Norm Colglazier
Player
Even though the name, Norm Colglazier is synonymous with basketball, he also established himself as an outstanding softball player. Norm's softball journey began in elementary school, where he played Old Timers youth baseball in the mornings and softball in the afternoons. His competitive softball career started in 1957 alongside his good friend, Jimmy Hyde. Over the years, he played for several teams, including Rio Grande, Daurio's Standard, and Martin Moore. Norm is also one of the founding members of the Pepsi-Cola softball team, which was established in 1965.
Norm initially played shortstop for the Pepsi-Cola team but moved to third base for the 1966 season. In 1967, he transitioned to first base, where he remained until his retirement. According to the Pepsi-Cola program, "Norm Colglazier developed into the area's finest defensive first baseman. He is exceptionally skilled at advancing base runners in clutch situations and maintains a calm, composed demeanor, no matter the circumstances."
Throughout his time with Pepsi-Cola, Norm played in three World Tournaments. Despite his remarkable career, he shied away from the spotlight. When asked about how many times he was named to All-State or All-Tournament teams, he simply replied, "That wasn't ever something that was important to me." His favorite memory of playing softball, he said, was his teammates. "We all got along. We were just good friends. We'd play ball, and then headed to Gus' for a beer."
Beyond softball, Norm was a standout athlete in Pueblo. He was the Marble Champion in sixth grade and later received the prestigious Paul Boyer Trophy as the outstanding senior athlete in Pueblo while attending Centennial High School. Norm was also part of the 1961National Championship basketball team at Pueblo Junior College (PJC), and he went on to play at North Texas State University. He finished his career in education as a teacher and coach at Freed, Keating, and East High Schools.
Norm was inducted into the Greater Pueblo Sports Association Hall of Fame in 1987.
Norm was fortunate to play softball alongside his brothers, Sid, who was the catcher, and 2009 Pueblo Softball Hall of Fame inductee Alan, a pitcher. He's always had been grateful for the unwavering support of his family. He has a wife, two daughters, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
The Pueblo Softball Hall of Fame Committee would like to welcome Norm Colglazier into the Class of 2025.
Alex Baca
Player
Alex was born in 1943 in Billings, Montana and was one of twelve siblings. He was destined to be a fast pitch softball player. His first days with playing baseball and softball were while living in Avondale, Colorado with his buddy 2016 PSHOF Inductee Homer Benavidez.
After his days of playing ball at Excelsior Jr. High School and Pueblo County High School, Alex went on to play semi-professional ball for Jones Mortuary with some familiar names such as 2017 PSHOF Inductee George Dasko, Joe Bonacquista, and Willie Hill. Following his time with Jones Mortuary, Alex went on to play with PSHOF Inductees Joe Santos, Jerry Baca, and Bobby Armijo with the El Sombreros. Following this period in his playing career, Alex was recruited to play with Walters Brewery where he was the starting right fielder and leadoff hitter. He was named to several All-Tournament teams in his years with Walters. Alex was considered part of the best men’s fast pitch outfield in Pueblo at that time. He was part of several Walters teams that won multiple Pueblo City Championships and Southern Colorado District tournaments. The Walters teams Alex played on were ISC State Tournament runners-up three times.
He had very fond memories when he played with his brother, Jess, the Nava brothers, and PSHOF Inductees Joey Borjon, Brent “Juarez” Ward, and Joel Morenz.
The Pueblo Softball Hall of Fame Committee would like to welcome Alex Baca into the Class of 2025.
Bob Ore (posthumously)
Player/Contributor
Bob Ore was a steward of the game of fast pitch softball in Pueblo, Colorado. He was a driver of the sport as a team builder, dominant pitcher, and strong hitter.
In 1955 and 1956, Bob played semi-pro baseball in Pueblo and was briefly recruited by the Brooklyn Dodgers as a “strong hitter with a good arm”. As no final contract was completed with the Dodgers, Bob ultimately decided to accept a scholarship offer to Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma. With strong interests in getting married and missing home, he returned to Pueblo and started playing softball. He was a strong hitter with a great glove and gradually developed into a dominant pitcher in Pueblo. As a fastball pitcher, Bob was respected throughout the state of Colorado and ultimately the entire western region. Bob received 6 Outstanding Pitcher Awards, 4 MVP Awards, and 2 All-Tournament Player Awards.
Bob was principally instrumental in putting together teams such as Crown Discount, Texaco, Colorado City, and Pepsi-Cola. He remained the team's sponsor for approximately 14 years. His last year with Pepsi-Cola was 1976. Bob’s career in fast pitch softball was from 1957 - 1976. He played two more years in Denver only because teams could not find a pitcher.
The second state title with Colorado City was what fueled the need to look for a stronger sponsor as the team could not afford to go on to play in World Championships. Once Pepsi-Cola was acquired as a sponsor, the team was able to compete numerous World Championships. During Bob’s time with the team through the 60s and 70s, Pepsi-Cola won 6 or 7 state titles.
Robert J. Ore was an officer in the Colorado National Guard, the Head of Pueblo School District 60, and in 1974 was elected as State Representative in Colorado District 41. Bob was reelected in 1976 and was appointed by Governor Dick Lamb as a Cabinet Member, Executive Director of Colorado Department of Employment and Labor for 6 years.
The Pueblo Softball Hall of Fame Committee would like to welcome Bob Ore into the Class of 2025.
Benny "Ginger" Rendon
Umpire
Benny started his baseball and softball career in 1970 at the age of 12 years old at Bessemer Park. He played in the Pueblo Old Timers youth baseball program where each player received a uniform, an oversized cap, baggy shirt, thick wool pants and stirrups which had to be returned at the end of the summer season. His softball experience had him responsible for lining the field, announcing the game and scorekeeper for the CF&I Local 2104 Men’s Fast Pitch League for four years.
Benny started at Giodone’s Field in Blende, the El Rey Bar and finally at Far South Park. His softball playing days began at age 16 in the Colorado Amateur Softball Association (ASA), now known as USA Softball, and at age 18 started playing various competitive men’s leagues. He played in multiple weekend tournaments throughout the state collecting hardware for All-Tourney and MVP. Benny was part of the Mile-Hi Stars where he won back-to-back Men’s B Fast Pitch ASA State and West Regional titles. Benny said he was blessed to learn from, play with and against many of the best Pueblo had to offer, and we all know what a great list it is!
Benny “Ginger” Rendon turned his attention to officiating and was taught hard work, knowledge, and application of the rules, most of all “INTEGRITY”, by his father, Chuck Rendon. He started with ASA Junior Olympic softball 12-18 and under divisions and eventually ending up in college softball, officiating in various conferences, with his primary was Mountain West, RMAC and Region 9, and then, the best in the world, ISC Men’s Fast Pitch Softball, travelling from Louisiana to Hawaii, and Canada.
Some of the highlights in Benny’s officiating career include: 25 plus years as a Colorado High School Softball Umpire Association / Baseball (CHSSUA / CHSBUA Regional and State Championship play), 35 plus years of state, conference, regional and championship play. Umpired in nine ASA National Tournaments, to include Men’s Major FP, Men’s A FP, Men’s B FP, and the prestigious 18 & under “GOLD” division.
With rules knowledge and decision-making skills, Ginger has also been assigned to various organizations from NCAA to ASA/USA Softball as “Umpire in Chief” for various season and post season events. He had the honor of officiating the 2005 ISC II Tournament of Champions and the ISC World Tournament five times (2006 to 2011).
Ginger was elected to the Colorado ASA Hall of Honor in 2007.
The Pueblo Softball Hall of Fame Committee would like to welcome Benny "Ginger" Rendon into the Class of 2025.
George Luiz (posthumously)
Player/Coach/Contributor
George settled in Pueblo after serving in World War II for two years. He was always involved in sports, from his high school years in Rochester, New York to spending seven years as a catcher/coach/manager for the VRW Post 61 fast pitch softball team, which included three consecutive National Championships from 1950 to 1953.
In 1945, George played for the “Super Bombers” from the Pueblo Colorado Air Base. He was named to the All-American Team at Ft. Madison, Iowa in 1949. George also officiated high school and college basketball for over 20 years and 10 seasons officiating high school and college football.
After concluding his fast pitch career, George moved to slo-pitch softball with some of his VFW Post 61 teammates, including Pueblo Softball Hall of Famer Tony Andenuccio. They played many years for BMC Building Materials.
Once he hung up his cleats, he stayed involved in Pueblo sports as the Director of Parks and Recreation for Pueblo County, where he supervised Runyon Field, American Legion baseball, and the Bantam League Youth Football programs for 27 years.
George was inducted into the Greater Pueblo Sports Association Hall of Fame in 1995.
It is with great pride that the Pueblo Softball Hall of Fame Committee welcomes George Luiz into the Class of 2025.
Lewis "Fuzzy" Fesmire
Player/Coach
Lewis Fesmire, also known as “Fuzzy”, started his sports career playing Old Timers youth baseball in Pueblo from 1953 to 1959. He ended up making the All-State team every year. At the same time, Fuzzy played in youth fast pitch leagues throughout the city. In the early 1960s, he started playing in the Pueblo Men’s Fast Pitch league in the “Hole” at City Park, El Rey, and Holy Mary.
In 1971, Lewis started playing 16” Slo-Pitch and was named to numerous All-Tournament teams on a regular basis. In 1973 he became the player/manage for the Clifton Landrum slo-pitch team. During the next ten years, under his direction, the Clifton Landrum team won four consecutive Colorado 16” State Championships, followed by two consecutive Colorado 16” State Tournament Runner-up, three consecutive Colorado 14” State Tournament Championships, and one National 14” Tournament Champion. During this astounding run of championships, Fuzzy also managed to be named to every All-Tournament team and MVP pitcher in eight of the nine State Tournaments and the National Title in 1982.
Fuzzy had a very big influence on his four boys who played Old Timers baseball, high school baseball, and slo-pitch softball in Pueblo.
It is with great pride that the Pueblo Softball Hall of Fame Committee welcomes Lewis "Fuzzy" Fesmire into the Class of 2025.