Tom was the founder of the Windy City Softball Magazine and developer of the Windy City Softball Stadium in Bridgeview during the mid 1970s. He organized the Winston Softball Circuit and World Series, and other tournament venues. Tom was successful in stratifying the competitive levels that continue today. He was ahead of his time when he was one of the first to get a corporation to sponsor a sporting event campaign. He was the driving force behind the tremendous media coverage enjoyed by the game of softball during the 1970’s. He even accomplished getting Channel 11 to televise live the ‘75 World Series from the north end zone of Soldier Field. 4,000 still attended the game. He was the executive producer and broadcaster of the extensive radio coverage of the Windy City League. He was also the color commentator of the NBC telecasts of the 1976-77 World Series of Softball finals which attracted more viewers than the Cubs and Sox. He promoted the annual Home Run Hitting Contest at Comiskey Park and Windy City Stadium. In his own right a very respected player at Kelly Park, he played on the World Champion ERV Strikers from 1973-1976. Tom was an All-American outfielder in ‘74 and ‘75. Bonen graduated from Reavis High School in Burbank, Valparaiso University, and Northwestern University (MBA-1981). He p1ayed in three consecutive NCAA collegiate baseball national tournaments (1967-69). Married to Denise and has 4 children. His organizing skills then focused on the soccer front with his kids, when he developed the Southwest Soccer Club and was a sports columnist for the Daily Southtown. Born 1947.
