Joplin Sports Authority

Gene Bassman earned the title of “Mr. Softball” in the City of Joplin because he directed the Joplin Softball Association from its inception in 1952 until his death in 1987. As a volunteer he did just about everything in the operation of the Joplin Softball Association, from making schedules, preparing the fields for play, to cleaning up the park after the games.

At the time of his death, the city’s three softball facilities — Ewert Park, Redden Field, and Bassman Field (named in honor of Bassman) were developed and financed by Bassman. He mortgaged his home to raise $5,000 for the construction of Ewert Park. The facility opened on June 25, 1962.

The Joplin City Council approved funds to construct Bassman Field in 1970. City softball membership reached a record high of 107 teams in May of 1979 when the Joplin Softball Association opened Redden Field.

The City of Joplin's softball complex at the Joplin Athletic Complex now bares his name.