At the time of his retirement from Nebraska Senior Softball after the 2012 season, Denny Zakovec was 87 years old.
Throughout his playing days with NSS, Denny was an inspiration. His passion for the game was only exceeded by the overwhelming joy evident on his face each and every time he stepped on the field with a bat in his hand or strapping on the leather to play defense. His spirit was infectious. Denny remarked at one time that, “coming to the park to play ball is the highlight of my week!”
In 2013, the Nebraska Senior Softball Board of Directors instituted the Denny Zakovec Spirit Award to honor a great man and to recognize individuals who possess that same high level of happiness and excitement as they play the game we love.
The Spirit Award is distinctive and centered around the joy, respect, and passion a player has for the game of softball AND Nebraska Senior Softball.
This player cannot wait for games days to arrive. They respect the umpires, their opponents, and the league as a whole.
They have enthusiasm for the sport, celebrate the accomplishments of every individual and the organization as a whole, and they often are the first person other players think of when they are asked about the league’s top ambassador.
This player is the face of NSS, the person you want on camera or any broadcast media to represent our organization and our purpose.
