“Rocky” Fox’s powerful hitting first attracted attention when she was still a teenager. The talented first baseman would go on to post a career 550 plus batting average against the best competition around. Roxanne began her softball career as a youngster playing in the streets of Oak Lawn. As she got stronger, and her hits began bouncing off neighbor’s houses, she wisely switched to organized softball. A true power hitter with the strength to make the ball literally “bounce off her bat”, Fox-Gurra found success when she was selected MVP for the Markham Babie Ruthies when she was just sixteen years old. Her prowess as a clean-up hitter in various line-ups added to her defensive strengths at first base, earned her MVP honors in 1972, ‘73 and ‘74 in the Southfield Khoury League. In 1975 she was MVP in the Southfield Baseball All-Stars and with the Bedford Park District. Her big break came when she was picked up by the Flames, who eventually became the Angels. Manager Bill Broukal brought Roxanne into the top echelons of women’s 16” softball. In 1980, the Angels forged a record of 57 and 8, and won championships at Oak Brook and Bedford Park. They took second in Blue Island, Blue Island Metro, McHenry and Marquette Park. In 1981 they went 53 and 8, and won championships in Calumet City, Blue Island and McHenry. In 1983 Fox-Gurra was named a League of Champions All-Star. In 2001, Roxanne was living in Lockport with her husband Mitchell and stepchildren Erin and Kyle. She had spent the previous 24 years as a nurse at Little Company of Mary Hospitals.
Roxanne “Rockey” Fox-Gurra
