Softball in Chicago owes much to Jim Edgeworth who worked for many years with gusto and with characteristic good humor to promote it, especially in the industrial leagues. Jim grew up in Beverly at 91st and Pleasant Avenue. He attended St. Margaret of Scotland Grammar School and Mount Carmel High School in 1922. Sports were Jim’s passion from childhood to adulthood. For over 45 years he was active as an umpire and referee of softball and basketball. He also coached at St#. Sabina at 77th and Racine. After being a member of the Official Umpires Association, Jim Edgeworth became one of the founders of the Umpires Protective Association. He served for almost a generation as the secretary and principal organizer of softball leagues of employees in the Clearing Industrial District. Many days Jim would skip his lunch hour to check the condition of the softball diamonds at Marquette Park. Jim and his wife, Ann, were married for 54 years. They have five children. His wife survives Jim and lives in Michigan City, Indiana.
