In 1985, team managers Bob Shuga and Dan Britton took their Kelley’s RMA team to Brookfield/

Milwaukee, Wisconsin and captured an unexpected “Class B” Divisional Championship. This Rockford squad sponsored by Jim Kelley overcame player losses during the season to come together for one weekend to provide a total team effort, with tournament MVP Brian Benning becoming the team’s offensive leader with 7 home-runs in 9 games.

Additional All-Tournament selections included; left fielder Kevin Mattson, right center fielder & 2009 IL Hall of Famer, Randy Torgerson, first baseman Barry Kramer, and second baseman Steve Huston.

The other team members included; 2003 IL USSSA Hall of Famer, Brad Lindmark at third base, Ron Shuga at pitcher/3rd base, Bob Shuga at pitcher, Dave Carroll at shortstop, Herb Healy and Mark Erickson sharing catching duties, Pete Todd in right field, and Dan Britton at pitcher and outfield positions.

During this Divisional contest Jim Kelley was so proud that the players from other Rockford area teams would stay to cheer for his team after they had been eliminated from the tournament. Jim was so happy for this additional fan support that he invited all of them to stay overnight at his expense to help cheer them on in the finals the next day. To show his pleasure with all those that accepted his offer, Jim bought them all dinner as his “Thank You”. This is another talented

team sponsored by long time softball sponsor.

Playing in numerous USSSA sponsored events soon developed this team into a fraternity of lifelong friendships and a gathering of successful teammates.

Jim Kelley will always be remembered as one the best sponsors in the Rockford area. His love of the game and his generosity is unmatched for the number of years he sponsored many competitive Kelley or RMA teams. Jim’s interest in another night to play was also instrumental

in the early stages of the eventual building of Forest Hills Diamonds. Jim was inducted into the IL USSSA Hall of Fame posthumously in 1998.