Palm Springs Gay Softball League center badge

Hall of Fame Class of 2021

 

Scot Howard

Scot Howard joined our league in 2011 after relocating from San Francisco with his husband as a way to get involved with the gay community here in Palm Springs.  Since then, playing and coaching has become his year round passion.  He has played on a few teams over the years including the Stansell’s Stingers and Roadrunnerz. Along with Jack Parish, he was a founding member of the Streetbar softball team and since 2013 has found his home with the Gorillas.

He has competed in 6 Gay Softball World Series, including a 1st place finish in 2018 with the Desert Dawgs and a 2nd place finish in 2019 with the Desert Nighthawks as a player/coach.

In 2017, he decided it was time to do more for the league and became the Secretary. Shortly after taking over the new role, our commissioner of the time had to step down and our inductee stepped up to fill the vacancy. Since becoming commissioner, he has worked tirelessly to help grow our league, but most importantly the awareness throughout the Greater Palm Springs area. He was also instrumental in securing the bid for us to host the NAGAAA Cup in 2021. Without his hard work, dedication and selflessness, it would not have been the success that it was. I know that this is not the end to his resume of accomplishments as he continues to strive to make the PSGSL the best it can be.

As his License plate states, he is PS Softball. The PSGSL is honored to induct Scot Howard into their PSGSL Hall of Fame for 2021.

 

Mark Bentzen

Mark joined the league over 9 years ago and Mark’s list of personal achievements in the PSGSL is extensive.  But what many people don’t know is Mark’s dedication, commitment and contributions to the League; and, anonymity is exactly what Mark strived for. 

Pinning down specific examples of Mark’s dedication and love for the League is difficult because he’s always been one of those unique individuals that was always there, doing whatever he could to help.  For the 9+ years Mark has been in the league, not a single League fundraiser has taken place that Mark has not helped promote; contribute to; and, in traditional Mark “come on, it’s the League” fashion, convinced others to participate in.  Not a single PRIDE parade has happened that Mark hasn’t helped build the float or recruited people to march.  But what is most admirable about Mark, on any given day you could find him at the ballfield helping a team or player, especially those that expressed interest in pitching.  If a player wanted to help or the League needed anything, all you had to do was call Mark and he was there – without question or hesitation.

It’s this commitment to the League that goes beyond personal achievements that we feel makes Mark a worthy candidate for induction to the 2021 PSGSL Hall Of Fame.