Organizer, Player, Manager
Organizer, Player, Manager Bob enjoyed the game of softball as a player, manager, teacher and businessman. He was a historian of the game and helped especially in the early stages of the Hall of Fame content.
In 1961 Bob started the Buc’s, a young team that enjoyed success for three years at Clarenden Park. In the next few years, he played for the outstanding Continental Bank, Stoppers and the Bobcats.
In 1969 Bob started the Buffalo Grove Bruins, the next six years they enjoyed great success winning leagues and tournaments including two State titles, two Metros, always top 4 at ASA Nationals. Bob was a three-time All -American and Lifetime 600 hitter.
In 1974 Bob was the co-founder of the award-winning “Windy City Softball” magazine. In 1977 Bob joined deBeer Sports as a promotion and sales director. He designed the first Clincher aluminum bats and produced “A Game for Everyone, 16-inch Softball” Video. Later, he produced two hitting videos. “The Art of Hitting” has become a classic. He consistently trained individuals and teams on the hitting.
He helped deBeer become a sponsor of the Hall of Fame awards and the games on Sportchannel for which he did their commercials. Bob also helped start the Miller Pro League and Grant Park Tournament and was instrumental in the 16-inch Chicago high school program.
He used his sports ministry to share his faith and help young people enjoy sports and especially softball. He traveled every where as our sports ambassador including Cuba.
Bob was known as “Mr Softball “and was easily one of the most significant people to impact our sports history. He was quite a gentleman.