2023 Associate: Rockford Park District

In 1982 Clarence Hicks, Superintendent of Recreation of the Rockford Park District attended the annual USSSA National Convention at Nashville, TN. After attending the ASA convention, the week prior, he introduced himself to Brenda Paulson and said he was there to observe what governing body would be best suited for the 8-diamond complex under construction. In 1983 the Rockford Park District registered all their league teams and umpires USSSA. (eventually registering over 300 Adult Slow Pitch teams and 70 umpires)

This new complex was called the Sportscore. At the time this was Illinois’s only multi-diamond facility with 300’ fences, ag-lime infields all at the same location. And Bob “Pappy” Papich (2002 IL Hall of Famer) took over as administrator of this huge win for USSSA softball!

The 8 diamonds at the “Core”, three and eventually four diamonds at Forest Hills and the six diamonds at Harlem Sports Complex led the USSSA to host numerous Slow Pitch and Fast Pitch Qualifying, State, NIT’s, National, Divisional, World, and World Series events. Illinois USSSA held the largest State Tournaments in the Men’s Slow Pitch programs.  In all, over 450 USSSA tournaments were held at the Sportscore from 1983 thru 2014.

Not any of this would be possible without the support and sponsorship of the Rockford Park District Board and the Executive Directors over the years include Webbs Norman, Tim Dimke and currently, Jay Sandine. Sportscore Managers, Bob “Pappy” Papich 1983 – 2000 and Marianne Larson (2002 – 2019) and Louis Mateus, General Manager of the Sportscore complexes.

The Sportscore I diamonds were dedicated as “Pappy’s Fields” in 2011 after the man who spent almost every minute of every day at the diamonds for 17 years.

When you played at the “Core” you were regarded by the entire staff including concessions and grounds keepers. The Umpires were also treated very well. Thanks Marianne!

In addition, numerous Manager meetings and Umpire Clinics were hosted at the Park District facilities.

The Rockford Park District was awarded the IL USSSA Award of Merit in 1987 and the Distinguished Service Award in 1991 for their outstanding efforts.

Thank you, Rockford Park District, and staff, for making softball an enjoyable experience at the Sportscore and for helping advance a sport many people love and the IL USSSA programs for 36 years.