Born in 1933, Tony Struppa played softball for fifteen years and later organized one of the best 16″ leagues in Chicago. Tony earned All-City honors for baseball and football while playing at Gage Park High School. He played first base for the city team in the Herald- American Prep All – Star Classic in Comiskey Park. After playing football for Purdue University in 1951, he transferred to Witchita State where he became a five major letter winner in football and baseball. Tony Struppa’s softball career included a four – year stint with the Comets at Byrne Field (now Lindbloom Park) from 1958 to 1962. He then moved to the Whips Moaners club in 1963 at Harper High and Gage Park. Tony was an excellent first baseman who could field his position with the best players of his day. He was also known for his power and his ability to hit to all fields. Throughout his career Tony’s teammates included some of the best players of the day, including Hall of Famers Vic Kariolich, Jake and Willy Schmitz, Robert “Butch” Gordon, Eddie “Champ” Surma and Jerry Schmitt. Tony worked for the Chicago Park District for 39 years. While park supervisor at Clarendon, he ran some of the city’s premier leagues. He was later promoted to Director of Security and was nominated for the city’s Superior Public Service award. Tony met his wife of 40 years, Rosemary, at Gage Park High School. They have three children, Sharon, Mark, and Mary Kay. Tony Stuppa passed away in 1995.
