Tom Duddleston

Tom grew up a gym rat. Here is where his love of sports began. Tom attended De La Salle High School where he played baseball, basketball, and football. He earned a college scholarship to St Xavier University to play baseball.   Tom started playing for the Crush in 1978 when he and a few friends put a team together to play at McGuane Park. The Crush won the league in 1979 and 1980. They then went on to win the championships at Donovan Park, Mount Greenwood Park, Armour Park, and Boyce Park. They finished second in their first USSSA State Tournament, third in the ASA Nationals, and won the Blue Island Class A League with a 17-0 record. In 1987 the Sun Times ranked them number one for Class A teams and tenth in Major teams. That year they won six championships. Their greatest victory was winning the televised Budweiser Metro Park District championship at Grant Park. Crush finished first out of 116 teams by upsetting the Safari Tigers.   Tom played for the Jynx from 1988 to 1992. He joined Lettuce in 1993 where he helped them win three ASA National titles (1993, 1998, 1999), a USSSA National in 1994, and three Forest Park No-Glove Nationals (1993. 1994,1997). Tom played for Licorice and helped them win ASA titles in 2000 and 2002 and the Forest Park No-Glove Nationals in 2002.   Tom was a 1st Team All-American seven times and a 2nd Team All-American three times. He also played on teams that won multiple championships at Mt. Prospect, the Pro League, and Grant Park. At Grant Park, he won in the men’s leagues, co-ed, and corporate divisions.   Tom has played in twenty-four Nationals. He has been fortunate enough to have played with and against the best players in sixteen-inch softball.

Dukes S.A.C. Softball

Dukes Softball started in 1957 in the Father Jerry League in Chicago. Like most new teams, the Dukes struggled their first year, winning four games and losing eight. They might not have won a lot of games but they did have the best uniforms – black and white with satin warm-up jackets donated by Carmie Busa Construction. In 1958, they played in the Amundsen Park league and improved to an 11 – 1 record. They took second in the Park Nine League and probably would have won the league if three of their players hadn’t missed key games because of military commitments. In 1959, the team began to play better and that year they beat the Playboys to win the championship of the Elmwood Park League. Jerry “Moons” Cirrantano helped the effort by hitting for a .750 average and the team won fifteen games in a row. In one of their biggest wins against the Warriors, it was getting dark out, the Dukes were ahead, it was the bottom of the seventh with two outs and the bases were loaded against them. A Warrior batter hit a long drive to center and the Dukes felt that the game was over. But Jerry Corrantano made a “Willy Mays” catch to preserve the victory. The Playboys and the Kings were the Dukes’ biggest rivals. Both teams had great players and the games were always close. But at the end of each game, everyone would shake hands, whether they won or lost.   Jack “Animal Ceasarone                     Jerry “Moons” Cirrintano                    Frank Cozzi   Lou “Eggs” D’Amico                         Ken “Crumpet” Edwards   Don “Uncle Don” Figarelli                 Ron Filetti                                           Don Giralimo   John “Pro” Maentanis                         Frank “Hands” Ochocki   George “Bigg” Pezza                          Bill “Shadow” Rehbock                     Dick Rehbock   Dan Rosenmayer                                 Lew “Louie” Sandro                           Len Santoro   Ed “Bug” Scarimbolo                         Bob Weege                                         Jerry Saviano   Phil Baratta                                         Butch Lorenzo                                     Denny Meyer   John Parrilli                                         Byron “By By” Maxwell      

Westchester Park District

Mayfair Park in Westchester has been the host site for sixteen-inch softball leagues and tournaments for over fifty years. The early days of the league primarily catered to local and surrounding area teams. Back in those days, all games were played starting at 6:30 pm on three fields. In the early 70s, Westchester lit its first field, which was primarily used for its softball league. In 1983 the District made the decision to grade the entire park to alleviate water retention problems. Part of that renovation removed one of the three fields and the construction of two larger fields that could accommodate hardball, twelve-inch softball, and sixteen-inch softball. The league at that time hosted three separate leagues - an A and a B men’s league and a sixteen-inch women’s league. In the early 90s, the second field was lit and a twelve-inch slow pitch league was added when the women’s league was discontinued.  Again in the early 2000s, the outfields were  graded and the outfield fences were brought in to 300 feet. New lights and backstops were recently installed bringing in the fences to a more manageable distance of 270 feet. Teams such as the Miller 45’s, Flash, Signature Transportation, Flashback, Jynx, Impact have all called Westchester their home. Over the years the fields at Westchester have hosted a variety of tournaments. The Suburban Life Classic was was one of the first tournaments to be played on them. Recently Westchester hosted baseball tournaments, state police softball tournaments, IHSA twelve-inch state tournaments, ASA sixteen-inch and twelve-inch ASA qualifying tournaments, SSA tournaments, state police tournaments, and the final games of the SSA “A” Nationals. Westchester is also the proud host of the Tournament of Champions, one of the premiere sixteen-inch tournaments held each year, for more than ten years.  

Larry “Butch” Danley

Larry Danley was known as one of the best defensive shortstops of his era (1970 to the early-1990s). He played in twelve national tournaments with the Senators, the Flashes, the Flamingoes, the Bandits, the Wild Bunch, and the Demons. Larry played with three of the greatest teams ever – the Senators, Flashes, and the Flamingoes. These teams won every league they played in. He also played on the Bandits and helped them to a 23-0 season at Washington Park.  Larry was known for his “Signature Wipe”, a move he made whenever he threw a batter out. After his playing days were over, he began umpiring with Umpires, Inc. He worked thirteen major nationals and countless area leagues at Washington Park, Garfield Park, Forest Park, Clyde Park and at Westchester and Clyde Park for over twenty years. He later became umpire-in-chief with Umpires, Inc.   Larry and his wife, Joanna, have five children – Jauette, Tabatha, Tonio, Selena, and Ashley. They live in Schaumburg, Illinois.    

Don Bianchi

Don (Donny) Bianchi threw his first 16-inch softball at Portage Park in the early 1960s. He used to watch his father played there, so he grabbed a yellow Clincher and brought it to the sandlot field in Niles. Donny and his buddies played 16-inch there because not everyone had a mitt, and the windows were less “vulnerable” than a baseball.

After a successful baseball career at Hersey High School (he earned All-Conference and All-Area Honors there), Don headed to Western Illinois University where he met Buddy Doroskin (HOF). In the late 1970s, Western was a mecca for 16-inch softball teams. They were loaded with many South Side Irish players who were getting their Law Enforcement degrees. Teams from Chicago would flock to Western for the famous One-Day, One Pitch 16-inch Softball Tournament. Buddy and Donny built a team that beat everyone.

After graduation, Buddy asked Donny to play for the Badgers at Rand Park in Des Plaines. They competed against the Turtles, Rollers, Bushmen, Classics, and others. They then joined a tournament team called the Rat Pack. In its first Metro Tournament, the Rat Pack beat Otto’s 3-1 in what many called “the greatest upset in tournament history.” Otto’s won all the money that year and beat everyone, except the Rat Pack.

The next year Donny was recruited by Huey Carmichael and “Eggs” Czarnik (HOF) to play for the Runts. That same year, they took second in the ASA Nationals, losing to the Park Ave Spats. He then went on to play for AutoMart, Stray Cats, Coopers, Bud North, and The Splinters Sports Club. He ended his career after winning the ASA National tournament in 1991, redeeming his previous six runner-up finishes.

Donny was selected to nine All-American tournaments teams in his sixteen years of playing softball. He played shortstop and short center early in his career and moved to third base as he got older. He was a clutch hitter, usually batting third or fifth in the great lineups he played on. He retired in 1994 to raise his son and daughter. He has always cherished the memories he made and the teammates he played with while playing 16-inch softball.

Danny Brichetto

Danny Brichetto started playing softball in the late 70’s on the North Side of Chicago at Kelvyn, Kosciuszko, Indian Rd., and Portage Parks. He was a center fielder who could hit to the gaps with power. Playing in a Sunday league at Kelvyn Park, the umpire, Al Hensel, asked him to play on his team at Hanson Park, a team that would evolve into the Wings that played at Kosciuszko and Indian Road. In addition to this team, Mike Gruber formed the Drillers with players from Brichetto’s college team, OFF. They played at Portage Park against the top competition like the Stones, Playboys, and Rollers. He also played with the Extras in the Wednesday Night James Park League, a league that featured top teams as well.

After playing against the Rollers at Portage and James, Tom “Eggs” Czarnik (HOF) and Hugh Carmichael asked him to play tournaments with the Rollers. In 1982, the Runts were formed from a merger of the Rollers and the Rat-Pac of Des Plaines. He played left field in an outfield with Mark Schuller (HOF) and John O’Connor (HOF). This was the best team he ever played on. For the next three years, the Runts placed second and third in the ASA Nationals in 1982 and ’83 and the same in the USSSA Nationals in 1983- 84. They won many tournaments in those three years, one being the North Shore Tournament where he was voted MVP.

In 1986 and 1987, Danny played with Sal Vasta’s Blues at Clyde Park in Cicero. He helped them win many class “A” tournaments. He played in an outstanding outfield that included Hall of Fame inductees Angelo Alesia and Jim Matlock. In 1987, “Eggs” asked him to join Bud North for the first of their three straight Forest Park wins. He played center field between Paul Brezinski (HOF) and Mark Schuller (HOF). They finished third in ASA Nationals. He finished the 80’s playing for Meadows during Mr. Cooper’s last season. He was teamed up with Mike Gruber again along with Jerry Rhea (HOF) and Bill and Terry Moran (HOF). In addition to playing at Mt. Prospect in the Classic League in the 80’s, he continued to play at Kosciuszko with the Wings and with his brother Larry’s team, the Critters.

As the 90’s began, he reunited with former Runt teammate, Glenn Miller, on the Turtles. The Turtles competed in the Mt. Prospect, Rolling Meadows and Franklin Park leagues along with all ASA and USSSA tournaments from 1990 to 1996. They finished ninth in ASA Major in Cedar Rapids and fourth in 1992 USSSA Major. In 1991 he played with Steve Jansen and Larry “Bass” Schumacher on the Flames in LaGrange. They finished fourth in ASA A and Danny was selected as a 1st team All-American.

Rich Mellman (HOF) brought softball back to Grant Park with many classic tournaments in the 90’s. This was special since Danny and his brother used to watch their father, “Motts” Brichetto, play center field for the Merchandise Mart back in the 60’s. Former Wing teammate, Tony Dudek, asked Danny to play on the Sun-Times team that won the Industrial Division in 1993. The team featured Tom “Bomber” Horn (HOF), the Placek brothers and Dan Cahill (HOF). In the Championship game he tore his bicep tendon swinging the bat. He had surgery that week but was back playing the following year. Luckily that was his only serious injury in forty years of competition.

In 1997, at the age of forty, Danny formed the Bugs that played in the Forest Park League. The league winner received a bid to the No Glove National. He was reunited with Mark Schuller in the outfield. They added power hitters Tim O’Neill , Jim Gierek, John Carey with Tommy Thompson (HOF) on the mound. They were the first team from the local league to win at least two games in the No Glove Nationals, losing to the eventual runner up Gamblers 9-8.

In 1998, “Eggs” asked him to play on a young Shooters team that featured Chris Downes, Michael Simpson, Tony Grillo, the Dooley brothers and of course two younger Czarnik brothers, Ray (HOF) and John. They finished second in the ASA Class “A” and tenth the following year in ASA Major. In the ‘90s, he also played at Merrimac Park for Ron “Suds” Czarnota’s Full House team.

In 2001 and 2004 he played with Bob Balzanos March teams that placed fifth in Aberdeen and ninth at Prescott. In between those stints, he played with Ralph Reporto’s Leinenkugel team in 2003-04. They placed fourth in ASA Class “A” in Bourbonnais where he was named a Second team All American and led the team in homeruns for the tournament. He played in his last two ASA tournaments in 2005 at the age of forty-nine year old lead off man for Wally Pec’s (HOF) Registers and in 2006 with Charlie Lowy’s Craftsmen.

Danny still plays softball today. He has enjoyed the camaraderie and competition over those forty-plus years.

Danny and his wife, Ellen, Have three children: Lauren, Matt, and Billy. They live in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

Beverly Dagenais

Beverly Dagenais has enjoyed triple success in her softball career. She was one of the top players of the 70’s, a pioneer woman umpire in mens leagues during that same time, and compiled a 110 - 22 record as a manager. Beverly played shortstop, short center and pitcher with the Pets in Blue Island and Bedford Park, helping them compile an amazing 78-2 record over four years. She also played with the Pets in Worth and Mt. Greenwood, and with the M&M’s in Tinley Park. As a pitcher she forged a 75-15 record, with three no-hitters. As a hitter she carried a lifetime batting average of 625, with 190 homeruns. Beverly received MVP honors in Blue Island and at Windy City in Bridgeview. She later moved to the dugout, managing some of the best young female talent of the day with the Markham Babie Ruthies. After managing, she became one of the first female umpires in mens leagues in Blue Island, Mt. Greenwood, and Tinley Park. She also umpired for the Fire Department League in Homewood and for the Police Department League in Chicago Heights. Beverly then moved on to umpire 12” fast pitch. She umpired the first IHSA girls state tournament, and has officiated at the NCAA Division II Nationals. Beverly was selected Umpire of the Year in 1974 by the American Health and Recreation Association. In 2001, Beverly Dagenais lived in Homewood. She has three children; Chuck, Jim and Dawn.

Frank “Blu Blu” Dalesandro

From 1933 to 1956, Frank Dalesandro was one of the best players in the top leagues in Chicago. A legend in his Taylor Street neighborhood, Daleasandro began his softball career with the White Eagles when he was only twelve years old. He then went on to win world titles with such legendary teams as Fewer Boilers, Triplex Yankees, and the Witt Hanley Yankees in the famous Windy City League. As defending Herald-American champions, Dalesandro and other legends Whitey Maytag, Sam Incandella, and Jimmy Hofmann and the Witt Hanley Yankees dueled Fewer Boilers with Ed Drabik and Steve Donchez in some classic softball games during the 40s. Dalesandro also played in big money games against the Brown Bombers and "Sweetwater" Clifton at Sheridan Park. Playing all the outfield positions in addition to third base and catcher, at 5'9" and160 pounds, Dalesandro was an unlikely but feared power hitter, who favored line drives to right center field, a skill he learned playing "line ball" in the school yards of Chicago. His hustle in the field and on the base paths earned him the reputation of being the second best player on the Yankees to Red Hurter, known then as the Babe Ruth of softball. With this reputation in tact, Dalesandro was offered a better contract by Fewer Boilers. In his later years he returned to his roots playing with the Morgan Fads, helping them to a second place finish in the Sheridan Park Tournament. Frank Dalesandro passed away on November 14, 1995.

William “Specs” Davis

Born on December 13, 1914 in Donaldsville, Louisiana, William Davis became one of the top softball pitchers and home run hitters of the Pioneer Era. William attended Douglas Elementary and Phillips High School in Chicago. Besides playing for the Gas House Gang, his softball career also found him as the pitcher on Dr. Goss' Collegians, Link Belt and the equally famous Brown Bombers, a team created from the Dawson Boosters and the Gas House Gang. Davis' tenure with Link Belt, a company he worked at for 26 1/2 years, led to the 1948 championship of interleague play between the ball clubs representing the many steel companies of that day. "Sweetwater" Clifton, Dan Dumas, Paul (PG) Vanmeter, Andy Nesbitt, and Big Bubba are some of the teammates of Davis'. William's pitching was characterized by hesitation, the speed of the ball, amazing accuracy, and the curve that Davis could put on the ball. Many hitters were mesmerized by these factors and by the accuracy of a pitcher who wore glasses. These glasses earned Davis the nickname "Specs". Besides being a great pitcher, Davis was also referred to as the "Colored Babe Ruth" because of his towering homeruns. William Davis was an accomplished athlete in many other areas. He boxed on amateur night at the Savoy Ballroom and was a member of the ABC Bowling Congress, amassing many trophies and carrying a 198 average as a bowler in the Chicago area. Articles on "Specs" Davis can be found at the Chicago Historical Society. Besides working at Link Belt, William Davis also worked as a butcher, a government map maker, and a timekeeper for the WPA. William left a legacy of so many children and grandchildren that they could have started their own softball league. Many of his grandchildren have played with or against such athletic greats as Dick Butkus, Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, and Michael Jordan. William Davis left a legacy as an accomplished athlete, wonderful father and devoted husband. Since Deceased.

Pete Dawkins

Pete Dawkins began his softball career in 1955, playing at Washington Park, Avelon Park, and Rosenblum Parks. Pete played for eighteen years with such teams as the Huns, Ripplers, Hardaway's and Royal Sportsmans. Once his playing days were over, Dawkins contributed to softball in 1971 by becoming one of the best umpires of his time. For the past 27 years Pete has been the head umpire at Garfield Park, Washington Park, the Sunday Budweiser League, Foster Park, and the Post Office League. Pete Dawkins has been employed at the Chicago Branch of the United States Post Office. He lives on the Southside with his son, Rodney.

Holmes “Daddy O” Daylie

He started out starring on the basketball team at Morgan Park High School and briefly enjoyed a short career with the Harlem Globetrotters, but to many Chicagoans he was known as one of the top radio personalities in the city.  He was well known and loved for the great jazz music he played on his radio show and for the rhythmic monologues he used to describe the music. Holmes "Daddy - O" Daylie was also known as a major figure in Chicago 16" softball with his Southside Cocktail League from 1962 to 1967.  He played in the league until he broke his leg sliding into second base.  The Cocktail League was well known for attracting players from all over the city, many of whom went on to become softball Hall of Famers. One highlight of the league occurred when Hall of Fame inductee Hank Curie pitched what might be the first no hit, no run 16" softball game. Holmes Daylie passed away in 2003.  He is survived by his wife, Marcheta and is missed by many lovers of jazz music and 16" softball.

Deathwish

   

Don DeBat

A veteran newspaper reporter and editor, Don DeBat covered business and real estate at the Chicago Daily News and Chicago Sun Times for 26 years. However, DeBat says the most fun he had during his newspaper was the two seasons he spent on the Daily News sports desk as a nightshift copy editor and author of a weekly column on 16" slow-pitch softball. Encouraged by famed Daily News columnist and softball pitcher Mike Royko, DeBat wrote about great teams of the 1970s, the Windy City Leagues of the 1930s and 1940s, and the colorful traditions of the 112 year old game that has become a subculture in Chicago. Yarns about Bobby Lamont’s “dump hitting,” skills, Clarendon Park’s “juiced ball,” and diagrams showing novices how to hit a softball using the “Chicago shuffle” were column highlights. In 1976, DeBat wrote about one of softball’s greatest organizers - Ron “Beetlebomb” Braasch - and captured first place in the Amateur Softball Association’s national sports - writing competition. DeBat, 55, is married to Realtor Sara Benson, and has two young sons, Don and Herb, who aspire to play high school softball. DeBat runs a successful real estate public relations firm with his daughter Aimee, writes a syndicated real estate column, and plays twice a week on “Risk,” his saloon- league team with his oldest son, Erik, a graphic designer.

Frederick DeBeer

A pioneer of baseball and softball manufacturing since 1889. Developed much of the equipment used throughout the industry today. He is famous in our community due to his development of the trademark of the game the “Clincher” softball. Softballs were stitched on the outside and rarely did they stand up to the gravel playgrounds of Chicago. The development of the bigger ball allowed people with little money to enjoy the sport longer and without a glove. He patented a covered stitch that allowed the 16” ball to last longer in 1934. The ball known as the “Clincher” would become a household name and the ball of choice for over 60 years in Chicago and New York. His son Fritz perfected and marketed the ball, Grandson Jim Muhlfelder continues the tradition today. Frederick was active in the business until his death at 95 in 1986. Born in Johnstown, N.Y., and attended Yale and Union College. Since Deceased.

Tim Decker

Tim Decker started his softball career in 1967 playing in local leagues around the Bensenville, Wood Dale, and Franklin Park areas with his high school buddies and his brothers, Gary and Bob. When they moved out of state in the mid ‘70s, Tim made the move to some more notable teams beginning with the Pacers and the Lords and then moving to Otto’s, Giraffe, and the Stray Cats. He was fortunate enough during these years to play with such great players of that era as Mike Tallo, Rich Urbanski, the Kellys, the Kellehers, Eggs Czarnik, Ron Zieman, Paul Brezinski and many others. In 1983, after capturing a second place finish at the Major Nationals with the Stray Cats and the Forest Park championship with Otto’s, Tim’s softball career came to a temporary halt because of back problems. He “retired” in 1984 by playing in only forty or fifty games. His retirement was short - lived, however, and a second career was launched when he received a call from Terry Moran and Dick Cooper asking him to play for Meadows. He helped Meadows to a second place finish at the Major Nationals and the championship of the classic league before moving on to play with Magic, the 45s, Splinters and March Manufacturing. During his five decades of play, Tim was selected to all - star teams at numerous North Side parks and to several 1st and 2nd ASA All - American teams; he was voted to the Mt. Prospect Classic League First Team by his peers, and was the recipient of the Terry Moran Sportsmanship Award. Tom and his wife, Grace, live in Elk Grove Village and have three children, Aubrey, Jessica, and Jennifer. He works in the food industry.

Rich DelGiudice

Rich DelGiudice’s softball career spans many memorable years as a player and later as a manager who was fortunate enough towards the end of his career to have managed three of his sons - George, Nick and Joe - as manager of the Flames. He started playing softball with the Hawks at Garfield Park and Grant Park. As an outfielder who played mostly right or left field, he carried a .500 - plus batting average and was twice selected as the MVP at Grant Park in the 1960s and also earned MVP honors at Garfield Park during that same era. In 1974 he turned his skills to managing softball. During his twenty-six years managing, he accumulated a record of 1100 wins against 700 losses, numerous league and tournament titles, four Metro titles and made two appearances in major national competition. He managed the Hawks for 1974 to ‘79 at Garfield and Grant Parks in Chicago. He then started a twenty-year partnership with the Flames in 1979 at Villa Park and Addison and at all tournaments. They won the title at Villa Park four times - in 1983, ‘85, ‘93 and ‘96. In 2000 he led Flash as they played in the Pro League at Forest Park and in the Classic League at Mt. Prospect. In 2001 he and Rich Hennessey coached Nectar softball to a third place finish in the Classic League at Mt. Prospect. That same year they won the Metros at Mt. Prospect to qualify for the ASA “A” Nationals In 1983 the Flames took second place at the Forest Park “No Gloves” Nationals, losing to the Whips in the title game. In 1985 they took fourth place at the Forest Park tournament. They won two Metros at Woodridge and two at Mt. Prospect. His teams made appearances at the A Nationals for twelve years, taking fourth place in 1988 and 1993. He and his wife, Sandy are deceased, they have seven children, Lynne, Rick, Joe, Vicki, Jan, George and Nick, and fifteen grandchildren. Rich DelGiudice lived in Lombard, Illinois.

Jim Di Vito

One of the organizers of the Windy City League with Harry Hannin. While a terrific short center and outfielder, he was considered the best manager of the league with the champion Kool Vent, Fewer Boilers, and Witt Hanley Yankee teams. Especially proud of Kool Vent winning last season of both the Northtown League in 1949 and the Windy City League in 1950. Played in the City Championships at Wrigley Field in 30s. Born in 1916 at Taylor and Halsted and would become the pride of his neighborhood earning recognition in the Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. After attending McKinley High, he graduated from DePaul U. His playing career was cut short as PT. Instructor for U.S.Army in WWII. Also managed Clark Field to the Western Pacific baseball championship in Manila against pro stars like Early Wynn and Joe Garagiola. A stellar community service background has led to a gym and racquet ball court named in his honor at Sheridan Park and the Duncan YMCA. He was named the 1982 Man of the Year by the Near West Side Community Committee. Jim and Angie have one child.

Mary DiFiglia

What do 234'-1" and a knee length cast say about Mary DiFiglia? They testify to her athletic skills and her competitiveness. The 234' - 1" represents the distance Mary threw softball for a women’s 16" record that still stands (an honor bestowed on her by Jesse Owens.) The knee length cast refers to the time she wore one during a game and still managed to throw out runners. With the nickname of “Mickey Mantle” given to her by a neighbor, Mary began her softball career during fourth grade as a member of her St Margaret and Mary church team in the “blacktop league.” At 16 she graduated to Senn Park where she was discovered by the top teams of the area. As a top shortstop in 16" softball, Mary played for Stray Cats, McSchnaps, Willow on Wagner, Burrow’s Moving, and Lyon’s Den. Her teams won the league champions or placed second at Paul Revere, Wells, and Horner Parks for twelve years. They also won the championship at the Quest for the Best Tournament in the 1980’s, once during a weekend when the temperature hit 100 degrees. Mary’s highlights include beating the OJ’s and Gaffers in the 70’s, beating the Angels in the 90’s, and pitching a double header with a broken finger in 1996 to win the league championship. Besides softball Mary also excelled at basketball and track and field on a team coached by the legendary Wilma Rudolph. She currently resides in Wheaton and works for the Glen Ellyn Park District.

James “The Shiek” DiNardi

Born on Chicago's famous West side James DiNardi notched a reputation as one of the top two or three 16" pitchers of his era He earned the nickname of "Sheik" while a student at the Thomas Jefferson School on the West side where he was always the best dressed and subsequently attracted all the girls. Playing for such legendary teams as Midland Motors, Triplex Pistons, Continental Can, and the Owl Club, DiNardi regularly left batters swinging at thin air. In 1948, the Triplex Pistons, with Dinardi playing key roles both on the mound and with his bat, captured the championship of the Northtown Major League. He also pitched the Shopping Team to 18 of their 19 wins. As a reporter once said of Sheik DiNardi, "His stellar performance was reminiscent of the feats of Ironman McGinnity of old time baseball history." DiNardi's legacy lives on in his grandson Gino Murillo who currently pitches for the Gamblers.

Bob Dinkelman

Bob Dinkelman started playing CYO ball for St. Pascal’s in the 1960s with the '69ers. They played at North side, Shabbona, Dunham, Riis and Portage parks. In 1970, they combined with Active Screw to form the Lyon 45s, playing at Portage, Evanston and Clarendon parks, becoming one of the North side powers in the game. Bob returned from the military in 1971 to play left field and to bat third for the 45s. Soon after learning to dump the ball, he became their leadoff hitter. Like many good players, other teams noticed his talent and asked him to play. In 1976 he played for American Rivet in the ASA Nationals in St. Louis. The team finished second, and Bob was named to the All Tournament Team. When the 45s disbanded in 1977, Bob, Rich Knorowski, Jim Fuller, Mike Levar, and Eddie Shaffer joined American Rivet. Bob played left field and batted leadoff for them for three years. In 1982, Bob and Rich Knorowski got together to form the Bally 45’s to compete in the newly formed Majors in Mt. Prospect, and at Portage Park. He played with them until 1986. During that time, they won a division title at Mt. Prospect, won the Chicago Metro title, and placed 4th in the USSSA Nationals. They also won the Early Bird Tournament in Trevor, Wisconsin. In 1986 he played for Tom Levar in the Ed Kelly Tournament at River Park where he batted twenty for twenty-one, and won co- MVP honors. Besides having a good softball career, Bob had a distinguished football career at Schurz High School in Chicago. In 1965 and 1966, he was named as an Illinois All-State Halfback, and won the Knute Rockne Award in 1966 as the best Chicago high school football player. He also took second place in Chicago for wrestling and played baseball at Schurz. His accomplishments earned a scholarship to the University of Illinois, where he played football for two and a half years. Bob and his wife, Lori, have three children, Jacob Aaron, Sophie Ann, and Sarah Rose, and have one grandchild, Aiden Jacob. He is recently retired, after driving locally and over-the-road for over thirty years. Bob and Lori currently reside on their 35-acre farm in Plymouth, Wisconsin with their two daughters, Sophie and Sarah, and grandson, Aiden.

Team Doctors

Little did Rick Burda and Paul Volk, two friends who met playing in a church league in LaGrange, know that the team they formed in 1973 would still be playing today.  In 1973 they started playing in a league in Brookfield and over the next few years added leagues in Summit and Bedford Park. Made up mostly of local players from the Western Suburbs, the DOCTORS made a decision about 1982 to challenge themselves.  They decided to expand from just local parks, play in more tournaments, and try to qualify for National Tournaments.  To accomplish this they made a few minor adjustments to strengthen themselves by picking up players that had experience, brought in some younger players, and brought back a former player, George Plesha, to manage full time.  Their efforts started to pay off when they finished second in the Lisle Metro to the Lords in 1983, and in 1984 won their first Suburban Life Classic Tournament in Pleasantdale by beating the Longshots.  They almost made it in 1985, but again fell just short, losing to the very talented Taggers in the Woodridge Metro.  Finally their efforts paid off in 1986 when the DOCTORS won their first ASA Metro in Oak Lawn by defeating top teams such as the Peppers, Stickmen, and the Crush and qualified for the National Tournament in Mt. Prospect.  During the year the DOCTORS were 57-10, playing in Lyons, Summit, and Bedford Park. The next year they won the Hodgkins League with a 15-1 record and the Open League and playoffs in LaGrange with a 20-4 record.  Over the ten year period, starting in 1982, the DOCTORS competed to play at the Nationals - finally in 1988 winning the ASA Class "A" Nationals in Indianapolis and winning the 1989 NSA National Tournament in Grayslake. In 1990 they won the Class "A" ASA Metro qualifier in LaGrange and finished third at the ASA Class "A" Nationals in Marshalltown, IA. They then took second place in the 1991 ASA Class "A" Nationals in Blue Island. The DOCTORS also won their second Suburban Life Classic Tournament title in 1989.  Perhaps the DOCTORS most memorable and greatest accomplishment had to come in 1988 when they won the "Triple Crown" of "A" ball - winning the prestigious Hawthorne Park District Tournament in Cicero, the USSSA Class "A" State Tournament in Orland Park, in addition to the previously mentioned ASA Class "A" Nationals in Indianapolis.  This had never been done before nor was it equaled after.  They also finished fourth in the Suburban Life Classic Tournament that year. Since 1992 the DOCTORS have played in the Thirty-nine and Older League in LaGrange (now in Cicero) winning the league championship over 10 times.  Starting in 2000 they have played in the Fifty and Older League in LaGrange (now in Berwyn) and at one point won the League Championship for 10 consecutive years. Known throughout the years for their great defense and timely hitting, the DOCTORS have won over fifty league championships in addition to numerous tournaments.  Over the years, children were born and some had parents pass away, strengthening the bond of friendship and keeping it a "family affair".  In addition to Rick Burda and Paul Volk, Ed Smith, Don Martina, and Bill Trischank have been together over 30 years.  Like many teams that played together for years, the DOCTORS went through personnel changes but always maintained a nucleus of good players but more importantly players with the same ideals. Winning was important to the DOCTORS, but loyalty to the team was more important in addition to passion for the game, having fun, and camaraderie. They can always be found in the parking lot after the game or back at their sponsor "replaying" the action. Throughout the years, the DOCTORS were sponsored by different businesses and neighborhood bars but their best and longest lasting relationship, over 20 years, has been with T.J's Pub in Lyons whom we would like to thank for their very generous and never ending support.   We feel that we are a good example of a team that fits the HOF's definition of a team for recognition: "The sport has always been played by thousands of teams but few have won the major tourneys. The HOF honors teams that have been very successful over a long period of time. Many have repeatedly won the big tourneys, while some have not won any big events but have played for decades and are the fabric of the sport's heritage" All the players would like to thank the Chicago Sixteen-Inch Softball Hall of Fame for the great honor of being recognized as a TEAM for their dedication to softball. Wayne Annerino Buddy Gasaway Keith Lodding Dave Plesha John Bagal Bill Gibson Bill Lorenz George Plesha Rich Bagal Tom Grove Joe Riggi John "Duke" Gregerson Bill Baronti Ron "B.R. Lundgren Mark Rutkowski Dennis "Ski" Kowski Ed Hefler Brain Basek Mick Malmon Tim Sass Bert Beyer Bill Hickey Don Martina (HOF) Mark Schuller Gary Bouchard Brian Hickey Ralph Mascio Jeff Sebuck Larry Burda John Holt Mike Matucha Ed Smith Rick Burda Bob Jaworski Ross Meyer Ed Stack Randy Caldwell Joe Johnstone Don Mica Wayne Stawczyk Bill Cavanaugh Jim Josepher Bob Stevens Chuck Cerny Greg Klein Kevin Mikolajczyk Pat Strausser George Clam Gary Klonowski Albert Mills Jeff Thomm Ed Clarke Bill Knapp Ernie Millsap Pete Tollios Cary Cochrane Bob Koch R.V. Millsap Ray Topps (HOF) Kevin Cochrane Dave Kopach Joe Moms Tony Tortorello Brian "B.C." Collins Scott Kopach Ken Monti Bill Trischank John"E.H." Conrad Paul Volk Rich Urbanski (HOF) Steve Culp Chris Koziel Bruce Nowak Tony Davis Norb Kozlowski Bill O'Leary Jim Vondrasek Vinny Dinello Brian Kulaga Norm Ollestad Mike Walker Tim Dlhy Tim Kutt Rich Palmer Scott Wesolowski Loren Dunkley George LeBeau Ted Payton Jeff Wojciak Bill Dvorak (HOF) Rich Leeper Bob Pechous Ken Wright Ed Eaton Larry Lenz Mike Perry Mark Wyszynski Gary Lewis Bill Pink Paul Zaitz Gary Freund Otto Zeman John"Tugs" Earnest Jim "Rocky" Nelson John "Juice" Majewski Ron "Orca" Micholowicz

Team Dog’s Bite

Joey Lucido John Leuth Jack Nakanishi Barry Seto Jerry Seto Joe Romano Rick Wike Pat O'Shea Tony DeLuca Jerry Aldape Rich Yokota Billy Vines Zaty Ortega Sam Partipillo Dave Love Ron Yoshida Jim Hurt Lenny Romano Dave Luna John Caplis Dennis Burns Jim Martin Chuck Samson Dan Abbamonte Howard Flowers Sam Losurdo Joe Strzelczyk Art Fitzgerald Mike Fitzner Jim Letourneau Eddie Letourneau Rich Zewe John Lindberg Ben Sakuma Billy Julian Tom Schneider Turk Mueller Joker Mueller Chris D' Agostino Bobby Glover Frank Borkowski John Burke Steve Costello Michael Costello Brain Costello John Clausen Keith Dickens Charlie Seitz Jim Tracey Ed Cooney John Parypinski Artie McGrath Ernie Fuentes Dan O'Brien Dion O'Brien Brian Brown Robbie Plastik Roman Lupinski John Diaz Tony Alvarado Mark Alvarado Nick Lencioni Robert Moss Bob Moss, Sr Tim O'Neill T.J. O'Neill Tony Pignataro Mike Freewalt Terry Jayne Sal Ganir David Ganir Darren Ganir Smiley Herrera Paul Hansen Nick Himplman Pete Waterman Mark Conway Mark Neirman Jim Bowden George Prats Rich Thomas Mike Puican Eddie Miklasz Bill Richards Joe Angelo Don DeBat Bob Andrian Tony Tracey Steve Stone Tom Stone, Jr Brian Zewe Vince Cunningham Ken Carlyon Lee Robinson Johnny Robinson Dave Lohenry, Jr Ken Wachholder Kevin Carroll Jim Healy Vince Aluise Ron Stekne Jackie Nakanishi Joseph Nakanishi Mark Lucido Chris Thompson Chrissy D'Agostino Tony Kramp Mo O'Neill Charlie Brown Steve Kornatowski Matt Eberhart Mark Stritzel George Stavrakas Mattie Richard Louis Masini Don Assem Jack Mooney Rob Glasebrook Andrew Holzman Jeff Yokota Rommie Richard Hector Reyes Joe Hermann Tom Stone, Sr Sixteen-inch softball grew out of the street corners, schoolyards, and local parks of Chicago. It started as a bunch of friends playing endless pick-up games. Eventually, someone mentioned forming a team. So you thought-up a name, bought some t-shirts, and joined a local league. Some teams stayed local but some added players and started competing in more competitive leagues and tournaments.  Dog's Bite fits the bill as a team that stayed local. They started playing in 1975 at Lake Shore Park in Chicago with Red Kelly's as a sponsor. Someone suggested Niice as a team name, so for the first year they played as Niice. The next year they changed the team name to Dog's Bite in honor of a local bar tradition. During the next thirty-five years, they changed bar sponsorships numerous times, played at parks across Chicago's North and Northwest sides and racked up an impressive record of league titles. They won the Lake Shore Park championship in 1978. From 1980 to 1988, they won various league titles at Hamlin Park seven times. They won four league championships at Athletic Field and two titles at Wells Park from 1996 to 2001. In 2006 they won the Sunday League title at Brooks Park. During their thirty-five year history, more than 120 players have worn the Dog's Bite shirt. Today, fathers play next to their sons and brothers play next to their brothers. And they all go to celebrate their efforts at the local sponsor after the game. All marks of a legendary local softball team.

Ken Doktor

As a kid growing up in Mt. Prospect, Ken would ride his bike to Meadows Park and became hooked on 16" softball when he would spend the day watching teams like the Bobcats, the Sobies, the Strikers, the Bruins, Flamingos, Lyons 45s and the Scrappers play in Winston sponsored tournaments. In 1972, at eighteen, he started his own team with his brother Ed and Terry Rohan of the Ironmen. He took over as manager in 1974 and by 1976 the Ironmen were playing in the “A” Leagues at Rolling Meadows and Mt. Prospect, winning both leagues. In 1977, they joined the Mt. Prospect Invitational and won the tournament, beating the Scrappers twice. In 1978, they won the Rolling Meadows League, which featured such teams as Frank Holan’s Taggers, Dick Cooper’s Meadows, and the Cannons. The Ironmen folded in 1984, but Don Cooper introduced Ken to J.D. Gilmer who brought Frank and Danny Mustari, Bill Nicholas, Jim Carroll, Ralph Liquori, Sam Pappas, and Rick Gancarz with some of Ken’s veterans from the Ironmen, forming the Kings and a collection of young talent that debuted at Rolling Meadows and in the Classic League and dealt Cooper’s one of their two losses that year. 1984 was also the year that the Kings went to Ellinwood, Kansas to showcase 16" softball at Ellinwood’s Harvest of Wheat Festival. They were featured as ambassadors of Chicago’s game on local television and radio stations, appeared in a parade, and played exhibition games against a local 12" team. J.D. Gilmer left the team in 1986, due to a job transfer, and Ken kept the team together with the help of Don Cooper, Bill Tiechert, and John Lima. During the past years, the Kings have recorded an admirable series of accomplishments. In 1986 they finished 19th of 56 teams at the USSSA Nationals in Muncie, losing in a 1-0 game against the Lords, who finished third overall. In 1996, the Kings finished 4th at the “A” Nationals in Brookfield, Wisconsin. In 2004 they took 8th place at the “A” Nationals in Prescott, Arizona. In 2005, they won the State Consolation bracket over Punch in a thirteen-inning game. In 1999 and 2000, Ken played with the Rage, helping them to a 13th place finish at Marshalltown, Iowa in 1999. In 2001, he played with Nectar in the Classic League and finished 13th in the Major Nationals in Schaumburg with the Cannons. Ken’s years of playing and managing were recognized in 1995 when the Rolling Meadows Park District presented him with a plaque for his twenty years of service. A highlight of Ken’s career was pitching to Kevin Lund at Comiskey Park’s homerun hitting contest; that day Ken was glad he was hit hard because Kevin won the contest. Ken is still playing at the major level and also umpires. He plans to officiate more in the future. He credits his long relationship with Frank Holan as an inspiration for his playing and managing. He and his wife, Kristine, live in Mt. Prospect with their two cats.

Jim Donato

In 1961, Jim Donato started playing 16” softball with the Emil Colts in Melrose Park for 2 years before being called to serve his country. After returning from 2 years in the Army and Vietnam, he played Outfield and Pitcher with The Relatives, Merchants, Sportmens Lounge, Nocturms, Originals, Bruins and Olympians for 10 years in many Chicago area leagues. While playing in the Majors from 1975 - 1991, he played the ASSA Na-tionals and was on the Josephs 1975 ASA National Championship team, and was named to the 1975 and 1976 All Tournament Teams. In 1980, Jim started with the Lords as a player and eventually Manager for a total of 18 years. During this time, the Lords won 3 Metro champion-ships, numerous league titles, and 4 top 5 finishes in ASA and USSA Nationals. Since his retirement from the majors in 1995, Jim continued to play sen-ior softball through 2017. During his 20 years with the Chicago Clas-sics, they won 9 national titles, 26 regional titles, and Gold medals at the Illinois State Senior 16 inch Softball Olympics for 3 years. Throughout these title wins, Jim earned 2 MVPs at nationals, one at the Olympics and numerous All Tournament honors. Jim continues to enjoy the game, remaining active in local play. He credits much of his success to his own MVP - Eula - his wife of 44 years. www.16inchSoftballHOF.com

Steve Donchez

The 1948 Softball World Series program places Steve Donchez in the same class of pitchers as Eddie "Lefty" Sevick, Ralph D'Orio, and the legendary James "Sheik" Di Nardi and Lewa Yacilla. Along with Bob Werderich and Zeke Ireland, Donchez and the Angels of Broadway won the Windy City Softball Championship. Besides being one of the top pitchers of his time and a colorful player who liked to argue with umpires, Steve Donchez also was a superb hitter. Steve passed away in March of 1998.

Joe Dooley

What became a lifetime passion, began as a fun pastime playing with family and friends. After wrapping up successful Varsity Baseball and Football careers at Leyden Township High School, Joe developed a serious interest in 16” Softball in the mid-1980s. To this day, he treas- ures his early Schiller Park “Shot” and Brooks Park “Shooters” teams. That’s where it all began: where his talents as an outfielder and batter were initially recognized and ultimately fine-tuned. Joe’s greatest as-sets were: natural athleticism, tremendous speed, a strong arm, an out-fielder’s innate ability to take the “right first step” to get to a fly-ball, and his baseball instincts. In addition to having all of the basic skills, oppo-nents quickly learned of another not-so-obvious talent - a swing that generated a tremendous amount of power from a relatively small physi-cal frame. By the 1990s Joe was ready to start “playing with the Big Guys”. Start-ing out with the “Lords”, he soon became part of the “Splinter” team in 1993. In just a few years, the Splinters won the 1997 ASA 16” National title. By 1998, Joe was invited to join the “Miller Lite 45s”, a team acknowledged by most 16” Softball experts as ranking alongside the “Bobcats”, “American Rivets”, and “Whips” as the top teams to ever play the game. His “45s” career spanned twelve memorable years. In that in-terval, the “45s” won the ASA 16” Nationals in the following years: 2001, 2003-2007. During that time, they also collected titles at the For-est Park No- Glove Tournament in 2001, 2003, 2004, and 2006-2009. Joe’s memory of his career with 16” Softball is stated very simply: “making that 45s roster and continuously proving I belonged on it”! Playing at the Majors’ level demands a commitment to 6-8 games per week and playing through injuries. While he thoroughly enjoyed his playing days, does he miss that grind? Not a bit! Joe credits his wife, Keeley, for supporting him and helping him achieve his dream. She knew what to expect from the outset, since they actually met during a Forest Park Tournament. They have plenty to oc-cupy their time these days, taking special pride in observing and active-ly participating in the dancing, softball, and gymnastics careers of their daughters Claryce, Caroline, and Camryn.

Andrew “Buddy” Doroskin

Bud Doroskin began his softball career in 1976 with the Badgers, a local team from Rand Park in Des Plaines. In 1981, he got his first taste of national tournament competition with the Rat Pack, a select group of Rand Park players. In their first metro at Schaumburg, Buddy pitched the Rat Back to a 3 - 1 upset victory over Otto's, a team that was one of the most dominant teams of its time. Later that day, they beat Hiller and Hamm to advance to the nationals at Harvey. During the summer of 1982, Buddy hooked up with Zeffers, a group of classic Italian guys, including Scott Rossi, the Lococos, Dan Bianci and others in the Mt. Prospect Classic League. After failing to qualify for a metro, he was picked up by the Runts, a talented team with Hall of Famers John O'Connor and Tom Czarnik for a run at the 1982 nationals in South Aberdeen, SD. Buddy pitched the Runts to a second place finish in the tournament. For his efforts, he received his first 1st Team All - American honors. After the Runts, Buddy moved to the Stray Cats (and switched to playing first base). The Runts evolved into Cooper's Sporting Goods, Bud North, and Automart. The Bud North team of the late '80s was one of only two teams to win three consecutive Forest Park championships (1987, '88 and '89). These teams finished second place in the ASA National Tournament in '86, '88 and '89. Buddy collected 1st Team All - American honors in '86, and '88 and also won the National Tourney Homerun Championship in 1986. Unfortunately, in 1990 while playing with March Manufacturing at Forest Park, Buddy suffered what seemed to be a career ending herniated disc injury while taking the turn at first base. In 1995, however, his desire to play outweighed the pain and he was picked by Prime Time for a final run at a national championship. The team came up short by taking second place and Buddy retired from major softball. He still plays with his friends on the Zeffers. Bud currently lives in Hoffman Estates with his wife Karen, whom he met on the on-deck circle at Mt Prospect while playing for Bud North. They have been married twelve years and have three children,Tatiana (9),Ariana (4), and Nicholas (19 months). Andrew is Chicago regional manager for Jaeckle Distribution. Bud remembers all of the friends he made, the great competition he faced, and the respect he received from all of his teammates during his years of playing 16" softball.

Matt “Mattie” Dosen

Matt Dosen began what would become a 34 year softball career in 1964 when he was 22 years old playing with a neighborhood team at Russell Square and Cal Parks. It might have been a neighborhood team, but it had a legendary sponsor - Alderman Ed Vrdolyak. 1967 brought a change to Dosen’s career when he met White Johnson and played with Butch McGuire’s at Lake Shore Park and Clarendon Park. He began a five-year run with ERV and manager John Kavanaugh in 1968, playing at Kennedy Park against the Bobcats, Sobies, Strikers, and Moore Business Forms in some memorable Sunday doubleheaders at Kennedy Park and in the Moday/Wednesday leagues at Ridge Park. Like many great players, Matt Dosen’s talent was quickly noticed and recruited by Eddie Zolna; neighborhood ties proved more important, however, and Dosen stayed with ERV and the Eastsiders. That year (1969) ERV and Matt Dosen won the Trumbull Park Labor Day Tournament. In the mid 1970’s, he played in the Windy City League first with Tom Bonen and later with Les Messinger. Dosen ended his softball days playing with his sons on the Snappers in 1996. One of Matt Dosen’s fondest softball memories is playing ball with his sons at age 53 in the Grant Park Tournament. He and the Snappers lost the first game but then went on to win six games in a row. Primarily a short center through most of his career but a player who also played shortstop and second base, Matt Dosen carried a career batting average and r.b.i and homerun totals that placed him as one of the best hitters of his 1964 - 1979 era. Batting second or third on most of his teams, Matt Dosen was well known for “setting the table” for the homerun hitters who followed him in the lineup. Matt Dosen and his wife, Patricia have three children, Matt, Marty, and Debbie and three grandsons. He works for the Chicago Port Authority.

Jerry Dowling

Getting a penny for every ball he and his brother caught. Driving around the South and Southeast side of the city in the sponsor's coal truck looking for games. Sewing softballs back together with a darning needle. Driving a nail into a broken bat. These are just a few of the Depression era memories of Jerry Dowling's early playing days. Dowling grew up in a neighborhood that produced some of the the games greatest teams - Mel Turner's, Harry's Owl Club, Lapota Steelers, Nudo's and Bondis to mention a few. As a pre-teen and teen, Jerry Dowling would entertain the crowds with his defensive skills as he warmed up the hitters, only to be replaced by the regular third baseman. Once he was old enough Dowling became a top third baseman with Alderman Murphy, Sam Yanks, and other teams. Like many young men his age, Dowling spent time fighting World War II in the South Pacific. Upon his return in 1947, Dowling gave up a promising baseball career for 16" softball. Throughout the rest of the 40s he played with Harry's Owl Club, Browns, Nudos, Bondis and others at some of the great stadiums in the Chicagoland area - Bidwell, Shewbridge, Clarendon, and Taylor and Racine. In the 1950s Jerry played with multiple teams, including Bondis, Catholic War Vets, and 101 Club. In 1952 Jerry's leg was shattered during a game. Mel Turner organized a 32-team tournament to defray Jerry's expenses. Everyone donated their time to help Jerry. A mannequin leg was passed throughout the park. When it was presented to Jerry, it contained enough money to keep the family going for almost a year. A retired electrician for the Chicago Fire Department, Jerry was married for fifty years to Mary Gadbois. They had four children (one is deceased) and five grandchildren. He lived on South Maplewood in Chicago. Jerry passed away in 2007.

Jack Dowling

Larry Downes

Larry Downes’s softball journey began at Grant Park about 1968 where his Dad’s Continental Bank team played hundreds of games during his childhood. His Mom would take him downtown on the CTA bus to watch. He would watch them play in the ‘Pit’ at Grant Park. While the games were going on, he would pitch crabapples to himself on the sidelines, hitting them by the 1000s into the train yard behind it. This was all in anticipation that when the game ended they’d pitch the softball to him! It’s where the seed was planted. It’s also why the Grant Park Tourney wins with Lettuce and Licorice meant a lot to him.

A dozen or so years later, Larry’s friend Rick Piwowarczyk put together a team called Full Count. They were fifteen years old in an 18 and under league. They held their own and took their lumps, but it was a start. Rick then led Larry to the Pallbearers, his first men’s league team, when he was nineteen. The Pallbearers were together for twenty-seven years; Larry played for eighteen of them. Rick then created Illusion where they finally enjoyed success with multiple Wentworth Park championships. He grew up and played his early years in the Garfield Ridge area and played wherever and whenever he could. Normandy, Wentworth, Archer, and Strohacker Park were his main leagues, but he’d go anywhere to get a game.

Larry met Tom Balek (HOF) in the fall of 1987 at Normandy Park. That was a game changer! He played all over the city with Tommy, three games a night if they could fit them in; he had a blast! Balek introduced him to major softball and brought him to the Jynx (1988-90 and 2013-14). It led him to his 1st ASA Nationals appearance in 1988 (5th Place). This was an experience he’d dreamed about as a kid watching his Dad. What made it more special was that in the Chicago Metro Qualifier he made a diving catch on the line with runners in scoring position to end the game. They beat the Scooters 6-5 to secure the Jynx’s first ASA Major National bid.

From 1988 on, Larry played in all the best leagues and tournaments the rest of his career. He played at Bedford, Clyde, Hart/Centennial, Majewski Metro, Kelly, Hawthorne, Forest Park, Hodgekins, and Westchester Parks. He played in the ASA Nationals, the USSSA Nationals, the NSA Nationals, Forest Park No Glove Nationals, Windy City, LaCrosse, Marshalltown, Cedar Rapids, Grant Park, and state, all major tournaments.

In 1991, Larry was introduced to Rich Melman (HOF) and most of the Touch team, a team that eventually became Lettuce Softball. This was his first powerhouse team and gave him a chance to play with the guys he grew up watching in the neighborhood. He won his first Forest Park championship that year, and the following year in 1992 he won his first ASA National Championship. This was a childhood goal that became a reality. He returned to Lettuce in 1998 to win his second ASA National championship.

In 1991 the night he won Forest Park with Lettuce, he met Tom “Eggs” Czarnik (HOF) at their post-game celebration at the Pines. Czarnik was his primary rival at the time. He was always intense, always emotional, and was always never satisfied. He was a legend of the game, a winner, a teacher, Larry’s friend, and someone he’d like to emulate on the field one day. Czarnik took Larry and a few others under his wing in the 1990s. He took him to new heights in every aspect of his game but just being around him made Larry a better player. His influence propelled the future of his softball career. They were always in contact, and they finally played major softball together in 1994-95 with PrimeTime, 1998 Lettuce, and 2002 Licorice.

In 1994-1995 Larry played for Bob Russ Sr. (HOF) and Prime Time. He loved playing for Senior who was a true character. It all worked for him although Senior drove many others crazy. Larry had some great times with this team, and the best was at having fun playing softball. We took second place at the ASA Nationals both years and won the Pro League once at Forest Park. In 2000- 2003 he moved on to Mike North’s Licorice team led by Bob Russ, Senior again, and by “Eggs” in 2002. They won the 2000 and 2002 ASA National Championships and a Forest Park and Grant Park title as well.

In 1993 Larry met Bob Rascia (HOF) from the 45’s. The 45’s were a team from Elmwood Park that was established in 1966. It was one of his best decisions ever! He played on a lot of teams over the years, and no one believed in or was more loyal to him than Bob Rascia. When other teams weren’t sure, or he was badly injured, Bob never questioned anything and always had a place for him. They played ten years together and it should have been many more.

There were a lot of great years of softball and they were all special in some way. The decade Larry spent with the 45’s was by far the most rewarding season for him. In 1996 they pulled off one of the greatest upsets in softball at Forest Park by winning five games by one run and defeating Lettuce in the final. They were Underdogs in every game and no one picked them to win it. Larry ran three balls down in the championship game that went over the scoreboard in center field. He caught them in the crowd that ringed the outfield. It was a great victory and cemented the 45’s as a perennial contender for years to come. In 1997 Larry’s Dad became ill with cancer and passed away abruptly early in the season. Larry went back to playing immediately because he knew that’s where his Dad would want him to be. He proceeded to go on a streak of hits, home runs, and catches that he really couldn’t explain. He remembers Nick Pinto calling him ‘Superman’ for the next three months, and they still laugh about it today. Larry’s pretty sure his Dad was watching somewhere, because it sure felt like it.

While with the 45’s Larry won more than 650 games, including six ASA National Championships, six Forest Park Championships, seven Classic League Titles, five Westchester/Hodgkins League Titles, and a host of other major tournaments. It was one of the greatest runs in softball history.

When not coaching girls’ 12-inch softball, Larry plays for Pete Digioia and his brother Chris on Players Inc. They took third at the SSA Nationals in 2017 and he received a 2nd Team All American award at fifty years old. He’s not done just yet; go Inc!

Larry played softball with speed and hustle on both offense and defense. His aggressiveness on the bases put a ton of pressure on the defense to make clean plays. He was left-handed and could hit to every field. He could hit for power but specialized in hitting the ground ball through the infield. Grounders always gave him a high on-base percentage and set the table for his teammates. He turned basic ground ball outs into hits. Singles to the outfield were doubles. Anything through the gap or over a head was a homerun. He scored from first on singles and tagged two bases on fly ball outs regularly. Nothing makes him smile more than causing chaos on the base paths, be it the ‘Little League Homer’ or the one hopper to the pitcher for a hit. On defense he primarily played center field and later in his career right field. He loved to run and could cover a lot ground with his speed. He was able to take away a lot of would be hits.

Larry has played competitive sixteen-inch softball for thirty-five years and competed in over 3000 games. He played one hundred fifty plus games a year in the first twenty, and it slowed down a bit after. He is thankful for all opportunities he received through the years, and the great teammates, coaches, and opponents he played with along the way.

Major Championships Won

• Eight A.S.A National Championships. Lettuce

1992, Lettuce 1998. Licorice 2000 and 2002,

Miller 45’s 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007.

• Eight Forest Park Championships. Lettuce 1991,

Bud 45’s 1996, Licorice 2002, Miller 45’s 2004,

2006 2007 2008 2009 Miller 45s

• Ten Mt Prospect Classic League titles- Majewski

Metro

• Nine Hodgekins/Westchester /Gordon Park

League Titles

• Four Grant Park Tournament

• Five Chicagoland Classic Tournament

• Five North South Tournament

• Three Windy City Challenges

• Eight ASA State Tournaments

• One Clyde Park Title 1988, undefeated 18-0 my

first year playing major (Jynx)

• Four Marshalltown Classics

• Two Hawthorne Tournaments

Personal Awards

• 2006 MVP of the ASA National Tournament

• Five time 1st Team ASA All American Awards =

45’s, Prime Time, and Licorice

• Enshrined as an All Time Classic League Team

Member - Mt Prospect Park District.

He thanks his loving wife and daughter, his supportive mother, brother, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, nieces (Olivia and Abby) and his nephew, Andrew, his friends, and teammates, who have supported him throughout the years. He sends a big shout out to his current #1 fans: Kate, Jenna, and Jillian, his brother Chris for being his biggest fan and for doing anything he could to help whatever team he was on in his youth Most of all, he thanks his father Larry Sr. who taught him to play this game with passion, desire, hustle and to play it to the best of his ability on every single play. He urges everyone to never take games off and to play hard every game, league and championship, with passion.

Rich “Chico” Driscoll

The Leo and Loyola U. basketball standout was a Southside umpire who excelled during the 1970s and early 1980s. Over 30 year career and very noteworthy prep basketball official as well. Chico was known for his flashy style on the bases and his ability to always be well positioned for the call. He was selected as one of the umpire crew for each of the World Series of Softball finals during 1974, 1975, and 1976. Born in 1940 Driscoll lives in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood in Chicago. Married. Works as an engineer for the City of Chicago.

Jerry Duchen

Jerry Duchen’s baseball career started in 1949 at age seven when he joined a little league program. His fifty-three year softball career began two years later when he joined his first team at Humboldt Park. In 1953 he was selected to the JYC All Star Softball Team, but his big break occurred in 1957 when he was fifteen. He was selected from a school yard to join the Evanston Adult Classic League. The problem was that the games started at 9:15 and his mother wouldn’t let him stay out past curfew, so the team captainhad to pick him up and drive him home after the games. From that point on, Jerry Duchen’s career was off and running. During his career he played in over ten thousand games at all levels of softball. He credits his longevity to adapting his abilities to his age. When he was in his twenties and thirties, he relied on his speed and power and for a small man he hit his share of triples and homeruns. He played left field and hunted down many long balls. After age and surgeries began to take their toll, Jerry Duchen pitched or played the infield, but despite his age he is still able to get out and play the game that he loves , 16" softball.

Tom Duff

Tom Duff started playing 16-inch softball in 1975 in the Oak Park leagues with Clockwork, a team he formed. Duff also coached and/or organized most of the teams he played on, including his Leo Burnett and Optimus teams that won many Ad League Championships at Grant Park. These teams included longtime Clockwork teammate and HOF inductee, Dan “Sheik” Carmody. Duff finished his thirty-year career in the 2005 Hamlin Park tournament.

Duff was recruited to play with the Takers and Rox and helped them win additional park leagues and tournaments at the Major “A” level. Tom Duff was considered to be one of the finest defensive first basemen of his era. In addition to having great hands and stretching ability, he had tremendous range, quickness and softball “smarts.” His large, still mutilated fingers are a testament to his ability to catch everything thrown or hit his way.

In addition to his defensive prowess, his great leadership and strong desire to win inspired many of his teammates. He often channeled this “hot-headed” nature to get into opponent’s heads. One of his longtime teammates said, “Tommy never played for the recognition or pats on the back. He was the real, I love this game, deal. He respected the game, he loved the game, and he loved to win.

He was sought after by the best teams, and could have played “A” level ball exclusively if he chose to. But his first loyalty remained with his neighborhood Clockwork team, which competed at a high “B” level.

Tom Duff played 16-inch softball from 1975 to 2005 with the peak years from 1980 to 2004. During these peak years, his teams won many tournament championships and league titles. Clockwork won the Hamlin Park in 1987, 2003, and 2004; Rox won it in the 1990’s. Additionally, his teams won league titles at Oak Park (1987 and 1989), Kosciuszko Park, Riis Park, Clarendon Park, Kelly Park, and they won the Berwyn Tournament.

Tom grew up in Oak Park and graduated from St. Ignatius High School. He earned his undergraduate degree at Loyola University and his graduate degree at DePaul. Tom and his wife, Pam, live in La Grange Park. They have four children: Kevin (already a two-time 16-inch Nationals winner), Liz, Kelly, and Maggie. Tom is the President of Optimus, an Advertising Creative Services company in Chicago.

Don “Ducky” Dulbis

This versatile lefty–known for his spray hitting ability, excellent speed and superior defensive skills–began his softball career playing at Chicago's Hamlin and Welles Parks. "Ducky" played with many teams in the mid 1940s and 50s. In 1948 he was selected to the All-Star team, while playing with Splinter Finance at Northtown Stadium, later to become Thillens' Stadium. In 1949 Don was named Rookie of the Year while playing with the Windy City Champs, Kool Vent Awnings. Don now resides with this wife Brigette in Gurnee, IL.

Dan Dumas

Dumas was a superb lefty pull hitter that made teams defense him with four infie1ders on the right side of second base.. leaving only the third basemen.. .he still would get hit to right. He had 3 straight batting titles in the Daddie O�Daylie League. He was MVP and batting champion in �62 and �63 in best league on the Southside, 49th and Dorchester, Southside Cocktail. He played for a variety of the top teams for 3 decades including; the Brown Bombers, Jive Ten, Old Men, Capitol Records and Demons. He was one of the first members of the American Sports Hall of Fame with Clifton and made an excellent defensive second baseman. Married and father of two girls, 1927-1996. Since deceased.

Les Duncan

Les Duncan began his storied softball career in 1969 as an ASA umpire. From 1972 to 1980 he was ASA Area Director and umpired four National ASA tournaments. After going independent in 1981, Duncan rose to the position of National Director for all 16-inch softball for the country, a position he held until 1994 when the USSSA and the ASA joined forces. Duncan was responsible for all divisions of the USSSA Men’s and Women’s Nationals. In 1991 Duncan started the Chicago Classic softball tournament, which became one of the biggest 16-inch tournaments in the world with over 1600 teams participating over the past seven years. In 1998 Les received the Lifetime Chicago Softball Achievement Award. Besides umpiring and organizing, Duncan had a television show Let’s Talk Softball for three years on four cable stations. Les also found time to coach high school basketball for 14 years where he accumulated a 485 - 78 record. He received coach of the year honors from the Chicago Tribune and Coca Cola in 1966 and 1967. Returning to high school basketball coaching as an assistant at Thornton High School in 1991, the Wildcats were ranked second in Illinois with a 28 - 2 mark. Duncan has also organized Pop Warner football leagues, has been president of two park districts, and has been a professional baseball scout with the Chicago Cubs and is currently with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Les works as an assignment chair for high schools and grade schools and has 650 officials working for him. He retired from Commonwealth Edison in 1991 after 38 years of service.

Ron Dunlap

While Ron Dunlap never played softball, he did go on to become one of the top umpires of the late 70s through the early 90s. That doesn’t mean that Dunlap doesn’t have a background in sports. In fact, he is a former second round draft pick of the Chicago Bulls who also played for the Phoenix Suns and the New York Nets in the NBA. He played in the ABA with the Rockford Royals, he played in the CBA, and played with Israel in the European Leagues. Ron Dunlap graduated from Farragut High School with a scholarship to the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. At age 28 Ron Dunlap was offered an umpiring job in the Columbus Park Sunday Leagues in 1975. In 1976 he joined the ASA with Ed Bouchee. From 1981 to 1990 he umpired at all the major parks, including those in Cicero, Chicago Heights, Melrose Park, and many others. Dunlap joined the national umpiring scene from 1983 to 1990 when he worked USSSA games with John Mitchell, officiating at the World Softball Nationals in Indiana and Wisconsin. Besides umpiring in national tournaments, Ron Dunlap was a consistent presence behind the plate at Forest Park with Dave Novak from 1982 to 1990. Ron Dunlap’s philosophy of umpiring was simple: arrive on time, dress appropriately, and never be noticed because the fans aren’t there to see the umpire. He always treated players with respect and dignity regardless of their conduct. He believed that umpires should remain consistent in their calls and that they should hustle on every play. Ron Dunlap has been the principal of Lincoln Elementary School in Appleton, Wisconsin since 1990. He and his wife, Yvette, have two children, Patricia and Taylor and one grandson.

Edward Durica

At the age of 10, a broken arm prevented Chicago born Ed Durica from playing baseball, setting in motion a new passion. He began to hang around nearby Harrison and Dvorak Parks watching softball, eventually taken in by the Gaffers men’s team, given a jersey and becoming their Batboy for two years. By the age of 17, Ed was playing softball at Lawndale (now Pietrowski) Park, and in the Grant Park Industrial League. Other than a few years of military service, he played every year until he was 37. After 20 years as a player, he became an umpire. In the 39 seasons that followed, he has umpired over 6000 games (and counting), includ-ing every single Grant Park Firecracker Tournament, the first 9 North South Tournaments, 5 ASA State Tournaments, additional ASA qualifi-ers in Alsip, Orland, Mount Prospect and Westchester, and 10 Haw-thorne Tournaments (a premier tournament at the time). He also worked big leagues at Hodgkins, Clyde, the Janura Friday Night Money League and a total of over 60 different venues in all. When he is not umpiring, he is at the games as a spectator. Anyone who plays in the Chicago area knows him, at least by sight. As the travel partner of the late HOF friend “Doc” Papierz, he attended every major tournament. On occasion, Ed was even pulled from the stands to fill in at tournaments including Forest Park No Glove Nationals. As a player, fan and umpire, Ed gave tirelessly to the sport of softball. He is widowed and lives in Cicero where he enjoys spending his free time with his son and daughter and 4 grandchildren.

Bill Dvorak

A graduate of Oak Lawn High School who played softball and baseball, Bill Dvorak was one of the top players of the "80's. During his 21 years playing 16" softball, Bill reached milestones most players only dream of. His softball career began when he formed a church team in 1970. He then started Coolers in 1974 at Stickney. He began to move to the upper echelon of softball when the Coolers beat the Ducks. After the defeat, the manager of the Ducks did what every great manager would do - he asked Dvorak to play for him. The rest was history, as Dvorak played with such legendary teams as the Ducks, Whips, Touch, Saxon Lodge, Rabbits and the Bobcats. Dvorak was a top notch third baseman who also spent some time at first and short center. A left handed power hitter who hit in the third slot, Dvorak lead most of his teams in RBI's. He first garnered serious attention with his selection as a first team ASA Major All-American in 1984. He repeated that accomplishment each season through 1987. In 1985 he was named a USSSA All American, and won the USSSA batting title. The following year he helped the Ducks win the ASA Major Nationals at Mt. Prospect.  In 1991 he capped his swan song season by being named to the ASA Class "A" All American team. Bill has been a Senior Superintendent at Pepper Construction for thirty years. He and his wife, Debra, have three sons and a daughter and they live in Tinley Park.

Team Dwarfs

Starting in 1957 at Audubon Playground, near Addison and Damen, the Dwarfs began a softball legacy that would span four generations, and rank them as one of 16" softballs most successful and historic teams. Few teams can boast their 1,322 wins against 333 losses for a .799 winning percentage. During their six decades the Dwarfs (and, for a time as the Amalgamonsters in the mid '70's) were one of the dominating teams at parks as widespread as Horner and Portage on the North side, to Evanston and Lake Shore. They were one of the few Northside teams to travel to such top Southside parks as Kelly, Blue Island, and Lou Boudreau Stadium in Harvey. The warm summer nights often found the Dwarfs playing before large crowds at the Andy Frain Tournament, at Forest Park and Des Plaines, in Schaumburg and as Windy City Qualifiers. From 1968to 1973 the Dwarfs won 25 Championships at various parks, including six titles at Clarendon. They were also runners up nine times and took third place six times at parks around the city and suburbs.In 1970, 1979 and 1980, as the Amalgamonsters, they placed second at the Nationals and took third place in 1978. In the mid 1970's, competing as the Amalgamonsters, they played on television in the north end of Soldier Field before 10,000 fans. In the 90's the Dwarfs (Amalgamonsters) reached a milestone in softball history when many of the sons of the original players began playing at parks in Chicago and the suburbs, extending the legacy. The Dwarfs are also unique in that they are legally incorporated and have their own website.

Bill Dwyer

Wally “Dee” Dziewinski

Dennis Gardner

Dean Pritt

Dean Pritt began his softball career at the age of 18 when he and sev-en of his friends started playing on a team run by neighborhood legend Joe D’Argenio. After several successful seasons at Blackhawk Park, the younger players started their own team and kept the Traffic name. From 1986-2003, Dean managed the Traffic team to an overall record of 638-410. They won 25 league and tournament championships. The early years saw a lot of success in all the northwest side top leagues, including Riis Park, Oriole Park and Indian Road. In 1989 the team went 67-17 and won four league championships. That season they also started competing in USSSA “A” tournaments and found out they could compete at that level. In 1992, the Traffic team won the 150 team Grant Park tournament. From this point forward, until Dean retired in 2003, Traffic was a consistent top 15 team They played in every top league and tournament, including 4 USSSA “A”, 1 USSSA Major, 8 ASA Ma-jors, 3 ASA “A” and 11 Forest Park Invitationals. Their accomplish-ments included 2 ASA Metro Championships and a 2nd Place finish at the 1999 ASA “A” Nationals. Dean took great pride in being able to compete against all the top teams with his strong nucleus of players who never lost their identity as a neighborhood team. Though he was never a top player himself, Dean held his own on the mound and as a catcher against all of the top teams. He also takes great pride in all of the championships and great times he was a part of with neighborhood teams - Green Onions and Edge. Dean currently lives in Elmwood Park with his wife Tracy and has two children, Sarah and Matthew. He enjoys coaching both chil-dren in all sports.