Peter Meyer, a nine-time participant in the annual Gay Softball World Series, was the lone Chicagoan inducted into the event's Hall of Fame for the Class of 2010.
Meyer, 55, who lives in Grayslake, Ill., was honored during the 2010 Series, held last month in Columbus, Ohio.
The North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance ( NAGAAA ) runs the Gay Softball World Series, which is a predominantly male event, although some women also participate.
"It is quite an honor to be inducted into the NAGAAA Hall of Fame. To be voted in by your softball peers is humbling," said Meyer, who works in marketing and has played almost every position, and been a coach, in Series action.
"No one individual exceeds without help from others, [ such as ] teammates [ who ] have helped me on this path. Softball for me, to some extent, has been a metaphor of life. I have been fortunate to be given the opportunity to live a dream, a vision of sorts. Through softball, playing and coaching, I've been able to develop certain people skills as well as athletic skills and envelop those to other areas of life. Being able to share those skills with others has been a way of sharing or giving service to fellow teammates and opponents."
Meyer has played in the series for such teams as Annex, Roscoe's, Charlie's, Stars, North End, Sidetrack, Jackhammer and others. He played for Charlie's when the series was held in Minneapolis—and his team finished in 3rd-place in "C" Division play, his highest finish in the Series.
"My most memorable World Series was defeating another Chicago team from an opposing league in Minneapolis to clinch 3rd place and walking on stage to accept the trophy," Meyer said. "The first Series I attended [ was ] in Atlanta in 1989; there was only one division of play and [ it was ] only double-elimination games. Today, there are numerous pool-play games and four divisions of competition.
"The series has developed tremendously in a short amount of time. The talent that now exists is vastly improved. Today, some of our 'D' division play is as good as some teams that played way back when I first was involved."
Meyer is the co-founder of the annual Senior Cup, held in Chicago since 2000 for softball players 40 and older. The 2010 edition is scheduled for Sept. 11-12, with 18 teams from across North America participating in three divisions of play, appropriately called, Rocker, Walker and Scooter.
Games will be played at the Waveland Diamonds, located at Irving Park and Lake Shore.
"This [ Hall of Fame ] honor is reflective of our Senior Cup tourney, now in its 11th year, and the interest we have garnered from those who participate in it. I doubt this honor would have come my way if not for the Senior Cup," Meyer said. "I was surprised, very thankful and happy [ with the honor. ]
"The Senior Cup is a reuniting of friends from across the continent. [ It is a ] rejoining of acquaintances from cities and other tourneys, made over the years. [ It is ] somewhat of a return to old-fashion softball, stressing good sportsmanship and respect for the game."
Meyer began playing softball locally in 1989, and expects to be a late addition to a team for the 2010 Senior Cup. He joined the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association ( CMSA ) in 1993 and has coached in the CMSA's Sunday league for 17 years.
Meyer also has played in CMSA's Thursday softball league, as wall as tennis, flag football, bowling and badminton.
"There are highlights from each team that I have been associated with, stories that go with each," he said. "I am very grateful that CMSA allowed me to share the vision of Senior Cup softball with so many others, and allowed that opportunity to blossom into a 'field of dreams.'"
Meyer added: "If, through any of my activity/involvement in sports, whether as a player, coach, or organizer, someone received enjoyment, had fun, realized a smile or two from their activity, then perhaps my contribution is worthy of the Hall of Fame honor; more important, that my service through sports has made a difference for another person."
