Wally Dziewinski grew up in Brighton Park where he played 16” soft-ball with the Southwest Stags Social Athletic Club and Southwest Side out of Chicago. After an injury, he became manager of Jackson Mov-ers, later known as Bat N’ Brew. Bat N’ Brew won 11 championships in the BMSA and La Grange Park Leagues, before disbanding as player families and friends demanded more of their time.
As President of the Brookfield Men’s Softball Association (BMSA) from 1980-1990, Wally ran local tournaments which became recognized by the State of Illinois as a not-for-profit organization. As league director for the BMSA, his dedication and vision for the future of 16” softball in Brookfield were widely recognized. Running mid-season and end-of-year tournaments, Wally’s reputation as an organizer attracted high pro-file teams such as Budweiser Whips, Bobcats, Playboys, Jesters, Lords and Bat N’Brew. The tournaments were also honored to host Guest celebrities including Ribbie and Roobarb from the Chicago White Sox and members of the Chicago Honey Bears. On a Monday night, Wally was able to attract close to 400 people to watch a Men’s Championship game. He organized food and beverages at the park for the evening and recruited cousins of Danny Hull to run a homerun hitting contest. He also worked tirelessly with sponsors to provide food, uniforms and equip-ment. Monies raised were used to provide budget assistance to the Brookfield Recreation Department. Funds were used to purchase bleacher grandstands for the ball fields at JC Ehlers Park and Vernon East and West fields, park equipment and programs. Players volun-teered at Taste of Brookfield Food and Beer tents of raise funds as well. Wally has been married to his wife Maryann for 52 years, has a daugh-ter Renee, son Brian and counts many Hall of Famers as his friends.