It’s on Facebook – so it must be true.
“I found out the news from my daughter. She called me and congratulated me for being selected for the Chicago 16-Inch Softball Hall of Fame (HOF) – she saw it on Facebook,” said Glenn Groebli.
In this case, you can check SNOPES if you want; it is true. The 2017 HOF Inductees for The Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame will be honored on April 7 at Drury Lane Oakbrook, and Sun City Residents Groebli and Gildo Coldebella will be among them.
Sun City is home to other residents who have already been inducted into the Hall of Fame in years past, such as Ken Isral, Bob Campbell, Mary Kay Monaghan and Mike North.
Ron Kubicki, the President of the Chicago 16-inch Softball (HOF) stated, “This is a great time for those of us who love the game to celebrate with friends and honor those who have been inducted while keeping the game alive for those who will be playing after us.”
Glenn Groebli (top) and Gildo Coldabella will be inducted into the Chicago 16-Inch Softball Hall of Fame on April 7. (Photos by Christine Such/Sun Day)
The game of 16-inch softball started in Chicago on Thanksgiving 1887 and has been a Chicago icon since the 1920s. The game had trouble finding its name as it was referred to as indoor baseball, kitten baseball, diamond ball, mush ball, and pumpkin ball. Finally, in 1926, Walter Hakanson who represented the YMCA at a recreation conference referred to the game as softball, and it stuck.
Groebli has played his part in keeping the game alive during his tenure. He will be inducted into the hall of fame as an organizer.
“Sun City Huntley now ranks with one of the best 16” softball programs in the Chicagoland area,” he said.
Groebli has been an organizer for 47 years. He organized his first team call the Sundowners. Groebli also played the role of manager for 47 years and he has played the game for over 58 years.
Groebli currently serves as president of the Sun City Softball Club and is credited for recently organizing the Honor the Veterans softball game.
Coldebella stated, “It took a long time. I am 81 and I quit playing for the most part when I was 41. Bob Campbell must have pursued nominating me every year. I am going into the Hall of Fame as a pioneer. I started playing as a kid on the streets. We had to hit the ball inside of the curb.”
Coldebella continued playing the game through high school and college, and in 1955, his team went to the State Championship and won.
“I remember that game because every time we took the field we were losing and then at bat we were winning. We won by one hit – 21-20. Those are the games you remember. The good and the bad.”
He added, “I have to thank my wife and children for allowing me the pleasure of playing ball 3 or 4 times a week. My son is a great player, and at 57, he is still playing.”
Coldebella’s philosophy in any sport is simple, and holds true for Sun Citiains: “Stick with the team that got you there.”
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