Softball – America’s Game; Invented in Chicago

OPS: The following was sent to us by a Ben who shall remain nameless - Photo  and headzup courtesy Softball inventedof Henry Klepczynski

Henry Klepczynski from our office stumbled upon this on the grounds of the  Michael Reese Hospital site.  He has been taking photos of the site prior to the planned city demolition to make way for the Olympic Village. He also took pictures in 2007 and 2008 documenting the decline of the once bustling site that was first erected in 1880.

Michael Reese Hospital

A humble monument marks the spot where the game of softball was invented in 1887. This occured in the gymnasium at the Farragut Boat Club, which stood at 3018 S. Lake Park, on the current hospital grounds. Charles Cushman photographed the Farragut Club in 1949, shortly before it was demolished. It was seemingly used by some sort of veterans club at that time.

Photo  and headzup courtesy of Henry Klepczynski

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