Pueblo Softball Hall of Fame to introduce four new members for its 2024 class

The Pueblo Softball Hall of Fame will induct its 2024 class later this month, which includes some heavy hitters in the sport's history in Pueblo.

The Pueblo Softball Hall of Fame was started by longtime player and umpire Jack Krupka in 2008 to recognize former players, coaches, umpires, field directors, and sponsors for their achievements and contributions to the game in Pueblo.

The five newest members of the Pueblo Softball Hall of Fame will be introduced during an on-field presentation at 5:30 p.m. on May 24 at Joe Santos Field at Ray Aguilera Park during festivities kicking off the Annual Joe Santos Memorial Fastpitch Tournament.

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The 2024 inductees will be honored during the annual Pueblo Softball Hall of Fame Banquet at 5:30 p.m. on June 8 at the Red Barn Hall. Tickets for the banquet go on sale May 6 and can be purchased at Big Daddy’s Sunset Bowl, or by contacting PSHOF chairman Jack Krupka at 719-561-2994. Tickets are $30 and will not be available on the evening of the banquet.

Here's what to know about the Pueblo Softball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024. (All information on inductees is provided by the Pueblo Softball Hall of Fame.)

June “Juna” Duvall, player

June, also known as “Juna," grew up in the Salt Creek Community and started playing ball for an 8 and under Pueblo City summer league team. She eventually ended up playing women’s fastpitch under the coaching of Ben Arguello.

Duvall was a fierce offensive and defensive competitor, receiving many awards for All-Tourney and Golden Glove while playing shortstop.

In the later years of her playing career, Duvall stood out on the Slo-Pitch diamond in the City’s Recreational Co-ed and Women’s Leagues and two years in the Women’s Slo-Pitch Church league.

John “JC” Carrillo (posthumously), contributor

Carillo began his softball career at age 6 at Fulton Heights School. His team was sponsored by Flores Groceries and was coached by John Arellano and Ben Arguello. Carillo also played on numerous teams, like Acosta Groceries and Hill Top Groceries, in his early playing days.

Carillo received numerous MVP, All-Tournament, Golden Glove, and Best Hitter awards throughout his playing career. Carillo continued to play in Old Timer tournaments at Bessemer Park when he got older and while battling cancer. After having both knees replaced, Carillo was not able to continue playing at the level he did while a young man. He began coaching and playing with his wife Gloria and son John in the Pueblo-area Co-Ed Slow-pitch leagues and tournaments.

Larry Romero, coach/contributor

A proud Central High School graduate, Larry Romero was in his early 20s when he began his long, successful coaching career.

After years of playing, Romero retired his glove and turned his focus to coaching. He mentored, fathered, fundraised, supported and aided in creating strong young women. Many of his players have moved on to become successful mothers, professionals and community members. Romero taught his players the importance of family, grit, passion and a strong work ethic. During his 17 years as the coach of Central High School girls softball, he coached two teams that made it to the state finals. He also made it to the postseason all 17 years. Among his recognitions are:

• Colorado High School Activities Association’s “Coach of the Year” (three times)
• Colorado High School Activities Association’s “Coach of the Decade”
• Coached Colorado High School All-State (six times )
• USSSA “Coach of the Year”
• USSSA Coach (five times)

Romero had the opportunity for one of his USSA teams to play against the Russian national team. The accomplishment he is most proud of is that 92 of his players went on to play at the collegiate level.

Roger Samuels, contributor

Roger Samuels was born and raised in Pueblo. He graduated from Central High School and then Western State College in Gunnison. He earned his master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

Over the years, Samuels coached many youth softball teams, winning state championships with a boys 12 and under squad and several state and regional championships with boys teams 14-16. Later, he started girls softball teams.

After a couple of years of playing, Samuels was elected the president of the Pueblo Men’s Slow-pitch League, taking over for fellow PSHOF inductee, John Rivas. He ran the league as a volunteer for 10 years and was later hired by the Parks and Recreation Department to run the leagues for another 10 years.

The league grew from eight teams to 55 and played on five different fields around the city, including the infamous “Hole” in City Park along with the two other fields in City Park, Freed Junior High School, and the Colorado State Hospital Field. Samuels hired field directors and umpires, collecting fees, purchasing equipment and scheduling all games.

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Tony Bobian Memorial most valuable high school players

This prestigious award is named in memory of Pueblo Softball Hall of Fame Committee Founding Member Tony Bobian, who passed away in 2021.

This year, two outstanding Pueblo high school female athletes will share the 2024 “Tony Bobian Memorial” High School MVP selection.

Bradie Poteet-Herrera (Pueblo West High School) and Marisa Gonzales (Pueblo East High School) are this year's recipients.

Christopher Abdelmalek is a sports reporter for the Pueblo Chieftain and can be reached at cabdelmalek@gannett.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @chowebacca. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo Softball Hall of Fame to introduce four new members for its 2024 class