Delta Heat.....a proud tradition..... Dream, believe, achieve.......

Delta Heat Hall of Fame

Jim Musslewhite inducted as a Builder

A tireless worker and advocate of Softball in North Delta, Delta and BC, Jim Musselwhite’s accomplishments as a builder are as evident today as when they were back then.

A self admitted “overcommitter”, Jim, supported and joined by his wife Loretta, continuously worked on behalf of children in our community to run organizations, create facilities and lay the foundations for organizations like Delta Heat. Jim worked to ensure that Softball and Delta Heat prospered in our community.

Jim’s history of service is long and distinguished:

Coaching his two daughters in ND 1988
Recognizing a need for more umpires – took umpiring levels
President of NDSA from 1990-1994
Took a major role in the ND Sports Referendum to gain $$$
Utilizing funds, established the vision for ND Park
Worked w/ the community and business to build the park
Created a young Umpire Association to train and mentor umpires
Had a vision for a larger community organization around “A” ball
Although ND had “A” ball programs in the 1990’s – lack of competitiveness
Ladner and Tsawwassen mainly competing at “B” level
Pulled people together to form Delta Heat in 1993
Concerns about loss of players
Concerns about losing resources and funding
Concerns about loss of control
Starting with a meeting of the minds in a pub in Ladner, Jim pushed the idea through and developed buy-in
Two daughters played Heat for the Heat ’76 and the Heat ’82 coached by Eddie Teranishi and Bob Houtman
Served as Softball BC District Coordinator from 1994-96
After 1996, Jim continued his community service but in hockey
Served as President, ND Minor Hockey
Served as District Coordinator for Pac. Coast Amateur Hockey (PCAHA)
Jim is currently serving as Board member for the ND Thistle Curling Club
Every organization has a seed…..an idea that is created, planted and nurtured through all sorts of conditions to grow into something special. In the early years, there were many that believed that an organization like Delta Heat was a bad idea.

Jim Musselwhite, championed the idea, convinced detractors and enlisted allies within ND, Ladner and Tsawwassen. He fought for the idea of our organization and helped to start it up. Jim’s skills as an administrator, communicator and builder were a critical part of Heat’s inception. He believed that “A” ball would provide opportunities and incentive for those girls looking to play at the highest level. He promoted the game and created awareness of the importance of Softball in the minds of politicians who could influence the building of facilities like ND Park.

Jim worked tirelessly on behalf of Softball, NDSA and Delta Heat. We are fortunate to have men like Jim Musselwhite as a part of our history. Tonight is an opportunity for us to say Thank you.

Thank you for your vision.

Thank you for your efforts.

Thank you for your persistence.

The group of kids and parents you see tonight as well as the thousands that have gone through Delta Heat in the last 14 years are a testament to your good work.

Thank you Jim Musselwhite and welcome to the Delta Heat Hall of Fame.

Tuesday, March 8
Don Sangster inducted as inaugural member
A longtime advocate of Softball in Tsawwassen, Delta and BC, Don Sangster has left his mark on our game and our communities in a significant way. He has spent countless hours working, lobbying, coaching, arguing and sometimes arm wrestling on behalf of Softball and Delta Heat. Don?s history of service is impressive.

President of TSMA from 1988-1995
Established the Tsawwassen Tornadoes as the first ?rep? ball club ? 1992
With reps from Ladner, ND and Tsawwassen, started Delta Heat in 1993
And served as its President through 2000
Spearheaded efforts to create the current facilities at Brandrith Park in 1995
As part of a group from Ladner/Tsawwassen started the SD Invaders 1995
President SD Invaders from 1995-2000
Softball BC District 15 Minor Coordinator 1995-1999
Softball BC Minor Coordinator of the Year 1997
Organizer of Canadian Olympic team vs. Chinese Taipei tour of Delta 1996
Softball BC Vice President, Finance ? 1999-2001
Co Chair ? Bantam ?A? Nationals ? Tsawwassen ? 2001-2003

Don is currently a member of the Delta Sports Hall of Fame committee and the Director of the South Delta Field Coalition

As with any new organization, Delta Heat went through many successes and growing pains up to today. One of the constants throughout those years was Don Sangster. For some time, Delta Heat was run by only Don and the coaches. If they needed something, Don made it happen. He was always there. He believed that ?A? ball would provide opportunities and incentive for those girls looking to play at a high level.

His efforts to promote and develop this game were relentless. Whether it was badgering city officials for facilities, hitting up businesses for support, recruiting coaches, coaching and encouraging players, raking fields, or in the concession, Don worked tirelessly on behalf of Softball, TSMA and Delta Heat. Although sometimes ruffling feathers to get things done, people recognized the philosophy that drove him??. that encouraged them to always participate with him??You can still hear him saying?..

C?mon?.it?s good for the girls?

Well tonight, we want to recognize all of those efforts. Tonight we welcome one of our own, a builder in the truest sense of the word to become our inaugural member of the Delta Heat Hall of Fame.

Don Sangster