Forest Park Review NoGlove 072419

No Glove

July 25- 28

2019

NATIONALS 51st Annual Forest Park Invitational

F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW

www.pdofp.org

B2

Forest Park Review, July 24, 2019

No Glove Nationals 2019

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Smackout’s John Pikes camps under a fly ball during a game at last year’s No Glove Nationals, which marked the tournament’s 50th anniversary hosted by the Park District of Forest Park.

CONTENTS New crew looks to secure tourney’ s future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B4 Young Forest Park team distinctly old-school . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B6

I

Welcome players and visitors to No Glove Nationals

am excited to be here. This is my first No Glove Nationals Tournament. I’m honored to be part of this great event. I look forward to watching the great players compete. I cannot wait to meet all the wonderful volunteers that make this event successful. Thank you for all you do!

Most importantly, I look forward to seeing the team of staff show off their talents and implement an amazing event. The staff put a lot of time and effort into making this the best it can be for the players and the community.

In 2018, my husband and I were invited to the 50th Annual No Glove Nationals Tournament. I had recently accepted the executive director position with the park district.

At the Tournament, I was overjoyed with the open-arm welcome I was was given. Larry Piekarz, former executive director, and the Board of Commissioners, along with all the staff and volunBo o teers were as excited to meet me as I was to meet them. t At the event we enjoyed watching the games. We were very impressed with the skill of the players. One thought I will never forget is us commenting on how we felt like we were at a family reunion -- we just didn’t know anyone. w The reuniting of family, friends and players was a wonderful thing to witness, too -- a way of bringing a community dee together.

We compared the softball fields to Wrigley Field (sorry toget Sox S fans). f ) We could see the hard work and effort that was put into the field preparations.

On our drive home, I remember feeling overwhelmed with excitement to start my new position with the Park District of Forest Park. I was honored that they chose me to be a part of this wonderful community. I also realized I was joining a family and a close-knit community that is very passionate about softball.

After celebrating 50 years of the No Glove Nationals Tournament, we are looking forward to what the next 50 years bring. As a staff, we are proud to lead this event. As a community, I hope we make you proud.

See you in The Park!

Jackie Iovinelli, executive director Park District of Forest Park

Winner/Loser Brackets & live stream information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B8-B9 Hall of Fame welcomes 19 new members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B12 High Energy has high hopes for No Gloves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B14 ON THE COVER: Westside’s Zach Lerch scoops up a grounder to third base during the first day of the 50th Annual No Glove Nationals softball tournament at the Park District of Forest Park.

ALEXA ROGALS/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW Editor Bob Uphues Contributing Reporter John Rice IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Jacquinete Baldwin Ad Design Manager Andrew Mead Ad Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Ad Director Dawn Ferencak Display Ad Sales Marc Stopeck, Bill Wossow Inside Sales Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Distribution Coordinator Wakeelah Cocroft-Aldridge ■

Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

Executive Director Jackie Iovinelli Superintendent of Parks Larry Buckley Business Manager Jeff Murphy Recreation Supervisor Rachell Entler Recreation Supervisor Danette Krajewski Fitness Center Manager Andrew Doss Building Custodian Denny Crotty Foreman Ryan Russ ■

Board of Commissioners President Roy Sansone

Publisher Dan Haley

Vice President Cathleen McDermott

Associate Publisher Dawn Ferencak

Commissioners Eric Entler,

Busniness Manager Joyce Minich

John Doss, Matt Walsh

No Glove Nationals 2019

Forest Park Review, July 24, 2019

B3

Safe at home Mark Kasper can’t corral a throw, allowing a baserunner to score during a game at the No Glove Nationals tournament in 2018

ALEXA ROGALS/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Happy 51st!

Forest Park No Glove National Championship Before and after the games...

Shop - Dine - Play in Forest Park!

exploreforestpark.com | 708.366.2543

B4

Forest Park Review, July 24, 2019

No Glove Nationals 2019

New crew looks to secure tourney’s future Running a tight ship a priority at this year’s No Glove Nationals

By JOHN RICE

L

Contributing Reporter

ast season, was a watershed year for the No Glove Nationals Softball Tournament. It marked the 50th anniversary of the most prestigious 16-inch softball tournament in the

country.

This year isn’t about looking back at a halfcentury of successful tournaments. It’s about looking forward to ways the tournament can be improved. There is a whole new crew in place for the 51st annual tournament, which runs from July 25 to July 28 at the Park District of Forest Park, 7501 Harrison St. Jackie Iovinelli is the head of the organizing team, having succeeded Larry Piekarz as director of the Park District of Forest Park.

Iovinelli has attended the No Glove Nationals in the past, but this is the first time it is under her leadership. Iovinelli isn’t planning to change rules governing volunteers, fans and players. But she does want to step up enforcement of these rules.

“I’m a big advocate for rule enforcement,” Iovinelli said. “We have a responsibility to better the event.”

She believes that one of these improvements will be prohibiting volunteers from drinking on duty. They will also not allow others to enjoy freebies.

“We will issue tickets, so they can eat and drink,” Iovinelli said. “But they will no longer be able to help themselves.”

This is a break from the past, when one of the perks for volunteering was enjoying a libation, or giving free drinks to family and friends. These giveaways hurt the tournament’s bottom line. It also sends a bad message to paying customers, waiting in line with tickets, while watching others help themselves.

Shannon Wood is another new park district staff member, who is in favor of this change.

“It’s every important that volunteers aren’t drinking on duty,” Wood said. “We’re here for customer service. We can drink after our shift.”

Wood recently became an administrative assistant and facilities coordinator, but she’s no stranger to the tournament. She has volunteered to work in the beer tent for the past five years. Serving beer has taught Wood a new skill and she gets satisfaction from making the perfect pour.

Besides serving customers, Wood will be selling tickets and merchandise, like shirts, hats and sweatshirts.

“I will fill-in wherever I’m needed,” Wood said.

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Spectators line the sidelines on the first day of the 2018 No Glove Nationals softball tournament in Forest Park. As the event moves into its next half century, the park district’s new executive director says she’s looking to make the beloved tourney even better.

She told her husband and two daughters that if they need to find her, she will be at The Park.

Wood’s daughters aren’t into softball, like she is. She plays 14-inch softball with a mitt, which makes the 16-inch players even more amazing to her. She played in a co-ed league and also plays in the OK Classic. She really likes the No Glove Nationals. “Everyone knows everyone. Everyone gets along. As a volunteer, I really feel appreciated,” she said. “This is the first year I’m getting paid, but I would be there anyway.”

Free beers have hurt the tournament’s bottom line in the past, but so does allowing outside coolers into The Park. There have been signs posted prohibiting coolers but enforcement has been lax. Iovinelli plans to work with police and staff members to ban the coolers.

Iovinelli isn’t alone in wanting to run a tighter tournament. She has the full support of her staff members, several of whom are lifelong Forest Parkers.

Andrew Doss, director of the Roos Recreation Center, wants to ban smoking in the dugout and on the field. He also plans to limit the number of players in the dugout to 21. In the past, non-team members have disrupted games.

Aside from rule enforcement, Doss spoke of some innovations being enacted this year. Fans can live-stream games and interviews with players. Another change will be replacing the bouncy house for kids with Gaga Ball. This is a game like dodgeball, except players do not hit opponents above the knees. The games are free-for-alls that usually last five minutes.

As for the action on the field, the park district has raised team entry fees to $400. Doss reasoned that if the No Glove Nationals is the most prestigious tournament, it should charge the highest fees. These fees must be paid in advance. If not, they have a waiting list of teams anxious to play in the tournament.

Doss was part of the selection committee that decided which teams would be invited to the tournament. Other members of the committee included his father, John Doss, and Grace Kenney. Iovinelli sat in on the meetings to observe the process. The committee is meticulous in choosing which teams deserved to be in the tourney.

“We make a spreadsheet listing their league wins, tournament wins and quality wins,” Andrew Doss said.

They examine the results of the four major tournaments that are played in Chicago, Westchester, Mt. Prospect and Melrose Park.

“Seven of the eight top teams play in the Forest Park league,” Doss said. “They are all veteran teams.”

The top seeds this year are the 45s, Dynasty, Signature, Lose 1, Flashback, Hexx, Rack City and Brick. Some of these teams have won the No Gloves in the past, but Doss is keeping his eye out for little-known teams that are on the rise.

“We selected High Energy for the play-in game,” he said. “They were a B team, but they have improved tremendously.”

Doss knows what it’s like to play on an up-and-coming team. His team YTD has become one of top squads in the area. They would normally be invited to the tournament but they decided not to play this year.

Doss didn’t want any conflict of interest, due to his position with the park district.

Jeff Murphy is another new staff member overseeing the tournament, although he has served as a consultant to the park district for years. He is the business manager for the No Glove Nationals, monitoring the money flow.

“We’re doing a better accounting of where the money is being made,” Murphy said. “We track how much we’re making from beer, food and merchandise.”

To make these purchases more conve-

Forest Park Review, July 24, 2019

No Glove Nationals 2019

B5

CONGRATULATIONS TO NO GLOVE SOFTBALL INVITATIONAL ON 51 YEARS!

UNDERCARRIAGE SPRAY ON ALL WASHES!!

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Smackout’s John Pikes (#18) catches a fly ball o during the first day of the 2018 No Glove Nationals tournament in Forest Park.

The No Glove Nationals is such an overnient, they are expanding the number of whelming event, it’s been in back of stations where credit cards Krajewski’s mind the entire year. are accepted.

“We’ve been doing preparation, Even before he became an so it will run smoothly,” she said. employee, Murphy was a big “The more planning we do, the fan of the tournament. easier the job will be.”

“As a spectator, it’s pretty Among the new plans was openawesome,” Murphy said. ing up the Dugout Café for the “The tacos make it spetournament. The former Little cial. They’re worth the trip League stand will serve limited alone.” concessions that cater to kids.

Like Murphy, Danette “It saves fans a long walk to Krajewski has long been a JACKIE IOVINELLI the food tents,” Krajewski said. presence at The Park and Executive Director of the Park “We’ll also be selling tickets in only recently started workDistrict of Forest Park this area, which will save them a ing there full-time as a reclong walk.” reation supervisor.

These new employees are bring“I’ve been with the park ing a fresh spirit and perspective for 13 years, working partto the tournament. They bring time, or as a volunteer,” Kranew energy to an event that is jewski said. “I take scoreover a half-century old. Many of keeping very seriously.” them, like Doss, have always loved When she wasn’t keepthe tournament. ing score of games, she was They believe it is their mission make im“rangering” across the park district property. Now, she is working closely with Rachell provements to keep it the crown jewel of Entler to run the concessions. softball for the next 50 years.

“We have a responsibility to better the event.”

The Difference is TOUCHLESS! This is the ONLY TOUCHLESS Car Wash in Town!

Durashield Total Body Surface Protectant on the Lustra Wash!

NEW!

Spotless Carwash • 7802 Madison St. & 7343 Roosevelt in Forest Park

708-771-2945

We Accept All Major Credit Cards

You can purchase tokens from an attendant weekdays from Noon to 5pm or Sat. & Sun. 9-11am & 11:30-4pm.

OR YOU CAN BUY THEM ONLINE AT:

spotlessautowash.com WASH HOURS: 7AM THRU 10PM DAILY!

B6

Forest Park Review, July 24, 2019

No Glove Nationals 2019

Young Forest Park team distinctly old-school YTD starting to make a name for themselves in 16-inch softball

By JOHN RICE

S

Contributing Reporter

ixteen-inch softball started out as a neighborhood game. On summer evenings, it was played in parks across the city. Fans flocked to the games to watch their homegrown teams compete in their park league.

Those days are gone for the most part, but there are still teams keeping the tradition alive. One of these is YTD, a homegrown team from Forest Park.

The players on YTD may be young but they are “old school” in every respect. They grew up playing Little League and graduated to 16-inch softball in their 20s. But for most of them, softball has been in their blood their whole lives.

Jack Marino, 24, is the team’s shortstop. A life-long Forest Parker, who grew up in the south end of town, Marino’s family lived across the street from Betsy Ross School and the school playground JACK MARINO was a magnet to him YTD shortstop and his friends.

They played “Wall Ball,” the fast-pitch game using a rubber ball, there on almost a daily basis. Marino, though, was equally hooked on 16-inch softball, because his father, Bob, played the game.

“I grew up on softball fields,” Marino said.

“In fact, my father retired when I was 6, because I wouldn’t stop running on the field.”

When Marino was old enough, Little League became his life. He played Little League with six future members of YTD, including Andrew Doss, Danny Barron, Brian Powers, Brady Ryan, Dylan Ryan and Ryan Villanova.

“We played baseball every day,” said Marino, who played shortstop and continues to play the position for YTD. Marino’s parents helped run Forest Park Little League and they would host post-game barbecues for the players and their families.

“It’s sad Forest Park doesn’t have Little League anymore,” Marino said. He attributes its demise to more kids preferring to play on traveling teams.

YTD remains a neighborhood team through and through. The team was organized in 2017 and played in a 14-inch league with mitts. In 2018, they switched to 16-inch.

They began competing in the Westchester league and North Riverside league, entering

“We haven’t played in a major league yet, but we believe we have a bright future ahead. ”

Photo submitted

YTD, a team whose players have deep Forest Park roots, moved up to the A League in 2019, finishing with a .500 record. While the team isn’t competing in this year’s No Glove Nationals, it’s starting to make a name for itself at the highest level of 16-inch softball. the B National Tournament in 2018.

“We lost our first game,” Marino said.

“Then we went right through the loser’s bracket to reach the championship game.”

They won an astounding six games on a Sunday, in 100-degree heat, to reach the title game.

“I was so tired, I was looking for the lightest bat,” Marino said.

They lost to High Energy but developed a great respect for that team.

In 2019, they moved up to the A League and finished with a .500 record. YTD has only 13 players on its roster, so it’s a challenge to play its busy schedule.

“We play two games on weeknights, plus a game on Sunday morning,” Marino said.

“Everyone deserves to play all the time, but we can only have 10 on the field and 11 batting in the line-up.

“We’re all in our mid-20s, working fulltime jobs, while figuring out our lives.”

Marino works as an event manager for Sig-

nature, a private transportation company.

Signature is also a major supporter of softball, sponsoring their own elite team. Marino had a brief brush with softball glory when he pinch ran for Signature the year they won the No Glove Nationals.

Marino admits that balancing softball with his personal life is difficult, but YTD is a priority. The team is unique, because they don’t have a manager.

“We do it ourselves,” Marino said. “We take turns keeping the scorebook and coaching the bases. We have to pay tournament fees out of our pockets.”

That’s because YTD lacks a major sponsor.

Their only sponsor is Doc Ryan’s, which pays their fees for the Clyde League in Cicero.

YTD will not be playing in the No Glove Nationals this year.

“We beat multiple teams that are in the No Gloves, but every year teams get left out of the tournament, Marino said. “There were talks about us playing in the play-in games,

but we would have gotten grief from the softball world.”

Some might sense favoritism if a team connected with the Park District of Forest Park qualified. A member of the team, Andrew Doss, is employed by the park district.

Besides, YTD is not good enough to compete at the elite level, in Marino’s opinion.

“We haven’t played in a major league yet, but we believe we have a bright future ahead,” he said.

Others in the world of softball would agree.

Marino was asked if YTD stands for “Year to Date.”

“We’re not accountants,” he said. It actually stands for “Young, Talented and Drunk.”

However, for a team with the “D” word in its name, they don’t spend much time in bars. They are focused on showing that a team of friends who grew up together can compete at the highest level. Just like in the old days.

Forest Park Review, July 24, 2019

THE STORIES

of your community Laura Maychruk

Owner | Buzz Cafe “ I was working on a project and

there were unanticipated cost overruns. FPB agreed to partner with me to find a solution. They worked with me to minimize the project disruption and helped me finish the project.”

Forest Park Bank Made It Possible.

When it comes to community, Forest Park Bank stands with you.

Forest Park Bank Makes It Possible.

Forest Park Bank. A Community Bank for over 75 Years.

MAKING THE JOURNEY WITH YOU

B7

B8

Forest Park Review, July 24, 2019

No Glove Nationals 2019 45’s

PHARAOHS

7/25 (Thurs.)

9:45 p.m. Field #1

7/26 (Fri.) 1 7:15 p.m. Field #1

9

OLD TIMER

7/27 (Sat.) 5 p.m. Field #1

SNAPPERS

7/25 (Thurs.)

9:45 p.m. Field #2

2

DONUTS

7/26 (Fri.) 7:15 p.m. Field #2

29

10

BRICK

7/27 (Sat.) 8 p.m. Field #1

FLASHBACK PLAY-IN

7/25 (Thurs.)

7:15 p.m. Field #1

7/26 (Fri.) 3 6 p.m. Field #1

11

IRON

7/27 (Sat.) 5 p.m. Field #2

YOUNG GUNS

7/25 (Thurs.)

7:15 p.m. Field #2

30 7/28 (Sun.) 6:30 p.m. Field #1

4 7/26 (Fri.) 6 p.m. Field #2

SMACKOUT

12

LOSE 1

7/25 (Thurs.)

8:30 p.m. Field #1

7/26 (Fri.) 5 9:45 p.m. Field #1

46

7/28 (Sun.) 8 p.m. Field #1 Loser of 46 (IF FIRST LOSS)

7/28 (Sun.) 43 2 p.m. Field #1

SIGNATURE CHUCKS

33

WINNERS BRACKET

13

TRAFFIC

7/27 (Sat.) 31 6:30 p.m. Field #1

THUNDER

7/25 (Thurs.)

8:30 p.m. Field #2

6 7/26 (Fri.) 9:45 p.m. Field #2

PLAYERS INC

Winner of 45 (Loser’s Bracket)

14

HEXX

7/27 (Sat.) 35 9:30 p.m. Field #1

RACK CITY MARCH

7/26 (Fri.) 7 8:30 p.m. Field #1

7/25 (Thurs.)

6 p.m. Field #1

WEB EXTRA

15

Watch: 2019 Bracket Reveal Show

SHOOTERS

7/27 (Sat.) 32 6:30 p.m. Field #2

CIRCUS

8

7/25 (Thurs.)

6 p.m. Field #2 SOLUTIONS

7/26 (Fri.) 8:30 p.m. Field #2

16

YOUTU.BE/IKHVUV6DMQO

Watch live stream & player interviews FACEBOOK.COM/NOGLOVENATIONALS

CHICAGO DYNASTY

d91 back to school celebration!

Thursday, august 15, 2019 • 5-8 pm

Field-Stevenson/Forest Park Middle School Playground • 925 Beloit Ave, Forest Park Join us for an evening of fun and registration as we celebrate the return to school in District 91. Families will enjoy arts and crafts, food, free dental checkups, games, music and other fun activities.

• Arts and crafts • Video Game Truck • DJ/Music • Bounce house • And more…

47

Forest Park Review, July 24, 2019

No Glove Nationals 2019 LOSER 33 LOSER 43 LOSER 32 LOSER 5

7/27 (Sat.) 8 a.m. Field #1 LOSER 9

7/28 (Sun.) 11 a.m. Field #1

19

LOSER 11

7/28 (Sun.) 9:30 a.m. Field #2

39

LOSER 35

20

LOSER 12

LOSER 30

LOSER 1

7/27 (Sat.) 8 p.m. Field #2

21

LOSER 13

7/27 (Sat.) 3:30 p.m. Field #1

LOSER 2

7/27 (Sat.) 11 a.m. Field #2

44

7/28 (Sun.) 3:30 p.m. Field #1

38

26

7/27 (Sat.) 2 p.m. Field #2

LOSER 8

7/27 (Sat.) 11 a.m. Field #1

41

LOSER 31

LOSER 7

7/27 (Sat.) 9:30 a.m. Field #2

7/28 (Sun.) 12:30 p.m. Field #1

18

LOSER 10

7/27 (Sat.) 9:30 a.m. Field #1

37

45

25

7/27 (Sat.) 2 p.m. Field #1

LOSER 6

7/27 (Sat.) 8 a.m. Field #2

7/28 (Sun.) 9:30 a.m. Field #1

17

7/28 (Sun.) 5 p.m. Field #1

7/28 (Sun.) 12:30 p.m. Field #2

34

42

27

7/28 (Sun.) 11 a.m. Field #2

22

40

LOSER 14 LOSER 29

LOSER 3

7/27 (Sat.) 12:30 p.m. Field #1

23

LOSER 15

7/27 (Sat.) 3:30 p.m. Field #2

LOSER 4

7/27 (Sat.) 12:30 p.m. Field #2

7/27 (Sat.) 9:30 p.m. Field #2

36

LOSERS BRACKET

28

24

LOSER 16

Participating organizations include: • Beyond Hunger (formerly Oak Park River Forest Food Depository)

• Forest Park Public Library

• Rush Oak Park Hospital

• H&R Block

• Southside PTO

• Brown Cow

• Mathasium

• Village of Forest Park

• Children’s Clinic (Infant Welfare Society)

• Northside PTC

• West Cook YMCA

• Creativita DIY Art Studio

• Park District of Forest Park

Plus, if you haven’t already done so, you can register your student(s) the same evening!

In case of inclement weather, the Back to School Celebration will be moved inside the school.

For more information contact Scott Dunnell at sdunnell@fpsd91.org.

B9

B10

Forest Park Review, July 24, 2019

Forest Park Review, July 24, 2019

B11

Best Deals. Best Prices. Locally Owned.

Join Our Email Club!

7449 W. Madison • Forest Park, IL 60130 708.366.1100 • schauerhardware@att.net

®

Store Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-7pm • Sat 8am - 5pm • Sun 10am-4pm

www.SchauersHardware.com

FULL LINE OF

D-3357

GRILLING

ACCESSORIES!

9

$ 99

1299

$

Paradise Red metal LED Lantern Patio Light 12.8 in x 7 in 801566

99

Moonrays Stained Glass Hanging Lantern Solar Stake Light 9 In. H.

WORX 20V 12 In. Lithium Ion Straight Cordless String Trimmer/Edger 700434

Insect Repelling Wristband

801574 Assorted Patterns.

1

9999

$

¢

753500

4

$

$ 99

Jersey Work Glove Large. 708764

Kingsford Charcoal Lighter Fluid 32 oz. 804797

4

$

10-Pattern Nozzle

Adjustable head to choose the ideal setting for watering needs.

701172

Forest Park’s Largest Hardware Store!

Some of our services include:

Cutting Glass • Keys • Shades • Pipe • Screen & Window Repair • Lamp Repair • Computer Paint Matching Online Shopping • School Office Supplies • Weber® Grill Dealer • Scotts® Lawn Pro Dealer Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff Pricing Good Through August 14, 2019

B12

Forest Park Review, July 24, 2019

No Glove Nationals 2019

Hall of Fame welcomes 19 new members Players, teams, umpire, manager and organizer honored

By JOHN RICE Contributing Reporter

The 16-Inch Softball Hall of Fame Museum hosted Inductee Day on July 23, inducting 19 new members selected in 2018. The ceremony included awards to individual players and teams. Other inductees included an umpire, manager and organizer.

The Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving and honoring the history of 16inch softball. No Gloves fans are welelcome to tour the museum, which will ll have extended hours throughout thee tournament.

It will be open until 10 p.m. startting on Thursday night and extending ng through the weekend. It will stay open pen on Sunday until 6 p.m.

Joe Dooley is one of the former playayers inducted Tuesday night. He began n playing 16-inch softball in 1989 in n Schiller Park. He later starred as an n outfielder for two elite teams, the 45’s 5’s and Splinters.

Both teams competed in the No Glove Nationals tournament many times between 1992 and 2009.

“We didn’t win the tournament with the Splinters,” Dooley said. “We won it seven times with the 45’s.”

Big swing Jared Tebock of Westside smacks a fly ball during the 2018 No Glove Nationals tournament in Forest Park.

ALEXA ROGALS/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Dooley played outfield his entire career. As they get older, most outfielders transition to the infield to prolong their careers. Not Dooley.

“I didn’t want to play infield,” he said.

He retired instead. He’s still involved with softball, but in a different capacity. He supports his 15-year-old daughter, Caroline, who competes in 12-inch fastpitch ssoftball.

Dooley is a huge fan of the No Gloves.

Do “It’s “I well-run, the fields and fans are tremendous, he said.” me Another inductee this year is Dean Pritt.

He wasn’t voted in as a player but P received the prestigious Frank C. Holan re Award as a manager.

A “Mr. Holan was a real gentleman who was wa a great ambassador for the game,” Pritt Prit said.

That is why the award is so fitting for Pritt.

Pr “It’s a combination of everything I’ve done do for softball,” he said.

Pritt first played softball in the 1980s at P Riis Park in Chicago.

P “Our team climbed the ranks from our park league to the A League,” he said.

His team, Traffic, became a mainstay of the tournament.

In the 20 years he managed Traffic, they qualified for the No

Provided photos

Joe Dooley, left, and Dean Pritt were both inducted into the 16-Inch Softball Hall of Fame.

Glove Nationals almost every year.

“We had a very good core. They were quality people and good players,” he said.

Traffic never won the tournament but they usually finished in the Top 10.

“We scared the big teams and sometimes we beat them,” he said.

Pritt hung up the spikes in 2004, when he started a family. He later umpired in Mount Prospect and LaGrange. He’s also served on softball committees as a “small voice.”

The Forest Park tournament remains close to his heart.

“The No Gloves is the highlight of the summer,” Pritt said. “I’m coming Tuesday for the induction. I’m getting in with a really good bunch of people.”

Forest Park Review, July 24, 2019

Congratulations No Glove Nationals on 51 Years!

Setting new standards of service since 1950.

• • • • •

Products

Services

We now sell Bio-Diesel Gasoline Diesel Fuel Heating Oil Motor Oil

• 24-hr. emergency fueling services • Programmed fueling services • Direct fleet/equipment fueling • Temporary above ground, job-site tanks • Direct fueling of construction equipment on job • Emergency generator fueling

Michael H. Mohr

7340 W. Harrison Street • Forest Park, IL 60130

800-315-9510

OR

708-366-2900

Fax: 708-366-1007 www.mohroil.com • e-mail: sales@mohroil.com

B13

B14

Forest Park Review, July 24, 2019

No Glove Nationals 2019

High Energy has high hopes for No Gloves Invited for the first time, squad picked for play-in game

By JOHN RICE

H

Contributing Reporter

igh Energy is an up-and-coming 16-inch softball team that was invited to compete in the play-in game for the No Glove Nationals. They were scheduled to play on Tuesday, July 23.

Team founder, Bernard Harris is thrilled.

“We’ve made a dramatic improvement,” Harris said.

“We had primarily been a B team; now we’ve moved up to A level.”

Harris started High Energy in 2009 with a group of friends in Maywood and Broadview. Harris handles all the arrangements for High Energy, recruiting players, finding sponsors and entering the team in tournaments.

“We won the B Nationals in Melrose Park and finished fifth at the A level,” he said. “This is the first time we’ve made the No Gloves.”

Harris has attended the prestigious tournament many times in the past.

“We come out and support the teams from our park, Washington Park, teams like Rack City and Solutions,” he said.

Harris is a late-comer to softball. He didn’t take up the game until he was 31. Growing up on the South Side, Harris excelled at playing league ball.

“I went to Cal State Fullerton on a baseball scholarship, he said.”

After he graduated, Harris did not pursue a career in ma-

jor league baseball, but rather returned to his South Side roots. He has even recruited some South Side players for High Energy.

“We started as a friend-based team, with a solid core of nine guys,” he said.

Harris played center field for 10 years but confessed that playing the outfield is a young man’s game. Other members of the core were also aging into their 30s and 40s. At the age of 42, Harris finally moved to second base.

The team then went out and recruited younger players to play outfield. They also brought in veteran coaches to instruct them. This mix of youth and experience has made them a successful team.

“Commitment is the first thing you need for a good team,” Harris said. “You need good leadership and coachable players. You have to find a way to use every player. You have to find a player that will spark the rest of the team.

“Every position has its challenges. Attitude and energy are the only things you can control.”

Harris believes that offense is more important than defense in softball.

“It’s a hitter’s game,” he says, and High Energy is often involved in high-scoring games. Harris hopes their hitting will continue for the play-in game.

“After we get into the tournament,” he said, “we want to make a good run. We want to become a mainstay in the tournament. The No Gloves needs some fresh blood and new champions.”

Submitted photo

Up-and-comers High Energy are making their first appearance at No Glove Nationals this year, having been selected to compete in the play-in game to kick off the tournament’s 51st edition.

Congratulations Forest Park on 51 years of No Glove National Tournaments. Good luck to all teams competing.

Manufacturers of Quality Submersible Pumps since 1958

Supporter of the Chicago 16” Hall of Fame since 1996

Proud Sponsor of the 2013 ASA and 2017 SSA 50 and over National Champions

March Manufacturing Co., Glenview, Illinois Team Induction into the 16" Softball Hall of Fame 2018

Forest Park Review, July 24, 2019

B15

The Park District of Forest Park Wishes to Thank

• Burke Beverage • Village of Forest Park • Miller Brewing Company • ATI Physical Therapy

For Their Help And Support In The 2019 51st Anniversary “No Glove Nationals” Tournament.

Good Luck to Everyone!

C

s t a r g n o

! s r a e 1Y

5 n o

from

B16

Forest Park Review, July 24, 2019

visit the 16” Softball hall of fame !

Check Out the History, Legends and Stories

16

inch softball has been played by tens of thousands of players in the parks and schoolyards of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs since 1887. In order to recognize this great sport and acknowledge its important history, the Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame was founded in 1996.

It is a 501(c)3 dedicated to preserving and honoring the history of 16” softball, and to fostering the growth of the game.

• Join us for our annual golf outing at Ruffled Feathers September 13th.

• Special tours: 708-366-7500 • Learn more at 16inchsoftballhof.com

The 16” 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. Thanks to the park trustees, Mayor of Forest Park and the community of Forest Park. Since its inception, the HOF has inducted over 500 former and current softball players, umpires, managers, fans, teams and organizers at annual dinners averaging 600 attendees.

Come see our historical photos, videos, uniforms, artifacts and interactive displays on Saturdays from noon 4pm; extended hours during Forest Park Tourney week.

Family sponsorships $1000 Corporate Sponsorships range from $2500 to $25,000 We are always looking for memorabilia!

Always looking for memorabilia. Sponsors and Donors support will allow us to add displays and be open longer. Buy a brick and be part of the HOF.

BUY A BRICK!

BE PART OF SOFTBALL HISTORY IN FOREST PARK 4˝ × 8˝ × 2˝ BRICK ENGRAVING INFORMATION • Your brick can have either three or six lines, with 13 characters per line (including spaces and punctuation).

• Please print clearly.

• Only one letter or form of puncutation per box.

• Space one block between words.

• Any letters placed outside the allotted spaces will be deleted.

• Messages on bricks will be centered in capital letters.

• To order additional bricks, print information on a separate piece of paper, or duplicate this form.

A duplicate copy of the brick will be shipped to you. . The Chicago 16˝ Softball Hall of Fame reserves the right to refuse to engrave any messages or material that it determines to be inappropriate, such as telephone numbers, political messages and suggestive wording. If you need additional information, contact Art Lurie at 847-831-9500 or email: playballart@aol.com

MAIL ORDERS

Chicago 16 Inch Softball HOF 7501 Harrison St. Forest Patk, IL 60130

www.16inchsoftballhof.com

Please reserve my personalized brick(s) Number ______ @ $250 each Total $_____

8˝ × 8˝ × 2˝ BRICK

Please reserve my personalized brick(s) Number ______ @ $500 each Total $_____

Enclosed is a check or money order payable to The Chicago 16˝ Softball Hall of Fame.

Please bill my credit card: VISA Mastercard

Inductee Park will display plaques of Hall of Fame inductees/teams.

Card # ______________________________ Exp. ____/____ Signature ________________________________________

4˝ × 8˝ × 2˝ BRICK GRAPHIC

PURCHASER’S INFORMATION Name ________________________________

8˝ × 8˝ × 2˝ BRICK GRAPHIC

Address _______________________________ City __________________________________ State _______________ Zip_______________ Date __________________________________ Daytime Phone _________________________ Email _________________________________

Inductee Park is located at Harrison and Des Plaines in Forest Park.