Leo Fischer

This sports writer for the Chicago Herald American had a vision that the sport of softball was going to be important to people of all ages if promoted. His local tournament organizing efforts in the 30s eventually developed into the City Championship and the finals were held at Wrigley Field. Backed by William Randolph Hearst, his publication allowed him to organize the first national softball tournament during the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago’s Grant Park. Even though the 55 teams played with different size balls and rules he compromised on a 14″ ball. The games began and were seen by over 100,000 people. Note the team entry fee was only 2.50. He kept the nationals going until W.W.II, Eventually he would found/organize the ASA, Amateur Softball Association and served as its first president. Deceased.