A prominent softball player and footballer for Somerset Eagles from the mid-1950s to the early '70s passed away last week.

For lengthy spells during those periods, Winfield (Bongie) Bean was recognised as one of the most established third basemen on the Island while being regarded as a very competent defender in football for the White Hill club.

But it was in softball his talents were more noticeable where he played alongside other greats at the time such as Harry Hunt, Vivien Philpott and Winston Simmons.

"Bongie was the greatest, nobody could match him at the hot corner which third base has been known to be called. Time and time again you could see him snatching a screaming shot when it seemed to be destined for a double or triple and then he would go to bat and make further impact with a timely hit," said former Eagles fan Arthur Simmons yesterday.

"Nobody would deny that he was great at both sports, it's just too bad that softball has disappeared and deprived locals of the exciting competitions that we were used to seeing back in the good old days when Bongie and the rest made such a vast contribution by entertaining us with this pastime."

Bean was 74.