Thanks for visiting our website!

 

Our league started in 1933. It was first called the “Wilderness League”. When the league began, it was exclusively for employees of Anaconda Wire and Cable Company. Anaconda was one of the largest factories in Sycamore, IL. Anaconda also paid for the league’s expenses. Many of Anaconda’s employees were from Chicago, IL. In search of employment, some of the factory workers moved 60 miles west to Sycamore, IL. The men from Chicago brought their love of 16” softball with them.

 

There were 4 employees who knew the game of 16” softball and they were chosen to be the team captains due to the fact that they could pitch. The teams were formed by players putting their names in a hat and the captains pulling names to make up the teams. A typical game day would consist of the players getting off of work, go home to have an early dinner with their family and head out to Sycamore Park to play. Many of the families would come out as well to watch the games or just enjoy the park.

 

Due to more interest in the local area, more teams were formed. The league was renamed the Industrial League. Most of the factories in the area had a team. Anaconda, Turner Brass, Ideal, Duplex, Holub’s, Sycamore Containers, were just some of the early industrial teams. Over time, most of the local bars had teams in the league.

 

Here is a list of former teams:

Pizza Wheel, Morrie’s, Scalawag’s, Roland Plumbing, Stryker’s, Boone’s, VFW, Don’s Tavern, Swedburg & Associates, Hole in the Wall, Cooler King’s, Strain’s, 1st National Bank, 4 Season’s.

We are always looking to add more teams from the past.

 

Over the years, the league’s popularity has grown. From a 4 team league in the 1933 to 16 teams presently.

 

Unique Facts About Our League:

-No gloves allowed at any position.

-Our four fields in the Old Park face into each other, not away.

-Back in the day, there was a local beer vendor that would set up a beer trailer at the side of the fields. After each inning, players would go fill up their glasses. It was called “Beer Bash”.

-Our league trophy is named after Bob Bailey, a long time player and umpire in the league.

-Due to less sunlight, the 1st four weeks are spread out on 8 fields. At the start of the 5th week, we always play double headers at the Old Park.

-We play with a 16” Clincher in Optic Yellow.

-Lead off’s are allowed. Base stealing is not allowed.

-Our oldest player is 75 years young.

-In 2014, our league donated $500 to Feed Em Soup, a local food pantry.

 

We play every Thursday night in the summer. May thru August. Come out and enjoy!!!

 

President – Chad Gautcher – cgautch@yahoo.com

Vice President – Kevin Spartz – kevinspartz@gmail.com

League/Tournament Scheduler – Paul Aspengren – paspengren@gmail.com