Hopper, Chris

In a rare display of loyalty, longevity, and “stick-to-itiveness” in the softball world, Chris Hopper proved why he belongs in the Kentucky Softball Hall of Fame.

For 30 years, Coach Hopper could be seen strolling the sidelines, making out the lineup, and spending his hard-earned money on his beloved Hopper’s Hitmen.

If you looked toward the dugout, “Big Hop” as he was affectionately known was usually in a squatting position hoisting his drink of choice, Mountain Dew.

Hopper had other favorites besides his dearest Dew, and one of those was the NSA (National Softball Association). For the majority of his 30-year career, he either coached, played, and/or sponsored Hopper’s Hitmen exclusively at NSA events.

Rarely would Chris venture outside of NSA, but when he did, success followed him there as well. He was part of the ASA (Amateur Softball Association) State champion, KY Thunder, in 2008, and he again won an ASA Kentucky title in 2016. Hopper won the prestigious Woodbine Rebels championship in Corbin (2014) and the Bluegrass State Games five years earlier wrapping up his other association accolades.

The bulk of Chris Hopper’s national titles were with NSA, and almost all were accomplished at Fisher Park in Owensboro, KY. There he won his first World Championship in 2005 double dipping “Y”s Grocery and was voted as Outstanding Coach of the tournament.

Twelve years later, his team travelled back to Owensboro and made a great run at the NSA Super Worlds in the bronze class before achieving his ultimate goal in 2018 winning the Supers. The crowning jewel of that 2018 Super Bronze World came at the very end when his players voted their long-time coach and sponsor as the tournament MVP.