NoGloves_072617

No Glove NATIONALS

July 27 - 30 2017 Paul Richards

Sponsored by the Park District of Forest Park

F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW

www.pdofp.org

49th Annual Forest Park Invitational

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Forest Park Review, July 26, 2017

No Glove Nationals 2017

Welcome to No Gloves

WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographer

Several players from Chuck’s, an Iowa-based team, celebrate scoring a run against Vision at the 2016 No Glove Nationals in Forest Park.

CONTENTS Speed is the name of the game for Downes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B3 Wallace Softball celebrates 50-year anniversary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B4 Forest Park Review salutes No Glove tourney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B5 Legendary Lentine loves No Glove National tourney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B6 Winner/Losers Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B8-B9 Iowa teams earn respect at No Glove National. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B12-B14 ON THE COVER: Paul Richards of Vision bats during a game of the No Gloves National Tournament that took place in Forest Park on Saturday July 30, 2016. | WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographer

O

n behalf of the Park District of Forest Park Commissioners and Staff, welcome to the 49th Annual 16” softball “No-Glove Nationals.” We hope that you will find this year’s tournament to be one of the finest tournaments we have hosted the last 48 years.

We will once again be hosting a Kid’s Area by Field One. When Dad is not playing, kids will be able to enjoy the bounce house. Also, don’t forget the pool will be open to have fun or just to cool off. Of course, we will be serving the best tournament food ever. Come enjoy a variety of sandwiches or the ever popular Tournament Tacos! Cool off with a Miller Beverage or a refreshing Tito’s Vodka Lemonade.

Please take time to visit the 16” Softball Hall of Fame Museum. The museum is located next to Field Two and is the place to see how the game got started and get the true history and feel for the game. A must see for anyone who has been around Chicagoland and the 16” softball game.

This tournament only exists due to the efforts of many volunteers that work throughout the weekend. They are truly awesome people who make this tournament run.

Last but not least, The Park District Commissioners wish to thank the residents of Forest Park, Mayor Anthony Calderone and the Village Council for their continued support of this event.

See you at the “Park”.

Larry Piekarz

Tournament Director

F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW Editor Marty Farmer Contributing Reporter John Rice IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes

Editorial Designers Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea Ad Production Manager Philip Soell Ad Design Manager Andrew Mead Ad Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Ad Director Dawn Ferencak Media Coordinator Kristen Benford Display Ad Sales Marc Stopeck, Joseph Chomiczewski Classified Ad Sales Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Comptroller Edward Panschar Credit Manager Laurie Myers Distribution Coordinator Caleb Thusat ■

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

Executive Director Larry Piekarz Assistant Director Steve Thomas Superintendent of Parks Larry Buckley Administrative Manager Chris Richards Recreation Supervisor Rachell Entler Recreation Supervisor Andrew Doss Facilty Coordinator Vicki Stisevic Building Custodian Denny Crotty Foreman Ryan Russ ■

Board of Commissioners President John Doss Vice President Eric Entler Commissioners Cathleen McDermott, Roy Sansone, Matt Walsh

Forest Park Review, July 26, 2017

No Glove Nationals 2017

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Speed is the name of the game for Downes Accomplished leadoff hitter has won 8 No Glove National titles

By JOHN RICE

L

Contributing Reporter

arry Downes is the rarest of softball players. He is a 50-year-old center fielder with tremendous speed.

“I can still run. I can run faster than the 25-year-olds,” he said.

Playing center and batting second for Players Inc. at the upcoming 49th Annual “No Glove National” Softball Tournament, look for Downes as one of the more entertaining players in the draw.

“This is our best chance to win, since 2011, when I was on the 45’s,” Downes said.

Speed has defined Downes’ game from the beginning.

“I was always the fastest guy playing,” Downes said. “I got a lot of leg hits and could get a double out of any ball to the outfield.”

His success at the No Glove National speaks for itself. Playing on historic teams like Lettuce and Licorice, Downes has played on eight championship times at the prestigious tourney.

Downes’ remarkable career in the No Glove National began in 1988.

“It’s a great tournament but not as deep as

it used to be.” Downes said. “I like dustrial league and his the No Gloves because everybody team won the Grant Park plays their butt off. It’s gotten Tournament 25 times.” bigger than anything in softball His fondest memories because the league games don’t were playing in the same have the same intensity. outfield with his dad and “It has good food and good brother. fields. I can’t get around the park “My brother, Chris, without shaking 50 hands.” my dad and me played For all his success at the in the park leagues,” No Glove National and other Downes said. “My dad leagues/tournaments as well, his played softball till the softball career didn’t start on a day he died.” winning note.

The family’s approach When he was 15, Downes played to softball is clear: Work in a league at Normandy Park. hard and play hard. HusPhoto submitted tle and play every game “I played on some really bad teams but it was still fun,” he said. Larry Downes and with maximum effort.

“Six of us were friends from the daughter, Kate.

Your team will love you same block.” for it.

Regardless of results, however, Although Downes softball has always been a huge part of began his career in the park leagues, 1988 Downes’ life. marked his entry in elite level softball. He He cites his father as his biggest influence played for high profile teams like Jynx and Prime Time. on and off the field.

In addition to his aforementioned haul of “My dad, Larry Downes, Sr., played softball in the 60’s and 70’s for Continental No Glove National titles, Downes won eight Bank,” Downes said. “He played in the In- ASA National Championships and 10 Mount

Prospect League titles.

“I bat left-handed and throw righty,” Downes said. “I’ve batted first or second (in the lineup) all my career. I’m not a cutter; I drive it through infield holes.”

“We played 180 games a year,” Downes said. “I figure I’ve played in 3,000 games. I got to know the top players.”

Amid all the experience he’s had playing softball, Downes’ favorite memories always come home to the No Glove National.

“It’s a privilege to play there,” Downes said. “It always feels good to walk out on the field. The [Park District of Forest Park staff and volunteers] people are awesome. The fields are manicured and we’re treated like professionals.”

Downes added that players feel like royalty if they have won the tournament a few times.

“This year will be my 30th consecutive year.” Downes said. “My friends and family have been out there for every single one.”

Special guests will be supporting Downes at the No Glove National this summer.

“I coach a girls 12” team and they’re coming to see Coach Larry play,” Downes said with a smile. “My daughter, Kate, plays second base and bats leadoff. She’s fast as hell, too!”

The Park District of Forest Park Wishes to Thank

• Burke Beverage • Tito’s Handmade Vodka • Miller Brewing Company • ATI Physical Therapy

For Their Help And Support In The 2017 “No Glove Nationals” Tournament.

Good Luck to Everyone!

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Forest Park Review, July 26, 2017

No Glove Nationals 2017

Wallace Softball celebrates 50-year anniversary Siriscevich played huge role in league’s great run of popularity, success

By JOHN RICE Contributing Reporter

To say that the Wallace Softball League had humble beginnings would be a huge understatement.

The program didn’t even start in a park. It began life in some empty lots, at 3301 South Wallace in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. It didn’t have a backstop, or a blade of grass and there were no lights. The lot had to be raked of glass, rocks and bottles before play could begin.

The Wallace Softball League was created in 1966 by some men in the neighborhood for kids to play (ages 9-13).

Fifty years later, Wallace Softball is still going strong and has been invited to this year’s No Glove National Softball Tournament in Forest Park.

Toncie Siriscevich was one of the aforementioned neighborhood men who assisted with the birth of Wallace Softball. The diverse group of founders included: Nick Spata, Ray Houlihan and Siriscevich, representing Italians, Irish and Croatians.

“It started out as a softball league for kids,” Siriscevich said. “We had a big turnout for registration at the empty lot. We had to get sponsors, and we got eight sponsors in no time. We had a draft to make up the teams and recruited volunteer coaches. ArtFlo provided uniforms on consignment. It took a year to get the league started.”

The Wallace Softball League was an immediate hit.

In fact, the program was so popular, Siriscevich helped start and offshoot called the Junior All-Stars.

“It was for kids, 6-8, who were afraid of the league ball,” Siriscevich noted. “It was a success right away.”

As for Wallace Softball, the league became so popular elected officers had to handle the finances.

“We used the money to buy white softball pants from J. C. Penney,” Siriscevich said.

“We held parades for Opening Day. Mayor Richard J. Daley was the grand marshal for one and his son, Richard M., was the grand marshal for another.”

Opening Day was in May and the season ran till the end of August. There was a midseason All-Star Game, where kids ate hot dogs and hamburgers. An annual banquet was held at St. David’s parish which attracted more than 400 guests.

League expansion continued with the creation of a Senior League for kids between the ages of 14-17.

“Many of these players ended up playing for elite teams,” Siriscevich said. “Due to the good players we attracted, the league became credible right away.”

Keep in mind, this period was during the heyday of neighborhood softball. Many parks had 18 and under leagues. The state finals were held at a park located on 47th and Damen.

As for his own softball career, Siriscevich started playing in the 1960s for a Knights of Columbus team, based at St. Albert the Great.

He was a left-handed leadoff hitter, who took advantage of the shorter bases, which were 50-55 feet.

“I made a living playing softball,” Siriscevich said, “There were money games everywhere.”

In 1972, Siriscevich started his “day job” as a dispatcher for the Streets & Sanitation Department, a position he still holds.

Siriscevich went on to play for the Bobcats from 1963-64. He is a member of the 16” Softball Hall of Fame as an organizer, coach and player.

He never played in the No Glove National, but Wallace Softball qualified for the tournament in 1992.

“Our best year, we went 3-2 and beat some of the top teams,” Siriscevich said He also managed Windy City to a No Glove National title.

His son, Tony, a former Junior All-Star, still plays for Wallace Softball, in his 40s. There are now four generations of players, who have competed for Wallace Softball. They won the Forest Park League twice, in 2007 and 2009. They finished 5th in the Nationals but have never won the No Glove National.

“The No Gloves is the greatest softball tournament there is,” Siriscevich said.

“It’s an invitational tournament of the best teams. It’s the pinnacle of softball.”

Park District of Forest Park employee Ryan Russ plays for Wallace Softball. Their roster once included a right fielder named Luke Gregerson, who recently signed a 21 million dollar contract to pitch for the Houston Astros.

Recalling a life of full of wonderful softball highlights, Siriscevich’s fondest memories are still of starting a fledgling softball league in an empty lot.

“It was something we did for and in the community,” Siriscevich said.

“There were no accolades. It was for kids who didn’t play baseball.”

Wallace Softball lost its home field in the 1980s when houses were built on the empty lots.

This year marks a celebration of 50 years of Wallace Softball. Making a good run at the No Glove National championship would be a fitting tribute.

Photo submitted

(Above) Toncie Siriscevich has been involved with softball for well over 50 years. (Left) Siriscevich with family members and fellow avid softball players.

No Glove Nationals 2017

Forest Park Review salutes No Glove tourney

Proudly partners with Park District to promote community event

By JOHN RICE

I

Contributing Reporter

n 2016, the Forest Park Review newspaper received the Media Award from the 16” Softball Hall of Fame. The newspaper was honored at the annual banquet, where an acceptance speech was delivered.

We’re thrilled to get this trophy and it couldn’t come at a better time. The Review is celebrating its 100th birthday this year!

We consider Forest Park to be the Softball Capital of the United States.

The Park District of Forest Park fields received the “Field of Dreams Award” thanks to the hard work of its commissioners, staff members and maintenance workers. They have the Softball Hall of Fame Museum and have hosted the No Glove National Softball Tournament for close to 50 years.

For the past 25 years, we have published a special No Gloves section. Over the

John Rice years, we’ve written about Hall of Famers, up-and-comers, women’s softball, co-ed softball, high school softball, blind soft-

ball, overseas softball, Iowa softball and even softball with gloves. We’ve focused on umpires, scorekeepers, statisticians and the grounds crews that groom the fields after every game.

This section is put together by writers, photographers, layout artists and editors because softball is the in the lifeblood of our community and the No Gloves tourney is the highlight of the summer in Forest Park. We want to thank the Hall of Fame for recognizing the hard work the Review has done for a quarter-century. We are going to continue to promote Chicago’s game and the Hall of Fame Museum. We will do our best to make sure the sport continues to grow.

In addition to receiving the ward, the newspaper was invited to the Annual Hall of Fame Inductee’s Day, on July 22, 2017.

On this date, they unveiled the plaques of the 2016 inductees. These were placed inside the glass cases located in Inductee Park. This ceremony was followed by a “Legends of the Game” softball field on the west field. Finally, the Park hosted the No Glove National Softball Tournament play-in games, with four teams vying for the final spot in the tournament.

Forest Park Review, July 26, 2017

Thank you!

Thank you to the following individuals who helped make this year’s No Gloves supplement a success:

Larry Piekarz, Rachell Entler, Steve Thomas, John Rice and Geo Vournazos

Best of Luck

to all the Tournament Teams!

Before and after the games...

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Forest Park Review, July 26, 2017

No Glove Nationals 2017

Legendary Lentine loves No Glove National tourney ASA names No Glove champ one of top 22 players over last 50 years

By JOHN RICE

F

Contributing Reporter

rank Lentine is one of softball’s alltime greats. That’s not hyperbole, either.

For its 50th Anniversary, the American Softball Association named Lentine one of the Top 22 players of the last half-century.

During his stellar softball career, Lentine played in the No Glove National Tournament from 1965-1981. He won two championships with the Bobcats and one with the Stompers.

It’s only fitting that Lentine has won the Forest Park tournament multiple times since his family has a long history with the village.

His grandfather, Frank Lentine, moved to Forest Park, after contracting black lung disease working in coal mines. The family was already established in Forest Park, with the Vito Lentine Barber Shop on Madison Street.

Another family member, Eugene Lentine, was on the fire department. After Joe Lentine was killed in the Philippines, in 1945, he was eulogized at the Forest Park VFW. When Frank played softball at the No Glove National, his whole family would come out for the games.

Lentine, however, didn’t grow up in Forest Park. His childhood home was close to another softball mecca, the park at Chicago & Kedzie.

“I used to shag balls in the outfield before the games,” Lentine recalled.

He started his softball career, at St. Philip’s High School, alongside future great, Moose Camillo.

Lentine went on to De Paul University, before landing a construction company. He played for a team called the Rogues during that time.

The heyday of his career, though, was playing on the Bobcats for seven years.

“We won the nationals six times. I was named MVP in 1972.” Lentine said. “I batted left-handed and was a line drive hitter, cutting the ball down the line.

“I really liked playing in the No Gloves, because right field had trees that were in play.”

The trees turned fly ball outs into triples for the speedy left fielder.

“I could run like a deer, until I tore my Achilles playing basketball.”

Lentine worked hard to heal the injury. He didn’t suffer any injuries playing softball, other than crooked fingers.

He did have one embarrassing episode, though.

“My teammate engineered a softball bat, with a fiberglass rod inside,” Lentine said.

“During a game, it broke and exposed the fiber glass. It was my ‘Sammy Sosa’ moment.”

During this time, Lentine started a family and ended up with six boys and two adopted daughters. To support the eight children, he landed a job as a pharmaceutical rep.

He also went to work for the Chicago Park

District, serving as the weekend supervisor at Amundsen Park for 35 years. Lentine ran softball leagues, baseball games and a basketball league, while also serving as an umpire and referee. Amundsen Park even had a football program and boxing.

Still officiating at 77-years-old, Lentine’s only regret is that the district replaced the baseball fields at Amundsen Park, with a football field.

While juggling two jobs, Lentine continued his softball career.

He was 35 when he left the Bobcats. He retired in 1982 but made a comeback in 1995, playing on the Senior Softball Circuit.

“I won 29 national championships with the seniors,” Lentine proudly declared, “I’m still playing.”

Though he is proud of his career, Lentine takes special satisfaction from having his six sons play softball.

Sons, Tom and Christopher, will be playing in the No Glove National this year, for Impact. Tom Lentine is also the Athletic Director at Montini High School.

Photos submitted

(Above) Frank Lentine receives a trophy at a 1966 softball tournament. (Below) Lentine at the 16” Softball Hall of Fame in Forest Park.

Forest Park Review, July 26, 2017

Congratulations on 49 years, and good luck to all the participants of this year’s No Gloves!

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Forest Park Review, July 26, 2017

No Glove Nationals 2017 SIGNATURE

YEP

7/27 (Thurs.)

6 p.m. Field #1

7/28 (Fri.) 1 7:15 p.m. Field #1

9

PLAY IN WINNER

7/29 (Sat.) 5 p.m. Field #1

SHOOTERS

7/27 (Thurs.)

6 p.m. Field #2

2

TOP FLEET

7/28 (Fri.) 7:15 p.m. Field #2

29

10

FLASHBACK

7/29 (Sat.) 8 p.m. Field #1

45’S SNAPPERS

7/27 (Thurs.)

7:15 p.m. Field #1

7/28 (Fri.) 3 6 p.m. Field #1

11

OLD TIMERS

7/29 (Sat.) 5 p.m. Field #2

MILLER

7/27 (Thurs.)

7:15 p.m. Field #2

30

4 7/28 (Fri.) 6 p.m. Field #2

SOLUTIONS

12

IMPACT

7/30 (Sun.) 43 2 p.m. Field #1

FETA CJ’S

7/27 (Thurs.)

8:30 p.m. Field #1

7/28 (Fri.) 5 9:45 p.m. Field #1

7/29 (Sat.) 31 6:30 p.m. Field #1

LOSE ONE

6 7/28 (Fri.) 9:45 p.m. Field #2

BRICK

7/28 (Fri.) 7 8:30 p.m. Field #1

15

PLAYERS, INC

7/29 (Sat.) 32 6:30 p.m. Field #2

CHUCK’S

7/28 (Thurs.)

9:45 p.m. Field #2 WALLCE

8

7/28 (Fri.) 8:30 p.m. Field #2 HEXX

16

46

7/30 (Sun.) 8 p.m. Field #1 Loser of 46 (IF FIRST LOSS)

7/29 (Sat.) 35 9:30 p.m. Field #1

RACK CITY

7/28 (Thurs.)

9:45 p.m. Field #1

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

14

CHICAGO DYNASTY

MONKEY

WINNER’S BRACKET

13

SMACKOUT

7/28 (Thurs.)

8:30 p.m. Field #2

33

Winner of 45 (Loser’s Bracket)

47

Forest Park Review, July 26, 2017

No Glove Nationals 2017

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LOSER 33 LOSER 43 LOSER 32 LOSER 5

7/29 (Sat.) 8 a.m. Field #1 LOSER 9

7/ 29 (Sat.) 2 p.m. Field #1

LOSER 6

7/29 (Sat.) 8 a.m. Field #2

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

17

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

7/30 (Sun.) 11 a.m. Field #1

39

LOSER 31

19

LOSER 11

7/30 (Sun.) 9:30 a.m. Field #2 7/ 29 (Sat.) 2 p.m. Field #2

LOSER 8

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

38

LOSER 35

20

LOSER 30

LOSER 1

7/ 29 (Sat.) 8 p.m. Field #2

21

LOSER 13

7/ 29 (Sat.) 3:30 p.m. Field #1

LOSER 2

7/29 (Sat.) 11 a.m. Field #2

44

26

LOSER 12

7/ 29 (Sat.) 11 a.m. Field #1

41

18

LOSER 7

7/ 29 (Sat.) 9:30 a.m. Field #2

37

45

25

LOSER 10

7/29 (Sat.) 9:30 a.m. Field #1

7/30 (Sun.) 5 p.m. Field #1

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

34

42

27

7/30 (Sun.) 11 a.m. Field #2

22

40

LOSER 14 LOSER 29

LOSER 3

7/ 29 (Sat.) 12:30 p.m. Field #1

23

LOSER 15

7/29 (Sat.) 3:30 p.m. Field #2

LOSER 4

7/ 29 (Sat.) 12:30 p.m. Field #2

7/ 29 (Sat.) 9:30 p.m. Field #2

36

28

24

LOSER 16

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Forest Park Review, July 26, 2017

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Forest Park Review, July 26, 2017

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Forest Park Review, July 26, 2017

No Glove Nationals 2017

Photo submitted

CJ’s (pictured) is one of three teams from Iowa that have been invited to take part in the 49th Annual No Gloves National Softball Tournament in Forest Park.

Iowa teams earn respect at No Glove National Chuck’s, CJ’s and Old Timers have paid their dues to compete with Chicago’s best

By JOHN RICE

R

Contributing Reporter

espect is earned not given. The three softball teams from Iowa invited to play in the 49th Annual No Glove National at Forest Park wouldn’t want it any other

way.

“We’re finally getting respect from the Chicago guys,” said Corey Johnson, coach of Chuck’s from Grimes, Iowa. His team earned respect this year by finishing in eighth place in the Chicagoland Mount Prospect Tournament.

Along with Chuck’s, CJ’s and Old Timers

will compete in the No Glove National this year.

Iowa softball has become a force in “Chicago’s game.”

Old Timers, a tavern that has sponsored one of the Iowa teams for many years, is led by 50-year-old pitcher Kirk Huehn. Although he might be considered a senior citizen by softball standards, he remains an effective pitcher and fielder.

“I get an idea of what a batter’s strength is and pitch away from it,” Huehn said.

After he releases the ball, he immediately backpedals to play defense.

Like any 16-inch No Gloves player he has endured his share of injuries, including pulled muscles and dislocated fingers.

A hard shot tore the webbing between his fingers once which called for 6-8 stitches to close it.

Injuries aside, Huehn loves playing in the No Glove National tourney. He was a member of the first Iowa team to play at the Forest Park tournament in 1996.

“We had won the ASA Nationals at Mount Prospect in 1995,” Huehn said. “We got invited to the No Gloves.”

He recalled a Forest Park team, “Dollhouse,” encouraged them and former Park District of Forest Park Director Dave Novak sent the invitation.

“I’ve been hooked on it ever since,” Huehn said. “This is my 6th or 7th year coming to Forest Park.”

The annual visit to Forest Park is no easy trek from Huehn, who lives in western Iowa.

A seven-hour drive is required so he can attend his favorite tournament.

The Iowa teams prepare for the No Glove National by playing with no gloves against teams that wear them.

“We play in two leagues against teams with gloves,” Johnson said, “It makes the games more competitive and the scores closer.”

Instead of winning 15-1, Chuck’s will settle for an 8-6 win.

“No gloves is 100 percent better than gloves,” Johnson said.

See IOWA on page B14

Forest Park Review, July 26, 2017

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Forest Park Review, July 26, 2017

No Glove Nationals 2017

IOWA

time,” Sauser said. “We play in a league against teams with gloves and take our lumps. We lost to a few teams we should have beaten.”

Unfortunately, softball is declining in from page B12 Iowa. Tournaments are down to 10-15 teams.

“Teams are combining to compete with Chicago teams,” Sauser said.

During his playing career, Johnson CJ’s strength comes from their hitting. played mostly at second base but a “little “We’re a hard-hitting team, bit all over” as well. He batted with line drives and deep right-handed in the middle of drives.

We don’t do a lot of the order for several teams in cutting and dumping it.” said Carrol, Iowa and Des Moines.

Sauser, a power-hitting outJohnson retired at 41 and fielder in his prime. then umpired for two years, He sprays the ball now, aimbefore becoming coach of Chuck’s. ing for the lines and the gaps.

“We have some big-time He’s also no longer chasing COREY JOHNSON 12” guys, six of the best in down fly balls.

Manager Iowa,” Johnson said. “We’re Now, when Sauser plays deseeded 10th for the No fense, he’s on the right side Gloves and expect to hamof the infield at either first or mer a few teams. We have a second base. He wants to give great shot.” the younger players a chance to sharpen As for the tournament experience overall, their defensive skills.

Johnson said, “It’s a blast. I love it.”

Sauser joined CJ’s in 1999 and the team’s Mike Sauser, coach of CJ’s, believes the three Iowa teams rank among the top 24 core has stayed together since 2004.

How the Iowa teams fare at this year’s No teams in the nation. In 2016, CJ’s played in Glove National remains to be seen; however, the No Glove tournament for the first time. fielding three respected teams certainly imThey finished in the top seven.

“We’ve wanted to play no gloves for a long proves their chances for success.

Three teams

“We’re finally getting respect from the Chicago guys.”

Photo submitted

CJ’s (pictured) is one of three teams from Iowa that have been invited to take part in the 49th Annual No Gloves National Softball Tournament in Forest Park.

Congratulations Forest Park on 49 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 50 and over National Champions

March Manufacturing Co. Glenview, Illinois

Forest Park Review, July 26, 2017

Congratulations No Glove Nationals on your 49 Year Anniversary!

Setting new standards of service since 1950.

Products • • • • •

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

Services

• 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

B15

B16

Forest Park Review, July 26, 2017

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.

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 Calderone 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.

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 for our annual golf outing at Ruffled Feathers September 15th.

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

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

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.