The British Softball Community lost a beloved member last month with the passing of Mike Ashley, a longtime player and coach in both the domestic game and with the Great Britain Slowpitch programme.
Members of the community were invited to share stories and anecdotes about Mike's life and legacy, and the impact he had on them throughout his life.
Mike was always a fierce competitor in sports, but it wasn't until later in life that he discovered his true passion, softball. His journey began in 1992 in Bristol, where he took up the sport with the Guppy Spotters. The following year, he joined the Barracudas, a strong local team, alongside his brother-in-law Rhys. Over the next three seasons, he honed his skills and grew to love the game even more. In 1996, Mike made a significant leap in his softball career by joining the Niners, an A-grade team, as their pitcher. Over the next 17 seasons, he became a cornerstone of the team, leading them to numerous victories, including a London Regional Championship, multiple Triple Crowns, and Grand Slams. The Niners reached five National finals, and although they never clinched the ultimate title, Mike's contributions were invaluable until the team retired in 2013. Mike's talent didn't go unnoticed on the international stage either. In 1997, when the inaugural GB Slowpitch Team was formed, Mike was selected as a key squad member and had the incredible opportunity to train under Bobby Simpson in Tifton, Georgia. During his time in the U.S., he even faced off against some of the best, including the legendary Carl Rose, a US Hall of Fame inductee who hit three home runs off him, a moment he never forgot and was always happy to recount. In 1998, Mike's prowess on the field led him to his first European Gold as a pitcher in the inaugural European Coed Softball tournament. Mike's love for the game extended beyond coed softball. He played single-sex softball with the Zoo Crew in Regents Park and later with BT Men, where he won two Men's Nationals as a player. His strategic mind and deep understanding of the game made him an exceptional coach, guiding BT Men to another four Men's National titles. Beyond his playing and coaching career, Mike was a dedicated Assistant Coach for the GB Slowpitch Team, a role he held from the program's inception in 1997 until he stepped down in 2018. He played a crucial part in nurturing the talents of many current GB players. Additionally, he was instrumental in organizing the first Bristol tournament and the first Nationals held outside London in Bristol. But above all, Mike was a beloved friend and a respected figure in the softball community. He was always ready for a chat, offering advice and support to anyone who needed it. His presence will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, Mike.
- David
As all are well aware, Mike was a long-time assistant coach for me and GB over many years. However, our friendship started well before this... Mike was always appreciative of those around him, as many of you have already expressed. Whether it be on the field, off to the side of the diamond (or pub, if the opportunity presented itself), or online... Mike always had time for others. He was a cheeky bastard as well.... in his playing days he would flash you his wry grin if he got you out, or give you a respectful nod of appreciation if you won the battle. He was a fierce competitor, and a keen strategist while holding and sharing a wealth of knowledge. As an assistant, i would ask him to challenge me... and with that license, he (supportively) did! Sometimes I'd never know what was coming, as he pulled up with a great smile and the top down on his Audi. The first words were always "Hey Boss,... i was just thinking (or) I saw this player you might want to look at" Whatever it was, it was always valuable. His contribution to the many Gold Medals Team GB won was ever-present (and continued well after he stepped down). I am fully aware of the support he provided to developing players and veterans alike. He travelled the country to support the game and gave up his time to keep engaged with so many of them. He will be sorely missed. It would be great to hear the, " You know I used to play for West Ham story just one more time"... I am confident that sport will be a big part of his next adventure. RIP.
- Steve Patterson
Mike was a larger-than-life character on the softball scene and is a top-notch human being. He was always supportive and fun at softball while I lived in London, but I felt more support and love from him as I moved back to America 16 years ago. He continually checked- in, commented on social media, sent words of wisdom and was always the first to wish me a happy birthday. When you move away it can be so easy to be forgotten, but not by Mike. He remained a part of my life long after my days in London were over. I always truly appreciated hearing from him and I can only hope I did right by him by keeping in touch and showing my appreciation for his friendship. Will truly miss the man and my birthday message!
- Erin
I just heard on Sunday at the Bristol Wreck. Such sad sad news. Mike was such a lovely gent and always kind and encouraging. He stayed in touch as well via FB for many years after leaving Bristol as well. Thanks for confirming the funeral details.
- Saghi
I will remember Mike as a kind and good person. Always a pleasure to sit with him along the sidelines of the softball field. Be it on the same side, or on opposite sides. Always ready with a kind word and joke. It was a pleasure to play the game that we both loved with him and against him. Mike, you will be missed!
- Micha
An absolute true gentleman. Always had time for everyone and was so generous with his knowledge and encouragement. I always enjoyed our post-tournament catch-ups, dissecting everything that had occurred. A true British Softball Hall of Famer, and it was an absolute honour to share a field with him, whether as opposition or teammate. Legend.
- James
It was such a shock to hear the sad news about Mike. Yet another legend of our softball era who has gone too soon. He was such a kind-hearted, gentle soul. He epitomised the true meaning of a gentleman. He will be remembered very fondly by so many people which is a wonderful legacy to leave behind. RIP lovely Mike.
- Alison
A true gentleman who gave freely, and without prejudice, his time & energy on so many areas, be it rotas, strategy or just plain old life. He nearly always had a smile and used to tease me about my accent ���� I would try my West Country one on him. I was not very successful! I recognised very early in my softball that Mike had many connections and knowledge and was a big influence and mentor for many. He was fundamental in the growth of softball for Bristol and wider areas and his efforts behind the scenes were non-trivial. Although he was a big presence on the field he often didn’t take or get the credit he deserved for his off-field activity. Writing this has reminded me of what wonderful experiences and people we met as a result of softball and Mike was a central figure. Rest in peace Mike and hit a few home runs over those clouds.
- Alma
Such lovely words from all for an all-round great guy, was truly gutted when I heard the news. Mike was so generous with his effort to help and organise, including BT men’s (for which I will ever be grateful), and also generous with his knowledge and time for just a good old chat!
- Dan
Big character, big heart all around nice guy! Will be missed.
- Steve
The softball community has lost another legend. Mike was a friend to everyone, respected for his canny pitching skills as well as his positive and open character, he loved softball and was welcome on every team. He also made the effort to stay in touch with people beyond the softball days. Such a loss, but he made a dent in the softball universe and will be remembered fondly by us and so many others.
- Steph
So sad - “Great competitor, great teammate and more than anything a great person! Had obvious fun playing and was always ready to go - he could be counted on to play any time!” Will be sadly missed but remembered for what he did as a person and a player!”
- Todd
"Heaven received a brazen superstar. I came from the States, having played college baseball at Miami and a short stint in the minor leagues. I reached out via internet dial-up (I’m old) and was invited to join. I thought I’d be playing with people who wore gloves on the wrong hand and smoked while we played. But in my first game with the Slammers, I saw it was competitive, and the shit trash-talking was refined. Mike was pitching and was pissing me off 😉 everyone became A real family, and they welcomed outsiders. Mike was a leader, strong on the field, and a friend off it. Such a nice guy. See you in heaven, mate—say a few words for me in case I’m on the fringe/ or just leave a door open and sneak me in.
- Patrick
When I started playing softball in London Mike was a dominant character and a very good pitcher. He quickly let me know he knew exactly how to pitch to me �� As part of the GB coaching team he was so supportive to me giving lots of encouragement, advice and even sourcing a bat for me. But as well as that he was a lovely man and always asked about my family and talked often about his. RIP Mike I will miss your big smile and our chats at softball xx Ruth
I remember meeting Mike in 1999 when I first tried out for the GB team as a rookie player that year. I didn’t make it into the squad but his kind words and advice set me up to come back stronger. Throughout his career as a Player, a coach, and a manager, he was always a leader and had a story for every occasion and was so passionate about the game of Softball. Even when he retired from his role, he often came down to games or tournaments and it was great to see his love for the sport never went away. RIP Mike, and great friend and fantastic person.
- Danny
Mike was so passionate about softball and a key figure in Bristol back in the day. He took pride in pushing me towards the GB programme and forever after tried to take the credit. �� Always free with advice and compliments, he will be missed.
- Kirstie
Very sad and sorry to hear this news. Will be thinking of him today and sending out my prayers.
-Clare
So very upset on hearing this news. I met Mike when I joined the Niners as a rookie. He was always kind and supportive with time for everyone.
Through the years with GB, he was dedicated to the players he played with and then coached. I found his support priceless. We've kept in touch by phone more recently and I'll really miss our long natters. My heart goes out to his family, who he talked about a lot and his many other friends. Mike, you're a legend
- Sara