Christner Inducted into State Fastpitch Hall of Fame

Mike Christner played men’s fastpitch softball for over 20 years (photo courtesy William Penn University)

Oskaloosa–Before he became William Penn’s highly-successful softball coach, Mike Christner was a standout men’s fastpitch softball player and his career on the diamond was deservedly recognized over the weekend as he was inducted into the Iowa Men’s Fastpitch Hall of Fame Sunday.

Christner played over 20 years on teams from throughout the state, including Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Ottumwa, Moravia, as well as some local squads. Throughout his career, he was able to play in over a dozen World and ASA National tournaments, even venturing north into Canada for competition.

His career was highlighted by being on a team that placed ninth in the World Tournament in British Columbia and also ninth at ASA Nationals in Illinois. One of Christner’s best season came when he was ranked in the top 10 in batting average in the Major Open League as a member of Team Briles out of Cedar Rapids.

“I am very humbled to be considered for this honor,” Christner said. “I want to thank my many teammates who without them this would not have happened. I want to thank Gary Alberhasky for nominating me and all of the Hall of Fame members who voted for me.”

“While this is great, it is not the honor as much as it is the relationships and people who myself and my family have met through softball that I remember,” Christner added. “The good Lord blessed me with meeting great people from all over the world that I still today call friends. And lastly, I want to thank my wife Cammie who took care of the kids as we traveled all over the country every weekend. Without her support, I would not have been able to play a game that I love.”