Started by Fritz Zimmermann, March Softball began its incredible run back in 1974, competing in and winning numerous league championships at Glenview, Northbrook and Rolling Meadows Park Districts. They soon moved to a higher level of competition and began the climb up the ladder in the 80’s taking first place in the 1983 Thillens Tournament. At the major level, wins in Mt. Prospect in 1988 and again in 1992 were followed by an impressive string of victories into the 90’s. Beginning with a second place finish in Forest Park in 1990, they followed with their first major championship in 1991 in Kingman, Arizona by defeating the Lettuce Team and later winning the state title in 1994. They were considered one of the top 3 teams in softball throughout the 90’s with numerous top 4 finishes in all the ASA, USSSA, and NSA national tournaments. Numerous Hall of Fame players have played or coached a March Softball Team over its 40 plus years. Players such Gary Thorsen, Joe Mercandate, Rick Olsen and Mark Frighetto were with the early March teams in the 70’s. During the 80’s and 90’s players such as Tim Decker, Terry Moran and Pat Harrity were all an integral part of making the March softball team a true national champion.
In the 21st century, the March softball team took on a new focus. While competing in the men’s 40 and over and 50 and over leagues, March won numerous league championships. Playing in the Berwyn men’s 40 and over league they have been in the championship game 10 of the last 12 years. In the men’s 50 and over league in both Clyde Park and La Grange Park the March team has been in the league championship 5 of the last 10 years. It can also boast that it has won 2 of the four 50 and over World Series Championships.
Another very important part of the March Softball legacy is how it is currently competing in tournaments across the United States in an attempt to promote the game of 16 inch Softball. Over the last 5 years, March has competed in National tournaments in both Phoenix and Las Vegas, assembling a premier class of 16 inch softball players between the ages of 20 and 55 years old. Their purpose is to showcase the game of 16 inch softball at its best level to teams from other parts of the country. These tournaments bring teams from Arizona, California, Iowa, Utah, Oregon and Texas to play Chicago style 16 inch softball. March Softball has currently won 6 consecutive national level tournaments. The teams assembled for these tournaments also take pride in the fact that they have donated every dollar won in these tournaments back to local charities such as the Las Vegas Massacre Victims Fund, Maag Toy Foundation and other worthy causes.
Most of the softball world knows that March Softball extends well beyond just the March Softball name. Founder Fritz Zimmermann has his stamp all over the Major softball division and March uniforms have been a part of teams such as Splinters, Meadows, Stallions, Flash, and Turtles, just to name a few. Over the course of its 45 years, March Softball has been a part of at least 100 teams. As many as 2,000 players have worn a March jersey at some point in their career. Understanding the legacy of March Softball can only truly be appreciated by visiting the March Manufacturing Plant in Glenview and viewing the massive 100 ft long display of trophies and awards that this organization has won over the years. The March Softball Family is proud to be a part of the 16 inch Softball Hall of Fame.