Chicago 16" Hall of Fame

Class of 2009

Jim Matlock -1993 to Current Era

Jim Matlock played wide receiver for Hinsdale South High School, so it made sense that when he started playing softball, he would become a natural left fielder. He started his thirty-four year softball career with some friends in a Sunday morning league at Shabonna Park when he was nineteen. As is true for all great players, he was quickly noticed. Guy Trippi recruited him to play for the Woodmen. He played for the Woodmen for two years, the Blues for six years until they disbanded, March, Hollywood Casino / Doll House, Sports Channel, Puglish, Bucks, Splinters, and the 45s. He helped these teams win eight ASA National titles: five with the 45s, and one each with Hollywood, Puglise, and Splinters. They have also won nine Forest Park championships.
Matlock played left field during most of his career but switched to right field and third base later in his career. He started out as a straight pull-hitter, but as he matured, he studied other hitters and eventually became a gap hitter. He was named an ASA All -American ten times, was named the Forest Park tournament MVP in 2003, and was the ASA MVP for the 2005 nationals. He also won an ASA award for 12-inch softball.
Matlock and his wife, Holly, live in Woodridge, Illinois. They have two children - Jason and Justin and three grandsons - Jaden, Jacob, and Logan.

Matlock said during his remarks, "I need to mention the Blues as a team that I cut my teeth on and learned how to play this game." Matlock wen ton the thank his best friend and teammate Jeff Burger by saying, "He was the kind of a guy that you could beat on the field and you couldn't beat off the field. He brought that aptitude to all the teams that he played with that nobody could beat us. He led by example. " I honestly believe that without him I would not be up here speaking to you. Matlock closed by saying, "I want to congratulate Lettuce for getting inducted on my evening. I have to thank them for being a good team and they forced people to elevate their game. Lettuce you diffidently elevated my game. If we didn't elevate our game we wouldn't have beaten you and God knows how much I wanted to beat you."

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