History of Sluggers Softball
The Schaumburg Athletic Association was formed in 1962, with the introduction of baseball. Girls and boys played
baseball in one program. In the mid 1970’s, softball attained separate sports status. During the first couple of years,
membership in softball was about 170 players. In 1976, the first tournament teams were formed from the recreational
program. There was a team formed from the 12’s and one from the 14’s. Each competed only in ASA Metros, and, if
qualified, went to ASA Regionals. In 1991 and 1992, the quality of the tournament teams advanced to the point where the
girls wanted to play competitive ball only, as they won the ASA Metros in 1991 and 1992 and competed in Nationals. In
1993, travel teams were formed. The girls on the very first travel team chose Sluggers from a list of names gathered,
and the fun began. The SAA has grown to 8 sports and 6,000 registrants while SAA Softball boasts over 700
participants.
The oldest known Slugger to play softball in college is Stacy Sher, who graduated Wheeling High School in 1995 and
played at North Dakota. Stacy introduced “the puke drill” to the Sluggers!
Sher (top far left) came back to help coach the Sluggers in 1996.
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Later to become runner-up champions, the 13u Sluggers begin their long climb to the top of the Softball world. Third from the right
(sitting) is future U of Chicago player Rachel Cohen.
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In 1995, the SAA contacted the Commissioner of NSA and secured the NSA State Tournament. For 3 years, SAA ran
the tournament, which grew from 98 teams in the first year to 168 teams by the 3rd year. In the meantime, the SAA
hosted exhibition games with the 1996 USA Olympic Team, which played a double header at the newly opened Olympic
Park. The park was dedicated on that great day in May. The first game was played against a college summer team from
NIU; the second game featured an area all-star team primarily composed of 18u Sluggers.
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Gold Medalist Michelle Smith pitched against the Slugger dominated all-stars.
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Slugger Carla Hill will retire a member of the USA Olympic Team in the second game of a double header.
. Since that event 16 years ago, the Slugger program has continued to improve in instruction, facilities, and direction. In
2003, the Sluggers 18u team was the NSA’s Runner-up National Champions. In 2004 the 18u Sluggers finished 17th
and in 2005, the Sluggers again placed in the top 10 in 7th place.
Coach Gerry Mauro, himself a coach on a 3 time ASA Gold Championship Team, holds several clinics for the Slugger
players and coaches throughout the seasons. Schaumburg has recently completed an indoor sports facility, which the
Sluggers regularly use for both off season practices and games. Teams practice 2-3 times per week in the off-season.
