Born in 1919, Lee Sutter played pickup games with his three brothers in Gage Park on Chicago’s Southwest Side. He then joined Tony’s Tigers in the Nightingale League. Because he was 6’3’ and had big hands, he was a commanding presence at first base.
His softball career was interrupted by World War II. He served in the Coast Guard from 1941 to 1946. Married in 1945, Lee and his wife, Ruth, raised four children. In 1960, while watching his son play softball at Kelly Park, he saw Eddie Zolna (HOF), a friend from his early years. From 1960 to 1979, Lee and Eddie Zolna were inseparable in playing, coaching, and instructing younger players. He also played first base on several occasions.
During this era, the Bobcats won the first national tournament in 1964 and then won the title nine more times. “Bobcat Lee’ assisted Eddie Zolna and the Bobcats with his knowledge and experience.
He was a liaison with the American Softball Association (ASA) and with Chicago sportswriters Mike Royko and Bill Gleason.