Dick Brubaker will be inducted into the ASA (Amateur Softball Association) National Hall of Fame Saturday, Oct. 27, in Oklahoma City, Okla..
Bru, as he was called by teammates and fans, started his fastpitch softball journey in Tampico, Ill. at the age of 20. An athletic young man, he played mostly outfield, but rapidly developed his pitching skills into one of the best in the sport
From 1953 to 1968, Brubaker pitched for teams in the Rock Island area where he was a premier pitcher. He participated in 13 ISC (International Softball Congress) World Tournaments and earned numerous all-tournament honors. He was inducted into the ISC Hall of Fame in 1984.
In 1969 he played in his first ASA National Tournament with Anixter Bombers of Glencoe. In 1971 Anixter placed third at the ASA Nationals when Dick threw a no-hitter and struck out 19 batters in a seven-inning game. He joined John Hunter and Harvey Sterkel as co-record holders in strikeouts.
From 1972 to 1984, Bru pitched for Aurora Home Savings. He was selected to the ASA National All-Tournament team four times and the All Mid-West Regional team five times and four times named most valuable player. In the 13 years he pitched for Aurora, the team qualified for the ASA National Tournament 10 times, placed runner-up five times, 1974-1977 and 1984. Bru’s pitching stats with Aurora were: Wins, 337; losses, 63; ERA, 0.67.
—Bill Pfeiffer, Aurora Fastpitch Softball Association