Aitro founded the Hornets in 1990 and took them from their humble beginnings to a remarkable 54-game winning streak, which was brought to an abrupt end in this year's grand final when they were defeated by Kel's Hillbillies 16-13.

Aitro has been heavily involved in both baseball and softball in NSW as a player, umpire, commentator, selector and administrator.

Aitro was born in Conneticut and spent seven years playing professional baseball after being signed up by the New York Yankees.

"In my first year I was what they call a 'bonus baby' where they paid my parents $10,000 for me to join their organisation," Aitro said.

"When you first join you have to spend a year on the bench and I think that may have cut my career down. I then went on to the minors for the Yankees and was very successful there."

Aitro also played in the Southern League in Georgia before coming to Australia.

"It was certainly a different experience down South. They used to call me 'snowbird' because I was from up north," he said.

After commentating baseball matches for CBS in New York, Aitro brought his fast-paced commentary to Australia, commentating with Rex Mossop, for the first baseball games broadcast in Australia in 1974.

When Aitro formed the Hornets in 1990 they got off to a slow start, winning two matches and losing 12 in their first season in the local competition.

"The team first started coming together in 1994 when we got a couple of players from other teams and we were runners-up," Aitro said.

"Once we had the solid core of Susan Nolan, Gaye Wardle and Joanna Hagedoorn the team really took off.

"If you're going to have success in softball you need to have three exceptional players that you can build on."

According to Aitro his success in the local softball scene has largely been due to the quality of the players he has worked with.

"To be a good coach you have to think strategically, recognise people's strengths and weaknesses and speak to them without hurting their feelings," Aitro said.

"However, a coach is only as good as their players and I've been very lucky to work with such a great bunch."

Although disappointed with the Hornets' finals loss, Aitro says he is still pleased with how they performed during the match.

"In the end we made one mistake too many. It's nice to win, but it's not the end of the day. The team stood on their own two feet and still did very well," he said.