Hinsdale Little League Baseball

Congratulations to team members; Jack Brubaker, Jack Carroll, Phillip Dressler, Chris Eck, Everett Eck, Trevor Hamilton, J. P. Hayes, Tyler Jurack, Michael Loughlin, Donny Martin, Garrett Oakey, and Ryan Turgeon on an outstanding all around experience compiling a record of 15 wins and 5 loses in 21 days and more importantly still wanting to play ball at the end of the run! The Evergreen Park 8YO tournament was like the Women's final at Wimbledon - a family affair between Hinsdale's 8YO Black and Red teams. This from coach Steve Heyward:

Congratulations to the 10YO Tournament Team. Here is a quick update on their success from Manager Brent Hill:

"The 10YO Tournament Team took second place at Elmwood Park, with a tough 8-6 loss to the hosts in the championship game on Tuesday night. Graham Hooten, Dan Teska, Jack Kavanagh, Kevin Forhan and Michael Sessa handled the pitching for Hinsdale. Hinsdale threatened to tie the game in the 6th inning, but Grant Labedz was robbed by the center fielder, who made a great catch on a hard shot to center field. Peter Blust had a triple for Hinsdale, and Sessa added a double for Hinsdale's extra base hits.

Hinsdale also advanced in the winner's bracket at Westmont, with a 10-1 win over Bolingbrook on Wednesday night. Michael Sessa shut down Bolingbrook in the first two innings, and Graham Hooten provided four solid innings in relief. Both were backed up by exceptional infield defense, including a diving stab at short by Brad Huth, and a nice play on a high chopper by Labedz at third. Sam Dages, Dan Teska and Kevin Forhan each had multiple hits for Hinsdale. They move on to play Westmont in a 2:30 PM game on Saturday, with the winner advancing to Monday's championship."

The HLL 10YO Tournament Team moved into the championship game at Elmwood Park by knocking off the #1 seed, River Grove, 10-8 in extra innings on Monday night. Dan Teska, Jack Kavanagh, Peter Blust, Kevin Forhan, and Michael Sessa handled the pitching for Hinsdale. Sessa came in and pitched out of a jam in the sixth inning, and recorded the save when Nathan Hill nailed a runner stealing third to end it. Hill, Huth, Sam Dages, and Teska led the offense as Hinsdale banged out 13 hits. Earlier in the day, Hinsdale won their opening game in the Westmont tournament with a 16-9 win over Lemont. Hill and Huth went the distance on the mound for Hinsdale. Huth, Teska, and Anthony Biancalana all had multiple hits for Hinsdale, and Graham Hooten hit a ground rule double with a shot that hopped over the left field fence. Hinsdale continues in the second round at Westmont later this week.

The HLL 9YO tournament was concluded Sunday morning with another HLL win. The 9YO District team, coached by Mark Weingartner, Mike Tate, Doug Kramer and Scott Veselik beat a stubborn Lagrange Park team. LPLL had already handed the HLL team its only loss of the tourney. So, this was a tough, competitive group. Congratulations to both teams. The 9YO District team consists of Danny Ahern, Zack Davis, Pat Digenan, Tommy Kavanagh, Doug Kramer, Luke Lagor, Nicholas Messina, Mitchell Mulvihill, Michael Murray, Brad Schwartz, Spencer Tate, Dan Veselik, and Mikey Weingartner.

World Series Day Photos Posted

Many of the photos that were taken on World Series Day have now been posted. We encourage you to check them out here and to check back for updates as more photos are processed. Congratulations to all involved!

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HLL ALL STAR UPDATE

JULY 10th @ 2:00 PM

12YO District Team: Monday night the Hinsdale 12 YO District team overwhelmed Burr Ridge in the opening round of the district tournament with a 14-1 victory. Hinsdale pitchers Trace Bareck, John Ryan, Jack Liljeberg and Will Zolpe combined on a two hitter. The Hinsdale offense was lead by Sam MacKenzie (3 hits), Matt Muellner (2 hits) and Chaz Usher (2 hits and a 3 run HR). Last night they defeated host Westmont 7-6 in a thrilling comeback victory. After falling behind 6-0 after two innings, Hinsdale shut down the Westmont offense over the final 4 innings. The Hinsdale rally was lead by Trace Bareck, who hit 2 two run HRs in the late innings. Loren Guy and Philip Pielet also provided clutch hits in the 6th inning.

The 12 YO team moves on to a 3rd round game on Friday night at 6pm v, Bolingbrook. The winner of that game goes on to the District Championship. All 12 YO District games will be played in Westmont. You can follow their progress at www.eteamz.com/ildist11. You can find their schedule and directions at the bottom of the front page under "Little League Baseball District 11"

11YO District Team: The 11YO District team is playing out in Belmont-Joliet. Monday night they defeated a tough Clarendon Hills team 9-4. Tuesday night they beat Belmont 10-3 to move on to the third round on 7/10. They play at 6:00 PM at Belmont-Joliet. The winner plays in the District Championship on 7/12 at 1PM. You can follow their progress at www.eteamz.com/ildist11. You can find their schedule and directions at the bottom of the front page under "10-11 Year Old Baseball District 11"

10YO District Team: The 10YO District team is playing right at Peirce Park. Monday night they defeated Westmont's all stars 12-2 in 4 innings. Tuesday night they beat Bolingbrook 16-2 in 4 innings. Tom Dunphy led the way with three solid innings on the bump and three hits. Drew Shepherd, Colin Goss, Sean Neveril and Andrew Jurack were all on base multiple times. Andy Scanlon threw around the leather at 2nd and in left field. Wednesday night they beat Burr Ridge / Willowbrook 10-6 behind great pitching by Matt Allen, Ed O'Hare, Drew Shepherd and Colin Goss. Big hits came from Anthony Pescara, Sean Neveril, Will McKenna, Alex Panice, Andrew Jurack, and Tom Dunphy. The defense was anchored by Andrew Wiggin, Andy Scanlon and Michael Clausen, They now move on to the District 11 championship game, which will be played on Sat, 7/12 at 4:00 pm at Peirce. They will be playing Clarendon Hills, Bolingbrook, or Burr Ridge / Willowbrook. You can follow their progress at www.eteamz.com/ildist11. You can find their schedule and directions at the bottom of the front page under " 9-10 Yr Baseball District Tourn."

10YO Tournament Team: The team opened in Elmwood Park on Tuesday night with a 19-4 win over Broadview in 4 innings. Jack Kavanagh and Chris Nelson combined on a 2-hitter for Hinsdale. Sam Dages and Michael Sessa homered, and Nathan Hill added 3 hits as Hinsdale pounded out 11 hits in three innings, while 10 different players crossed home plate. Brad Huth was the defensive star, earning a game ball by recording all three outs as the catcher in the second inning by nailing runners trying to steal, and hustling in from left field to get involved in a run down between first and second that ended the third inning for Broadview. Hinsdale plays 7/9 at 7:30 against Bell-Sayre.

9YO District Team: The Hinsdale 9YO District and Tournament teams are playing in our own 9YO tournament. After two days of playing, the District team is 2-0. Monday night, the Hinsdale 9YO Tournament Team upped their record to 2-1 in the Hinsdale LL tournament with an impressive 10-0 win over our neighbors from Western Springs. Andrew Margason and Joe Garriboti were dealing from the mound and we were making all of the defensive plays a good team makes.

Joe Garriboti got a put out in the first

Ground out to Nick Kallas in the second

Another putout by Joe Garriboti in the fourth

Fly ball caught by Michael Moser in the fourth

Put outs by Andrew Margason and Tommy Wrigley in the fifth

6 solid defensive plays to get outs

The bats continued to show up with doubles by Moser, Ike Perrington and a bomb hit by Nick Kallas that when he first hit it, I thought the game was over. The best at-bat belonged to Austin Shelton who faced 8 pitches and then was robbed on a great play by their second baseman – but he earned an RBI by driving in a runner perched on third before the at bat.

8YO Red and Black Teams: The HLL 8YO Red and Black teams are in the Burr Ridge 8YO tourney. Both teams are 2-0 heading into mid-week play. The Black team defeated Lyons Township 11-5 on 7/8. They play 7/10 at 6pm vs. Clarendon Hills at Harvester Park East in Burr Ridge.

Good luck to all of our all star teams.

Steve

June 12 @ 8:20 PM

I hope everyone is enjoying playoffs - and those that are knocked out are enjoying the summer. Come back and watch the games. They get better and better.

Thanks for all of your support.

Steve

June 7, 2008 @ 5:00 PM

It is time for playoffs. Below are playoff / play questions. Here are some additional points:

Rained out playoff games will be played the next day. Watch the front page of the HLL site for the exact time and location. YOU WILL NOT GET AN EMAIL WITH THE NEW DATE AND TIME. If the games on the next day(s) can stay as scheduled, they will. Otherwise, they will also be kicked a day. We have slack days built in to allow us to catch up.

Please be cool at the games. This is only little league baseball. Make it fun - win or lose.

Remember that most umps are just kids. They really are not being unfair - they are doing their best. If you ride an ump (parent, player or coach) you will be asked to leave the park.

The coaches should and hopefully will play all of their kids fairly evenly - even if it may cost the team the game or the season. But if your son or daughter could not pitch in whiffle ball or is only in danger of catching it in the teeth in the infield, do not expect the coach to just give it a try in the playoffs.

First place teams in each division from the regular season get trophies. They will be handed out before the World Series game for the same age level.

Here are some more rules-related issues:

(1) Home team is decided at each level and in each game by flip of a coin. No wagering, please.

(2) All regular season pitching rules apply with no reset. But ALSO - regardless of pitch count or rest, no pitcher may pitch more than 3 innings in the World Series. The 8YO league's 2-inning limit is in effect in all games.

(3) Pitchers may not pitch, go play a position, and then re-enter as pitchers.

(4) In the 7YO League, all position rotation rules apply all the way up to and including the World Series. The umps will be too busy to police this so each coach should police the other coaches. Switching uniforms for your permanent little pitcher and 1st baseman will be spotted.

(5) The World Series is single elimination even for the team that enters it undefeated. If you lose that game you lose. There are no "if necessary" game in HLL World Series games.

(6) The time limits still apply. It is a crappy way to lose a playoff game, but it is necessary. So, the coaches and ump should synchronize their watches BEFORE the game. Do not use a Rolex or Piaget as the game clock. Use a Timex. They keep better time. Umps will call delay of game if a team is obviously trying to squeeze the time limit (don't laugh...it happened last season).

(7) Fielders getting in the way of runners when not actually making a play will be called for interference. Tell your fielders to get out of the runner's way unless they are in the act of fielding.

(8) A caught foul tip is a LIVE BALL. Runners may steal on a caught foul tip. A foul tip is a DEAD BALL and no runners may advance if it bounces before being caught.

(9) Umps are being told to keep the strike zone wide - 1-2 ball widths on either side of the plate and knees to chest. Tell your players that they need to swing and hit to win. Coaches tell your parents to put a sock in it before arguing balls and strikes.

(10) There is no requirement that a runner slide at any time UNLESS s/he makes contact with the fielder (except for contact with a fielder's mitt in trying to tag runner). This applies no matter how close the play is. If the runner can limbo, duck, dodge or leap around the fielder without making contact and touch the base before being tagged, s/he should be called "safe."

(11) NO BAT BOYS or ON DECK CIRCLE. Players can swing bats only in one of the batting cages, soft toss cages, or when at bat. The umps are being asked to stop the game and not continue until it stops. With the time limit looming, you are better off just doing what you are supposed to do. Parents should avoid shouting tips to players during an at bat or in the heat of a play. It has been scientifically proven that they cannot hear you.

(12) The pecking order for the SW batting cages is: (1) teams playing on SW field in next hour - one cage / team; (2) teams playing on other fields in next hour on a first come first served basis for one hour; (3) all other teams on first come first served basis for one hour only; (4) parents engaging in borderline child abuse by throwing 400 batting pitches at a clearly exhausted and aggravated 7YO who whizzed in his pants after pitch 22.

(13) According to Little League Rule 2 (DEFINITION OF TERMS) "FAIR TERRITORY" - "Home plate, first base, third base and all foul lines are in fair territory." So, a batted ball that hits the plate before going further into the field of play is a fair ball.

Thanks,

Steve

5/29/08

Coaches, Players and Parents:

Just a few reminders as we head into June:

(1) Players throwing bats, slamming helmets or otherwise acting like little jerks over a strikeout, bad call (supposed), or error should be disciplined by their manager (e.g., have to sit an inning or two or even a game) and parents. Coaches and parents should not count on the umps or HLL to teach players how to behave. Coaches doing the same should be disciplined by their spouse...no more info needed.

(2) The issue of uniforms and undershirts has come up a few times. There are rules about what a pitcher can wear under his/her uniform. LLB Rules Section 1.11 Part a3 says: "Any part of the pitcher's undershirt or T-shirt exposed to view shall be of a solid color. A pitcher shall not wear any items on his/her hands, wrists or arms which may be distracting to the batter. NOTE: White long sleeve shirts are not permitted." All other players can wear whatever they want. So if you are going to pitch, forget the long sleeved white shirt.

(3) Coaches should not venture too far down the line when coaching a base. We have had reports of coaches only steps from the batter's box barking orders at the batter. If I were a kid, that would make me nervous and make me want to hit a line drive at your head (or lower). But even if you do not care about the effect on your batter, consider the effect on the pitcher and catcher. If the pitcher can see you while pitching, you are too close.

(4) If you are killing the other team, please stop stealing bases, taking extra bases, and allowing your baserunners to act like little jerks on the bases (which I hate at any time anyway). In some small, small way not stealing when you can may take a little baserunning practice away from your players. But the beneficial effect on the other team's kids far outweighs this minor downside. As for baserunning punks, the day will come when clapping, taunting and goofy leadoffs (1) will not work, and (2) will get your player a fastball in the ear or a swipe tag across the face. So, why not teach him/her the right way to act now? In the end, pounding a team of 8YOs into the dirt and taunting them on the way down is not really in the spirit of LLB or HLL.

(5) Playoff schedules will be available in about a week. Until final standings are set you will not know your team's schedule. But assume that you have at least 2 games during the first week of the playoffs.

(6) It has come to my attention that some people believe I moved my family to North County Line Road from my safe have in rural Burr Ridge either (1) to ensure that HLL gets lights on the West field, or (2) as part of the Lane cabal that secretly that controls HLL. To anyone who thinks I would live these last few weeks just for HLL lights, I have one thing to say - "Did you lose your medication you silly, insane, sheltered moron?" As for the Lane conspiracy theory, my kids go to SIJ. So like JFK, I do everything so that my father and the Pope (not Packy) can secretly rule HLL.

(7) Do not forget HLL Movie Night on Friday at 7:30PM. Bring a blanket and chair. Leave the blue cups at home.

Thanks,

Steve

This Friday, May 30, HLL Media will be showing "The Sandlot," a great baseball movie that is appropriate for the whole family. The film will be open to all players, parents, coaches, siblings, and community members. The film will be shown at Peirce Park from 8-9:30pm.

There is no charge for coming to the movie. However, we will be accepting donations of any size for the Rogowski family. Jon Rogowski is a HLL announcer/photographer. a few weeks ago he and his family lost their house in a large fire in Clarendon Hills. To read more about the fire and Jon's saviors, please see the Chicago Tribune article (http://tinyurl.com/6849n6) or the Suburban Life article and video (http://tinyurl.com/5kzzfc). We hope you will consider supporting them in this great time of need and confusion for their family.

Weather permitting (i.e., dry and over 60 degrees) the movie will be shown on the lawn in the center of the 4 main fields at Peirce. We recommend you bring a blanket or chair. There might even be some popcorn for sale at the Pitchin' Kitchen, so save room! Please arrive by 7:45 so we can start the movie on time.

Just a few quick notes from the weekend and for the near future:

(1) Food tokens will no longer be sold at the PK. I know some of you like the PK food tokens but they are way more trouble than they are worth. Not only have they been stolen, kids have even made counterfeit tokens. The Secret Service has been notified. But until we can institute retinal scanning for food tokens at the PK, we have to suspend their use.

(2) Blank playoff schedules will be ready in a week or so. Until team standings are final you will not know your actual schedule. But having the blank brackets available gives some of the crazies something to talk about during the coming games.

(3) If you have lost a baseball glove check the umpire room. There are about 10 gloves in there - all better than any one I had until I was 14 and all (but one) that I would gladly have used. I would not have used the pink one. Its not that I was not comfortable as a young guy. It might have clashed with my uniform.

Thanks,

Steve

photo shop! To browse through our virtual store, click here.

Please visit our brand new online

5/21/08

Thanks to everyone that wrote re: the West Field lights. The Park and Rec commission sent the proposal back to the Plan Commission for hearing and a vote at its June 11 meeting. We encourage supporters to attend that meeting and keep sending emails to the email addresses posted below. The VOH needs to know that there are hundreds and hundreds of Hinsdale residents who value HLL and night baseball, and want to expand on this great tradition.

I will write again as we get closer. In the meantime, it is back to being a smart-___ with a point.

Steve

5/19/08 @ 4:45 PM

HLL Parents and Coaches:

It is not often that I write on a serious note. This is one of those occasions (and it is killing me to be serious). Unlike many Little Leagues, HLL is growing better every year. With 871 players, 1386 parents, and over 80 teams, HLL is now one of the strongest, most fun, and most exciting Little Leagues in America. But like many Hinsdale organizations, our biggest challenge is field space. Each season we play more than 600 games on approximately 80 days on only 8 fields - only two of which are lit (Peirce NW and Peirce SW). With the uncertainty of Chicago-area weather, this puts tremendous scheduling pressure on HLL and its parents and creates serious conflicts. In addition, the lack of lit fields in particular limits what is one of the safest, most exciting, and most fun things for our children to do in Hinsdale - play and watch night baseball at Peirce. If you have been to Peirce at night to watch Little League baseball under the lights you know those nights are truly priceless.

In an effort to partially alleviate our field capacity limitations and to expand the great tradition of HLL night baseball, on March 17th we proposed to the Village's Park and Rec Commission that lights be installed at the Peirce West field with the cost (~$80,000) paid by HLL. By opening up approximately 80 more game slots, lights at the West field would significantly help with our field constraints. That will help us avoid rigid scheduling and make-up rules, conflicts with AYSO and church, limited preseason games, and single elimination championship tourneys - all of which exist now as a result of field limitations. Finally, lights on the West field will expand a great tradition that our kids love. For that reason alone our proposal makes sense.

After being unanimously approved by the Park and Rec Commission, our proposal was presented to the VOH Plan Commission. There, due to the objections of a small group of residents, the Commission tabled the issue until its June meeting. The Commission felt the extra time was necessary to allow the residents, HLL, and the Commission more time to prepare to discuss the proposal. We did not object as we are confident the Village will see that the value of our proposal to all of Hinsdale far outweighs the concerns raised. But rather than wait and prepare for that meeting, those residents asked the Park and Rec Commission to reconsider and reject HLL's proposal at its meeting tonight.

As a parent or coach in HLL you have seen the value of HLL to its Players and the community. Adding lights at the West field will significantly add to that value and to the enjoyment children from the entire community get out of the Village's parks. If you agree, please take a moment to write the Village trustees and the Plan Commission chairperson NOW and express your support for HLL's proposal. If you live near Peirce Park, please mention that. The Trustees should know that most residents of the area (me included as of two weeks ago) prize HLL and the joy it brings to our kids on those precious few summer nights when night baseball is played at Peirce. I will be able to see the West field lights from my house and could not be more excited. I only wish I could see into the field ala the Wrigley rooftops. My guess is that many of you agree. If so, the email addresses to send your supporting comments are:

trustees@villageofhinsdale.org - VOH Trustees

c.culbertson@comcast.net - Chair of the Plan Commission

We at HLL do not ask most of you to do much more than show up, stay off the umpires, and enjoy the game. But in this case, we are asking you to support HLL and help us expand on the great joy HLL brings to our children. Please help.

Thanks,
Steve

Lost and Found

If you have lost or found anything at Peirce Park, please email us and visit our Lost and Found page. There is also a load of stuff in the umpire closet at the Pitchin' Kitchen. Check it out and and see if you can claim any stuff or help!

Hoops for Life

Remember that Hoops for Life is on June 29 this year. Click here to see one of their flyers with more info. Click here to visit their website.

HLL MEDIA

Hi everyone! Alex Klein here. I'm the guy who reads your emails to info@hinsdalell.org, posts score updates and changes, and manages the HLL MEDIA program. I am a rising sophomore at Duke and I just returned for the summer. This is going to be my third summer working with HLL, and I'm very excited about some of our new programs this year!

I want to tell you a little more about HLL MEDIA. Currently, we have about 5 high school photographers that take about 250 pictures a week for about 10 games per week. I personally post announcements on team pages that let you know when one of your games has been photographed. We're trying to hit them all! Make sure to check your team page(s) often to see if we've been at any of your games.

Also, we're working on letting you purchase pictures that these aspiring photographers take. We'll be rolling out that feature shortly.

In the coming weeks, our awesome HLL MEDIA coordinator, Nick Bucheleres, a Hinsdale Central junior, will be introducing live announcers, student bands on the weekends, and much more. His ultimate task is to make the World Series Day the best it's ever been. He's got a few surprises up his sleeve; stay tuned. These are exciting times for Hinsdale Little League!

Lastly, we are always looking for more photographers, announcers, writers, and even video broadcasters to work with HLL MEDIA. It's a great gig - the pay is good, you work outside, you work when you want, and you have fun doing it. If you, your son or daughter, his or her friends, or anyone else is interested, email me at info@hinsdalell.org.

As always, feel free to email me about any problems, concerns, questions, or comments you have!

Have a great season,

Alex

Parade Information

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