How Softball Came to La Grange

While baseball had long been a favorite activity locally, softball was first brought to La Grange in 1937 by the Mother’s Club, a forerunner of the Parent-Teacher Association. The following year Clarence Schwake told the story of that first year in the Fayette County Record’s special Century of Progress issue.

“In the later part of May, 1937, the Mother’s Club conceived the idea that the local lighted grid iron could easily be converted in to a soft ball diamond, and there by provide wholesome and popular entertainment during the hot summer nights, and too, increase the treasury of the club and of the high school athletic association. The Mothers suggested the idea to the board of trustees of the La Grange high school, and after due consideration were granted the use of the field during the summer months. Half of the proceeds were to go to Mothers’ club as sponsors, and the other half to the athletic association of the school. This was the beginning of soft ball in La Grange. “After the first several games, it seemed that the sport in La Grange would be short-lived, for the attendance become poorer at each game, and the interest began to wane. It was then suggested that a game between the fat and lean men of La Grange be scheduled, and in that way prove to the older people just how much fun they could have playing as well as watching the game. This was done and the crowd that turned out proved that the “hunch” was right. Several more games were played and good crowds turned out. It seemed that soft ball had gotten its foothold.

“It was then suggested that a league be formed and a regular schedule be played. This was done, and five women’s teams entered the women’s league and six men’s teams entered the men’s league.The women decided to play the large 14-inch [circumference] playground ball, and the men with the 12-inch regulation soft ball. As the weeks passed more interest was manifested in each game. The contests were close, and quite naturally the crowds thoroughly enjoyed them.

“All too soon the season ended because the first semester of school had opened. However, the season was a success from a financial standpoint as well as from an entertainment standpoint. Softball has proven its popularity with the old as well as the young and seemed destined to increase in popularity the next season.

“About a month and a half before the end of the second semester of school, the board of trustees again met to decide whether the Mothers’ club should be granted the use of the field for the 1938 season. They voted favorably, so plans were formulated for the season which is now under way … Three women’s teams comprised their league and six men’s teams comprised the men’s league, namely: Mothers’ club Butcherettes and Preppy Ten in the former; and Sinclairizers, Firemen, West Side Giants, Prairie Valley Tigers, Mobiloilers and Red Jackets in latter. However, after the season started it seemed that interest had dimmed to a certain extent, judging from the crowds that came and the season has not started off with a “bang” as had been anticipated. The financial end seemed destined to go toward the red side of the ledger more than the profit side.

“Although the game was being played for the sport that was in it, a small amount of profit had to be realized in order to continue. It was then decided to have a manager’s meeting to discuss the matter and decide whether or not a change should be made with reference to charging all players. Although this met with some opposition, after a vote was taken, it was agreed to again charge all players. It was generally agreed that it had been given a fair trail the other way, and had proven unsatisfactory. After all was said and done, everyone seemed satisfied. Strange but true, the gate receipts increased more than the natural increase after charging all players. This was more than pleasing since it proved that everyone was satisfied, and that those who enjoyed the game played and saw the games for the sport that was in it.

“In conclusion, it may be said that the sport that has already attained popularity is made more popular by the interest shown. The teams of both the women’s and men’s league have tried to give fans wholesome and worthwhile entertainment, and hope they have enjoyed it thus far. There are many more games to be played before this season ends, some that will keep you on edge until the final out is called by the umpire. The season has just gotten a good start, and indications now point to another good season of entertainment. To those of you who have not seen any of the games thus far this season, there can be said these few words with no intention of criticism whatsoever “You don’t know what you have been missing.”