Fools Smoke Crack Champions

31st Annual Best Of The Western Sixteen Inch Tournament In Chicago

By Ryan Phelan

On Saturday, July 22nd, 'Fools Smoke Crack' won the 31st Annual Best of Western Sixteen Inch Softball tournament at Mt. Greenwood Park in Chicago. The team consisted of players from three south side park league teams: Ship of Fools, Up in Smoke, and Cracker playing as Fools Smoke Crack went a perfect 4-0 to win the top cash prize being offered at this tournament. Fools Smoke Crack beat Package (3-1) in the championship game 5-4 to claim the nine hundred fifty dollar first place prize from the field of nineteen teams.
On their way to the championship, Fools Smoke Crack run ruled Sagginon in the first round 14-1 which was highlighted by a nine run first inning. In their second game, Fools Smoke Crack took on an In Debt team consisting of major players from Mudville, Binge, and the Miller 45's. This seemed to be their toughest competition of the day. Again, Fools Smoke Crack jumped out in the first inning scoring ten big runs on ten hits. Even with this lead they knew they had to score more against this powerhouse team. In Debt chomped away at the lead, inning by inning, and trailed by only three runs entering the bottom of the seventh inning. Fools Smoke Crack's defense proved to be too much and they came away with the victory 13-11. In their semi-final game, Fools Smoke Crack beat a young Primetime team 5-4. Both teams seemed to be tired from the long day and heat. However, Fools Smoke Crack came out on top by playing an error free game. Package played Hippos (Eastsiders) in their semi-final game that came down to the wire. Package was up one run with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning and the bases loaded, Package got the Hippos to pop out in the infield and then hit a line out for the last out as they hung on for an 11-10 win. The victory ended the Hippos five year reign as champions of the Best of Western Sixteen Inch Softball Tournament title. The championship game was highlighted by strong defense on both sides. Fools Smoke Crack jumped out to lead of 5-1 due to some timely hitting and sacrifices to move runners over. Heading into the top of seventh inning and the score still 5-1, Fools Smoke Crack were only three outs away from bringing the trophy back to the south side. Package used its 'never say die' attitude to score three runs but came up just a little short leaving the tying run on first base when that last out was recorded.
Bert Drose, the pitcher for Fools Smoke Crack, was named MVP of the tournament.