Sheri Lappe, Pierre – Women’s Slowpitch
USA Softball South Dakota Hall of Fame Class of 2025
Pierre, SD – USA Softball has officially announced the induction of Sheri Lappe into the USA Softball Hall of Fame Class of 2025, a prestigious recognition celebrating her extraordinary contributions to the sport as a player, umpire, coach, and leader.
Sheri’s softball journey began at just 13 years old, playing alongside her grandmother and aunt at Rob’s Flat cow pasture. From those humble beginnings, she went on to compete at the highest levels, playing for over 30 years in fastpitch, slowpitch, and co-ed leagues. She has won state championships with five different teams, including Oahe Vet and Chuck Wagon in Class B, Shenanigans in Class C, the Longbranch in Class D, and the Legion in D5. Her Chuck Wagon team went on to win the Northern Regional Championship in Bismarck, adding to a long list of league titles while showcasing her versatility as a center fielder and catcher.
Beyond her playing career, Sheri served 13 years as an umpire, officiating men’s and women’s leagues, as well as state tournaments. She also thrived as a player-manager, guiding Chuck Wagon to a state and regional championship.
Her dedication extended beyond the diamond, where she has been a women’s league officer for more than two decades, championing the growth and success of the sport in Pierre. She played a key role in rebuilding the bathroom/concession facility and, after the 2011 flood devastated the Oahe Complex, she was instrumental in reconstructing the facility. In addition, she has managed the Oahe Concession Stand for the last three years.
Sheri has also served as the Pierre Women’s Commissioner since 1993, working alongside respected figures such as Joyce Gall, Cindy Johnson, and Stacie Morell. Her leadership has been pivotal in organizing state tournaments, ensuring teams and players receive the resources needed to compete at the highest levels.
Sheri’s legacy was further cemented in 2024, when she was inducted into the Oahe Softball Wall of Fame.
Nominator Stacie Morell, “Sheri is the heart and soul of our softball community. She’s always the first person at the fields and usually the last to leave. Her dedication over the past 32 years has been unmatched.”
Cindy Johnson echoed this sentiment, saying, “She is everyone’s go-to person. Need fields? Ask Sheri. Need umpires? Ask Sheri. A team, food, water, a beer, or even an opinion—ask Sheri. She is an outstanding leader.”
Sherri Lappe, member of USA Softball South Dakota Hall of Fame, now and forever.
Comments