Softball

Former MIAC umpire Les Novak named to National Softball Hall of Fame

OKLAHOMA CITY – Former Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) softball umpire and coordinator of umpires Les Novak is among five honorees selected for induction into the National Softball Hall of Fame, USA Softball announced.
 
Novak dedicated nearly seven decades to the sport and is one of the game’s most respected and experienced umpires. He began his career in 1957 and was the Umpire-In-Chief for Minnesota for more than 40 years, making him the longest-serving UIC in the United States. In addition to working countless MIAC contests, Novak also umpired in eight ASA National Championships, 13 ISC World Tournaments, and three ISF World Championships. His work on and off the field helped train and mentor generations of umpires while maintaining the highest standards of officiating.
 
Joining Novak as members of the Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be Monica Abbott (Fast Pitch), Doug Middleton (Fast Pitch), Dewayne Frizzel (Slow Pitch), Dewayne Nevitt (Slow Pitch), and the Raybestos Brakettes (Team). The Class of 2026 will be inducted at the Oklahoma City Convention Center during USA Softball’s Annual Council Meeting on Saturday, October 31.
 
Nominations for the National Softball Hall of Fame can be made by commissioners, past presidents, council members, or a commissioner emeritus. Once an individual or team is nominated, the candidates are evaluated by the Hall of Fame Selection Committee with the nominee needing to receive 75 percent of the votes from committee members to earn a spot in the Hall of Fame.  

| USA Softball Hall of Fame Release |