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ROCKFORD, Ill. — Robert Petersen reported he played his first fastpitch softball game as a six-year-old.
Fast forward to Saturday, Aug. 9, when Petersen will be enshrined in the North American Fastpitch Association Hall of Fame — the culmination of a lifetime playing this sport.
“It’s quite an honor,” Petersen said in a telephone interview with the Pipestone County Star Monday. “I’m humbled. I’m fortunate to receive this honor from my peers.”
Petersen serves as both the City of Pipestone recreation director and Pipestone Area Schools’ head softball coach.
Robert Petersen, shown here catching for a team sponsored by Hennager Plumbing and Heating, will be enshrined in the North American Fastpitch Association Hall of Fame on Aug. 9. (Star file photo by Kevin Kyle)
The future honoree said he’s been around great players and he’s been in great situations, all of which helped make this day happen.
The Hall of Fame ceremony is set for 1 p.m. Aug. 9 during the NAFA World Series at Mercyhealth Sportscore One. Riverview Inn and Suites is serving as the event hub.
Mercyhealth Sportscore One is located at 1288 Elmwood Road.
The induction class also includes slugger Adam Binkley, who has played for the DC Outlaws of Indiana, and the Kansas City Indios.
This has been a big year for the Indios, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary and are the first entire organization to make the Hall.
Robert Petersen, shown here playing for the Hennager Plumbing and Heating team based in Lake Crystal, has made a lifetime of memories playing fastpitch softball. Petersen will be inducted into the North American Fastpitch Association Hall of Fame on Aug. 9. (Star file photo by Kevin Kyle)
Petersen will play in the World Series for a team called Crowbar, which features players from around the Sioux Falls, S.D., region.
During the regular season, Petersen catches and plays first base for a team known as the Scarletts.
“My body has held up, for the most part, to play at a high level,” Petersen said. “I’ve been blessed.”
Petersen said he still plays fastpitch these days because the sport creates friendships.
Robert Petersen remains active in fastpitch softball, playing primarily catcher as well first base. (Star file photo by Kevin Kyle)
As part of his journey through the sport, Petersen credited his family.
“I would like to thank my wife, Teri, and my family for being with me the whole way,” he said.
The announcement of Petersen’s induction provided the Star’s Facebook page with the flood of 535 likes and loves as of this writing.
There were 143 comments and 24 shares.
“There is no one who lives the game and the kids (people) who play it more than ‘Pete,’” said Libby Schneider Benson in a post. “It’s so well deserved.”
During his youth, Petersen played in a now-defunct, four-team fastpitch league based in Holland.
He’s played with the Baartmans and Boumans, two other families with a rich connection to softball.
In a storied career, Petersen’s jerseys have been emblazoned with team names such as the Sioux Falls Chiefs, Knova’s Carpets and R.E. Scott from Sioux City, Iowa, Hennager Plumbing & Heating in Lake Crystal, Ostrander and even the Washington state-based “K” Club.
What drew Petersen to fastpitch softball?
“It’s the pace of the game,” he said. “It’s a little faster than baseball. You get to play more games every day, and the it’s level of competition. I’ve loved watching it and playing it. I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of success.”
Robert Petersen is shown here with the Hennager Plumbing and Heating team based in Lake Crystal. (Star file photo by Kevin Kyle)
The Scarletts have played about 20 games so far in 2025, and the team will finish with 40 of them overall.
In addition to the NAFA World Series, Petersen will play in the USA Softball-sanctioned South Dakota state tournament at Sherman Park in Sioux Falls and the Minnesota Sports Federation men’s open fastpitch tournament from Aug. 22-24 in West St. Paul.
For Petersen, he’s always waiting on the next game.