Chicago 16" Hall of Fame

Class of 2009

Lettuce Entertain You - Team Induction

"We showed up. We played hard. We won our fair share. We had a good Time."These words by Hall of Fame manager Rich Melman summarize Lettuce softball during the 1990s. Melman and Joel Zimberoff managed Lettuce to one USSSA title in 1994, three ASA runners-up finishes ('91,' 97, '99) and four ASA National titles ('92, '93, '96, '98). They also placed second in the Forest Park Tournament three times ('92, '96, and '99) and won it four times ('91, '93, '94, and '97). Lettuce has won every major championship in the game and is considered by many to be the Yankees of sixteen-inch softball during the 1990s. The stats will also say that Lettuce was the most successful team in Mt. Prospect's storied softball history. Rich and Joel were instrumental in attracting some of the best players in the game, including Hall of Famers as Pat Caputo, Ray Topps, Ken Flaws, Matt Biondic, Ken Cooper, Kurt Uidal, Frank Mustari, Tim McManigal, John O'Conner, the Kelly brothers, John Kelleher and others. It is a safe bet a few more players will be added to that stellar list in the next few years.

Lettuce was seen on television more than any team as well. The Grant Park Classic that was televised for six years and the Pro League that was televised for three years at Forest Park was co-founded by Melman and producer David Hynes. Sportschannel televised the games throughout the Midwest.

Melman accepted on behalf of his ball club and said, "I want to thank the Hall for recognizing this team. I love my experience. It's so much fun when your best fried, my best friend Joel Zimberoff and I could put this thing together." He went on to say, "Very simply, we had a good time, we laughed a lot, and we won, and I don't know what else you can get out of softball." He closed by saying, "thank you very much." Melman turned to his team and said, "And thank you guys I love you guys."

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