BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ? Samford head softball coach Beanie Ketcham was inducted in the Alabama Dixie Softball Hall of Fame Thursday night, Jan. 29 as a member of their 2008 class. The induction was held during a reception at the Gardendale Civic Center.

“I am grateful to President Evans and the Dixie Hall of Fame for their gracious nomination,” Ketcham said. “My time in Dixie softball was short but one of my best memories as a softball player. I had the opportunity to play with some of my best friends, including Anne Irvine Long (Knockin' Cancer Outta the Ballpark founder), Les Stuedeman (Head Softball Coach at UAH), and Stephanie Williamson (Head Basketball Coach at Vestavia High School) among others and to win the '87 Dixie World Series. It was also special to be inducted with two such great friends and coaches in Les Stuedeman and Vann Stuedeman.” 

Ketcham joined Vann Stuedeman, University of Alabama head coach, and Les Stuedeman, University of Alabama-Huntsville head coach as the three 2008 inductees. All three are graduates of Vestavia Hills High School. Plaques were presented to each inductee by Dixie Softball’s national president, James E. “Obie” Evans.

The Dixie Softball Hall of Fame committee selected Ketcham not only for her playing ability but for her success following her softball/baseball career. Through her years at Samford as an assistant coach and head coach, she has helped develop many young ladies for the game of softball as well as the game of life.

Ketcham played for the Vestavia Hills Dixie Softball program. She helped lead her 1987 Vestavia Hills Dixie Softbal Debs (18 and under) team to district, state and World Series Championships.