Growing up on the Northwest side of Chicago, I was very fortunate to witness one of the greatest softball teams, The Bobcats, play when I was a kid. My Dad, Frank Lentine-HOF, and several other HOFs, Willie Simpson, Ron Oliesak, Al Cech, and Mike Marino, to name a few. Watching that team play and how dominant they were helped plant the seed for me to start playing softball when I was 18 years old. I started playing at Sayre Park, Shabonna, Riis, Merrimac, Blackhawk, and then moved to Norridge, Clyde, Genera, Hodgkins, Mt. Prospect, Forest Park, and finally Melrose Park. I started playing Major softball in 1991 with the Bud 45’s, Traffic, Red Dog, Bucks, Impact, and now March Softball. I am fortunate to be still playing at the Major level at the age of 59. Playing alongside my oldest son, Tommy, on March Softball has been a dream come true. I started at Sayre Park with the Bustouts and Hangers. Clarence Cass (Boots) asked me to play in the Bobby Ringlestein tourney in Norridge in 1990. I walked onto the field to play center, and on the right was Mike Stout (HOF) and Eric Keisel on the left, both playing for the Miller Taggers. Here I was, a young nobody from park leagues. We played the Misfits for the championship, and it came down to the last out of the game. The ball was hit to left-center field, and I remember Eric screaming, ‘You catch it, we win; drop it, we lose.’ I squeezed the ball so tight, and we won the game. It was that moment when people realized I could make the move to play at the next level, and I took advantage of it. The game of softball might be the biggest fraternity one could be a part of. It has opened up numerous doors, not only for me, but also for my family. The friendships I made in the game have lasted for nearly 40 years. Witnessing the guys I played alongside and now play against, alongside their kids, is truly remarkable. For me, the golden era of softball spanned from the late 1990s to the mid-2000s. Teams were built, and rivalries were intense. Whether you played at Mount Prospect, Forest Park, Clyde Park, Hodgkins, Washington Park, or Melrose Park, the competitiveness and commitment were always there. I want to thank the Holan family for nominating me for the Frank Holan Award. I am truly humbled and honored, having played against the teams Mr. Holan, a Hall of Famer himself, coached. They were always well-prepared and well-coached. His dedication and love of the game helped make him a great ambassador of the game. Mr. Holan was a true gentleman of the game, but he still had a strong passion for winning and pushed his teams in the tough Classic league in Mount. Prospect. Frank had four sons who all played for the Miller taggers- Brian, Ken, Rick, and Jim. Lastly, I want to thank those who had the confidence in me to help get me started in the most excellent game on dirt, and those who allowed me to continue playing at the highest level. Clarence Cass (boots), Bob Rascia (HOF), Wally Pecs (HOF), Dean Pritt, Nick Gatta, and Kevin Vasleski. The last two people are very dear to me, first Stan Patek (HOF), who was like a second father to me. He believed in my abilities and my leadership. There isn’t a better man one could play for than Stan. He was always willing to help anyone who needed it, give the shirt off his back, and had his players’ backs all the time. He was a true gentleman on and off the field. One major lesson I learned from him was that no matter what the outcome, always thank the umpire and those running the league or tournament. That lesson has helped me be a better manager, organizer, and player. The second person is my Hero, My Father. Not only has he taught me to be a better softball player, husband, and father, but also to be a better human being. Watching him raise eight children and coach all of us when we were young, I saw how softball shaped who he was and the discipline it takes to be one of the best in the game, while still making time for family and friends. How to prepare both physically and mentally when things go well and when they don’t, never show weakness, and always strive to be the best. The fact that my dad was able to play softball at the highest level into his upper 70s is a testament to his strong will and ability to maintain his health. I am truly blessed that every Saturday afternoon, I can spend a couple of hours with him, Mikey Balestri (HOF), Rich Hennesey (HOF), and many others who stop by to hear the stories of how the game has evolved over the last 50-plus years. I also want to thank my wife (Michelle) and my three children, Tommy, Chris, and Ashley, for playing with and against all of them over the years, and their love and support are much appreciated. Editor’s Note: As a player, manager, Hall of Fame board member, and ambassador for the sport, Tom is a prime example of why our game will continue to flourish, as Mr. Holan hoped. A true gentleman. He is very humble…we know he has too many leagues and tournaments to mention here. He has also been a leader of young men as a high school athletic director. Thanks, Tom.
