08/08/2023
The 2023 Fargo Moorhead Softball Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, August 19th at 2:30 pm at the North Softball Complex in Fargo. The 2023 Fargo Moorhead Softball Hall of Fame inductees are Lyle Hokanson (posthumously), Randy Emerson, Darren Mueller and Idso Sales fastpitch softball teams 1975 through 1985. This event will be held in conjunction with the 2023 North Dakota Rec 4 East State Men’s Slowpitch Softball Tournament.
Lyle Hokanson was a prominent figure in the Fargo Moorhead fastpitch softball world in the 1970’s and 1980’s. He could be found at the diamonds at Mickelson Field every summer night as a team manager, pitcher and umpire. He managed and pitched for the Otto’s Welding team. Lyle also served as umpire and umpire and chief for the Fargo leagues, state, regional and national tournaments for twenty years. Lyle’s Otto’s Welding team finished runner-up in two state tournaments. Lyle’s talent included public address for sporting events. He was the public address announcer for many national and local fastpitch tournaments held in Fargo. Lyle was “the voice of the NDSU Bison” for many years. His signature “everyone up for the kickoff” while announcing football is still used today.
Randy Emerson was known as one of the greatest fastpitch softball shortstops and hitters in the history of the Tri-River League. Randy played for Wolverton, Minnesota from 1966 through 1980 and Christine, North Dakota from 1981 through 1989. Randy was known for hitting with a high average, .350 lifetime, outstanding homerun power and great fielding and throwing ability. Randy played on many Tri-River League All Star teams. Randy’s team won many league championships and finished State runner-up a couple of years. Randy was known as a great leader and organizer for his team and the Tri-River League.
Darren Mueller played fastpitch softball in the Fargo Moorhead leagues for twenty-four years. He played outfield, first base and catcher. The teams he played for are Moose Lodge II, Amvets, Kegel Black Knights and Chubs Pub. Darren was known as a very good fielding power hitter. His teams won two state championships and played in eleven national tournaments and an ISC World Tournament. Darren was named to the NAFA All World team. Darren is the Head Coach for the North Dakota State Bison women’s fastpitch softball team. He has coached the Bison women for 29 years, 22 years as head coach. As head coach, his Bison teams have won 730 games. Darren’s Bison women have won 10 Summit League tournament championships. He has authored many articles for the NFCA and produced four videos on hitting. He has coached internationally for team USA in Australia and Holland.
The Idso Sales fastpitch softball teams 1975 to 1985 were a power in the women’s fastpitch softball world. Their teams won six State Championships and two Region Championships. They won six championships at the prestigious Red River Tournament hosted annually in Fargo. The team competed in national tournaments in Colorado and New Mexico. The team took pride in the fact it was comprised of local athletes. The team was coached 1975 through 1981 by Bob and Pepper Toussaint and 1982 through 1985 by Harold Larson assisted by Don Hanson and Dick Belisle. Players included Ally Toussaint Manavel, Barb Hirchert Olson, Cheryl Wiexel, Deb Kjelvik Isaacson, Di Worner, Diane Carlson, Jill Bendel, Jill Harter, Jodi Lien Wileman, Judy Nelson, Kari Larson Teschendorf, Karin Schumacher, Kathy Johnson Duginski, Kay Kassenborg Edwards, Kim Kassenborg Ulven, Kristin Mitchell, Kristi Kassenborg Trautwein, Lisa Schwartz Comstock, Lori Larson Wixo, Lori Worner, Mary Sweeney, Merry Fischer, Pat Aageson Halldorson, Pepper Toussaint, Sara Lee, Shelly Peterson Lundborg, Sheri Toussaint Wanzek, Sue Gytri Allen, Sue Sanner and Theresa Anderson. Bat boy Lance Belisle and bat girl Wendy Larson Hell.
