Ask any sixteen-inch softball player to mention some of the top organizers for the past thirty years and Tom Levar’s name will surely appear at the top of that list. He started his organizing career as league director at Indian Road Park, running “A” and “B” league tournaments in 1977. The next year he moved to Portage Park and ran the leagues there until 1990. The Tuesday / Thursday leagues there featured legendary teams like the Playboys, Murder’s Row, the Stompers, and the Lyon’s 45s. In 1984 he took on added responsibility when he was appointed an A.S.A. commissioner by Ferris Reed and later by Tom O’Neill. From 1984 to 1990 he was the tournament director for the ASA Metro National Qualifiers in Des Plaines, Skokie, and at Portage Park. As tournament director, he organized and ran “A” and “B” tournaments from 1980 to 1990. From 1982 to 1990, he organized and ran eight-team invitation only tournaments that showcased some of the top teams of that era, including American Rivet, the Whips, and the Safari Tigers. Besides organizing tournaments, Tom also was an umpire, a player, and a manager. He was assignment chief and head umpire from 1984 to 1990 at the following Chicago parks: Portage, Indian Road, Wilson, Athletic Field, Clarendon, and Eugene Field. From 1976 to 1990 he played all infield positions with such teams as the legendary 45s: Lyon’s, Bally’s, and Budweiser. He also played with the Stones, the Alley, the Runts, and other teams. He also managed the Bally 45s and currently manages Good Wood that plays in Mt. Prospect’s “AA” League and plays at Hamlin and Indian Road Park. These teams won titles at the City of Chicago Metro Tournament, at Mt. Prospect, and in the ASA State and Metro tournaments. He has played in six ASA National tournaments and in three USSSA Nationals. He was also the color commentator for the Sports Channel 1986 coverage of the ASA Nationals in Mt. Prospect. Tom attended St. Patrick High School and holds a bachelor of arts degree from Northeastern Illinois University. Thomas and his wife, Debra, have two children – Thomas and Lauren. They live on Chicago’s Northwest side.
