Tony Prochenski has been playing softball for nearly half of his life. He started out in neighborhood leagues with the Magicians at Hinkley Field in Park Ridge and with the Travelers at James Park in Evanston. He played with and against some of his lifelong friends, including Frank Mustari (HOF) and Billie Nichols to his future friend Bill Finnegan and his brother in law Craig Scherer. He has sixteen-inch softball in his blood and loved playing the game seven days a week. Tony and his wife, Maureen, still laugh at the time he brought Maureen home to meet his parents. It only happened after he played a double-header.
After playing at James Park and Hinkley Park, Tony’s talent was noticed and he was asked to join the Taggers, Splinters, the 45s, Rockers, and Mudville, teams playing at the “Major” level. These teams have won numerous national and Forest Park championships. Splinters Sports Club won the ASA Major title in 1991 and 1997. Millers 45s won that same title in 2001, 2003, and 2004. Splinters was the runner-up in the ASA Majors in 1990 and 1996. In 1992 Splinters Sports Club won the Forest Park No Gloves Nationals in 1992. Rizza Rockers won it in 1998 and Millers 45s won that prestigious title in 2001, 2003, and 2004. In addition to winning national tournaments, teams Tony played on also won tournaments and ASA qualifiers at parks throughout the Chicago metro area and in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
A left and center fielder, Tony was named MVP of the Cedar Rapids Tournament in 1990 and was an ASA Major 1st Team All-American in 1994, 1996, 1998, and 1999. In 2001 he received the Terry Moran Sportsmanship Award. He also played in two North – South All Star games and was named to 2nd Team All Star Team by his peers in the Mt. Prospect League.
Tony remembers all the good friends that he and his family have made during his years of playing softball. He cherishes the memories of his children and other children laughing and running around trying to catch softballs in between games.
Tony has an MBA from DePaul University. He is Senior Vice President for Platinum Home Mortgage. He and his wife, Maureen, have three children – Kelsey, Katie, and Anthony. They live in Des Plaines, Illinois.