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HISTORY - The game of softball started in chicago on thanksgiving 1887 at the farragut boat club when yale and harvard alumni wrapped up a boxing glove and started to hit the "ball" with a broomstick. Those men formalized the indoor game, and eventually the game was played outdoors. In Chicago, the parks and school grounds are small, so the ball had to be larger to stay in the park...Thus, the 16" diameter became the size of choice and game of choice during the Depression since only a bat and a ball were needed. No-glove softball has also been famouse only in Chicago since the 1920's.
HOF History
The Chicago 16" Softball Hall of Fame was organized in 1996 by founders Al Maag and Tony Reibel. Maag had created the first video documentary on the sport "Chicago's Game 16" Softball" and it became the catalyst of starting the organization. They were able to get past and current competitors, associations, and leaders in the sport to work together to benefit the sport's image and recognize it's best performers and supporters. A physical Hall of Fame does not exist yet, and we are still looking for a site all ideas welcome.

Annual dinners have attracted over 600 attendees each year (over a decade) to meet the new inductees. Both founders are still involved by today the organization's executive committee is now lead by president, Gary Thorsen. Committee meetings are held almost every month. The Hall of Fame has also been instrumental in organizing tournaments and helped local media celebrity, Mike North behind the scenes get the 16" game played in the Chicago Public High Schools.


Mission
The Chicago 16" Softball Hall of Fame has been formed to promote the great game that started in Chicago by honoring and recognizing the game's best players, teams and supporters.


Virtual Tour
Under Construction


Directors/Committee
Nomination committee heads:
Jack Dowling (Pioneer Era) 630.232.6453
Ed Zolna (1950-1963) 815.469.1787
Tony Reibel (1950-1963) 847.698.2514
Ed Surma (1964-1979) 708.599.1076
Ray Topps (1980 - current) 773.229.8694
Mary Pat McGuire (women) 773.779.7783
John Hie (Umpire) 773.286.5362
Gary Thorsen (Organizers & Managers) 630.894.0414

Co-Founders
Al Maag
Tony Reibel


Pictured, l to r (from back row) Stan Patek, Mark Frighetto, Art Lurie, Debby Cornacchia, Bill Wadington, Ron Kubicki, Ray Topps (front row) Al Maag, Tony Reibel, Gary Thorsen, Mary Pat McGuire


Executive Board of Directors
President, Gary Thorsen
Vice President, Ray Topps
Secretary, Debby Cornacchia
Treasurer, Stan Patek

Board of Directors
Art Lurie
Mark Frighetto
Mary Pat McGuire
Al Maag
Tony Reibel
Bill Wadington
Ron Kubicki

Hall Biographer
Bill Wadington

Past Supporters and Advisory Board
Rich Melman Mike North James 'Skinny' Sheehan
Dorsi Thillens Pat Brickhouse Bill Gleason
Tom Carey Howie Fagan Ed Kelly
Ed Zolna Bob Campbell George Bliss
Jane Zolna Don DeBat Arbor Printing, Lisle
Stoudt family Mickey Balestri Rich Hennessy
Sal Vasta Jerry Schmidt Willie Simpson
Milan Stevanovich Wally Pecs Marsha Amraen
Dave Novak Chet Matkyiewicz Olympic Trophies
Les Messinger Tim Maher Joel Zimberoff
Bob Hobson Bobbie Blackstone Willis Miles
Pam Payne Kim Panazzo Jack Johnson
Joe Sarna Irv Porter David Kennedy
Jack and Willie Schmitz Ron Kubicki John Mitchell
Mark Malouf Frank Fiarito Chubbs
Bill Dwyer Holan Family Len McKinnon
Hynes Brothers George Kominos Dan Mueller
Tom O'Neill Les Duncan Willie Simpson
Ed Surma Joe Strzelcyk Rock Consiglio
David Wemken George Randazzo Richard Black
Michealle Maag

Nominate
Nominations can be made any day by filling out the form and following instructions. A person must be retired or not playing as a key member of a team on a major level for 3 years, or 50 years of age. Click here for nomination form.


Vote
Nominations are reviewed by committees in the spring and agreed upon who can be listed on the official ballot and then voted on. In 2008 public voting will be done both in pencil and online. Ballots are usually available in the summer and voting closed by September 1st. In 2008 Inductee dinner attendees will have an opportunity to vote first. Inductees are announced in the fall. Awards dinners are annually held at Hawthorne Race Course in January. Click here for ballot.


Advertising/Sponsorships
Website costs range from $150 to $550 for yearly program ads.

Contact:
Bill Wadington, Hall Biographer
4535 Elm
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: (630) 852-8817
Email: Wwading@aol.com

Ads for the annual Inductee Dinner Book are due each year around Christmas. Costs vary…full page ad is approx. $200. Printed by Arbor Press, Lisle, IL

Contact:
Pam Payne
Chicago 16" Softball Hall of Fame
2730 Patton Ave.
Geneva, IL 60134
Phone: 630/232-7996
Fax: 630/232 7998


Store
Under Construction


Contact Us
Patrick M. Farrey
Landon, Farrey & Associates, Inc.
1601 Bond Street, Suite 101
Naperville, Illinois 60563
Phone: (630) 696-4000 ext. 102
Email: pfarrey@landon-farrey.com

Chicago 16" Softball Hall of Fame
169 Cardinal Drive
Bloomingdale, Il 60108
Phone: 630/232-7996
Fax: 630/232 7998
Email: gt34@sbcglobal.net


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