The Normandy Park Stars beat the Wentworth Wolves two games to none in the inaugural Garfield Ridge World Series of Softball on Friday, August 28, but the real victory was the free community event itself. Created by Normandy Park Supervisor Elizabeth “Liz” Serio and Wentworth Park Supervisor Donald “Don” Serio, a husband-and-wife team determined to build a new southwest side tradition.
According to park officials, both teams were the Spring and Summer Champions of Normandy and Wentworth parks, consisting of the best co-ed softball players in the Midway area and at least 21 years of age.
“Softball is such a popular sport in this neighborhood,” said Liz. “Then we decided what could be done that was free, and we already had the facilities, the teams, and the people interested. All we did was come up with the name, the date, and get the banner for the winning park.”
Wentworth Park is home to many softball tournaments throughout the year, particularly in late August and September, that benefit police and fire charities or bridge connections between first responders and residents.
The World Series focuses on Wentworth Park and Normandy Park’s softball leagues that start in Spring/Summer and give the champions, Mush N Bush and CR SAC, an opportunity to face the opposing park district to determine a winner against the Garfield Ridge parks.
“It shows that Garfield Ridge is strong! I’m looking forward to many more in the spring and summer,” said Don.
He also announced his plans to expand this partnership between park districts with the launch of the Fall Ball World Series to debut in 2027.
The game started a little after 6 p.m. and the stands were filled with fans wearing blue and red.
Mush N Bush of Wentworth Wolves put up a tough fight. Still, CR SAC of Normandy won two games.
Mike Stacks, a 10-year Clearing resident and a 22-year softball veteran, played on the Wentworth Wolves. Before Game 1, he said his team had won the summer league and came in second in the men’s league. They lost both times to Normandy.
“We are a solid team, two weeks removed from winning a championship, and we’re ready to take them down.” Stacks said.
Before Game 1, Garfield Ridge resident and Normandy player James Baron felt confident his team would win.
“This is a great neighborhood. A great way to come together, play softball, and I’m thankful for Liz and Don,” said Baron.
Because Normandy won both games, there was no Game 3. If each team had won one game, a third game would have decided the championship.
Don smiled as he held up the gag trophy, a baseball with eyes and a smile holding up a wooden bat, mounted on a plaque that labeled 2026 T-Ball League.
He and his wife had created the World Series to establish tradition between two park districts, one he hopes to expand since becoming Wentworth’s Park supervisor earlier this year.
Normandy’s winning team received the winner’s banner that teammate and park supervisor Liz got to hold. She stated that it will hang at Normandy Park’s field house for all park-goers to see. The winner’s banner will travel and rotate each year.
The banner features the words GARFIELD RIDGE WORLD SERIES OF SOFTBALL along with both teams’ official logos: Normandy Park Stars with a red and white star, and Wentworth Park Wolves with half of a wolf’s face above a baby blue W.
Before the championship, Cindy said: “It’s hard to tell; it’s going to come down to the wire and the 3 games. It’s fun to see what these guys have done with the community spirit; it just makes us proud.”
Jim and Cindy Serio, Don’s parents, attended the championship. She chose to wear a baby-blue floral shirt to show her support for Don’s team – Wentworth. However, she pulled a red shirt from her purse, implying that if her daughter-in-law’s team, Normandy, won, she might switch shirts.
“Although Liz is my daughter-in-law, she’s going to win tonight,” said Jim.
The Anguiaios walked around, selling blue and red koozies to raise money. Part of the proceeds will go to Normandy Park and Wentworth Park to aid in park programming.
“They are wonderful people, good friends, and even better park directors. We wanted to come out to support and raise some funds, to continue contributing to the neighborhood.” Melanie Anguiaio said, next to her two daughters and son.
