W

Popati A. Wing

Popati Wing, who is best known as “T”, started playing softball at the Robert Taylor Homes on Chicago’ Southside when she was nine years old. Even though she had no formal training or coaching, she did have the one thing that great athletes possess ‘ talent. She played third base as the only girl to …

Popati A. Wing Read More »

Mary Ann “Stretch” Walter

As a young girl from 61st and Rockwell who played her first softball game as an eight year old, Mary Ann Walter became one of the of the top first sackers in the women’s leagues and was an original player on the women’s team with the most championships – Rose & Crown. With her trademark …

Mary Ann “Stretch” Walter Read More »

Mark Wilson

Mark Wilson’s softball career began when he was fourteen and started playing in the Friday night high school league at Peak’s Park in Worth, Illinois. From that early beginning, he would go on to play with some of softball’s great teams (Barrel of Fun, Francanello’s, Whips, Bud Runners, Renegades, Bats, Hollywood Casino, Men from Uncle, …

Mark Wilson Read More »

Larry “La La” Washington

Born in 1956, Larry Washington’s 28-year softball career began in 1970 when he started playing with the Princeton Stars. His talent was noticed quickly and in 1972 at the age of sixteen he joined the legendary Safaris and coach Claude Rhodes. From 1970 to 1976, he played simultaneously with Safari and the Flamingos until his …

Larry “La La” Washington Read More »

Marshall “Rock” Waldo

  Marshall Waldo began playing softball when he was eleven. He credits his mentor, the late school instructor / supervisor, Dick Lubera, for his success. Lubera spent hours on end teaching Marshall and other neighborhood kids the fundamental parts of the game. He played baseball at Amundsen / Mayfair Junior College and at the Navy …

Marshall “Rock” Waldo Read More »

Dennis “Punchy” Wallace

Dennis Wallace’s softball career began when he was only four years old. His brother gave him a 16-inch softball and the rest is history. His natural talent was apparent early because whenever sides were picked, he was always one of the first players picked, even though he wasn’t always one of the bigger kids. He …

Dennis “Punchy” Wallace Read More »

Fred Wolf

Fred Wolf began his softball career with the Sabers and Crusaders, before moving to Turner’s Tap. Wolf helped Turner’s win the Illinois State Championship with a victory over the Bobcats in the 1960’s in DesPlaines. He then moved to the Loafers ( later Moore Business Forms ) where he helped win three Clarendon Park Championships …

Fred Wolf Read More »

Leonard West

Leonard West was an integral part of five championship teams as a pitcher, a third baseman or a first baseman. He helped win league titles at Kelly, Clarendon and James Park with the Strikers, and two championships at Kelly and Clarendon Parks with the Bobcats. He played with the Spartans at Bidwell Stadium and also …

Leonard West Read More »

Robert “Sticks” Warnock

In the highly competitive and closely knit world of championship 16” softball, players destined for greatness are quickly noticed. This was the case with Bob Warnock when he began playing with the Crusaders. His talent was noticed, and he was soon playing with Ed Zolna’s Bobcats. It was a perfect match, and Warnock played with …

Robert “Sticks” Warnock Read More »

Gerald “Jerry” Witry

After graduating from St. Ignatius High School in 1947 where he was named an All-Catholic all-star in football, Jerry went on to Loras College to do more of the same. In fact, as a freshman, he caught the first pass ever thrown to him for a touchdown. That year he helped lead Loras to a …

Gerald “Jerry” Witry Read More »