St. John’s native Sean O’Brien was inducted into the International Softball Congress (ISC) Hall Of Fame on Sunday in Kitchener, Ont.
The 47-year-old O’Brien, who moved to Ontario early in his softball career, lives in Brockville and works in Ottawa.
In his late teens, O’Brien, a catcher, joined his brother Rob, a pitcher, in playing in New Zealand before finishing his junior career with the Stittsville, Ont. 56ers,
In senior ranks, Sean played four seasons with the Grande Prairie (Alta,) Pride of the Nor West Fastball League, then returned to Ontario, making his inaugural ISC appearance in 2000 as a member of the Owen Sound ON Selects. His ISC career ended in 2010 when he suited up with Rob as part of the ISC world champion Jarvis Travelers.
O’Brien has represented Canada internationally in the developmental ranks (1995-2000) and at the senior level (2000-2010), competing in two ISF world championships, winning silver and bronze medals, and in three Pan-Am qualifiers. During his ISC career, Sean was also a member of the back-to-back champion Amsterdam, N.Y., Broken Bow Spirit.
O’Brien earned ISC all-world honours on five occasions — 2002 and 2003 with Amsterdam; 2008 and 2009 with Saskatoon Aspen Interiors, and in his final 2010 season with Jarvis.
Overall, in ISC play, O’Brien batted .304, including four tournaments when he batted .400 or higher.
In Canadian senior men’s championships, O’Brien won five gold medals, but he also represented Newfoundland and Labrador at senior nationals, winning a silver medal in 2007 (along with Rob) with Roebothan, McKay Marshall of St. John’s in 2007 and a bronze medal with 3Cheers Pub Bud Light in 2007.
