2022 Female Player: Toni Stachon

Toni Stachon, Lemont, IL

Toni Stachon was one of the most sought-after middle infielders in the Women’s Class A program in the early 1980s.

Her 16” career started on the best Chicago area teams to include Rose-N-Crown and OJ’s/Buffoons. When Gloria Kolbusz, (IL USSSA Hall of Fame Manager, 2001), wanted a new challenge and to see new teams, she brought her 16” team, the Chicagoans, (Hall of Fame Team, 2008) out of the city to the 12” program. (12” ball was still being used at this time). The Chicagoans not only made the transition to the game, but they excelled.

Toni joined the team, and the Chicagoans became a dominant force, in so much as her helping to win the Illinois USSSA Class A State Championship 3 consecutive years, beginning in 1982. Toni batted over .500, turned numerous double plays at 2nd base and won numerous All State Tournament Team Awards. All National Teams, and many Golden Gloves. Toni also played for Bud Light and Precision, another dominant team from Wisconsin.

A graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago, Toni was inducted into their Basketball & Softball Hall of Fame in 1991. In her sophomore year she was invited to try out for the 1976 Olympic Team in basketball. She also worked for the Chicago White Sox and was a pioneer player on the Women’s Pro Basketball League with the Chicago Hustle and the Minnesota Fillies.

In 2000 Toni Stachon was inducted into the Chicago 16” Hall of Fame. Also, in that same year she was hired by the Lemont Park District as a teacher/coach and became their Recreational Superintendent. She was also an IHSA volleyball and basketball official.

When asked for any additional comments she stated, “I was honored to be asked to play on many teams.” And a great competitor she was!