Eastern Connecticut State University

Lisa A. Kirk, a three-time All-America pitcher during her four-year career, is the first individual inducted primarily for her accomplishments on the softball field. As only a freshman, the Fairfield native will be remembered as the winning pitcher in Eastern’s 10-3 victory over Greenville (Ill.) College for the AIAW Division III national championship May 22, 1981 in Grand Rapids, MI. The national title was the first in Eastern athletic history. With Kirk in charge for four years, Eastern advanced through four regional tournaments, won two national titles, placed third twice and captured 110 of 144 games. In her brilliant career, she won 53 games (a New England record at the time) and lost only 12 while fashioning a 0.90 ERA in 452 innings.