Dick Brubaker, Bru, as he was called by teammates and fans, started his fastpitch softball journey in Tampico, IL at the age of 20. An athletic young man, he played mostly outfield, but rapidly developed his pitching skills into one of the best in the sport.
From 1953 to 1968, Brubaker pitched for teams in the Rock Island, IL area where he was a premier pitcher. He participated in 13 ISC World Tournaments and earned numerous all-tournament honors. He was inducted into the ISC Hall of Fame in 1984.
His ISC accomplishments include:
* Twice named Most Valuable Player in the World Tournament (1959 and 1968).
* Six times named to ISC All-World Teams
* Leading hitter award at World Tournament in 1958
* Leading pitcher award at World Tournament in 1962
* Four no-hitters
* The record for most consecutive no-hit innings pitched in the ISC World Tournament of 18 in 1964 – which stood until 2013 when it was finally surpassed by Adam Folkard
“The induction into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor that a player can receive, and I’m certainly honored to have been elected to it,” Brubaker said at the time of his 1984 induction.
In 1969 he played in his first ASA National Tournament with Anixter Bombers of Glencoe. In 1971 Anixter placed third at the ASA Nationals when Dick threw a no-hitter and struck out 19 batters in a seven-inning game. He joined John Hunter and Harvey Sterkel as co-record holders in strikeouts.
He was a member of the 1972 USA team that took silver at the ISF World Championship in Manila.
From 1972 to 1984, Bru pitched for Aurora Home Savings, and won the ISC World Tournament in 1980. He was selected to the ASA National AllTournament team four times and the All Mid-West Regional team five times and four times named most valuable player. In the 13 years he pitched for Aurora, the team qualified for the ASA National Tournament 10 times, placed runner-up five times, 1974-1977 and 1984. Bru’s pitching stats with Aurora were: Wins, 337; losses, 63; ERA, 0.67.
Dick Brubaker was 92. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Brubaker family.
