Welcome back players and visitors to the 57th Annual No Gloves National Softball Tournament. On our 57th year we are excited to celebrate another successful tournament!
We want to start out thanking approximately 100 volunteers that made this event happen! They help us prepare our famous beef sandwiches. They serve great refreshments, keeping our fans cool. The shifts can begin as early as 8 a.m. Sometimes the evenings can be long. Volunteers may stay until after midnight. Without the volunteers this event would not be what it is!
When the planning began this year, we looked at exciting improvements for the year. Planning for this event begins in the spring. Staff plan for months to ensure we have all the logistics planned and implemented in a timely manner. Over that four-day period staff begin their days as early as 7:30 a.m. Some nights they are not home until the next day! For staff this is something they enjoy being part of.
This summer the park district employs over 250 staff to ensure the park operations are of the highest standard. These employees all step up and help us with this great event. You may have a lifeguard serving you a hot dog or a concession staff member selling you a T-shirt. These are our great staff that make our park district operations go round during the busy season. They maintain a high standard and it is showcased at the tournament each year.
Each year we continue to have the support of our Park District Board of Commissioners. They support the logistics, safety and funding that ensure this continues to be a prestigious event. They also spend countless hours behind the grill, selling merchandise and pouring beer to help the successful operations of this event. We thank them for their support!
Look forward to visiting our honor wall this year. Along the pathway on Harrison Street are displayed banners of those that have supported and made an impact on this great tournament. This will also display our great sponsors that support the event. Having sponsors contribute ensures we can maintain affordable prices.
It continues to be an honor to provide the greatest tournament. We cannot wait to see everyone. Look forward to great softball, good food and great company!!
See you in the Park!
Jackie Iovinelli,
Executive Director/Co-Tournament
Director
Park District of Forest Park