Initiated in the 1960s, men’s 16-inch softball immediately became a significant program at Veterans Park District’s (VPD) Bulger Park located in Melrose Park. Thanks to the vision of former VPD Executive Director George A. Leoni and his staff, members of the community have been able to experience the excitement of the game and participate in …
The Break-A-Ways started in 1989 when a group of friends combined from other teams to play softball, hence the name Break- A-Ways. They started playing 12-inch at Janura Park in Berwyn and 16-inch at Hawthorne Park in Cicero winning many times. Playing ball together and hanging out at the sponsor after was what everyone looked …
Mike was born and raised on the Northside in the Logan Square neighborhood in 1942. He attended Tuley HS and lettered in Football, Basketball, and Baseball. At 6’ 3” he was a sought- after pitcher by MLB teams. In 1962, Mike started playing softball with Hot and Nasty and the Elf’s. They played at Clarendon …
Mike played for the Elites, Knights, and Aces during the 1980s in the Kelly Park, Donovan Park, Pasteur Park and Curie Park leagues. He consistently hit over .600. to help win two ASA A titles, along with numerous titles in those parks. Mike played for the Knights, Frogs and Byrds in the 1990s. The Knights …
I started playing 16-inch softball in 1978 while interning for my company team, Sergeant & Lundy, in Grant Park. I was immediately hooked. Once I completed college in 1979, I put together the Assassins which played out of Hiawatha, Norridge, and Indian Road Parks. We played in the neighborhood leagues for a few years while …
Rich “Cletus” Baran is considered one of the top shortstops of his generation. He was an outstanding defensive starter and hitter. He started with the Jynx in 1988 and led them to a variety of league and tournament titles. He is was recruited by Licorice and Lettuce and won personal honors and major National Championships …
Wildbunch! Wildbunch! Wildbunch! was the chant started by a group of young men who spent their youth playing basketball and 16-inch softball, on the courts and diamonds at the neighborhood playgrounds, practicing good sportsmanship, and cultivating friendships that have lasted a lifetime. They lived on the 2600, 2700, and 2800 blocks of West Jackson, Adams, …
Originally named Cutty when they formed in 1982, the team name was changed to Babes after Babes Tavern in Niles, Illinois. The tavern was owned by Gary Pearson, a Chicago police officer who sponsored, managed and played for the 24 years the team played together. In 1984, Mike Caliendo joined the team as a starting …
Known by his colleagues as Bang or Big 50, Anthony brings laughter, joy, passion, and a strong sense of loyalty to Solutions that can’t be matched. One of the “founding fathers” of Solutions in 2004, Bang coaches 1st base, helping the team on their way to 30 championships: 5 ASA / VSA National Championships, 7 …
The Bandits were formed in 1976 in Washington Park with players from the Citywide Post Office League. They played in the More Softball League, sponsored by Budweiser Beer, which had 26 teams participating. In their first year they played for the championship, and the following season were undefeated in 22 games to win the championship. …
