11th Annual Chicago Sixteen Inch Hall of Fame

Sixteen Inch Hall of Fame Class of 2006

CICERO: More than five hundred fifty people paid to attend the Chicago Sixteen Inch Hall of Fame's 11th Annual Induction Dinner held at the Gold Cup Room at Hawthorne Race Course in Cicero on July 21st, 2007. A silent auction and several raffles were available for those in attendance during the cocktail hour before a buffet style dinner was served. Upon the completion of dinner the evening's festivities began with Chicago Sixteen Inch Hall of Fame Executive Committee member, Art Lurie introducing recording star Tristen who sang the national anthem.
Lurie next presented a video made up of outstanding plays made during sixteen inch softball games from Jack Stout personal library of films.
Lurie said, "We are still searching for a permanent location for the Hall of Fame to be. We have boxes and cases of memorabilia just waiting to go into a permanent hall of fame." He went on to announce, "We have spent countless hours creating a web site which is now our hall of fame for the time being." Lurie pointed out teat the web site address was listed on page three of the evening's program. Everyone individual and every team that had been inducted into the Chicago Sixteen Inch Hall of Fame are there. The address is www.16inchsoftballhof.com
Lurie closed his remarks by introducing his boyhood friend from the North side of Chicago, and this evening's co-host Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano.
Lane Tech High School was presented an award for winning the 2006 Chicago Public League 'Sixteen Inch' city title once again with Chicago Sixteen Inch Hall of Fame Executive Committee member Stan Patek accepting on their behalf.
The Pioneer Era was introduced next with Thomas Curran going first. Curran a pitcher played from 1944 through 1953 said while accepting his place in the Hall of Fame, " I'd like to hank the committee for this honor and also all my former teammates who made this night possible."
The second Pioneer to be inducted was Charles 'Missy' Miceli a shortstop and pitcher who played softball for more than five decades. Miceli passed away in 2002 and his daughter Katie accepted on his behalf who said, "I can not think of an honor he would have appreciated more being inducted into the softball hall of fame would have brought him great pride."
Anthony 'Anno' Ross a strong armed left fielder who passed away in 2001 was the third Pioneer to be inducted this evening with his son Jim accepting on his behalf. Ross said, "On behalf of the entire Ross family I'd like to thank Jack Dowling and the entire hall of fame committee and I'm sure if dad was here he want to thank his teammates for all of the great teams that he played on and for their friendship."
Stanley 'Lefty' Stein a left fielder and lead-off hitter from the 30's and 40's was inducted next. Stein who passed away in 1998 place in the hall of fame was accepted by his sons Fred and Joel. Joel Stein said while accepted for his father. "This is a very proud moment for our family and a great way to honor our father's accomplishments; he'd be grinning ear to ear if he were here."
The evening final 'Pioneer' inductee was Charles 'Pee Wee' Wilson who lives out of state and could not attend. His award was accepted by Hall of Famer Leonard McKinnon who said, "This morning he (Wilson) told me to thank the induction committee for accepting him to given him this award." McKinnon added. "I'd like to thank all the ball players and fans from the South Side of Chicago, Washington Park for being here tonight."

(L) Joseph Pusateri - 1950 - 19763 Err & (R) Joe Aarna - Organizer

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