University of the Pacific

The namesake of Bill Simoni Field, Pacific's home for Tiger Softball, Bill Simoni earned induction into the Pacific Athletics Hall of Fame as a contributor. He has been involved with Pacific Softball as a coach and supporter since the 1970s.

Simoni played high level fastpitch softball for 32 years, from his teens until 1973. In his career, Simoni pitched 16 perfect games and 45 no-hitters, with a fastball clocking in at 104 miles per hour in 1961.

As a player, Simoni’s record in softball was remarkable for consistency and achievement. During his career, he pitched more than 1,000 games in league and tournament play and recorded more than 10,000 strikeouts. 

In 1945, Bill pitched the Stockton Native Son’s club to the California State championship. In 1959 and 1960, his fastball helped bring the State title to the Delta Merchants team. Bill struck out 42 batters in one 21 inning game for the Stockton Elks. 

Following the 1960 world championship tournaments in Jones Beach, N.Y., Bill was honored as Most Valuable Player for pitching 13 consecutive shutouts in national competition. During his career, he played in six national tournaments and in 1961 was named to the All-World Softball team. 

The National Softball Association sent Simoni on a special clinic assignment to Canada in 1964 and for that job he received the Goodwill Ambassador trophy. He was voted the most valuable player in seven 13th district regional tournaments and in 1963 he received the Sports Illustrated Award of Merit. In 1961 he received the Jesters Club athlete of the year award.  

Born in Stockton, Bill attended Victory School and both St. Mary’s and Stockton High Schools. He was active in coaching Little League, Babe Ruth League and American Legion baseball.