Richard Dale "Wick" Balswick

Richard “Wick” Balswick

Richard Dale “Wick” Balswick passed away peacefully in Eagle, Idaho, on September 10, 2026, at the age of 86, following a brave battle with cancer. Born August 23, 1940, Rich lived a life defined by devotion to family, quiet integrity, strong faith, a lifelong love of teaching, and an extraordinary talent and passion for the game of fastpitch softball.

Rich spent his early years in Turlock, California, and graduated from San Francisco State University before beginning a career as an educator and coach. From 1964 to 1974, he taught and coached at Los Altos High School. During those same years, he was also establishing himself as one of the finest men’s fastpitch softball pitchers in the country.

Competing at the highest levels of the sport, Rich became a three-time All-American, played on three National Championship teams, and participated in three Olympic Sports Festivals. One of the defining moments of his playing career came in 1967, when he was named Most Valuable Player and Most Outstanding Pitcher at the ASA Men’s Major Fastpitch National Championship while leading the Fairchild Falcons. He later represented Team USA and was a gold medal winner at the 1980 World Games.

As accomplished as Rich was as a player, his greatest and most lasting contribution to softball may have come through teaching others.

Following the passage of Title IX in 1972 and the rapid growth of women’s fastpitch softball, Rich became deeply involved in helping develop the next generation of female pitchers. What began as coaching and instruction grew into a lifelong calling.

For more than three decades, through Balswick Fastpitch, Rich devoted himself to teaching the art and science of pitching. He developed what became known as the Balswick Method, emphasizing sound mechanics, ball movement, spin, control, strategy, and an understanding of the game that went far beyond simply throwing hard.

Over the years, Rich coached hundreds of young women, helping many earn college scholarships and compete at the highest levels of the sport. His students included collegiate standouts, Gatorade Players of the Year, Team USA athletes, and Olympians. But Rich measured success by far more than statistics or scholarships. He cared deeply about the young people he coached and believed that athletics should help prepare them for life as well as competition.

That commitment earned him the respect of players and coaches throughout the softball community. Rich was admired not only for his knowledge of pitching, but for his patience, integrity, thoughtful approach to teaching, and genuine concern for every athlete who came to him for guidance. For countless pitchers and families, he was much more than a coach. He was a mentor, teacher, and trusted friend.

Away from the softball field, Rich’s greatest devotion was to his family.

At the center of Rich’s life was his wife of 47 years, MaryAnn. She was his constant companion, his greatest supporter, and his biggest fan. Through the successes, challenges, and everyday moments they shared, MaryAnn was always by his side. She was the bedrock of his life—steadfast in her love, encouragement, and devotion—and Rich cherished the life they built together.

Rich was a devoted father to his son, Damon, and a loving stepfather to Anissa Winter, Adrienne Thomas, and George Seeds.

He was preceded in death by Damon; his parents, Sophie and Harold Balswick; and his brother, Norman Balswick. He is survived by his wife, MaryAnn; his stepchildren, Anissa, Adrienne, and George; his sister, Carol Volrath; and a wide circle of extended family, friends, former players, coaches, and families whose lives he touched over the years.

Those who knew Rich will remember much more than his accomplishments. They will remember his stories, his humor, his steady presence, and the quiet confidence with which he approached both life and competition. He was a man who showed his love through loyalty, dependability, teaching, encouragement, and simply being there when people needed him.

Rich leaves behind an extraordinary legacy: in his family, in the sport he loved, and in the generations of young athletes he helped believe in themselves and discover what they were capable of achieving.

His influence will continue every time one of his pitchers steps into the circle, grips the ball, studies the batter, and remembers something Coach Balswick taught her.

A memorial service celebrating Rich’s life will be held in McCall, Idaho, on October 4, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Rich’s memory to donate to a charity of their choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.mccallfunerals.com

Arrangements in care of McCall Funeral Home.