
Ron Amazzalorso

Ron Amazzalorso grew up at 96th and Avenue N, a street referred to as “Goat Street” because goats were once raised there. Avenue M was referred to as “Cow Street” for the same reason. Many discussions at local bars debated which of these nicknamed streets produced the better athletes.
Ron and his friends were gym rats and everyday weather permitting, they would gather at Piotrowski Park, to choose sides for a 16-inch softball game. Mr. Janess, the park supervisor, would distribute the softballs and bats for the pickup games. Everyday Ron and his friends hoped that Mr. Janess would hand out the new softballs. Because Ron would hang around each day after the games to help with cleanup, he became Mr. Janess’ favorite and was often able to score a new softball with Mr. Janess telling them “this is the last time I do this.”
Their lives revolved around sports at the park and at other sites around the city. They would load-up Mr. Janess’ car (sometimes putting guys in the trunk if they couldn’t fit inside the car) and compete at other parks, winning championships and making positive memories. These days inspired Ron to become a park supervisor, a position he held for thirty years with the Chicago Park District.
Ron graduated from George Washington High School in 1965, received his draft notice six months later, and ended up in Viet Nam. He returned home in 1968 and started his softball career with neighborhood teams and then competed at Calumet Park when it formed a league that featured some of the best team on the South Side. Bobby Mantai, a top player on the South Side, recruited Ron to play with his team 3 Star Erector for a tournament the following Saturday. They were undefeated through the weekend as was the softball team E.R.V. These two powerhouse teams entered the seventh inning with one out and Ron on second base. Bob Bradich, a power hitter, hit a long fly ball to right field, Ron tagged-up, and beat the throw home to score the winning run. From that day forward, 16-inch softball ran through Ron’s veins.
His career with the Eastsiders began when his team was playing them in the Calumet Park League championship game when Ron impressed their manager John Maribelli with a couple of hits, a homerun, and a throw to second that ended the game, securing the championship by one run. He went on to play five decades for the Eastsiders.
In 1978, the Eastsiders needed a pitcher, so Ron switched from centerfield to pitcher. He honed his skills and learned the tricks of the trade and defensive skills. The Eastsiders began playing in leagues and tournaments throughout the South Side and suburbs. They went on to win the championships of many leagues and won over one hundred tournaments. He started playing five days a week in two games a night on Tuesday and Thursday with late games in Blue Island and Harvey. He also played in tournaments on weekends. Besides the Eastsiders, Ron also played for Pete’s Hideaway, Huns, Lakeside Inn, T.J.’s, Speed, Indios, O’Hara’s, Little Rays, and ERV 10th Ward.
Ron played centerfield because he was fast and had great hands. He batted fourth behind Tom Newman. (HOF) He hit for power but could also hit to all fields for a high average. He played at Calumet Park in the Veterans Tournament in 1976 and hit three home runs to help his team win the championship. He received the MVP award for his efforts. He was also named to All Star Team in the men’s league in Harvey in the 80’s.
Ron played on a great team, never let the team down, and formed many long-lasing relations. Five decades later, the core of the team still gets together to rehash old memories. Ron thanks his wife, Fran, for the many sacrifices she made and his daughter, Nikki, for coming to his games when his wife worked weekends. He thanks God for his health. Ron is a retired supervisor for the Chicago Park District. His wife, Fran, is a retired nurse.

Antone Thrash












John C Barrett


Danny Brichetto

Danny Brichetto started playing softball in the late 70’s on the North Side of Chicago at Kelvyn, Kosciuszko, Indian Rd., and Portage Parks. He was a center fielder who could hit to the gaps with power. Playing in a Sunday league at Kelvyn Park, the umpire, Al Hensel, asked him to play on his team at Hanson Park, a team that would evolve into the Wings that played at Kosciuszko and Indian Road. In addition to this team, Mike Gruber formed the Drillers with players from Brichetto’s college team, OFF. They played at Portage Park against the top competition like the Stones, Playboys, and Rollers. He also played with the Extras in the Wednesday Night James Park League, a league that featured top teams as well.
After playing against the Rollers at Portage and James, Tom “Eggs” Czarnik (HOF) and Hugh Carmichael asked him to play tournaments with the Rollers. In 1982, the Runts were formed from a merger of the Rollers and the Rat-Pac of Des Plaines. He played left field in an outfield with Mark Schuller (HOF) and John O’Connor (HOF). This was the best team he ever played on. For the next three years, the Runts placed second and third in the ASA Nationals in 1982 and ’83 and the same in the USSSA Nationals in 1983- 84. They won many tournaments in those three years, one being the North Shore Tournament where he was voted MVP.
In 1986 and 1987, Danny played with Sal Vasta’s Blues at Clyde Park in Cicero. He helped them win many class “A” tournaments. He played in an outstanding outfield that included Hall of Fame inductees Angelo Alesia and Jim Matlock. In 1987, “Eggs” asked him to join Bud North for the first of their three straight Forest Park wins. He played center field between Paul Brezinski (HOF) and Mark Schuller (HOF). They finished third in ASA Nationals. He finished the 80’s playing for Meadows during Mr. Cooper’s last season. He was teamed up with Mike Gruber again along with Jerry Rhea (HOF) and Bill and Terry Moran (HOF). In addition to playing at Mt. Prospect in the Classic League in the 80’s, he continued to play at Kosciuszko with the Wings and with his brother Larry’s team, the Critters.
As the 90’s began, he reunited with former Runt teammate, Glenn Miller, on the Turtles. The Turtles competed in the Mt. Prospect, Rolling Meadows and Franklin Park leagues along with all ASA and USSSA tournaments from 1990 to 1996. They finished ninth in ASA Major in Cedar Rapids and fourth in 1992 USSSA Major. In 1991 he played with Steve Jansen and Larry “Bass” Schumacher on the Flames in LaGrange. They finished fourth in ASA A and Danny was selected as a 1st team All-American.
Rich Mellman (HOF) brought softball back to Grant Park with many classic tournaments in the 90’s. This was special since Danny and his brother used to watch their father, “Motts” Brichetto, play center field for the Merchandise Mart back in the 60’s. Former Wing teammate, Tony Dudek, asked Danny to play on the Sun-Times team that won the Industrial Division in 1993. The team featured Tom “Bomber” Horn (HOF), the Placek brothers and Dan Cahill (HOF). In the Championship game he tore his bicep tendon swinging the bat. He had surgery that week but was back playing the following year. Luckily that was his only serious injury in forty years of competition.
In 1997, at the age of forty, Danny formed the Bugs that played in the Forest Park League. The league winner received a bid to the No Glove National. He was reunited with Mark Schuller in the outfield. They added power hitters Tim O’Neill , Jim Gierek, John Carey with Tommy Thompson (HOF) on the mound. They were the first team from the local league to win at least two games in the No Glove Nationals, losing to the eventual runner up Gamblers 9-8.
In 1998, “Eggs” asked him to play on a young Shooters team that featured Chris Downes, Michael Simpson, Tony Grillo, the Dooley brothers and of course two younger Czarnik brothers, Ray (HOF) and John. They finished second in the ASA Class “A” and tenth the following year in ASA Major. In the ‘90s, he also played at Merrimac Park for Ron “Suds” Czarnota’s Full House team.
In 2001 and 2004 he played with Bob Balzanos March teams that placed fifth in Aberdeen and ninth at Prescott. In between those stints, he played with Ralph Reporto’s Leinenkugel team in 2003-04. They placed fourth in ASA Class “A” in Bourbonnais where he was named a Second team All American and led the team in homeruns for the tournament. He played in his last two ASA tournaments in 2005 at the age of forty-nine year old lead off man for Wally Pec’s (HOF) Registers and in 2006 with Charlie Lowy’s Craftsmen.
Danny still plays softball today. He has enjoyed the camaraderie and competition over those forty-plus years.
Danny and his wife, Ellen, Have three children: Lauren, Matt, and Billy. They live in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

Dan “Sheik” Carmody


Danny Brichetto

Danny Brichetto started playing softball in the late 70’s on the North Side of Chicago at Kelvyn, Kosciuszko, Indian Rd., and Portage Parks. He was a center fielder who could hit to the gaps with power. Playing in a Sunday league at Kelvyn Park, the umpire, Al Hensel, asked him to play on his team at Hanson Park, a team that would evolve into the Wings that played at Kosciuszko and Indian Road. In addition to this team, Mike Gruber formed the Drillers with players from Brichetto’s college team, OFF. They played at Portage Park against the top competition like the Stones, Playboys, and Rollers. He also played with the Extras in the Wednesday Night James Park League, a league that featured top teams as well.
After playing against the Rollers at Portage and James, Tom “Eggs” Czarnik (HOF) and Hugh Carmichael asked him to play tournaments with the Rollers. In 1982, the Runts were formed from a merger of the Rollers and the Rat-Pac of Des Plaines. He played left field in an outfield with Mark Schuller (HOF) and John O’Connor (HOF). This was the best team he ever played on. For the next three years, the Runts placed second and third in the ASA Nationals in 1982 and ’83 and the same in the USSSA Nationals in 1983- 84. They won many tournaments in those three years, one being the North Shore Tournament where he was voted MVP.
In 1986 and 1987, Danny played with Sal Vasta’s Blues at Clyde Park in Cicero. He helped them win many class “A” tournaments. He played in an outstanding outfield that included Hall of Fame inductees Angelo Alesia and Jim Matlock. In 1987, “Eggs” asked him to join Bud North for the first of their three straight Forest Park wins. He played center field between Paul Brezinski (HOF) and Mark Schuller (HOF). They finished third in ASA Nationals. He finished the 80’s playing for Meadows during Mr. Cooper’s last season. He was teamed up with Mike Gruber again along with Jerry Rhea (HOF) and Bill and Terry Moran (HOF). In addition to playing at Mt. Prospect in the Classic League in the 80’s, he continued to play at Kosciuszko with the Wings and with his brother Larry’s team, the Critters.
As the 90’s began, he reunited with former Runt teammate, Glenn Miller, on the Turtles. The Turtles competed in the Mt. Prospect, Rolling Meadows and Franklin Park leagues along with all ASA and USSSA tournaments from 1990 to 1996. They finished ninth in ASA Major in Cedar Rapids and fourth in 1992 USSSA Major. In 1991 he played with Steve Jansen and Larry “Bass” Schumacher on the Flames in LaGrange. They finished fourth in ASA A and Danny was selected as a 1st team All-American.
Rich Mellman (HOF) brought softball back to Grant Park with many classic tournaments in the 90’s. This was special since Danny and his brother used to watch their father, “Motts” Brichetto, play center field for the Merchandise Mart back in the 60’s. Former Wing teammate, Tony Dudek, asked Danny to play on the Sun-Times team that won the Industrial Division in 1993. The team featured Tom “Bomber” Horn (HOF), the Placek brothers and Dan Cahill (HOF). In the Championship game he tore his bicep tendon swinging the bat. He had surgery that week but was back playing the following year. Luckily that was his only serious injury in forty years of competition.
In 1997, at the age of forty, Danny formed the Bugs that played in the Forest Park League. The league winner received a bid to the No Glove National. He was reunited with Mark Schuller in the outfield. They added power hitters Tim O’Neill , Jim Gierek, John Carey with Tommy Thompson (HOF) on the mound. They were the first team from the local league to win at least two games in the No Glove Nationals, losing to the eventual runner up Gamblers 9-8.
In 1998, “Eggs” asked him to play on a young Shooters team that featured Chris Downes, Michael Simpson, Tony Grillo, the Dooley brothers and of course two younger Czarnik brothers, Ray (HOF) and John. They finished second in the ASA Class “A” and tenth the following year in ASA Major. In the ‘90s, he also played at Merrimac Park for Ron “Suds” Czarnota’s Full House team.
In 2001 and 2004 he played with Bob Balzanos March teams that placed fifth in Aberdeen and ninth at Prescott. In between those stints, he played with Ralph Reporto’s Leinenkugel team in 2003-04. They placed fourth in ASA Class “A” in Bourbonnais where he was named a Second team All American and led the team in homeruns for the tournament. He played in his last two ASA tournaments in 2005 at the age of forty-nine year old lead off man for Wally Pec’s (HOF) Registers and in 2006 with Charlie Lowy’s Craftsmen.
Danny still plays softball today. He has enjoyed the camaraderie and competition over those forty-plus years.
Danny and his wife, Ellen, Have three children: Lauren, Matt, and Billy. They live in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

Rich DelGiudice


Jim Donato


Jerry Duchen


Tom Duff

Tom Duff started playing 16-inch softball in 1975 in the Oak Park leagues with Clockwork, a team he formed. Duff also coached and/or organized most of the teams he played on, including his Leo Burnett and Optimus teams that won many Ad League Championships at Grant Park. These teams included longtime Clockwork teammate and HOF inductee, Dan “Sheik” Carmody. Duff finished his thirty-year career in the 2005 Hamlin Park tournament.
Duff was recruited to play with the Takers and Rox and helped them win additional park leagues and tournaments at the Major “A” level. Tom Duff was considered to be one of the finest defensive first basemen of his era. In addition to having great hands and stretching ability, he had tremendous range, quickness and softball “smarts.” His large, still mutilated fingers are a testament to his ability to catch everything thrown or hit his way.
In addition to his defensive prowess, his great leadership and strong desire to win inspired many of his teammates. He often channeled this “hot-headed” nature to get into opponent’s heads. One of his longtime teammates said, “Tommy never played for the recognition or pats on the back. He was the real, I love this game, deal. He respected the game, he loved the game, and he loved to win.
He was sought after by the best teams, and could have played “A” level ball exclusively if he chose to. But his first loyalty remained with his neighborhood Clockwork team, which competed at a high “B” level.
Tom Duff played 16-inch softball from 1975 to 2005 with the peak years from 1980 to 2004. During these peak years, his teams won many tournament championships and league titles. Clockwork won the Hamlin Park in 1987, 2003, and 2004; Rox won it in the 1990’s. Additionally, his teams won league titles at Oak Park (1987 and 1989), Kosciuszko Park, Riis Park, Clarendon Park, Kelly Park, and they won the Berwyn Tournament.
Tom grew up in Oak Park and graduated from St. Ignatius High School. He earned his undergraduate degree at Loyola University and his graduate degree at DePaul. Tom and his wife, Pam, live in La Grange Park. They have four children: Kevin (already a two-time 16-inch Nationals winner), Liz, Kelly, and Maggie. Tom is the President of Optimus, an Advertising Creative Services company in Chicago.

Joe “Moms” Firneno


John “Duke” Gregerson


Gary S. Goldberg


Sal “Buddy” Ganir


Curtis Granderson, Sr.


Steven Heinol


Bob Hockenbrough


Tom “Bomber” Horn


Odell Humphrey


Herb Sweetow


Jim Donato


Jim “Steiner” Stein

Jim grew up in the Austin neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago. In grammar school, Jim, along with a number of his friends from St. Peter Canisius, began playing 16” softball at La Follette Park. During his high school years, Jim’s team finished second or third each year.
The Sunday afternoons of Jim’s youth were spent playing teams from other neighborhood parks. The games were important for two reasons: bragging rights and a money pot. They also helped everyone become better softball players and teammates. Jim graduated from De Paul Academy in 1967. He is a proud Vietnam Veteran and served in the Americal Division of the U.S Army from January 1968 until August 1969.
Upon his return to civilian life, Jim attended college, entered the business world, and was fortunate to meet another West Sider, his wife Anne. In the late 1980s, St. Francis Xavier parish in La Grange started organizing 16” softball pickup games on Sunday afternoons. The Sunday routine of church and softball reminded Jim of the Sundays of his youth and just how much he enjoyed both the game and the camaraderie.
In 1992, Jim Quinn (HOF) asked Jim to play for the Leftovers in the 39 and over the league in La Grange. The Leftovers have never won a championship but have been competitive. The team still plays in that league, which is now at Janura Park. Jim hopes this will be their lucky year.
In 1998, Jim began playing in the inaugural Monday night 50 and over the league in La Grange with the Old Strokes. With Jim catching and playing 3rd base, the Old Strokes won the championship in 1998 and 2003 and still play in that league, also now located at Janura Park.
In the late 1990s, the Strokers began playing in the fall league in LaGrange. They won the championship in 1997 and, again, in 2013, despite their players being nearly twenty years older than their nearest competitors.
By the early 2000’s, Jim was playing softball 3 nights a week. Jim played with the Leftovers on Fridays, the Old Strokers on Mondays and the legendary Gillette Strokers at Grant Park on Thursdays. The Gillette Strokers began playing at Grant Park in the 70’s. Jim considers himself fortunate to have played with them during their championship seasons of 2006 and 2008. The highlight of every season is the annual Strokerfest, a barbecue held after a game in June. Members from other teams stop by to enjoy the festivities and camaraderie.
In addition to playing softball, Jim has served as the league commissioner for the 50 and over the league at Clyde Park from 2013 - 15 and at Janura Park from 2016 - 18.
When not playing softball, Jim volunteers at the Edward Hines VA Hospital. He is the Veterans Food Pantry Coordinator responsible for ordering, pantry set up and distribution. The pantry distributes food products to over 6,500 veterans per year. Jim also volunteers at the Hines VA Hospital Fisher House, an organization that provides no-cost housing to the families of veterans who are receiving medical treatment.
Jim never thought he’d still be playing softball at sixty-nine, but whenever he gets a hit or drives in a run, he remembers being thirty-nine again and all the good times he’s had playing softball. Jim is grateful for the many lasting friendships he has made over the years, a great many of these might never have crossed his path if it weren’t for the GREAT game of 16 - inch softball.

Mike “Kam” Kamenjarin


John Lee

Starting in grammar school, John C. Lee spent nearly half of his life playing his favorite sport: softball. By age fifteen, he was learning the art of six-teen softball by serving as a bat boy for teams in the Pro Windy City League. In 1949, he played for the Alcott Aces, and helped them win the Alcott League Championship. He won the League MVP following the 1949 season and received the MVP trophy from Chicago Mayor Martin J. Kennely. In 1951-1952, he joined the Taylor Street All Stars and helped them win the Washington Park League championship. From 1949 to 1960 he played on the Santa Fe Railway team in the Commercial League where he made the Commercial League All Star Team every year, and where the team qualified for the Grant Park Tournament of Champions each year. His team reached the semifinals four times. In 1950 he played for St. CYR, in the Knights of Columbus Northside League, along with Hall of Famer Eddie Kelley, staying with them until 1960. He made the Northside All Star team every year. He also played in the Knights of Columbus Championship at the Back of the Yard Field. In 1955, he was named the MVP of the tournament and received the trophy from Mayor Richard J. Daley at the Knights of Columbus Sports Dinner. He also played for Nickey Chevrolet and Lyster Bakery at Clarendon Park from 1950 to 1959. In 1960, his company, Santa Fe Railway, transferred him to work as an office manger in St. Louis, but he returned in 1963 and rejoined his company team in the Grant Park League. He played at many parks in the Chicago area, including Thillens, Chase, Welles, Kelly, Marquette, and Forest Park. He played two years at Hart Park in Blue Island with the Erv’s team along with Hall of Famer Eddie Surma. They won the championship both seasons. His last softball game was in 1978, when he played for the Railroad All-Stars in the E.I. DuPont League in Wilmington, Delaware. Throughout his career, John played pitcher, catcher and outfield positions. He was known for his lefthanded power hitting, his speed, his strong throwing arm and his on-base percentage. In 1996, John C. Lee retired from Santa Fe Railway after forty-seven loyal years of service. He currently lives in Oak Brook, Illinois. He is the patriarch and proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather of nineteen children. He has three daughters, Linda, Marianne, and Nancy; three sons, Steven, Kevin and Cliff, eleven grandchildren, Chrissy, Tony, Johnny, Jocie, Jesse, Brynn, Brando, Bryce, Shayne, Chandler, Mya and two great grandchildren, Gavin and Luke. Since deceased.

Charles Martinkus


Ernest “Ernie” Millsap


Donald Martina

Don Martina began playing softball in the '60s and continues playing today for a career spanning over forty years. While serving in the Army, he played softball and basketball overseas and along the East Coast. He returned to Chicago in 1968 and joined several local teams playing at Lawndale (now Piotrowski) Park on Chicago's Southside. He played outfield for one of those teams, the Centaurs, leading them to many championships in the '70s at Lawndale and Pasteur Parks. In the '80s, Don switched from outfield to short center and started playing on teams throughout the Western Suburbs, including the Angels in Lyons, Static in LaGrange, Rizza Rockers in Cicero, Warhawks in North Riverside, and Bat and Brew in Brookfield. He helped lead these teams to much local success. Don started what would be a twenty-five-year partnership when he joined the Doctors in the mid-'80s. He helped lead them to league titles at Bedford Park, Summit, LaGrange, Hodgkins, Brookfield, Berwyn, and Cicero. Additionally they won the 1984 Suburban Life Classic title in Pleasantdale, the 1988 Hawthorne Park Tournament title, the 1988 USSSA Illinois State title in Orland Park, the 1989 NSA National title in Grays Lake, and the 1989 Suburban Life Classic in North Riverside. Their most exciting win came with the 1988 Class "A" National title in Indianapolis. He continued his success with the Doctors into the '90s. He helped them capture a third place finish in the 1990 ASA "A" Nationals in Iowa and a second place finish in the 1991 ASA "A" Nationals in Blue Island. He holds a lifetime batting average over .600, has tallied three hundred homeruns, and registered over 1,000 RBIs. He was named to the All Tournament team at the Suburban Life Classic in 1984, 1988-1991, and 1993. He was selected MVP in that tournament in 1989, an honor he truly cherishes. But his best memories are the great times, friendships, and camaraderie he has shared with his teammates. Don retired from Lucent Technologies as an R/D Manager in 2001 after thirty-seven years of service. He continues to play in various "Over - 39" and "Over 50" leagues in LaGrange, Berwyn, and Cicero. He is also a respected umpire in the Western Suburbs. Don and his wife, Carol, live in Lemont, Illinois. The have two daughters, Kristen (David) Kowalski, and Bonnie (Michael) Eichinger and three lovely grandchildren, Grace, Nathan, and Daniel.

Dale “Dale Dog” Mitchell

Dale Mitchell started playing softball on a CYO team in 1966. From 1971 to 1986 he played at Boyce, McGuane, Donavan, and Armor Parks. In 1987 Dale and the Aces won the ASA "A" Tournament in Portage, Indiana. That victory launched a career in Major Softball that would last for another twenty-one years. He would play for the Aces, Crush, the Unknowns, Miller Taggers, Jinx, and the Stickmen, along with at least fifteen other teams. During those twenty-one years, teams Dale played on would compete in and win titles at parks and tournaments around Chicago and the nation. Crush took third place at the USSSA Nationals in Merriville, Indiana in 1990 and took second at the ASA "A" Nationals in Aberdeen, South Dakota. All totaled, his teams won thirteen championships in league and tournament play and were runners-up nine times. In 1994 Dale was selected MVP of the Washington Pak League while playing with Grand Theft. In 1994 he was an All-American player at the ASA Nationals while a member of Crush. Dale played softball seven days a week. When his team didn't have a game, he would find a team that needed an extra player. His high energy and love of the game made him an exciting player to watch. He played mainly left or right field and was such a tenacious fielder that his teammates gave him the nickname "Dale Dog" because he could always chase the ball down. He batted in the top of the order and led his teams most years in doubles and triples. Dale worked for the Chicago Tribune filling newspaper boxes. On Saturdays he would complete his route as early as possible so that he could make the game. When they played in the suburbs, his team would always be on the lookout for that Tribune truck because it meant that Dale was ready to play. He could always be counted on to show up and to play his heart out every game. The softball community lost a real star when Dale passed away in 2010. He is survived by his wife, Irene, five children: Steve, Charlotte, D.J., Robert, and Melanie and five grandchildren - Zachary, Samantha, Sara, Maggie, and Matthew.

Ronald Muller


Phil Tondelli

One of eleven children growing up in Oak Park, IL, Phil played all sports. As quarterback and halfback at North Austin Boys Club football at Amundsen Park, he led each team to a Pop Warner championship.
Phil started high school at Oak Park & River Forest where he quarterbacked an undefeated freshman team. After his family moved to Texas, they returned to Chicago, where he attended and played his senior year at Taft High School. His team won the Public League Championship in 1972- 73 and played in the City of Chicago Prep Bowl. This championship team was just elected into the Taft High School Hall of Fame. He graduated from Elmhurst College where he played football and was co-captain. He played safety and punter. He led the team with a single season of 111 tackles and seven interceptions, both school records at the time.
Upon graduation, he started playing 16 – inch softball with his college buddies on the Den and Alley teams. They played at Amundsen & Kosciuszko Park. He then helped start the “Titans” with Tom Eukovich. They started playing at Sayre Park, Berwyn and later at Kelly Park. He then went on to play for ten years with the Blue Max team led by (HOF) Frank Holan Award winner Jimmy Giblin. His teams won the Amundsen, Bellwood and La Grange leagues and placed at Portage Park. They also played in the tough Kelly Park and Clarendon Park leagues. The Blue Max won the Andy Frain tournament championship at Clarendon Park beating a (HOF) Billy Bereckis led team. Phil led the team in hitting when the Blue Max won the tournament championship at the Cicero Clyde Park Suburban Life tournament. Another highlight was playing with the Blue Max in the Berwyn tournament where the Blue Max lost to the Bobcats 8-7. The Blue Max played in the Metro Championship at Lou Boudreau Field where they eventually lost to the champion Stickman. Phil also played with his brother Tony on the Jets in Hamlin and Wells Parks with (HOF) Carl Maniscalco.
Concurrently, Phil played on the Blue Max infused team called Spirit in the Forest Park House League where they won three championships and automatic bid entries into the prestigious 16 - inch No Glove Tournament. He also played on the Clan that won the league three years later. He played on the highly ranked Josephs team, which included the (HOF) Jimmy Krause. Josephs went on to league championships at Melrose Park, Bensenville. The Josephs team placed fourth in the Forest Park tournament and also participated in many tournaments up at Trevor, WI.
Phil then hooked up with (HOF) Manager – “Chubbs” Polfus and the HOF team Takers from Oak Park. Also on the team were (HOF) Stan Bachaus and Wall of Fame player Jimmy Walsh. The Takers went on to win Kosciuszko and Oak Park, leagues. Currently, Phil is still playing three nights per week in the over 50 leagues. Phil played on The Takers with (HOF) Angelo Alesia in the Clyde Park 50 - and – over – league where they won four consecutive championships.
Phil now plays with the Crush team run by Mickey Ballestri (HOF) at La Grange and won the 50 - and – over – league and championship. Phil also plays with the March Manufacturing Doctors in the Berwyn 39 and over - league where they won the Berwyn league and championship in 2016 and 2017. The team was run by (HOF) Ray Topps. Phil plays with the team “Still Cruisin” in the Glenview league with HOF players Wally Pecs, Mark Frighetto, Tim Decker, Jerry Rhea and Stan Bachusz. They finished tied in the regular season for first place in 2016.
Phil would like to thank his teammates and his brother Tony for their competitiveness and friendships. He would like to thank his bride, Jan, for forty years of support, patience and love! Phil and Jan live in Elmwood Park. They have two terrific sons and daughters-in-law, Daniel (Anna) and Jason (Jen) and are blessed to have three terrific grandchildren, Tessa, Lukas, and Joseph.

Jim Quinn


Alvin “The Doctor” Robinzine


Ron Amazzalorso

Ron Amazzalorso grew up at 96th and Avenue N, a street referred to as “Goat Street” because goats were once raised there. Avenue M was referred to as “Cow Street” for the same reason. Many discussions at local bars debated which of these nicknamed streets produced the better athletes.
Ron and his friends were gym rats and everyday weather permitting, they would gather at Piotrowski Park, to choose sides for a 16-inch softball game. Mr. Janess, the park supervisor, would distribute the softballs and bats for the pickup games. Everyday Ron and his friends hoped that Mr. Janess would hand out the new softballs. Because Ron would hang around each day after the games to help with cleanup, he became Mr. Janess’ favorite and was often able to score a new softball with Mr. Janess telling them “this is the last time I do this.”
Their lives revolved around sports at the park and at other sites around the city. They would load-up Mr. Janess’ car (sometimes putting guys in the trunk if they couldn’t fit inside the car) and compete at other parks, winning championships and making positive memories. These days inspired Ron to become a park supervisor, a position he held for thirty years with the Chicago Park District.
Ron graduated from George Washington High School in 1965, received his draft notice six months later, and ended up in Viet Nam. He returned home in 1968 and started his softball career with neighborhood teams and then competed at Calumet Park when it formed a league that featured some of the best team on the South Side. Bobby Mantai, a top player on the South Side, recruited Ron to play with his team 3 Star Erector for a tournament the following Saturday. They were undefeated through the weekend as was the softball team E.R.V. These two powerhouse teams entered the seventh inning with one out and Ron on second base. Bob Bradich, a power hitter, hit a long fly ball to right field, Ron tagged-up, and beat the throw home to score the winning run. From that day forward, 16-inch softball ran through Ron’s veins.
His career with the Eastsiders began when his team was playing them in the Calumet Park League championship game when Ron impressed their manager John Maribelli with a couple of hits, a homerun, and a throw to second that ended the game, securing the championship by one run. He went on to play five decades for the Eastsiders.
In 1978, the Eastsiders needed a pitcher, so Ron switched from centerfield to pitcher. He honed his skills and learned the tricks of the trade and defensive skills. The Eastsiders began playing in leagues and tournaments throughout the South Side and suburbs. They went on to win the championships of many leagues and won over one hundred tournaments. He started playing five days a week in two games a night on Tuesday and Thursday with late games in Blue Island and Harvey. He also played in tournaments on weekends. Besides the Eastsiders, Ron also played for Pete’s Hideaway, Huns, Lakeside Inn, T.J.’s, Speed, Indios, O’Hara’s, Little Rays, and ERV 10th Ward.
Ron played centerfield because he was fast and had great hands. He batted fourth behind Tom Newman. (HOF) He hit for power but could also hit to all fields for a high average. He played at Calumet Park in the Veterans Tournament in 1976 and hit three home runs to help his team win the championship. He received the MVP award for his efforts. He was also named to All Star Team in the men’s league in Harvey in the 80’s.
Ron played on a great team, never let the team down, and formed many long-lasing relations. Five decades later, the core of the team still gets together to rehash old memories. Ron thanks his wife, Fran, for the many sacrifices she made and his daughter, Nikki, for coming to his games when his wife worked weekends. He thanks God for his health. Ron is a retired supervisor for the Chicago Park District. His wife, Fran, is a retired nurse.

Ronald Muller


Steven Heinol


George “Sherm” Sherman


Toncie Siriscevich


Jimmy Spidale


Jim “Steiner” Stein

Jim grew up in the Austin neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago. In grammar school, Jim, along with a number of his friends from St. Peter Canisius, began playing 16” softball at La Follette Park. During his high school years, Jim’s team finished second or third each year.
The Sunday afternoons of Jim’s youth were spent playing teams from other neighborhood parks. The games were important for two reasons: bragging rights and a money pot. They also helped everyone become better softball players and teammates. Jim graduated from De Paul Academy in 1967. He is a proud Vietnam Veteran and served in the Americal Division of the U.S Army from January 1968 until August 1969.
Upon his return to civilian life, Jim attended college, entered the business world, and was fortunate to meet another West Sider, his wife Anne. In the late 1980s, St. Francis Xavier parish in La Grange started organizing 16” softball pickup games on Sunday afternoons. The Sunday routine of church and softball reminded Jim of the Sundays of his youth and just how much he enjoyed both the game and the camaraderie.
In 1992, Jim Quinn (HOF) asked Jim to play for the Leftovers in the 39 and over the league in La Grange. The Leftovers have never won a championship but have been competitive. The team still plays in that league, which is now at Janura Park. Jim hopes this will be their lucky year.
In 1998, Jim began playing in the inaugural Monday night 50 and over the league in La Grange with the Old Strokes. With Jim catching and playing 3rd base, the Old Strokes won the championship in 1998 and 2003 and still play in that league, also now located at Janura Park.
In the late 1990s, the Strokers began playing in the fall league in LaGrange. They won the championship in 1997 and, again, in 2013, despite their players being nearly twenty years older than their nearest competitors.
By the early 2000’s, Jim was playing softball 3 nights a week. Jim played with the Leftovers on Fridays, the Old Strokers on Mondays and the legendary Gillette Strokers at Grant Park on Thursdays. The Gillette Strokers began playing at Grant Park in the 70’s. Jim considers himself fortunate to have played with them during their championship seasons of 2006 and 2008. The highlight of every season is the annual Strokerfest, a barbecue held after a game in June. Members from other teams stop by to enjoy the festivities and camaraderie.
In addition to playing softball, Jim has served as the league commissioner for the 50 and over the league at Clyde Park from 2013 - 15 and at Janura Park from 2016 - 18.
When not playing softball, Jim volunteers at the Edward Hines VA Hospital. He is the Veterans Food Pantry Coordinator responsible for ordering, pantry set up and distribution. The pantry distributes food products to over 6,500 veterans per year. Jim also volunteers at the Hines VA Hospital Fisher House, an organization that provides no-cost housing to the families of veterans who are receiving medical treatment.
Jim never thought he’d still be playing softball at sixty-nine, but whenever he gets a hit or drives in a run, he remembers being thirty-nine again and all the good times he’s had playing softball. Jim is grateful for the many lasting friendships he has made over the years, a great many of these might never have crossed his path if it weren’t for the GREAT game of 16 - inch softball.

Herb Sweetow


Tom Duff

Tom Duff started playing 16-inch softball in 1975 in the Oak Park leagues with Clockwork, a team he formed. Duff also coached and/or organized most of the teams he played on, including his Leo Burnett and Optimus teams that won many Ad League Championships at Grant Park. These teams included longtime Clockwork teammate and HOF inductee, Dan “Sheik” Carmody. Duff finished his thirty-year career in the 2005 Hamlin Park tournament.
Duff was recruited to play with the Takers and Rox and helped them win additional park leagues and tournaments at the Major “A” level. Tom Duff was considered to be one of the finest defensive first basemen of his era. In addition to having great hands and stretching ability, he had tremendous range, quickness and softball “smarts.” His large, still mutilated fingers are a testament to his ability to catch everything thrown or hit his way.
In addition to his defensive prowess, his great leadership and strong desire to win inspired many of his teammates. He often channeled this “hot-headed” nature to get into opponent’s heads. One of his longtime teammates said, “Tommy never played for the recognition or pats on the back. He was the real, I love this game, deal. He respected the game, he loved the game, and he loved to win.
He was sought after by the best teams, and could have played “A” level ball exclusively if he chose to. But his first loyalty remained with his neighborhood Clockwork team, which competed at a high “B” level.
Tom Duff played 16-inch softball from 1975 to 2005 with the peak years from 1980 to 2004. During these peak years, his teams won many tournament championships and league titles. Clockwork won the Hamlin Park in 1987, 2003, and 2004; Rox won it in the 1990’s. Additionally, his teams won league titles at Oak Park (1987 and 1989), Kosciuszko Park, Riis Park, Clarendon Park, Kelly Park, and they won the Berwyn Tournament.
Tom grew up in Oak Park and graduated from St. Ignatius High School. He earned his undergraduate degree at Loyola University and his graduate degree at DePaul. Tom and his wife, Pam, live in La Grange Park. They have four children: Kevin (already a two-time 16-inch Nationals winner), Liz, Kelly, and Maggie. Tom is the President of Optimus, an Advertising Creative Services company in Chicago.

Antone Thrash












Phil Tondelli

One of eleven children growing up in Oak Park, IL, Phil played all sports. As quarterback and halfback at North Austin Boys Club football at Amundsen Park, he led each team to a Pop Warner championship.
Phil started high school at Oak Park & River Forest where he quarterbacked an undefeated freshman team. After his family moved to Texas, they returned to Chicago, where he attended and played his senior year at Taft High School. His team won the Public League Championship in 1972- 73 and played in the City of Chicago Prep Bowl. This championship team was just elected into the Taft High School Hall of Fame. He graduated from Elmhurst College where he played football and was co-captain. He played safety and punter. He led the team with a single season of 111 tackles and seven interceptions, both school records at the time.
Upon graduation, he started playing 16 – inch softball with his college buddies on the Den and Alley teams. They played at Amundsen & Kosciuszko Park. He then helped start the “Titans” with Tom Eukovich. They started playing at Sayre Park, Berwyn and later at Kelly Park. He then went on to play for ten years with the Blue Max team led by (HOF) Frank Holan Award winner Jimmy Giblin. His teams won the Amundsen, Bellwood and La Grange leagues and placed at Portage Park. They also played in the tough Kelly Park and Clarendon Park leagues. The Blue Max won the Andy Frain tournament championship at Clarendon Park beating a (HOF) Billy Bereckis led team. Phil led the team in hitting when the Blue Max won the tournament championship at the Cicero Clyde Park Suburban Life tournament. Another highlight was playing with the Blue Max in the Berwyn tournament where the Blue Max lost to the Bobcats 8-7. The Blue Max played in the Metro Championship at Lou Boudreau Field where they eventually lost to the champion Stickman. Phil also played with his brother Tony on the Jets in Hamlin and Wells Parks with (HOF) Carl Maniscalco.
Concurrently, Phil played on the Blue Max infused team called Spirit in the Forest Park House League where they won three championships and automatic bid entries into the prestigious 16 - inch No Glove Tournament. He also played on the Clan that won the league three years later. He played on the highly ranked Josephs team, which included the (HOF) Jimmy Krause. Josephs went on to league championships at Melrose Park, Bensenville. The Josephs team placed fourth in the Forest Park tournament and also participated in many tournaments up at Trevor, WI.
Phil then hooked up with (HOF) Manager – “Chubbs” Polfus and the HOF team Takers from Oak Park. Also on the team were (HOF) Stan Bachaus and Wall of Fame player Jimmy Walsh. The Takers went on to win Kosciuszko and Oak Park, leagues. Currently, Phil is still playing three nights per week in the over 50 leagues. Phil played on The Takers with (HOF) Angelo Alesia in the Clyde Park 50 - and – over – league where they won four consecutive championships.
Phil now plays with the Crush team run by Mickey Ballestri (HOF) at La Grange and won the 50 - and – over – league and championship. Phil also plays with the March Manufacturing Doctors in the Berwyn 39 and over - league where they won the Berwyn league and championship in 2016 and 2017. The team was run by (HOF) Ray Topps. Phil plays with the team “Still Cruisin” in the Glenview league with HOF players Wally Pecs, Mark Frighetto, Tim Decker, Jerry Rhea and Stan Bachusz. They finished tied in the regular season for first place in 2016.
Phil would like to thank his teammates and his brother Tony for their competitiveness and friendships. He would like to thank his bride, Jan, for forty years of support, patience and love! Phil and Jan live in Elmwood Park. They have two terrific sons and daughters-in-law, Daniel (Anna) and Jason (Jen) and are blessed to have three terrific grandchildren, Tessa, Lukas, and Joseph.

Craig “Duck” Wente


Jimmy Walsh


Phillip S. Williams, Jr.
