No GloveNATIONALS
56th Annual Forest Park InvitationalJuly 24-28, 2024
Welcome back, players
and visitors to the 56th Annual 16” No Gloves National Softball Tournament
On our 56th year, we are excited to celebrate another successful tournament! Around 100 volunteers make this event happen with over 245 shifts covered over the four days of great softball. They help us prepare our famous tacos! They serve great refreshments, keeping our fans cool. The shifts can begin as early as 8:00 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!
Planning for this event begins in the spring. Staff plan for months to ensure we have all the logistics implemented in a timely manner. Over that four-day period, staff begin their days as early as 7:30 a.m. Some nights, they are not home until the next day! For staff, this is something they enjoy being part of. This summer, the park district employs over 200 staff to ensure the park operations are the highest of standard. That high standard is showcased at the Tour nament each year
Each year, the Park District Board of
CONTENTS
Dave Novak: Missed but not forgotten
For the Russ family, softball is a dynast y
2023 Park Disrict of Forest Park No Glove Nationals Champions – Flashback
Brackets
Softball is more than just a game for Dave Bradford
‘Softball strong,’ Becky Koenig aims to give back
Softball Hall of Fame Museum a decade old
REVIEW
Editor Erika Hobbs
Digital Manager Stacy Coleman
Contributing Repor ter John Rice
Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead
Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea
Designers Susan McKelvey
Sales and Marketing Representatives
Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe
Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan
Circulation Manager Jill Wagner
Publisher Dan Haley
Commissioners supports the funding and operations of the prestigious event. They also spend countless hours behind the grill, selling merchandise and pouring beer to help the successful operations of this event. We thank them for their support!
The most important part of this event is our fans! This year, sadly, we lost our biggest fan, past Director Dave Novak. In 2023, Dave told the story of his favorite part of the tournament. He explained how he loves to sit with the fans and hear their stories of the past, how their year has gone, and who they thought would be the upset. He always felt like he was at a family reunion when he was with the fans. Dave will be missed this year! His spirit will be heard throughout the tour nament!
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!
Jackie Iovinelli Executive Director/Co-Tournament Director Park District of Forest Park
Special Projects Manager Susan Walker
Board of Directors
Chair Judy Gre n
Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards,Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer
Executive Director Jackie Iovinelli
Superintendent of Business Je Murphy
Superintendent of Recreation Danette Krajewski
Superintendent of Buildings and Parks
Andrew Doss
Marketing and 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
GarageGalleries Forest Park
Aug 24, 2024 12 pm – 6 pm
GarageGalleries is a neighborhood art-walk where garages replace galleries. Please join us!
Dave Novak: Missed but not forgotten
Driving force behind No Gloves Tournament has lasting impact
By JOHN RICE Contributing Reporter
“I wish heaven had visiting hours,” Carol Novak said. She is grieving the sudden death on March 12 of her husband of 48 years, Dave Novak. He was a beloved figure in Forest Park, who served as Director of the Park District for many years. Novak was also the driving force behind the No Gloves Tour nament and helped make it the premier softball tournament. Dave summed up his career as, “I was in charge of fun, while having a good time myself.” His partner in fun was Carol, who was not sports-minded at all. “I joined a 16” softball team but never learned the rules.” This was evident when she took off from second base on a fly ball. Her teammates were yelling at her to get back but Carol didn’t know any better.
How could she when her life revolved around teaching gymnastics, ballet and tap for various park districts? Carol, though, became an avid fan of softball, baseball and whatever sports her husband and two sons were playing.
Carol grew up on Lowe Avenue in Bridgeport. She attended Mount Assisi Academy, an allgirls high school in Lemont. The school emphasized the performing arts and Carol found her calling. She started teaching gymnastics and dance for parks in the western suburbs. “There’s no better way to stay in shape than being an instructor,” she said.
Carol stayed in shape, while making Forest Park her base of operations. She lived across the street from the Park, where she taught dance. Meanwhile, Dave grew up in North Riverside. He played football at Riverside-Brookfield HS. He went on to Southern Illinois University, where he earned his degree in Recreation in 1973.
His first job after college was working in maintenance for the Park District of Forest Park Jim Sarno was the director who hired him. Many future leaders of Forest Park worked maintenance at the Park. Their duties included getting the fields ready for the No Gloves Tournament.
NOVAK on pa ge B6
Mike “Moji” Marasovich, Joe “Igg y” Ig yarto and Dave Novak
FOREST PARK BANK honors DAVID A. NOVAK
Dave Novak worked for the Forest Park Park District for 33 years and brought the Annual No Glove Nationals Tournament to Forest Park. He will be missed.
DAVE NOVAK
May 15 , 1951 – March 12, 2024
Sarno had started the No Gloves in 1968 with a field of eight teams. Sarno’s sister made Italian beef, which was the only food served at the tour nament. There was no beer for sale. As the tournament expanded, Richard’s Tavern took over the concessions and introduced beer to the thirsty fans. The Park District saw the No Gloves as a money-maker, so they took over selling food and beverages.
Meanwhile, Carol and Dave had met on Madison Street and started dating in 1975. In 1976, Dave was playing catcher for the Homestead softball team in Forest Park. Just before their wedding day, he tore his meniscus and his leg was in a cast. This didn’t keep the groom from standing up to recite his vows
By this time, Dave had been promoted to Superintendent of Recreation. He also served as an announcer at the No Gloves, while the tournament continued to grow. It went from inviting 16 teams to 32 teams.
“Once we lit all the fields,” Dave recalled, “It became a much bigger thing.”
Running the tournament became Dave’s job. He attended tournaments in other suburbs to scout teams for the No Gloves. The top two Forest Park teams were always invited Dave had many interests apart from softball. He was an early advocate for special recreation. The students and staff of the West Suburban Special Recreation Association always elcome to enjoy the ool. Da
had a very well-rounded upbringing. Carol encouraged them in the arts and they both performed at the Circle Theatre. Their dad played sports with them and coached their teams. They worked on the grounds crew during the No Gloves.
After they were each married, Dan and Nic bought a two-flat across Hannah Street from their parents and lived there for 13 years. Dave and Carol became close with their daughters-in-law and six grandchildren. Dan moved to Wheaton where he is now the Director of Athletics and Facilities for the park district. Nic works there as well, in charge of Buildings and Grounds and Special Events.
Dave retired from the Park District when he was 55. He became a starter at the Willow Crest Golf Course. The couple enjoyed the perks they received from his employer, the Hilton Corp They became world travelers and visited all 50 states
In 1997, Dave was inducted into the 16” Softball HOF. The Park District also named the tournament MVP trophy in his honor. When he was humbly accepting this “unexpected honor” Dave reflected on his 50 years with the No Gloves.
“So many people come back each year for the No Gloves,” Dave said, “It’s like a high school reunion.” Dave commended the park board for hosting the tournament year after year. “The No Gloves Tour nament put Forest Park on the map.”
Novak’s untimely passing at the age of 73 has left a huge hole in the hearts of his family. He is mourned by his colleagues at the Park District. He will be missed by longtime friends and the many friends he made through softball.
For the Russ family, softball is a dynasty
Will Ryan Russ be inducted into the Hall of Fame?
By JOHN RICE Contributing Reporter
It will be hard for the 2024 No Gloves Tourthe
dynasty. His grandfather, Bob Russ, Sr., his dad Bob Russ, Jr., and his uncle, Randy Russ have all been inducted into the 16” Softball Hall of Fame
the standouts for Flashback was their leftfielder, Ryan Russ
Father and son combinations have long been part of softball, and Ryan and his dad/ coach, Bob Jr., are part of that tradition. In fact, the Russ family has become a softball
d Prep in Elmhurst. He also played for a year on the College of DuPage baseball team. Baseball may have been his game, but Russ grew up surrounded by softball.
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Recruiting Wheelchair
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 :
Dan Ferreira @ 312-745-2055 or daniel.ferreira@chicagoparkdistrict.com
Larry Labiak @ 312-742-5097 or larry.labiak@chicagoparkdistrict.com
RUSS
What are the chances?
from page B7
“I loved going to the games,” he said.
He especially loved shagging flies in the outfield before No Gloves games. When he was 19, he started playing softball in park leagues. He played outfield and batted in the middle of the lineup. His philosophy at the plate was “hit it where the middle infielder isn’t.”
Russ started out playing for Traf fic and they re gularly qualified for the No Gloves Tournament. The tournament is a high point for the Russ family. Bob Jr. said he enjoys the large crowds who are “into each game.” He added that he appreciates the grounds crews grooming the fields before each game, and likes the atmosphere of kids swimming at the pool while the games are being played. He salutes, he said, all the people who make the tour nament a success
“Volunteers are the heroes of the weekend,” he added.
Many of them are engaged with cooking and serving food and beverages.
“The food is really good,” he said. So is the softball.
“It all starts with playing as a team,” his son said. “Our team is loud and vocal. Everyone is into it.”
Russ recently played in a high stakes game against the
Pharaohs. He handled three chances in left field effortlessly. He hit a line drive to right field for a two-out RBI. It was a battle, but Flashback edged the Pharaohs 6-5.
His team is enjoying a successful season. They won the Westchester Tournament, finished second in the Chicagoland Tournament and took third place in the NorthSouth Tournament. Their record is 34-7. They normally play twice a week in Forest Park and Melrose Park
As defending champs, Flashback are considered favorites at this year’s No Gloves. Like the other top teams, they received a bye for the first round. Their first game will be on Friday night at 7:15 p.m. The team has five sponsors, including O’Sullivan’s Public House in Forest Park, where they head after games.
Russ Jr. said he is proud of his son. He had been an old-school player who played every night. In recent years, the “schedule has lightened up” for younger players like Ryan.
“I’m just proud that Ryan has played the game the right way.”
Away from the softball diamond, Russ is in the fifth year of his apprenticeship for IBEW Local 134. His professional goal is to become a journeyman. His softball goal is to keep winning the No Gloves Tournament.
“I personally want to be inducted into the HOF,” Russ said. If he succeeds, the HOF will need a separate wing for the Russ family
He knows what it will take.
“I have to be on a winning team that wins big tournaments.”
William Russ, Ryan Russ and Bob Russ, Jr. PROVIDED
Softball is more than just a game for Dave Bradford
e game, he said, kept him o the streets
By JOHN RICE Contributing Reporter
Softball can save lives, according to Dave Bradford, who plays for the HighY 16” softball team.
Bradford grew up in the Robert Taylor Homes at 49th and Federal. He and his friends stayed out of trouble by playing baseball near the high-rise buildings. Their equipment was primitive, but they learned the game. He said he believes that having a healthy activity kept them from falling victim to the streets.
“The camaraderie and networking can be life-changing,” Bradford said. The game can save lives.
Bradford joined the baseball team at Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable High School and played for four years. He went on to play baseball for Stillman College, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he majored in medical technology. Although he is only 5’7,” Bradford said he
“played with confidence for a little guy.”
Bradford later switched from baseball to softball. He began playing softball at the elite level in 2003. He started with the Big Dog team and played in West Side tournaments. He made a name for himself in softball after he switched to the Steel Gold team.
He enjoyed even greater success when he joined Rack City. The team was started by his mentor, Charles Tolbert.
He recruited a bunch of great young players. Bradford said the ingredients to become an elite player are, “trust, dedication and availability.” He and his teammates embraced Tolbert’s emphasis on defense.
“Defense wins tournaments,” Bradford said.
His said his coach, Kelly Patton, was like a father to him.
“He kept us out of trouble,” he said. “All the players looked up to him.”
Bradford played seven days a week.
“The stakes are very high on the South Side. It can be very stressful.
Playing softball is like a breath of fresh air.”
Bradford has cut back his softball
playing to three days a week. He is 41 now and said, “When you get older, you lose a step.”
Bradford, though, said he still “loves the big moment, loves the spotlight.” He has enjoyed many big moments playing with High-Y.
Travis Smith owns the team and all the players chip in to pay expenses. It’s one of the rare softball teams not sponsored by a bar. Bradford bats sixth in the line-up. He is right-handed and is known as a “dump hitter” who places the ball over the heads of the infielders.
When they’re not playing softball, the team socializes with group activities.
“We’re like brothers,” Bradford said, “We know how to cheer up our teammates. I love the guys I play with. We have many vocal leaders.”
This year, High-Y played in the NorthSouth Tournament and lost to the 45’s 3-2 in 10 innings.
“The 45’s are a great team,” Bradford said, “Their chemistry is unmatched.” High-Y were also serious contenders at last year’s No Gloves Tournament. “We came in third. We lost to Flashback before the championship game.”
PROVIDED
David Bradford, age 5, standing w ith his father Dave Bradford.
This year, High-Y is among the top eight teams in the No Gloves and will enjoy a first-round bye.
“Tournament seeding gives an advantage to the better teams,” Bradford acknowledged. “We’re hoping to win the No Gloves. There are a lot of hungry teams and everyone is playing with confidence. I’m proud of the team but we take losses tough.”
Bradford added that he has seen more participation in the tournament by Black teams
“More Black teams are stepping up to help expand the game,” he said.
He got his job as safety coordinator at Napleton Chrysler Dodge in Lansing through a softball connection. Ray Czarnik was the president and general manager at Napleton and got Brandford his job. Czarnik is also a member of the 16” Softball Hall of Fame. If High-Y can continue to be successful at the elite level, their turn to be inducted into the HOF will come
David Brandon celebrates with teammates from High-Y.
‘Softball strong,’ Becky Koenig aims to give back
She’s
back to the game
— er, games — a er cancer treatment
By JOHN RICE Contributing Reporter
Becky Koenig grew up in a total sports family and has been playing 16” softball since she was seven. She continues to be high energy, snaring fly balls in the outfield and batting leadoff. She has seen two of her teams inducted into the 16” Hall of Fame: Hang ers (2018) and Brat Pack (2022). K
ball friends during her illness.
“The softball community has been amazing,” Koenig said. “They were praying for me and they helped me keep a positive attitude the whole time.” Koenig said she believes her mental attitude helped her physical recovery. Last year, the Y-Me tournament raised $105,000 for cancer research.
Koenig nurtured her love for softball while growing up in the Clearing neighborhood on the South Side. She still lives next door to her childhood home on 63rd Place. Her mom is her next-door neighbor. Her dad, Joe Vinelli, coached his three kids in softball, while turning them into Cubs fans. Koenig continued to excel at softball. She
classes. Koenig was promoted to supervisor at Donovan Park and Year-Round Recreation Leader at Boyce Park.
Koenig recently retired from the Chicago Park District after 32 years. She sai she is looking forward to her first summer away from the parks in 27 years. She need a break from working with kids but savo the memories of watching them grow into adulthood.
Koenig was just becoming an adult her self, when she joined the Bombers softball team at 18.
“I used to play six nights a week,” Koeni recalled.
She continued to play at the elite level fo
Forest Park: Your stop for the ‘No Glove Nationals’ Tournament
Congratulations to the Park District of Forest Park on 56 years of the longest running softball tournament in the nation!
PROVIDED
Amid her packed schedule, Becky Koenig, a cancer survivor, also plays the Y-Me tournament, which raises money for research about the disease.
while the women’s teams are aging,” Koenig said. “Softball culture used to be strong. Now, it’s hard to get 10 players to show up for every game. There are still some good women’s tournaments attracting 6 to 8 teams, but many women don’t play anymore.”
Young women are not taking up the game as they once did. The days of 7-year-old girls playing 16” softball appear to be over. The Chicago Public Schools are offering softball for boys but there are no teams for girls yet. The women’s game might be in decline, but
Koenig’s husband, Scott, has competed at an elite level for years. He often played in the No Gloves Tournament. The couple doesn’t have children, if you don’t count all the kids “Miss Becky” mentored working for the parks.
Koenig attends the 16” Softball Hall of Fame Banquet and watched her for mer teams being inducted. She proudly displays her Brat Pack tattoo. Koenig will also be at Mt. Greenwood Park on August 24th for the Y-Me Tournament. She plans to give back to the people who have given her so much.
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“ e so ball communit y has been amazing,” Beck Koenig said.
Softball Hall of Fame Museum a decade old
A Maag-ic Museum
By JOHN RICE Contributing Reporter
Ju ly 19, 2024 marke d the 10th A nniversary of the founding of the 16” Softball Hall of Fame Museum (HOF). Al Maag, who co-founded the HOF in 1996 with To ny Re ible, is proud of the impact it has had on the wo rl d of softball.
W hen visitors first c ome to the museum, Maag said their reaction is: “I didn ’t
1,000 views for each. W hen they share stories of old teams and inductees, they g et 1,500 to 10,000 views.”
T he museum is also info rm at ive fo r visitor s. “They c an look up old p hotogr aphs,” Maag said. “People are c ontributing p hotos, b alls and jerseys all the time. T heir biggest eng agement with the museum is when they d onate old p hotos T hey ’re kee ping the history alive by adding their storie s. ”
The museum has become a source of softball history. It has an all-volunteer staf f, though Maag said it would be nice to have
softball. Fo r tunately, HOF member Bobby Lopez, org anized a 16” f undraiser at Mt. Greenwood Pa rk , wh ich was advertised on local TV. Maag is hoping it will raise the profile of the spor t.
Ap art from money, the HOF Board c ould use a “changing of the g uard.”
know it was going to be this nice.” Th e museum exceeds expectations with it s displ ay s of vintage softballs, bats and unifo rm s. It has historic p hotos and videos of pl ayers and teams that have b een inducted. T he museum also has an online presence.
John C onenna c onducts a series of podcasts at the museum, where he i nterviews inductees. T hese podcasts are popular with the public and are also preserving the living history of the g ame
“The museum p osts c ontent 4-6 times per day, ” Maag said, “A nd they g et 500-
the resources to pay them. More funding would also allow the museum to upgrade exhibits and extend hours of operation.
Ke e ping history alive and a dding new stories is one of the missions of the HOF But as Maag says, it takes money to sustain the museum.
“Getting sponsors is still challenging,” he said, “We c ould be doing so much more. ” He is gr ateful for sponsors li ke March Manufacturing and Rich Melman. However, the COVID pandemic “ruined co rp orate softball” and dried up d onations. It also devastated industrial leagu e
Maag, Ray To pps and Ron Ku bicki have b een stalwarts for year s, but the b oard c ould use members who are 60 and younger. T hey suf fered a bl ow when b oard member Mark F righetto suddenly p assed aw ay at the age of 69. Fo r tunately, they have Board President Raul Rowan p utting to g ether tournaments and seminars for young people.
Maag remains optimistic that the younger g eneration will ke ep the g ame going. “Softball is not fading. T he g ame is changing and evolving,” Maag said. “Playe rs are playing for f un these days.”
T he old-time veterans used to pl ay ever y day. T he new g eneration d oesn’t have that level of c ommitment. T hey limi t their playing, so they c an spend more time with their families.
Softball may be in decline in i ts birth-
p lac e, Chicago but it ’s spreading to all parts of the c ountr y. “There are softball tournaments in S an Di eg o, L os Angeles and Yuma.” Iowa has long been a softball stronghold and the g ame’s popularit y c ontinues to attract pl ayers and f ans in other states.
T he museum will be open for extended hours during the No Gloves Tournament. Maag is expecting many visitors will ta ke advantage. 2024 will also mark the 15 th A nnive r sary of the founding of Inductee Pa rk . It ’s located next to the museum and features p laques of HOF inductees. It is d ominated by massive bats sur roundin g a giant Clincher softball.
Finally, Maag a ddressed the p assing of long time Pa rk Director Dave Novak. “Dave was always support ive of the HOF After Dave retired, Larry Piekarcz was also a big help in g etting us the building.” T he for mer g as station has b een transfor med into a fan-friendly museum. Maag c an foresee even more improvements to the museum. “It needs a new sign. To ny Rieibel wants a l ife-size statue of a softball pl ayer.”
PROVIDED
Hall of Fame Museum timeline exhibit on displ ay.
PROVIDED
Mayor Anthony Calderone is surrounded by the so ball board members for the ribbon cutting Hall of Fame in 2014.
The Park District of Forest Park would like
PRESERVE THE STORIES AND HISTORY
*
HONOR
THE BEST * PROMOTE THE GREAT GAME NATIONALLY
Forest Park Highlights
The 16” Hall of Fame Museum is proud to celebrate its 10th year!
Forest Park Highlights
The Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame was founded in 1996. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to preserving the history, recognizing the best of the best on and off the field, 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 600 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.
SPECIAL TEAM TOURS: 16SOFTBALLHOF@GMAIL.COM
ANNUAL INDUCTEE DINNER OCTOBER 26TH
DRURY LANE - OAK BROOK
LEARN MORE OR SHOP AT 16INCHSOFTBALLHOF.COM
RIP Mark Frighetto Board Member