An Austin man recently received a huge honor for his time playing fast-pitch softball.

Paul Heers, 57, was named to the All-World fast-pitch softball team after his team, which is made up of players form around Minnesota, took third in the National Masters Tournament for players 55 years and older in Rockford, Ill.

Heers pitched two complete games and had two relief appearances for Cardinal Home Improvement, which is based out of St. Cloud. At the plate, he had two walk-off hits and a total of six hits on the weekend.

Both of Heers’ squad’s losses were by one run.

“It was just a matter of who got the break,” he said.

Being named to the All-World team was quite an accomplishment for Heers, who has played fast-pitch softball since he started with the Austin Moose at Age 16. He also plays with his son in a league for younger players over the summer.

“It was voted in by players I’ve played against for forty-some years,” he said. “That’s pretty good and it’s quite an honor. I’ve met a lot of good friends and had a good time. It’s a good way to get a break from the farm.”