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Belizeans in New York City pay last respects to Hall of Fame softball pitcher |
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 By Wellington C. Ramos
On Friday, Belizeans turned out in large numbers to pay their last respects to national softball legend, pitcher Isolene Heath, better known as ‘Iso’, who died on March 14, 2009, in New York City. The viewing and memorial service were held in the Bronx and it was followed by a meal at her residence, which lasted until about midnight. The Prayer of Comfort was said by Reverend Dyer, who was one of the pastors that officiated at the service.
Yvonne Isolene Heath was born in Belize City on September 3, 1950, to the late Florence Palacio and Joslyn Heath. Iso attended Ebenezer Methodist Primary School in Belize City. After leaving school, she worked at Brodies Store for many years. At an early age, Iso fell in love with the sport of softball and played it during her early school years up to adulthood.
She later became a star pitcher for the Dunright softball team under the management of the late Calbert Coffin better known as ‘Cally’,who also died recently in New York City. Dunright softball team was one of the best softball team in Belize City and the country, and defeated teams like Falcons from Dangriga Town.
Through softball, Iso got to travel throughout the world playing with the Belize national team, competing with other national teams from various countries such as Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahamas, United States, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Australia and the Cayman Islands.. She was the first Belizean female softball pitcher to pitch a no hitter game and she also was among the few from Belize who won a Gold Medal in the Central American Games when Belize defeated the Dominican Republic’s National team in the year 1974.
Shortly after winning the championship, Iso migrated to New York City in the United States, where she had been living since. While living in New York City, she was a home attendant for many years caring for the elderly. In the year 1986, Iso gave birth to her only child, a son, whom she named Khalil.
Isolene Heath always had a smile on her face and she was a happy go lucky person with an outstanding personality. During the late 70s and 80s, Isolene could be found at the City Park at 161st Street in front of Yankee Stadium watching the football tournaments when DJ Braves Meighan use to host them with teams like Braves, Bombers, Bellway, Starwars and Ubafu. This is now the spot where the new Yankee Stadium is being constructed.
The type of softball that Isolene Heath played for the Belize national team is not being played today, just like football, in Belize. In those days, athletes in Belize used to dedicate themselves to the sport and played with pride and gave it their all. Isolene Heath is a Hall of Famer second to none and it will be years before Belize will ever see a star pitcher that pitched for the Belize national team the way Isolene Heath did.
Belizeans in Belize and the rest of the world will always remember this great Belizean legend and she will remain in their thoughts forever. Her records and accomplishments as a softball pitcher can be found in Belize at the Belize Sports Council archives. May her soul rest in peace and we intend to honour her accomplishments by naming some things in her honour to leave an everlasting imprint on our youths and athletes for future Belizean generations to come.
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