Newton, Dennis

Dennis Newton was an imposing figure on the softball diamond and perhaps his most notable softball trait was his speed which caught the eye of Kentucky Hall of Famers, Cobbie Harrison and Dave Burke, both of Louisville. "Dennis was a deer, " recalls Cobbie as he glided through the outfield and covered the entire middle of the grassy surface.

Mr. Newton's handling of the bat and speed enabled him to be the leadoff hitter for the greatest Louisville team in the70's, Jiffy Club, who won the Open National Championship in 1972. His four years with Jiffy gave Dennis the opportunity of a lifetime to play with the only professional softball team in the Bluegrass--The Kentucky Bourbons.

The Bourbons, who played their games at Bishop David Field, were loaded from the get-go with future Kentucky and National Hall of Famers sprinkled throughout their lineup---third base, Cobbie Harrison; shortstop, Greg Whitlock; catcher, Bill Gatti, and both Rardins--Donnie Sr. and Donnie Jr.--just to name a handful of Kentucky Softball Hall of Famers.

Dennis Newton went from the Bourbons to Louisville's newest softball giants, Burger Queen and Southside. To be known as a true team player and not wony about individual accolades was Dennis' goal, and he had plenty of help to get there. He notes another Hall of Famer, Bud Gagel, who "got me through some hard times while with Jiffy. I was hooked on hot dogs" remembers Dennis, "not a great recipe for a speedster."

And then there was Jim Conner-former basketball assistant at Bellarmine College--whose manta was "be the best you could be no matter what sport or profession you pursue."

For Dennis that was a tricky decision. He was an All State basketball player for St. X in 1966 and later won the Little College National Basketball Championship with Sullivan Business College.

Many helped Mr. Newton along the way such as the aforementioned Harrison, Gagel, Burke, and Conner but easily the man who Denis looked up to the most was his Dad who was a Marine for 17 years and stationed in the South Pacific. "I really only wanted to be like Dad," sums up Newton.

His Dad and others were certainly proud of his team first approach, but they also enjoyed watching Newton come home with some well-earned individual hardware like the coveted All L.I.T. team in 1974 and 1975 and many other best defense awards throughout his career. Winning three L.l.T. championships and the USSSA MidAmerica were some other highlights for the heralded speedster from the Derby City.