Jim Fuller started a 43 year softball career in 1959 that would bring him successes that few players ever dream of: he would play with some of the most notable teams of his era, including the Dwarfs, Lyons 45s, and American Rivet, he would be a part of teams that would win numerous league championships, three ASA National Championships (1970, 1978, and 1979), and he would be selected as a first baseman to the 1970 ASA All – American Team. But despite having played with the “big boys” of softball, Jim remained loyal to such local teams as the Gurney Gaffers, the Stones, Fuller’s Pub, Stars, Wolves, and Shooters, teams that won numerous local championships during four decades of softball. In 1963, he helped the Dwarfs capture the B – League title at Chicago and Kedzie. Three years later, in 1967, the Dwarfs won the Andy Frain championship at Clarendon Park. He also was part of the championship of the traveling league at Clarendon, Kelly and James Parks, beating the Bobcats in a one run game. Jim Fuller was known as a long ball hitter who once hit five homeruns in one game. When outfielders caught on to his power, Jim became a line drive hitter. Mostly a first baseman with a unique style, he also played shortstop and third base. Besides his talent in softball, Jim Fuller was a part of the Schurz High School city championship team in 1962. He received a football scholarship and played two years at The University of Tennessee at Martin. He also won the 1967 heavyweight title in Golden Gloves competition. Jim and his wife, Suzie, have one child, Erik, and five grandchildren. He has three children from a first marriage – Tony, Tom, and daughter Teri. He owns Fuller’s Pub on Chicago’s North Side and coaches little league teams throughout the Chicago area.
