Tom LaBarbera left us November 10, 2024. He joined Stanislaus Senior Softball Association in 1998. He quickly established himself as a great outfielder with speed, a good arm, and a pull hitter with power. Tom was always a very high pick in the drafts, not only for his play; he was a great guy, somebody you would want to be around.
His dedication to God and his family was his priority, softball may not have even been in his top 5. But he was committed to play, he loved the game, he coached, managed, and played with great success.
In 2013 he was chosen for the Mason Kirkpatrick-Terria Banda Award as a person who exemplifies what it is to be a Senior Softball Player.
Tom was the only person inducted into the SSSA Hall of Fame in 2014, a testament to his popularity.
Tom had been diagnosed with cancer in 2014, yet many friends and fellow ball players did not know his condition. Tom will be missed and our Association has lost a great member.
His memorial service is Saturday, December 7th, at 11am in downtown Modesto at Crosspoint Community Church, 1301 12th Street.
Traditionally, it would be appropriate for all the Hall of Famers to wear their HOF jackets and the 25- and 30-year members to wear their jackets to the memorial service.
Our condolences to his wife Dianne and his entire family.
— Don Angle