1996 Pioneer Manager: Ron Brown

Ron Brown

Ron Brown was the founder of top 12-inch team The Lantern, the first Illinois team to play USSSA softball. The Lantern dominated Chicagoland play during the 70s.

2000 Pioneer Manager: Ed Young

Ed Young

Ed Young’s Burla Construction/Malnar’s Tap was one of the finest softball teams to ever come out of Joliet, and one of the top teams in the USSSA Central Division in the mid-80s.

With Young at the helm and key players like pitcher Dick Morelli, left fielder Dan Prater, Dave Shortz and Benny Holt, Burla compiled a record of 665-234, finishing in the top four at numerous NITs and winning the 1982 Class B Regional and 1985 Class A State Titles.

In only their third year in existence, Burla finished third at the rain-shortened USSSA World in Milwaukee with only one loss. In 1985, his Burla/Malnar’s squad was ranked fifth in the USSSA Class A Central Division final rankings.

Besides his championship trophies, Young is most pleased of his teams’ battling spirit.

“We beat ‘em all somewhere along the line,” he said proudly.

“They” being the likes of such 80s powerhouses as Bunca Car Wash, Lilly Air Systems, Jerry’s Catering and Steele’s Sports.

Throughout the competitive years, Young had the backing of not only Burla Construction, but also the loyal support of Chet Markstrom of Malnar’s Tap; support Young always appreciated.

“Chet was always there to cover any shortages,” Young said.