RENFREW — Just when Ron Wissinger's softball career got started, it was put on delay.

The 1968 Freeport graduate began playing for Alexander's Inn in 1971 — then got drafted into the military. He had played baseball and basketball at Freeport.

“I was driving down (Route) 356 and saw a bunch of guys paying softball on the field behind Pike's restaurant,” Wissinger recalled. “I pulled in and asked if I could try out.

“I played ball with them all that summer. Next thing I knew, I was in the Army.”

While in Germany, he played basketball, softball and flag football. His amateur softball career locally was not over before it got started.

In fact, it's not over yet.

Wissinger, 66, is entering his 47th season of amateur softball and has earned induction into the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame. That induction will take place during the HOF's 52nd annual banquet April 29 at the Butler Days Inn.

Wissinger estimates he's played for 15 different teams and virtually every position on the field.

“I've been blessed through the years just to be able to play this game for this long,” he said. “I love the competition. That's what keeps me going.”

And he's been going at a very high level.

Wissinger's softball accomplishments include:

Five times 35 and over Pennsylvania state champion.

Five times 40 and over Pennsylvania state champion.

Three times 45 and over Pennsylvania state champion.

Eight times on national championship teams.

Nine times first team All-American or World honors.

Three-time national tournament home run champion.

Four times Virginia Beach Law Enforcement Tournament champions and all-tournament team honors.

Played on numerous local league championship teams, league MVP, MVP of many local all-star games.

Last fall, Wissinger helped lead the JG Drywall team, based out of Pittsburgh, to the World Masters Championship in Las Vegas. He hit .928 in the tournament — 26 for 28 — with 11 homers, 26 RBI and 20 runs scored to capture tourney MVP honors.

“Once I started playing senior softball (50 and over), the game seemed to change for me,” Wissinger said. “Guys still playing atthat age ... They're so competitive, so intense, they love the game so much.

“You have to take your game, your attitude toward it, to another level to succeed at that age.”

Wissinger has gone through plenty to continue playing. He's had knee surgery twice, surgeries on his shoulder, rotator cuff and a hernia.

“I do whatever I have to do to get back on the field,” he said.

Wissinger primarily plays first or third base now. His still-lethal bat makes him a valuable commodity to any team.

“Slow-pitch softball is a great game,” he said. “It's action-packed, always moving. Playing good defense is critical because no one is striking out and balls are hit hard.

“Defense is the key to winning, not hitting.”

Wissinger has excelled at both.

“Individual stuff doesn't mean anything in softball,” he said. “You're only as good as your teammates. Good players who play together are the ones who win.

“I've been fortunate to be a part of success like that so many times.”

Tickets for the April 29 HOF banquet are $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Ticket outlets include Parkers Appliance in Chicora, Bill's Beer Barn, Moses Jewelers and Snack-N-Pack in Butler, Saxonburg Drug and Maddalon Jewelers in Zelienople.