The Alley

The Alley Softball Team was formed in 1973 and consistently played at a high level of competition for more than 25 years. The team’s roots however date back even further to 1965. The team was formed as an outgrowth of Our Lady of Victory Parish’s youth sponsored softball program. Many of the original players started playing in the 5th grade in the youth League at Wilson Park and later participated in C.Y.O. as 7th and 8th graders finding modest success ( two city wide 2nd place finishes). The original members continued to play C.Y.O. Softball throughout their High School Years and beyond. The Alley played for the City wide C. Y. O. finals as seniors winning three Championships(1977,78,79).

The team was made up of various High School athletes who competed in Football, Basketball, and Baseball. They attended Lane Tech H.S. , Weber H.S., Gordon Tech H.S., Loyola Academy, Fenwick H.S. and St. Patrick H.S.. Some members went on and played College Football.

In 1973, The Alley played at Wilson Park and Indian Road Park winning both League Championships. The following year they were invited to play at Clarendon Park’s 21 and under Saturday League and played in the championship game losing to the Aces. The following year they won the Clarendon Park Saturday League.The team played at Riis Park winning the Friday League in 1974. Also in 1974, The Alley played at Independence Park winning their respective division and participated in the Tournament of Champions. They continued to play at Independence Park winning their Division as well as the Park’s Tournament of Champions in 1976.

In 1977, The Alley was invited to play in the following: Clarendon Park Tuesday and Thursday League (League Championship in 1978), Clarendon Park’s Midwestern Tournament ( 2nd place) and Kelly Park Tournament (Semis). They also played in the Portage Park Monday and Wednesday league.

In 1979 The Alley moved to Kosciuszko Park’ Monday and Wednesday League. They won their respective league championships and put together a streak of four consecutive Tournament of Championship titles (79, 80, 81, 82).

In 1980 The Alley moved up in competition by playing in the Portage Tuesday and Thursday League where they played against some very good teams and made the playoffs each year. They also played in the Clarendon Monday and Wednesday League and won the league championship in 1986. They continued to play at Portage and Clarendon into the early 90’s. They also played at Dunham Park winning the Championship in 1989 and the Hiawatha Park Friday League winning the Championship in 1982. In the early 90’s the team played at Dee Park in Des Plaines until 1998.

The Alley played in many tournaments throughout the years including The City of Chicago Metro Tournament, the Andy Frain Tournament and the Midwestern Tournament at Clarendon Park, (finished 2nd in the Midwestern Tournament in 1977) Windy City Tournaments at 95th and Harlem (Championship in 1979), James Park’s North Shore Tournament in Evanston(semis 1985), Forest Park(semis 1985), Trevor, Wisconsin (Championship 1986) , Elk Grove (Championship 1978), Paul Revere Park and Hansen Park (Championship in 1981).

Through the years, this group became a close knit family sharing many significant family events from Weddings, Births of Children, Road Trips, Holiday Celebrations, and any thing else that occurred in every day life. Many original members continued to play together in various Recreational Leagues including the Elk Grove 50 and over and currently the 60 and over Leagues.

Team members include: Player/Managers: Russ Schulberg, Dan Zittnan, Mike Chiaramonte, Billy Mueller, Charles Hagstrom, and Mike Amato.

Also: Bob Laskowski, Jim Gorski, Bob Sobczewski, Steve Citko, Ron Buzinski, Pete Brown, Tom Shoewe, Carl Mucha, Jim Lobus, Mike Huber, Mike Swiatowiec, Al Grember,Jim Hielscher, Bill Schretter, Gary Machjer, Dave Musolf, Roger Musolf, Billy Green, Gary Palicki, Jim Bolger, Jim Maraviglia, Bobby Cook, Gene (Gator), Dan Hennessey, Jerry Shaw, and Tom Levar.

Team Angels

Women softball players of the 70"s and 80"s will always remember the red, white and blue uniforms of the Burr Oak Angels, as the colors of one of women's softball's legendary teams. With Bill Broukal at the helm and some of the top women players of the time on the field, the Angels dominated parks around the city and suburbs, and at the national level. Some quotes from local newspapers of that day give an idea of the Angels stature. "Brilliant defensive plays," says one. "Awsome display of power at the plate," reads another. 1980, 1981 and 1985 stand out as particularly noteworthy years for the Angels. In 1980 the Angels completed a record of 57 - 8, won championships at Oak Brook and Bedford Park, and placed second at Blue Island, McHenry, and Marquette Parks, and in the ASA Metro Tournament. In 1981 the Angels went 53 - 8. And in 1985 they were 62 - 13. From 1983 through 1987 the Angels played both 16" softball as well as 11" and 12" softball, and were ranked in the top five teams nationally. In 1985 they were ranked first in the nation under the USSSA points system. Bill Broukal, who passed away in 1987, was the organizer and spiritual leader of the Angels. Broukal took his love for baseball, honed during his years playing semi-pro ball, and turned the Angels into a team that was respected from Blue Island, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah.

Bidayos

The Bidayo’s women’s softball team started out as a local Oak Lawn in-house team in 1969. They were originally the Road Runners in the Oak Lawn Park District, but Karen Wagner renamed them the Bidayos around 1975. Ron Hurry has been at the helm of the Bidayos as manager since 1969 when he managed his daughter Laurie's 8-10 year-old team. As the girls got older, they started playing on the Oak Lawn Park District traveling team. It was at these other tournaments that Ron started adding and subtracting players from other park district teams. He then entered the team into other leagues.  The core of the team played for the Bidayo's for twenty-plus years.  Vince & Betty Kadich and Jim and Judy Wadas were loyal assistant coaches to Ron. When Chrissy Londos, the oldest player on the team, turned eighteen, Ron entered them in the highly competitive women’s leagues at Blue Island, Calumet Park, Calumet City, Oak Lawn, Crestwood, and Alsip. Around this time, the Bidayos’s pitcher left the team. Ron had been training his daughter, Sheryl, to pitch. He set up milk crates on the sidewalk and had her practice hitting the milk crates for inside and outside strikes. Once Sheryl joined the team, she remained their pitcher for twenty-five years. The Bidayos played in leagues and tournaments all over Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Ron wanted to compete against Rose & Crown and the Angels  (both HOF honored teams) because in his words " you have to play the best to be the best." All of this paid off for the team because they became the dominant women’s softball team in the Chicago land area from the late 80's thru 90's. " Offense wins games but defense wins championships." This quote appeared on the back of one of the Bidayos jerseys.  Its message propelled the Bidayos into the finals of many tournaments through the 80s and 90s and into 2000s. Ron had an unbelievable amount of dedication and patience to coach such a diverse group of young ladies. He was a master at shuffling lineups, making key defensive/offensive changes and keeping the whole team grounded as they began to realize how well they could play the game of softball as a team. Over the course of the Bidayos’ reign over women’s softball, they won ten league titles, the Grant Park Tournament seven times, and won fifteen tournaments, including the prestigious ASA and USSSA Metro titles. Although players have retired, their years spent together in competition and their willingness to work together have created lifelong friendships. The respect each Bidayo player has for Ron and for their coaches and opponents reflects their dedication and determination to honor the game of sixteen-inch softball. Bidayo core players include, Laurie Hurry, Sheryl Hurry, Chrissy Londos, Rosie Geraci (HOF), Coni Treantafales,  Monica Skrowronski (HOF),  Kim Panozzo (HOF),  Renee Strasser (HOF), Allison Bernier, Erin Maloney , Laura Rucinski, Julie Ruscinski, Angie Opel, Nancy Kickert, Sue Hyzny and Laura Wadas The Bidayos thank Ron for his guidance, knowledge, self-sacrifice and support throughout the years.  Without him, they would never have achieved this great honor.

	Bidayo Players Throughout the Years
	Adams-Annolino		Linda	Nelson
Ruth	Aider		Angie	Opel
Denise	Amraen		*Kim	Panozzo
Michelle	Bernier		Elisa	Pereiro
Kym	Campin		Karen	Rook
Lisa	Chibe		Allison	Roth-Bernier
Ruthie	Eiker		Laura	Rucinski
Julie	Folliard		Julie	Rucinski
*Rosie	Geraci		Barb	Schaaf
Linda	Gruchot		Gwen	Seputis
Sheryl	Hurry		Mary Ellen	Shermulis
Laurie	Hurry		*Monica	Skrowronski
Sue	Hyzny-Miller		Debbie	Stolfe
Marie	Jordan		*Renee	Strasser
Cyndy	Kadich-Huntrods		Cheryl	Szurgot
Laura	Kane		Ann	Thatcher
Nancy	Kickert-Geldean		Nancy	Thrasher
*Betty	Kollar		Coni	Treantafeles
*Chick	Lillis		Connie	Varga
Chrissy	Londos-Lombardino		Laura	Wadas
Erin	Maloney		Laura	Wadzuma
Lynn	Monair		Jenna	Weller
Laura	Morrow		Sandi	White
Pat	Murphy		Gloria	Zager
Amy	Nebel		Rhonda	Bolda

 

B’ Athletes

The B’ Athletes softball team was formed in the Fall of 1992 as an alternative to the negative influences experienced in the neighborhoods where the players lived.  The team was comprised of baseball, basketball, football, and track stars from high school and college. For many years, the team played in parks on the South and West Sides of Chicago. Eventually, they became a more experienced team and ventured farther south and west in Chicago and to the suburbs to play in more competitive leagues and tournaments. They took their lumps by playing against stiffer competition, but the exposure to semi-pro softball teams and players improved their play and confidence.  They became one of the top black sixteen-inch softball teams in the country and they qualified to play in many national championship tournaments. In 1999, they placed fifth in the ASA Major Nationals in Marshalltown, Iowa. The B’ Athletes were the first team to win the Mike Royko Tournament in Grant Park. They received numerous invitations to play in the No-Glove Nationals at Forest Park and in the televised pro league at Forest Park. They won the Claude Rhodes Tournament and won titles at Blue Island, Garfield Park, Hamilton Park, Ogden Park, and Washington Park. Through their history, Hall of Fame players Randy “Stretch” Lee, Michael Lee, Clayton Jones, Mike Coleman, Ken “Chicken” Hairston, Austin “Spider Ware and Hall of Fame managers Sherman Martin, Jr. and Floyd Glover wore the B’Athlete colors. B/Athletes Roster

Javon Austin	Freddie Hopkins	Michael McToy
Dorian Bolton	Anthony Jackson	Michael Price
Howard Bowling	Cody Jackson	James Rodgers
Vernon Cade	Garland Jackson	Walter Rodgers
Carl Carter	Renard Jackson	John Smith
* Michael Coleman	* Clayton Jones	Cornelius Spencer
Percy Coleman	Eric Jones	Keith Stallings
Michael Colvan	Ernest Jones	Darren Stewart
James Daniels	* Michael Lee	Pierre Walker
Curtis Durns	* Randy Lee	* Austin Ware
Nathaniel Earley	Westley Lee	Raymond Warren
Randy Ellis	Ricardo Ligon	Tracy Watkins
* Floyd Glover	Ron Mack	William Weatherspoon
* Ken Hairston	Marvin Martin, Jr.	Michael Webb
Michael Hamilton	Maurice Martin, Sr.	Leroy White
Robbie Harris	* Sherman Martin, Jr.	Jeffrey Henry
Gregory McGinnis

* denotes Hall of Fame member

Bandits

The Bandits were formed in 1976 in Washington Park with players from the Citywide Post Office League. They played in the More Softball League, sponsored by Budweiser Beer, which had 26 teams participating. In their first year they played for the championship, and the following season were undefeated in 22 games to win the championship. This was just the beginning of a successful 22 year history in 16” softball in and around Chicagoland. They also competed in the strong Mt. Prospect and Blue Island leagues, memorably beating both the Whips and the Torch teams in a double header one night in Blue Island in the 80’s. Along with winning championships in Washington Park, they were champions in Tuley, Hamilton and Grand Crossing Parks. They also won against top teams (Flashes, Safari, Wild Bunch, Gambles and Posse) in the Cocktail League tournaments.. In a qualifying tournament played in Washington Park where close to 50 teams were playing, they beat a strong Flamingo (HOF) team to earn a spot in Marshalltown, Iowa. Competing in National Championship Playoffs in Blue Island and in Marshalltown Iowa, the Bandits were consistent winners over their 22 year wining history with a core roster. Over the years they also had 17 players and coaches that participated with the Bandits honored by the Hall of Fame. These players showed great passion for Chicago 16” Softball, earning this recognition as players, managers, coaches, organizers and umpires. The Bandits alumni roster includes: Brian Bennett, Calvin Jackson (HOF), Coty Jackson, Adell Copeland, Eugene Thompson, Vernon Cade, Leroy White, Edward Porter, Howard Blakeley (HOF), Glenn Howard, Robert Thompson, Charles Thompson, Sylvester Thompson, Jesse Mack (HOF), Larry McKinsey, Tremel Adams, Gabe Bridges, Marvin Woods, Joe Hickman, Rick Monday (HOF), William Johnson (HOF), Dwain Spivey, Tyrone Lee, Larry Washington (HOF), Sherman Nelson (HOF), Vincent Sterling, Gerald Dillard, Austin Ware (HOF), Tom Jackson, Phillip Williams (HOF), Thornton Lee (HOF), Lonnie Brigham, Emeral Smith, Edward Thompson, Gene Gray, Keith Haywood, Rodney Carew, Donald Sanders, Ron Mack, Floyd Glover (HOF), Monroe Banks, Larry Dantlly (HOF), Jerry Bausley, Eric Smith, James Melton (HOF), Nathaniel Peete, Leonard Cary, Pablo Adams, James Thompson, Willie Watson, Larry Stamps, John Frencher, Fish Talley, Henry Currie (HOF), Raymond Johnson (HOF), Hank Kemp (HOF), Willie Poole Kemp (HOF), Sam Taylor (HOF), Saul Hall, Charles Kline and Big Juice.

Blues

Sal Vasta (HOF), founder and manager of the Blues softball team, was introduced to 16-inch softball in 1969 on Chicago’s Northwest Side through the CYO program. His involvement in the program made him realize the unity of playing Chicago’s great game. He began the Blues softball team in 1969, playing in various parks around Chicago. Year after year they honed their skills until they eventually made it into the “A” and Major leagues of softball.

The Blues won numerous league championships at Wells Park, Paul Revere Park, Portage Park, Indian Boundary Park, Addison Park District, Villa Park, Clyde Park, James Park, Clarendon Park and in the Mt. Prospect Champions League. The Blues played over four decades with over one hundred different players. During the 1970s, the Blues had a North Team that played at Clarendon Park and a South team that played at Kelly Park. Both teams won numerous tournaments and games.

They retooled each year and kept improving. The Blues finished in several Final Fours in the ASA and USSSA National Tournaments. The team’s hard work paid off in 1989 when they won the USSSA World Tournament. From 1969 thru 1994, The Blues won over fifteen hundred games and numerous tournaments at the league, metro, state and national levels, including league titles at Mt. Greenwood, New Castle and Mather Parks.

In 1994, the Blues entered into a sponsorship with Hollywood Casino. That year they won the 1994 ASA National Tournament. In 1995, many Blues team members played with, and their new sponsor, Doll House won the 1995 No Glove Forest Park Nationals. In 1996, a nucleus of Blues players won the Grant Park Classic playing as Sports Channel.

It would be difficult to mention all of the players that have contributed to the Blues Softball team over those twenty-seven years. There are sixteen former players and coaches that are presently in the 16 – inch Softball Hall of Fame more will certainly be added in the future.

16 - inch softball was a great part of Sal Vasta’s life and the lives of his Blues teammates. Their twenty-seven year partnership generated many great friendships. Above all else, the Blues teams were always competitive and champions at heart.

Team Members

Front Row: Carl Maniscalco, Cesar Milan, Jack Maniscalco, Sal Vasta,Anthony Maniscalco, Jeff Dohnal, Bob Lopez, Bobby Lopez,

Back Row - Len Nuzzo, Angelo Alesia, Steve Avino, Jimmy Devito, Jim Matlock, Bob Prenner, Dan Coco, Gary Maiorano

Team Bobcats

The Bobcats are considered one of if not the best team in 16 Inch softball history. A mixture of power, great hitters and defense. Widely known in softball lore, their era was from 1951 to 1980. Led by Hall of Fame pitcher Ed Zolna they won more events than we have room for…but the key was a record 12 ASA National titles in 64, 65, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 76, 77, 78, 79, and 1980. During that span were also runner ups in 67, 68, and 69. They also won the Forest Park tourney in 74, 76, and 78. Other Hall of Fame stars that played for the Bobcats were Willie Simpson, Al Cech, Mike Moreno, Frank Lentine, Willie Frencl, Ron Olesiak, Bob Garippo, Bob Warnock, Bob Lamont, Joe Gucwa, Ray Topolski, Mike Tallo, Jake Jacobi, Andrew Karkoska, and Steve Postran.

Team The Bruins

The Buffalo Grove Bruins were the first northwest suburban powerhouse and enjoyed great success from 1969 thru 1974. The Bruins won two Illinois State Championships, 1973 and 1974. They were runner-up in 1971 and 1979. The Bruins won two Chicago ASA Metro titles in 1972 and 73. The Bruins played in 2 ASA National tournaments and finished 4th both times. 1973 was the Bruins best year with a record 81-7, which included two league titles and seven tournament championships. In 1972 and 73, the Bruins traveled to Santa Clara, CA and won the Mission Bell Classic both years against 16" and 12" teams. The best in the west. In 1975, Bob and son, Scott, formed the Jr. Bruins, a team comprised of Scott's teammates that played varsity baseball at Buffalo Grove HS. The Jr. Bruins played in the eighteen and under ASA twelve-inch SP program. From 1975 to 1979, the Jr. Bruins were ASA State champs and were two-time ASA National champions. The Bruins 16" team was back in 1979 and played a limited schedule. The Bruins played in one league each year and in tournaments. They played in three USSSA World Tournaments, in 1982 (third place), 83, and 84 (fourth place). Throughout the years, the Bruins 16" team won 16 league titles and 21 tournament championships in seven states and played until 1986. God bless the Bruins! 1969-1986 , Record 685-93 , Bob Campbell Player/Manager "Ambassadors of the Game"

Team BudTakers

If you played big time softball during the 1980s, odds are you played the Takers at various times during your season. And win or lose, you probably gained a deep respect for the type of softball they played. Like the Stooges and Taggers and a dozen other teams that were competitive but not always championship teams, the Takers battled every team they played with a passionate intensity , despite their record or reputation. Playing out of Oak Park, the Takers were named for an early sponsor, the P.M. Smith Funeral Home. They started playing as an eighth grade team coached by Frank Zepf of the Oak Park Park District. They won their league and then traveled to Riis Park and dominated a youth tournament there. They then moved to the Oak Park High School League, winning the championship three of four years. Once they graduated to the men’s league and established themselves as Oak Park’s dominant team, they flexed their muscles, gained confidence, and entered tournaments around the Chicago area. As the team evolved, they picked up top players and a variety of different sponsors, including Rex Bradley, Louisville Sluggers, Jim Taylor, and the Home Town Distributors. “In the early ‘80s we started playing major ball,"says Rich “Chubbs” Polfus, a founding member of the Takers. With their reputation firmly intact, they played everywhere during those exciting years of softball. While they lost most of the big games they played, they always played tough and occasionally scored a few upsets. Besides winning five Oak Park titles, Polfus and the Takers also won championships at Portage, Amundsen, Hamlin, Kosciuszko, and Clarendon Parks, beating such top teams as Fusion, the Aces, Rocks, the Scorpions, Jets, and the Fielders. In 1983 they won the Hamlin League title and playoffs. Around that time they also won the Forest Park “A” title with veteran pitcher Tomm Thompson. While playing in the suburbs was great, the Takers were drawn to playing in Chicago by stories from veteran players Frank Lentine and Jim Giblin who told of the pride of the neighborhood game and defending your home field. Also, many of the top players were on different teams and the Takers wanted to compete against them. As a testimony to their competitiveness, they lost to the legendary Whips at least fifteen times and only beat them once but managed to score ten runs against them at least ten times. In a 1981 Forest Park game against powerhouse Otto’s, it took a late inning homerun by Hall of Famer Paul Brezinski to beat them. In 1983 they were banging homeruns over the fences at the World Series in Bridgeview, before they were moved to an open field to neutralize their power. They never got a chance to play for the championship,however, because rain shortened the tournament. Three years later they would place fifth, their best finish, in the USSSA National Tournament. In 1992 they won the USSSA 14, title in Independence, Missouri. The Takers ended their playing days with the assurance that they earned the respect of softball players because of the passion and skill they brought to the field during every inning they played.

Butch McGuires

If you were a softball player or simply a young person growing up in the 1960s and early 1970s, you had probably heard of Butch McGuire’s. Softball players knew of McGuire’s as a powerful team not to be taken lightly; non-players knew of it as one of the best bars of its time. Managed by Hall of Famer Jack “Whitey” Johnson, McGuire’s had one of the quickest outfields with arms to match. Tom Cline, Al Cleve, John Paslowski, Don Hakes, Jordy Goldstein, Jim Enright, and Tom Fuller handled the outfield duties while Father Gene Smith, Jack Sweiger, Chuck Radtke, Hall of Famer Bob Hobson, Jack Johnson, Nate Cole, Bob Berstein, Farrel Bolonick, Hall of Famer Matt Dosen, Murry Yanger, and John Cavanaugh took care of the infield with their great hands and strong arms. Frank “Tuna” Winston, Tim McNamara, and Clarence “Lip” Lipnick pitched McGuire’s to championships in and around Chicago during their nearly twenty year tenure on the diamonds of Chicagoland. Great teams have excellent defense and timely hitting, and Butch McGuire’s was no exception. They combined hitting with speed, power, and brains as key threats. They used hitting and defense to win titles at South Shore, Ridge, and Bensley Parks three times; they were 19th Ward champs twice and won the title at Halloran Park once, but their longest string of titles occurred at Lake Shore Park where they won the title six times. In addition, they won titles at the Evanston Tournament, at Cornel Park, and at the prestigious Labor Day Tournament. Like many great teams, they credit their success to playing with the same guys in top parks around the city. They also had one of the best sponsors in Butch McGuire where they trained early and learned the game well. The post-game activities were also top notch with most of the players going out to have fun after the game but still managing to go to work the next day. The guys of Butch McGuire’s have lost some speed and have gotten older, but they still hang out and have “one more for the team.” Schreiber Tom Blakely Tom Lentine Tom Madden Tommy Duff Tommy Thompson Tony Decanio Tony Tondelli Tony Trofimuck Vinnie Barrone Wayne Hoffman Zack Soyia

Carpet Country

It was the fall of 1991.  Another softball season had just come to an end.  While most people were taking a few months to get reacquainted with family and settle back into a more “normal” life without softball, Tim Walker was restless.  His Philly Bar and Grill team had just completed a disappointing finish to the season at Nationals, as did all of the Iowa teams.  Tim and teammate/friend Brad Van Meter were looking for a “better” fit.  They started brainstorming in Walker’s basement coming up with names and making phone calls to guys they wanted to play with, guys who they felt could be compatible off and on the field. By November they had put something together.  It included guys from The Skatetown Rollers, Krantmans and their Philly Bar and Grill team. They secured sponsorship from Dan Stalzer, who owned a number of flooring stores throughout Iowa, and by December of that year, the Carpet Country Rollers were born.   From the beginning this team got along splendidly.  Walker hosted several pre season parties at his home so that the team could get to know one another and formulate a philosophy that they would carry into the season.   That 1992 season saw the team have mixed success on the field early.  There were some great wins and some frustrating losses, but through all that the team remained unified.  There was a huge tournament championship win in LaCrosse over the Eastsider’s in which the team breezed through it undefeated. That year culminated with a second place finish at the state tournament, which was highlighted by a huge comeback in the finals to force an “if” game, only to lose to the Graphic Edge 3-2.  The team was not able to attend the National tournament that year as it was held in Arizona and many of the team had already headed back to school for their final year of college.   1993 saw some additions and subtractions.  Once again, the team had a year of ups and downs but headed into the Nationals in Marshalltown with much optimism.  That was deflated in the first round with a sound 17-1 thumping at the hands of the Miller Taggers.  The team rebounded to win their next game which set up a showdown with the defending National Champion, Splinters Sports Club.  From the beginning it was a back and forth battle, played in front of one of the largest crowds the Marshalltown Softball Complex had ever seen.  The game included Carpet Country LF Red Van Cleave climbing to the top of the fence to take away a HR from the legendary Jack Kelly. To this day it is one of the greatest catches in the history of that complex.  The game went to the bottom of the seventh with Carpet Country trailing by two runs.  Red Van Cleave led off the inning with a walk, Tim Walker followed with two run home run that hit three quarters of the way up the light pole, estimated to have traveled close to three hundred feet.  Marty Freese followed with a double and after they walked Brian Keeney to set up a force out, Brad Van Meter hit the game winning homerun.  That game served as a spring board as the team went on to finish fourth, finally losing to Bobby Russ Sr’s ICE team, led by Pat Caputo.   Going into the 1994 season, the team made a few more changes to the roster in an effort to improve on their fourth place finish at Nationals.  Brian Preston and Scott Goecke were added and brought a new attitude along with a very aggressive base running style that was contagious throughout the lineup.  The team enjoyed a very successful league and tournament schedule and headed into the National tournament at Mt Prospect with high expectations.  Once again they finished fourth, only this time it was on foreign soil, so it was viewed as another major success.  It was in this year that the team also began to form many friendships with their rivals from the east.  Friendships that to this day still exist.   After the ’94 season the team got together and it was decided that they needed to add some speed and defensive help in the outfield.  At that meeting it was decided that they would add former Iowa Hawkeye CF Jay Polson, veteran Rick Barnes from the H & J’s HItmen.  These two proved to be very valuable additions early in 1995 as the team got off to a red-hot start, winning the first three “major” tournaments in Iowa.  The team headed into the Iowa state tournament feeling like they were the team to beat.  It was not to be though because the team lost a hard fought winners bracket final to their arch rival The Graphic Edge, then were upset in the loser’s bracket by H & F Distributing, leaving the team with a third place finish.  While disappointed, the team did not waver from their goal to win the Nationals.  The rallied two weeks later and won the fourteen-inch inch state tournament, their fifth in a row, and were now poised to make a serious run at Nationals in Mt. Prospect.   Labor Day weekend had finally arrived.  The National tournament at Mt Prospect was a spectacle to behold and Carpet Country wasted no time in their quest to grab the elusive sixteen-inch championship.  They won their first two rounds of games, setting up a matchup with Thee Dollhouse.  Carpet Country trailed early but rallied to earn a hard fought one run victory that catapulted them into the winner’s bracket final against Primetime.  Primetime came out smoking with Curtis Uidel delivering the big blow - a three run homer into the left center field bleachers.  Carpet Country would later fall to Primetime, which set a rematch with Thee Dollhouse.  This turned out to be a classic with the teams going back and forth rallying from deficits to take the lead.  Rick Barnes was fantastic with a 5 – 5 performance including an inside the park HR that gave the Rollers the lead for good and they held on for a 15-14 victory.  Next up, the National Championship game against Prime Time.   Playing in the finals at Nationals was a dream come true for many members of the Carpet Country softball team.  In their youth they had watched the greats of the game come through Marshalltown when the Nationals were held there.  They grew up in the game trying to emulate their style of play, walking in the box, cutting or dumping, going the other way and moving runners.  Now they had the chance to show what they had learned to a capacity crowd.   The first game was pretty much controlled by the Rollers from the outset as they never trailed and scored a victory setting up the “if” game.  The bats that were so hot in the games against Hollywood Casino and Primetime in the first game, had gone silent.  Eggs Czarnick seemed to have figured out a way to shut the lineup that had hit so well all weekend down.  Primetime held a commanding 5-2 lead heading into the top of the seventh.  The first two hitters were retired and the Rollers were down to their final out.  The dream seemed as if it were about to come to an end.  But the Rollers still had one out.  Brian Keeney was next up. He tripled into the right center field gap.  Brad Van Meter singled to right scoring Keeney.  5-3. Mike McCune doubled scoring pinch runner Tim Jennings. Ricky Barnes then singled off the first basemen’s mitt scoring McCune and tying the game!  Greg Van Cleave followed with another single moving Barnes to second.  LF Craig Hughes then hit what appeared to be a routine ground ball to first but he hustled all the way down the line and was called safe. Meanwhile Barnes was running hard all the way. He rounded third and headed for home with the go ahead run.  The throw came from first as Barnes collided with the catcher as he crossed home plate, SAFE.  The impossible had happened.  The Rollers had rallied from being down three with no one on and two out to take the lead.  Prime Time was retired in order in the bottom of the seventh and history was made.   The team played the following year under new Sponsorship and were called the Electric Company.  They finished a disappointing seventh at Nationals in Marshalltown that year.  After that the team fractured off into different teams with many of the players going on to play significant roles with Grand Slam, Walkers Garage, Stovers, Drink, Monsoon and the Old Timer Tavern.   Members of the team were, Brian Preston, Mike McCune, Marty Freese, Scott Goecke, Brad Van Meter, Tim Walker, Kirk Huehn, Craig Hughes, Greg Van Cleave, Brian Keeney, Jay Polson, Rick Barnes, Tim Jennings and Gary Wignall.   McCune, Freese, Van Meter, Walker, Van Cleave, Polson and Wignall are all members of the Iowa ASA 16 inch Hall of Fame. Walker and Huehn continue to play to this day.    

Team Chicago Daily News

In 1970, Chicago Daily News reporter Don DeBat tacked a note on the newsroom bulletin board asking if anyone was interested in playing 16-inch softball just for fun. That same day, Mike Royko, the paper’s Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, put his hand on DeBat’s shoulder and said: “Lad, I understand you are starting a softball team. Here’s how we’ll do it.” CHICAGO DAILY NEWS TEAM (1970-1977) With future Media Hall of Famers Royko as manager and DeBat as captain, in its first season the Daily News recruited staffers Bob Billings, Bill Jauss, John Nocita and others and played exhibition games against the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Today and Lerner Newspapers. Besides recruiting these players to start the team, the Daily News team also looked for a sponsor. And what better sponsor could a team filled with media types have than the legendary Billy Goat Tavern? The Billy Goat has sponsored the team for each of its thirtyseven memorable years. Royko reminisced about playing for the Blue Sky Lounge, his father’s saloon softball team,and in 1971 he urged DeBat to organize the Media Softball League, comprised mostly of teams from the daily newspapers, TV and radio stations. The Daily News played a full schedule on Sunday mornings in Lincoln Park for the next three years. Most of the players were staffers, including future Media Hall of Famer Tim Weigel, who made a memorable catch sliding into the Thillens Stadium fence face first in his debut game. In 1973 and 1974, the Daily News won consecutive Media League championships and participated in tournaments and exhibitions. Between 1974 and 1977, the team also played in the Grant Park Industrial League. In 1975, the Daily News won a Grant Park championship, ran off eighteen wins in a row and ended the season in the Tournament of Champions final with a tough 15-12 loss to Environmental Control. With the addition of “Royko’s Legmen,”future Hall of Famers Tom Bonen and Gil Muratori”along with stars Don Garbarino, Clark Bell, Ken Gilard, Jerry Jess, Mike Skowronski, Paul Sortal, Dean Karouzos and Moe Hines, the Daily News posted an overall record of 22-6 record while participating in several Winston “A” Tournaments. The team also played charity games and exhibitions games against world-class teams such as the Bobcats, American Rivet/Sobies, ERV-Strikers, Marauders and Silver Streaks. In 1976, the Daily News beat such top teams as the Warriors in the Mather Park “A” League, and Royko broke his leg in a game, got two hits and continued to play. Another memorable event in team history occurred that year when Royko filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Park District to halt the proposed use of fielder’s gloves in Grant Park’s 16-inch softball leagues and won. Over six years of Chicago Park District Industrial League competition, the team posted a 90-30 record. In 1977, the final season before the Daily News closed, the team played in the Portage Park “B” League against such competition as the Aces, Jokers, Rascals, Alley and Lickers. Over eight seasons, the Daily News record was 133-70 in leagues, tournaments and exhibition games against some of the toughest competition in the Windy City. With the Daily News out of business, DeBat, Jess, Karouzos and several other players formed a Saloon League team at Oz Park in 1978 and won a championship. In 1997, a Daily News Reunion Game was organized by DeBat, and more than twenty-five players from the original team came out for the festivities. Now in his early 60s, Royko pitched and got a base hit even though he hadn’t played in fifteen years. In 1998, less than a year later, Royko passed away. CHICAGO SUN-TIMES TEAM (1979-2007) In 1979, Mike Royko, Don DeBat and other staffers moved to the Chicago Sun-Times, and re-launched the team. Over the next twenty-eight years, the Sun- Times softball team would go on to win more than twenty league championships and several major tournaments. In 1979, after winning eighteen games in a row in the Grant Park Industrial League, the Sun-Times met the CTAin the Tournament of Champions finals and lost 10-7 as Mayor Jane Byrne and husband, Jay McMullen, a Sun-Times reporter, cheered for the CTA. This fine championship team included such Sun-Times staffers as Bob Gorzynski, John Nocita, Clark Bell, Herb Gould, Jim Warren, Dan Gorman and Al Hansen, plus a host of Royko Legmen,Dave and Paul Sortal, Don Garbarino, Sam Gendusa, Steve Loh, Len Cudzilo and Dean Karouzos. In the early 1980s, “Royko’s Raiders,” the Sun- Times Saloon League team, played with the “juiced” ball in the Clarendon Park “B” league against teams such as the Jets, Rox, Scorpions, Hitmen and Alley. In 1983, Royko retired from softball at age 50 to become a columnist for the Chicago Tribune. In the decade of the 1980s and early 1990s, the Sun-Times team, led by player/manager Don DeBat, was a powerhouse in the Grant Park League with such stars as Dan Cahill (Media Hall of Famer), Steve Kus, Glenn Placek, Rob Placek, “AA” pitcher Tommy (Bomber) Horn and two-time Hall of Fame player Al Placek (Playboys), Roger Franzek, Bob Gorzynski, Tony Dudek, David Southwell, Larry Comstock, Mark Masterson, John Nocita, Phil Velasquez, Big John Meyers, John Unhock and many others. In the 1990s Grant Park became an Open Saloon League, and the Sun-Times team emerged as a major tournament force. The DeBat managed team won the World’s Largest Softball Tournament, the Old Style Chicago Classic, in 1993. In 1995, sports reporter David Southwell took over as captain and led a revamped team to another Chicago Classic championship, this time sponsored by Miller Lite. Tommy Horn broke a tie in the seventh inning with a grand slam in the final. As player/manager, Southwell led the team to seven championships until 2004, when advertising executive Bill Wossow took over the league team and Bob Egan ran the tournaments. Since 1995 the Sun-Times won nine championships including two Grant Park Tournament of Champions titles, four Mike Royko Memorial Tournament championships, one Chicago Classic championship, and two league titles at Grant Park. The team qualified for the league playoffs every year and never placed lower than fourth place in the Chicago Classic.

Team Commonwealth Edison

Sixteen-inch softball has always been a game that cut across racial, cultural and socioeconomic barriers. What mattered most was how you played the game. During its twenty-seven years together, the Commonwealth Edison corporate team stood as a shining example of this trait. It was a team comprised of office workers, electricians, meter readers, union employees and management employees that bonded into a championship team that dominated the Grant Park Industrial League in legendary proportion. Grant Park, on Chicago’s lakefront, is home to one of the country’s largest softball leagues. On Monday through Friday nights during the summer months, its sixteen diamonds are home to competition among the approximately 320 company teams that are divided into forty leagues. At the end of the season the forty league champions face off in a single elimination Tournament of Champions to determine the “Best of the Best.” The Edison team played together for over twenty years and had accumulated numerous league championships but had never won the Grant Park title. The trend was reversed, however, in 1990 when they defeated First Chicago 9-3. The next year their quest to repeat as “Best of the Best” (a feat that had never been accomplished) began in dramatic fashion with ABC Channel 7’s Janet Davies and a television crew chronicling their efforts. They swept through the competition during the preliminary games before defeating Northern Trust Bank 14- 11 in dramatic fashion for the championship. The thirty-minute television program aired in late August and featured highlights and interviews with players, coaches and wives. The show successfully captured the pressure of winning back-to-back championships. The next year they defeated CNA Insurance 5-3 and beat People’s Gas 8-7 in 1993, compiling a remarkable stretch of four consecutive titles in the Tournament of Champions. Their streak ended in 1994, but they bounced back in 1995 when they defeated Northern Trust Bank 10-4 for an unprecedented fifth championship in six seasons. Winning the title in an industrial league was impressive, but to repeat in a tournament where the “big guns” played was another story, so Commonwealth Edison entered the inaugural Old Style Classic Tournament in 1992. Billed as the world’s largest 16" softball tournament with 152 teams, Edison went undefeated through the preliminary games before defeating Traffic 6-4 for the championship. Besides the glory of hoisting the trophy, each team member also won trips to Cancun, Mexico and assorted other prizes, such as portable telephones, Cubs tickets and trophies. Team members (and residents of Cancun) will long remember the October 1992 trip to that warm destination. Besides playing at Grant Park, Edison also played in the corporate tournament at Gordon Park in LaGrange. They won the league title for three consecutive years (an unprecedented feat), defeating such teams as Molex, People’s Gas and the Chicago Sun Times. Like many great teams that played together for years, Commonwealth Edison went through personnel changes but always maintained a nucleus of strong players who consistently competed at the highest levels. The fun and camaraderie on the field was equaled by the end of the year team parties where awards were presented and memories were made, memories that will always remind the players and spouses of all the practices, games and great competitors they faced along the way. Phil Williams, Jim Murphy, Dave Ganir, Steve Alexander, Bob Giza, Tony Nevarrez, Willie Alicea, Raul Gonzalez, Mike Niedziela, Mike Andler, Wally Gniady, Stu North, Al Armstrong, Duryea Haralson, John O'Donahue, Wally Bass, Tim Hayes, Phil Polansky, Dave Batinich, Roy Henderson, Tom Polewski, Mike Bennett, Bill Hogarth, Jose Prado, Dave Blazek, Dale Hopkins, Demetre Rials, Bob Bridges, Andy Jungblut, Bob Ryan, Bill Buckley, Gary Kalinsky, Al Sakanis, Mike Carravia, Leo Kelly, Dale Senensky, Rich Carlson, Larry Keslinke, Bob Sarritella, Jim Casey, Len Koelper, Tony Sodoro, Luis Castro, Jerry Lannon, Drew Steinbach, Bill Cavanaugh, Dan Leahy, Jim Swanson, Mike Coleman, Sam Lomonaco, Nate Thurnhoffer, Mike Crews, Bill Lythberg, Nick Tryfonopoulos, Rafael Cuesta, Mike Lopez, Art Tucker, Bob Dapisa, Rick Machain, Manny Villarubia, Tony Decero, Kevin Manson, Andy Wallace, Bob Dion, Mike Mareno, Wilbert Ward, Mike Duba, Ed Mantel, Bill Waver, John Dyer, Wealthy Mobley, Randy Weeda, Jim Evans, Patrick Moran, Chuck Welch, John Folden, Ivan Moreno, Jim Wiggins, Jim Gamble, Greg Morris, Dwight Williams, Ray Geary, John Murphy, Chris Winberg, Bob Geist, Bob McRae, Tim Witkowski, Paul Gianfrancisco, Bill McKinney, Chris Zyla

Team Continental Bank

In the 1950s, Continental Bank played in the Banker's league, competing against   top banks around the Chicago-area.   The league ended play in1959. That year First Chicago defeated Continental in the championship game to earn their first spot in the Grant Park Tournament of Champions. That year they took third place out of thirty-two teams.  In 1964 they won the tournament and in 1967 captured fourth place. From 1968 through 1974, Continental won the tournament seven consecutive years.  They also played in the Grant Park Industrial League, compiling a record of 126 wins and 6 losses, including league and tournament games. In 1971, they qualified to play in the national tournament in St. Louis. They finished seventh overall with a record of three wins and two losses, losing only to the Bobcats and Sobies.

Team Crush

Crush started out in 1978 when a bunch of high-school friends put together a team and started competing at McGuane Park. In 1979 and '80 they won the 18 and under title at McGuane. The next year they played in the Donovan Park Open League, made the playoffs, and then took second to the Stickmen the next year.  Mick Balestri joined the team in 1982 and brought five players from DiFoggio Softball to create a Crush team that was ready to play at more competitive levels. In 1983 they beat the Stickmen to win the title at Donovan Park. In 1985 they won the inaugural Henry Murillo, Jr. Tournament at Mount Greenwood and went to their first USSSA State Tournament, finishing second to the Taggers. The next year they took third at the ASA Nationals in Iowa City and won the Blue Island Class "A" League with a 17-0 record.  In 1987 they were ranked number one by the Sun Times and won what was their greatest tournament victory when they won the prestigious Budweiser Metro Park District Tournament. This tournament featured 116 teams. Crush beat the Safari Tigers 4-1 in the televised championship game.  The team finished that season with an 80-20 record with six tournament championships.   In their thirty-three year history, Crush has racked up an impressive record. They won titles in the Kelly Park USSSA Major league three times and in the Clyde Park Super 'A' League six times, as well as over 30 league and tournament championships at Armour Park, Boyce Park, Donovan Park, McGuane Park and Normandy Park. They placed in the top ten at the Forest Park No-Glove Nationals four times (5th in 1999, 6th in 2000, 2nd in 2001 and 5th in 2008).  The Crush played in over 20 ASA State Tournaments with a 3rd place finish in 1991 and a 2nd place finish in 1999 and were top ten finishers at the ASA Nationals thirteen times, including National Runner-up six times (1988, 1990, 1997, 2001, 2006 and 2008). They finished five times in the top seven at the NSA World Series. They took third twice in the USSSA "Major" Division and won the first and last USSSA "A" titles (1989 and 1995).  In addition to being a competitive team, they also contributed to the softball community by running the Jimbo's Crush Spring Classic tournament for 18 years in Bridgeport before moving the tournament to Clyde Park in 2008. Crush has been sponsored by Jimbo's Lounge, Studio 31, DiFoggio's Plumbing, Tito's, O.N.I.A.C, Hometown Distributors, Scoreboard Inn, Beginnings, McGaffer's, Garv Inn, Tapp City, Jose Cuervo and Top Notch.

People’s Choice

For many years, the Doran brothers, Rich, Jerry and John, and Vito Povilaitis of Mt. Greenwood were the nucleus of many youth baseball teams until they began their softball careers by assembling a softball team called the Trumbullies. They played at Mt. Greenwood in 1972 and 1973. Like many young teams, they weren’t as competitive as they hoped, so they set out to recruit new players. John Doran attended Western Illinois University and it was there in September of 1973 that he met Dave “Jake” Jacobson from Park Ridge. Jake suggested they form a union of top players from the North and South Sides of Chicago. Jake recruited top talent from the North Side with Tony Reibel (HOF), Derek Singleton, Bill Spicer and Ron Ziemann (HOF) of the Amalgamonsters. In 1974, they began competing as the People’s Choice.

Both Rich Doran and Sam Taylor of the Flamingos attended Chicago State University, where they were stars on the nationally ranked wrestling team. After Rich saw Sam on the intramural softball field, he knew he had to have him on People’s Choice! It took some time, but eventually Sam joined the team in 1976 and overnight the “Choice” became a force to be reckoned with now that they had one of the best 16 - inch softball players in the City of Chicago!

Sam Taylor also had a pipeline of talent that brought Drake Jones and Stanley Brown from the Flamingos and Odell Humphries into the fold in 1977. These players added to a solid nucleus that consisted of players from other teams: Gary Ringhofer, added in 1979 from the Condors, Angelo Moca (Tahoe), Rich Ladewig and Frank Mioni (Whips), Ron Peltz and Bob Steadman (Renegades), Tom Kevin, Joe Moms and Tom O’Malley.

John Doran landed their first sponsor: the Chicagoland Plumbing Council, a sponsorship that would last from 1976 to 1981. They would make Mt. Greenwood their home park. They would also be sponsored by Tally’s Pub in Ford City Shopping Center and Klehm Nurseries of Arlington Heights.

An integrated team, with a strong desire to win, People’s Choice played all over the city and suburbs and always fared well. Though not always welcomed wherever they went, they thrived on winning and being the enemy. They dominated Mt. Greenwood Park from 1974 to 1992. They won championships in three different decades (70’s, 80’s and 90’s) to go along with numerous championships in Mt. Greenwood. They also won league championships in Arlington Heights, Bensenville, Itasca, Mt. Prospect, Roselle, Schaumburg, Wood Dale and Hamlin Park. Other team highlights include:

1.1979- Record: 83-9

2.1980- Six players named as Mt. Greenwood All-Stars

3.1982- Won all four leagues in Mt. Greenwood (first grand slam in park history)

4.1982- Twelve players nominated for the All-Chicago All-Star Team

5.Won three of four league titles in Mt. Greenwood Park three times

6.Won the Mt. Greenwood Sunday League title fourteen times in a fifteen year stretch

Softball legends and future Hall of Famers Ron Ziemann, Benny Holt, Jack Kelly, Mark Frighetto, Ken Flaws, Steve Prostran and Ken Cooper all played with People’s Choice through the years when their schedules permitted. In 1992, the People’s Choice ended their years of competition by winning the league titles at Mt. Greenwood and Hamlin Parks.

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      

Deathwish

   

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.

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.

Team Eastsiders Softball

In 1976, John "Muggs" Mirabelli, a veteran softball player, decided to start a softball team to introduce his brothers, Gar and Todd, to the game. They started out as Little Ray's Bar, playing in leagues at Cal, Wolfe, and Bessemer Parks. After some success in 1976, Mirabelli brought in new players, expanded his goals, and changed the team name to the Eastsiders. They picked up Dan Crnjak, Tom Newman (HOF), Joe Somodi, Ed Borngraver and Ron Amazzalorso from the Huns. Dave Jesky, Chuck "Bosh" Milosavljevic Bob Pagorek (HOF), Matt Dosen, SR (HOF), Nick Hecimovich, Bill Miller, and John Kavanaugh also joined the team. (Kavanaugh also managed). With their newly stocked team, the Eastsiders played in leagues around the South side and south suburbs of Chicago. They also competed in every tournament they could get into. Not afraid to shy away from tough competition, the young Eastsiders competed against many "major" teams. In their first national appearance in 1980, they beat the tournament favorite Raiders and finished fifth in the tournament. After that they regularly battled such major teams the Whips, Touch, and Safari Tigers. They won the Blue Island Major League title in the mid-'80s against some great competition. They lost to the Whips by a run in the playoff championship. Success brought more great players. The Eastsiders soon developed a reputation as a great defensive team with a decent offense and as a team that would battle to the end. They continued to play major softball, winning league titles and championships throughout the Chicago area. In 1991 when the Whips disbanded, they picked-up Jim Lang, Jr. and Hall of Fame players Rich Ladewig, Dave Bischoff, Bob McClelland, and Randy Filkins. That year they won numerous leagues and tournaments but fell flat in the national in Kingman, Arizona. After 1998, with many players reaching their forties, they decided to compete in "A" tournaments and leagues. That year they combined with players from the Beverly area to form The Men From Uncle, named for "Uncle Pete" Crnjak (HOF), a long-time sponsor. They dominated "A" ball that year by winning a state and ASA National title at Joliet. Todd Mirabelli has managed this team and has managed the Eastsiders ever since, leading them to multiple titles at the Best of the Western Tournament and other tournaments. Much of the team's nucleus still competes with many sons playing along side their fathers. 2003-2010 the Eastsiders played in Hall of Famer Pat McGuire's Mann Park League winning all eight years. In 2011, for the first time since 1977, the Eastsiders did not compete, due to injuries and bad scheduling. But 2012 is a new year, so stay tuned for more Eastsiders softball! They would like to thank their long-term sponsors: Alderman Ed Vrdolyak, Uncle Pete Crnjak, Jim's Lakeside Inn, Spike's Lakeside Inn, T's Tap, O'Hara's Tavern, and Elmwood Chapel. Eastsiders Players Ron Amazzalorso Tim Kavanaugh Kevin Oost John Banach Ben Kokolowski Steve Ostoich Mark Benson Bobby Krauss Bob Pagorek, Sr. * Matt Biondic * Bill Kress Bob Pagorek, Jr. Steve Biondic Joe Krutilla John Pazlowski Dave Bischoff * Bob Kujawa Harry Peterson Ed Borngraver, Jr. Rich Ladewig * John Puchalski Bob Cundiff Jim Lang, Jr. Jim Puplava Luddy DeFlippo Al Lasowski Johnny Rogers Matt Dosen, Sr. * Pat Lindeman Larry Rosol Matt Dosen, Jr. Tim Lindeman Steve Ruzic Marty Dosen Fred Lorenzatti Jim Saggu John Esposito Paul Martens Tom Sandanoto Kevin Fanta John Marciniak Jim Sherlock Jim Farrell Joe Massina Dan Skipton Keith Filkins Bob McClelland * Pete Socci Randy Filkins * Tony Megaro Joe Somodi John Flowers Ron Michi Tonto Somodi John Furlan John Milanovich Mike Standley Bill Gleeson Steve Milanovich Robin Stanley Jay Gryzlak Bill Miller Scott Starcevich Terry Harris Chuck Milosauljevic Tom Stelmaszek Nick Hecimovich Gar Mirabelli Paul Stubich Tom Hendron John Mirabelli Brian Summers John Haase Mike Mirabelli John Tomaska Bob Hooper Todd Mirabelli Lee Tornicasa Jan Hrisinko Corey Newman Joe Tumpich Wayne Jazwierski Jeremy Newman John Tumpich Dave Jeskey Tom Newman * George Youkovich John Kavanaugh, Sr. Brian Nowakowski John Kavanaugh, Jr. Bob Oganovich * indicates Hall of Fame Inductee

Team Flames

The Flames are a North side team formed in 1974 out of Fireside Bowl by Tom Nagy. Thirty-six years later they are still together and still winning. They are a Chicago Park District team that played only at Chicago's neighborhood parks. On weekends, they entered various tournaments, mainly to win the prize money.  Over their thirty-five years, they have won more than 750 games and forty-five championships. Their record includes: championships at Horner Park, thirteen consecutive championships at Brand Park in the weekday leagues, and the Monday/Wednesday league title at Kosciusko Park three years straight. From 1997 to 2009 they won the Merrimac Park Friday league championship nine times. Flames softball was not only about winning. It was also about keeping it a family affair and having fun. Throughout the years, the Flames were sponsored by neighborhood bars - Oinkers, Red Door, Bob's Inn, the Family Bar, Dugan's and Wee Willy's. They could always be found at one of these bars after a game "replaying" the action.

Flamingoes

Great traditions often start with a simple mission and passion.  The Flamingos, a world famous African-American sixteen-inch softball team, believed this to be true when they sought out the best softball teams to play “anytime and anywhere.” Under the expert coaching and organizing of Percy Coleman, the Flamingos became such a force in softball on the South and West Sides of Chicago that they were barred from playing in many local leagues and tournaments, including the popular Southside Cocktail “Money” League. During their thirty-year span, the Flamingos became the first black team to win three major national world series tournaments – the 1978 ASA Wisconsin World Series at Racine, Wisconsin, the 1979 ASA World Series Metro Championship at Lou Boudreau Stadium and the 1990 USSSA World Series at Orland Park. In the 1990 championship, the Flamingos played California Gold in the first-ever national championship that featured two black teams playing for the title. Flamingo players have been named national tournament MVPs and have been named to numerous national all-tournament teams.  Many have been inducted into the Sixteen-inch Softball Hall of Fame. Row1:  Alvin "Doc" Robinzine, Ike Stratton, Lionel "Fish" Tally, John Hodges, Drake Jones, Sam Taylor, Angelo Mooring Row2:  Dwayne "Sonny Simms" Spivey, Larry "Lala" Washington (HOF), Al Scroupa, Willis Miles (HOF), Percy "Bobo" Coleman, Rick "Monday" Ligon (HOF), Wayne Jaskwerski Row3:  Billy "Sweet" Johnson (HOF), Monroe Banks, Randy Webb, Mike Brown, Robert "Lefty" Thomson, Andrew "Chin" Page, Carlos Hilliard, Miss Henrietta, Chip Holmes The Real Pioneers and the Flamingos Famous Alumni Papa "Joe" Stratton, Willie "B" Brown, Andrew "Rookie" Brown, and John "Lil John" White

	* Willie "Sweet" Johnson		Andrew "Chin" Page,		Gene “Geno” Gerald
	* Sam "Gilbo" Taylor		Carl "Carlos" Hilliard,		Roy Culter
	* Drake "DJ" Jones		Vincent "Vince" Sterling,		Norman Gordon
	* Larry "Lala" Washington		Robert "Bobby" Crosby,		Jimmy Weatherspoon
	* Dennis "Punchy" Wallace		Cleophus "Big Juice" Davis,		Joe Jackson
	* Steve Kirby		Mitch McCullough,		Danny Jackson
	* Anthony "Tony" Ward		Randy Webb,		Angelo Mooring
	* Vada "Buddha" Primous		Roland "Rock" Kemp,		Brian Bennet
	* Jessie Mack		Robert "Lefty" Johnson,		Cody Jackson
	* Willis Miles		Alphonso "Puncho" Davis,		Leory "Whitey" White
	* Sylvester “Vesmo” McKinnon		Jonnie Hodges		Howard "Sco" Blakley
	* Willie "Wicked" Poole		Dwayne "Sonny Simms" Spivey		Vernon Cade
	* Tom Bonen -		Edward "Lil Juice" Douglas,		Richard Hopkins
	* Ricardo "Rick Monday" Ligon		Andrew "Rookie" Johnson		Wayne Jaskwerski - RIP
	* Raymond Johnson		Papa "Joe" Stratton		Al Skorupa - RIP
	* Donnie Gardner		John "Lil John" White		Chip Holmes - RIP
	Percy "Bobo" Coleman		Mike Brown		Jerry Jones
	Alvin "Doc" Robinzine		Michael "Dyke" Johnson		* Clayton Jones
	Ralph "Dirty Harry" Love,		Ike "Pike Screw" Stratton		Jessie "Shady Jake" - Rip
	Eddie "Tyke" Taylor,		James Earl,		Samuel "Bump" Woodson
	Stanley "Stan" Brown,		Leonard "Lenny" Woodson		James "Crow" -Rip
	Lionel "Fish" Tally,		James Earl		Ron "Dede" Pitts
	Rod "Carew" Johnson,		Monroe "Cosack" Banks		Donald Woods - RIP
	Alvin "Duke" Jones,		Michael "Dyke" Johnson		Robert "Blue Carter -RIP

         *  Denotes a member of the Sixteen-inch Softball Hall of Fame

FORCE

FORCE women's sixteen-inch softball team evolved under the leadership of Coach and Founder, Allen Jenkins in 1979. This team of talented women from all neighborhoods of Chicago and the suburbs initially played at Garfield, Columbus, Franklin and Cabrini Parks. Season after season, FORCE dominated play and won league championships at these parks. As the team grew in numbers and prestige, FORCE won league titles at Washington, Grant, Clyde, and Forest Parks. FORCE played and won several NSA and ASA State and National tournaments, including the televised Budweiser Classic at Grant Park. They also won local tournaments in Blue Island, Franklin Park, Country Club Hills, Cicero, Elgin and Harvey, IL. FORCE competed and won various tournaments run by Les Duncan and Tom O'Neil. During their twenty years of play (1979-1999), many players from FORCE were named Tournament MVPs, All Star Team Members and several have already been inducted into the Chicago Sixteen-inch Softball Hall of Fame. FORCE were mothers, students, teachers, laborers, administrators, bankers and executives from different professions who came together for The Love of The Game! There were several mother/daughter players and even little girls who grew up with FORCE and later became key players. Some members of FORCE played with Mixed Company's Sixteen-inch Softball Team, a team that has already been honored by the Hall of Fame. Coaches

Allen Jenkins	Leo Richmond	Willie Harrington
Juan Gayden	Henry Barber

Team Members

Jackie Anderson	Tracey Barber	Joanie Bass
Tracy “TJ” Booker-Black	Donna Floyd	Vickie Ivory Harbin
Johnnie Gains Hairston	Rosetta Henderson	Tara Huff
*Christine Hurrins	Faye Lola Jenkins	Connie Johnson Jenkins
Regina Towers King	Patty Lindsey	Sherry Lipscom
Renette McCurry	Robin Moore	Bridgette Nesbitt
*Margaret Olawoye	Gwendolyn Twig Polk	Jan Pope
*Lisa Pugh	Rachelle Richmond	Janice Roberts
Tamieka Roberts	Sherrick Robinson-Smith	Darnita Spragg
Chiquita “ChiChi” Thomas	Earnestine Walker	Shirley Wilbourn
Charlene Davis Williams	*Popati Wing	Francine

* denotes an inductee of the Hall of Fame

Peoples Gas

The “Gashouse” was a group of Peoples Gas employees who primarily played at Grant Park in the Plaza League from the early 1960s until the early 2000s. They were a diverse mixture of young and old players who played with passion and had a lot of fun doing it. Although the bulk of players came from the “main office”, the team also included clerks, meter readers, union workers, management, lawyers, and vice presidents.   Teams for the railroads dominated the early years of sixteen-inch softball because they featured huge players who could hit the ball a long way. Peoples Gas wasn’t very completive then, but in the early ‘70s they started playing better and finished in first or second in the regular league most years through 2003. This success gave them more opportunities to play in tournaments. From 1973 to 2003, they finished in the top three of the Tournament of Champions or the City-wide Industrial Tournament. Their highlight came in 1987 when they won the championship of the City-wide Industrial Tournament.   The camaraderie of the Plaza League was exceptional. Peoples Gas bonded well with teams from Commonwealth Edison, Gillette, and Sears. They would compete in some great softball games and then party together afterwards, sometimes hitting golf balls over the IC tracks. Jim Voss of the Gillette team started a tradition of providing a pig roast for the whole league to enjoy. Strokerfest (the pig roast) is still a tradition.   With their success in the industrial Plaza League in the mid 80s, the team took on the opportunity to play in the tough Pasteur Park where they won the league championship in the early-‘80s and took second shortly after that.   In 1991, Jim Quinn (HOF) from Gillette and Larry Grabowski from Gashouse created a 39-and-over team, the Old Strokes made-up of players from the four mentioned teams. They played in the 39-and-over League in LaGrange. The first year they took first place and by the second year they had to form a second team, the Leftovers. When the league added a 50 and over league, both teams joined, the Old Strokes run by Larry, the Leftovers run by Jim. The Old Strokes continue to play today in Berwyn.   Despite playing together for many years, it wasn’t until the Old Strokes were formed and started playing together that they learned a large percentage of their players went to Chicago Catholic high schools and were Vietnam veterans.   1987 Champion Team Members   Ray Blevins                 John Lonergan            Ed Proctor                   Mike O’Connor Tom Fegan                  Vince Dicosola            Sam Fiorella                Jim Gabel Larry Grabowski         Dave Boyle                 Dean Phillips               Tom Zack Tony Jackson              Darryl Preston             Terry Fleming             Jim Luebbers Larry Feiger                Luis Vega       Other Players   Morrie Ephraim           Otis Bridges                Poncho Fregoso          Joe Manski Jerry Hicks                  Mike Kurowski           Dan Durst                   Al Benson Luis Molina                 Eddie Montes              Todd Andrews                        Vince Vizza Mike Gardner              Andy Stankiwitz         Mike Ruzich                Ray Kotty Ed Doerk                     Jerry Slechta                Larry Wichert              John Hentgen Orlando Long              Bob Miller                   Scott Lenz                   Ray Urchell DECEASED Bob Blemaster             Rick Vraney                Chet Sinawski

Steel Gold

Andrew (Bay Bay) Patterson was looking for a deterrent for the young men living in the Rockwell Gardens Housing community. In 1984, he decided to build a 16inch softball team. In collaboration with existing teams, 340 Invaders and Altgeld Invaders, created a team called California Gold. California Gold played competitively throughout the local park district leagues and competed in the championship of the USSSA in La Crosse, WI in 1992. For reasons unforeseen, California Gold dismantled in 1996. Two years later two teammates from California Gold, Gary (Bay)Johns and Donald (Woo)Toney decided to form their own team, named Steel Gold. In 1998, Steel Gold began playing in neighborhood leagues and tournaments in Smith Park, Garfield Park & Washington Park. In 1999, Steel Gold defeated the Patio Players for the first Annual Claude Rhodes Tournament championship in Washington Park. During their time as a team, they won the Washington Park Nite-Life League several times and they dominated the Garfield Park league, winning ten championships. In 2000, Steel Gold began playing major level softball, competing in Tournaments of Champions, North South Tournament, Chicagoland Classic and the biggest of them all, the NGN Tournament. In 2003 they won the Class “A“, ASA State Championship in, Jolliet Illinois and the 2003 Hall of Fame Tournament Championship in Grant Park. 2005 came with many qualifying tournament wins in Alsip, Illinois; Mt. Prospect, Illinois; and Chicago Illinois. But the best accomplishment of all was winning the Class “A” ASA National Championship in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Being the first African American team in history to do so.    

Hangovers

While the members of the Hangovers didn’t grow-up exclusively playing 16 – inch softball (they played t-ball for two years starting when they were six), they did play it for twenty- six plus years. They started at Lawler Park in the 70’s in the Pigtail, Ponytail and then Junior Miss leagues. From there they went on to coach in the Ponytail and Junior Miss leagues. That is when Melissa Wojciechowski and Colleen Elliott decided to start their own women’s 16-inch softball team.

Wojciechowski and Elliott found some players from the neighborhood and also recruited some of the moms from the teams that they were coaching. They played on Monday nights at Lawler Park and won that league the first four years they played.

They then decided to venture out and started playing in more competitive leagues at McKinley Park and in Bridgeview. They played three nights a week and found success. They took first place at Bridgeview and second place at McKinley. Unfortunately, the leagues folded, so they had to move to other parks. They played at Normandy Park (‘97-‘04), Commissioners Park (‘05-‘06), New Castle Park in Burbank (‘07-‘09), Durkin Park (‘10-‘11), Rainey Park (‘12-‘14) and Martin Park in Hickory Hills, where they still play today. Over these many years of playing, they won numerous leagues and championships.

Throughout these years, they played in as many tournaments as they could. They played in the Grant Park tournament, USSSA tournaments, the Best of Western, the Bucks for Burn, the Y-Me Breast Cancer, the St Jude Tournament, and the A & E tournament. They finished in the top five in each of these tournaments. They won Y-Me tournament eight times, the Bucks for Burn seven times, and the Best of Western six times. By playing against such great competitors in these tournaments, the Hangovers improved their play for league competition.

Over these past twenty-six years, the women that played on the Hangovers have proven themselves to be some of the most amazing women that anyone could ever know. Time will only tell how long they will continue to play, but they do know that the friendships they have formed will last a lifetime. Each of these women that have played in the past, and that are still playing today are amazing athletes who love this crazy game of 16-inch softball!.

A special thanks to each of these ladies:Linda Annolino, Pam Abney, Christine Baldwin, Tricia Benedetto, Lupe Buttliere, Gina Corso, Maria (Billie) Campos, Colleen Cassiani, Kelly Cusick, Susie Cusick, Mary Deppert, Erin Dzieka, Colleen Elliott, * Rosie Geraci, Becky Honan, Jamie Honan, Vicki Hart, Lisa Hovel, * Betty Kollar, Becky Koenig, Beth Ann (Boo) Kaczorowski, Donna LoDuca

Diane (Dee Dee), LaPorte. Lisa Lorenz, Amy Marek, Christine Miernicki, Sarah McCarthy, Terry O’Boyle, Pattie Prokaski, Nikki Pietras, Mary Radek, Mary Reagan, * Elvira (Babe) Sanfilippo, , Melissa Sizemore, Wendy Skrocki, Dawn Sadorf, Paige Stryczdk, Wendy Taylor, Jennifer Tuider, Melissa Wojciechowski, Lillian Warrington, Teresa White

* Indicates women that have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Team Hot City Travelling All-Stars

In 1974 a team known as the South Side Devils began playing sixteen-inch softball. In January of 1980 they officially changed their name to the Hot City Rollers/ Travelling All-Stars (founding members Melvin Robinson, Michael Lamar Jordan, Robert Common, and Curtis Granderson) after meeting with Henry Hoskins, owner of the Hot City Lounge on Chicago's South side. They played year round and won championships in basketball, softball, and bowling. For over thirty-five years, the All-Stars played in parks all over Chicago and Illinois. They have called Washington Park their home since 1980. They started playing when the Washington Park League was pretty small. Now it is one of the largest sixteen-inch slow pitch leagues in the Midwest. Besides playing softball, the All-Stars also help out their community by taking part in Thanksgiving Day food drives and other events for charity and by working with Life Choices We Make (www.lifechoiceswemake.org), a youth foundation In 2012, twenty-plus players and six coaches competed in national qualifiers and in several leagues. Since its inception, more than one hundred players have worn the Hot City uniform. In 2010 they celebrated thirtyyears together and retired uniform number 00 in honor of Michael Lamar Jordan, a founding member who passed away. They also honor other deceased members, Melvin Robinson, Tony Shaw, Greg William, Roscoe Jack Davis, and Mike Gardner.

Hot Shots (Women)

In the spring of 1982, Joe Umana Jr., the son of the late Joseph I. Umana (2004 HOF) organized a 16” softball team consisting of his wife Rose and a group of her Forest View High School and work friends. Being a longtime resident of the Mt. Prospect Park District, they joined the Mt. Prospect Women’s B league. Initially sponsored by Anderson Lock Company of Des Plaines, Rose still works for the company to this day. The team was named The Base Invaders. Winning eight out of ten games by slaughter rule in their first season, with 125 runs scored, they allowed only six runs from opponents. Seven out of the ten games were shut outs. The Base Invaders entered into the Mt. Prospect post season Women’s A-B tournament which consisted of the top four teams from the B league and all six teams from the A league. In the single elimination bracket tournament, they advanced to the quarter finals game and beat the 3rd place A team, followed by a win over the second place Sandlotters team in the semi-finals. In a very close championship game against the Undefeated A league champion Beer Nuts, they ended up on the losing side of the final 10-8 score. After the game, however, they were approached by league director Bob Ancona and promoted to the Mt. Prospect Women’s A league for the next season. After finishing the 1983 A league season tied for second with the Stray Cats behind the Beer Nuts, the Base Invaders and Stray Cats decided to combine their best players and field a team capable of defeating the Beer Nuts. The new team was named the Hot Shots, sponsored by Dave and Jim’s Auto Body Shop. As fate would have it, the first game of the 1984 season was against the Beer Nuts. The Hot Shots emerged victorious 15-3, as well as a second game later in the season 5-3. The Hot Shots went undefeated that season with a record of 10-0 and 6-0 in the A-B tournament, beating The Snuggery Pub team in the championship and taking home the overall crown. As the Hot Shots traveled around the Chicago area, they dominated many Women’s tournaments playing at Majewski Park in Mt. Prospect, Harrer Park in Morton Grove, Softball City, Calumet City, Grant Park, Oriole Park, Indian Road, Oak Lawn, Blue Island and Glenview. Ninety five percent of the team consisted of players who lived within the Mt. Prospect Park District Borders. Because of their residency status and A league and tournament championship records, they had the honor of hosting a women’s exhibition game during two Men’s 16” ASA National tournament kick off celebrations at the Majewski sports complex during the 1980’s. Former Cubs player Randy Hundley played in the celebrity softball game at one of the tournaments and told the Hot Shots they were one of the best Women’s teams he had seen. The Hot Shots also played in the Quest For The Best 14” Mushball Tourney at the famous Softball City sports complex in Hainesville, Illinois throughout the 80’s. With three final four finishes, they made it to the championship game one of the years, losing in a close game to the Bidayo’s 2-1. Eventually becoming the Vipers, which included some of the original Hot Shots players, they played in the Gloria Kapek Co-ed Breast Cancer fundraising tournament until a few years ago. Even though the average age of most of the players is now 55, the team was able to be very competitive against much younger teams, with an impressive 3 final four finishes and one championship game. One of the most successful Women’s 16” softball teams on the north side throughout the 1980’s, The Hot Shots attribute their success to the amazing individual talent that gelled together to make a legendary 16” softball team.

JYNX

Bob Glosa and Tom Balek started JYNX softball as a combination of four South Side neighborhood teams. JYNX consisted of some good players and some great players, but they were all great guys. They were a special group with a strong bond of close-knit players. New players were often pals of current players who wanted to compete at a higher level. JYNX never ducked an opponent or tournament.  They often played shorthanded, but they played. They tried to play the game right and they always had FUN. Any team that played JYNX can attest to that.   From 1988 to 2014, Jynx played in the following leagues and tournaments.   LEAGUES: SUPER PRO TV 16 inch Forest Park -- Hodgkins -- Mt.Prospect -- Blue Island -- Westchester -- Clyde   TOURNAMENTS: Nationals ASA & SSA from 1988-2014 --Forest Park 1988-2014 -- Chicagoland Classic -- Grant Park -- North/south -- Hawthorne -- Westchester -- Armour Park -- Berwyn -- Arizona Tea Handicap.

Team Kuppenheimer

Kuppenheimer Clothing Company joined the Grant Park Industrial League in 1960. After a year of learning hard but valuable lessons about playing 16” softball in one of the top leagues in Chicago, they came fighting back the next year, capturing third place in the Continental Division. Kuppenheimer grew from a fledgling team in 1962 into a ball club that won the Continental Division nine times by 1970, captured five city wide tournaments, routinely earning berths in the Nationals and Softball World Series. In 1968 Kuppenheimer took third place in the Nationals held in St. Louis, as Chicago area teams finished first, second and third for the first time in the National’s history. Kuppenheimers Roster; Henry “Hammer”Kemp Fred Kemp Edward “Spike” Carter David “Mule” Kemp James “Kang” Carter Willie “Pool” Kemp Clarence “Smoky” Caldwell Richard “RD” Kemp Bob Clopton Roland “Rock” Kemp Henry “Hawk” Currie Jessie “Mizac” MacEmbry Reginald “Cowboy” Mason Reginald “Wolf” Fagan Mitch McCullough Sylvester McKinnon Butch Dantley Manuel Washington Reginald Gordon Scottie Wiggins Williams Raymond Johnson Fred Thomas Donnie Gardner Vincent Sterling Floyd Glover Ben “BJ” Joseph *Raymond Watkins *William “Shipper” *Marcus Fikes *Hugh “Bird” Jackson *Alonzo “Smiley” *Thornton Barnes *Arnold “Devil” Binkley h* indicates deceased as of 2001

Team Lettuce

We showed up; we played hard. We won our fair share; we had a good time.These words by Hall of Fame manager Rich Melman summarize Lettuce softball during the 1990s. Melman and Joel Zimberoff managed Lettuce to one USSSA title in 1994, three ASA runners-up finishes (‘91,’97,’99), and four ASA National titles (‘92,’93.’96,’98). They also placed second in the Forest Park Tournament three times (‘92,’96, and ‘99) and won it four times (‘91, ‘93, ‘94, and ‘97). Lettuce has won every major championship in the game and is considered by many to be the Yankees of sixteen-inch softball during the 1990s. The stats will also say that Lettuce was the most successful team in Mt. Prospect’s storied softball history. Rich and Joel were instrumental in attracting some of the best players in the game, including Hall of Famers as Pat Caputo, Ray Topps, Ken Flaws, Matt Biondic, Ken Cooper, Kurt Uidal, Frank Mustari, Tim McManigal, John O’Conner, the Kelly brothers, John Kelleher and others. It is a safe bet a few more players will be added to that stellar list in the next few years. Lettuce was seen on television more than any team as well. The Grant Park Classic that was televised for six years and the Pro League that was televised for three years at Forest Park was co-founded by Melman

Team “45” Lyons

The Lyon's 45's forged an impressive record that places them high in the annals of softball's top teams. Beginning as a CYO team from St. Pascal's Grade School, the 45's competed under long time manager Roy Kindt in the early years at Kosciusko Park. In the late 60's and early 70's they moved into the "A" leagues at Clarendon, Portage, and James Parks. With the addition of John Staley, Big Lou, and Zeke, they became one of the most prolific long ball hitting teams in 16" softball history. With Speedy and Bobby Clark on base ahead of the big three power hitters, and with Dinks, Louie Z, Ed Schaeffer, and long ball hitting Eddie Whitman in the lineup, the 45's created many big run innings. Defensively the 45's countered with some defensive standouts: Chopper on the mound, first basemen Billy Shipbaugh and Jimmy Fuller, second basemen Bobby Russ and Mike Christoi, shortstop Mike Levar, outfielder Gino Jozwiak, catcher John Gola, and reserve pitchers Bernie Horne and Tom Kimdt. The 45's will long be remembered as crowd favorites with their long ball prowess and defensive skills, which paid big dividends. In just six years of playing together they accumulated six Portage Park titles, two first places finishes in Racine, Wisconsin, one Clarendon championship, and a City of Chicago championship and runner-up finish. In addition, they took second place twice in the Andy Frain Tournament and at James Park and a third at bForest Park. A trademark of the 45's was their loyalty to existing players; they never picked up players once the season started. Thirty years later they still attend the weddings, birthdays and baptisms of teammates.     

Magic

In the summer of 1969, three friends – Hilde Diaz, John “Sweet Daddy” Wojtasik, and Ron “Orca” Michalowicz – recruited their neighborhood friends from Summit to form a sixteen-inch softball team called the Argo Sinners. That year they began playing in the Bedford Park and Summit Park leagues. Like most new teams in their first year of competition, things didn’t go so well. So the following year, they decided to recruit players from outside of the neighborhood and changed their name to The Gentleman. Their play improved as a team but not fast enough. So in 1971, they changed their team name to the Marauders and changed a few players as well. They played another average year in 1972 and again tweaked their roster and changed their name to the Magicians. It finally paid off when they won their first championship in Bedford Park. Ready to defend their title in 1973, they shortened their name to Magic and the team never looked back. From 1973 to 2013, Magic won many different league titles and even won some leagues multiple times at Bedford Park, Summit Park, Bridgeview, Burbank, Lyons, Oak Lawn, Darien, Hickory Hills, Westmont and Valley Forge. But as they were hitting all strides, the league (s) they were playing in either folded or the level of competition declined. Around 1987 or 1988, Magic began playing in the La Grange League. They had success in this league and won a few league titles. In 1992, as age began to take its toll, Magic joined the Friday night La Grange 39 and Over League. They won numerous league titles during the fifteen years they played in La Grange. In 2002, the league moved to Janura Park in Berwyn. Magic won that league six of seven years and in 2013 went undefeated with a 19 – 0 record. During the years, Magic won tournaments at Washington Park, Hale Park, and Bogan and Summit Parks. Their biggest tournament wins were at the USSSA Recreational Metro in Hodgkins, and they were four-time winners at Furlan’s in Trevor, Wisconsin. As players have come and gone, Magic teammates have formed many long lasting friendships and many families have bonded. The majority of these friendships are still going strong today. Magic is not just a softball team but also a family. Fathers and sons, uncles and nephews, brothers, cousins, and childhood friends have all played together at one time or another. Some are still playing today. Magi’s values of friendship, family, fun, and loyalty and their “never give up” attitude had never wavered. Those values are still strong today. Congratulations to Hilde Diaz, Ron “Orca” Michalowicz, Keith “Breeze” Rehr and Bobby “Jaws” Jaworski on having played with Magic for forty-plus years. Tommy Tomlinson and Rick Regep have played for fifteen years. These six guys keep the Magic tradition alive. John “Sweet Daddy” Wojtasik and Bob “Croc” Crokenower recently retired after forty-plus years with the team. Frank Batura, Mike Stawski, Paul Zaitz, Pete Zaitz, Joe Fabian and Gary Klonowski recently retired after fifteen years with the team. Magic thanks the sponsors who have supported the team throughout the years – Marian’s Bar, Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home, Bella’s, Luetje’s Village, Smilin’ Goat, Foran Funeral Home, Brewskee’s, and Junior’s Bar and Grill. Magic would like to acknowledge the following players who have played for or are currently playing with Magic

Hilde Diaz	Frank Batura	John “Sweet Daddy Wojtasik
Ron “Orca” Michaowicz”	Mike Stawski	Paul Zaitz
Pete Zaitz	Keith “Breeze” Rehr	Bob “Jaws” Jaworski
Joe Fabian	Gary Klonowski	Rick Regep
Tommy Tomlinson	Bob Bellany	Bob “Croc” Crokenower
Aleco Julius	Brad Kerzich	Eddie Zambo
Robert Wojtasik	Kerry Mecca	Scot “Wesco” Wesolowski
Lupe Diaz	Paul Volk	Chuck Bedlow
Ray Bedlow	Dan Telford	Jason “Lil Orca” Micvhalowicz
John Bagel	Rich “Pup” Bagel	Mark Scharlow
Jack Kamin	Tom Mazurski	Charles Richardson
Tony “Ozzie” Giglio	Tony Davis	Danny Athern
Jack Hogan	Larry Lenz	Nate “Dino” Brown
Kenny Menke	Bryan Fry	John Pelagrino
Tony Kabella	Bill “Rookie” Lang	Ron Risden
Dave Plesha	Tom Neputy	Darren Neputy
Brain “Coach” Udaykee	Eddie Chibe	Brad Moriaity
Kevin Salkeld	Paul Wetzig	Mike “Doc” Snell
Mark Munizzi	Jim Homa	Rolan Czik
Dennis Strzelczyk	“Big Dave” Sramek	Bobby Rehr
Gary Lewis	Mark Perecich	John Strxelczyk
Rich Hennessey	Bill Hickey	Mick Malmon
Chuck Gach	Buddy McFadden	Korky Wesolowski
Dean Folcar	Dan Gernatis	Don Schultz
Bobby Alquist	Louie Delfiacco	Allan Tomnitz
Mark Ksiondra	Pat Strossner	Nino Perovich
“Pappa Joe” Zaitz	Joe Winnek	John Svetich
Bob Barta	Jimmy Glorioso	Ed “Rocko” Rokosic
Bob Habel	Howard Habel

March Softball

Started by Fritz Zimmermann, March Softball began its incredible run back in 1974, competing in and winning numerous league championships at Glenview, Northbrook and Rolling Meadows Park Districts. They soon moved to a higher level of competition and began the climb up the ladder in the 80’s taking first place in the 1983 Thillens Tournament. At the major level, wins in Mt. Prospect in 1988 and again in 1992 were followed by an impressive string of victories into the 90’s. Beginning with a second place finish in Forest Park in 1990, they followed with their first major championship in 1991 in Kingman, Arizona by defeating the Lettuce Team and later winning the state title in 1994. They were considered one of the top 3 teams in softball throughout the 90’s with numerous top 4 finishes in all the ASA, USSSA, and NSA national tournaments. Numerous Hall of Fame players have played or coached a March Softball Team over its 40 plus years. Players such Gary Thorsen, Joe Mercandate, Rick Olsen and Mark Frighetto were with the early March teams in the 70’s. During the 80’s and 90’s players such as Tim Decker, Terry Moran and Pat Harrity were all an integral part of making the March softball team a true national champion. In the 21st century, the March softball team took on a new focus. While competing in the men’s 40 and over and 50 and over leagues, March won numerous league championships. Playing in the Berwyn men’s 40 and over league they have been in the championship game 10 of the last 12 years. In the men’s 50 and over league in both Clyde Park and La Grange Park the March team has been in the league championship 5 of the last 10 years. It can also boast that it has won 2 of the four 50 and over World Series Championships. Another very important part of the March Softball legacy is how it is currently competing in tournaments across the United States in an attempt to promote the game of 16 inch Softball. Over the last 5 years, March has competed in National tournaments in both Phoenix and Las Vegas, assembling a premier class of 16 inch softball players between the ages of 20 and 55 years old. Their purpose is to showcase the game of 16 inch softball at its best level to teams from other parts of the country. These tournaments bring teams from Arizona, California, Iowa, Utah, Oregon and Texas to play Chicago style 16 inch softball. March Softball has currently won 6 consecutive national level tournaments. The teams assembled for these tournaments also take pride in the fact that they have donated every dollar won in these tournaments back to local charities such as the Las Vegas Massacre Victims Fund, Maag Toy Foundation and other worthy causes. Most of the softball world knows that March Softball extends well beyond just the March Softball name. Founder Fritz Zimmermann has his stamp all over the Major softball division and March uniforms have been a part of teams such as Splinters, Meadows, Stallions, Flash, and Turtles, just to name a few. Over the course of its 45 years, March Softball has been a part of at least 100 teams. As many as 2,000 players have worn a March jersey at some point in their career. Understanding the legacy of March Softball can only truly be appreciated by visiting the March Manufacturing Plant in Glenview and viewing the massive 100 ft long display of trophies and awards that this organization has won over the years. The March Softball Family is proud to be a part of the 16 inch Softball Hall of Fame.

Team McSchnapps

In the late 1970s, a chance meeting at a recently opened North Side bar led to the creation of McSchnapps, a women’s neighborhood team that would win many championships during the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s and create lifelong friendships along the way. During their heyday, McSchnapps played at Touhy, Paul Revere, Wells, Lake Shore, and Horner Parks. A North Side team from Clark and Rosemont that played without a coach, they regularly battled North Side teams the Baton and OJ’s and South Side rivals the Angels and Rose N Crown in tournaments at Grant Park and Trevor, Wisconsin. As a result of teamwork that was created over decades of playing softball, the women of McSchnapps remain friends to this day. They credit their continued success to the sponsorship and friendship of McSchnapps owner, Jeff Olsen, and the many fans who supported them every season. Like many softball teams that draft other players and form new teams, players from McSchnapps became the Stray Cats and Lyon’s Den, but the girls of McSchnapps will always remember the memories they created playing as a neighborhood team from Clark and Rosement. Mary Defiglia Bebe McBride Linda Iussa Vicky Avers Susan Boeck Donna Sokolowski Sharon King Pam Levar Linda Husby Denise Mallas Del Cecchini Bridget Coleman Linda Holowicki Sara Cirincioni Katherine Kern Sponsor: Jeff Olsen

Team Mixed Company

What do you get when you take female players from five different softball teams, add some colorful coaches, and mix in some banquet circuit rap and stepping? Well, you get the softball team Mixed Company. Pam Black and Popati Wing are given the credit of naming this eclectic group of ball players. They were a mixture of Mama’s Family, the Spoilers, the Rookies, the Force, and the Trey Nine Slims. Coached by Juan (Swan) Gayden with help from Allen Jenkins, Irby Dunn, and Mike Burns, Mixed Company called Dunbar Park their home. One of their trademarks occurred at banquets when they performed their written routine of step, sharp, and rap, explaining their championships through music and dance. Printed copies of the script can still be found in Chicago today. Like true champions and friends, the members of Mixed Company remained friends throughout the years even after playing against each other in leagues or tournaments. The wonderful memories created at 31st just off Martin Luther King Drive keep them connected today, years after they played their last game as a team.

Molex Team

The Molex team is considered the best team to play in the Western suburbs in the 80's and 90's. They were recognized by the HOF for their longevity, tenacity, and ability. Organized by Jim Geiser in the 70's for employees of the Fortune 500 global connector manufacturer. Joined by new employee and future HOF founder Al Maag in 1978, he helped change the culture of team to be competitive with employees and eventually a few ringers. The Molex brand became well known as they played and won over 30 events/leagues in Naperville, Lisle, Wheaton, Lemont and Woodridge. Instead of playing it safe the team took on the big boys in 90's in Mt Prospect, Clyde and TV Pro League...and all tournies here and in 5 states, even in domes and in the snow. They came in 4th twice in A Nationals and in top ten in 2 Major Nationals. They always finished in top 15 by year's end. They were on a Chevy Truck TV commercial with Ron Santo. They stopped in 2000. They were lead by Bill Stech, Richard Black, Steve Heinol and Al Maag most of those years. Mgr. Maag missed one season. Their teamates who loved to party at White's Tavern were in the 80's and early 90's: John Haase, Mike Miskin, Jim Segredo, Larry Kossack, Duke Orlandino, John Klein, Lee Andrejewski, Dino Petrin, Joe Gucwa, Kevin Muck, Steve Sleboda, Russ Krause, Don Davies, Don Gushurst, Bill Morrow, Jerry Last, and Brian Rhoades. In 90's: John Duraski, Dave Yozze, Danny Mueller, Art Lurie, Kevin Klabor, Dean Colutta, Gino Mardegan, Ron Matriscano, AJ Bevilacqu, Anthony Menolascino, Mike Bellis, Lou Rizzi, Scott Burdick, Gary McLaughlin, Tom Fredrickson, Bob Jost, Rob Schwigert and Bryan McWherter. HLM was a key sponsor over the years.    

North Western Railroad Chicago

When the history of industrial teams is written, Chicago and North Western Railroad will certainly rank as one of the greatest teams because of its record and its longevity. Started in the 1920s, a 1925 photo of the team shows a twenty-three year old Abe Saperstein as the team’s shortstop and manager, the year before he founded the Harlem Globetrotters in 1926. During the 1930s, despite the ravaging effects of the Depression, the team held together because employees were retained (regardless of their work skills) until season’s end. The records of those days are gone, but the legends of the many victories and hundreds of dollars won in money games lives on. In the 1960s the team entered Chicago’s “golden age” of softball when Joe Umana (HOF) entered the team in the Clarendon Park Industrial League in 1965. The team won the title. From 1965 to 1992 “Joe’s Team” won twenty-six Industrial League and Men’s League Park Championships, two Grant Park Tournament of Champions City-wide first place titles, and one City-wide Industrial title at Thillens Stadium. They also placed second in the Grant Park Tournament of Champions, and recorded seven final four finishes in the Grant Park Industrial Tournament of Champions from 1969 to 1977. Of all the great games that Chicago and North Western played, perhaps two standout as the most memorable. In 1990 the team won four out of five games in come-from-behind fashion before losing to the U.S. Postal Service in the City-wide Industrial Tournament at Thillens Stadium. They later defeated that team in the championship game, 11 - 6. In 1976 they played their most memorable game against the powerhouse Daily News team (and 1975 champions) at Grant Park with Mike Royko on the mound and Tim Weigel in left field. But 1976 was to be different when Chicago and North Western shutout the powerful Daily News team, 10 - 0. Over the years, the Chicago and North Western team developed classic rivalries against such teams as the First National Bank of Chicago, Commonwealth Edison, Illinois Bell, the Chicago Police and Fire Departments, and other memorable teams. The strength of the team was credited to the lack of turnover at the railroad. It was not uncommon for them to field a team of players who had worked and played together for fifteen years. But many also credit Joe Umana’s leadership for their success. During his tenure, they won twenty-nine championships from 1965 to 1992. Joe Umana (HOF) Sal Pantano Jeff Liggett Mike Coyne (HOF) Tom May Roy Kramer Billy Haig Ted Lambrakis Rich Ginger Wally Friese Vince Flanagan Paul Blazek Sy Berman Tony Handzel Joe Collins Bud Allen Jim Hallgren Al Long Joe Jurkisatis Bob Franzen Howard Schulman Ron Ambroziak Gary Ogurek Joe Hill Jack Walter Ed Lydiksen Zig Wejman Noel Julian Tim O’Brien Dennis Brauner Denny Zeri Bob Madsen Pat Fiege Jerry Steigerwald Gary Kolbe Nick Poulos Clif Edington Denny Madison Larry Prince Larry Thompson Sylvester Bobo Bill Boukas Dick Stewart Lee Bellman Don Napen Don Kalinsky John Plebanek Tom Tinerella

Team North Shore Congregation

Long before cable television, internet, and air conditioning occupied our modern world, Chicagoans beat the summer’s heat by walking outside, sitting on the front porch, or watching a new sport that was sweeping Chicago : 16-inch softball. In 1937 North Shore Congregation of Chicago defeated Federal Auto Supply 9 to 2 in the first inter-city 16-inch softball game on record. Judy Rankin of North Shore held Federal Auto Supply to three hits, two of them in the first inning. He also hit a home run to help seal the victory. North Shore Congregation is the church division champion of the Chicago Evening American tournament. They won the playoffs among the title-holders in the various classes.

OutCast

In1976 little was going on in the history of Black folk, but we know that at least three things happened. 1. Negro History week became Black History Month. 2. While accepting the Grammy for Album of the year, Paul Simon thanked Stevie Wonder for not releasing an album that year…Stevie had won it 1974, 1975 and again in 1977, and 3. Some neighborhood friends got together to play softball on Saturdays for St. Bernard Parrish as the South Side Hit Men.   Darren (Sly) and Gardner (Mean) Huff, Tim Spencer, Bernie Jones, Eugene Bates and David Martin had no idea that playing the game of softball would become more than just beating some other guys on hot summer days, but that it would become part of their own black history and would leave a legacy for their   family, especially their children, to grow up and be a part of, and hopefully to carry on.   During 1979, a guy by the name of Rudy Stocksdale was scouting for outfielders for his team and came across the S.S. Hitmen. In recognizing the talent and potential that they had, he recruited some of the players to come and be a part of his team OUTCAST and in his words “play against some men.” This opened the team up to other leagues such as Washington Park, Ogden Park, Murray Park and more opportunity to hone their skills on the softball field, and as they say, “the rest is history.” By the 1980’s, big brother Andre Huff had joined the team and with his competitive nature and political charm, he ousted Rudy Stocksdale from the team and brought in players such as Steve Wade, Mark (Grizzly Bear) Cunningham and Michael (Ringo) Lewis to elevate the teams power. He also made the decision to bring Harold (Doc) Anderson on as a sponsor to help defray the league entrance fees and pay for uniforms.   Harold Anderson, or Doc, as he was known to the community was reluctant to get involved in becoming a sponsor for the team, but Andre’s aptitude for getting people to see things his way, won him over. Doc had only one request… that the team took to the field and played with dignity, honor and sportsmanship. This became the standard for how OUTCAST was to be presented and with an added ingredient that this was a family.   Throughout the years OUTCAST would have other sponsors such as Ida Mason of People’s Choice Lounge, Jimmy of Jimmy’s Place, Charlene Brown of Phase II lounge and Ray @Raven’s Place. These businesses have also helped to uphold our legacy through their financial support and we are forever grateful to them.   During this time with Andre recruiting players, joining leagues, keeping sponsorship present, and playing in the games, his plate was full, so he brought in friend, Greg Davis to help keep the books and take on other responsibilities with the team. Greg would go on to become co-manager alongside Andre and they would manage OUTCAST from the early 80’s until the early 90’s.   Now with a winning team in place and other players throughout the years, such as Jack Banks, Edward (Juice) Douglas, Wayne Barnes, Wilbert (Smokey) Ward, Norvell (Squirky) Jefferson, Daryl (Moose) Brown, Tyrone Powell, Will Jennings, Clark (Scoop) Buchanan, Brock Streeter, Tony Pearson, Keith Richards, Don Beachem, Eddie (Tyke) Taylor, Nate (Black Cat) Early and William Green, Bobby Flynn, Greg Mason, Steve Jackson, John (Buster) Watkins, Phil John, Artie Davis, Tremel Adams, Eugene Banks, Michael (mohawk) Dardy, Micheal (Robe) Booker, Rodney Phelp, Kenny Collins, Jerry Britt, Jerry Wayne Williams, Jr., Maurice Edwards, Will Green, Rick Flemmings, Rick Coleman, Willis (Chill) Mallard, Bryant Harris, J. Rock, Roedonther Parker, Glen Gray, Darnell Murphy, John Brown, Ron Mack, La La Washington, Boo, CB, Nard, G. Flowers, Ken Dorsey, Sr., Gerald Miller, Mike Leatherwood and Kevin Owens. Outcast was ready to make history.   Throughout the 1980’s and 90’s softball was at its peak on the South and West Sides of Chicago. These guys would end up playing six to eight games during the weekend alone. They also played one to two games in weekday league games after work. The love for the game was strong and Outback’s core team members never failed to show up and show out.   Outcast was loved and hated throughout the park for their ability to look good in their uniforms and their adeptness to come up with a song that would wear on their opponent’s nerve during the game. Their songs and chants would become as much a part of winning and sharing this time with their family. Everyone was in the park, mothers, Catherine Huff, fathers, Ken Dorsey, Sr., children, nephews, cousins, and boy did they bring the noise, electrifying the field with the chants of “we like butter baby and we on a roll.” They started a tradition of family being as important to softball as winning.   Moving into the 90's, and still winning, Outcast ran into turmoil. Andre and Greg left Outcast, but Sly and Mean stayed on. During this time there were two Outcast teams. The Original Outcast, and Outcast 2. For the original outcast Ken Dorsey stepped up to manage the team and now joined by their nephew, Eric Huff, they went on an unbelievable championship roll. Winning Sunday Best five times in six years, the He-Man three times, Washington Park Classic twice, The Cocktail League twice, Wednesday and Friday’s league multiple times and The Grand Crossing League whenever they entered they won it or came close to winning it. Outcast 2 also went on to win several championships.   In 2004 the first ever Heritage Classic brought the return of Andre Huff back with his brothers and Outcast captured another championship. From there they   played in the ASA Nationals in South Bend, South Dakota, Arizona, Joliet and more. Unfortunately, they did not win a championship from these venues, but the electricity they would bring to the park was felt from the time they took to the field until the last out of the last inning.   For over thirty-five years Outcast has played the game never taking a year off never changing the name never following the crowd. They have always and will forever remain true to the Outcast way… love and respect for the game and their opponents, fun on the field, a healthy dose of competition, family inclusion and above all else, your blood must run purple.   There have been so many guys that have contributed to the success of Outcast over the years and who truly believed in the pride of the purple and white. Probably too many to name, but the fact remains the same that Outcast members will forever be grateful to them. They will always be considered family and their presence on that field was pivotal to Outback’s history. They have tried to make mention of everyone that has ever stepped into that uniform, but, if  anyone was missed, charge it to the head not the heart.   Due to injuries, retirement and relocation of players from 2011 – 2015 Outcast added younger players like CJ, Jazz, Adonis, J.R., Cory and Rashard, and in keeping with the dream of having their sons and nephews on the field alongside of them they welcomed Gardner Huff, Garnay Huff, Kevon Huff and Aramis Stewart.   While learning the game, this up and coming generation of Outcast players kept them competitive and allowed them to continue to beat top teams at the national and statewide level and in other prestigious tournaments.   Though Outcast only played on Sundays in the last three seasons, the veteran players and their new blood still qualified for the Nationals and took 3rd place in Washington Parks, Best 30 teams league in 2013 and 5th place in 2015.   Outcast also had spin-off teams as well, such as, Lady Outcast, which included, Tammie Huff, Tara, Bonnie and Lisa Huff, Mary and Faye Smith, Tracey Hogan, Linda and Lynn Hodges and Jr. Outcast for the babies, which included Joseph and Eric Huff, Craig Towns, Zibhen King and Robin Smith. This was truly a family affair.   Alas, In 2015, with heavy hearts and some achy joints Outcast decided to retire the team and it has been like losing a loved one that has made your life so much better, but the time had come for them to depart. And so, they would be remiss if they did not honor those that did not make it here with us…you are in our hearts and on our minds.  Rest in Heaven Brothers… Malik (Tank) Alexander, LiL Cal, Bobby D, Monty, Leo, Jerry Britt and Rodney Phelp, Damon Reynolds, Ricky Diggs. We love and miss you guys!   In closing, Outcast would like to mention one other person who is considered an Honorary Member of Outcast, Joe Huff, Jr.  Although he never played a game, his legacy of dedication and love to work, family and all that you do in life is what truly kept OUTCAST going. His spirit illuminated every hit, every catch every game and every year that we carried on. Thank you Daddy, for all that you instilled in your family and for teaching us to be the proud men that stepped out on the field. We needed you, but God needed you more. December 2, 1927 – April 25, 2014.

Team OJs

The OJ’s , a team that will go down as one of the top women’s teams in 16” softball history, began its ten year run in 1973 when player/coach Linda “Boom Boom” Parker-Trapp and manager Joe Gerage combined their top teams from the Wells Park League. The team derived it’s name from the initials of Ozzie Babilla and John Wong, proprietors of OJ’s bar, located at Clark and Diversey in Chicago. The OJ’s went on to dominate tournaments at many Chicagoland parks, including River, Horner, Touhy, Paul Revere, Clarendon and Shabonna. They also dominated play in the Ed Kelly Tournament at Thillins’ Stadium, and at Hart Park in Blue Island. Many players continued playing with Ozzie and John when they gave up the OJ’s name in 1985, in favor of Buffoon’s Saloon. The OJ’s embodied all that was great in 16” softball; loyalty to a winning program, hard work at practice and during games, and lots of fun and friendship after the games. Unfortunately time has taken sponsor John Wong and superfans John “Duke” Schnagel and Bob Souski. But the roar of the summertime crowd can still be heard from the softball diamond at Lincoln and Montrose where the OJ’s racked up a winning percentage in the 900’s. Not bad for a team from Chicago’s North side. Coach; Joe Gerage Dodo Kaspar-Brait Erin McGuire Sandy Campofiore Kim McKeel Fran Diaz Mary Kay Monaghan Denise Kaspar-Dziedzic Anna Moraitis Sonya Fabiankovits-Krey Toni Paolini Karen Foley Pam Ransom Prissy Shepard Karen Reykjalin-Kraus Mary Kaspar Nancy Strohmeyer Chick Lillis Linda Trapp Tina Maglaya Debbie Whitfield

LA Posse

Created in 1975 by a group of young men in the Englewood section of Chicago, LA Posse began their rise by playing in the tournaments around their neighborhood such Ogden, Hamilton and Washington Parks. The team consisted of the following players: Rufus Wright, Micheal Booker, Micheal Martin, Sam Woodson ( RIP), Marvin Bonds, Donald Woodson, Keith McKnight, Leonard Woodson , Dedrick Wright (RIP), Lester White, Rodney Phelps (RIP), Dwayne Hawkins, Darrell Wright, Charles Collins, Darrell Martin, Robert and Anthony Irby, Darnell Jones, Robert Cowen (RIP), Trotter McKnight, Tyrone Redding, Artez Jackson, Carl Carter, Darryl Jones, Gerald Redding and Lil Bozo. In 1987 the team knew they needed to grow and get better so they reached out to some players they had been playing against in the local tournaments and the plan to move up and travel to parks outside the Englewood part of town began. They began playing in Blue Island and Alsip along with the local parks, the team began to make a name for themselves in the softball ranks. These new players were: Kenny Stevens, Ced Roach, Robert Black, Stan Trimmell (RIP), Leon Leverette, Edward Kennedy (RIP), Edward Taylor, Tommie Moore, Reggie Taylor, Darren Stewart, William Weatherspoon Sr (RIP) & Jr, Carl Richard, Greg Smith and Calvin Van. In 1988 with the breakup of South side WildBunch, the team acquired the services of most of their players along with the leadership and knowledge of their coach James Holmes (RIP). He transformed the team into a South side powerhouse by strengthening the defense and stabilizing their offense with the use of speed, opposite field hitting and power. His knowledge of the game and attention to details, converted a group of local players into one of the best teams on the South side during their era. His tough love, no nonsense approach to the game made players stronger and better at their part of the game. Some of his sayings were "This game has two sides to it and you have to play one of them" or "if you bend down and come up with nothing then you just messed up" or "You are a great player, but today you come have a seat next to me" and finally "I can find a position for you, just not on this team because maybe you just aint ready".. They now began to travel and participate in tournaments held in Clyde Park, Mount Prospect and all the no gloves tournaments sponsored by Budweiser Beer Company. These new players were: Stephen Brumfield, Anthony Jackson , Charles Golden, William Coleman , Andre Peoples, Kenneth Hairston (HOF), Anthony Henderson, Sam Taylor (HoF), Terry Allen (RIP), Coty Jackson, Leroy White, Drake Jones (HOF), Sam Porter, Jerry Bridges, Duke, Derrick Booker Maurice Miller and Jesse Chambers. Special Thanks to Kevin Jones (1990), Charles Gordon, Gregory Cooley(2004), Michael Stevens (2000), Toot (2001), Tay (2003), Freddie Crosby (2003), Steve Dantley, Art Lewis, Vern, Vernon Wells, Vince Christian (1998), David Berry and Floyd Glover. From 1988 to 2007 LA Posse was a force in South side softball and continued to chase their dream of winning the softball nationals until their breakup in 2008.

People’s Choice

For many years, the Doran brothers, Rich, Jerry and John, and Vito Povilaitis of Mt. Greenwood were the nucleus of many youth baseball teams until they began their softball careers by assembling a softball team called the Trumbullies. They played at Mt. Greenwood in 1972 and 1973. Like many young teams, they weren’t as competitive as they hoped, so they set out to recruit new players. John Doran attended Western Illinois University and it was there in September of 1973 that he met Dave “Jake” Jacobson from Park Ridge. Jake suggested they form a union of top players from the North and South Sides of Chicago. Jake recruited top talent from the North Side with Tony Reibel (HOF), Derek Singleton, Bill Spicer and Ron Ziemann (HOF) of the Amalgamonsters. In 1974, they began competing as the People’s Choice.

Both Rich Doran and Sam Taylor of the Flamingos attended Chicago State University, where they were stars on the nationally ranked wrestling team. After Rich saw Sam on the intramural softball field, he knew he had to have him on People’s Choice! It took some time, but eventually Sam joined the team in 1976 and overnight the “Choice” became a force to be reckoned with now that they had one of the best 16 - inch softball players in the City of Chicago!

Sam Taylor also had a pipeline of talent that brought Drake Jones and Stanley Brown from the Flamingos and Odell Humphries into the fold in 1977. These players added to a solid nucleus that consisted of players from other teams: Gary Ringhofer, added in 1979 from the Condors, Angelo Moca (Tahoe), Rich Ladewig and Frank Mioni (Whips), Ron Peltz and Bob Steadman (Renegades), Tom Kevin, Joe Moms and Tom O’Malley.

John Doran landed their first sponsor: the Chicagoland Plumbing Council, a sponsorship that would last from 1976 to 1981. They would make Mt. Greenwood their home park. They would also be sponsored by Tally’s Pub in Ford City Shopping Center and Klehm Nurseries of Arlington Heights.

An integrated team, with a strong desire to win, People’s Choice played all over the city and suburbs and always fared well. Though not always welcomed wherever they went, they thrived on winning and being the enemy. They dominated Mt. Greenwood Park from 1974 to 1992. They won championships in three different decades (70’s, 80’s and 90’s) to go along with numerous championships in Mt. Greenwood. They also won league championships in Arlington Heights, Bensenville, Itasca, Mt. Prospect, Roselle, Schaumburg, Wood Dale and Hamlin Park. Other team highlights include:

1.1979- Record: 83-9

2.1980- Six players named as Mt. Greenwood All-Stars

3.1982- Won all four leagues in Mt. Greenwood (first grand slam in park history)

4.1982- Twelve players nominated for the All-Chicago All-Star Team

5.Won three of four league titles in Mt. Greenwood Park three times

6.Won the Mt. Greenwood Sunday League title fourteen times in a fifteen year stretch

Softball legends and future Hall of Famers Ron Ziemann, Benny Holt, Jack Kelly, Mark Frighetto, Ken Flaws, Steve Prostran and Ken Cooper all played with People’s Choice through the years when their schedules permitted. In 1992, the People’s Choice ended their years of competition by winning the league titles at Mt. Greenwood and Hamlin Parks.

Peppers

   

Team Playboys

Ray’s

Ray Linz Sr., owner of Ray's Tavern in Calumet City, IL was the proud sponsor of RAY'S Women's 16" Softball Team from 1972-1980. The team was formed in 1972 from a recreational group of women's power volleyball players. Although the members came from various teams, they shared a common bond -- a competitive nature. Of the original RAY'S team members, only three had any organized softball experience and none of them had ever played 16" softball because it was not offered for women yet. They ranged in age from the mid 20's to the early 40's. They diligently practiced as to develop a competitive skill set and eventually evolve into the first powerhouse team in women's 16" softball in the south suburbs. They credit a lot of their success to the fine coaching staff which consisted of: Jon Hanford, Vito Perniciaro, Vic Bruegmann, batboys Kevin Poczes and Ricky Booth and the huge support of sponsor Ray Linz Sr. Over the eight years that RAY'S competed, there were several undefeated seasons, numerous championships and many of the players went on to play for other very successful teams. As a result of their tenacious attitude, RAY'S proudly attribute their success to TEAMWORK -- which was adopted as their team motto. With the pride of winning and success came a reputation for excellence that has never been surpassed. RAY'S Women's Softball will forever represent what can be accomplished through commitment, hard work and the vision shared by each woman whose name appears below. We are grateful to the Chicago 16" Hall of Fame for this great honor! Connie Coster-Bruegmann*, Dorothy Watroba, Rene Sterbenc, Diane Poczos, Nora Hanford, Jeanette Hektoen, Cindy Freeman, Thelma Chumbley, Joy Bonic Burgess, Kathy Marcinkevich, Cheryl Broholm, Liz Danielewski, Maria Smierciak, Dee Hancock*, Sherry Vidal, Cheryl Foy, Connie Froida, Sharon Ridgley, Dorothy Horton, Trudy Patterson, Chris Ciechna, Barbara Boersma, Sandy Bolda, Sharon Enright, Barbara Gilson, Sue Kroll, Gayle Pfeiffer, Joanne Rehn, Marcia Schiller, Lisa Root, Cheri Guiterrez, Gail Livingston*, Colleen Schutz, Margaret Hardy, Lynne Robinson, Sharon Zatarga, Barb Banske, Jane Fredianelli, Judy Mathys, Peggy Rossi, Jeanie Bonin, Nancy Schutz  

Rebels

In 1987, John Pellegrino organized the Hickory Hills Rebels after growing up watching sixteen - inch softball games at the local park.  The players were friends from the neighborhood looking for a competitive outlet and took their name from a childhood football league. The Rebels built momentum and skill, leading up to their first big tournament win, the 1993 USSSA “A” State Championship in Orland Park.  The next year, they were victors of the 1994 ASA “A” Nationals in Blue Island.  In the summer of 1998, the Rebels won the Grant Park Chicago Classic “A” Tournament, a particularly proud moment playing with no gloves (preferred Rebel style).  This was followed up with a win at the 1999 ASA “A” State Tournament in Mount Prospect.  The last big tournament the Rebels claimed triumph was the 2001 ASA “A” Nationals in Aberdeen, South Dakota.   Over the years, the Rebels sought out competitive leagues.  They started in Hickory Hills, and then later played in Lagrange Park, Clyde Park, Worth Park, Blue Island, Alsip, and the Pro League.  The Rebels had signature wins over Lettuce and Flash in the Pro League, Stickmen at No Glove Nationals in Forest Park, and Graphic Edge (Iowa) in a Mount Prospect tournament.  Twice the team finished in the final six at No Glove Nationals.  The Rebels were battle-ready in all the big summer tournaments, preventing an easy victory for their opponents.   Rebels roster stalwarts include players Sam Alberto, Ed Chibe, Bryan Fry, John Jerbich, Bill Kenney, Mike Kozak, Thomas “TK” Kulawiak, Darren Neputy, Tom Neputy, Andy O’Neill, John Pellegrino, Bryan Smith, Fred Sterling, and Mike Trudeau.  All who have worn a Rebels jersey supported the team’s success and endurance.  Many Rebels continue playing thirty years later, though with more knee braces and gray hair.

Team Rebels

The Rebels emerged as one of the most competitive women’s teams of the late 1970s and early '80s, playing in park district leagues as well as countless tournaments on Chicago’s North and South Sides. One of the most memorable moments in team history occurred in the Women’s National Softball Tournament in 1977. When the tournament began, Manager Ron Hill and Coach Stan Powenski knew they were at the helm of a team comprised of young, talented and athletic rookies and a few seasoned veterans. After losing their first game, the Rebels fought their way up through the loser’s brackets to take on the mighty Rose N Crown. They used a powerful offense and skillful defense to beat them twice to capture the national championship. This championship served as a springboard for many of the players who went on to become some of the best 16" inch softball players of their day.

Team RIC Cubs

     In 1981, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) established the Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Sports Program, a community-based adaptive sports program for youth and adults with physical disabilities. Thirty years later, it has become one of the longest running adaptive sports programs in the country offering a wide range of competitive and recreational sports opportunities for people of all ages and ability levels including, wheelchair rugby, basketball road racing and softball, sled hockey, golf, skiing, archery, power soccer, bocce, cycling, and military programming for injured service men and women. The Wirtz Sports Program along with partner program the Helen M. Galvin Health and Fitness Center, experience more than 40,000 program visits annually. With wheelchair softball quickly growing in popularity among athletes, the sport was one of the earliest offered within the RIC Wirtz Sports Program. Playing in parking lots across the region, the newly developed RIC wheelchair softball team found little success playing against the more established teams in the region. But the spirit of the game did not abate. And the in following years, the athletes honed their skills and drew Chicago's most talented players. In 1993, the RIC Rollers became the RIC Cubs when Cubs Care, the charitable arm of the Chicago Cubs baseball organization and part of the McCormick Tribune Foundation, came on board as the first National League organization to sponsor a wheelchair softball team. The team's performance became worthy of National League status when in 2002 the RIC Cubs won their first National Wheelchair Softball Association title and repeated as champs in 2005. The RIC Cubs have had great success in national tournaments: taking third and fourth place twice, and second place four times. In 2000, Major League Baseball (MLB) established the Major League Baseball Tournament in New York City. The annual tournament is popularly referred to as the "World Series" of wheelchair softball and offers the top MLB-affiliated wheelchair softball teams a chance to compete each September in this exclusive 16-INCH tournament sponsored by the New York Mets. The RIC Cubs have proudly won the title eight of the past ten years. And, with nearly thirty years of experience, the RIC Cubs wheelchair softball team continues a tradition of excellence and camaraderie on the field bringing home the MLB "World Series" title again in 2011.
RIC Cubs Players
Larry Labiak – Catcher Kurt Smith – Right Center Field Paul Moran – Left Fielder Jorge Alfaro – Short Stop Dave Lewis – First Base Alex Parra – Pitcher Dino Ramirez – Right Field Juan Ortiz – Second Base Angelo Cruz – Third Base Curtis Lease – Right Center Field Maurice Reynolds – Rover Dan Palmer – Designated Hitter Ramon Canellada – Infielder Hector Bruno – Infielder Trent Thenhaus – Team Manager Brian O'Dell – Coach Corey Hug – Coach Kelley Hayn –Equipment Manager    

Ringers

Co-Founder:  Jim Dorgan Co-Founder:  Emil Smicklas  Managers Jim Dorgan (1968-1989)        Emil Smicklas (1968- 1986) Paul Rowan (1982-1993)       Tim Daniher (1989-1993) In the summer of 1968, after playing mostly pick-up games on the Southwest Side of Chicago at a local park, Graver Park, Jim Dorgan and Emil Smicklas decided to form a team and challenge different neighborhood teams to a softball game. The name of the team was called G.P.A.A. (Graver Park Athletic Association). GPAA played one game in the summer of 1968 against the Brown’s Bombers from the St. Margaret of Scotland Parish/neighborhood. The following summer G.P.A.A. played numerous games against teams from Beverly, Morgan Park and other areas on the Southwest Side.  These games were met with tremendous enthusiasm and over the winter of 1969/1970 led to the forming of the Graver Park Softball League, which is still is in existence today. During one meeting prior to the start of the 1971 season, while the rosters were being exchanged, one of the other managers asked Dorgan “what‘s with all the Ringers on the team?”  The name stuck and G.P.A.A. became the Ringers in the 1971 season. The Ringers won the championship of the Graver Park League from 1971 through 1976 and again from 1978 through 1981. In the late ‘70s, and early ‘80s, the Ringers wanted to gauge their talent against better competition by playing in leagues at Ridge Park and Mount Greenwood Park as well as in numerous tournaments.  The Ringers success continued at this level, with a continuing winning record each year and numerous championships. In 1982, Dorgan and Smicklas decided that they wanted more than just to be the best team in the neighborhood.  They wanted to take it to the next level and play the best teams in the city, and also compete on a national level.  They knew that in order to do that they would need better players than they had on their current roster. The decision was made to approach Pat “Big Red” Kilheeney and Paul Rowan who managed a team called the “Carpetbaggers,” a neighborhood rival who beat the Ringers for the Graver Park championship in 1977.   After some discussion, both sets of managers agreed that they were tired of beating up each other and so their goal became to compete citywide and nationally. And so the Ringers sixteen-inch softball team, comprised of players from three or four local teams, was formed in 1982 on the South Side of Chicago with the goal of competing in local leagues, in city tournaments, and eventually at the national level. Their first year, the Ringers took second place in the Kelly Park “B” League.  In 1983, they defeated the heavily favored reigning champs, Tahoe, at the Oak Lawn Metro to qualify for the ASA Nationals, fulfilling their dream of playing in the ASA Nationals sooner than expected. The Ringers competed in leagues in the ‘80s and ‘90s at Blue Island, the Mount Greenwood “A” League, and at Kelly, Kennedy, Ridge, and Graver Parks. They won several championships and ASA Metros over those years and competed in several more ASA National Tournaments at the Major and “A” levels. In 1985, Tim Daniher threw a perfect game against a strong Stickmen team. They finished tenth in that tournament. In July of 1985, they won Round Four of the Coors Light Tournament in Blue Island and the following week defeated the Playboys at Kelly Park to win the Chicago Park District title. In 1987, they won the Ninth Annual Bill Bonnette Tournament at Marquette Park. In the 1990s, Paul Rowan asked Tim Daniher to help him manage the Ringers and the success continued.  Besides winning park championships and tournaments under the Ringer name, they also won the Recreational Division of the Sun Times 16-inch Classic as All Mixed Up. They also took ninth place at the 1994 “A” Nationals in Blue Island as This Is It. The last year the Ringers played was 1994, as family and raising children took over as a priority for the majority of the team. Fellow softball players knew the Ringers for their competitiveness and skill on the field.  These efforts were rewarded when several players were named to the Chicago Softball Magazine All Lionhearted Team.  Every time they took the field, Ringer players demonstrated what sixteen-inch softball is all about – giving the game everything they had on the field and celebrating with family and friends off the field. The following people were pieces in the puzzle that lead to this honor by the 16” Softball Hall of Fame.      Jim Dorgan, Emil Smicklas, Paul Rowan (HOF), Tim Daniher, Tim Sparrey, Pat Kilheeney, Joe Chancey, Scott Clifford, Larry Carmody, Bob Schaab, Don Antonsen, Kevin Cronin, Pete Kean, Chuck Kreisl, Ted Rauen, Steven Rauen, James McCann, Tom McCann, Mike Carroll, Tom Finnegan, Gerry Klein, Pat Doherty, Jim Barry, David Kelly, Jim Richert, David Richert,     John Foran, Barry Quane, Jim Sullivan, Dick Lennon, John Calvano, Dave O’Rourke, Gilly Lindgren, Ed Eber, Sean Dunleavy, Mike Connolly, Mike Lyman, JerryClemens, Tom Naughton, Ron Gardner, Bill Hogan, Mike Mahoney, Bill Andre, Pat Quane, Ed O’Connor, Larry Daly, Tom Schaab, Mark Nielsen, Joe Toner,Tom Murphy, Bob McClelland [HOF], Paul Hermanson, Joe Marassa, Bob Andre, John Buckley, George Oliver, Keith Filkens, Rick Bruesch, Frank Mioni [HOF], Dan Klimpson, Pat Connolly, Randy Filkens [HOF],   Casey Janota, John Avants, Matt Biondic [HOF], Steven Biondic, Tom Makowski, Steve Shoper, John Melvin, Bruce Rogers, Mike Rogers, Dave Jorgenson, Bill Dart, Rich Ladewig [HOF], Tim Hooker, Bob Burns, Milo Davis, Mike Britvich, Tim Kelly, Tom Kelly, Art Melvin, James LaPan, George Murphy, Jamie Daw, Bob Choate, Rick Simnick, Greg Galotta

Team Rizza Rockers

The Rizza Rockers, a team made up of public service employees from North Riverside and Riverside - Brookfield High School graduates, started playing in 1986 in the North Riverside Fall Ball Rec. League. The next year they struck gold when they won the North Riverside Summer League. With confidence firmly in hand, they started playing some softball tournaments. Because of their great play, they won an “A” bid to the ASA Nationals in Indiana, taking fourth place in their first “A” Nationals despite having only two players who had played in a national tournament before. They were led by pitcher (Chops) Chiappetta and First-Team All- American Jeff Berger at shortstop. Fresh from their success at the “A” Nationals, the Rockers looked to challenge themselves to be as good as teams like the Blues, Jinx, and Touch, so they started playing in the toughest leagues around Chicago, including Forest Park, Bensenville, and Mt. Prospect. In 1993 they won the Suburban Life Tournament. That year they played in the No Gloves Nationals, the Hawthorne Tournament, the Grant Park Tournament, and in the ASA Nationals. They appeared in the ASA Major and “A” Nationals from 1987 to 1999. They also played in the short-lived Sports Channel Television League. As many teams climb the ranks of competitive softball, they often abandon the players they started with in favor of stronger players from other teams. The Rockers believed in an opposite formula - stick with younger players. This strategy paid off because they were able to develop their talent. It often failed, however, when some of the top teams would recruit these younger players. For a number of years, the Rockers seemed to be a farm team for some of the top teams. Their strategy of sticking with younger players and playing in the toughest leagues began to pay off as the Rockers started to hold their own with the era’s top teams, the Whips, Sports Station, Bud North, Dollhouse, Primetime, Splinters, and Bucks. In the late-90s, they went head-to-head with Lettuce and were able to hold their own against this legendary team. In 1998 they won the No Glove Nationals, beating Lettuce in the semi-finals and Pugliese in the finals. That year they were led by short center and Forest Park MVP, Greg Ziegler. Ziegler also played with the Rockers the longest and formed a bond with the Rockers’ manager that will last a lifetime. Many fine young players wore the Red & Black of the Rockers. It was said that manager Lane Neimann had the biggest phone book in the game. With a great sponsor like Joe Rizza Ford, the Rockers were always well stocked with players and looked sharp on the field. Joe Rizza continued his sponsorship during the entire time the Rockers played softball. His only requirement was that they looked good. And they did.

Team Rollers

The Chicago Rollers 16-inch softball team team was formed at the end of the 1976 season. It was a team that merged players from Niles, Edison Park and Notre Dame High School. The original team started with the following players – Tom Czarnik, Hugh Carmichael, Ed Murray, Craig Christiansen, Bill Maurer, Tom Jones, Mike Fragale, John Egart, Steve Everhart, Bill Byron, Kevin McGrath, and Jim Lannon. Several other players played key roles in the early success of the team. These players were Jim Boysen, Bob Bastone, Jeff Adams, Ken Walters, Buddy Eckholm, Kevin Kachan, and Tom Hohenadel.

During the next several years the Rollers played in several highly competitive leagues throughout the Northwest Suburbs and at Chicago Park District venues. The Rollers initial season was pretty good. They won several league championships and topped off a successful season by winning the City of Chicago Championship. Along the way the Rollers played almost every weekend and most of the time at least two games a night.

At the end of 1978, the Rollers added several key players from Murderer’s Row: Denny Hull and Warren (HOF) & Byron Johnson. We had a great year finishing in fourth place in the ASA Nationals in Prescott, AZ. Just getting through an ASA Metro was at the time a very difficult tourney to win, so the fourth place finish was a great step forward. During the 1979 season the Rollers won the Andy Frain Tournament, the Kelly Park championship and the North Shore Tournament (both won on the same night and played with a split squad). We won the Midwest Invitational in La Crosse and finished near the top in several Forest Park tournaments.

Unlike many teams that formed in the mid-‘70s, the Rollers accomplished a great deal of success in a relatively short period of time. Players that the Rollers competed against will always say that there was an intangible factor that the Rollers played with. They were driven by the desire to compete with the elite of the softball greats – not only the great players but also the great teams. They were fortunate to be able to play against some of softball’s great teams: the Bobcats, the Sobies, Big Banjo Bruins, Amaglamonsters, and Whips to name just a few. The players on those teams were truly great players and inspired the Rollers to be as good as they were.

In 1980 several players moved on. Some retired from the game to raise families, several moved out of state and several left to play for other teams. The Rollers added several players from the Des Plaines area: John O’ Conner, Chris Bouche, Jim Venard, Glenn Miller, Mark Ackerman, and Rick Wolfgram. They continued to play in Clarendon Park, Portage Park, and Evanston. In 1981 they merged with the Bobcats and finished second in the ASA Nationals in Harvey.

The Rollers became the Runts in 1982. Along the way, they added Mark Frighetto (HOF), Mark Schuler (HOF), Bill Finnegan (HOF), Ron Zieman (HOF) and Tim Howser. They finished second in the ASA Nationals that year in South Dakota, beating the Spats after the Spats came out of the losers’ bracket to beat them twice. . The Runts continued playing in Mount Prospect and Portage. They won the Illinois State tournament in 1984 and came in second in the USSSA in Iowa.

The team evolved into Auto Mart and Bud North in the late 80’s. Although the Rollers only played together for five seasons before merging with the Bobcats in 1981, they packed a lot of great softball into those years. Most team members would admit that playing 16-inch softball as a member of the Rollers was one of the best times of their lives.

Team Rolling Dice

     It was approximately the summer of 1973 when Louis "Butch" Whiters and Richard "Bro" Mason were sitting on a porch near 58th and Ada discussing how the neighborhood kids had nothing constructive to do because there were no health centers of recreational facilities available. So they decided to help the neighborhood kids by forming softball teams that would compete against each other. Later they would play teams from other blocks. This simple idea grew became so successful that they joined leagues at Sherman and Ogden Parks. At first they lost a lot of games because they weren't used to the high level of competition. Rather than give up (and as the oldest siblings in their families), they followed the pattern that all successful teams follow - they recruited better players from the neighborhood. Success followed and Rolling Dice built a strong team bond and family-like atmosphere. The next step was to find sponsorships. Most teams head to the local tavern or lounge and convince the owner to pick up the tab for uniforms and registration fees. But the members of Rolling Dice were too young to get a lounge sponsorship, so they had parties and raffles with team members and family friends at banquet halls to raise money. They also received a sponsorship from Alderman Shirley Coleman as an honorarium for their participation in the local backto- school parade. With uniforms and tournaments fees paid for, they developed into a team to be reckoned with. They weren't always successful but always gave the opposing team a tough fight. After ten years of playing, Louis Whiters stepped away to devote more time to his family and job, so Richard Mason took over a continued the strong legacy they had started together. In 1981 Rolling Dice competed in seven leagues and played every day. That year they won championships at 75th and Jeffrey, at Dawes Park, and at Washington Park. In 1993 they won the Blue Island league by defeating the Villains and the Washington Park league by defeating the Alpha Giants. In 2000 and 2001 they took second at Washington Park. In 2004 they won the titles at Blue Island and Washington Park. That same year they came in second in the Black Nationals in Wisconsin. In 2006 and 2007 they were cochampions at Blue Island and were co-champions at Rainey Park in 2006. In 2009 they were co-champions of the Fall League at Garfield Park. Throughout their history, Rolling Dice has played at many parks throughout Chicago and the suburbs. And they always played with that never-say-die attitude ingrained in them from the very beginning of the team by Lois Whites and Richard Mason.    

Team Rose-N-Crown

Stover

The Stover sixteen-inch softball team was formed in the 1990’s with the majority of the team made up of Coppola brothers and cousins. It also included cousins without the Coppola last name (Langeness and McMurray) and close friends. The Stover name came from a business owner by the name of Roger Stover.   In 2001, The Stover team included Chuck Coppola, Sr., Chuck Coppola, Jr., Cory Coppola, Chris Coppola, Joe Coppola Jr, Joe Coppola, III, Tony Coppola, LJ Coppola, Jim Langeness, Chad Langeness, Sean McMurray, Jay Polson, Mike McCune, Tim Walker, Kevin O’Hare, and John Spinner. In 2001, Stover placed 4^th in Major National tournament in Schaumburg, Illinois. This was the start of eight - years in a row of placing high in the National Major tournaments.   Between 2002-2010 other players joined the team as players retired. These players were critical to Stovers’ success during their eight - year run. These players included Ben Happel, Mike Wood, Kyle Campbell, Marty Freese, Cary Coppola, Kyle Coppola, Chuck Coppola, III, Zach Coppola, Mike Kruse, Pat Kruse, Rob Nevitt, Troy Bluml, Curt McNabb, Luke Lewarne, Alex McMurray, Chris Wood, Chris Le Warne, and Blake Schultz   From 2001-2009 in the four Major tournaments held in Iowa, Stover won four State Major titles, five Bud Open Titles, three Marshalltown Clincher titles and four Urbandale Classic titles. It was rare if Stover wasn’t in the championship game of these Iowa tournaments during these years.   Stover was invited to play in the prestigious Forest Park No-Glove Nationals in the 2000’s. Some years Stover fared better than other years as the “no glove” game was new and challenging. However, they took fifth in 2003 and fourth in 2005.  These finishes felt like championship games because Stover was able to play on Sunday in front of the best crowds and against the best teams. The Forest Park weekends were also some of the best of the summers because of the generosity and the welcoming attitude shown by the players, the tournament hosts and the awesome fans. Stover was honored and flattered to be a part of this great tournament and to be playing against the best softball players without wearing gloves.     Stover ASA Majors Accomplishments  

• 2001: 4th at Schaumburg, Illinois All-American players: Jay Polson, Mike McCune, Tim Walker, Cory Coppola, Tony Coppola

 

• 2002: 2nd at South Bend, Indiana All-American players: Joe Coppola, III, Chuck Coppola, Jr., Sean McMurray, John Spinner, Mike McCune

 

• 2003: 2nd at Marshalltown, Iowa All-American players: Tim Walker, Jay Polson, Marty Freese, Joe Coppola, III

 

• 2004: 3rd at Chandler, Arizona Mike McCune, Jay Polson, Marty Freese, Joe Coppola, III, Tony Coppola

 

• 2005: 3rd at Mt/ Prospect, Illinois All-American players: Jay Polson, Mike Wood, Joe Coppola, III

 

• 2006: 5th at Mt. Prospect, Illinois All-American players: Joe Coppola, III, Tim Walker, Jay Polson, Chris Coppola

 

• 2007: 2nd at Marshalltown, Iowa All-American players: Joe Coppola, III,

Ben Happel, Chuck Coppola, Jr., Tony Coppola, Mike McCune  

• 2008: 2nd at Crystal Lake, Illinois All-American players: Joe Coppola, III, Tony Coppola, Ben Happel, Mike McCune, Mike Kruse, Pat Kruse

 

• 2009: 13th at Marshalltown, Iowa All-American players: Ben Happel, Joe Coppola, III

 

Gillette Strokers /Old Strokes/Leftovers

The Gillette sixteen-inch softball team played in the Grant Park Softball League in the 1950s through the 1960s.  They became the Gillette Strokers in the early 1970s. Rumor has it that they won a few Grant Park championships in the ‘50s and ‘60s, but through the ‘70s and into the ‘90s they were a competitive team without a league title (although they did have quite a few second and third place finishes). This drought ended in 2005 when they won the Grant Park Plaza League championship and repeated as league champs in 2008. In 1991, the Gillette Strokers and some “older” players from the other Grant Park teams – Com Ed, Peoples Gas, and Sears became the Old Strokes. They played in a 39–and –Older-League in La Grange. After their first season playing at La Grange where they won the league championship, the Old Strokes faced a problem – they had too many players. So they split into two teams – the Old Strokes and the Leftovers. As of 2016, both teams still compete in the 39–and-Over–League at Janura Park in Berwyn.  In 1998 the La Grange Park District started at 50–and–Over–League that the Old Strokes and Leftovers competed in. The Old Strokes are still playing in a 50-and-over–league in Berwyn. The Strokers still play in the Thursday night Plaza League at Grant Park. They played in other leagues and tournaments (they won the LaGrange Fall League in 1997), but have primarily played at Grant Park. Most softball players played the game for two reasons - the competition on the field and the chance to socialize afterwards where lifelong friendships are formed. For that, the Strokers, Old Strokes, and Leftovers thank O’Callahans, Rossi’s, Pippen’s, Streator’s, Hogan’s, Queen’s Paradise, Melody Lane, Kenny’s Pub, Joes Saloon, Harrys Bar, Ryan’s Pub, Waterworks, Cordial Inn and many other “watering holes”. In the early 70s, the Strokers, after one of their Grant Park games, began what would become an annual after game picnic. Stroker Fest started out as a celebration for Stroker softball but evolved into a multi-team celebration every summer with the menu featuring a roasted pig stuffed with chickens to hot dogs and, of course, lots of cold beer.   Through the years, the Stroker softball roster included players from different backgrounds, neighborhoods, races, and ethnicities. Their roster changed slowly but eventually younger players were added to remain competitive with the core of players who had been together for ten-to-twenty years. Many of their more “experienced” players joined the Old Strokes or the Leftovers.   But with all the roster changes, one fact remained unchanged – it wasn’t dominance on the field but camaraderie and team loyalty that led to the longevity of the Strokers, Old Strokes, and Leftovers.  The Strokers are already planning on playing into the next decade. They hope to add their sons and grandsons to the roster. The Old Strokes and Leftovers hope to avoid injury so they can play No Gloves Sixteen-inch softball for many more years.   Columbus James                     Jimmy Powell             Dick Mrugacz Jim Voss                                Woody Chartrand                      Don Meyers Willie Pepper                           Dave Ponash                          Darryl Watkins Juan Cantu                               Bobby Koutek                        Bobby Meyers Russ Krezel                              Ronnie Harper                        Frank Atkinson Ernie Wiggins                         Bobby Wiggins                         Dave Smidt Jim Quinn                               Roy Rodriguez                        Charlie Powell Jocko Tatum                            Willie Tatum                             Tom Donahue Rob Callahan                           Dan Radachonski                      Don Schmidt Bill Zumbek                            George Strob                          Russ Blumhagen Freddy Riebel                          Tim James                               Rich Daniels Lonnie Bingham                      Tom Castellarin                        Darryl Bettenfield Kenny Philpot                         Roy Harrison                           Jim Young Vinnie Dicosola                      Curtis Cotton                           Bill Cavanaugh Robert Taylor                          John Robb                               Maurice "Mo" Davis Wayne Edwards                        Anthony Edwards                 Derek Edwards Jim Stein                                 Joe Johnson                           Dave Lemmons Jeff Lemmons                         John Strickland                      Noel Outlaw Clu.                             ..          Tiny                                         Ice Mike Sleepy                                     Wizard                                     Tall Bill Joe Voss                                 Tim Voss                                James Simms Les Simms                              Paul Wukasch                         Trevor Wukasch Carol Harris                            Tina Howell                           Jean Jeras Griff McIntyre                        Warren Watson                       Kenny Zuncick Mike O'Mally                             Steve Tullis                          Sander Kaplan Dan Bagley                             Loyd Boyd                             Willie Smith Walter Smith                           Warren Watson                       Warren Mitchell Larry Grabowski                       Mike Mattuck                        John Wozny Matt Bhuemer                          Emmett Quinn                        Ron Rak Bernie Korznewski                 Bernie Rajkowski                     Bernie Stefanski John Dillon                              Rich Fischer                           Lee Frye John Sears                                Ed Porter                                Tony Guerra Ernie Williams                         Jessie Rosas                            Ralph Mitchum Kenny Fukar                           Turk Hunter                             Peter Troy Larry Sullivan                         Gary Gottschalk                     Kevin Young Tom Kelly                                 Wayne Hatch                         Jerry Tazic Jim O'Rielly                            John Caddick                          Bill Lynch Bill Redis                    Chet Matykiewicz                   Wayne Hatch Wayne Borawski                      Odell Humpries                      Tony Kaldis Greg Cantrambone                   Ron Nowitski                         Joe Dlask Joe Langraf                             Drew Stienbach                        John Blazina Bill Sherman                            Andy Griffin                          John Walsh Tom Walsh                              Jim Schulte                              Ed Duerk Frank Straka                            Ed Mantel                                Rob Robinson Monroe Bell                            Fred Kalita                             Jim Coyle Dennis Veraveic                      Mickey Quirk                          Tony Pearson Jake Hampton                         Mark Johnson                         Bill Pyziak Bob Pyzik                               Vada Primus                           Bob Dicarlo Denny Conway                       Jim Glanz                                Ed Faranauskus Art Kamps                               Jimmy Kieth                            Scott Riemer Mike Galivan                            T J Hull                                 Bob Merz Tom Chebular                         Chris Pacourek                       Ladd Dallum Tim Ozga                     Tom Nyhan                            Scott Hulten John Dudzic                            Fred Michon                          Jim Handly Tom Frank                               Joe Mullen                              Jerry Morrisette Justin Krone                            Kevin Young                          Ray Prokaski Benny Villareal                       Tom Nacht                               Guy Manella Joe Gibson                              Carl                                         Jacob Rondo Catelli                          Robert Hathaway                     Herman Carter Phil Zimmerman                       Marco Bolotin                         Rich Wronski Mike Sacharski                       Rick Fox                                 Mr Wonderful    

Team Safari Tigers

The Safari Tigers 16-inch softball team was formed in April 1969 by Hall of Fame coach Claude Rhodes. The team was formed to counter the negative influences that prevailed in the Washington Park and Grand Crossing neighborhoods of Chicago. Today, this influence is even more necessary and meaningful. In the early 1970s, the Tigers played in area parks on the Southside of Chicago, but in the early 1980s, they sought tougher competition in leagues further west in Chicago and in the suburbs. At first, like many young teams, they took their lumps playing major sixteen-inch teams, but the players matured, sharpened their skills, increased their confidence, and most importantly, grew together into one of the best sixteeninch teams in the country. They demonstrated their excellence in 1984 and 1985 when they became the first African - American team to play in the ASA Nationals. They took second place both years. In 1989 they won the ASA Illinois State Tournament, won the Southside Cocktail League in 1990 and 1991, and hosted the Nationals in Mt. Prospect in 1992. The team disbanded in the fall of 1993. Clayton Jones  Curtis Durns  Mike Price Eric Jones  Larry McGee  Morris Rupert, Jr. Ernie Jones  Cedric Walls  Sam Woodson Sherman Martin, Jr.  Del Morgan  Leonard Woodson Michael Coleman  Donnie Williams  Floyd Neal Ray Warren  Wesley Lee  Mike Colvin Michael Lee  Ken Johnson  Claude Rhodes Randy Lee  Randy Harris

Saints

   

Shooters

During the late ‘60s and ‘70s, the Shooters were considered to be one of the five best teams in Chicago.  The North Side had the Shooters, the Dwarfs, and the 45s and the South Side had the Bobcats, the Rogues, and the Sobies.  The team members came from Senn, Sullivan, Mather, Roosevelt, Von Steuben, and Amundsen High Schools.  They were built on speed, defense, and timely hitting. Their first year they found success, going 14-6 at Clarendon.  Each year they added more power and quickly became one of Chicago’s most dominant teams. From 1969 to 1971, they went 65 – 6, winning numerous games by the slaughter rule and drawing huge crowds at Clarendon Park. They won two Clarendon titles and championships at Terminal Park in Skokie, James Park in Evanston, and Mather Park in Chicago. Their great speed, flawless fielding, and powerful hitting helped them win or finish as finalists in the Andy Frain Tournament, the World Series of Softball at Blue Island, and in tournaments at Mather Park, in Niles, and on the South Side. The Shooters competed against their North Side rivals, the Dwarfs and Gaffers, and held their own with a nice winning record.  They beat the Bobcats 16 – 5 at Clarendon in 1970.  They were 0 – 1 against the Sobies, losing to them in the semi-finals of the Andy Frain Tournament. They lost to the Strikers by one run in the World Series of Softball at Blue Island in 1970. Throughout the years, Shooter players won many softball and non-softball honors, including being named to high school baseball and basketball all-city teams, winning the Chicago Public League batting championship, being named to the Chicago Coaches Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Sixteen-inch Softball Hall of Fame. The Shooters had three college baseball captains, five college baseball players, and five college basketball players. The Shooters were a great team and a great group of guys.  Like the movie “Remember the Titans” softball fans will always “Remember the Shooters”. Shooter Players Ron Maurer (HOF)                 Burt Weinberg                        Bob Bernstein (HOF) Jack Jacobson                         Bruce Roth                              Larry Spiegel Art Lurie (HOF)                     Richie Weiner                        Larry Komar Jerry Berlin                             Chris Bakulis                          Gary Watanabe Doug Millstone                      Dave Neiman                          Gary Lipkin Ed Fink                                   Jerry Abrams                          Sandy Issacson Al Colvin                                Rich Stucker                           Ron Goldie

Team SloPokes

Although they were only together for a few years, the Slo-Pokes made their mark on women’s softball on the North and Northwest sides of Chicago. Like many great teams, they were a compilation of teams that had played against each other. And like other great teams, they had a strong organizer who could spot and recruit the best talent. Pat Pasko (HOF) was the player / coach, financial supporter, and head motivator for the team. She would hand out Slo-Poke suckers after the game to team members who played exceptionally well. The team wore red, white, and blue uniforms to honor America’s bi-centennial in 1976. During that 1976 season, they won three league championships and four single day tournaments, losing only two games that season. The team played at Kosciusko Park, Athletic Field, Wells, Touhy, Hanson, and Clarendon Parks. One player remarked that she ordered so many championship jackets that year that she started ordering them for her sister and other family members. But like all teams, they some day have to say good-bye to one another. Slo-Pokes broke up because some of the older players began to cut back on their playing and some of the younger players went on to play eleven-inch ball. Two former Slo-Poke players, Jan Wilson and Mary Malpede, were inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame for eleven-inch ball. Mary Kay Schaeffer- Monaghan was inducted into the 16-inch Softball hall of Fame. Many Slo-Poke players continued to give back to the game by becoming teachers and coaches.

Team Smoke

1985. After playing softball for more than twenty years for various teams in countless parks around Chicago and the suburbs, Gary S. Goldberg and Chuck Martinkus felt it was time to form their own team and bring their combined experience to a product they and everyone involved would be proud of. They acted on two principles: that solid, dedicated individuals would produce a better team than flash-in-the-pan superstars, and that long-tern team building was more important than short-tern success. Throughout the early spring of 1985, Goldberg and Martinkus contacted players they knew would fit in, ran ads in local papers, and relied on word of mouth to assemble a team for the upcoming season. Smoke played in a summer league at Shabonna Park twice a week. Because of the typical growing pains that new teams experience, they had mixed results, going .500 their first season. In 1986 they added a few missing parts and produced a playoff team that was still far from perfect, but most of the players were in it for the long haul, so they weren't discouraged. They played in the 1986 Fall League at Terminal Park in Skokie and found some unexpected results. Their two years at Shabonna and their patience and hard work led to them winning the league title that fall. They went on to win nine Fall League championships in eleven years. They played in the Summer League at Terminal with mixed results. They had a couple of runner-up finishes and won the league title in 1996. In 1997 most of the team broke up. Guys got married, moved out of the area, or moved to other teams. But Goldberg and Martinkus decided to give it one more try. They reconnected with original team members and added new talent to complete the roster. They entered the 1998 season in a "B" league at Dee Park and proceeded to win the summer and fall titles. From 2000 to 2007 they played at Behrens Park in Elmhurst and Lions Park in Villa Park. They were a perennial playoff team and took second a few times in the league championship. They won the championship at Lions Park in 2003 and at Behrens Park in 2006 and 2007. They played in many tournaments around the city and suburbs, including a "geriatric" tournament on the Southeast side of Chicago and in tournaments at Warren Park, Thillens Stadium, and in the first Terry Moran Tournament. From 2004 - 2007, they played in the Villa Park Summer League that was televised by Comcast with Duane Dow as commentator. They were undefeated on the telecasts for four years. They still play indoor winter softball at the Ditka Dome. In 2008 Smoke cofounder Gary Goldberg pitched a perfect game in the Schaumburg Indoor Winter league, a rarity in sixteeninch softball. Smoke recently received a congratulatory letter from Kirk Dillard, Illinois State Senator and avid softball player, upon their being honored by the Sixteen-inch Softball Hall of Fame. Smoke Players Gary S. Goldberg Charles Martinkus Art Kamps John Bias Larry Cagle Don Carson Steve Columbus Larry Comstock Jed Curtis Frank Dale Charles Dial Steve Gerber James Glorioso Rade Inovic Bronko Jantz Art Levy Robert McDonald Tony Monaco Chris Nelson Billy Pica Marty Pick Norm Rose Stu Rosen Mike Rossi Jim Schmitt Robert Seidenberg Paul Smith Jeff Spiegel Jerry Thompson Jim Thompson Mark Tomei Marshall Waldo Charles Weidenbach Brian Anderson Greg Boehm Brad Buckholtz Ken Hollingsworth John Hughes Fred Michon Tom O'Malley Adrian Romero Mike Smith Rich Strachura Steve Weissmann Tony Cursio Phil Grandinetti Jayson Judge Kevin Klaibor Lou Rossi William See perennial playoff team and took second a few times in the league championship. They won the championship at Lions Park in 2003 and at Behrens Park in 2006 and 2007. They played in many tournaments around the city and suburbs, including a "geriatric" tournament on the Southeast side of Chicago and in tournaments at Warren Park, Thillens Stadium, and in the first Terry Moran Tournament. From 2004 – 2007, they played in the Villa Park Summer League that was televised by Comcast with Duane Dow as commentator. They were undefeated on the telecasts for four years. They still play indoor winter softball at the Ditka Dome. In 2008 Smoke cofounder Gary Goldberg pitched a perfect game in the Schaumburg Indoor Winter league, a rarity in sixteeninch softball. Smoke recently received a congratulatory letter from Kirk Dillard, Illinois State Senator and avid softball player, upon their being honored by the Sixteen-inch Softball Hall of Fame.

Team Smooth Over

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

Team Sobies

Team Splinters

Total: 155 wins against 39 losses ASA Major National Champions in 1991 and 1997 ASA Major National Runners-up in 1990, 1994, 1995, and 1996 Forest Park Records 1992 - First Place 1994 - Second Place Sixteen members of Splinters have been inducted into the Sixteen-inch Softball Hall of Fame

Team The Stompers

The Stompers were started in 1976 when a bunch of friends from the Gailwood neighborhood got together together to play a team from another park in the area. They were successful, so one of their players entered them in the Amundsen Park League. Unfortunately they didn't have a team name when they registered, so the park director gave them the Stomper name. They won the Amundsen League several years in a row and also won the 30th Ward Tournament for eight consecutive years. They then moved to the more competitive leagues at Kells Park and then to the Clarendon Park League. In 1975 they played at Kelly Park, a league that many regarded as the best in Chicago at that time. They won their division and were then invited to play in Tom Bonen's Windy City League. At this time, they were ranked as one of the top ten teams in the city. They also played in the Blue Island Softball League and qualified for the ASA Nationals.

Team Stooges

Chicago’s game characteristically mirrors the city that created it – it’s brash, bold, loyal, and smart. It possesses a never say die attitude. From 1981 to 1996, no team better exemplified these traits than the Stooges, the team that in 1993 the Sun Times called “The neighborhood team that plays big-time ball.” The Stooges were known for their excellent defense, great team speed, consistent roster, and superb pitching. Consistently ranked among the top ten teams in Chicagoland softball, the Stooges won over fifty tournaments, captured the tough Broadview League championship six years in row with a 28 - 0 record in 1993, won the tough Cicero-Clyde Park League twice, and won eight Metro championships as well as the Hawthorne Park championship and the West Suburban Life Newspaper title. Additionally, the Stooges were always a threat in the Forest Park “No- Glove Nationals” and in the ASA Nationals. The Stooges were born partly out of the 1977 state baseball championship won by players at Proviso East High School. The team members all lived within ten blocks of each other in suburban Broadview. The Stooges were always known for the passion for the game and their camaraderie. Win or lose they were honorable opponents who many times “popped the trunk” and shared the contents of their coolers with friends and opponents alike. Over the Stooges, sixteen-year run, their children were born and many of their parents passed away, strengthening the bond of friendship and neighborhood ties. Talent and athleticism were important to the Stooges, but loyalty to the team was more important. The Stooges always played the game with the best traditions of “neighborhood” softball. They played with passion and intensity and earned the respect of their opponents. Teammates and opponents fondly remember their “hit-and-run” mentality to this day. On behalf of all the players, their manager, Jimmy Spidale, thanks the Sixteen-inch Softball Hall of Fame for the great honor of being recognized for their great record, for their competitive softball, and for their dedication to neighborhood softball. Scotty Berg Mark Gershak Joe Pigaro Joey Briza Marty Gershak Al Ruegger Bobby Caponi Rich Hennesey Bobby Russ, Sr. Pat Caputo (HOF) Timmy Kutt Bobby Russ, Jr. Rick Carnavale Odell Humphrey Randy Russ Tommy Connelly Steve Kus Danny Scheid Danny Conway Sonny Leon Jimmy Seno Kevin Cooney Tony Ledoux Jimmy Spidale Larry “Zeke” Cushion Bobby Lopez Michael Spidale Sammy Daddano Ron Matriciano Rocco Taglia Bill “Red” Davis Mike Mazza Dave Tassi Joe Donato Billy Miller Jim Wangler Ray Donato Jimmy Moore Ken Wisz Michael Eleuteri Russell Nisivaco Ken Floody Chris Olson Virgie Gerin Mark Panek (HOF)

Team Sulky Inn Favorites

The Sulky Inn Favorites began as a true Cinderella story when a team sponsored by Ray’s Pizza and coached by Roy Logan, Ray Martino and John Szczecina and dressed in t-shirts, bib overalls, and tennis shoes played at Hart Park in Blue Island. The older teams began chanting E-I-E-I-O when they saw their “uniforms.” But this chant would later be turned against their detractors at the end of the tournament when the Hart Park crowd started chanting it with every hit and run scored, and when Ray’s Pizza went on to defeat the mighty Pets for the title. The next year (still without full uniforms) the upstart Ray’s Pizza defeated the Flames for the first ASA Women’s Windy City 16 inch Softball Tournament. With full uniforms and a sponsor - Papa John’s of Sulky Inn from Harvey - the next year opened as a match made in heaven. Maryann Forgue, Theresa DeLorenzo, Beth Schultz, Marie Liston, Pam Lutz, Colleen Logan, Lynn West, Chery Schmal, Michelle Eggerman and Nancy Logan, along with Valerie Smith, Katie Fahey, Jamie Eggerman, Bea and Trish Liston and Donna Logan made up the team that became one of the top three women’s teams during their era. Their success came from hard work, extraordinary talent, and a commitment to keeping its players. They didn’t go out and scout younger player but stayed loyal to the nucleus that started the team. Good friends who wanted to play softball took precedence over politics and ringers. Playing in three to four leagues and the major tournaments and winning Metros, Windy City, and many top titles in women’s softball, the Favorites were not the most powerful team in the leagues. In fact they were quite small compared to other teams. There were no superstars or long ball hitters on the team, but the Favorites won their games because of determination. Often they had to fight their way out of the loser’s bracket and had to play all day in order to reach the championship game With their small roster they often played with broken fingers, separated shoulders, and other injured body parts. They played through the pain because they loved playing together and molded themselves into a family on and off the field. Much of the credit for their success was due to the coaching of Roy “Henry” Logan, one of the founders of the Calumet Park Girls Rainbow Softball League. With four daughters and a passion for sports, “Henry” Logan had no choice but to help start the league. As his daughters grew out of the younger leagues, so did Logan. He treated each of his players like his daughter and loved every one of them. He was a wonderful person who dedicated much of his life to the team. While it’s difficult to remember all the wins and losses, perhaps the words of Neil Diamond put the magic of Sulky Inn in perspective: “ Where it began, I can’t begin to know it; but then I know it’s growing strong. It was in the spring, then spring became the summer. Who’d have believed we’d come along.” The Sulky Inn Favorites with its coach, its friendship, its loyalty and its family atmosphere were truly a league of their own. In memory of Roy Logan. Thanks, Henry.

Northern Trust

Up until 1983, the Northern Trust Bank’s corporate softball team had limited success. About every other year, the team finished second in their Grant Park league, which qualified them to play in the GP Industrial Tournament. Once in the tournament, however, success was fleeting. They would maybe win their first game, but rarely would go any deeper in the tournament. However, in 1983, that all changed when Northern Trust won its first tournament and never looked back, winning over another dozen tournaments over the next twenty years. The team’s good fortune changed when Steve Sims and James Hudson joined the team. Steve and James played for the Hustlers, a South side powerhouse team that used to winning. However, Steve’s entry into the team was not as smooth as one might expect. During the March tryouts, Steve in particular did not stand out. In Chicago, March weather can be very brutal. That March was no exception and Steve did not fare well in it. It’s fair to say that Steve was not a “cold weather player” that year. After the final tryout, he waited breathlessly to find out if he made the final cut. Steve lamented, “I play on the Hustlers, but I may not make the bank’s team!” Well, he did make the team and history shows that his selection was the correct one because he was arguably its best player during many of the championship years. Once on the team, Steve and James joined incumbent starters Jerry Frey, Bob Brei, Gene Partipilo, and Mike Rohan. After finishing second in the league again, they entered the GP Industrial Tournament with a different mindset. Although not physically imposing (remember, they were bankers going up against railroad men) they prided themselves on solid defense and timely hitting. After beating their first four opponents, they played Rheem Manufacturing. Rheem was expecting to finish off an unbeaten season, having won all their league and other tournaments that year. However, Northern surprised them and won 13-8. For many players on the team, this was their first taste of championship in a long time. The following year, the Northerners repeated. Once again, they faced Rheem Manufacturing and once again they were victorious. Northern Trust continued to win but didn’t reach the championship round again until 1989. In the final game, Northern Trust was up by one run in the last inning against Santa Fe. Santa Fe’s leadoff man and speedster was on second with one out. Time was called and when play resumed everyone knew their number three hitter would jack one as far as he could hit it. If not a home run, it would likely score the tying run. Just as expected, the ball was shot into the right field gap. The Northern Trust players all hoped that they could hold them to just one run when John Oplt, their right fielder, defied the odds and not only caught the ball, but whirled and threw it back towards the infield.  Jerry Frey caught the throw and relayed it home to a waiting catcher Johnny B.  The ball and the runner arrived at the same time and amid the cloud of dust, the umpire strained to determine whether Johnny held onto the ball. Reminiscent of a Hollywood ending, when the dust settled, up from between the sliding runner’s legs appeared a hand with the ball in it. Game over; Northern won. There are many reasons why the men of Northern Trust played the game. This was one of them. That story was told and retold time and again whenever two or more of them gathered in a bar, at someone’s house, or in the bank cafeteria. Every championship had its own memories. Some were won when the least likely player got a key hit or made a great play. Some were won when the star players performed as expected. One was won when a player, not expecting to play, showed up and was inserted into the lineup to make the eighth player necessary to start the game. Had he not shown up, the game would have been forfeited and we would not have gone on to win the tournament.   From 1983 thru 2002, the Northern Trust Bank team won 475 games, over 80% of all games played including tournament games.  Key players on those teams include: Jerry Frey                                Bob Brei                                  Gene Partipilo Mike Rohan                            Steve Sims                              James Hudson Ron Spivey                             Norm Cavedo                                     Dan Doherty Maurice Oattes                        Chris Cobb                              Daryl Miles Terry Davis                             Reggie Knighten                     John Oplt Perry Gholston                        John Bierwaczonek                 Ray Carney Jeff O’Neill                             Bob Yess                                 Robert Parker Randy Blackwell                    Barry Perry                              Bob Sturgis Tas Vasilakos                          Joe Yacullo                             Jim Van Pelt James Jensen                           Dave Hbrabrich                       Bob Keeley Dwayne Lee                            Jon Pivoney                             Pat Woolfe  

Thunder

Thunder is a long time group of neighborhood friends that evolved into a consistent top-ten team, and for several years were much better than that.  Frank Stella started the team in the Glenview Park District and Morton Grove Park District High School leagues in 1983. Thunder is still running in 2016 with no signs of slowing down.  The majority of the team from 1983 through the late 1990s all went to high school together at Glenbrook South in Glenview and lived within four blocks of one another. After winning countless league championships in the Glenview Park District, Morton Grove Park District, Golf Maine Park District, and Des Plaines Park District, Thunder joined the more competitive Mt Prospect Park District and began playing in weekend tournaments in 1998.  Thunder had some success right off the bat after stepping up in competition winning two tournaments in 1999, while finishing seventh out of field of forty-five in ASA Class “A” Nationals that year.  From the mid-2000s through the present in 2016, Thunder has been a consistent top-10 team.  Thunder has always had a strong core of loyal and dedicated players who spent more time together off the field than on.  There was very little roster turnover from year to year.  In 2016 the roster will have five players who are sons of former players.   Since stepping up in competition in 1998, Thunder has the following accomplishments:

• 1015 wins
• Won thirty-seven league championships
• Won the Mt Prospect Classic League in 2012
• Won ASA Class “A” Nationals in 2007
• Won ten tournaments
• Finished third in ASA Class “A” Nationals in 2000, and 2004 after losing winners bracket final
• Finished third in ASA/SSA Major Nationals in 2009 and 2011 after losing winners bracket final
• Seven other top-ten finishes in Nationals for a total of eleven top-ten finishes in seventeen years
• Seventeen top-ten finishes in Major tournaments
• One of only four teams who played in Forest Park No Glove Nationals every year since 2007. Thunder had two top-ten finishes in that time span
• Finished third in ASA State Championships in 2007 and 2009
• Fourth in total number of wins in Mt Prospect Classic League history
• Team manager Frank Stella ranked fourth in total number of wins among managers in Mt Prospect Classic League history
• Thirty-nine players with All-American awards at Nationals
• Two players win the batting championship at Nationals
• Two players win the most home runs award at Nationals
• Two players win the most home runs award at Forest Park No Glove Nationals
• One player won the MVP at ASA Class “A” Nationals

Thunder accomplished these achievements with THEIR friends, and never wavered from the loyalty they  showed to each other Thunder Teammates Throughout the Years Alex May, Alfredo Manzo, Andres Heredia, Angelo Angelakos, Anthony Miserendino, Anthony Stacey, Aram Kelekian, Arlen Stern, Bill Delre, Bill Dreyer, Bill Fingl, Bill Hammitt, Bob Durst, Bob Maize, Brad Moriarty, Brady Pelesh, Brandon Archbold, Brian Burton, Brian Savage, Bryan Palm, Carlos Leiva, Charles Bolden, Charlie Tiberi, Chris Bielowicz, Chris Deleskiewicz, Chris Miller, Dan Durst, Danny Judd, Dave Ganir, Dave Kraner, Dave Leverenz, Dave Smith, Dave Winslow, Dennis Gancarz, Dominic Stacey, Donnie Kuffel, Eric Mandarino, Erik Madsen, Ernie Halvorsen, Frank Stella, George Zervos, Grant Kerr, Greg Redar, Gregg Didech, Israel Sanchez, Ivan Rhinehart, Jake Mijares, Jake Ziemann, Jeff Hoff, Jeff Johnson, Jeff Marks, Jerry Domico, Jerry Ulrich, Jim Klein, Jim Mular, Jim Raffini, Jimmy Karfis, Joe Coia, Joe Daddino, Joe Gallelli, Joe Kent, Joe Krasny, Joe Mular, Joe Nixon (Chicken), Joe O'Connor, Joe Palmisano, Joe Pauley, Joe Stacey, Joe Zaino, John (Chooch) Tamaraz, John Dolby, John Gaca, John Gibson, John Hughes, John Jerbich, John Klus, Johnny Klus, Josh Moran, Keith Zahnow, Kenny Abt, Kevin Haag, Kile Shafer, Kyle Marquette, Larry Stalder, Mark Anichini, Mark Walsh, Matt Martin, Matt Ridley, Matt Thompson, Mike Bradley, Mike Chillo, Mike Gale, Mike Kuksuk, Mike Mazurkiewicz, Mike Mercado, Mike Niedziela, Mike Rubenstein, Mike Schiller, Mike Trumph Sr, Mike Trumph Jr, Morris Greco, Nello Gamberdino, Nick Black, Patrick Dillon, Pedro Rodriquez, Phil Britton, Rich Cornacchia, Rich Stachura, Rick Knoll, Rob Kaczmarski, Robbie Sniegowski, Robert Jakubowski, Ron Kaczmarski, Ron Mack, Ryan Kaczmarski, Scot Neukirch, Sean Batti, Stephan McClearn, Steve Erich, Steve Mijares, Steve Rigney, Steve Syreggelas, Steve Travis, Teddy Spears, Terry DiGloria, Tom Gaffney, Tom Kulawiak, Tommy Storino, Tommy Tomlinson, Tony Massarelli, Tony Siriscevich, Vito Amato, Zach Gale  

Team Rollers

The Chicago Rollers 16-inch softball team team was formed at the end of the 1976 season. It was a team that merged players from Niles, Edison Park and Notre Dame High School. The original team started with the following players – Tom Czarnik, Hugh Carmichael, Ed Murray, Craig Christiansen, Bill Maurer, Tom Jones, Mike Fragale, John Egart, Steve Everhart, Bill Byron, Kevin McGrath, and Jim Lannon. Several other players played key roles in the early success of the team. These players were Jim Boysen, Bob Bastone, Jeff Adams, Ken Walters, Buddy Eckholm, Kevin Kachan, and Tom Hohenadel.

During the next several years the Rollers played in several highly competitive leagues throughout the Northwest Suburbs and at Chicago Park District venues. The Rollers initial season was pretty good. They won several league championships and topped off a successful season by winning the City of Chicago Championship. Along the way the Rollers played almost every weekend and most of the time at least two games a night.

At the end of 1978, the Rollers added several key players from Murderer’s Row: Denny Hull and Warren (HOF) & Byron Johnson. We had a great year finishing in fourth place in the ASA Nationals in Prescott, AZ. Just getting through an ASA Metro was at the time a very difficult tourney to win, so the fourth place finish was a great step forward. During the 1979 season the Rollers won the Andy Frain Tournament, the Kelly Park championship and the North Shore Tournament (both won on the same night and played with a split squad). We won the Midwest Invitational in La Crosse and finished near the top in several Forest Park tournaments.

Unlike many teams that formed in the mid-‘70s, the Rollers accomplished a great deal of success in a relatively short period of time. Players that the Rollers competed against will always say that there was an intangible factor that the Rollers played with. They were driven by the desire to compete with the elite of the softball greats – not only the great players but also the great teams. They were fortunate to be able to play against some of softball’s great teams: the Bobcats, the Sobies, Big Banjo Bruins, Amaglamonsters, and Whips to name just a few. The players on those teams were truly great players and inspired the Rollers to be as good as they were.

In 1980 several players moved on. Some retired from the game to raise families, several moved out of state and several left to play for other teams. The Rollers added several players from the Des Plaines area: John O’ Conner, Chris Bouche, Jim Venard, Glenn Miller, Mark Ackerman, and Rick Wolfgram. They continued to play in Clarendon Park, Portage Park, and Evanston. In 1981 they merged with the Bobcats and finished second in the ASA Nationals in Harvey.

The Rollers became the Runts in 1982. Along the way, they added Mark Frighetto (HOF), Mark Schuler (HOF), Bill Finnegan (HOF), Ron Zieman (HOF) and Tim Howser. They finished second in the ASA Nationals that year in South Dakota, beating the Spats after the Spats came out of the losers’ bracket to beat them twice. . The Runts continued playing in Mount Prospect and Portage. They won the Illinois State tournament in 1984 and came in second in the USSSA in Iowa.

The team evolved into Auto Mart and Bud North in the late 80’s. Although the Rollers only played together for five seasons before merging with the Bobcats in 1981, they packed a lot of great softball into those years. Most team members would admit that playing 16-inch softball as a member of the Rollers was one of the best times of their lives.

Miller Taggers

Team The 45’s

The Miller 45s dominated the softball world during their peak years: 2001 to 2009. The foundation for that sustained excellence began in 1988, the birth year of the Bud 45s. The Bud 45's struggled through their early years in the Mt. Prospect Classic League and Des Plaines Power League, the top talent leagues on the North side. Hovering at the .500-mark, the 45's fortunes rose with the addition of several new players beginning with the 1992 addition of Tim Flanagan (HOF) and his younger brother, John Flanagan. 1993 brought Mike Caputo (HOF) Mike Stout (HOF) Tony Portincaso (HOF) Erik and Kurt Kiesel, Larry Downes and Mike "Rock" Consiglio. The 45s, buoyed by the influence of veteran talent, began a steady rise in Major softball, finishing second in the Forest Park Invitational tournament, and winning two other tournaments that year. The mid-90s success led to a Forest Park Major Invitational Tournament Title over Lettuce, and a winner's bracket final loss (4-3 to Lettuce) that still haunts manager Bob Rascia. 45s league play, in the both the Mt. Prospect Classic League and Cicero "Pro League" resulted in multiple top three finishes. 1998 ushered in a change in sponsorship from Budweiser to Miller Beer, a minor change dwarfed by the addition of the 45s franchise player of the next 10 years: Rick "88" Gancarz, and 45s mainstays Joe Dooley and Dan Mustari. Teamed with longtime 45's Pat Heraty, Mike Stout, Tony Portincaso and the Kiesel brothers, 1998 brought an ASA winner-up banner to ASA Major National Championships 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 ASA State Tournament Championships 2000, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2009 Westchester Championships 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011 Forest Park "No-Glove" Championships 1996, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 North vs. South Championships 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 Chicagoland Classic Championships 2002, 2003, 2005, 2008 Mt.Prospect Classic Championships 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 Hodgkins Park / Westchester Park District and Miller Lite Championships 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 Nine-Year Record (2003-1011) 660 wins and 90 losses the expanding 45s collection. The 45s Bucks matchup in the elimination bracket final was an all-time 45s classic game. The clutch hitting of Stout, Kiesel and Mustari, along with an extra inning three run "bomb" by Gancarz carried the 45s over the Jeff Berger, Jim Matlock, and Keith Filkins led Bucks. All of these players would later join the 45s. Frank Mustari (HOF), Curt Uidl (HOF), Paul Brezinski (HOF) Len Nuzzo, Mike Oneill, Tony Prochenski lead the 45s into the 1999 season resulting in league dominance. The 2000 addition of Israel Sanchez, followed by the 2001 addition of Dan Jalowiec, Rich Villa, and Mark Frighetto created an allstar packed 45s line-up. The 45s stressed and played strong defense and solid fundamental hitting. Their 2001 infield of Oneill (3B), Mustari (SS) Frighetto/Berschell (SC), Villa/ Jalowic (2B) and Sanchez (1B) perhaps challenged only by the 2003 45's infield of Berger (3B), Mustari (SS) Portincaso/Frighetto (SC), Jalowic (2B) and Sanchez (1B) would likely top any all-time list. The 45s focused commitment to both league and tournament play lead to ASA Major National Championship Titles in 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007, along with forest Park Invitational Titles in 1996, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. The 45s captured 74 tournament titles from 2000 to 2009. Mt. Prospect Classic League titles were secured in 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. The roster-wide commitment to league and tournament play allowed the 45s to accomplish total dominance in the 2003 to 2007 era, by way of multiple thirty-game win streaks, and four seasons with single digit loss totals. This team wide commitment to excellence resulted in a three-year stretch, from 2003 to 2005, without consecutive game losses. During that three-year period the 45s were a perfect 18-0 in ASA Major National Tournament play, with an overall record of 43-3 from 2001 to 2007 in ASA National Tournament play. The extraordinary commitment to team play was the bench Mark of the 45s, allowing the team to achieve extraordinary success through extraordinary play. The highlights were many, like overcoming a 14 to 0 first inning deficit to Traffic in the 2000 Forest Park Invitational, winning the Westchester Invitational, Forest Park Invitational and ASA Major National Title out of losers bracket in 2006, all against Maxim, and the very first Forest Park Invitational title, 4-3 over Lettuce in 1996 on Doug Perez's walk-off hit. The 1996 Forest Park Invitational Championship was definitely earned the hardway, with Sunday victories over The Doll House, Splinters and Lettuce, the top three teams that year, in succession. The disappointments were few, but unfortunately, memorable. The untimely passing of teammates Tom "Eggs" Czarnick and Terry Moran and sponsor James "Grandpa Jim" Terrence far overshadowed any on field loss. The sustained success of 45s was clearly driven by a star-studded roster of committed players whose day-to-day focus was unprecedented. The management team of Bob Rascia (HOF), Mike Caputo (HOF), and Ron Kubicki (HOF) guided the 45s with a passionate commitment to team, not individual, success. The 45s are extremely thankful to their generous sponsors over the years: 45th Ward Alderman Patrick Levar; Budweiser; Miller Beer' Bucks Lounge' Beacon Tap; Golden Tee and most of all, Al MacFarlane (HOF) and Splinter's Sports Club.

Touch

In 1972, a group of guys that played sports in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood decided to form a softball team they called The Band. They proceeded to win the Normandy Park League that year against some American Legion teams & other local teams. The team name changed to Mercury and over the next few years became a very successful team in the Summit Park, Normandy Park & Wentworth Park softball leagues. Key players were added from other local teams: Shooting Stars, Wreckers & Christians. In 1977 the team was sponsored by Touch of Class Lounge in Chicago & became the Touch. They played through the late 70’s and early 80’s, becoming a standout ASA non-major class B team, despite the fact that, like many other teams at the time, some of the players were labeled as Major players so the entire team could not play at all venues. By 1983, the team decided to just play Major class softball. Some of the Bobcats came to the team now managed by Dave Nelligan and Ed Zolna. In 1984, Dave (also a team pitcher) was joined by coaches Vince Murphy & Tom Griffin, keeping the team intact for a successful year as they became one of the top Major teams. It was in 1985, with the help of a sponsorship by Hometown Beer Distributing, that the Touch put it all together winning the Kelly Park A League, Normandy Park League, Chicago Park District Championship Tournament, the Metro, ASA Major Nationals & Mather Park Tournament. A year to remember. Dave Nelligan continued to coach the team through 1987, as the team won various tournaments and leagues. After the 1987 ASA Nationals, Dave decided to step down along with some of the key players. From 1988 through 1990, Bob O’Malley took the reins, with the team reaching the final four or six in the ASA Nationals all three years. When Bob stepped down in 1991, Rich Melman got involved in softball with the help of Wally Pecs, Ray Topps & a solid core of eight of the Touch players. The team name was changed to Lettuce. Many players played with the Touch team & contributed greatly over the years, but a few are worth mentioning for their perseverance through good & bad times including: Bill Neligan, Bill Volkman, Tom Balek, Bill O’Connor, Vince Murphy, Tom Griffin, Ray Topps, Mike Caputo, Mike Anast, Tom Jurevis, Joe Banach, Bill Quinn, Larry Rosul, Brian Panach, Dick Baetzel, Art Strauss, Rod Molek, Tim Flannagan, Steve Slammar & Rich Mahoney.

Traffic

   

Untouchables

In 1986, Tony Pearson and a group of close friends formed the Untouchables, a new neighborhood team. They played their first year at Dunbar Park and managed to only win one game. But they played with heart and desire but lost many close games, so they decided it was time to support their already talented team with some new talent. The next year they added new players and expanded their horizons to play at Grand Crossing, Ogden Park, and at 75th and Jeffrey. They became more competitive and started to draw attention from other teams. In their third year, they merged with Genesis, a West Side team. That year they lost only three games at Dunbar, two at Ogden, and four games at Grand Crossing. They won the league championship at Ogden Park and took second place at Dunbar. With these successes under their belt, the Untouchables were ready to compete in league and tournament play at a higher level, so they played at Garfield and Washington Parks. Because of their reputation as a team on the rise, they were able to attract more players. They played at Hamilton Park where the lost only one game during league play, losing to the L.A. Peacemakers in a close game for the league championship. In 1993, they went undefeated at Washington Park and placed in the top five in every tournament that year. They had two-second place finishes and a third place finish in the ASA tournament. That decade the Untouchables played in every ASA National tournament, including three in Iowa, taking a fourth place finish in 1994. With the addition of Vada Primous (HOF), Dave Williams, Charlie Talbert, Gavin Johns, Frank Bellman, Rod Early, and Ron Mack, they were invited to play in the Pro League. Their most memorable game featured their victory over Molex in the weekly-televised game. Down 8-0 in the first inning, they came back to win 15-10. This victory established them as a top contender. In 1998, they had a nice run in the nationals in Iowa. When they returned, they played the powerhouse B-Athletes for the championship at Garfield Park. They won the first game 7-2 and the second game 9-4. They added Derrick William and Howard Bowling to their already solid roster of Larry Danley (HOF), Steve Ellerson, William Weatherspoon, Chuck Gordon, Mike Ross, Rick Coleman, Lee Clark, Leo Richmond, Darryl Bedenfield, Otis Goodman, and Anthony Jackson, the Untouchables became one of the best black softball teams in Chicago. They were able to hold their own against California Gold, LA Posse, Color Success, and the B-Athletes. The Untouchables played from 1986 to 1999. Tony Pearson ran the team and was responsible for recruiting new talent year-after-year. Coaches Joe Johnson and Lloyd Boyd and captains Charles Richard and Larry Mapp took this talent and formed it into a powerhouse team. Frank Bellman, Vada Primous, and Charlie Talbert continued the team’s success. The success of the Untouchables came from great team chemistry, a fun team atmosphere, and a strong competitive nature. Kevin “Chili” Ammons

Chuck Anderson

Dee Bedenfield

Frank Bellmon

Lewis Bledsoe

James “JB” Bishop

Lloyd Boyd

Ricardo Chalk

Lee “Sonny” Clark*

Rick Coleman

Larry “Butch” Danley*

Dodd Davis

Chuckie Dunn

Nate Early

Steve Ellerson

Vincent Frierson

Caleb Glover

Tim “Ace” Leverston

Otis Goodman

Chuck Gordon

Sheldon Grey

Marcus Green

Leroy “Popeye” Harris

Carol Harris

Danny Houston

William “Bean” Howard

Anthony Jackson

Dwayne Jamison

Garvin Johns

Gary “Bay” Johns

Joe Johnson

Kevin Jones

Sonny Kirkwood

Ira Kirkwood

Dwayne Lawrence

Howard Bowling*

Ron Mack

Larry “Super” Mapp

Kelvin McDonald*

Lacy Moore*

Derrick Moses

Randy Nelson

Rod Parker

Greg Pearson

Mike Phillips

Vada Primous (HOF)

Kevin Purdimon

Thurmond Reed

Charles Richard

Leo Richmond*

Mike Ross

Otha “Champ” Simmons

Walter Smith

Larry “La La” Washington (HOF)

Stephan Smith

Willie “Floyd” Smith

Dwain “Sonny” Spivey

Darryl Stewart

Winfred Street

Lorenzo Swift

Charlie Talbert

Bobby Thomas

Mike Walker

William Weatherspoon

Melvin Whispers

Richard Williams

Dave Williams*

Derrick “Skeet” Williams

Edgar Wright

James Wright

Darnell “Dubie” Smith

Tony Pearson (Manager)

*Deceased

Team Whips

Little did Jimmy Lang Sr. know that the team he formed in 1976 would go on to win seven ASA National Championships, five USSSA World Championships and four Forest Park No Glove Nationals and would lay claim to being one of the best teams in softball history. In 1976 they started playing in leagues throughout the South suburbs. In 1979, playing as the Budweiser Whips, they moved into “big-time” competitive softball at Kelly Park and Blue Island. They were sponsored by Hall of Famer “Uncle” Pete Crnjak of Pete’s Hideaway from 1988 to 1990. In 1980 they captured their first ASA National Championship and repeated as champions in 1981, '83, '84, '88, '89 and '90. They won their first USSSA championship in 1982 and repeated in '83, '84, '87 and '88. They won the Forest Park No Glove Nationals in 1983, '84, '85 and '90. In 1986 and '87 a number of Whips players joined Sports Station and took the title at the ASA Nationals. They rejoined the Whips in 1988. The team disbanded in 1990 after winning the ASA title and the championship at the Forest Park No Glove Nationals.