Mike Krolicki started playing 16-inch softball with the Vanguards at Kelly Park after he quit playing hardball when he was fifteen. After they disbanded, he joined the Marauders, and helped them win the Lawndale Park title twice. Because of their success, they played in the Chicago Park District City Tournament where they faced the Bobcats. They lost to them then, but later Mike would help the Bobcats win numerous titles in 1976. They won the city and ASA sponsored state tournament and the ASA national tournament. Mike was selected to the ASA All-Tournament Team. Additionally, they won thirteen of fourteen Winston Tournaments and the Forest Park Tournament. That year Mike also won the home run hitting contest at Comiskey Park. He hit seven of ten balls into the stands from second base. He got to meet Bill Veeck and was given a tryout with the White Sox. He also played with the Nocturnes, Frogs, Stompers, and Impalas. In 1985 he helped the Stompers win the USSSA championship and was selected to the USSSA All-Tournament Team. Mike played third base and short center and was well known as a versatile hitter who could pull the ball for a home run or hit a line drive into the gap. Besides 16-inch softball, Mike also played 12-inch pro ball. He played for Milt Pappas, Joe Pepitone and “Jungle” Jim Rivera. In 1980 he was an all-star with the Chicago CNA. He is a Chicago firefighter and lives on Chicago’s Southwest side.
