Clearwater Bombers Push for Museum to Honor Softball Legacy

Eddie C. Moore Complex, Clearwater, USA - A local group in Clearwater is once again rallying to bring their dream of a dedicated museum for the Clearwater Bombers, a prominent fastpitch softball team, to life. This initiative, rooted deeply in the history and triumphs of the Bombers, seeks to honor the legacy of a team that was instrumental in shaping the landscape of softball in the Tampa Bay area before the influx of professional franchises.

The proposed museum aims to capture the essence of the Clearwater Bombers‘ illustrious timeline, mirroring the spirit of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Plans are in place to situate the museum at the Eddie C. Moore Complex—home to several prestigious softball tournaments, including the famed Clearwater Invitational. The Legacy Project, the driving force behind this endeavor, has been pushing for the museum’s establishment since 2012.

A Legacy of Champions

The Clearwater Bombers are renowned for their extraordinary success, boasting ten Amateur Softball Association (ASA) championships and an impressive track record of over 4,000 victories from 1940 to 2000. Among the players who left an indelible mark on the team is Herb Dudley (1919-2007), a legendary pitcher celebrated for his remarkable achievements on the field. Dudley, having won over 1,000 games during his career from 1940 to 1981, is remembered not just for his statistics—like 110 shutouts and an astounding 45 no-hitters—but also for his significant contributions to the sport outside the diamond. The annual Herb Dudley Outstanding Pitching Award honors the best pitcher at the ASA national tournament, further solidifying Dudley’s legacy in fastpitch softball

Florida Sports Hall of Fame shares.

The museum’s vision includes an exhibition of memorabilia and a small theater dedicated to screening championship games from the iconic years of 1961 and 1962. These games were notably broadcast on ABC with the legendary Jackie Robinson serving as one of the announcers, making those seasons not just historic but memorable in the hearts of fans.

Community Support and Future Plans

As of now, the cost for this ambitious project is estimated at $500,000. So far, the Legacy Project team has successfully raised around $30,000, primarily through a golf tournament. Positive discussions have taken place with Clearwater’s mayor and the Parks and Recreation Department, although formal commitments are still pending. The hope is to secure further funding from the city while also engaging in community fundraising efforts.

This museum project is not merely a tribute to the past. Plans also include incorporating the Clearwater Lady Bombers fastpitch teams and offering scholarships for graduating Lady Bombers. A wall of fame is in the works, intended to grace a new press box at the Moore Complex, highlighting the contributions of each player to the Bombers’ storied history. Notably, part of the complex is already named the „Herb Dudley Training Complex,“ emphasizing Dudley’s significant role in the team’s rich legacy.

As hockey enthusiasts flock to the ice and baseball fans cheer from the stands, there’s something to be said for the indomitable spirit of the Clearwater Bombers as they continue their quest for recognition. Old and young alike are encouraged to keep the flame of softball alive, as the possibility of a prosperous museum gleams brightly on the horizon.

The Bigger Picture

The vision for a dedicated space honoring the Clearwater Bombers resonates not only with the local community but also within the broader context of sports history in Florida. The National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum in Oklahoma City serves as a benchmark for this dream. Established in 1957, it has become a shrine for players who contributed immensely to the sport’s growth, showcasing the importance of preserving such treasured legacies.

In final reflection, as the Legacy Project garners support and builds momentum, the hope remains strong that Clearwater’s individuality, embodied by the Bombers, will find its home in a museum worthy of its story—one that remembers champions, both past and present, and inspires future generations to swing for the fences.