It’s been said that great umpires were once great players, and John Hie is no exception. He began his softball playing career at Clarendon Park in 1951. While continuing at Clarendon, his team started the money league at Chicago and Kedzie in the early 50s. John played at Clarendon until 1974, when he switched to
A graduate of St. Rita High School and Lewis University where he played basketball, Ken Hansen began his 16″ softball career with the Lazy 10 and the Sabers at Lindbloom, Pasteur, and Lawler Parks where they won numerous championships. As a centerfielder and shortstop, Hansen was known as a long ball hitter who maintained a
He has spent over 32 years as a top pitcher, manager and organizer in the game. His first team organized was the Rocky Stars (1946-60). The Rocky Stars dominated the Second Federal League which Holan founded by winning 10 of 12 titles during the 40s and 50s. They were also one of the best in
William Hill was raised on the South side of Chicago in the West Woodlawn neighborhood. He attended Mc Cosh Grammar School and Chicago Vocational High School where he played baseball and football. At fifteen, he started playing softball with the West Woodlawn Crusaders as a utility player in the outfield and infield. He played at
William “Dub” Hill Read More »
Harry Hannin was the main organizer and president of the Windy City Softball and Basketball Leagues from 1934 to 1949. His 1925 team, the Hannin Did Its, won fifty-five games in a row. These victories inspired the rush to play sixteen-inch softball. Hannin coached legendary DePaul Coach Ray Meyer. Twenty-six future major leaguers, including Lou
Christine Hurrins began her softball career in 1969 when she organized the Flaming Stars. In the mid-70’s she then went on to play with the Lady Sluggers and the Lady B C Handlers championship teams, receiving MVP honors. From 1979 to 1983 she was a member of the First Chicago Corporation’s Industrial and Inter-Bank championship
Denise Hancock was one of those rare softball players who showed extraordinary talent from her first day on the diamond. Bev Dagenais, who would become Hancock’s coach, mentor, and lifelong friend, spotted her playing catch with a neighborhood friend when Hancock was just thirteen. Dagenais asked her if she wanted to play softball and the
Ken Hairston played softball for twenty-seven years and competed in ‘Major’ softball for fifteen of them. During that time he played for the Wild Bunch, Villains, Flashes, the B Athletes, California Gold and Solutions in the most competitive parks in Chicago and the suburbs. As a shortstop and short center, he had a career batting
Kenneth “Chicken” Hairston Read More »
One of the top leadoff hitters of his era, Pat Heraty was known for his precision hitting, a skill that frustrated infielders and outfielders alike. He started his career in 1975 playing for Dino Franch on the Franch & Sons Trucking Team. In 1981 he joined fellow College of DuPage baseball teammate Bob Fogarty’s Magic
Odell Humphrey was an exceptional athlete who was also blessed with a gift that made him one of 16″ softball’s great first baseman; big soft hands. Odell started playing basketball in his native South with Dallas Cowboy great Ed “Too Tall” Jones. After high school, Odell moved to Chicago and started playing 16″ softball in
