Known fondly as the Strikeout Queen for the way her windmill pitching style and pinpoint accuracy stymied batters, Gail Archibald was truly a women's softball pioneer.

The girls' game in the late 1950s was a high-scoring affair, but the keen young Vic High student, also busy competing in basketball and track, was a fast learner. Pitching for the Victoria junior Polyettes, later the Vicettes, Archibald and her mates racked up provincial championships almost as fast as the K's filled her game-sheets.

Senior B titles came from 1959 to 1963 - the Vicettes captured a Western Canadian title in '63 thanks to a shutout from workhorse Archibald in an extra-inning final. They won two B.C. Senior A titles led by their fireballing ace, and reached the Canadian final in 1965.

Archibald shifted to the Vancouver Texacos then the Eldorados for her final four seasons of senior ball, garnering more top pitcher awards but falling just short of the elusive Canadian championship.

SPONSORED BY HOWE & GRAMLICH WEALTH MANAGEMENT