Merle Short was a long serving representative of Softball Victoria beginning in the early 1950's when she served the Association in multiple administrative roles.  Over the course of her career, Merle held positions of Victorian Softball Association President, Victorian Softball Association Secretary, Victorian Softball Association Councillor, Australian Softball Federation Delegate, Victorian Open Women's Team Manager.  While she wore many hats, Merle Short served as Manager of the Australian Team seven times, Victorian Team Manager 12 times, National Secretary-General for 25 years, and co-organizer of the first World Series in 1965.

It was at the Melbourne association at Fawkner Park that Merle stayed close to the game – she founded the Posties club and covered just about every job there was to cover for many years. They enjoyed a great rivalry with Wingers founded by her good mate Marj Dwyer

Merle’s service to softball has been recognised in many ways – she is a life member of the Australian Women’s Softball Council and the Victorian and Melbourne Softball Associations

She has also been inducted into the Victorian, Australian and International Halls of Fame

In 1993 the Victorian Softball Association commissioned the Merle Short Service Award to be presented each year to softball volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding service within the softball community, regardless of whether that service is on the diamond, coaching or umpiring, or off the diamond in administration roles.  

Since 1993 Softball Victoria has seen over 100 vounteers recognised receiving the Merle Short Service award honouring both the recipient and the award namesake.

For more information regarding the Merle Short Service Award citations for these volunteers please click on their names below.  Citation information will continue to be added moving forward.