Ray Girdler, known affectionately as ‘Mr. Softball of Findlay’, became involved in the local program in 1949 and was instrumental in bringing the Ohio Fast Pitch Open tournament to Findlay twice and the Class ‘A’ state competition here on another occasion. Softball flourished at Riverside Park under Girdler’s administration as President of the Findlay Softball Council from 1954 to 1978. Few, if any, have spent more time as a softball volunteer – keeping up the grounds, managing, scorekeeping and announcing – than Girdler. An Ohio Amateur Softball Association registered umpire for over 20 years, Girdler also spent 21 years as a member of the Findlay Football Officials Association. He has served as secretary-treasurer of the Findlay Bowling Association, managed Findlay youth baseball teams, and served on the ‘chain crew’ for Findlay High School football games since 1960.