John C. Murphy

The Bunnies Come to Town By John C. Murphy (Photos courtesy Chicago Today Newspaper)

This is the view the umpires saw as they tried lo umpire the benefit game between the Bunnies and prominent individuals from the Blue Island area.

RRR . . . IN . . . NN . . . GG . . . "Blue Island Park District, Murphy speaking." "My name is Schulte," the voice on the other end of the phone answered, "a resident of Blue Island . . . I'm interested in finding out if you REALLY PRACTICE the statement in your program booklets? I am referring to ... 'if by chance you do not find the activity that encompasses your recreational interest, feel free to stop by the Park District's Administrative office and discuss the potentiality of any program request you might have.'

"Yes, we practice it... What's on your mind?" answered the director. "Well," Schulte began, "I am a resident of Blue Island, and I work for the American Telephone and Telegraph Corporation of Chicago, and play on their 16" industrial softball team. You have a terrific summer softball program and some of the biggest softball tournaments in the area, like the A.S.A. District #5, The Chicago Metro, the Regional, and the South Suburban Girls' Tournament. What about topping it with Hef's Playboy Bunnies? I have a friend who has a son who is mentally handicapped and attends the Blue Cap School. Why not have a charity game for their program fund, between the Chicago "5" Rebels and the Playboy Bunnies."

The Bunny Benefit game became a reality. In fact, it was the largest special event the Blue Island Park District ever held.

There is a saying on all Park District letter heads that "The Blue Island Park District works for UNITY in the CommUNITY through Parks and Recreation." It may seem trite to some, but it really worked through this program.

The benefit game involved sixty-one individuals and Civic Clubs. The entire community was well represented and served on the planning and implementing committees.

Evidence of this can be seen by the following participants:

1) Mayors of Blue Island and the two neighboring communities :
a) Mayor Richard Withers of Blue Island
b) Mayor John Stack of Calumet Park
c) Mayor Ray Tremunde of Alsip
2) Don Kolloway and Billie Pierce, former White Sox Greats
3) Romie J. Palmer, State Representative of the 6th Congressional District
4) Fred Winston, of WIS Radio — Master of Ceremonies
5) American Legion Post ,#50 and the Patrick T. Hallinan (V.F.W.) Post #3580
6) Blue Island Police and Auxiliary Force
7) Miss Pat Simpson, Secretary to the Vice President of Public Relations, Chicago Playboy Club
8) Presidents of both banks of the community
9) Editors and sports writers of the local papers
10) The three major printers of the community
11) Blue Island Chamber of Commerce
12) Suburban Chord-Aires, Chapter of the Sweet Adelines, Inc.
13) The High School Concert Band

John C. Murphy is Director of the Blue Island Park District and played a key role in the benefit game.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 8 January/February, 1972

This picture appeared in several of the Chicago newspapers promoting the event. Pictured behind the sign are Don Kolloway, former White Sox great; Leonard Bartle, President or the Blue Island Park District; Ralph Krahn, Administrator of the Blue Cap Mentally Retarded School and Vera Radivojevich, Julia Pavlik and Cindy Maihofer who assisted with the event.

Through this special program the community of Blue Island united and literally turned out thousands of spectators to watch the Bunnies. A few unfortunates waited until the last minute to purchase tickets and had to wait in a long line; others were unable to buy tickets. The stadium, plus six portable bleachers in the out field were packed and the outside fence was lined three deep with spectators trying to see the game. From the stadium, you could see others sitting on roof tops with binoculars.

The game was preceded by the Dwight D. Eisenhower band, and the Combined Color Guard of both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, while the Suburban Chord-Aires led the stands in the National Anthem. Then the game started with a 21 gun salute.

The Bunnies and the Rebels had agreed beforehand to use "Jungle Rules", that is, "Every one has to play by the rules except the Bunnies who are allowed subterfuge and downright cheating." It was commented afterwards by one observer that "It was better than a three ring circus."

The game was a success and so was the prime objective, putting UNITY in the CommUNITY. The real purpose of the program was to raise funds for the handicapped and those who attend the Blue Cap School. In that respect it was a success, without a doubt. The Blue Cap School was brought into public awareness and benefited very well financially.

The outcome? The Blue Island Park District received a fantastic amount of publicity and the community was made aware that its Park District was alive and kicking. Our community experienced the jelling effect of working together for a worthwhile effort.

Larry Moscato, a recreation intern from Moraine Valley Community College worked with the Blue Island Park District, and served as Assistant General Chairman of the Planning and Implementing Committee to the Director. Both worked on the premise that Park District Directors should spend some of their time as community stimulators and catalyst. These objectives were accomplished.

Board President Leonard Barrle gets in shape for the event with pre game practice as Don Kolloway gives tips on how to hit. Ralph Krahn handles the chores behind the plate.

Don Kolloway shows the gals how to field a ground ball. Don, former While Sox great, spent considerable time in assisting with the promotion of the special event.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 9 January/February, 1972