1999-Leo Bratland, Danville
Leo Bratland Began his pitching career
at the age of 14. He has been an active pitcher, organizer, league
director, local club president, promoter, well you get the idea. Whatever
it takes to keep horseshoes growing, Leo either has done it or is doing
it.
He and a handful of pitchers in the Danville area
formed the Danville Club, converting 3 shuffleboard courts to full size
horseshoe courts. His club has grown steadily and now has 20 full cement
walkways complete with lights. If there are ever any questions from court
layout to handicap play to legal shoe weight, Leo is the first person
called on for the "official" answer.
Leo is the primary reason The Annual
Danville Open Tournament is the success it is today. The last Danville
Open featured World Champion Alan Francis and wife Amy, Walter Ray
Williams Jr. Art Tyson and several other top ranked pitchers
Leo has served as an Illinois delegate at the World
Convention on many occasions and is a regular at the State membership
meeting held each year, offering his insights and leadership wherever
needed. He is now and has been for several years the Chairman of the Hall
of Fame Committee. His election to this honor was done behind his back and
without his knowledge, and it was great to see him squirm when we
announced his election.