1947 - 1955

Zollner Pistons Softball Stadium Home Plate

Fred Zollner and his piston factory came to Fort Wayne in 1931. Zollner not only was successful in busi-ness, but also changed the face of sports in Allen County and throughout the country. His love for the game of softball inspired him to form a team in the industrial league. Eventually, Zollner hung up his own cleats to build the organization into a semi-pro powerhouse while also sponsoring Zollner Pistons basketball-the Zollner Pistons softball team was developed into a successful, winning club. The Pistons were influential in the formation of the National Softball League (NSL) in 1945.

From the beginning, Zollner's intent was to obtain the best softball players and bring them to Fort Wayne. In 1947, Zollner built a stadium for the team; Zollner Stadium was an amazing addition for loyal fans. After a remarkable stretch during which the team won eighty-seven percent of all games and had a winning streak of sixty-nine games that stretched over two seasons, Zollner disbanded Pistons softball at the end of the 1954 season. The strength and success of the team is reflected in the fact that there are ten former Zollner Pistons in the Softball Hall of Fame.

Former catcher Bernie Kampschmidt, who played with the Pistons from 1941 to 1954, donated this home plate to The History Center. It was removed from Zollner Stadium when it was sold to Concordia High School in 1955. The Zollner Pistons scored many runs as they crossed this important piece of Fort Wayne sports history.