Everman, Wayne

Sometimes a sponsor/manager is viewed by his players as “The Money Man”, who keeps the team going and coaches to the best of his ability, but sponsor/manager Wayne Everman from Lexington, KY was much more than that. He was seen as a true “Family Man”. His family, consisting of his wife, Mary, of 40 years, their 3 children, Emma Caudill, John, and Greg; their grandchildren, Jason, Victoria, Megan, and Mathew Caudil, and of course his “Extended Family” of over 500 softball players who he has touched over his 57 seasons of softball.

When asked to describe Mr. Everman, the same praises kept coming up from his former players: dedicated, inspirational, and passionate. His dedication included 50 years plus of providing rides, meals, and ‘life lessons’ to his many friends as he would call them.

“Jellyroll” as he was affectionately known, helped keep the early divisions of softball going by sometimes supporting two or three teams a year, including sponsoring or managing co-ed teams, girl’s youth, women's and men’s from B to E class.

A sampling of some of Wayne’s teams were: Whalen Erecting, Road Runners, Executors, Hillbilly Babes, Rams, and his current and most notable group, known as Heavy Metal.

Among many of the players who “Jellyroll” inspired to stay active and spread the popularity of the sport were: James Moore, who aspires to be a coach in the future; Donnie Thurmond, who hopes to umpire someday; Stephanie Olinger, who kept playing because of Everman’s urging; Verna Courtney Stewart, player/coach for IDK; and Michelle Wallace Crawford, current player, and an umpire.

Wayne Everman’s footprint can be seen along the entire softball landscape over the past 50 years. Most importantly, he had his whole heart in his work, both on, and especially off of the softball diamonds.