Sports fanatic Raymond (Cap) Simons, one of Bermuda's most fearsome softball pitchers, has died, aged 75.

Simons, who was also a keen footballer, boxer and golfer died on January 20.

During his illustrious sporting career, Simons starred for the Bermuda men's softball team which came third at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) championships in 1975, lifted the Bermuda International Softball League title with Somerset Eagles in 1974, played for Somerset Bridge Football Club and fought for the Bermuda Boxing Association (BBA) in the early 1960s.

He also coached St.Pauli Girls of the Bermuda Petticoat Softball League.

His daughter, Patrice Simons-Lightbourne, said her father, a heavy equipment operator, was passionate about sport, particularly softball.

"My father was very softball orientated," she said. " That is the sport I think he will be remembered for. But he loved all sports and he must have won about a million trophies."

She said she hoped her father's decorated achievements would be recognised by the Bermuda Sports Hall of Fame in the future.

"He made a major contribution to Bermuda sports and also boxed, played football and golf," said Simons-Lightbourne. "I am surprised he has not been recognised by the Bermuda Sports Hall of Fame."

Back in August 1974, an Eagles softball star described (Cap), who also played for St.David's, as the secret behind the team's success and was renowned for his "determination, fight and sheer hard work".

"There is no doubt that 'Cap' has become one of the most feared pitcher in the league – but without being that fast," said Simons' team-mate. "He is determined, and always eager to tackle the better batters when under constant pressure . . . For years he has been the most worked pitcher in the league, and nobody will dispute that any game he wins is well deserved for the tremendous fight, determination and sheer hard work."

In 1975, an official of the Bermuda International Softball League told local media: " Without doubt his (Simons) performance was one of the best ever in the league. He was just tremendous all season . . . He started playing in the early '50s as an outfielder but once pitchers were rather scarce he went to the mound to try and give aid."

Simons' sporting prowess was not exclusive to the softball diamond. He also excelled in the boxing ring and in 1961 claimed wins over the undefeated Ray Todd, (Shuffling) Simmons and (Cyclone) Riley.

A report in the now defunct Mid Ocean News read: " Simons is known as a "slugger" and any of his opponents who can outlast the first two rounds of his "haymakers" should be able to coast to victory, but the trouble is avoiding those first two rounds during which Simons is really dangerous."