2010 ILLINOIS NSA HALL OF FAME

SAA Schaumburg Sluggers / Schaumburg AA - Team

Schaumburg Sluggers/Schaumburg Athletic Association sponsors over 50 youth softball teams plus 5 other sports - a total of over 6,000 total registrants each year.

In 1995, the Schaumburg Sluggers began playing NSA softball tournaments and teams have competed in the NSA World Series every season since 1995!

Teams from the Schaumburg Athletic Association have placed 2nd twice, 5th, 7th, 10th and 17th in the NSA Nationals during the past 10 years plus placed 3rd in the Super World Series in 2003. Schaumburg Sluggers have been a top three NSA state finisher numerous times including 3rd in 2010 and 2nd in 2009.

In 2003 Schaumburg and the Athletic Association hosted the NSA Girls Fast-Pitch Class B World Series! 221 teams participated in the week-long event held at six softball complexes.

Schaumburg Sluggers/Schaumburg Athletic Association hosted the NSA Illinois Girls Fast-Pitch State Championship in Schaumburg - The tournament grew from 90 in teams in 1996 to 168 teams in 1999.

From 1996-1999, the Schaumburg Sluggers and then state director Chris Garner, established a $500 college scholarship awarded to a player in the State Tournament. The award was based on hustle and good sportsmanship.

In 1995 the Schaumburg Athletic Association began hosting Slugfest, a NSA National Qualifier which has continued for 16 consecutive years. The tournament was recognized by the Chicago Tribune as one of the best tournaments in the state in 1996. In 2010, 68 teams from the 10u - 14u levels competed.

In 1996, the Schaumburg Athletic Association hosted the USA Olympic team including Lisa Fernandez, Michelle Smith, Dot Richardson, and Michelle Ventrella on a stop during their countrywide tour! The Olympic team played against an all star team coached by the Sluggers.

In 1999, Schaumburg Sluggers/Schaumburg Athletic Association was awarded the "NSA 110% Award" from the NSA National Office!

This photo, submitted to the Illinois Hall of Fame, shows the Lady Sluggers and families from all age groups celebrating their finish in the 2010 NSA National Championship in South Carolina. The Schaumburg Sluggers 16u finished 2nd (Finalist) and gathered for a Runner-up National Championship picture in South Carolina!

"SAA would like to thank the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who helped in our endeavors!" said Frank Hill, Slugger Coach, "Through them, enjoyable events were provided for thousands of girls and families!"

Illinois NSA Hall of Famer, Frank Hill spoke for his organization saying, "The bottom line in our program has always been and it's always part of the Sluggers is make sure that the kids that we serve are having a good time who are learning some valuable life lessons who have to foster respect for themselves for their peers and the people who are helping guild them along the way." Hill closed his remarks by saying, "On behalf of my organization, thank you for this honor."

Bob Biehl presented the Schaumburg Sluggers/Schaumburg Athletic Association the banner pictured below to hang in their practice facility in recognition of playing in the 2010 NSA World Series finals.

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