The Gators were started in 1983, by Pat Connolly when he assembled a bunch of young and upcoming talented Southside athletes that were playing for family members. They played in the Mt. Greenwood league where they won the league 23 out of the next 25 years. They also played in the Blue Island A league a few times. In 1989 after winning the Calumet City Metro, the Gators were headed to the ASA Major Nationals, Where they didn’t disappoint. By finishing in 5th place with 2 tough losses to the Whips and Touch. They won numerous Southside tournaments, like the Firecracker,and the Best of Western. A favorite Tourney of the Gators was the Old Style Classic held in Lacrosse, Wisconsin every year, where they earned a couple of top 4 finishes. In 1994 the Gators came in 2nd in the A Nationals held in Blue Island to the Rebels. The “Later Gators” have played in a few over 50 events, And the new younger Gators play in Popa Hops and Southside leagues keeping the name alive.
