The year 1958 was a memorable one for the 14 members of Kankakee’s Little League team. They came within just one game of becoming the first-ever Little League World Champions, ultimately falling to Monterrey, Mexico in the championship game. The team, led by Manager Bill Gwin, had an impressive run through the Midwest Regional and into the Little League World Series at Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The Kankakee team’s victory over a Michigan team to capture the Midwest Regional title qualified them as the second Little League team from Illinois to make it to the World Series. The 1958 roster boasted talented players such as Brian Adame, Tom Fowler, and Don McKay, who would go on to have successful careers in baseball.
As they prepared for the World Series, the Kankakee team traveled by air and train to Williamsport, where they were given physical exams and issued new uniforms with “NORTH” emblazoned across their chests. The competition was fierce, with teams from around the world competing in three quarter-final contests on Tuesday.
In the semi-finals, Monterrey defeated Darien, Connecticut, 11-4, while Kankakee faced off against Hector Torres of Monterrey in the championship game. Despite a strong performance by Torres, who struck out 11 batters and allowed only three hits, Kankakee ultimately fell short with a final score of Monterrey 10, Kankakee 1.
Although they did not win the title, the Kankakee team took pride in becoming the United States champions. They were greeted with a homecoming parade and ceremonies at Beckman Park baseball field upon their return to Illinois on August 23.
Source: https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-journal/2025/01/18/klasey-1958-kankakees-almost-year