Chicago 16" Hall of Fame

Class of 2009

Bob Eskew - Manager

Bob Eskew started playing 16-inch softball for the Calumet City Park District while in high school. After graduating, he went into the Army. Once he returned to civilian life, he enrolled at Chicago State University and quickly became friends with many of the members of the women's softball team. After graduation, they asked him to coach their 16-inch team and soon Rose & Crown was formed. They quickly became one of the legendary teams in 16-inch softball history.
Since its inception in 1976, Rose & Crown won 488 games against only 44 losses. They won fifteen league titles, 28 of 36 tournaments and nine successive ASA Metro titles. During its reign, approximately 70 athletes have played for Rose& Crown. Veteran players credit Eskew with providing the glue and the coaching expertise to mold them into champions and the wisdom to help them sustain their successes. Besides coaching, Bob also played 16-inch softball with Tub's Pub, Studs, and Wilbur's Cats.
Eskew has coached at the high school level for thirty-four years. He has coached the varsity boys basketball team at Thornton Fractional North and at Prairie State College. He was also head baseball coach, head girls volleyball coach, and assistant boys basketball coach at Bloom Township High School. He has three children - Robbie, Matt, and Megan. Bob lives in Schererville, Indiana.

Eskew thanked his family and fiends who were here tonight to help him celebrate this occasion. He went on to say what an honor this is to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Eskew said, "Ten years ago I stood before you to delivery an acceptance speech for Rose & Crown's induction (team) into the Hall of Fame as the best women's softball team of all time. My induction tonight is validation tat selection. While the honor is bestowed upon me the accomplishment that enabled me to be here this evening were those of dedicate talent and a collection of extraordinary athlete's and coaches that always performed at a very high level. Rose and Crowns goal was always to be the very best." Eskew went on to say, "We played the game the way it was intended to be played. On the field we were all business but after the game we partied, boy did we party." He closed by saying. "Thank you again for bestowing this honor upon me and thank you to all the former Rose & Crown coaches and players. Without you I would not be standing here this evening. Thank you."

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