What started out as fun nights with softball friends and die-hard veteran players, all came together to form the Smooth Over softball team. They immediately established themselves as a team to be reckoned with. In the early-’90s, they emerged as one of the most competitive teams on the South side. They started out playing in park district leagues and then started competing in tournaments throughout the Chicago land area. They were the top-ranked team in the Kennedy Park League for three straight seasons, recording two undefeated seasons. Then, with the sponsorship of Everything’s Relative (a day spa), they played in tournaments all over the city, including Alderman O’Connor’s on the North side and the Grant Park Tournaments. They won The Best of Western Tournament and the inaugural Ginger Rugai’s Y-Me Tournament. They took first place there two straight years. Key players Pat McGuire (HOF) and Julie Iverson (HOF) helped keep the competitive spirit alive. The name Smooth Over was taken from an Anheuser Busch advertising slogan. The team adopted it as their name when Anheuser Bucsh executive and friend, Carol Kelleher, contributed to the sponsorship with team uniforms and bat bags. Soon, the Smooth Over logo became a Kennedy Park symbol and the players adopted it as their sign-off gesture after a key (smooooth) play. After their many league and tournament victories, Smooth Over celebrated at Cullinan’s Stadium Club, owned by sponsor Dan Cullinan. Like all great teams, the members of Smooth Over formed lifelong friendships. The teamwork displayed during those wonderful summer days and nights produced lasting memories. In fact, one team member named her business after the team – Smooth Over Sealcoat. Marsha Amraen , captain C Abbie Cronin, C Julie Iverson, 1B Nancy Thrasher, 1B Maribeth Heneghan, SC Janet Varga, SC Connie Varga, OF Betty Kollar, OF Joan Each-Rowan, 2B Janet Each, 2B Pat McGuire, SS Kim Pavelich, OF Eileen Callahan, SC Jen Yoder, 2B Beth Iverson, 2B Lil Warrington, OF Nancy Minasola, 3B Marianne Pilja, OF Kathy Strand, P Meg O’Malley, OF Cathy Cunningham, C Joanna Weinman, SC
