Donna Chief

On May 7, Donna Chief of Wabigoon Lake First Nation was inducted into the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame “for her individual contributions to the sport.”
“To be recognized for your individual contributions is quite an honour,” said Chief.
She had previously been inducted into the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame as a member of the
Smitty’s senior women’s fast pitch team back in 2007.
The team took her on as their pitcher in 1985 after a couple of members saw her pitch at a tournament in Kenora.
“I asked them if they had room for another pitcher and they thought that was a pretty good idea,” said Chief.
She said that her time with the Smitty’s team allowed her to travel all over Canada, except for Quebec.
Chief received the outstanding pitcher award in 1986, and in 1989 received the Olive Little Award for top female player. She received a bronze metal in the 1991 Canadian championships, and a bronze and gold metal at the Western Canadian championships.
“One of the highlights of my career was when I got to throw in that North American Indigenous Game in 2002,” said Chief.
Chief had been playing since she was 12 or 13.
“I had such a love for it and I had a pretty good glove even as a little girl,” Chief said. “I used to play third base to start off before I started pitching.”
Chief said she stopped playing baseball due to arthritis and a knee replacement, but that she wants to become a coach.
“I think I’m ready to go back and give a hand to the youth,” said Chief.