Monica Abbott, Doug Middleton highlight USA Softball Hall of Fame 2026 Class

The USA National Softball Hall of Fame will expand its storied legacy in 2026 with the induction of five individuals and one team to the 2026 Class, shining a light on their accomplishments that have left a lasting mark on the sport of softball in the country.

Monica Abbott (Fast Pitch), Doug Middleton (Fast Pitch), Dewayne Frizzel (Slow Pitch), Dewayne Nevitt (Slow Pitch), Les Novak (Umpire), and the Raybestos Brakettes (Team), will all be honoured on Saturday, Oct. 31 during the 45th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

The Class of 2026 will be inducted at the Oklahoma City Convention Center during USA Softball’s Annual Council Meeting.

Monica Abbott (Fast pitch player)

Widely regarded as one of the most dominant pitchers in the history of softball, building a legacy of excellence across international, collegiate and professional competition.

A two-time Olympic silver medalist, she posted a perfect 6-0 record across the 2008 and 2020 Olympic Games, striking out 63 batters in 44 innings. She was named to the All-Olympic Team in 2020. 

The left-handed pitcher helped USA capture four World Cup gold medals (2006, 2010, 2018, 2022), going undefeated in the circle. She also led the Junior Women’s National Team to a silver medal finish at the World Cup in 2003. 

A three-time Pan American Games gold medalist (2002, 2007, 2019), Abbott was a five-time Japan Softball League champion with the Toyota Motor Corporation, earning four MVP awards and seven Most Valuable Pitcher honors. 

She posted a 131-36 record in the National Pro Fast Pitch (NPF) League in the United States, earning five Pitcher of the Year awards, four playoff MVP honours, five league championships, and a spot on the NPF All-Decade Team. 

Doug Middleton (Fast pitch player)

Middleton finished his career as one of the premier pitchers in men’s fast pitch softball, competing at the highest levels of the sport for nearly three decades (1980-2008). He helped the USA National Team earn bronze medals at the 1992 and 2000 World Cups, along with silver medals at the 1999 and 2003 Pan American Games.

Dewayne Nevitt (Slow pitch player)

Widely recognised as one of the most feared power hitters in men’s slow pitch softball, Nevitt built a career defined by offensive dominance and championship success. He was a 10-time ASA (now USA Softball) All-American, including five first-team nods and four second-team selections. 

Dewayne Frizzell (Slow pitch player)

Established himself as one of the most accomplished competitors in men’s slow pitch softball, earning recognition through sustained excellence at the ASA Championship level. Frizzell was a 10-time All-American, earning first-team honors three times and second-team five times. 

Les Novak (Umpire)

Novak dedicated nearly seven decades to the sport of softball as one of the game’s most respected and experiences umpires. He umpired in eight ASA National Championships, 13 International Softball Congress World Tournaments and three WBSC World Cups. 

Beginning his career in 1957, Novak was the Umpire-In-Chief (UIC) for Minnesota for over 40 years, becoming the longest-serving UIC in the United States, helping train and mentor generations of umpires while maintaining the highest standards of officiating. 

Raybestos Brakettes (Team)

Widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential teams in the history of amateur softball in the United States with over 4,000 victories in close to eight decades, the team won 28 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch National Championships, making them one of the most decorated teams in sports history. 

They played internationally as well, winning three WBSC World Cups (1974, 1978, 1986).