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9th Annual Chicago 16" Hall Of Fame Dinner

22 Individuals & 3 Teams Inducted At Hawthorne Park

9th Annaul Chicago Sixten Inch Hall of Fame Induction Group Photo - photo by David Hagen

CICERO: The 9th Annual Chicago Sixteen Inch Hall of Fame Induction Dinner was held on Saturday January 8th at the Hawthorne Race Course's, Gold Cup Room in Cicero with Hall of Fame President Gary Thorsen saying, "It was a very successful night."
Hall of Fame Vice President, Tony Reibel opened the evening festivities by welcoming everyone and than he introduced recording artist Tristen who sang our 'National Anthem'. Reibel concluded his remarks by introducing Hall of Famer George Bliss of the Chicago Softball Hotline as the evening's master of ceremonies.
The evening first award went to Walter Payton College Prep who Varsity Boys Softball team captured the Chicago Public League championship with a 5-4 win over defending champion Lane Tech. High School to cap off a perfect 15-0 season.
Bliss introduced Eddie Currie from the Chicago Public Schools who present the team with a plaque in honor of their city championship. Bliss added that Connie Payton had called extend her personal congratulation to the team that bears her late husband name.
Walter Payton College Prep coach, Valerie Gemskie (daughter of Hall of Famer Jim Gemskie) said, "I'd like to thank the Hall of Fame for recognizing high school softball and also Eddie Currie for his support and work to improve sixteen inch
The Hall of Fame inducted four from in the Pioneer Era with starting with umpire James C. Canna. Bliss said, "Canna was a knowledgeable umpire who was always prepared for every game." In accepting his award the veteran of eighteen softball seasons of arbitrating games Canna said, "It been a real please to see faces that I umpires for twenty five years."
Bliss introduced Emil Flerick next by saying, "He helped the First National Bank of Chicago to become the only team to retire the traveling Erickson Trophy by winning the Grant Park tournament three years in a row."
Flerick said, "I like to thank the committee for allowing this to happen and also thank all former my teammates."
Bliss next brought Casey LaRocco to the podium by saying, "He was one of the best short center fielders of all-time."
LaRocco in accepting his award said, "I want to thank all you people for being here to honor us and I especially want to thank you to my wife Annie who has stayed with me for fifty eight years."
Bliss than brought Tony Norka nephew Kevin Kruszka who spoke about the line drive hitting middle infielder to by saying this about him, "My uncle could not attend because of a minor traffic accident in Florida. He sends his thanks and his congratulation to all the other inductees tonight, Thank you."

(L) Walter Payton College Prep - photo by David Hagen & (R) Pioneer Era

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