Bill Luddy

#41 - 1B, 3B, SS, 2B, DH (profile)

Bill was one of Team inDRStructible's original members and one of the more colorful characters on the team roster.

Whether it be bragging about his exploits on the softball diamond, voicing his fervent support of Mets (and hatred of the Red Sox and Yankees), hitting on a waitress during one of the team's post-game dinners, or simply espousing his views on politics and current events, Bill was sure to be the center of attention wherever he went.

Bill began his career as a utility man playing third base, shortstop or outfield - whatever position the DRS captain was having a difficult time filling that particular week. However, as the seasons wore on, Bill developed his niche at the hot corner. When Chaun Jones missed a game after the birth of his son Tyler, it was Bill who made the start at shortstop in his stead in what would be the first victory in team history. In subsequent years, Bill moved across the infield and played primarily as a firstbaseman.

Offensively, Bill was basically a banjo hitter, that is, one who has little power but gets on base with line drives and Texas League bloopers. It was for this reason that it took Bill eight seasons and almost 500 at bats before he belted his first career round tripper.

Bill had his best season in 2004. In the first year of Darren LaForge's hiatus from softball, Bill was promoted as the club's starting firstbaseman, and responded with some exceptional defensive play around the bag and a career-high .571 batting average. A 2005 win over the Fighting Plankton saw Bill go 4 for 4 with 3 runs batted in and an over-the-wall homerun.

Sadly, Bill passed away January 24, 2009. He will be dearly missed.