2007 Hall of Honor: Lilly Air Systems
/Lilly Air Systems
(Back L-R) Kurt Steger, Jim Reeves, Mr. Lilly, Al Vangampler, Ron Olesiak, Bill Scillian, Dan Barnett, John Lilly, Ben Holt, Ron Fundenberg, Ken Parker, Tom Chmela
(Front L-R) Ron Danoski, Phil Higgins, Pete Williams
Lilly Air Systems out of Chicago competed in six USSSA Major World Tournaments during the 1980s. In both 1982 and 1983, they finished eighth at the World Tournament and were ranked tenth nationally. The 1984 season brought an eleventh-place finish at World’s, an 84-24 record, a national ranking of sixth and a National Major Championship title in another organization. In 1985, Lilly Air Systems compiled an impressive 76-17 record. They again finished eleventh at the Major World Tournament and finished ranked fifth in the nation.
Lilly Air Systems broke up after the 1986 season in which they won the Illinois Class A (open) State Championship. They without a doubt left an unforgettable mark on Illinois and on softball nationwide.
Lilly Air Systems players who reigned during the 1980s included:
- Ed Ambacher
- Dan Barnett
- Jim Burke
- Tom Chmela
- Ron Danoski
- Ken Dohm*
- Ron “T-Bird” Funderberg
- Al Van Gampler*
- Jay Graziano
- Phil Higgins
- Benny Holt*
- Jake Jacobi
- John Lilly*
- Paul Moore
- Ron Olesiak*
- Ken Parker
- Jim Reeves
- Tim Russell
- Ron Scillian
- Don Snyder
- Tom Spahn*
- Tom Starck
- Dave Steffan
- Kurt Steger*
- George Tankas
- Pete Williams (manager)*
- Gary Winemaster
*Those marked had all been inducted into the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame as of 2007.
