No Glove 072121

No Glove NATIONALS 53rd Annual Forest Park Invitational

July 22-25

2021

F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW

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Forest Park Review, July 21, 2021

No Glove Nationals 2021

Forest Park Review, July 21, 2021

MAKING THE JOURNEY WITH YOU

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Forest Park Review, July 21, 2021

No Glove Nationals 2021

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ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

UP TO THE PLATE: 2019 Runner-up team Chicago Dynasty will make another run at the title this year. Dynasty last won the tournament in 2014..

CONTENTS Mercado the engine that makes the 45’s hum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B4 How sweet it is: No Glove Nationals is back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B6 Game is Bliss for 16-inch softball ambassador. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B8

Welcome players and visitors to2021 No Glove Nationals

W

e are overly excited to be hosting the 16-inch No Glove Nationals softball tournament this year! Last year’s decision was a difficult one, yet the best one for the circumstances we were in.

Now putting that behind us, the 53rd annual tournament time is here.

Our staff are working extremely hard to accomplish our normal success with this event. We are most challenged with planning the remarkable event in a short amount of time. Typically, we begin planning this event after the New Year. With the state of the he pandemic, we were uncertain with where the world would ould d be come July. Plans did not really kick off until late Apr April. ril.

Even with the challenges we have faced, staff sta aff are excited! We are working diligently to make akee it the best. The teams deserve it along with th our loyal fans.

This is my second tournament. In 2019, I was amazed to see the level of play and dedi-cation these players have. The organization n of the staff with game and event logisticss was unbelievably impressive.

Working for this wonderful community and nd providing the greatest tournament is an honor. norr.

We cannot wait to see everyone come outt this th his year. Look forward to great softball, good food, od, great company on the best softball fields!

Jackie Iovinelli, executive director Park District of Forest Park

Winner/Loser Brackets & live stream information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B10-B11 Hall of Fame co-founder’s book chronicles 16-inch history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B14 ON THE COVER: Smackout’s John Pikes camps under a fly ball during the 50th anniversary No Glove Nationals tournament hosted by 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 Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Executive Director Jackie Iovinelli Superintendent of Parks Ryan Russ Business Manager Jeff Murphy

Editorial Designers Mark Moroney

Communications and Marketing Manager

Ad Design Manager Andrew Mead

Adam Cumbee

Display Ad Sales Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Recreation Supervisor Rachell Entler Recreation Supervisor Danette Krajewski Fitness Center Manager Andrew Doss

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner

■

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Board of Commissioners

Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs Publisher Dan Haley Busniness Manager Joyce Minich

President Cathleen McDermott Vice President Matt Walsh Commissioners John Doss, Kristen Lyons, Roy Sansone

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No Glove Nationals 2021

Mercado the engine that makes the 45’s hum

35-year-old shortstop considered one of the best players in the game

By JOHN RICE

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Contributing Reporter

ate Mercado, 35, is one of the established stars of 16inch softball. He plays shortstop and bats leadoff for one of the sport’s elite teams, the 45’s. Mercado and his teammates are seeking a four-peat of No Gloves championships, having won the last three. Despite all of his softball success, Mercado remains modest and considers it an honor to play alongside some of the sport’s best players.

Mercado discovered softball when he was growing up in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. He started playing on the Shooters when he was 17. His dad, Mannie Mercado, was the shortstop and Nate played the outfield. They played in a league at many North Side parks. He later played with his dad in a senior league that was strictly for fun.

Mercado has never lost his sense of fun on the field, even as the games became more serious. He played on one of the top teams, the Roadrunners, for six or seven years before the 45’s invited him to play.

“It was like joining the Yankees,” Mercado recalled.

The 45’s may have been a dynasty, but they were beginning to show their age. The infielders were 45 and over when the young shortstop took over the position.

As it is in baseball, shortstop is the most demanding position to

Photos provided

IN THE SWING: Nate Mercado (above and at right) says joining the 45’s was like “joining the Yankees,” and through the years has become the team’s leader on the field. play in softball. It involves more than just making tough plays.

“The shortstop is the general of the field,” Mercado said. “We talk to the pitcher and help position the infielders and outfielders. I’m expected to be a vocal guy.”

Mercado doesn’t blow his own horn but is justly proud of his team. He attributes their success partly to their ability to recruit younger players.

He recalled a time when softball seemed to be dying of old age.

“A lot of the city leagues folded,” Mercado said. “The game was disappearing. … People were playing video games and going to concerts. They forgot the joy of playing a sport.”

Mercado fortunately has friends who still revel in this joy.

“We brought in our friends and it was fun to see younger guys join the 45’s,” he said.

Among these new recruits, the team has a father-son combination. 56-year-old Israel Sanchez pitches, while his son, Anthony, patrols the outfield.

The elder Sanchez, who was already a 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame first baseman, also manages the team. He is assisted by the president of the Hall of Fame board, Ron Kubicki, who has retired from coaching but still serves as an organizer.

Kubicki makes all the behind-the-scenes arrangements for the 45’s and does their scorekeeping. He has nothing but praise for Mercado.

See MERCADO on page B18

No Glove Nationals 2021

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Forest Park Review, July 21, 2021

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Forest Park Review, July 21, 2021

No Glove Nationals 2021

Forest Park Review, July 21, 2021

No Glove Nationals 2021

How sweet it is: No Glove Nationals is back Park district staff ready to carry on pandemicdelayed tradition

family reunion. It will be even more special this year, because members of the softball “family” haven’t seen each other in a long time.

The only change from past years is behind-the-scenes. “Mr. Stats” who tirelessly compiled the statistics for each game has

By JOHN RICE retired.

Staff members will serve as scoreContributing Reporter keepers and statisticians using a new softo one is happier about the return ware program to replace Mr. Stats’ manual of the No Glove Nationals tour- methods. Besides the action on the fields, nament than the Park District’s there will be plenty for kids to do at the pool Executive Director, Jackie Iovi- and playground. They can also play pickup nelli. games with the softballs they scrounge.

She recalled how heartbreaking it was to Iovinelli expects players and fans to recancel what would have been the 52nd An- spect the tournament’s family friendly ennual tournament in 2020, but it was for the vironment and show respect to residents. best. The games would have Wearing masks is optional been played without food, for the fans. It is assumed fans or cold beverages. The that fans without masks players would have been rehave already received their quired to wear masks and vaccines. they would have been barred Keeping the tournament from their dugouts. running smoothly can be “It would have destroyed exhausting for the park disthe whole tradition of the trict staff, including the busy event,” Iovinelli said. grounds crews but no one’s But, that was last summer. complaining. That’s because “This year, we hit the the pandemic was the greatground running at 100 mph,” est challenge they ever faced. she said. “The staff is excited, Iovinelli recalled they had the players are excited and to work twice as hard during the community is excited. Evthe pandemic. They would erything will be like 2019.”

JACKIE IOVINELLI spend months planning The food tents will be back Executive Director of the events, only to see them canserving tacos, rib sandwiches Park District of Forest Park celled at the last minute due and chicken. The beer stands to safety restrictions. will be back dispensing “Facing the unexpected Miller products. Most imporwas so challenging, but we tantly, premier softball will be learned it’s OK to make played on The Park’s pristine changes,” Iovinelli said. “We fields. became more adaptable and Jackie and Grace Kenney flexible.” are the co-directors of the For example, planning tournament. They also confor the tournament usually stituted the selection commitstarts in February. This year, tee. They reviewed statistics they waited until May when they were cerfor each team’s record in league and tourna- tain it would be played. ment play.

The pandemic also crystalized the misOf the 23 teams they selected, there are sion of the park district. stalwarts like the 45’s, Signature and Chi“People need to be in the parks,” Iovinelli cago Dynasty. said, “They need the health and wellness “We’re also inviting younger teams, like and socializing. We know the importance of YTD, to keep the sport alive,” Iovinelli said, what we do.”

“This is their dream.”

Of all the sporting events that were canThe long-range weather forecast is for celled by COVID-19, the loss of the tournacloudy and cool conditions, which would ment hit closest to home. So, this year’s be ideal for players and spectators alike. No Gloves Nationals should be especially They’re expecting the tournament to draw joyous. Even for teams who lose their first thousands of fans. game and have to fight their way through Iovinelli likens the tournament to a giant the loser’s bracket.

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“The staff is excited, the players are excited and the community is excited. Everything will be like 2019.”

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No Glove Nationals 2021

Game is Bliss for 16-inch softball ambassador

Whether he’s curating the museum, broadcasting games or emceeing events, George Bliss is Mr. Softball

By JOHN RICE

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Contributing Reporter

eorge Bliss serves as 16-inch softball’s ambassador at large.

He publicizes the game through radio, TV and social media.

His tireless efforts to raise awareness about softball resulted in Bliss being inducted into the 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame in 1998 as a member of the media.

He also works quietly behind the scenes as curator for the Hall of Fame Museum. Bliss has manned the museum every Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. since the day it opened in 2013.

Bliss grew up not far from where the museum is located, in the 600 block of Ferdinand Avenue in Forest Park. He attended Garfield School, Forest Park Middle School and Proviso East High School.

He earned his degree in education from Northern Illinois University but never taught. He became a “student” instead of the Silicon Valley electronics industry.

Bliss played his first games of softball at The Park. He also attended the first No Gloves tournament which was won by Maywood Agents.

He was not a No Gloves caliber player. Bliss was a journeyman third baseman, who batted at the tail end of the lineup. This didn’t discourage him from organizing and managing a team called the Skyliners, which competed at Ridgeland Common in Oak Park for 20 years.

Bliss hung up his cleats at the age of 50 but continued to manage the Skyliners. They won the over-50 national championship in 2011 See BLISS on page B16

Photo provided

MUSEUM PIECE: Among the many hats George Bliss wears, he is the Hall of Fame museum’s curator and has manned the museum every Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. since the day it opened in 2013.

Here’s to 53 years... ...the longest running softball tournament in the nation! exploreforestpark.com

@forestparkchamber

BEFORE & AFTER THE GAMES...SHOP, DINE & PLAY IN FOREST PARK!

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Forest Park Review, July 21, 2021

No Glove Nationals 2021

Forest Park Review, July 21, 2021

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Game is Bliss for 16-inch softball ambassador

Whether he’s curating the museum, broadcasting games or emceeing events, George Bliss is Mr. Softball

CONGRATULATIONS ON 53 YEARS OF THE ANNUAL “NO-GLOVE NATIONAL” 16” SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT!

By JOHN RICE

G

Contributing Reporter

eorge Bliss serves as 16-inch softball’s ambassador at large.

He publicizes the game through radio, TV and social media.

His tireless efforts to raise awareness about softball resulted in Bliss being inducted into the 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame in 1998 as a member of the media.

He also works quietly behind the scenes as curator for the Hall of Fame Museum. Bliss has manned the museum every Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. since the day it opened in 2013.

Bliss grew up not far from where the museum is located, in the 600 block of Ferdinand Avenue in Forest Park. He attended Garfield School, Forest Park Middle School and Proviso East High School.

He earned his degree in education from Northern Illinois University but never taught. He became a “student” instead of the Silicon Valley electronics industry.

Bliss played his first games of softball at The Park. He also attended the first No Gloves tournament which was won by Maywood Agents.

He was not a No Gloves caliber player. Bliss was a journeyman third baseman, who batted at the tail end of the lineup. This didn’t discourage him from organizing and managing a team called the Skyliners, which competed at Ridgeland Common in Oak Park for 20 years.

Bliss hung up his cleats at the age of 50 but continued to manage the Skyliners. They won the over-50 national championship in 2011 See BLISS on page B16

©2 02 1 L E T T U C E E N T E R TA I N YO U ® R E S TAU R A N T S

Photo provided

MUSEUM PIECE: Among the many hats George Bliss wears, he is the Hall of Fame museum’s curator and has manned the museum every Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. since the day it opened in 2013.

LEYE.COM

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No Glove Nationals 2021

45’s GOOD PROGRAM

7/22 (Thurs.)

6 p.m. Field #1

7/23 (Fri.) 1 7:15 p.m. Field #1

9

HEXX

7/24 (Sat.) 5 p.m. Field #1

LUGNUTS

7/22 (Thurs.)

6 p.m. Field #2

2

HOF CONCESSIONS

7/23 (Fri.) 6 p.m. Field #2

29

10

MONEY LINE

7/24 (Sat.) 8 p.m. Field #1

RACK CITY PLAY-IN

7/22 (Thurs.)

7:15 p.m. Field #1

7/23 (Fri.) 3 9:45 p.m. Field #1

11

PHAROAHS

7/24 (Sat.) 5 p.m. Field #2

SMACKOUT

7/22 (Thurs.)

7:15 p.m. Field #2

30 7/25 (Sun.) 6:30 p.m. Field #1

4 7/23 (Fri.) 8:30 p.m. Field #2

YTD

12

SIGNATURE

7/22 (Thurs.)

8:30 p.m. Field #1

7/23 (Fri.) 5 8:30 p.m. Field #1

7/24 (Sat.) 31 6:30 p.m. Field #1

CHUCKS

6 7/23 (Fri.) 9:45 p.m. Field #2

SOLUTIONS

Winner of 45 (Loser’s Bracket)

14

CIRCUS

7/24 (Sat.) 35 9:30 p.m. Field #1

IMPACT IRON

7/22 (Thurs.)

9:45 p.m. Field #1

7/23 (Fri.) 7 6 p.m. Field #1

15

7/24 (Sat.) 32 6:30 p.m. Field #2

THUNDER

HIGH Y

8

7/23 (Fri.) 7:15 p.m. Field #2

WEB EXTRA Find day-of interviews and videos

DONUTS

7/22 (Thurs.)

9:45 p.m. Field #2

7/25 (Sun.) 8 p.m. Field #1

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OLD TIMERS

7/22 (Thurs.)

8:30 p.m. Field #2

46

Loser of 46 (IF FIRST LOSS)

7/25 (Sun.) 43 2 p.m. Field #1

FLASHBACK SOOTERS

33

WINNERS BRACKET

16

CHICAGO DYNASTY

e m o c l e W ! k c a B

@PDOFP and @NOGLOVENATIONALS

Keep up to the minute with live photos online @PDFORESTPARK

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Forest Park Review, July 21, 2021

No Glove Nationals 2021 LOSER 33

LOSER 43 LOSER 32 LOSER 5

7/24 (Sat.) 8 a.m. Field #1 LOSER 9

7/24 (Sat.) 2 p.m. Field #1

LOSER 6

7/24 (Sat.) 8 a.m. Field #2

7/25 (Sun.) 9:30 a.m. Field #1

17

7/25 (Sun.) 12:30 p.m. Field #1

7/25 (Sun.) 11 a.m. Field #1

39

LOSER 31

19

LOSER 11

7/25 (Sun.) 9:30 a.m. Field #2 7/24 (Sat.) 2 p.m. Field #2

LOSER 8

7/25 (Sun.) 3:30 p.m. Field #1

38

LOSER 35

20

LOSER 30

LOSER 1

7/24 (Sat.) 8 p.m. Field #2

21

LOSER 13

7/24 (Sat.) 3:30 p.m. Field #1

LOSER 2

7/24 (Sat.) 11 a.m. Field #2

44

26

LOSER 12

7/24 (Sat.) 11 a.m. Field #1

41

18

LOSER 7

7/24 (Sat.) 9:30 a.m. Field #2

37

45

25

LOSER 10

7/24 (Sat.) 9:30 a.m. Field #1

7/25 (Sun.) 5 p.m. Field #1

7/25 (Sun.) 12:30 p.m. Field #2

34

42

27

7/25 (Sun.) 11 a.m. Field #2

22

40

LOSER 14 LOSER 29

LOSER 3

7/24 (Sat.) 12:30 p.m. Field #1

23

LOSER 15

7/24 (Sat.) 3:30 p.m. Field #2

LOSER 4

7/24 (Sat.) 12:30 p.m. Field #2 LOSER 16

7/24 (Sat.) 9:30 p.m. Field #2

24

28

36

LOSERS BRACKET

e h t l l a o t s t a r !

Cong s m a e t & s r e play

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Forest Park Review, July 21, 2021

No Glove Nationals 2021

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No Glove Nationals 2021

Forest Park Review, July 21, 2021

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Mercy!

Chicago Dynasty third baseman Mike Alongi (left)makes an off-balance throw during the team’s game against the 45’s during the 51st No Glove Nationals in 2019. Below, Forest Park Park District executive director Jackie Iovinelli (left) throws out the ceremonial first pitch of the 2019 No Glove Softball Nationals Tournament championship game.

(Right) Spectators line the fence along the left field line during a game at the 51st No Glove Nationals in Forest Park in 2019.

FILE PHOTOS

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No Glove Nationals 2021

Hall of Fame co-founder’s book chronicles 16-inch history Lockdown inspired Al Maag to write ‘Greatest Game on Dirt’

By JOHN RICE

A

Contributing Reporter

l Maag is co-founder of the 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame and serves as the sport’s historian. In 1995, he produced a documentary titled “Chicago’s Game: 16-inch Softball” that was narrated by legendary sportscaster er Jack Brickhouse.

This year he published a book chronicling the game’s history titled “The Greatest Game on Dirt.”

Maag got the idea for the book during the COVID -19 pandemic lockckdown. He was admittedly “bored to death” and started going through h boxes of old publications like ke Windy City Softball.

He perused softball magazines es from the 1970s and compiled a hisistory going back to the game’s birth rth in 1887. Softball was invented by bored college students sitting ng around on a rainy day at the Farrragut Boat Club. They stuffed a boxing glove with rags and started ed See MAAG on page B17

Photo provided

MAAG-NIFICENT: Al Maag, the historian of 16-inch softball, has penned a new book about the sport, titled “The Greatest Game on Dirt.”

Congratulations Forest Park on 53 years of No Glove National Tournaments. Good luck to all teams competing.

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No Glove Nationals 2021

Our office can assist you in navigating a wide variety of state services including, but not limited to:

Forest Park Review, July 21, 2021

Rep. Welch frequently offers state seminars and programs to create awareness of resources and opportunities for constituents, including:

Processing professional license applications with the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation

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Our office can assist in navigating a wide varietya Our office can you assist you in navigating Referrals for job assistance programs of state services including, but not limited to:

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Rep. Welch frequently offers state seminars and Rep. Welch frequently offers state seminars and programs to create awareness of resources and programs create awareness of resources and opportunities forto constituents, including:

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Forest Park Review, July 21, 2021

BLISS

‘Pick up a Clincher’ from page B8 and 2012. In the meantime, he became very involved with the Hall of Fame and emceed many of their events including their annual dinners. Unfortunately, he could not control the length of the inductee acceptance speeches, which tended to wear out the crowd.

Besides speaking at events, Bliss hosted radio shows on WCBR in Arlington Heights and WKKD in Aurora. These were Sunday call-in shows that attracted avid softball fans. Bliss became a regular contributor to 670-AM The Score radio station, providing updates on softball and became close friends with the hosts, Mike North and Jesse Rogers.

They invited Bliss to host his own show on Saturdays. His radio gig led to cable TV broadcasts of 16-inch softball games from The Park for four years. Bliss served as the on-field reporter, providing viewers with updates on injuries, etc. Besides traditional media outlets, Bliss got in on the ground floor of social media.

Bliss was on the cutting edge of electronics for 45 years, working in sales for three major technology companies. This led to him launching the Slow-Pitch Softball Association Facebook Page. He supplies content

No Glove Nationals 2021 to the page by videotaping games live and streaming them for softball fans.

“It’s been a wild success,” Bliss said, “We had over 70,000 viewers for a national tournament.”

He will also be broadcasting key games from this years No Glove Nationals tournament.

GEORGE BLISS Bliss is serving as emcee at Reunion Day and is hoping for a large turnout of “the sport’s greatest stars.”

The Hall of Fame Museum will have extended hours during the tournament and Bliss anticipates giving many visitors a tour. Bliss sees the museum as a “hidden jewel in Chicago” and is hoping more softball fans will make it their destination.

As for the current state of softball, Bliss is hoping more high schools will embrace the game. His message to young people is, “Put down the videogame, pick up a Cincher.”

If any fans wish to contact Bliss with questions or to schedule a museum tour, they can email him at georgebliss@yahoo.com.

“We had over 70,000 viewers for a national tournament.”

Photo provided

SPREADING THE WORD: George Bliss calls the 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame museum a “hidden jewel in Chicago” and hopes more softball fans will make it a destination.

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No Glove Nationals 2021

MAAG

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CONGRATULATIONS TO NO GLOVES SOFTBALL INVITATIONAL ON 53 YEARS!

Making history from page B14 bashing it around.

The boxing glove evolved into today’s Clincher and the game exploded in popularity. Because of its size and weight, the ball did not travel as far as a baseball. So it was an ideal city game to be played in confined spaces, like neighborhood parks and playgrounds.

Maag interviewed the game’s pioneers to get a picture of softball’s heyday.

Besides compiling history, Maag helped make history by cofounding the Hall of Fame in 1996. He AL MAAG met with 15-20 of the sport’s most influential players at Hawthorne Race Track in Cicero, saying to his colleagues, “If we don’t do this, no one else will.”

The players pulled together to launch the Hall of Fame, hosting their first banquet on Nov.1, 1996.

“We did the best we could with no money,” Maag said. “It wasn’t work. It was fun.”

He uncovered “fun facts” like a team organized by Machine Gun Jack McGurn, the he architect of the St. Valenalentine’s Day Massacre, who put together a very commpetitive team. This was as back when thousands ds flocked to the games es and gambling was as widespread.

Players supplied him im with scrapbooks and nd memorabilia from the he old days that they y stored at Hawthorne. e.

The race track also so boasted a wall of fame me that displayed plaques ues honoring the Hall of Fame inductees.

When they were searching for a permanent home for the Hall of Fame, Forest Park was a natural fit. They approached the park district director of that time, Larry Piekarz, who had a suitable building for them.

It was a former gas station on the corner of Desplaines Avenue and Harrison

“We did the best we could with no money.

It wasn’t work.

It was fun.”

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Courtesy Facebook/16-inch Softball Hall of Fame

Al Maag with guest Donna Williams at the grand opening of the Hall of Fame in 2013.

Street that had been used for park activities. Maag and other members of the Hall of Fame board raised the funds to transform the building into the stately 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame Museum. It opened in 2013 and will be the site of the Hall of Fame’s 25th anniversary celebration.

Reunion Day for inductees and fans is scheduled for July 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a tent for players and their families to gather along famil with entertainment, food and ent beverages.

There will also bevera be speeches from promis nent nen members of the softball community. Afso terwards, players and te their families can parth ticipate in the Hall of ti Fame Legends Game.

F Maag will be selling copies of his book at the cop Hall Ha of Fame Museum and an sales will continue during the 53rd Andu nual nu No Gloves Tournament.

Maag can be na proud prou of his role as a historian, as well as the many t i other hats he wears. He’s an organizer of tournaments and manager of teams. He not only raises funds for the Hall of Fame, he has raised money for his “Smiles for Kids” toy drive since 1991. This “Maag-nificent” organization has supplied kids with over 15,000 toys.

Visit us online at www.ForestParkReview.com to get all the 2021 No Glove Nationals recaps

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Forest Park Review, July 21, 2021

No Glove Nationals 2021

MERCADO

Building a legacy from page B4 “He’s the best player in the game,” Kubicki said. “He has the best attitude and plays softball every day of the week.”

That’s an understatement. Mercado often plays two games a night. He estimates he plays 150 games during the summer and another 150 in the fall. He plays in league games during the week and in tournaments on the weekends.

He even plays on Sundays in a co-ed league with his girlfriend, Kelly Fazio. This is a “fun” league in which the guys play without gloves and the girls wear mitts.

“The girls take it more seriously than the guys,” Mercado said, noting that Fazio is a former college athlete.

Mercado sees similarities between the world of softball and college.

“Sixteen is like a fraternity,” Mercado said. “I’ve met some of the best people in my life. I’ve made some life-long friends.”

Among these are his teammates on the 45’s. “I love the camaraderie on the team.

We’ve got great chemistry. We don’t have any ‘I’ guys.”

Mercado takes pride in not missing games and loves competing in the No Gloves tournament in Forest Park.

“It’s considered the premier tournament,” Mercado said. “There are only 24 teams invited. There’s a big aura to the tournament.

There are big crowds all weekend. It has the best fields in 16-inch softball. The grounds crew keeps them immaculate. They groom the fields and redraw the lines before every game.”

The Bud 45’s first won the No Gloves in 1996 and haven’t looked back. As the Miller 45’s, they dominated the decade from 2001 to 2009. Now, they are the Tito’s 45’s and their success continues. They won the Forest Park League this year and have lost only five games all season. Mercado, though, does not consider the 45’s to be prohibitive favorites.

They lost key players in left field and short center, and winning the No Gloves is always the ultimate challenge. In past tournaments, the 45’s have remained in the winner’s bracket, which required them to win six games to take the championship.

But as Mercado noted, “One bad game can change your whole tournament. If you lose your first game, you have to win nine games in the loser’s bracket and beat the top team in the winner’s bracket twice. It’s exhausting. You have to play seven games in one day on Sunday.”

It’s all worth it, though, because the trophy goes on display at the Hall of Fame.

Mercado himself might someday have a plaque in the Hall of Fame, but he’s not thinking about that now. He’s just enjoying the journey.

“With no injuries, I hope to play until I’m 45,” he said.

There must be something special about that number.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

IN IT TO WIN IT: Nate Mercado (top) prepares to fire the ball to first base after fielding a grounder during the 2019 No Glove Nationals title game, which his team, the 45’s (above) won -- their third straight tournament championship.

No Glove Nationals 2021

Forest Park Review, July 21, 2021

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No Gloves - through the years Sandy Byrnes with the quilt she made with every No Gloves Tournament t-shirt, 2018. (Alex Rogals/ staff photographer)

Rats and Team 23 slap five after an extra innings game, 2014. Rats won the game. (David Pierini/staff photographer)

Good Luck to all of the teams!

Westside’s Chad Herold (33) hits a line drive down the middle of the field, during the first day of the 50th annual No Glove tournament, 2018. (Alex Rogals/staff photographer)

Thank you to all of our volunteers who make this tournament possible every year.

Adrian Alejandro (20) hits the ball during a game against the Snappers for the 49th annual No Glove Tournament, 2017.

(Alex Rogals/staff photographer)

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Forest Park Review, July 21, 2021

No Glove Nationals 2021

visit the 16 INCH 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 inch softball, and to fostering the growth of the game.

• Join us for our annual golf outing Ruffled Feathers, September 16th • Annual Inductee Dinner November 19th Drury Lane - Oak Brook • Special tours: 708-366-7500 • Learn more at 16inchsoftballhof.com

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. Thanks to the park trustees, Mayor of Forest Park and the community of Forest Park. Since its inception, the HOF has inducted over 600 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.

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.

Join Us at the Annual Inductee Dinner.

Bring your team.

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.