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Over 500 will attend the 17th annual Hall of Fame Inductee Dinner April 13th
Kenneth A. Cooper
Ken (Kenny, Coop) Cooper was born on March 3, 1959 and left this earth for Heaven on March 6, 2013. Anyone who knew Ken also knew of his great love for 16” softball. His 20 year career began in 1975 when he started playing for his father, Dick Cooper, on the Meadows Baptist church team. After that, he played for the Taggers, the Straycats, Cooper’s Sporting Goods and Splinters Sports Group; he ended his career playing for Lettuce Entertain You. Ken has been named to All-American and all-star teams in Mt. Prospect; he was a North All-Star, and has earned All-American and All-World honors in national competition. In 1991 his team went on to win the National Championship and in 2006 he was recognized and inducted into the Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame. His father is in the HOF as well in the manager category.
Ken is survived by his wife, Jan; stepchildren, Jim and Kelsi McMahan; sister, Nancy (James) Glonke; brothers Don and Dick Cooper; nieces, Jenny Glonke and Sarah Cooper; nephews; Jim Glonke and Matt Cooper; and many other family and friends.
The celebration of Ken’s life will take place on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at Laird Funeral Home, 310 S. State Street in Elgin from 3 to 9 pm. Ken loved Chicago sports. Visitors are encouraged to wear their favorite sportswear; preferably Bears or Cubs. If you feel the need to wear White Sox or Green Bay clothing, please wear a jacket to cover it up. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House. For information, 847-741-8800 or visit www.lairdfamilyfuneralservices.com
The 17th Annual Hall of Fame Inductee Dinner will be held on Saturday April, 13, 2013 at the Drury Lane Oakbrook.
Drury Lane Oakbrook
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Phone: 630-530-8300
http://drurylaneoakbrook.com/
For onsite hotel reservations, please contact the Hilton Suites Oakbrook Terrace or the Hilton Inn Garden Terrace or visit their website http://drurylaneoakbrook.com/facility/area_hotels.shtml
*Please note that there is no special room block or discounted room rate for this Chicago Softball event.
Dress Attire: Business Casual
Agenda (tentative subject to change without notice)
4:20 – 6:35 pm – Inductee and Team photos (Click here for complete photo schedule)*
*Photos can be viewed and purchased onsite at the event but will not be available to take home that evening.
5:30 – 7:00 pm – Reception/Open Bar
7:00 – 7:45 pm – Dinner
8:00 – 10:30 pm – Presentation of Awards
Ticket Information:
- $100 for adults 21 & over (At the door tickets are $125)
- $75 for children 20 & under (At the door tickets are $100)
To purchase tickets with a credit card, please click here
If paying by check or to mail your cc payment to the Chicago Softball office, please click here to print out the form. Forms must be received in the office no later than Monday April 8, 2013.
Mail form to:
Chicago 16” Softball Hall of Fame
1833 Centre Point Circle
Suite 123
Naperville, IL 60563
You can also fax your form to 630-544-5055
Please note: Tickets will be mailed to the person who purchased the tickets once payment has been received. Tickets purchased after March 31st will not be mailed but will be available at the Will Call desk onsite at the event.
Dinner Ad Program Book Information:
If you would like to purchase an ad to be placed in the dinner program book, please click here for additional information and to print out the ad forms.
To request an invoice for your dinner ad prior to sending in your payment, please contact Ron Kubicki at 708-768-1668 or email Ron ronaldkubicki@comcast.net.
Questions?, please contact Donna Levy at 630-544-5049 or email Donna dlevy@kellencompany.com
The 2012 HOF Inductees have been announced! Click here!
17th Annual HOF Dinner is
April 13th, 2013
Softball Video:
Curious City | WBEZ looks at the origins of Chicago 16-inch softball | WBEZ 91.5 Chicago
Online voting for the 2012 HOF will begin Monday November 19, 2012. if you would like to download the ballot and mail it in you can do that here
Chicago Public High School 16" softball championship game is scheduled for Friday 10-25-12 at Illinois Circle campus at 4:00 p.m.
HOF Mailer Letter - Looking for the perfect Christmas present? This is where you can buy a Brick!
Help add to the Museum Memorabilia
Do you have any film of softball games before the 80’s?
Articles in the press?
Woman’s softball photos and film
Jersey’s, Hats, Jackets of teams?
Umpire uniforms?
Brown Bombers or other Black teams from 30-40’s?
Contact Al Maag 480/643-7719, al.maag@avnet.com
Homerun contest at U.S. Cellular won by Big Dave Odell
Listen Here
Windy City Wins the SSA Major Championships At Elgin
Scan of an article by Don DeBat for The Booster and News Star Newspapers on progress of the HOF Museum.
The 2011 Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame (HOF) Inductees had another special moment on Sunday July 22nd in Forest Park when approx 500 fans, family and past HOF inductees came to see their plaques unveiled at Inductee Park. A short ceremony lead by MC George Bliss featured Forest Park Mayor Calderone, HOF president Ron Kubicki, and co-founder Al Maag. Kubicki was proud to announce that the museum building was going to be worked on, expanded and brought up to code by Ray Topps and friends starting August 1st. The drawings were displayed by fellow HOF Board members. The reaction by everyone was very positive to the Dave Hibel, Motifevents designs. Maag followed up the short comments about now was the time to donate softball artifacts and money to see the displays created. The HOF has a game plan of approaching individual friends and family to major corporations in Chicago. The following brochure link has the details.
Bliss then introduced the all the inductees and formally cut the covered display cabinet, which was swallowed up by the inductees and families to view the new plaques. A few on hand included Sherman Martin, Angelo Alesia, Rock Waldo, Mark “Shu” Schuler, Mike Lopez, Joe Manza, George Sherman in from San Diego, Mary Walz, Jim McCabe, with Bob Campbell, Don Welker, Ken Israel from the Bruins, and the full Smoke team. Throwing out the first pitch was Larry Lebiak leader of the RIC Cubs, the first handicapped team to be inducted by the HOF. The games were a wonderful opportunity for everyone to have some laughs and swings and relive the glory days with their peers, along with media celebrities, John Garcia, Stefan Holt, Amy Jacobson, and Jimmy Greenfield. In the second game the South side played 9 women, which was an impressive showing vs basically an all men lineup of the North that featured the famous Bobcat Ron Olesiak for the first time. See link to photos taken by HOF Irv Porter on his ILLINOIS SOFTBALL REPORT.
http://www.ilsoftballreport.com/photoalbum.shtml
Click here for photo of HOF Museum
Click here for photo of HOF Museum
2012 Hall of Fame Inductee Unveiling
Ground Breaking at Forest Park for Museum is May 22nd at 6pm
Mayor Calderone, Forest Park Trustee’s along with Hall of Fame president, Ron Kubicki and vice president, Ray Topps will break ground symbolizing the first stage of the museum being completed. The current effort will include the exterior and interior mechanicals and heating/ac
After all these years, there is still a buzz with over 550 people attending the 16th annual Chicago 16 inch Softball Hall of Fame inductee dinner at Drury Lane On Saturday night, April 14th. This year was a bit different than the past because Ron Kubicki HOF president, showed off the plans for the building refurbishment to move the museum plans in right direction. "We have secured a loan which help us on stage two of our plans…inductee park was stage 1, museum build stage 2 and then finish the content and history for stage 3." Ron noted the Hall would unveil the plaques of the 2011 inductees at Inductee Park on July 22nd.
Ray Topps, HOF vp will be responsible for making the upgrades and feels he will indeed have it all done this year. "I’m looking for any craftsman who can help us with materials or their time to keep our costs to a minimum".
Co-founder Al Maag, "Every year there is a standout at the big event for me...this year was the introduction of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago-Cubs…who after winning multiple national titles in softball for handicapped players in wheel chairs….to see them come up and win was awesome. Those guys are athletes beyond reproach"
The event was MC'd by George Bliss was over by 10pm as they kept the pace going. With the ad book, auction, ticket and raffle the HOF hopes to raise $10-15,000.
Chicago's Pastime: City's passion for 16-inch softball alive and well
Another Exciting Induction Ceremony Planned
Open meeting January 21st at 10am at the Forest Park Museum.
Maag Toy Foundation Softball March 31 Tourney Tempe Arizona.
(Arthur “Lefty” Goldfeder) passed
away yesterday (Saturday, January 7, 2012) at Christ Hospital in Oak
Lawn. He lived a good long life; he is the only person I’ve known to
live to 100 years old and had such an interesting life with all his
Softball career stuff. He celebrated his 100th birthday on Dec 5,
2011. Here is a link to an article which was run in a local newspaper to celebrate his 100th Birthday as well as his Softball Hall of Fame days. The arrangements are the following: Memorial Service to “Celebrate his
Life” at Lawn Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 11th between 3pm to
7pm
Address for Lawn Funeral home is:
7909 State Road,
Burbank, IL
Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame Inductees to be Honored on April 14th Announced
Watch Our Friend Mike North and the 16 inch SSA Championships
First EVER SSA Softball Major Nationals won by Flashback!
Hear the final game - Windy City Vs Flashback by Hall of Fame Media Inductee George Bliss
It was a game for the ages as Vision had to go to the IF game to defeat Pure Smack.
MVP was Brian Davis of Vision.
Please go to George Bliss Radio (just google George Bliss Radio) and you will hear the Play by Play Call of the Historic First Game in SSA Nationals History.
Our Thanks go out to the entire SSA Staff.
George Bliss Softball Hotline
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/george-bliss-radio
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/george-bliss-radio
HOF 2nd Annual Golf Outing - PDF
Windy City Live - 16" Softball Hall of Fame - Watch Now!
To my softball friends and family, watch Channel 7 at 10:35-11:05 the 190 North show on ABC tonight…the great game of 16 inch softball and the Hall of Fame will be featured. We are still raising money to build the museum. Anyone want to support the effort by buying a $250 brick (go to; 16inchsoftbalhof.com) or have your corporate brand being more prominent in the displays and history please contact me. We are indeed trying to raise a lot of money and all help is appreciated. - To see a relay go to http://www.190north.com
HOF Supporter Howard “Bud” Boy Passes Away
Hall of Famer (2008) Bud Boy a member of the board of commissioners of the Forest Park Park District for over twenty five years passed away from a long illness July 8th. During that time he has been a major force in making the park district one of the top recreational facilities in the Chicago area. He is one of the key person responsible for bringing the Chicago Sixteen-inch Softball Hall of Fame Museum and Outdoor Park to Forest Park. He always helped at every event at that location. Our condolences go out to his wife Sandy and his 4 children. He was a good man indeed.
Bob Sirott Voice of Chicago Softball Hall of Fame Video -
Co-founder of the Hall of Fame Al Maag has announced that Chicago’s famous media journalist and HOF inductee, Bob Sirott has donated his time to be the voice of a new 3 minute video created to attract the funding needed to build the softball history museum in Forest Park. Maag notes,“ Bob’s passion for the game is well known as his voice, I’m sure it will stop people to take a few minutes to hear our message and consider supporting Chicago’s great game”. The video was created by Zack and Al Maag.
2nd annual 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame Golf Outing September 12th at Glen Eagles
Golf and dinner: $125.00 single / $500.00 per foursome. Includes 18 holes of golf, Golf starts at 8:30. Dinner buffet follows golf.
on-course beverages, golf balls, Hall of Fame memorabilia, one-hour open bar, and buffet dinner. Twenty foursome maximum, so reserve early.
Dinner only: $50.00
Hole Sponsorship: $200.00
General Sponsorship: $100.00.
Please send checks (made out to Sixteen-inch Softball Hall of Fame) to Donna Levy
Kellen Co; (630) 544-5054; dlevy@Kellen Co..com
The Next Hall of Fame meeting is Tuesday June 21 at Forest Park at 7pm
Click here for information about he 15th Annual Hall of Fame Event: PARK DISTRICT OF FOREST PARK A ‘FIELD OF DREAMS’ FOR 16-INCH SOFTBALL
Dear Softball Friends:
Very sad news. Hall of Fame inductee, pitcher Tom "Eggs" Czarnik passed away on March 11th. Keep Eggs and his family in your prayers. HE WAS A GREAT PERSON. A GREAT PLAYER. A GREAT TEAM LEADER. He'll truly be missed by many.
Visitation for Chicago Legend Tom "Eggs" Czarnik as follows:
Skaja Funeral Home 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave
Niles, Ill (corner of Oakton and Milwaukee)
Visitation Wednesday March 16th
3-9 PM
Thursday Morning 9 AM Prayers at Funeral Home
10 AM Catholic Mass at St. Juliana Parish
7201 N. Oketo
Chicago, Ill 60631
Next Hall of Fame meeting is at 7pm at Drury Lane on Thursday March 24th
March 5 10am at Forest park is next meeting
The 5th annual Maag Toy Foundation double elimination 16 inch softball tournament is March 26th so Chicago, Yuma and California teams could come from Chicago and enjoy spring training, sun and golf.
First 16 teams to send checks are served.
Sponsors welcomed. Banners $100, Balls $300, Paramedic $250, Host Sponsors $500 Max 4
This is not the Avnet B2B 16 Inch tournament for PHX businesses…this is men only, open roster and playing for cash prizes. So organize your best team. That event is April 31st and May 1…same location.
Bottom-line this is all about fun, get your buddys, co-workers, Chicago natives and enjoy the best style of softball 16 INCH.
Click here for detailed flyer, Note MTF is a 5013c.
Our next OPEN meeting for everyone to attend is Feb. 12th, at our Forest Park
building, on Des Plaines and Harrison at 10:00 am.
To be discussed, our Dinner April 2nd, plans and events for the 2011 softball season,
any other new business.
EVERYONE is welcome to attend.
Click here for the Chicago Softball HOF Inductee dinner registration. The online registration is set up for people to purchase dinner tickets and dinner book ads.
Our next open board meeting is THIS Saturday at 10am at Forest Park Museum site January 8th
Click here for the 2010 Inductees List
Click here for more information on the inductees
Please go to our HOF Dinner page for complete information about the awards dinner
Another Classic Year for Lane Tech. They defeat Payton by a Score of 12-2.
Click here to listen to a short interview right after their victory at UIC.
Next open meeting is Oct 20th, 7:00 at the Forest Park HOF building. EVERYONE IS INVITED, COME AND GET INVOLVED !
Topics to discuss, New Inductees, Teams to Honor, The Induction dinner April 2, 2011, the golf outing, World Series, other NEW business.
Vote for 2011 Hall of Fame class until October 28th
Hall of Fame World Series won by OBI
and that is why they play the games. On 9/11/10 out of no where a team called OBI, One Bad Inning, beat Jynx, then knocked off the previous national champs Flash and then played the new current National Champs Windy City and won in 6 innings with a score of 18 to 8. Way to go OBI, a nice young new team to watch in the future.
The day started with the rain that was anticipated and the first 3 games of the day were played with rain on and off. Of course, kudos go out to Larry Piekarz and his entire Forest Park grounds crew for keeping the fields playable until the rain stopped and the sun came out.
Special thanks to Gary Kassanders from Westchester PD, for donating his day to being the score keeper and announcer. And also Bill Wadington as the other score keeper.
Ron Kubicki, the President of the HOF was great in keeping everything together and the 1st Annual 16" Softball HOF World Series rolling along to crown our first champions OBI.
16 Inch Softball World Series Returns After 3 Decades This Saturday in Forest Park for brackets click here
Windy City takes first "Major" ASA title. Click here for more information
Click here to listen to the interview with Patty Caputo MVP 2010 Major Nationals
ASA A Nationals: Lounge Wins the Northeast in Mt Prospect, Il and Kongs Southeast title in Yuma, AZ
A great Weekend for the Northside Lounge Softball Team as they defeat Barrage to win the 2010 Northeast Nationals of 16 Inch Softball in Mt Prospect . Final Score 8-4. The MVP was Pitcher Jack Nakamichi.
Click here to listen to a sound byte from Tony Alvarado.
On Sept 11th, your 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame is having it's first WORLD SERIES OF SOFTBALL, at the Forest Park fields. The top 16 Teams with point totals have been invited to this single elimination tournament. Games start at 9:00 am Saturday Sept. 11th. Everyone is welcome to see the top teams in 16 Inch softball compete for this title, have some fun, eat some food and enjoy a beer or two and view our outdoor Inductee Park as well.
Click here for more information
FOREST PARK JOURNAL - Fans Hold On to 16-Inch Dreams - NYTimes.com
16-inch game gets its Cooperstown - Chicago Tribune
Second Annual HOF inductee Day video is now available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksnh1Ddj5tI&feature=youtube_gdata
Forest Park Photos are now available at www.ilsoftballreport.com
Incredible 42nd Annual No Glove Nationals. It's The Flash vs The Roadrunners at Forest Park. Just Click here to hear the entire play by play of both games!! MVP is Anthony Tyler.
(Works only on Most Desktop Computers and Units with Flash, May not include Iphones etc. This is Ustream Internet Radio and the Softball Hotline.)
Hope you enjoy the games.
George Bliss
A beautiful day following the floods on Saturday...where Forest Park's Larry Piekarz and his crew miraculously got the fields ready. Hall of Fame Inductee Day was a big hit again with over 300 people in attendance to see the latest inductees plaques unveiled. The short ceremony was handled by HOF inductee/media person George Bliss and president Ron Kubicki. Quite a few new inductees were there and following the ceremony the North vs. South ball game was held with the North side prevailing again lead by winning pitcher Fritz Zimmerman and coach Joel Zimberoff. South was full of stars and were lead by coaches Kubicki and Ray Topps.
We were honored by a few celebrities including the one and only Chet Coppick. Good to see 89 year old MVP from the 1948 world series Casey Larocco was on the North side and the legendary Ed Zolna watching the game.
Most of the play was in the infield except when Steve Kirby lifted a long fly handled by Jerry Rhea in LF. Popati Wing also sent a drive to LC and not only Frank Lentine ran it down he caught it one handed ! Mike Ellerby and Tim Decker were flawless at SS and 1st for the N team. The girls on the Southside played quite a bit and were very good especially Monica Skowronski. Lots of smiles, no injuries and fun which transferred over to local watering holes. Another good day for HOF
A few Hall of Fame players in Sunday's game following the noon ceremony at Forest Park :
Southside -
Lane Nieman, Jim Matlock, Jesse Mack, Norbert Lewandowski, Steve Kirby, Mary Kay Monaghan, Toni Panlini, Mary Pat McCurie, Ron Kubicki, Chery Mikolaitis, Popati Wing, Bev Dangenais, Willie Simpson, Bill Wadington, Jack Kelly, Larry Kelly, Wally Filkins, Odell Humphrey, Bob McCelland, Bill Devork, Mary Pat McGuire
Northside -
Fritz Zimmermann, Wally Pecs, Mike Coyne, Pat Caputo, Tom Czarnick, Mark Frighetto, Stan Bachusz, Ken Flaws, Tim Decker, Mike Ellerby, Bill Bransfield, Jerry Rhea, Pat Heraty, Mike Mareno, Frank Lentine, Art Lurie, Casey Larocco, Al Mc Farlane. Mary Kay Monoghan, Monica Skowronski, Cheryl Mikolaitis
Thanks to umpire crew lead by John Mitchell
On Sunday July, 25th Forest Park, IL at DesPlaines and Harrison will be the site of the 2nd annual Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame Inductee Day. The noon Ceremony will be hosted by George Bliss and Ron Kubicki, president of the Hall of Fame with their HOF Board. Click here for more details
Next open meeting is July 20th at 7pm at Forest Park.
The 2010 inductee award dinner will be april 2nd at Drury Lane in Oakbrook, I'll. For details contact Donna Levy with Landon farrey, click here for more information
July 10, 2010 - Next Saturday at Kimball Hill in Rolling Meadows will be our 16th annual and possibly last edition of the event due to like many othly er traditions loss of sponsorship. We hope many of you who have played in the past will make a trip and join us. Over 500 mens, women and co-rec teams have played in the past 15 years honoring the memory of fellow 16-Inch hall of famer Terry Moran. Many others in the 16-Inch Hall of Fame have played or coached in the event and I can say with certainty many future hall of famers have played or coached as well. We have 22 men's teams signed up so far - hope you can come! Please contact Frank Fiarito at fiarito98@comcast.net for more information.
July 25, 2010 - At noon at Forest Park's Inductee park, the Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame will unveil the current inductees plaques in their display cases of the players, umpires and teams that were announced at our awards dinner in January.
Following the program at approx 130pm we will have another North vs. South hall of fame players in a softball game. Please join the fun and excitement and see the greats of the game play one more time.
Hall of Fame Golf Outing announced at Glen Eagles on August 18th.
Very sad news, 1999 Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame Inductee Gerald "Jerry" Kelleher, age 58 passes away. Jerry was one of the best shortstops of the 70-80's era. Our deepest sympathies to the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials to: The Gerald Kelleher Memorial Fund, c/o Lisle Savings Bank, 1450 Maple Ave., Lisle, IL 60532, (630) 852-3710. For info, (630) 355-0213 or www.friedrich-jones.com
Maple Street Wins 1st 16" tourney in 2010 in Arizona
Mr. Michael Hanas a Chicago Sixteen Inch Softball Hall of Fame umpire inductee in 2002 in the pioneer era has passed away at the age of 83. Mike will be waked at Blake and Lamb Funeral Home at 4727 W. 103 St., Oak Lawn, ILL. tomorrow, Wednesday March 3 from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. He was a great guy and a darn good umpire and old timers tell us in was excellent player as well.
The Next Open Meeting is March 18th, at 7:00 at the Forest Park Museum Site.
Click here for details
January 2010 - 14th Annual Chicago 16" Hall of Fame Banquet
January 2010 - Business Wire - Inductees to be Honored January 23rd
Sorry due to bad weather dinner program meeting tonight is delayed to Monday 1/11. Same time 7:00 at Hawthorne.
Next hof meeting is Jan 7. 7pm. Hawthorne Park
HOF DINNER SPONSORSHIP Opportunities !!
Ron Kubicki named president of the Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame
Next OPEN meeting for everyone to attend is Dec 3rd at the Forest Park site, starting at 7:00 pm.
Please bring any ads, ticket purchases, silent auction merchandise for our 14th Annual Induction Dinner on Jan 23rd, 2010 at Hawthorne Race Course.
All are welcome to attend and bring a friend to help out the softball hall of fame.
Taft wins Public League 16" title
Our next open Hall of Fame meeting will be on November 11th, at the Forest Park site from 7:00pm-8:00pm. All are welcome and encouraged to come.
Chicago High Schools will be playing 16 INCH softball for city championships - Oct 23RD, at 3:30 and 5:30 - SEMI FINALS and Oct 24TH at 4:00 - CHAMPIONSHIP, all games at UIC Stadium off Halsted and 13TH. Chicago, IL
2009 Inductees Announced
September 2009 - NY Times - Gloveless Players Hold on to Softball Dreams
Flashback Softball led by MVP Randy Russ wins the 2009 Major ASA 16 Inch Championship in Marshalltown, Iowa. They did it by defeating JYNX 5-1 and 4-3. This marks the 2nd year in a row that Flashback has won the ASA Major title.
The Iowa staff led by Director Kevin Cartier were wonderful hosts for this Softball Extravaganza. The "A" Nationals were won by the legendary Traffic Team lead by Nick Gatta. 2nd place goes to OBI.
Click here to hear the Post Game comments from Marshalltown in MP3
Next open HOF meeting September 9, 2009 at Forest Park 7pm-8pm
Rich DelGiudice's softball career spans many memorable years as a player and later as a manager who was fortunate enough towards the end of his career to have managed three of his sons - George, Nick and Joe - as manager of the
Flames. On July 18th he passed away.
Open Hall of Fame meetings at Forest Park Museum site at 7pm
Dates are: September 8 and November 11th 2009
July 2009 - Click here to see our Photos from Inductee Park Unveiling
July 2009 - Click here to see the Photos from Inductee Park Unveiling - from Illinois softball report website
July 2009 - Unveiling of HOF Inductee Park a Tremendous Success
July 2009 - Earlier this year I nominated Jerry Jess for induction into the 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame. Jerry, who has been in a nursing home for several months, passed away on June 28. Jerry will be greatly missed and remembered always by his teammates and friends in Chicago. Jerry was a terrific 16-inch softball player with great right-field power who starred as a first and third baseman with Beatle�s Bombers at Clarendon Park in the "juiced ball" era of the 1960s and 1970s. He also played for Mike Royko's Raiders, the Chicago Daily News, and Peoples Gas. Sincerely, Don DeBat
July 2009 - THE BEST SOFTBALL PLAYERS OF ALL TIME TO CELEBRATE "CHICAGO'S GAME" AT UNVEILING OF THE 16-INCH SOFTBALL HALL-OF-FAME INDUCTEE PARK
July 2009 - Softball Artifacts Needed
July 2009 - I would like to follow up on George Bliss' recent email on the big event on July 19th...Timing is short but if you would like to advertise in the program, honor a friend or relative...we need your response asap
Click Here to see Flyer
Click here for Ad Rates and Sizes
June 2009 - Hall of Fame Inductee Park Program
Sunday July 19, 2009
Ribbon cutting of our NEW outdoor Inductee Park
Forest Park, Des Plaines & Harrison, Forest Park , IL
Starts 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
You are invited to the opening of the Hall of Fame Inductee Park. After 14 years of dreaming, planning, and working, it is time to unveil the first of our two part plan. This park will recognize our inductees with biographical plaques and photos. Up next, a museum to share our history for generations to come.
Join us for the ribbon cutting of the Inductee Park and also for extra fun and excitement in a NORTHSIDE VS THE SOUTHSIDE OF HOF INDUCTEES AND CELEBRITIES softball game at 12:30 on diamond # 2.
We expect hundreds of people to be there and expect to see the most Chicago 16" Softball Hall of Fame inductees ever together in one location, so don't miss this unique opportunity to meet our game's best and share this historic day. Refreshments will be sold during the event.
Click here for the full invitiation
Next Meeting is May 21, Thursday at 7:00 pm at Forest Park
May 2009 - 16" Softball Movie is in the Works, Seeking Investors
One of the great hitters in our game, Hall of Famer Bob Lamont passed away, he LOVED the game of softball and considered being inducted in the hall of fame one of his greatest achievements.
Pictures from the April 4th Ground breaking for Chicago 16" softball hall of fame
April 4th - Ground breaking for Chicago 16" softball hall of fame inductee park 10:30am
Crush Wins in Maag Toy Foundation 16" Softball Tourney in Arizona
Next meeting is March 14th at 10am, HOF site in Forest park
Hall of Fame pays tribute to 16-inch softball enthusiasts
16" Softball Hall of Fame meeting minutes, February 14, 2009
Rounding third, looking for a home
Next meeting is at Forest Park HOF site at 9:00am on Feb 14th
February 2009 - Illinois Softball Report review of HOF Dinner
January 2009 - Chicago 16" Softball Hall of Fame - Inductees to be Honored January 24th
Next meeting Jan 12th, gold cup room at Hawthorne, open to everyone at 7pm. Send in your ads for dinner book !!!
Dinner is Jan 24th, you can still can get tickets at the door for $75.00.
Next meeting December 8, 2008 7:00pm in the Gold Cup Room at Hawthorne
December 2008 - Historical photos of the 2008 Chicago Public Schools Softball Championships at UIC Field. Click here for photos Lane Tech and Kelly High Schools
November 10, 2008 - Class of 2008 Hall of Fame Inductees announced
November 3, 2008 - Valley gets taste of "Chicago Ball"
And then there were 4..
On Friday Oct. 17 the Final Four of High School 16 Inch No Glove Softball will take place at UIC Field located at 14th and Halsted on the UIC campus.
Here are your final four teams:
Lane Tech vs Taft @ 3:30 PM
Corliss vs Kelly @ 4:30 PM
Finals at 5:30 PM.
Game will be re-broadcast on the Internet and the Softball Hotline Network at 9 pm Friday Night.
To hear the game, just click here on the Clincher at 9:00 PM Friday
9:00 PM Friday Night and replayed throughout the evening.
Good Luck Teams!
George Bliss - Softball Hotline Network - Direct Internet site - www.wjjgam1530.com
October 14, 2008 - WGN RADIO Interview with Bob Sirott
October 17, 2008 - It was a beautiful night for No Glove 16 Inch Softball. "Chicago's Game"
This year it was Lane Tech vs Kelly High School.
On behalf of Eddy Curry and Calvin Davis of the Chicago Public Schools, Enjoy the Game Played at UIC Field on Oct 17, 2008. Click here to listen. HOF Inductee Class of '08 will be announced this week
For the latest info on the Major and A ASA National Tournaments, Labor Day weekend go to chicagoball.com or ilsoftballreport.com or call the Bliss Hotline 708/366-8969
September 2008 - ASA Major Nationals Broadcast Part One and Part Two Flashback vs Stover of Iowa- from George Bliss Hotline
July 2008 - Vote Now for your 2008 Hall of Fame Inductees
July 2008 - Chicago 16" Softball Hall of Fame Selects New Managaement Company
July 2008 - Home for Chicago 16-Inch Softball Hall of Fame in Forest Park
July 2008 - Forest Park Selected as Location for Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame
July 2008 - 14th Annual Terry Moran Day!
June 2008 - Sprinkle the Infield, a 16" softball movie that is ready for the 1st pitch and looking for investors.
Here is a preview of a movie being made about Chicago's Game. Trailer
June 2008 - There is a fantastic "50 and over" and "60 and over", 16 inch league that is thriving in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.
June 2008 - 16" Softball Introduced at the Advertising Softball World Series
May 2008 - Windy City Limo breaks the 3 year string of victories of the ASA champs Miller 45's at Westchester TOC
May 2008 - Next Hall of Fame Committee Meeting: May 21st, Hawthorne Race Track, Gold Room 7:00pm. All are welcome!
May 2008 - Date of the 2009 Hall of Fame dinner will be Saturday, January 24th. Details not finalized.
May 2008 - The Great Westchester Softball Tourney is the weekend of May 15th. Download the brackets for the tournament now!
April 2008 - Gary Thorsen, president of the Chicago 16" Softball Hall of Fame has announced the message board of our website is functional,
April 2008 - Read about the 2008 and previous Hall of Fame inductee’s
March 2008 - Best team in Phoenix - Rising from the Ashes
January 2008 - Chicago 16'' Softball Hall of Fame Induction Dinner to be Held Saturday, Jan. 26
5/25/2007 - 2016 Olympic Developments Could Change the Face of Chicago's Game
1/1/2007 - 2007 HOF Inductees and Honorees Announced
