Over a  27 year career, all of which saw him compete in USSSA ball, Peru’s Bill Bromenschenkel has played on such notable competitive Illinois teams as Mendota Bud, Old Style Clippers, Mautino’s, Illusions, Aurora’s WWJD, and Rockford’s LT’s. Along the way he’s earned seven state tournament MVPs or Gold Glove awards, and been named all-tournament 14 times. Bromenschenkel played shortstop in his early years, but was primarily a pitcher.

As a pitcher he threw five one hitters. A lifetime .650 hitter who considers himself primarily a singles hitter, he could also occasionally take the ball out of the park.

His offensive prowess was still clearly in evidence when, in 2001 at age 42, he was named Offensive Player of the Tournament at the Class C Great Lakes South Nationals. Bromenschenkel prides himself on being willing to give himself up as a batter to move base runners up. That doesn’t mean he likes it.

“I always want to be the hitter up in the bottom of the seventh when we need a hit," he says.

Bromenschenkel said his greatest thrill was going down to Kentucky for that 2001 Class C National tournament, where the unheralded LT’s won it all.

“The best part was that this was a first year team,” said Bromenschenkel. First year together or not, the team played well together, he recalled, from the 11 starters to each guy on the bench waiting to do his part. “Believe me, that week end they all did a big part to win that tournament. I will always remember that weekend.”

In fact, Bromenschenkel fondly recalls many of the weekends spent playing state, divisional, and World tournament softball. They are the fruit of all the effort his teams put forth each spring and summer. “Those are the tournaments that your team works so hard to get to. The biggest you’ll play in that year.”

Some of those big tournaments were USSSA, and some were other organizations. But the best, said Bromenschenkel, were UTrip.

“I have played in all the Illinois organizations, and I would have to say that the USSSA is the best by far,” said Bromenschenkel. “The tournament are all run great, and the directors are good people.”