Growing up, they were just a group of Forest Park kids who spent their childhood playing pick-up games in the neighborhood. Their dream was to form their own team and to play in the Forest Park league and ultimately in the 16 Inch No Glove Nationals. Their journey to fulfill that dream started in the
In 1979, a group of friends from Chicago’s northside Edgewater neighborhood formed a softball team named “On Waivers” at Pierce Park and over their 21 years of existence won 25 league championships and league tournaments in parks along the north shore of Chicago, and Evanston. Their core players included rick Clark (captain), Jim Stoner, Dennis
In Marshalltown, Iowa Rod Bailey’s establishment—the Old Timer Tavern—has become synonymous with 16-inch softball. During tournament weekends, it serves as the central gathering place where players, fans, and supporters come together to celebrate the sport, share stories, and enjoy the postgame fellowship that defines the softball community. The Old Timer Tavern teams have become one of
Organized in 1982 by Don Kustok, Boomtown began as a tight-knit group of friends and athletes hailing from Oak Lawn. For over 16 years, Boomtown played in many leagues, including those in Palos Hills, Chicago Ridge, Blue Island/Cal Park Major League and earning titles. In 1998, for many it was time to retire to raise families. However, a core group continued playing successfully as Jelly in class A and Major ball under
The Graphic Edge started playing in 1979. Led by Hall of Fame Manager John Reglein the squad was created with the best players in not just western Iowa but the entire state. Nine straight Sub State titles in Iowa District 1 transposed into multiple high finishes at Iowa’s ASA State Open. Then domination began with 10 State
The Right-On’s were a respected team based out of Mt. Greenwood Park, competing from 1969 through 1988. The team was founded and led by Joe Whirity, whose steady leadership and passion for the game shaped the Right-On’s into a lasting and competitive presence in Chicago’s softball scene. Their journey began in 1969, when they captured the
J’s started in early 1970’s by player/manager Mike Moorman and played into the 1990’s. Participating and winning in numerous leagues in the southside area. In addition to local leagues and tournament’s, the J’s participated in out-of-state tournament’s: Portage Park, Indiana; Marshalltown, Iowa; LaCrosse, Wisconsin; and Des Moines, Iowa. They won over 14 leagues and half a dozen tourneys. Player’s contributing to the J’s success: Mike
The Phunky Buddhas started as a neighborhood co-ed team of friends and couples in 1996 at Wilson Park on the far northwest side of Chicago to honor a friend and fellow softball player who had passed from breast cancer. We were successful in winning championships 5 of 7 years that we played at Wilson Park. We helped start the co-ed league at Hiawatha
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Founded in 1972, the Masterpiece softball team quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with. Originally led by Ed Porter and Sylvester Thompson, the team later strengthened its leadership with the addition of Ted Smith and Jerry Bausley. Masterpiece entered the Black Olympics Tournament and captured the championship with a victory over the Kings. That mindset
The Chicago Jets softball team was organized and launched in 1976 as a “B” League northside neighborhood saloon squad. Managed/Coached by player John Clausen, 1st basemen, the Jets went on to win 22 Chicago Park League championships, a half- dozen major tournaments, and hundreds of big games, including the 1985 USSSA State Tournament, all in
