2007 Hall of Honor: Shockers/Paul Davis Restoration

/

Shockers/Paul Davis Restoration

Shockers/Paul Davis Restoration from Rockford captured the USSSA Class C World Tournament held at Disney Wide World of Sports at Orlando, Florida in September 2006. Led by Most Valuable Player Justin Wicinski (pitcher) and Offensive Most Valuable Player Drew Anderson, Shockers/Paul Davis Restoration ran the table going a perfect 8-0.

Danny Jordan, Matthew Rear, Brandon Riese, Travis Clark, Kenny Hopkins and Dustin Fuller were named to the All-World Team. John Alonso, Todd Ankeny, Steve Briggs, Jim Duncan, Larry Gowan, Ricky Grimes, Greg Malcomson, Greg Marchini, Dennis Muth, Shaun Odea and Brian Schoester defeated the state champions from New York, Connecticut, Ohio, Rhode Island and Missouri on their road to the title. They were victorious over Barille/Scalpers from Ohio by the score of 4-3 in the championship game.

During the 2007 season, Shockers/Paul Davis Restoration posted 1056 wins, 23 losses and won 13 out of 25 tournaments in addition to winning the Class C NIT in Indianapolis. They were also crowned the Class B Illinois State Champions.

Congratulations to all members, coaches and sponsors of Shockers/Paul Davis Restoration for their wonderful season and their USSSA Class C World Championship crown.

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

(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.

Hall of Honor 2007_Lilly Air Systems 2.jpeg
Hall of Honor 2007_Lilly Air Systems 3.jpeg