A Good Wood elder evades a Moneyline baserunner attempting to break up a double play at the 56th Annual Forest Park Invitational No Glove National 16-inch Softball Tournament on July 26, 2024.
No Glove NATIONALS
Annual Forest Park InvitationalJuly 24-27, 2025
PHOTO BY TODD BANNOR
It is going to be a great tournament!
Welcome back players and visitors to the 57th Annual No Gloves National Softball Tournament. On our 57th year we are excited to celebrate another successful tour nament!
We want to start out thanking approximately 100 volunteers that made this event happen! They help us prepare our famous beef sandwiches. They serve great refreshments, keeping our fans cool. The shifts can begin as early as 8 a.m. Sometimes the evenings can be long. Volunteers may stay until after midnight. Without the volunteers this event would not be what it is!
When the planning began this year, we looked at exciting improvements for the year. Planning for this event begins in the spring. Staf f plan for months to ensure we have all the logistics planned and implemented in a timely manner. Over that four-day period staf f begin their days as early as 7:30 a.m. Some nights they are not home until the next day! For staf f this is something they enjoy being part of.
This summer the park district employs over 250 staf ensure the park operations are of the highest standard. These employees all ste p up and help us with this great event.
You may have a life guard serving you a hot dog or a concession staf f member selling you a T-shirt. These are our great staf f that make our park district operations go round during the busy season. They maintain a high standard and it is showcased at the tournament each year.
successful operations of this event. We thank them for their support!
Look forward to visiting our honor wall this year. Along the pathway on Harrison Street are displayed banners of those that have supported and made an impact on this eat tour nament. This will also display our great sponsors that support the event.
p af f to era hes h u our ke ourpark th a a i g s H c w o t r tournamt ur and m g re w fo It hono
March’s second baseman Roberto Villalobos elds the ball against Circus during a men’s league 16-inch so ball game at Robert Dowd Field, July 7, in Forest Park. See more photos on page B17
CONTENTS
McElligott wants women’s game to get stronger again
Brackets
Slow-pitch softball saga continues for Lentine family
For Tony Ward, No Gloves tourney is the ultimate event
REVIEW
Interim Executive Director Max Reinsdorf
Having sponsors contribute ensures we can maintain affordable prices. It continues to be an honor to provide the greatest tournament. We cannot wait to see everyone. Look forward to great softball, good food and great company!!
See you in the Park!
Each year we continue to have the support of our Park District Board of Commissioners. They support the logistics, safety and funding that en-
Jackie Iovinelli Executive Director/Co-Tournament Director
Park District of Forest Park
Contributing Reporters Melvin Tate, Bill Stone
Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead
Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea
Lead Project Designer Susan McKelvey
Senior Audience Manager Stacy Coleman
Contributing Photographers
Steve Johnston,Todd Bannor
Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls
Marketing & Advertising Associate Emma Cullnan
Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan
Circulation Manager Jill Wagner
Senior Advisor Dan Haley
Board of Directors
Chair Eric Weinheimer
Treasurer Nile Wendorf
Deb Abrahamson, Mar y Cahillane, Steve Edwards, Judy Gre n, Horacio Mendez, Charles Meyerson, Darnell Shields, Audra Wilson
Communications Manager Adam Cumbee
Recreation Supervisor Ryan Vilanova
■ Board of Commissioners
President Tim Gillian
Vice President Kristen Lyons
Treasurer Roy Sansone
Commissioner Cathleen McDer mott
Commissioner John Doss
Arenas thrives in slow-pitch softball
STEVE JOHNSTON
With red bat in hand, Arenas thrives in slow-pitch softball
Little Village product behind Creators, Forty Deuce, founds B nationals
OBy BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
n Dec. 23, 1993, Francisco Arenas was Christmas shopping late at Meijer’s when an item in sporting goods caught his attention. A hanging softball bat colored a distinctive fire engine red was on clearance for only $9.99.
New to 16-inch softball at the time, Arenas has been playing – and using that discount bat – ever since.
“I’m like, ‘$9.99 for a bat? I’ll take it.’ That’s been my bat. Everyone knows me as ‘Oh, I’ve got that red bat.’ It’s been the love of my life to a certain de gree,” Arenas said.
“There’s a saying it’s not the clothes that makes the man. It’s the man that makes the clothes. I feel the same way about softball. It’s af fordable to anybody who just wants to go out there and develop a good coping skill for whatever life throws at you.”
Arenas returns to the 57th Annual No Gloves National Softball Tournament as a pitcher with Forty Deuce, a team renamed this year in honor of his good friend’s teammate who died.
Forty Deuce has plenty of experience while enjoying one of its best seasons with a combined 15-7 record for leagues in Forest Park, Melrose Park and Cicero.
Shortstop and long-time teammate Josh Sias is about to turn 54. The third baseman and short center fielder also are 56.
“The left side of our infield, we joke around that we’re 200-plus years old,” Arenas said. “I think we still play relatively young for our age. We’ve called ourselves the Over the Hill Gang.”
Arenas grew up playing baseball in Chicago’s Little Village and just retired working in juvenile probation for Cook County His second year on the job, Arenas joined his department’s softball team and won the Cook County employees league with Arenas star ring at shortstop.
Arenas next joined a co-ed team. Then he learned of a men’s league forming that would play at Chicago’s Piotrowski Park
Arenas for med the Creators. The team played in numerous leagues until he retired the name about three years ago.
“Since we were creating it from scratch,
Forty Deuce’s Francisco Arenas has a long histor y w ith men’s 16-inch so ball in Chicagoland.
we called it the Creators,” Arenas said.
Arenas moved to Chicago Ridge five years ago. Retired from working for Cook County, he now is senior director of programs for SGA Youth Services, a non-profit organization associated with his previous job.
Playing softball has remained a constant.
“For the most part, softball is kind of the blue-collar man’s golf so you get to meet a lot of people. I can tell you I bought my house through someone I met in softball, purchased my car, got my house fixed. If you need anything from a haircut to your dog getting groomed, everyone knows a
guy,” Arenas said.
“Once I’m on the diamond and having that camaraderie with my friends, that’s my addiction. When you win, the ride home is even that much better. And then when you lose, everyone takes a bite of humble pie.”
Arenas also has created softball opportunities for others. This past weekend marked the ninth annual Slow-Pitch Softball B nationals he envisioned and organized for new and up-and-coming teams not yet ready for the Majors or A levels.
This year’s tournament featured 25 teams “I probably could have had 30 teams but it
gets to be a lot of games and with only two fields, it’s hard,” Arenas said.
“There’s guys now playing in the Majors level that started in B nationals. It’s a good feeder system but also some of those teams have stayed together.”
When Arenas first proposed his idea, he was told to expect maybe 10 teams. With funding from foundations through his work, Arenas had 29 throughout the Chicago area for the first B nationals, which he named Playing for Peace.
See ARENAS on pa ge B6
STEVE JOHNSTON
Forty Deuce’s pitcher Francisco Arenas delivers a pitch during
“In general, as a world, we’re se gregated, we’re divided,” Arenas said. “My goal was just to bring people together to just enjoy the game of softball and maybe make a friend. It’s really blossomed into that.”
Arenas still plays league games five days a week and re gularly fills in on Wednesdays and also Sundays in an unlimited-arc league at Chicago’s Hor ner Park
Always a player-coach, Arenas said he’s becoming more of a manager. He’s been a relief pitcher six times in which the team has come from behind to win.
Still in good shape and looking younger
k
ia — one in Los Angeles and the most through Humboldt s State Park
“That might have been my fastest time just because there wasn’t that many people and I had to sign a waiver consenting that I acknowledge I may get attacked by bears,” Arenas said.
At the No Glove Tournament, look for Arenas wearing his uniform with Coach on the back and using that red bat.
“I’ve had that bat for a long time and it’s worked for me,” Arenas said. “I have a joke from a fellow player. He said, ‘I’ve had three marriages but I’ve had one bat.’ (My bat) kind of found me.”
STEVE JOHNSTON
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Bringing you entertaining, informative and just plain ol’ fun weekly broadcasts. The Uncle Jimmy Cousin Donny Show is committed to growing our great game. Join and follow us on your favorite social media platforms:
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If you have a permanent physical disability and want to play Chicago’s great game of 16” softball, come join our wheelchair softball programs for youth and adults.
If you have a permanent physical disability and want to play Chicago’s great game of 16” softball, come join our wheelchair softball programs for youth and adults.
For more information, contact :
For more information, contact :
Dan Ferreira @ 312-745-2055 or daniel.ferreira@chicagoparkdistrict.com
Dan Ferreira @ 312-745-2055 or daniel.ferreira@chicagoparkdistrict.com
For more information, contact :
Dan Ferreira @ 312-745-2055 or daniel.ferreira@chicagoparkdistrict.com
Larry Labiak @ 312-742-5097 or larry.labiak@chicagoparkdistrict.com We’re Recruiting Wheelchair Softball Future Hall Of Famers
If you have a permanent physical disability and want to play Chicago’s great game of 16” softball, come join our wheelchair softball programs for youth and adults.
Larry Labiak @ 312-742-5097 or larry.labiak@chicagoparkdistrict.com
Larry Labiak @ 312-742-5097 or larry.labiak@chicagoparkdistrict.com
McElligott wants women’s game to get stronger again
Hall of Famer has spent over 50 years in the game
TBy MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter
hroughout her 50 years being involved in softball, Joanie McElligott has seen a lot evolve with the game. Yet she’s as devoted as ever
“It’s been the best times,” McElligott told Forest Park Review in an interview. “I’ve made lifelong friends and met a lot of people. It’s been great competition and I’ve had a lot of fun playing.”
McElligott, now a Brookfield resident, has had a decorated career as both a player and a manager. Consequently, she was inducted into the Chicago 16-Inch Softball Hall of Fame in 2022, an honor she still finds humbling today
“It was a great feeling,” McElligott said. “That’s not what I played for, in fact, back then it wasn’t around. It was a tremendous honor.
“It was an even bigger honor when my team, Chaos, got
McElligott first started playing when she was 14 years old on the Northwest Side of Chicago. That’s when she says her love af fair with softball began.
“I grew up across the street from Athletic Field (a Chicago Park District facility),” McElligott said. “I would go watch the g ames and eventually I started playing in a (women’s) leagu e.”
McElligott went on to DePaul University, where she played volleyball and softball. But the Blue Demons played with a 12-inch ball and gloves, which meant McElligott had to make an adjustment.
“The g ame was different,” she said. “The coach noticed the hitch in my swing.”
After colle ge, McElligott continued to play across several leagues in the city and suburbs. She also became a manager, and her teams enjoyed plenty of success due to their focus on playing to g ether and having fun. For years, McElligott has participated in the Y-Me Tournament in Chicago’s Mount Greenwood neighborhood. Not
See JOANIE MCELLIGOTT on page 11
PROVIDED
Chicago 16-Inch Hall of Famer Joanie McElligott in action at the 2022 Y-Me Tournament in Chicago.
PROVIDED
Joanie McElligott at her induction into the Chicago 16inch Hall of Fame in 2022.
JOANIE MCELLIGOTT
from page 9
only is it the largest all-women tournament in the area, it also serves as a f undraiser for or ganizations dedicated to fighting breast cancer.
Fo r a wh il e, women’s leagues enjoyed great popularit y. But McElligott f eels the q uality has b een diminished in recent year s, and she has a c ouple of good reasons for it
“What happened is that there’s a lot of coed softball now, ” she said. “Women do n’ t have an opportunity to pl ay as much, and if they do it ’s co-ed.
“Girls pl ay with 12-inch b alls in school and on club teams,” she added. “We don’ t have as many parks offering 16-inch leagues for women as we used to. The parks are where we learned how to pl ay.”
Chicago 16-inch Hall of Famer Joanie McElligott in action, from the 1990s.
To combat this challeng e, McElligott hopes that clinics of fered through the Hall of Fame will help turn things around and g et women’s interests peaked
“It’s pretty much word of mouth. We need to introduce the girls to (16-inch softball),” McElligott said. “Everyone that plays 12-inch in high school and colle ge isn’ t going to be a professional. My thing is, they need to understand that’s going to go away eventually, and 16-inch softball will always be available to them.”
But besides the focus on building interest for the women’s g ame, McElligott feels overall that softball itself is thriving in the Chicago area.
“Particularly the men’s g ame,” she said. “There are tournaments all over the place and there are 50 leagues.”
McElligott, who also sits on the Hall of Fame committee, has attended many No Gloves Nationals tournaments. Howeve r, she won’ t be at this year’s tournament – but it’s for a good reason.
“I’ll be playing in a Senior Division 11-inch tournament in Des Moines, Iowa,” she said. “I’m playing with No Pressure, which is new to me. I took a little break from softball and I’m coming back into it now. I just turned 64 so I’ve got to watch it.”
Glove Nationals 2025
Slow-pitch softball saga continues for Lentine family
Tom Lentine followed father Frank, passed on love to sons and daughter
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
Tom Lentine seemed destined to lead a slow-pitch softball life. As the oldest of eight children, he was raised watching and eventually playing with his father, legendary Chicago 16-Inch Softball Hall of Famer Frank Lentine
“I probably started going to the games when I was 4. I was the batboy, went to all of the national tournaments,” Tom Lentine said. “I started playing when I was 17 or 18.”
For 40-plus years, Lentine has continued playing daily as he approaches his 59th birthday in August. And his joy of slowpitch softball has been passed along to his three children – sons Tommy and Chris and daughter Ashley
Lentine and Tommy Lentine currently are teammates on the March Manufacturing team, which will play at the 57th Annual No Gloves National Softball Tournament. Chris Lentine will be playing with the 45s.
During the mid-2010s, Lentine and all three children re gularly played together for the Impact team and manager Stan Patek.
“It’s a dream come true (playing with them). My daughter plays with us, too, if we’re shorthanded,” Lentine said.
“Winning nationals in 2009 (in Crystal Lake) was probably the biggest highlight for me. Forest Park is still on my bucket list. I’d like to win one before I stop playing 16inch at the Majors level. A couple of thirds, fourth, but not a championship.”
Being among the handful of players still able to play with their children adds to the enjoyment. Lentine’s understanding wife Michelle makes it a complete family af fair. She re gularly attends games as “the big team mom,” and also because it’s a chance “to see the kids.” There’s also the community of the entire slow-pitch family
“To me, it’s the biggest return out there. The friends you make in softball last a lifetime. It not only helps in softball but it helps you in the job market, everything,” Lentine said.
“You can’t go anywhere and not run into someone you’ve played with, you’ve played against. It’s funny. Now I’m playing against
March’s pitcher Tom Lentine Sr. (above) has a long family histor y w ith 16-inch so ball. His father, Frank, is a Hall of Fame member and both his sons, Chris and Tom Jr., also play.
the kids whose fathers I played against. They’ll ask, ‘Did you play against my dad? And you’re still playing?’ That’s how it works.”
When Lentine first started playing, he was an outfielder. Now he serves as playermanager and generally pitches, catches and is an extra hitter.
Lentine is content to “let the young kids run around (in the outfield),” but he thinks offensively he’s as good as ever
“I think I’m a better hitter now at 58 or 59 then when I was 25, 30,” Lentine said.
See TOM LENTINE on pa ge 16
March’s Tom Lentine Jr. pitches batting practice as his father Tom Lentine
collects ball before their game against Circus during a men’s league 16-inch so ball game at Robert Dowd Field, July 7, in Forest Park.
STEVE JOHNSTON
Sr.
STEVE JOHNSTON
March’s Tom Lentine Sr.delivers a pitch against Circus during a men’s league 16-inch so ball game at Robert Dowd Field Monday, July 7, in Forest Park.
TOM LENTINE
from page B15
“I think I see the field better. I have a better understanding of what I can, can’t do. When I was younger, I kind of pigeonholed myself and now I’ve expanded (my range).”
Lentine’s children were standout athletes at Montini Catholic High School in Lombard, where he served as athletic director until retiring in 2020. This coming school year, Lentine becomes interim athletic director at Elmwood Park High School.
Tommy and Chris, one year apar t in school, played baseball at Montini and were members of state championship football teams. After Tommy redshir ted as a colle ge freshman following shoulder surgery, they were baseball teammates for four years at Ave Maria University (Naples, Fla.). Ashley was a Montini softball standout and played at Loras Colle ge (Dubuque, Iowa).
For the March team, Lentine calls Tommy the “Swiss Ar my knife” -- playing infield, outfield, “whatever makes the team better.” Chris also provides multiple roles for the 45s.
The last couple of years Tommy has added responsibilities.
“I told him I’m at the end of my career. I want this to keep going so he’s going to have to take more of a managerial role,” Lentine said. “He’s done a great job with that.”
At 85, Frank Lentine still is active in the local softball world, umpiring four days a week. For its 50th anniversary, the American Softball Association named Frank Lentine among the top 22 players of the last half century.
Frank Lentine played in the No Glove National Tournament from 1965-81, winning two championships with the Bobcats and one with the Stompers along with numerous titles in Forest Park. Initially retiring in 1982, he made a comeback in 1995 with Seniors softball, adding 29 more national championships.
Frank Lentine retired from competitive softball at age 77.
“My goal is to play until at least 78. I’ve got to beat him at something. I’ll never catch him as far as championships,” Tom Lentine said laughing. “The one thing about me and my boys is we can hit. If you can hit, you can play in this game a long time.”
John Rice contributed to this story.
Congratulations to the Park District of Forest Park on 57 years of the longest running softball tournament in the nation!
STEVE JOHNSTON
PHOTO S BY STEVE JOHNSTON
Forty Deuce’s shortstop Josh Sias makes the throw to rst base during a men’s league 16-inch so ball game at Bulger Park Monday, July 7, in Melrose Park. Josh Sias (inset) connects for a hit.
Forty Deuce’s Hector Diaz delivers a pitch during batting practice.
March’s le elder Morris Greco res the ball back into the in eld against Circus during a men’s league 16-inch so ball game at Robert Dowd Field, July 7, in Forest Park.
March’s Tom Lentine Jr. connects for a hit
March’s Nick Burt heads out of the batters box during his game against Circus.
Ninety painters, potters,
makers,
and other artists will showcase their creativity in more than 40 garages located throughout Forest Park neighborhoods. Enjoy strolling the village’s quirky streets and alleys while supporting local artists.
For Tony Ward, No Gloves tourney is the ultimate event
Advocate for Black teams playing so ball
By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter
Fifty years ago, Tony Ward and some of his football teammates at Wendell Phillips High School in Chicago decided to participate in a youth softball tournament at the conclusion of the season. That was when he first fell in love with the spor t.
“We were 16 years old and started a team called the Kings,” Ward told Forest Park Review in a phone interview. “We played up until we were 19 years old. We went our separate ways, but I stuck with
softball. My passion for the g ame goes far and wide.”
Ward, who was an accomplished player in several leagues, maintains his connection to softball today as the manager of BTA (Best Talent Assembled), which will participate in the 57th annual No Gloves Nationals Tournament. He says softball has been really good to him over the years.
“It’s been great,” said Ward. “I’ve met people of all kinds. You’d be surprised at the conversations you get out of guys you meet through softball.”
Gloveless softball was originated in Chicago many years ago, and that’s something Ward – whose brothers and cousins have also played the t -- especially takes pride in “It’s our g ame,” he said. “We’ re trying to show other parts of the country our g ame. My passion has always been playing without es. I hated it when leagues brought in gloves in the 1970s It was very disappointing, and I ’t by myself in expressing that. Gloves don’t belong in the
“My brother and I played toether for years in the (Chicago Transit Authority) league,” he added. “It brings on a good family atmosphere. The CTA league is the longest standing in Chicago softball history. It started in 1969.”
rd is looking forward to seeing BTA play at Forest Park He has guided several teams to the No Gloves, a tournament he describes as special.
“It’s the ultimate experifor a softball player at this stage,” he said. “It’s one of the most profound tournaments of all-time. Guys get more jacked up for this tournament than any
other. Everyone is wearing their best apparel with their uniform. New gloves, new shoes, they come out at No Gloves time It’s dress to impress, and above all else, play your (butt) of f.”
BTA sought out the best talent in the Black community, and Ward likes the increased participation of Black teams in the No Gloves.
“I’m very encouraged by that,” he said. “I feel like it’s good for the g ame. I think Black softball needs to expand more with
the No Gloves. I think Black softball was brainwashed into putting on the gloves and steered in the wrong direction for so many decades. That’s what put us behind the eight-ball in this tour nament.” Ward is confident in BTA’s chances at the No Gloves. But he’s also somewhat concerned about injuries to a couple of his top players that will prevent them from competing
Tony Ward
Tony Ward in his playing days w ith Steel Gold
TONY WARD
from page B1
“One of the best leftfielders in all of ball and one of the fastest guys in the he was in a car accident,” said won’t be able to play for us. He was MVP of the tournament four years ond baseman has a rotator cu won’t play again this season. I’m into the tournament, but I ha we’ ll play well. I’m optimisti
In its’ heyday, virtually eve area had a league that play With that no longer being the case, has been a fierce debate about is going. There are those w ing, while others say it’s g to thrive again.
Count Ward among the latter believes as long as elementary and schools in the city sponsor softball, will ensure the sport’s futur
“I think it’s thriving because of lic schools having leagues. help,” Ward said. “I umpire in (Chicago Public Schools) and see the be more involved with the game. The more we expand the game, it’s got a good chance of expanding to suburban leagues. All it takes are a bat and a ball.”
To championship trop season.
Tony Ward (#55) gathers his BTA team on the mound to discuss st game this season.
No glove? No problem. We’ve been catching what matters for businesses and individuals all across Forest Park for decades. And for the last 57 years, we’ve been right there beside you, cheering on the No Glove Nationals! Thanks to the organizers, teams, and fans for all the memories and excitement—here’s to the next 57!
Ask us about game-winning coverage for you!
(708) 383-9000
7310 Madison St, Forest Park, IL 60130
Forest Park Highlights
The 16” Hall of Fame Museum is proud to celebrate its 16th year!
The Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame was founded in 1996. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofi t dedicated to preserving the history, recognizing the best of the best on and off the fi eld, 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.
Legendary Brown Bombers 1940s
