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
Harry Hannin was the main organizer and president of the Windy City Softball and Basketball Leagues from 1934 to 1949. His 1925 team, the Hannin Did Its, won fifty-five games in a row. These victories inspired the rush to play sixteen-inch softball. Hannin coached legendary DePaul Coach Ray Meyer. Twenty-six future major leaguers, including Lou
Organizer, Player, Manager Organizer, Player, Manager Bob enjoyed the game of softball as a player, manager, teacher and businessman. He was a historian of the game and helped especially in the early stages of the Hall of Fame content. In 1961 Bob started the Buc’s, a young team that enjoyed success for three years at
Tom was the founder of the Windy City Softball Magazine and developer of the Windy City Softball Stadium in Bridgeview during the mid 1970s. He organized the Winston Softball Circuit and World Series, and other tournament venues. Tom was successful in stratifying the competitive levels that continue today. He was ahead of his time when
A pioneer of baseball and softball manufacturing since 1889. Developed much of the equipment used throughout the industry today. He is famous in our community due to his development of the trademark of the game the “Clincher” softball. Softballs were stitched on the outside and rarely did they stand up to the gravel playgrounds of
