Stormy Irwin was born in Melrose Park, Illinois on September 4, 1929 to Charles W. and Mary E. (Worthley).  She worked for Zellerbach Paper Company in Sacramento from 1952 to 1985.  She was the managing editor, publisher, and owner of Women in Softball publication from 1957-1978 (called Women in Sports from 1957-1971).  She was the recipient of seven first place awards for Best Continuous Coverage of Softball for a non-daily publication of less than 50,000 circulation from the A.S.A. National Softball Writers and Broadcasters Association in 1965, 66, 67, 69, 71, 72 and 73.  Her publication had readers in 45 states and Canada. 

The inspiration to begin W.I.S. started at the Women’s National Series, September 12, 1954 when the Fresno Rockets won the championship! Kay Rich plus the entire Fresno team became immediate favorites of the editor. The team was really something to be proud of coming from Northern California. This was the first National Series Stormy had seen or heard of, and she was impressed with the tremendous ability of teams competing; Phoenix Ramblers, Fresno Rockets, and Orange Lionettes. (She had just arrived in time to witness the semi-finals and finals). Stormy took pictures of the winning team, the Rockets and most valuable player of the series, Kay Rich. She came back to Sacramento thinking local sports writers would be elated to get first hand pictures and information regarding a national event, especially since Fresno, California had won the title... But lo and behold, they weren’t impressed at all, and only such a blow to Stormy’s enthusiasm that after three years of deliberation and consideration, she decided to give Women in Sports her all out effort. Helping her come to this important decision was Gaylene Morton, a co-worker, who offered her time and financial assistance in the new endeavor. Pat Elrod and Marie Dutra also offered their services to help with some of the problems of a new venture. 

Stormy was inducted into the Sacramento Softball Association Hall of Fame in 1980 for (1) the 22 years of publishing a softball periodical, (2) for the many championship teams she managed and played on in Sacramento and (3) for being responsible to bringing in some of the top teams in the nation to Sacramento for exhibition games.  Stormy participated on 30 first place Sacramento City Recreation teams in volleyball, basketball, softball and flag football.  Her biography was included in the Who's Who of American Women in the 1979-1980 and 1991-1992 editions. 

Stormy was nominated for the National Softball Hall of Fame Meritorious Service award with recommendations from ten of the nation's top women in softball, nine of which are members of the A.S.A. National Softball Hall of Fame.  Carol Spanks, Shirley Topley, Gloria May, Jeanne Contel, Kay Rich, Sharron Backus, Dot Wilkinson, Estelle "Ricki" Caito, Louise Mazzuca and Margo Davis provided extremely glowing reports of Stormy's contribution to softball.  Unfortunately, Stormy was not inducted solely because the Hall of Fame does not have a category to recognize her accomplishments as a writer, editor and publisher.  What a shame!!  Stormy's contribution to women's fastpitch softball was enormous.  She provided excellent coverage of women's fastpitch softball during the sixties and seventies when very few others would.  Her contribution to the world of women's fastpitch softball definitely deserves recognition in the Hall of Fame.   

Stormy entered her eternal life on May 1, 2025.  Stormy and her contributions to the world of softball will never be forgotten by those who knew her and/or read her newsletters.  She was a shining light in our world.  May God bless you Stormy and hold you in the palm of his hands until we meet again.  Rest in Peace.