1887-1949 Pioneers

James Holmes

James Holmes is known as a superb left hand hitter and right fielder who played with some of the top leagues on the Southside. Holmes played in the top division at 49th and Dorchester and in the Southside Cocktail League. Holmes interrupted his 16″ career with a three year stint in the Marine Corps. Once …

James Holmes Read More »

Jack “Goldie” Goldstein

As trainer or the American Gears professional basketball team, Jack Goldie had a foot . :… – guaranteeing that their team would have a cab ride home after the game. He would tear a ten du when the cab driver arrived at the game, telling him that he would get the other half when he …

Jack “Goldie” Goldstein Read More »

Robert “Bobby” Fallon

A veteran of many “softball wars” during the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Bobby Fallon began his career playing left field for teams as Jack’s Men’s Wear, Slow Freighters, Nudo’s Dugout, and Bondies. He switched to the other side of home plate in 1949 when he began umpiring for the Jim Allen Group. Robert Fallon probably …

Robert “Bobby” Fallon Read More »

James “The Shiek” DiNardi

Born on Chicago’s famous West side James DiNardi notched a reputation as one of the top two or three 16″ pitchers of his era He earned the nickname of “Sheik” while a student at the Thomas Jefferson School on the West side where he was always the best dressed and subsequently attracted all the girls. …

James “The Shiek” DiNardi Read More »

Marty “Doc” Bush

ike many of the top players of the 1900-1949 era and players of today, Marty played both with local teams and with teams in some of the top leagues in Chicago The local team, however, was the place here these players often felt the most comfortable and showed the most loyalty From 1934 to 1941 …

Marty “Doc” Bush Read More »

Bill “Eggs” Bromley

A former Farragut football star, “Eggs” Bromley played first base for the Capital Dairy Softball team and with the Bill Parillo team. Known for his excellent defense at first base and clutch hitting, Bill Bromley and his teams qualified for many Herald – American Tournament elimination rounds. He was the leader of the top ranked …

Bill “Eggs” Bromley Read More »

Vito “Tasty” Yario

This righty pitcher was most widely known for inventing the hesitation pitch and also having a big drop on the ball even though the pitching was much faster in those years. Considered the best before the great Lewa Yacilla came on the scene. He was a Chicago American Hall of Fame member. Also known as …

Vito “Tasty” Yario Read More »

Lewa “Rocco” Yacilla

Many softball historians will tell you that Lewa Yacilla was one of the greatest pitchers of all time. He was the pitcher you wanted on the mound in money games. Lewa started playing softball in the Granada League at Polk and Halsted. He played for the city champ Adducci’s and many others. He was best …

Lewa “Rocco” Yacilla Read More »

Ray “Topps” Topolski

Ray began his softball career in the “Back of the Yards” at Sherman Park with his friends the Chi-Wolves. Played for Daly Hamburgs after returning from college. He flourished as a centerfielder with the Jimmy Rose team at Clarendon and Chicago and Kedzie Leagues until ’59. One of his highlights was a 4 home run …

Ray “Topps” Topolski Read More »

Harry “Swede” Roos

The first team he played for was the House of David. He was so young he couldn’t grow a beard to look like his teammates. The big 6’7 first baseman was an excellent power hitter for Ryans, American Gear, Magic Chef, and Harry’s Owl Club. He was on Leo Fischer’s Herald American Allstar squads in …

Harry “Swede” Roos Read More »