Dave Gilbertson

Meritorious Service/Pioneer, Chatfield/Albert Lea/Geneva

Dave Gilbertson’s softball days began in 1959. He played for 42 years, and continues to serve the game today.

Dave’s first two years were played in Mabel. He played the next 40 years in Burr Oak (IA), Chatfield, Austin, Albert Lea, Geneva, Kenyon, Owatonna, Blooming Prairie and St. James. His career ended playing the last 15 years for Super Sound Tapes in the Over-40, -45, and –50 tournaments.

Dave was no stranger to state tournament play, with a plethora of appearances between 1962 and 1997. Dave’s Class A State Championship teams in 1984 and ’85 were both undefeated. He also won National Championships with the over 45 team in 1997, and the over 50 team in 1999 and 2000. Dave also played in the Master’s World Games in 1998 in Portland, OR.

Dave’s commitment to excellence in softball applied both on and off the field. He umpired fast pitch softball for 21 years, and spent nine years directing the Class B, C, and D state tournaments. Dave has been a member of the Minnesota State Fast Pitch Committee for the last 27 years, and has been the Chairman of the Fast Pitch section of the Softball Hall of Fame for the last 10 years.

Minnesota State Softball Commissioner Perry Coonce said about Dave: “Since becoming Commissioner in 1997, there has been no one like Dave Gilbertson in terms of giving back to the great game of fast pitch. An accomplished player and umpire, Dave has served for the past 27 years as Minnesota Fast Pitch Committee member and Chair of the fast pitch section of the Hall of Fame. None other like him in terms of volunteer service to the game.”