Jack Ohl

One of the most energetic and popular figures in Pates Park history, Ohl was truly a Jack of all trades and one of local softball's greatest ambassadors.

He is best known as one of the area;s top pitchers from the 1960s inth the 1980s. He is considered one of the last of the area's sling-shot and Figure 8 pitching stylists. He competed successfully in a golden era of men's fastpitch against the likes of Hall of Famers Ty Stofflet, Larry Bergh and others.

he founded the Patriot Kings and Patriot Jacks summer men's teams of the 70s and 80s.

He assisted in the construction of Bicentennial Park, which went on to host three national and world softball tournaments and is now the home of a professional women's softball team. But Ohl was best known around Pates Park where he was head groundskeeper for many years.

He was also a manager and coach of numerous teams in the East Penn Men's Fastpitch League and the Lehigh Valley Church League and somehow also found time to serve the sport as an umpire.

The Ohl family's softball legacy covered three generations. His father, Charles, was an important figure in the founding and development of the Allentown Patriots organization in the 40s and 50s.

Jack's son, Mike, was one of the most accomplished pitchers in the area during the 80s and 90s.