This November, Manager of Classic Glass Softball, Tom Formosa will be inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame. For over 20 years Formosa has managed Men’s “B” Teams, except for three years when his teams played in the “A” program. As a highly inspirational manager, and a man who just loves the game, Formosa has had many successes in his time. “In 1998 he coached his team to the USSSA Men’s “B” World Championship at Lubbock, Texas. His teams also won State titles in 1998, and Regional titles in 2002,” said Willie Ruse, Tom’s coach and assistant manager of 14 years. His accomplishments don’t end there though.

Formosa’s teams have participated across the nation in USSSA National Invitation Tournaments and even won some in California, Las Vegas and Blaine, MN. In years past, being supporters of the Major Men’s programs, Formosa’s highly acclaimed teams have finished ninth in the Dudley Men’s Major and third in the Mike Davis Memorial Major Tournament. Other successes have been winning two NSA men’s Super “B” World Tournaments. (The most recent was in Knoxville, TN in 2006). “His teams are always ranked within the top 20 teams entering the Yearly World Tournament,” said Ruse.

Picking winners for his top-notch teams isn’t easy. Tom spends a lot of his weekends scouting for new talent. He even travels to the East Coast occasionally to make sure his teams will be, “well prepared to play against anyone in the nation,” commented Ruse.

Ruse describes Tom as harsh and strict on the wins and losses of his teams. But that’s to be expected when he has high hopes for his teams and only wishes the best for their success. “He wants his teams to represent Classic Glass Softball and USSSA in the highest manner possible. However, being such a competitive manager he still will be the first to shake your hand after a game,” Ruse explained.

Tom loves to talk softball, and Ruse senses Tom’s appreciation for his team’s efforts and the passion Tom has for the game. Tom’s dependability to his players has earned him an outstanding reputation. Former players excitedly shake his hand when they run into him at tournaments, and directors enjoy chatting with him over the phone.

Overall, Ruse believes Tom to be an exceptional model as a softball manager, and he is very deserving of this award.