Mike Stout began his softball career in 1981 with Phil’s Kids, a local team from Melrose Park, playing in leagues in Bellwood, Broadview, and Franklin Park. A meeting with lifelong friend, Jimmy Donato, gave Mike his first taste of competitive softball when Jimmy asked Mike to Play for the Lords, forging an alliance that would …
A graduate of Brother Rice where he played baseball (winning the Catholic League and earning MVP honors), Smokey then moved on to St. Xavier where he played outfield and earned a degree in criminal justice. He started playing softball in 1976 with the Right-On’s in Kelly Park’s major league. He then played for the J’s …
“Champ” Surma began his five decade softball career with Ray Topolski on the Chicago- Wolves, playing at Sherman Park in the late 40’s and early 50’s. He also played with the Crusaders, one of the top Southside teams and in many round – robin tournaments on Sunday afternoons. The Korean War interrupted Surma’s softball career …
Born in 1933, Tony Struppa played softball for fifteen years and later organized one of the best 16″ leagues in Chicago. Tony earned All-City honors for baseball and football while playing at Gage Park High School. He played first base for the city team in the Herald- American Prep All – Star Classic in Comiskey …
Frank Szczech, one of the top leadoff players of his era, could do what all great hitters could do – he got on base. He was capable of driving the ball through the holes in the infield or over the heads of the infielders into the outfield gaps. His hitting and excellent speed made him a …
Who would have believed that a high school kid who once beat legendary professional bowler Carmen Salvino, would someday become one of the top 16″ softball players of his time? The stage was set for this to happen when “Willy” Schmitz began his softball career with the Earle School Midgets at ten years of age. …
A graduate of St. Rita high school, Joseph “Jake” Schmitz began his softball career at the age of thirteen with the Vipers at Ogden Park and at Byrne Field. He moved to the Blie Hawks in 1953 to ‘54, before he settled into a twelve year stint with the Whips Moaners Club. A short stop …
A veteran of the Korean War where he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with three Battle Stars, the U.N. Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, and the Republic of Korea Unit Presidential Citation, Clyde Stary returned to the States to take part in the softball wars of Chicago. During these softball wars, Starry, an …
Jerry Schmitt was a standout at Leo High School (1958) in track and in basketball where he was named Catholic League All Star in 1957 and 1958. He also played baseball with Elks Lodge 1596 in the Connie Mack League because Leo did not have a baseball team. Softball became a lifestyle for Jerry for …
With the nickname of Dr. Power, it’s no wonder that John Straley was known for his towering home runs. Yet he was also known as a punch hitter who followed Wee Willie Keeler’s adage “hit” em where they ain’t. Straley could drop a single or double in between outfielders who were pulled back out of …
