Richard Leek

 

Elected : USSSA New York Hall Of Fame in 2024
Inducted : 2026, Long Island NY

Rick grew up in Bethpage, graduating from Bethpage HS in 1964.  He played basketball and baseball, pitched in the county championship game, and earned all-county honors with a 13-2 record.  Rick attended Nassau CC and played baseball, participating in the National Junior College Championship in Colorado in 1965 and 1966, winning the 1966 Championship.  Rick earned a baseball scholarship to Adelphi where he received a degree in education.

Rick coached high school baseball, softball and basketball in Baldwin, Levittown and Wantagh for 35 years.  His softball record at MacArthur high school was 74-4, including NYS runner-up in 1988.  He then coached the MacArthur baseball team, including the undefeated NYS Championship team (29-0) in 1994.  The highlight of his coaching career however was being able to coach both of his children, Brad and Randy, at MacArthur HS.

Rich began playing softball for County Sports in 1966 and continued pitching for County, Levittown Legion and York Barbell in Pennsylvania for 22 years until 1987.  His teams qualified for 21 National Championships, winning 4 and finishing in the top ten in 8 other years.  Included in Rick's awards are 7 All-World selections, 2 Nassau County Player of the Year Awards, MVP of the USSSA National one-Pitch in 1986 and 1990 induction into the ASA Long Island Hall of Fame.

"Playing major level softball for 22 years was a very satisfying part of my life.  I am blessed with many life-long friends from my playing days.  I also couldn't have been successful without the support of my wife Audrey and the rest of my family during the many, many tournaments over the years.  Thanks also to County Sports manager Doc Linnehan for giving me the chance to play major level softball, and a special thanks to the USSSA Committee for selecting me for this Hall of Fame."