Davis “Dave” Gilbertson, Minnesota Softball Hall of Famer and Fastpitch Committee Chair, passed away on October 30 in Albert Lea, surrounded by friends and family.
Dave had a long career of teaching and coaching. He taught in Chatfield and Albert Lea, MN, for 35 years, retiring in 1997. He was a basketball, football, and track coach, and retired as Director of Basketball Operations in 2010. In 2019, Dave was inducted into the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Honor.
Dave played fast pitch softball throughout Southern Minnesota for more than 35 years; he was elected to the Freeborn County Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame in 1994, and the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame in 2016. He was a color commentator for football and basketball games on KATE Radio, and a PA announcer for local baseball teams. Dave was also very active in official roles for the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame, Minnesota Men’s Fast Pitch Committee as Committee Chair, and the Minnesota Sports Federation (MSF) as an umpire.
No one has volunteered more time to MSF amateur sports participants than Dave Gilbertson. He is irreplaceable and will be sorely missed. Condolences to all his friends and family.
Below is a link to Dave’s Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame induction bio from 2016.
