For over a decade, Grayslake's Ken Dohm played on and against some of the top teams in the country and along the way earned many individual honors.

Dohm wore the uniform of such teams as Lilly Air Systems for two different stints, Joker's and Joe Black's. Him main positions were left or right-centerfielder, but saw a little time at second base and third base. A career .716 hitter, Dohm clubbed an average of 28 home runs a year, this playing in what would be considered Major Level today. He retired from the game of softball after the 1990 season.

Dohm started playing for power house Lilly Air Systems in 1979 as he explained.

"I went from being released from professional baseball with the Kansas City Royals to playing 12-inch softball," Dohm said. "I probably averaged over 140 games a year for ten years. (Softball) is a great game."

Over his career, "Dohmer" was selected to All-Tournament teams twice in Illinois State Tournaments, twice at N.I.T.'s, and four times in Divisional/National Tournaments. In 1986, Lilly Air Systems won the State Class A (open) State Tournament held in Belleville with Dohm helping lead the way. One big highlight of his playing days would be his All-World selection at Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1990 with Joe Black's.

"The first major tournament (I played in) was in Concord in California," recalled Dohm on other exciting moments in his career. "The top 12 teams in the nation were there, the best of the best."

Over his wonderful career, Dohm admits there have been many funny moments before, during and after games and tournaments. "There are many amusing events through the years, but I don't think the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame banquet would be the best place to relive them," said Dohm.

"The USSSA has become the best softball organization in the entire nation," said Dohm. "Illinois USSSA softball has become great only through the hard work of people like Brenda Paulson."