Gary Thorsen’s love for baseball began in back yards and school grounds when he was just eight years old. He moved on to play neighborhood pick-up games and was named a high school All- American. His move to 16-inch softball began in 1970 when he met up with Fritz Zimmerman of March Manufacturing. Besides March, …
When he began his softball career in the Grant Park Industrial League, a young Ray Topps experienced a moment few players ever got the change to experience; he played on the same field with his father, Ray Topolski, a fellow Hall of Famer, who retired from softball in 1970. Ray went on to play with …
With a purported 36” vertical leap, sprinter speed and impressive upper body strength, Sammy Taylor was a triple threat in leagues throughout the Chicagoland 16” softball scene. A right handed hitter who consistently averaged over 700, Taylor could also surprise the opposition with his home run power. He played center field for the legendary Flamingos …
Considered to be the greatest 16” softball pitcher since 1950. Today every pitcher tries to emulate the quiet thin man who threw right and backed up to play defense. Mike came to the 16” game late after playing minor league ball for the Giants. He quickly made an impact with the Strikers and revolutionized the …
One of the best shortstops of the era, Ted Tomczak played on a variety of top teams including the Dunne Cones, the 1025 Club, Bennetts, Tracys, Ted Reese and Jim Roses. In 1945, Ted, with the 1025 Club, won 81 games against only 8 losses. In addition to his prowess at shortstop, Tomczak’s 550 lifetime …
An ad for the old North Town Currency Stadium Calls upon fans to come out and watch Chicago’s greatest sports stars in action. It features Dick Triptow, with a star next to his name as a “crack cage and diamond star from DePaul.” One look at Triptow’s softball accomplishments shows that the ad was not …
Mel played 12″ and 16″ softball during the 20s, 30s, and 40s, dissolving his team at the end of the season. While Mel made his living in the automotive world (securing numerous patents for technical advances in automobile repair tools,) his second love was softball. Mel and his family lived across the street from Bill …
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 …
