1887-1949 Pioneers

Hurter “Red” Redmond

The “Babe Ruth” of the sport and a big gate attraction, the big right handed firefighter was the most prolific homerun hitter of the Windy City League during the 40s. His MVP season was in ‘4 when he lead the league in hits, avg. and 31 HRs. . leading Mid.: Motors to their first of …

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Bill “Willie” Pierucci

Considered the greatest hitter of the 40s and the Windy City League. This fast lefty punch hitter lead the Windy City League over 12 seasons on six separate occasions with the top batting average. First played for Hoffmans and then for Salerno Cookies, Fewer Boilers, the title teams of the Witt Hanley Yankees and Midland …

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Vernon Parry

Vern was the “Joe DiMaggio” of the sport and a great consistent hitter.,. once hitting safely in 54 consecutive games. He played 2nd base for 5 champions of the Windy City League, including Kool Vent. He lea his employer the First National Bank to six industrial Chicago American titles. The right hander was an original …

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Sam “Dusty” LaBarbera

The exciting third baseman was a crowd favorite with pantomime characterizations and playing in the style of Pete Rose with head first slides since 1940. Played on the championship teams of Midland Motors and the Yankees. Best season was .399 and 11 homers for ’44 champion Yanks who won 23 straight. Allstar for Fewer Boilers …

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Willie Klemchuk

fter many seasons he was rated the best player in the Windy City League and Mr. Softball in ’48. That season the great defensive short center had the most hits in Windy City history with 83. He played on a variety of teams including Aducci’s and Witt Hanley Yankees… especially the ’47 and ’48 Midland …

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Zeke Ireland

The “Hank Aaron” of softball he was the best black home run hitter in the Windy City Leagues. He had a unique stance with the bat above his head. The right handed hitter was one of the first to break the color barriers of the league. Allstar catcher for Angels of Broadway in ’48. He …

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George Hancock

The founder of softball. Hancock was a reporter for the Chicago Board of Trade. In 1887 on a rainy Thanksgiving Day while waiting for the ticker tape results of the Harvard-Yale football game at Farragut Boat Club in Chicago, now a land fill south of Soldiers Field, a group of bored young men tied up …

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Arthur “Lefty” Goldfeder

His .760 batting average was the highest in Windy City League competition. A Chicago American Hall of Famer in center and left field, his total hits record stood for 14 years until ’48. He was 66 for the first 100 at bats in his rookie WC season in 1934. Played for Hannin Did Its, and …

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Babe Godlewski

Played in the Windy City League for 11 seasons, Member of American Gear, and best seasons were with Midland Motors. Was in the Murderer’s Row lineup with Hurter, Paul Camaratta, and Moose Migon. Right hander was a ’48 Allstar at shortstop… .and premier long ball hitter. Also played for the Chicago Police Dept. Since Deceased.