Dawn's Speech

Welcome family, friends and fans. Congratulations to this years 2007 Hall of Fame Inductees.

I am honored to tell you a little story about Donna “Speedy” Spence Katcher, who was a catcher extraordinaire.

You might know the story since they made a movie about it already. Yes, it seems Donna was one of the pioneers of softball in the Lehigh Valley.

She was a member of the very 1 st PIAA State Championship team from Parkland in 1975, and it was a LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN. Sure Donna had the game winning hit in the Final game, but her high school career was the time that she earned her nick- name Speedy. In the movie Dottie was her name.

Donna continued her playing career with the newly formed Allentown Patriot Queens and once again they seemed to be in a LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN. The kids from the Lehigh Valley went to the National Tournament and wowed them with a 3 rd place finish amongst the elite of the nation.

Her younger sister Denise had the privilege of joining Donna on the same playing field for a few years with the Queens . In the movie her name was Kit.

Donna continued playing with the Queens and then joined the rival Lehigh Valley Panthers. Oh yeah— that annoying little kid in the movie that was always there named Stilwell—Well that was really me, and yes it was my privilege to be able to watch Donna's illustrious career unfold over all those years.

Donna coached a few summer league teams for South Parkland while she was playing and then went on to coach at Allen High School and St. Francis DeSales University after her playing career was over.

Donna then gave up her intense involvement with softball and found the true love of her life – her husband Paul. In the movie his name was Bob.

Donna was lucky to have been a part of some amazing teams throughout her career. However it was her way of playing the game and ultimately her way of living life that sets her apart. Her enthusiasm, will to win and do it right attitude ARE Donna's way!

Small but mighty, Donna protected home plate and there weren't many who made it past her, if they did get past they knew that they had run into a brick wall.

Donna, Your family, friends and teammates are extremely proud of you and your accomplishments and it is my pleasure to present you as one of this years Lehigh Valley Softball Hall of Fame Inductees.