1887-1949 Pioneers

Leo Fischer

This sports writer for the Chicago Herald American had a vision that the sport of softball was going to be important to people of all ages if promoted. His local tournament organizing efforts in the 30s eventually developed into the City Championship and the finals were held at Wrigley Field. Backed by William Randolph Hearst, …

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Bennie Feinblatt

The Albany Park athlete was a left handed Allstar centerfielder for Midland Motors and Fewer Boilers. Outstanding defensive player and one of the fastest players in the game. In the service he played ball with the best baseball players in the game. This encouraged him to tryout for the White Sox. They told him to …

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Dan Dumas

Dumas was a superb lefty pull hitter that made teams defense him with four infie1ders on the right side of second base.. leaving only the third basemen.. .he still would get hit to right. He had 3 straight batting titles in the Daddie O�Daylie League. He was MVP and batting champion in �62 and �63 …

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Jim Di Vito

One of the organizers of the Windy City League with Harry Hannin. While a terrific short center and outfielder, he was considered the best manager of the league with the champion Kool Vent, Fewer Boilers, and Witt Hanley Yankee teams. Especially proud of Kool Vent winning last season of both the Northtown League in 1949 …

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Ben “Nicky” Branman

Ben was one of the best power hitters in the game according to the Chicago American. One of the first of five inducted and one of only three living members of all the members selected by the Chicago American 16″ Hall of Fame, which dissolved when the paper folded. Nicky was a tremendous 1eft power …

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William “Specs” Davis

Born on December 13, 1914 in Donaldsville, Louisiana, William Davis became one of the top softball pitchers and home run hitters of the Pioneer Era. William attended Douglas Elementary and Phillips High School in Chicago. Besides playing for the Gas House Gang, his softball career also found him as the pitcher on Dr. Goss’ Collegians, …

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Frank “Blu Blu” Dalesandro

From 1933 to 1956, Frank Dalesandro was one of the best players in the top leagues in Chicago. A legend in his Taylor Street neighborhood, Daleasandro began his softball career with the White Eagles when he was only twelve years old. He then went on to win world titles with such legendary teams as Fewer …

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Larry Coutre

Larry began his softball career as a young teenager playing with Durso’s at Green Briar Park on Chicago’s Northwest side, winning several championships including the prestigious Knights of Columbus City Championship. He then played for Hall of Fame member Doc Scavuzzo with Alderman Hoellen’s at Welles Park, Clarendon Park, and Thillens Stadium. His skills at …

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Nate “Sweetwater” Clifton

The 6’9 lefty power hitter and first baseman was one of the most famous players in the game. He was a star player around Washington Park before he went to DuSable High School, thanks to the guidance of Dan Dumas. His guidance was not always divine as he would sneak out from Sunday School for …

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Tony Canna

Tony Canna began his umpiring career after World War II in South Chicago and the East Side of Chicago with Jim Allen’s organization. Shortly after that he joined Jim Edgeworth and the “Official Empire’s Association” which he controlled later in his life. Tony worked with this organization until his retirement from officiating At the , …

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