Jim ‘Mother’ May
Inducted: 00/00/0000

Few members of the Emerald City Softball Association shine as brightly as James B. ‘Mother’ May. Mother currently lives with his partner Leonard in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Unfortunately Jim could not celebrate with us tonight but I am honored to have the opportunity to share some of what Mother has brought to the league.

Mother started playing for the Ritz Cafe (now called the Coastal Kitchen) in the early 1980's. He played first base, catcher and pitcher during his many years in the league. He was a member of several teams including the Ritz, the Park Bench, Hombres, Brass Connection and R Place.

Jim played along side such greats as Al Castor, Al Fernandez, Time, Joe Wolanski, Mike Fitzpatrick and Andy Eddy. He served as Secretary for the league under Commissioner Mike DiMartino and others.

Jim participated in the Gay Games in both San Francisco and Vancouver. He played in several World Series including Milwaukee, San Francisco, Dallas, Los Angeles and Atlanta.

‘Mother’ is known and loved throughout the country and Canada. He always has the biggest smile on his face. Its like he would rather not be doing anything else but playing softball and being with his "Family".

His family included too many friends to mention here but he wanted me to be sure to mention two of the most special people in his life...Stuart Feil and one of our dearest friends who is now gone, Jim "Sassy" Verrick.

I asked Jim to tell me what stood out for him over the course of the many years he played ball here in Seattle. This is what he said to me.

"One of the crowning moments was being offered the opportunity to be a participant. As some of you know, Seattle was known to have great teams. I would like to emphasize the fact that I was thrilled to be asked to be a part of this experience; knowing that I may OR MAY NOT get to play. To me that didn't matter because I was among such great players and individuals."

Mother also had this to say about our league:
"I can see that the same sportsmanship exists today as it did when I played based on the league's expansion and participation in NAGAAA. This organization alone belongs in the Hall of Fame for its continuous efforts in keeping the Founder's dream alive...the MESSAGE is have fun and enjoy what you are doing by making friends where ever you go...