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No Glove

NATIONALS 58th Annual Forest Park Invitational

July 23-26, 2026

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No Glove Nationals 2026

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Welcome back players, visitors, and volunteers to the 58th Annual 16” No Gloves National Softball Tournament!

A

s we celebrate our 58th year, we are excited to welcome everyone back for another unforgettable tournament and to continue the tradition of one of the most prestigious events in 16” softball.

First and foremost, we want to thank our incredible volunteers. Each year, nearly 100 volunteers dedicate their time to making this tournament a success. They pour your first beer, serve up a delicious beef sandwich after a long day at the ballfields, and greet everyone with a smile as we celebrate the teams, fans, and the spirit of the game. Their commitment and enthusiasm truly bring the National Softball Tournament experience to life.

We would also like to thank our Board of Commissioners. Their support extends far beyond governance—they spend countless hours volunteering throughout the tournament, assisting with logistics, operations, and event coordination. They are true champions of this event, helping provide the leadership, safety, and financial support necessary to ensure the Tournament continues to thrive and remain a source of pride for Forest Park.

We also want to recognize our outstanding Park District staff. Every time you step into the park, you see the results of their hard work and dedication.

Each summer, we hire more than 200 seasonal employees who work tirelessly to keep the fields in pristine condition, serve great food and treats at our concessions, and ensure our Aquatic Center remains a safe and enjoyable place for families.

When tournament week arrives, it truly becomes an all-hands-on-deck effort. Our Maintenance team prepares the fields and event grounds. Concessions staff coordinate orders, organize supplies, and prepare to serve some of the best food around. Camp counselors finish a full day with campers before volunteering to help serve food and

2025 No Gloves

Courtesy of the Park District of Forest Park

CONTENTS Pulido Shows Passion and Dedication to 16-Inch Softball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B4 Winslow Proud of Fizz for History in No Gloves Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B9 Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B12-B13 Olivan gears up successful outlook with Big Red Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B15 Pharoahs depending on team bonding in No Gloves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B19 beverages. Lifeguards continue providing a safe and welcoming environment for both our regular patrons and the many out-of-town families visiting for the tournament. It takes an entire team working together to make this event possible, and we couldn’t be grateful.

Our Honor Wall will once again be on display this year. Along the Harrison Street pathway, you’ll find banners recognizing the individuals, organizations, and sponsors whose support and dedication have helped shape and strengthen this great tournament over the years.

We are also proud to recognize our generous sponsors. Their contributions help make this event possible and allow us to continue offering an outstanding tournament while keeping food, beverages, and other event costs affordable for everyone.

It is truly an honor to host the premier 16” No Gloves National Softball Tournament. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another unforgettable weekend filled with great softball, delicious food, and even better company.

See you in the Park!

Jackie Iovinelli Executive Director/ Co-Tournament Director

Park District of Forest Park

General Manager Max Reinsdorf Senior Audience Manager Stacy Coleman Contributing Editor Donna Greene Contributing Reporters Melvin Tate, Bill Stone, Lauren Recchia, Gregg Voss Editorial & Digital Design Lead Javier Govea Design and Production Associate De Sergio Villalona Designer Susan McKelvey Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls Marketing & Advertising Associate Emma Cullnan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Operations Associate Susan Liss Babin Social Media and Digital Coordinator Maribel Barrera Senior Advisor Dan Haley

Executive Director Jackie Iovinelli Superintendent of Business Jeff Murphy Superintendent of Recreation Danette Krajewski Superintendent of Buildings and Parks Andrew Doss Marketing and Communications Manager Adam Cumbee Recreation Supervisor Ryan Vilanova ■

Board of Commissioners President Kristen Lyons Vice President Roy Sansone Treasurer Cathleen McDermott Commissioner Tim Gillian Commissioner Maria Alzamora

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Forest Park Review, July 22, 2026

No Glove Nationals 2026

Pulido shows passion and dedication to 16-inch softball Longtime fan is in the Hall of Fame

By MELVIN TATE

W

Contributing Reporter

henever there’s a major 16-inch softball tournament taking place in the Chicago area, chances are that Joe Pulido will be there watching the action. It speaks to the passion, love, and dedication he has had for the game since he started playing in his younger days.

“I grew up in the Pilsen neighborhood and at the age of 17 I played at Harrison Park,” Pulido told Forest Park Review in an interview. “On weekends, there were a bunch of guys who would get together for some games. I never got on a team, I just played with them.

“As I got older, I was working for a company called A.G. Becker, a financial institution. They had a company team that played at Grant Park every Monday. My manager was Dick Cooper, and I played with Ken Flaws, both of those guys eventually made the (Chicago 16-Inch Softball) Hall of Fame.”

Many of the guys Pulido played with got transferred to Des Moines, Iowa, and formed a team. They invited him to come out to watch, and he accepted. But as soon as he arrived, he saw something drastically different from what he had been accustomed to.

“A friend and I drove out there and noticed they were playing with gloves. We were fascinated by that, and we asked what they were doing with gloves,” Pulido said.

“Also, a pitcher had a mask on and we wondered why. It was kind of funny.”

Pulido’s Iowa fascination became a dedication as he started going there for tournaments each year, something he still does to this day.

“Once or twice a year, I go to tournaments out there,” he said. “I’ve met a lot of people there and in talking with them, they started coming to Chicago to play our game.”

As a player, Pulido never played in a major tournament. But that was where his passion grew.

“I just love the game of softball,” he said.

“I wasn’t very good and played with just

STEVE JOHNSTON

Joe Pulido sits in the stands and watches a game at the Park District of Forest Park’s softball fields. neighborhood and company teams. But I started meeting a lot of people at softball games and it grew.”

Among those Pulido met is Pat Caputo, a Hall of Famer who is widely regarded as one of the best all-time Chicagoland players.

“We’ve become friends and to this day I still see him,” Pulido said.

After he retired as a player, Pulido continued to go to games. He said his wife Patricia kept count on how many games he

attended in his first year of retirement, and she told him it was 127.

“I don’t know a lot of ballplayers personally,” Pulido said, “but I know who’s on which team. It’s almost like being a scout.”

For his unwavering loyalty and commitment to softball, Pulido was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2024. He received the Richard J. Daley Friend of Softball Award that year. Named after the late Chicago mayor who was a passionate advocate for softball, the award recognizes those who,

according to the Hall of Fame website, “have demonstrated over the years his or her passion and love for the game not as a player but as a sponsor, business owner, politician, or one of the leaders in their community. Through their passion, they have helped advance the game of 16-inch softball.”

To say Pulido was surprised by his induction is an understatement.

“One day, I was coming home from HarriSee PULIDO on page B6

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N I E D A R T P U E D A R T Congratulations to the Park District of Forest Park on 58 years of the longest running softball tournament in the nation!

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Forest Park Review, July 22, 2026

No Glove Nationals 2026

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STEVE JOHNSTON

Most nights you can find Joe Pulido taking in the softball action at one of the area softball fields.

PULIDO from page B4 son Park and my phone rang,” Pulido said.

“I wasn’t going to pick up since I was on the expressway. So I got home and called, and it was the president of the Hall of Fame (Paul Rowan). That’s when he gave me all the information about my induction.

“I almost fainted and I was shocked. I told him wasn’t a great ballplayer. He said my name was brought up as a supporter of the game, and we decided to put you in.”

While Pulido was gracious about his induction, there was also a tinge of sadness

as Patricia had passed away in 2018.

“She was the first person I thought about,” he said. “I was like, “God, I wish she was still here.” She would’ve been so proud of me.”

Pulido, who turns 80 this month, has no plans of slowing down. He attends 100 to 120 games each year, and he again plans on being at this year’s No Gloves, which he first attended in the mid-70s.

“That’s the granddaddy of softball,” Pulido said. “Guys don’t care about trophies or money. They care about winning the No Gloves championship. You never know, some teams might come out of nowhere and get upsets going. It’s possible, anything can happen in softball.”

No Glove Nationals 2026

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Forest Park Review, July 22, 2026 B7

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Forest Park Review, July 22, 2026

No Glove Nationals 2026

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Forest Park Review, July 22, 2026 B9

No Glove Nationals 2026

Winslow proud of Fizz for history in No Gloves tournament

By LAUREN RECCHIA

W

Contributing Reporter

hile the Fizz will not be in this year’s No Gloves tournament in Forest Park, manager Dave Winslow has fond memories of his team’s participation and his team’s success in previous years.

Winslow, who took over managing Fizz three years ago and has been a member of the team since 2013, got into managing for the first time when he took over for Mike Carroll, who had founded the team in 2010.

“I took over for (Carroll) when he decided to take a step back,” Winslow said. “Many of the guys here have played together for 20 or more years

in major softball. On and off the field camaraderie and chemistry is what makes this team so special.”

The Fizz started as a pick-up team of “A” ball players for the Algonquin tournament, which they won three times. They then moved on to the 50 and over league at Janura Park and won four consecutive championships (six in eight years) there, including the championship in 2025.

“We’ve had a great mixture of former major and rec league players such as Mickey Balestri, Scott Koenig, Dave Braedel, Ray Prokaski, Big Mills and Donny Baker,” Winslow said. “We were an old-school softball team sponsored by Cordial Inn. Many of the guys have played in multiple No Glove national tournaments.”

Winslow always enjoys playing in

the No Gloves tournament in Forest Park and knows how great it is to bring softball players together in the community.

“Forest Park tournament weekend gives everybody a chance to get together and hang out, and watch the younger guys go at it,” he said. “Forest Park has always put on a firstclass tournament and is a great time for all softball players to get together and reminisce.”

The Fizz will be playing in the A Glove national tournament this season and look to continue their success.

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Forest Park Review, July 22, 2026

No Glove Nationals 2026

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No Glove Nationals 2026

Forest Park Review, July 22, 2026 B11

2025 SOFTBALL IN ACTION PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE PARK DISTRICT OF FOREST PARK

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Forest Park Review, July 22, 2026

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Winners' Bracket:

the 2026 "NO-GLOVE NATIONALS"

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No Glove Nationals 2026

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Olivan gears up successful outlook with Big Red Machine Long-time player part of third-generation team at No Glove Nationals

By BILL STONE

W

Contributing Reporter

hile in high school, Jonathan Olivan appeared on his way to baseball success as a left-handed pitcher and hitter.

After suffering a partial tear to the rotator cuff in his dominant shoulder as a sophomore, Olivan began the search for another sport.

“Trying to do too much too soon made me realize that wasn’t going to be the path for me, especially the rehab that was going to be needed,” Olivan said.

“That’s why I gravitated toward softball.

It was low stress on my arm. The game was a lot slower pace so I was able to be active while I was still rehabilitating.”

Olivan, 32, hasn’t stopped playing softball since and continues with as much enthusiasm as those early days.

Big Red Machine, the 16-inch softball team Olivan joined in 2015, is among the invited field for the No Glove Nationals July 23-26 at the Park District of Forest Park.

Last year, Big Red Machine was among the four play-in teams but didn’t advance to the final 24-team field.

“The team is really excited. I’m really, really excited because of how long it’s taken us to get this invite,” Olivan said. “You have to really operate on all cylinders just to be in consideration. Just to get the invite straight up is very humbling, very gratifying as well.”

Olivan usually contributes as a first baseman but still plays center and right field like his old days “in emergency situations.” He’s among a veteran group of five to six players for manager Francisco Arenas that has made some key additions.

Big Red Machine represents the third generation of Creators Softball, which began in 1997 at Little Village’s Piotrowski Park.

“This (No Gloves berth) is an honor that we are deeply thankful for and feel truly blessed to have earned,” Arenas said. “We view it not only as a milestone for this current group, but also as a reflection of the legacy and perseverance of everyone who came before us.”

STEVE JOHNSTON

Big Red Machines’ Jonathan Olivan connects for a base hit during a league game at Bulger Park.

This season’s team has finished second in Forest Park’s A Division and at Clyde Park in Chicago and top three in the Melrose Park League. Earlier this month, the team had a top-six finish at the A No Glove Nationals in Schaumburg.

“I think (I’ve learned) to enjoy the journey. People tend to focus on winning championships, winning tournaments. I’ve learned to enjoy little moments any given season and appreciate moments for what they are,” Olivan said.

“I’ve also learned to be not only persistent but resilient. The seasons we play are

long and can grind on the body but it really takes resilient passion for the sport to keep you going the day you don’t feel like playing but you know you have to be there for your teammates.”

When Olivian was a student at Lane Tech High School, his first softball teammates were neighborhood friends in the 16-inch Playing for Peace League in Little Village.

They won the championship. Olivan became enamored with the sport.

“One (memorable moment) that’s near and dear to my heart is when we won the championship. My first year,” Olivan said.

“That was a lot more special because it was with guys I grew up with in the neighborhood looking for something to do and stay out of trouble. We were able to accomplish our goal. Even though we were young at the time, we were able to play at a competitive level.”

Olivan played in the league for about 10 years and at age 18 also began playing with his father, Gerardo Olivan, on the Furies in a recreational league based at Archer Park.

During the summer of 2015, Olivan was See BRM on page 16

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Forest Park Review, July 22, 2026

No Glove Nationals 2026

BRM from page B15 scrimmaging at Hawthorne Park and had a chance meeting with Arenas, who approached Olivan about possibly joining Big Red Machine.

Olivan’s character and leadership now has him occasionally running and guiding Big Red Machine in Arenas’ absence.

“Jonathan is a true team player who consistently recognizes the importance of sacrificing personal opportunities for the benefit of the group,” Arenas said.

“Off the field, Jonathan is one of the friendliest and most intelligent players on the team. He brings a positive presence and a thoughtful approach that others gravitate toward.”

Olivan focused on playing only for Big Red Machine after joining during a busy juncture in his life. He had just graduated from the University of Illinois at

Chicago and was beginning his career as a youth development professional.

Olivan’s Little Village background has helped his experience in working directly with youth on Chicago’s West and South Side neighborhoods for more than a decade.

When it’s time for softball, Olivan finds the sport and human connections “therapeutical” in all aspects of his life.

“I made the time commitment by focusing on my career and using softball to navigate through whatever issues I’m dealing with mentally, physically and spiritually,” Olivan said.

“People just view (softball) as a sport, but it’s more than that. It’s about developing genuine relationships with your teammates but also the other people in softball and the community buying into the sport. (Arenas) is the one in charge but he also tries to instill how we should act on the field – good sportsmanship and approaching the game the right way.”

STEVE JOHNSTON

Big Red Machines’ Jonathan Olivan poses for a photo prior to a league game at Bulger Park.

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No Glove Nationals 2026 2025 SOFTBALL IN ACTION PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE PARK DISTRICT OF FOREST PARK

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No Glove Nationals 2026

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Congrats to all the teams and players!

Legendary Brown Bombers 1940s

Forest Park Highlights The 16” Hall of Fame Museum celebrated its 30th anniversary at a reunion of inductees recently.

The Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame was founded in 1996. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to preserving the history, recognizing the best of the best on and off the field, and to fostering the growth of the 16 inch game.

The 16 Inch Hall of Fame is located in Forest Park, IL. at the corner of Des Plaines and Harrison. Inductee Park was unveiled in 2009 and the museum opened in 2014. Since its inception, the HOF has inducted over 700 former and current softball men and women players, umpires, managers, fans, teams and organizers at annual dinners averaging 500 attendees. Come see our historical photos, videos, uniforms, artifacts and interactive displays on Saturdays from noon to 4pm; with extended hours during the Forest Park Tournament. Always looking for memorabilia, sponsors, and donors; support will allow us to add displays and be open longer.

SPECIAL TEAM TOURS 16SOFTBALLHOF@GMAIL.COM

ANNUAL INDUCTEE DINNER OCTOBER 24TH DRURY LANE - OAK BROOK

LEARN MORE OR SHOP AT 16INCHSOFTBALLHOF.COM

Find this section online at ForestParkReview.com

No Glove Nationals 2026

Forest Park Review, July 22, 2026 B19

Pharoahs depending on team bonding in No Gloves

Solid up the middle and at the corners, squad hopes to win 58th tournament

N

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

o matter what happens on the field for the Pharoahs, they win as a team and lose as a team.

Sherman Martin Jr. likes

that.

“Nothing is going to come between that,” said the 2017 Fenwick graduate and Pharoahs shortstop. “That’s the biggest thing I’ve noticed the past couple of years.”

Martin and his Pharoahs’ cohort, including co-owners Clarence “C.C.” Woulard and Cliff “Sport” Perry, will throw it all out there July 23-26 in the No Glove Nationals 16-inch softball tournament at the Park District of Forest Park.

How serious are these guys about winning?

They rented a nearby Airbnb so they can

be closer to the Harrison Street fields but also hang out together in between games.

It’s a cool concept, Martin said.

“Last year we did it and it bonded us even more,” he said. “We jelled together.”

Woulard said the tournament is arguably the most important one the Pharoahs will participate in this season, so keeping everyone relaxed is important.

“We always have goals to strengthen our brotherhood,” he said. The Airbnb is not only an interesting sidelight, but also crucial.

“It’s really a bonding thing for us,” he said. “We play cards, we watch sports, we play cornhole. And of course, we have our libations.”

He said that last part with a bit of a chuckle but make no mistake. No Gloves, in its 58th year, is serious business for a serious team.

Woulard said his group is probably the

STEVE JOHNSTON

Pharaohs’ coach Clarence “C.C.” Woulard watches the action during a league game at the Park District of Forest Park’s softball fields.

STEVE JOHNSTON

Pharaohs’ Cliff “Sport” Perry puts the ball in play during a league game.

youngest major team in all of softball. But it oozes with talent, starting with Martin.

“He can hit with the best of them and he makes plays that on one hand you can name the players who can do that,” he said.

“One of his better attributes is you can move him around where you’re weak. He’s that good of a player.”

But Martin is just the beginning.

The outfield corners are solid. Right fielder Lavell Harris is 21 years old and Woulard calls him the baby of the bunch.

James Hopson checks in in left field and plays the game with a lot of emotion, Woulard said.

The Pharoahs are tough up the middle with Shavontae Samuels as the short-centerfield roamer, while third baseman Justin Mack and Martin anchor the left side of the infield. Veterans Mike Long and T.J. Reidel are the team’s top utility players.

“We’ve got a bunch of players on that threshold of being at the same level like Sherman,” Woulard said, and his co-owner Perry agreed.

No Gloves “is the biggest tournament in softball and everyone’s goal is to compete in this tournament and win this tournaSee PHAROAHS on page 21

B20

Forest Park Review, July 22, 2026

2025 Champions

Circus

No Glove Nationals 2026

2025

MVP

Keenan Connelly

The Park District of Forest Park would like to wish all of the teams good luck in this year’s No Gloves!

A special thank you to all of our volunteers for helping make this event possible!

No Glove Nationals 2026

Forest Park Review, July 22, 2026 B21

Follow us on Instagram!

Top stories, local government, features, events, art, and sports right at your fingertips!

STEVE JOHNSTON

Pharaohs’ pitcher Cliff “Sport” Perry warms up his teammates by throwing batting practice before their league game.

PHAROAHS from page B19

ment,” Perry said. “Justin Mack, Lavell Harris and James Hopson, we’re looking forward to a tremendous tournament from those guys. Justin Mack can have a tremendous impact at any time.”

But it’s Martin that might be the catalyst.

“He has an unbelievable skill set for a player who has been playing 16-inch ball for five or six years now,” Perry said. “His skill set defensively and his hitting, we’re a different team when he’s on the field. It’s been great to have him. He brings a lot of leadership.”

Martin, who also plays in the Blue Island League men’s baseball circuit, said 16-inch softball isn’t as easy as he and his teammates might make it look. Try playing shortstop on a blistering hot July day, for example.

“You’re always the moving part of the defense,” he said. “You’re the leader of the infield so you have to make sure everyone is in place, and if they aren’t, then it’s on you.”

That’s defense. What about hitting?

“I think the hardest part is going up with a plan,” Martin said. “If you’re indecisive, nine times out of 10 you’re out.”

Motivational speeches might work, Wou-

STEVE JOHNSTON

Pharaohs’ Ken Green keeps score lard added, but as the primary field manager, he relies on the six Ps. “We definitely push across practicing and proper preparation preventing poor performance,” he said.

And then there’s that team bonding piece, Perry added, hence the Airbnb.

“It keeps us close together,” he said.

“The laughs don’t stop. It’s a comedy show.

“Win or lose, we’re going to have fun.”

@forestparkreview

B22

Forest Park Review, July 22, 2026

No Glove Nationals 2026

Wishing the players, volunteers, and staff a fun and successful

58th Annual No Gloves Nationals Tournament Emanuel “Chris”

WELCH SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE 7th District

STATE REPRESENTATIVE www.emanuelchriswelch.com

No Glove Nationals 2026

Forest Park Review, July 22, 2026 B23

Legendary Brown Bombers 1940s

Forest Park Highlights The 16” Hall of Fame Museum celebrated its 30th anniversary at a reunion of inductees recently.

The Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame was founded in 1996. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to preserving the history, recognizing the best of the best on and off the field, and to fostering the growth of the 16 inch game.

The 16 Inch Hall of Fame is located in Forest Park, IL. at the corner of Des Plaines and Harrison. Inductee Park was unveiled in 2009 and the museum opened in 2014. Since its inception, the HOF has inducted over 700 former and current softball men and women players, umpires, managers, fans, teams and organizers at annual dinners averaging 500 attendees. Come see our historical photos, videos, uniforms, artifacts and interactive displays on Saturdays from noon to 4pm; with extended hours during the Forest Park Tournament. Always looking for memorabilia, sponsors, and donors; support will allow us to add displays and be open longer.

SPECIAL TEAM TOURS 16SOFTBALLHOF@GMAIL.COM

ANNUAL INDUCTEE DINNER OCTOBER 24TH DRURY LANE - OAK BROOK

LEARN MORE OR SHOP AT 16INCHSOFTBALLHOF.COM

B24

Forest Park Review, July 22, 2026

No Glove Nationals 2026

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