Ray Chandler inducted into North Carolina Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame/Hall of Honor

Ray Chandler of Tobaccoville, NC was inducted into the North Carolina Amateur Softball Association's Hall of Fame/Hall of Honor for his significant contributions to the Amateur Softball Association program in the state. Chandler began his coaching career in 1984 with the King Little League, where he coached in the girls' division for six years. He also served as the Allstar Coach of the girls' division for several years as well.

In 1989, Chandler founded the Carolina Cardinals to offer girls an opportunity to play at the highest levels and improve their chances continue playing in college. While at the helm of this organization, Chandler guided the softball program for 22 years and taught the players more than just the game of softball. During this time, he also served as softball coach at Starmount High School, West Stokes High School, West Forsyth High School, and Ronald W. Reagan High School. The Carolina Cardinals is the oldest continuous ASA girls' fastpitch softball organization in North Carolina.

According to Chandler, "Life lessons are taught in many different arenas. Sports is one of them. These lessons include teamwork and what it means to be a team player; keeping commitments; being dependable; working hard while having fun; meeting challenges; keeping a positive attitude; winning and losing gracefully; being supportive of teammates; good sportsmanship; respect for others; and representing yourself and your family well. Young people involved in well-coached sports can take these lessons and the confidence they gain through their participation into every aspect of their lives".

Chandler measured the success of his coaching not by the win/loss column, but by watching his players grow and develop into young people, confident and capable of making good life decisions. Chandler played an active role in more than  100 softball players receiving college scholarships or signing a National Letter of Intent to play softball at the collegiate level. The soft-spoken coach refused to take credit for any of the successes his players have enjoyed. "A player who works hard and attracts the interest of the college coaches and subsequently signs a National Letter of Intent to play in college earns the right to feel proud of her accomplishments."

According to Bert Weeks, former Commissioner of the North Carolina Amateur Softball Association, inductees into the Hall of Fame/Hall of Honor reflect the cream of the crop in North Carolina softball. "The outstanding contributions made over the years by the inductees have made and continue to make a major impact on softball in North Carolina. In every age group, from the oldest adult programs to the youngest youth levels, these inductees have made major contributions to the growth and quality of the N.C. ASA softball program. The character and dedication of these inductees are to be commended, and we applaud their efforts."

Inductions into the North Carolina ASA Hall of Fame/Hall of Honor occur every two years. Inductions began in 1982 as a means of recognizing North Carolina outstanding players, coaches, managers, umpires, and sponsors. To date, a combined total of 93 inductees have earned selection into the N.C. ASA Hall of Fame/Hall of Honor. The induction ceremony was held on October 11, 2003, in Burlington N.C.