Shelley’s passion for 16” softball began at a 1977 family gathering in LaGrange Park, where a “friendly” game was played with tournament-level intensity. Watching relatives dive, slide, and compete for bragging rights sparked her love for the game. Growing up on Chicago’s North Side in Jefferson Park, Shelley first played 16” softball at age 10 with the “Little Cubs” at Dunham Park. Wearing jeans and gym shoes, she’d play in the morning and stay until dark, watching every game, especially the men’s leagues. After moving to Berwyn, she adjusted to 12” softball, learning to use a glove, and found success at J.S. Morton High School. A multi-sport athlete (volleyball, basketball, and softball), Shelley earned all-conference and all-area honors and won a State Championship in 1986—also the year she returned to 16” softball, playing with the Fillies at Clyde Park in Cicero. Shelley continued her athletic career at Northeast Missouri State University, where she competed in volleyball and basketball. She received multiple team and conference honors and was named the NCAA/Hanes Her Way Female Athlete of the Year in 1992. During the summers, Shelley played 16” softball five days a week, with tournaments nearly every weekend. Post-college, she joined elite women’s teams, including the Desperados and the Break-A-Ways, who played at Clyde, Hawthorne, Normandy, Janura, and Bellwood. The Break-A-Ways dominated leagues and tournaments, often playing Sunday championship games before rushing back to league play in Berwyn. To fuel her competitive drive, Shelley played Friday night Co-Ed at Wentworth Park with the Hosers and Juicers—teams that captured nine Grant Park tournament titles and many league championships. Shelley also contributed to top North Side teams, such as the Kids, Red Dog, and Chaos, often playing as an outfielder but willing and able to play any position. She ended her career with Chaos, winning league titles at Indian Road and Oriole Parks, as well as tournaments including The Sue Mahron and Y-Me. Over 40 years, Shelley played 16” softball across Chicago and its suburbs, sharing the field with many Hall of Famers. She built a legacy of toughness, versatility, and joy for the game. Shelley hopes to be remembered for her athleticism, humor, passion for sport, and love of life.
