Bud Doroskin began his softball career in 1976 with the Badgers, a local team from Rand Park in Des Plaines. In 1981, he got his first taste of national tournament competition with the Rat Pack, a select group of Rand Park players. In their first metro at Schaumburg, Buddy pitched the Rat Back to a 3 – 1 upset victory over Otto’s, a team that was one of the most dominant teams of its time. Later that day, they beat Hiller and Hamm to advance to the nationals at Harvey. During the summer of 1982, Buddy hooked up with Zeffers, a group of classic Italian guys, including Scott Rossi, the Lococos, Dan Bianci and others in the Mt. Prospect Classic League. After failing to qualify for a metro, he was picked up by the Runts, a talented team with Hall of Famers John O’Connor and Tom Czarnik for a run at the 1982 nationals in South Aberdeen, SD. Buddy pitched the Runts to a second place finish in the tournament. For his efforts, he received his first 1st Team All – American honors. After the Runts, Buddy moved to the Stray Cats (and switched to playing first base). The Runts evolved into Cooper’s Sporting Goods, Bud North, and Automart. The Bud North team of the late ’80s was one of only two teams to win three consecutive Forest Park championships (1987, ’88 and ’89). These teams finished second place in the ASA National Tournament in ’86, ’88 and ’89. Buddy collected 1st Team All – American honors in ’86, and ’88 and also won the National Tourney Homerun Championship in 1986. Unfortunately, in 1990 while playing with March Manufacturing at Forest Park, Buddy suffered what seemed to be a career ending herniated disc injury while taking the turn at first base. In 1995, however, his desire to play outweighed the pain and he was picked by Prime Time for a final run at a national championship. The team came up short by taking second place and Buddy retired from major softball. He still plays with his friends on the Zeffers. Bud currently lives in Hoffman Estates with his wife Karen, whom he met on the on-deck circle at Mt Prospect while playing for Bud North. They have been married twelve years and have three children,Tatiana (9),Ariana (4), and Nicholas (19 months). Andrew is Chicago regional manager for Jaeckle Distribution. Bud remembers all of the friends he made, the great competition he faced, and the respect he received from all of his teammates during his years of playing 16″ softball.
