Chicago 16-Inch Softball Hall of Fame Announces 2018 Inductees

USA - English

• USA - English

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., April 26, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame (HOF) winners of the 2018 Hall of Fame inductee class will be honored at their 23rd Annual Dinner at Drury Lane in Oakbrook, IL.

The Hall of Fame is the most prestigious honor among the softball community who have dedicated themselves to the sport. Ron Kubicki, president of the Hall of Fame stated continued, "two outstanding examples this year are Steve Heinol and Glenview's March Manufacturing teams that has played for 45 years starting in the northwest suburbs and eventually winning the ASA Major Nationals and being one of the best teams of the 90's. Fritz Zimmermann has sponsored hundreds of teams and 2,000 players have worn a March jersey. Today they still play in over 50 leagues and in national tournaments."

One inductee would not be here today if it wasn't for two off-duty medical personal on site during a softball game that saved Elmwood Park resident, Steve Heinol's life. Since Steve's miraculous survival of a heart attack during a national tournament in Iowa, he has continued to play but more importantly dedicated the last decade in raising over $1 million for cancer research with his Lorden-Heinol Memorial Softball Tournaments.

"Steve Heinol is another example of a solid player throughout his career who has been using his time to raise money and educate others on the game of softball and cancer research," said Ron Kubicki, President of Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame. "We are proud to have him as a new inductee of the Hall."

Since its start in 1995, Chicago 16-Inch Softball Hall of Fame has inducted more than 600 former and current softball players, umpires, managers and organizers who have excelled in their sport. In addition to the inductees, special recognition is given to supporters and teams who have made a difference in the sport with their quality of effort/play and longevity. They are selected through a nomination process, including voting by a specific committee, the public, other Hall of fame Inductees and the board of directors.

"We are excited to honor and highlight those committed to the game and invite the public to join in the celebration," said Ron Kubicki, president, Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame will be celebrating their induction at the 23rd annual awards dinner at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace on Saturday April 27th. The Master of Ceremonies is Steve Kashul a past HOF inductee and local sports broadcaster. For dinner, information visit http://16inchsoftballhof.com/events/2/ 

For all inductee bios, please visit:
http://16inchsoftballhof.com/inductees/all/

Inductees are as followed
1964 – 1979 ERA
Timothy Hauser
 
1993 – Current
Joe Dooley
Dennis Gardner
 
Manager
Gary Kirch
 
Organizer
Thomas Taff
Wally "Dee" Dziewinski
 
Frank C. Holan Award
Dean Pritt
 
Richard J. Daley Award
Edward Durica
 
Wall of Fame
Ronald Muller
Jim Donato
Steven Heinol
Herb Sweetow
Antone Thrash
 
Teams to be Honored
March Softball
Hot Shots (Women)
Touch
Bandits
Steel Gold
 
Field of Dreams Award
Kennedy Park, Chicago

PR/Media Contact:
Colltey Sheldon 623.680.6683
 
For more information, please call Rachell Entler at (708) 522-1070 Ext 17 or visit http://www.16inchsoftballhof.com
 
About the Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame
The Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and honoring the history, players and supporters of 16-inch softball. Since its inception, the Hall of Fame has inducted more than over 600 former and current softball players, umpires, managers and organizers at annual dinners averaging 500 attendees. The Inductee Park and Museum are located in Forest Park, Il. Follow us on Twitter or Follow us on Facebook

SOURCE Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame