Richard “Dick” Pistole was born in Heyworth, IL. After graduating from Heyworth High School, Pistole became instrumental in spreading the popularity and accessibility of softball and baseball in McLean County. He assumed many leadership roles—including but not limited to—District Commissioner (Amateur Softball Association); President and Secretary (Corn Belt Baseball League); founder of the Heyworth Hickory House and Bloomington Blue Jays Teams; and co-founder of the Covell Chiefs Fast Pitch Team. In recognition of his efforts and contributions, Pistole was selected to the McLean County All Star Team in 1955 and inducted into the Illinois Amateur Softball Association’s Hall of Fame in 1987.
This is a collection of material compiled by Richard Pistole, much of it coming from his research assistance into the pictorial, Local Legends: A Photographic History of McLean County Sports 1884-1969, edited by Don Raycraft and published in 2003. The Pistole Collection includes letters from area residents, original programs for sporting events, newspaper clippings, and original and photocopied photographs of area sports teams and notable sports landmarks.