dennis Brewers extraordinary career and contributions to his community truly make him a Hall of Fame inductee worthy of the highest praise.
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