Current readers of the Chicago Tribune can find Mike Conkin as one of the co-authors of the INC column, but softball fans will remember Mike as the founder and author of “On Softball”, a weekly column in the Tribune during the 1970’s that many experts say revitalized 16″ softball in Chicago and the Midwest. As …
“Play softball; it’s the greatest game in America!!” This quote summarizes George Bliss’ love for the game of softball and his many contributions through the Softball Hotline. Bliss’ involvement in softball began with a friend’s prompting to turn George’s two loves – softball and reading newspaper columns into a column dedicated to reporting softball. Bliss …
In his notes to his biography, Bob Ancona says this about 16-inch softball “The greatest thing is that this is a Chicago game. Anyone who grew up in Chicago has played the game. It’s a great game whether it’s played at a picnic, recreational park district league or at the highly competitive national championship level.” …
Jim was the Director of Parks and Recreation for the Park District of Forest Park from 1965 to 1983. In 1969 he organized the 1st Forest Park Invitational Softball Tournament. Held over Labor Day weekend in 1969, ten all-star teams from the suburbs of Chicago began a tradition that is still considered the most prestigious …
“No gloves. Never had them, Never will.” This motto, coined by Dave Novak best summarizes his years of dedication to Chicago’s game – 16” No Glove Softball. Dave began his career at the Park District of Forest Park 23 years ago in 1974 when Jim Sarno hired him as Softball League Supervisor. From 1975 to …
A three sport star at Mt. Carmel, George went on to play basketball for Marquette University and professionally for the Sheboygan Redskins and the Chicago Bruins. George’s true love, however, was 16” softball. He played for such notable teams as the Golden Clothes and the Jimmy Rose Shamrocks during the 1939 season that included championships …
Tim’s 16” softball career began at Visitation Grammar School. Besides playing in his younger days, Tim also organized teams at the farm club level. In 1970 he was the captain of the St. Rita High School Football Championship team. He also coached the Dobbers softball team for many years in the 70’s. Maher began his …
Bill Gleason is an icon in Chicago as a media journalist. He has been a gifted writer for the Herald American, Sun Times. a – Southtown Economist for over 50 years. But – be best known for being on camera… “The Sportswriters on TV” is an opening line that we have heard 200 times. Usually …
Frank Afable earned his induction with George Morse at Clarendon Park. Frank started his softball – facilities management career at the ripe old age of fourteen when he started keeping score at third base and- center field at Clarendon Park. In 1972 he was promoted to Park Supervisor, a position he held from 1972 to1982. …
Mel created the Northtown softball field at Devon and Kedzie that everyone could enjoy in 1938. It was due to a suggestion by his brother Ferdy because there were no fields safe to play this popular sport. He added lights (oldest in Chicago) and his diamond became the site of the best men and women …
