"Top of the list:" Softball diamond named for Orlando "Pancho" Palesse

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It was a fitting honor for a man dedicated to the game of baseball and those who play. Orlando "Pancho" Palesse is credited with keeping hundreds of seniors on the field. On Monday, April 27th, officials with Milwaukee County Parks showed their gratitude.

"Discovered sports on the playground as a young boy on the playgrounds in Milwaukee and he as been involved in sports ever since," said John Dargle, Milwaukee County Parks Director.

There is now a softball field at McCarty Park in West Allis bearing "Pancho's" name. It's well-deserved, as Palesse has spent the past 20 years working closely with the McCarty Park Senior Softball League.

"I've had some other honors in my life, but this tops them all. This has got to be on the top of the list," said Palesse.

Pancho Palesse Field

Palesse is a 91-year-old World War II veteran. He served as a co-pilot of a B-17 and flew 23 missions in Europe. After the war, Palesse started officiating high school and college games. He was even a scorekeeper for the Milwaukee Brewers for six years.

But the feather in Palesse's cap is his time with Milwaukee's senior softball teams.

The Super Senior Softball League has more than 200 players 55 years old and older. The motto of "Pancho" and all the players is, "You're never too old to play."

Pancho Palesse

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