She defines the word legend and Margaret Usher was honored with a ceremony befitting her accomplishments on Friday night as she was inducted into the International Softball hall of fame.
7NEWS was there.
It's the night she joined the eternal immortals of softball and the only Belizean woman to have pitched three perfect games Margaret Usher was showered with gifts ranging from a ring from the Prime Minister, a jersey from team mate and fellow hall of famer Linda Reyes, an Olympic jersey form Sonny Meighan, a memento from her former coach Charles Solis and a plaque from the first vice president of the International Softball Federation. In the end, Usher was gracious and remembered the glory days and her manager hall of famer Ray Lashley.
Margaret Usher, Softball Hall of Fame Inductee
"1979, at the Pan American games in Puerto Rico, I can never forget when playing the US and we were leading 2 to 0, Mr. Lashley's rallying call was that if we did it one inning, we can do it again. It was 100,000 against 200 million. We went on to win that game 2 to 1. That game was the most memorable game of my career. I could never believe that we were beating the U.S. And finally Mr. Lashley, how could I forget the confidence you had in me when at the 15th Central American games in Santo Domingo you called on me. I responded with a 2 out triple driving the go ahead and eventually winning round. Thanks for the confidence you had in me."
"I take this time out to make a special request to the younger players in our country, you are our promise and future of tomorrow. Respect others and others will respect you. Reach for the stars, believe in yourself, always give 110%, set your goals and work hard top achieve them but remember your successes could not be possible without the hard work and dedication of managers and coaches who teach you to become better players. Always strive to be the best, to be role models for the kids, and good ambassadors for the jewel we call Belize."
And for the honor and recognition that she has brought to that name, Usher was thronged after the event by autograph seekers, photo opportunists well wishers and fans including the Governor General and the Minister of Sports. After posing with some of the personnel from softball's glory days, she went from relishing memories directly to the mound the following day where she pitched two scoreless innings against a Salvadoran team, proving that well past its prime, this arm still belongs among the immortals.
Usher joins Linda Reyes and Ray Lashley in the International Softball Hall of Fame in Florida.
7NEWS produced for broadcast by News Director Jules Vasquez
Edited for the internet by Keith Swift