Don Porter Steps Down as Softball President, McMann Takes Over

Don Porter has stepped down from his role as President of the International Softball Federation (ISF) after he decided against running for another term in the office he served for 26 years.

Porter made the decision at the recent ISF Congress in Cartagena, Colombia, and an official statement said it was time for change. Dale McMann was elected as Porter’s replacement.

Porter’s statement read: “I felt having served 48 years (22 as Secretary General, and 26 as President) was enough and it was time for Softball to have new leadership, however I will continue to serve as WBSC co-president with my good friend Riccardo Fraccari, until such time a “president” is elected, probably in March of 2014.

“As a member of the ISF Board of Directors, I will continue to assist and help President McMann in the interim in special and ongoing projects.

“Thank you to all those who have supported, counseled and provided much needed input during those many years and to the athletes, “don’t ever give up”.

Softball placed a joint-bid with baseball to be included in the 2020 Olympic Games, but lost out to wrestling, who was reinstated in the programme earlier in the year.

Porter added: “We have not given up our efforts to see Softball and Baseball, returned to the Olympic Program, as there are still millions of young girls, and boys, that would like to participate in our sports and we want to give them that opportunity.”

Speaking exclusively to iSportconnect, Porter confirmed the 2020 process was not related to his retirement.

“The 2020 decision has nothing to do with my decision, I had intended to step down after 46 years, which I felt was enough and allow for new leadership to take over and guide Softball that hopefully will include a return to the Olympics,” he said.

“I will continue with special projects for the new president), assist with the WBSC, and also complete my book.”

McMann was elected unopposed after Porter and Warren Jones withdrew their applications.