Jerry Schmitt was a standout at Leo High School (1958) in track and in basketball where he was named Catholic League All Star in 1957 and 1958. He also played baseball with Elks Lodge 1596 in the Connie Mack League because Leo did not have a baseball team. Softball became a lifestyle for Jerry for over four decades as he would often play 15 to 20 games each week. With a reputation as a swift outfielder with tremendous power, Jerry began his softball career in the 50s at Sabina Field. He played with Father Perez Knights of Columbus #1444 for 1960 to 1984. During that time they captured Knights of Columbus State Championships in 1962, 63, and 64. Jerry was named MVP of the Southwest Cook County All Star game in 1963 and 1964. Jerry then played with the Whips, Bidwell, Jones Motors, and Will Climate. In 1964 he played with the Bobcats as they won the first ever World Series of Softball championship. Jerry remained with the Bobcats until 1970 when he switched to the American Rivet Sobies. This change proved fruitful when the Sobies won the World Series of Softball championship in 1974. Besides playing softball, Jerry also crafted a career on the other side of the plate when he began to umpire. He officiated for ten years at Ridge, Kennedy, Graver, and Mt. Greenwood Parks. Jerry has kept in touch with many of his former teammates and rivals by organizing the Old Timers Softball annual night held each year in May. For the past 13 years, close to 300 former softball greats gather to discuss the game they love and played so well.
