A Wheeling runner is tagged out by a Hersey shortstop during softball action.
Daily Herald file photo, April 1979
State high school softball is upon us, and to honor this yearly tradition, our #TBT Gallery this week features high school softball action from 1979-1980, including a couple of schools which are no longer open - Arlington and Forest View high schools.
According to the IHSA website, the first state softball tournament took place in 1976 at Mineral Springs Park in Pekin, Illinois. Richton Park (Rich South) won the championship that year. In 1985, the state final split into Class A for small schools, which was won by Freeburg, and Class AA for large schools won by Rock Island (Alleman). Today, there are four classes of the state tournament played in East Peoria.
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A masked Hersey batter waits for a pitch during a game against Wheeling.
Daily Herald file photo, April 1979
Two Wheeling outfielders collide while going for a fly ball in a game against Hersey.
Daily Herald file photo, April 1979
An Elk Grove runner is called safe by an exuberant umpire in a playoff game vs. Rolling Meadows.
Daily Herald file photo, May 1979
An Elk Grove shortstop stretches for a throw to force out a Rolling Meadows runner during a playoff softball game.
Daily Herald file photo, May 1979
The umpire calls the runner safe in a playoff game between Elk Grove and Rolling Meadows High Schools.
Daily Herald file photo, May 1979
A Schaumburg pitcher hurls a pitch toward a Hersey batter during High School playoff softball.
Daily Herald file photo, May 1979
An Elk Grove runner bowls over a Rolling Meadows catcher and is safe at the plate.
Daily Herald file photo, May 1979
A Hersey batter takes a swing at a pitch during Schaumburg vs. Hersey playoff softball.
Daily Herald file photo, May 1979
Schaumburg celebrates a playoff victory over Hersey.
Daily Herald file photo, May 1979
An Arlington High School Cardinal takes the field against Hersey.
Daily Herald file photo, May 1979
A Forest View runner is called safe at the plate during a game against Elk Grove.
Daily Herald file photo, May 1980
An Elk Grove runner is safe at the plate during a game against Forest View.
Daily Herald file photo, May 1980
A Forest View pitcher unleashes a pitch to an Elk Grove batter.
Daily Herald file photo, May 1980
A Wheeling runner is about to be thrown out at second base during a game against Buffalo Grove.
Daily Herald file photo, May 1980
A Buffalo Grove runner appears to be out at third during a game against Wheeling.
Daily Herald file photo, May 1980
A Buffalo Grove pitcher is about go into her windup during a game against Wheeling.
Daily Herald file photo, May 1980