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Once upon a time, this was one of the most active forums on the HSBBW.  There were the reports out of Chicago on teams, the PBR Rankings and how much people were upset about them, the downstate people complaining about upstate rankings, ...  There were also very posts about tournaments, players, players that were in college and/or pro ball, ... 

 

Man, I can't believe a post I made in September is still on the front page. 

 

So, what are the projections for teams up north?  Down South, (Southern Illinois) I don't have much of a read anymore because I'm following my daughter play college softball.  However, the preview articles will be coming out soon and I'll get a good read on some teams down here.  Lets get this place rocking and rolling again. 

"Failure depends upon people who say I can't."  - my dad's quote July 1st, 2021.  CoachB25 = Cannonball for other sites.

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Coach....I think you Illinois folks have the same problem as we do here in Ohio.....SNOW!!!!  and lots of it.  My son's team hasn't been outside yet...and likely won't for a while.  First scrimmage scheduled for the 25th....but no way our field will be ready.  6" of snow on Wednesday...almost all gone today, but the ground is mush.  Can't imagine that the fields will be much good even by opening day on the 31st....but I guess we'll have to wait and see. Good luck....and don't send anymore snow our way please....lol

Originally Posted by Bulldog 19:

Ours were on the field scrimmaging yesterday. Softball was planning to scrimmage today. Calling for snow tomorrow. Softball scheduled to open season on Wednesday. Not sure when baseball opens up..

 

CoachB, I saw UMSL and SEMO split today...

Yes, the kid had a tough game one of DH.  I think first time in her life w/2 ks in a game.  Second game, HR and then, shocker -- squeeze play for a run.  3 RBIs for game.  Unfortunately, official scorer doesn't know how to score a squeeze.  No play and so, gave the kid a fielder's choice.  How does that happen in college? 

Last edited by CoachB25

Without throwing out the details in what should/could be his and the teams best season in years between you and I, I expect the oppisitte.Not necasarily for the same reasons.Don't get me wrong I keep my mouth and general feeling to myself.I will not be the jinx.Problem is I know what took place in the offseason and it never gets better or even stays at a exceptable level once the guys are turned over to school ball.The 80's were only a good thing while they were happening. 

We had a game scheduled for tomorrow.They cancelled it last week.Haven't been out to the field lately must be in pretty bad shape if you know to cancel that far ahead.suppose to have three games next week.Sounds like they are also cancelled.I realize there was above average snow this year.But when you think about it and try to put it in perspective its a typical crappy northern IL. winter.Just exactly why do they scheduled games this early?

I heard you guys up north have 3 inches of snow coming today or tomorrow.  Also, the ground thaw has not happened.  How deep do you think that ground freeze is?  It might be some time before you're playing in Chicagoland. 

 

We had games yesterday throughout the Metro East (St. Louis).  Snow in our forecast but it is not supposed to stick around long.  Around an inch.

Originally Posted by HawkeyeNation1:

Yorkville just got back from 5 days in Kentucky - played 5 varsity and 3 JV games.  Weather not great but nice for the boys to get outside and play some good competition.

They were supposed to play at Waterloo yesterday, but the schools chose to cancel due to forecast.. It would have been a brutal day of baseball yesterday, but could have actually been played. Ended up not raining! 

Finally got our season started this week.  Son went 2 for 3 (DBL, GO, Single, SAC, SAC) in a 5 inning 16-4 route of the other team.  He pitched today.  Gave up a bloop hit to the first batter, hit the second batter and then settled in for his 4 innings of shutout ball on the mound.  Had two 1-2-3 innings.  Its killing me that I am out of town this week and missing it.  Home tomorrow just in time for the crappy weather to hit.

Hello Coach Butler. I'm sorry to see that the activity on this forum is down so much. Boy, back arounde 2004-2009 our state was  maybe second to Texas in the number of active users and fans. I know that during that period I was either calling out someone or I was being called out, and called much worse that just called out. LOL. You were still coaching your HS team and your daughter was just starting out on her softball journey. I miss the connection with all the folks from Illinois and hope that your lives after HS, college and maybe even professional baseball for your sons has been good. Up here, all that's going on is my son waiting to hear from medical schools so he can begin that journey. Coach B25, wishing you all the best.

Wow, my day, week and month has just been made.  itsrosy, you don't know how great it is to hear from you.  I know you must be proud of your son and he's going to do well.  Medical school?  Man, I hope he gets into the school he wants and I know he has all of the support he will ever need from home. 

 

Brianna is a senior this year and has had a great career at UMSL.  She was an All American last year.  She wants to be a teacher and coach.  While I tried to talk her out of it, I guess it is in her blood. 

 

Itsrosy, while you and I know that there was a lot of conflict in the old Illinois Forum, I sure enjoyed all of the camaraderie.  I was able to meet a lot of coaches after "meeting" them on this website.  I was able to form a friendship with members like you as well.  I guess we can't go back but I sure would if we could.  Man it was great hearing from you!

Take care,

 

Darrell

Coach B, great to hear from you. Yes, we're now sounding more like our parents. We wish we could go back and relieve those precious years, but I'll settle for the memories. Congratulations on the academic and athletic career that Brianna is having and know that with all your support she will continue to shine. I guess I just took that feeling of comaraderie for granted too often. Sure wish I knew then what I hopefully know now. All the best to you and yours.

Wow, look at all the activity and guys checking in! 

 

Who looks to be good this year?  I know my HS is going to be down and very young but, wow the freshman class is incredible.  They are very much like the 2005 group I had. 

 

For those of you who knew I had a daughter playing in college, she is in the GLVC and plays against gotwood4sale and playbaseball's daughter.  Woodrow, Annette, and my wife and family went out to eat together last year after our daughters played against each other.  I saw their daughter hit a home run the other day.  Mine has 8 in 14 games.  She turned into a big kid. 

 

Smokey, dad passed on the chili recipe to me this past Chrstmas.  He's 84 now and so, it was time.  He didn't like it as much as when he made it.  LOL!

Originally Posted by itsrosy:

Hello Smokey. You haven't aged a bit! Strange how you manage to look the same as a decade ago. You're right, it never took much to start a war of words in this forum, but there is a lot to be said for passion. Great to hear from you.

It is great to see you checking in and making a post!  Hope all has gone well.

 

Take care,

 

Darrell

Hey all, since the format has changed again, maybe more will stop in the Illinois Forum and post what is going on.  We have some local TB Teams doing some good stuff here in my area and, naturally, HS Ball is always pretty good.  I tried to get back into HS baseball but that wasn't possible.  So, I'm going to coach HS Softball this spring.  I'm getting back in after my daughter wrapped up her college career.  What's going on in your area?  Maybe we can get this Forum back up to where it once was. 

Well if I can brag a little.My guy went 9-0 w 2sve  108K's 12 W in 65 inn.   hit 343 6hr.  33rbi...Going into 2016 he is 1 game away from tieing state record of continuous complete game SO 5 (recoerd 6) and also has current streak of 40 no hit no runs scored innings.Was named POY ar 2 out of 3 closes newspaper.The kis is a hard worker so hopefully last year of H.S. b.b. can go real well.Won't take a whole lot for things to be better than the football thing.

The "I-70 Baseball Clinic" is going to be held again in Greenville, Illinois.  They do a great job and bring in top names each year.  This year, they have Coach Leggett, Leo Mazzone, Pat McMahon, and Rick Eckstein speaking.  If you want more information, google "I70 Baseball Clinic" and then click on the 2015 link. 

itsrosy posted:
Darrell, why isn't your name among the luminaries who'll be at the I 70?

> On Dec 17, 2015, at 4:51 PM, HS Baseball Web <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

Hey, how have you been?  I would have to know something in order to give a presentation.  That old quote about, "Better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt" applies!  LOL  Good to see you still checking in.  I am hoping that we can get a few more participating here in the Illinois Forum.  My High school's team is going to be down some this year but will be very young.  I think in another year, they might make some noise.  Its just around the corner. 

Last edited by CoachB25
CoachB25 posted:

Just saw where GotWood4Sale and PlayBaseball's daughter just had an outstanding start to her season.  She is playing D-II Softball at a Kentucky University.  We had the pleasure of getting to talk these past two years as our daughters played against each other.  Congrats Kelly.

See if you can get GotWood4Sale back contributing to the site.  We miss him!

Itsrosy, nope.  I am a Cardinal Fan tried and true.  However, I have some common sense.  I enjoyed watching JH play and you will as well.  I wish him the best.  With St. Louis being down now with the loss of the Rams, we need baseball to start up.  As an FYI, I am going to coach JV Softball this year.  I can't wait to get back on the field.  I'm hoping to get the kid to help out once in a while and we are going to have fun.  I have 3 years left for retirement and I intend to enjoy these last 3 years. 

Coach B25, I haven't been on this site in years, but the woodman was on the "radio" with ClevelandDad yesterday, so I thought I'd check in and saw this thread about Illinois and saw that you posted some very kind words about Kelly both this year and last!  Thanks so much!  Yes, she has started the season really well---she actually hit two home runs IN ONE GAME---- matching her career totals in that game, and then the next time they played, she hit a grand slam!!!!!  She's never done that before!  We had driven down for the day and saw it!  The 4:15 AM alarm was worth it!  

Hope you, your wife and Briana are doing well.  I know this has to be hard for you --Briana not playing!    First time in how many years? 

Thank you again!  Keep in touch!          

Play Baseball, wow, Kelly really is doing well.  She is a great kid.  I enjoyed the time we all went out to eat.  BB is struggling a little not playing.  It is such a drastic change in her life.  She has been working as a permanent substitute teacher in St. Louis.  So far, she has worked every day since graduating.  Hopefully, she will get a permanent job and get on with her life.  She is coaching a 12U Team and they are really going to be good.  One player reminds me a lot of BB and so, I think she will do well in HS and College.  She seems to have the same love and drive BB had. 

You already know this but I also greatly respect Kelly's coach.  When BB got hurt at the end of the year against Kelly's school, that coach went out to talk to her between innings and tried to get her to smile.  BB tore her meniscus and finished the year playing in a lot of pain.   I sent Kelly's coach a thank you for taking the time to be so kind to my daughter.  I hope that all is going well with you and Woodrow. 

Take Care,

Darrell

Great weather here yesterday, today not so much.  Problem is our HS holds tryouts at 5:00am.  Which means the kids need to be in the field-house and ready to go at 4:45am.  Still a little chilly at that time to move them outside.  I do know our soccer and lacrosse tryouts were held outside on the turf yesterday.  Unfortunately we only have 1 turf field which means the last team to use it held tryouts from 10 to midnight last night.

Years ago our HS was being "renovated" which really meant they were tearing it down section by section and rebuilding it while still attempting to use the HS.  We were really stretched for places to hold spring tryouts.  Somehow the baseball team drew the short end of the stick and had the early slot for those tryouts.  We won the state championship that year, so its now become tradition to hold tryouts that early in the morning.  As the coach says, "if you are not dedicated enough to get here for an early morning tryout, you don't want it enough".  Plus it kinda gives the kids something to rally around.  They can bitch and moan to each other about the early mornings, but it really does have an effect of bringing them closer together as its something they faced as a team.

Talked to my kid.  Unbelievable.  We have to work around girls soccer.   

We are actually lucky.  We have a fair amount of room inside.  As long as the coaches all get together and ration the space/times it works out pretty good.  Everyone gets a morning and late night.  Nobody gets "stuck" with a bad time the whole week. 

Showing 50s and 60s next week, so everyone will likely get outside. 

Golfman, don't know where home is for you but when I think back to spring bb all I remember is dressing for games like we were going to a Bears game. Now, just got back from 5 days in Mesa seeing my son and we caught 3 Cubs games and ASU vs UC Davis. Had a great game of catch with Jordan and that was the best of  all! Good luck to all the players this spring.

For us tomorrow will be our 11th day with no games played.Thank goodness our I-8 large school coach has arranged things to make up most the games cancelled.Now starting monday we will play 11 games in 11 days with 3 pitchers capable of finishing what they start along with 3 kids that if they go 1-2-3 against bottom of any line up you feel lucky.Hopefully things will work out so that after a few days rest when we have our 7 games in 6 days we will be ready.

We were able to play on Tuesday 4/5 but have not been able to play since.  Luckily we headed south the weekend prior to that and were able to get 4 games in or we would be in the same 11 day boat as others.  

Tuesday's game was a nice cold affair (about 40 degrees) with a nice light mist/rain for the 2nd half of the game but we got it in.  We were hopeful that we could have played on Saturday, but once the tarps came off the field the sun warmed up the field enough that the frozen water just below the surface melted and created a nice mush on the infield.  Good thing the football field is turf and no one was using it.  The kids were at least able to get a practice in.

We are now facing 8 games in the next 6 days.  Good thing we are deep on pitching this year.

 

Rain, rain and more rain.  We have rain tomorrow in forecast again.  It rained all day today.  However, the forecast is about to change after Monday and it actually looks like we are going to play some games.  BTW, we put that clay/sand mix underlay on our fields and have rolled them a few times.  We have been told that we will play as long as it is not raining.  I'll believe it when I see it. 

Hey Illinois Forum, some of you can step it up and post some.  This forum was once the shining light of this site and more than a little contentious.  

Update - I will retire after next year.  I am coaching JV Softball and giving hitting lessons on the side.  I have had 22 students pretty much all of the time and have had as many as 50 want lessons.  I am extremely expensive at $15 for 45 minutes.  I don't care about the money but want hitters who listen and work hard so I am selective in who I give lessons to.  Brianna is a teacher now and is coaching 18U Gold Travel Ball.  They played in 7 in 8 states last year and that gets expensive.  They went from Florida one weekend to Denver the next to Arizona to ...  She loves it and is a great hitting coach.  I do miss coaching baseball.  Baseball has always been a major part of my life.  

I miss the friendships that once existed in the forum.  How about some of you checking in talking to a new wave of posters and getting them to weigh in on their sons?  

Take care,

Darrell

Darrell, since I'm in the suburbs of Chicago I clicked on your post and a lot of this is related to weather (has anyone noticed it's been exactly 17 degrees for the past seven days?).  Since I wasn't a part of HSBBW back when the forum was hot, what should the Illinois Forum do? Help us newbies understand how we bring the Illinois forum back to respectability.  What say you other Illinoisans?  Gov?

 

Darrell,

The few years I've been on this site I also haven't seen too much going on with the Illinois Forum...  My quest has been to assist my 2018 with the recruiting process and most items were in other forums.  

And given the chilly weather I haven't been in baseball mode...I'll check back in later. - I'm in Lake County.

To be honest, the Chicago-land schools had a big contingent on here and we threw around a lot of discussions like who was headed South for a Spring trip, what teams were the teams to beat, what players were ones to follow, etc.  In the South, myself and others answered those same questions.  Besides a good north/south discussion, Chicago land had great discussions on conferences and often who was scheduled on the bump when such and such school played.  I coach HS Baseball then and so, I always ran into Chicago land schools in tournaments.  We often played Tinley Park Andrew, Oak Forest, ... at some point in the season and back then, more than a few HS coaches were on this site and followed some of these clashes.  My teams were pretty good back in the day.  Naturally, draft day was also pretty special.  I made a lot of friends back then and understand that many of them have moved on since their sons stopped playing.  Still, there is a lot of room for getting this forum back on track and reading about baseball from the State of Illinois.  

Take care,

Darrell

Hello Coach Butler! What a great New Years surprise to hear from you and all the others from our once flourishing Illinois forum. But, time marches on. I’m marching with a brand new knee; I’m now on the wrong side of 70 but life is good. My Cubs won a WS and I was alive to see a couple of games in person. Darrell, your little girl is a grown up beautiful young lady. Our son Jordan is now finishing his 3rd year of med school, but still finds time to always talk Baseball with his Dad. That’s a gift I treasure with all my heart. Hope all of you have a great 2018.

> On Jan 17, 2018, at 10:36 PM, HS Baseball Web <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>
>
itsrosy posted:
Hello Coach Butler! What a great New Years surprise to hear from you and all the others from our once flourishing Illinois forum. But, time marches on. I’m marching with a brand new knee; I’m now on the wrong side of 70 but life is good. My Cubs won a WS and I was alive to see a couple of games in person. Darrell, your little girl is a grown up beautiful young lady. Our son Jordan is now finishing his 3rd year of med school, but still finds time to always talk Baseball with his Dad. That’s a gift I treasure with all my heart. Hope all of you have a great 2018.

> On Jan 17, 2018, at 10:36 PM, HS Baseball Web <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>
>

It is great to hear from you again.  Time sure flew.  I also have to have some major work done.  My right knee and right hip have to be replaced.  In fact, I can barely walk at times now.  Your son in Med School has to make you so proud.  That is the tough road and he'll do well!  Being a Cardinal Fan, it was tough seeing the Cubs win the World Series and yet, I'm a National League Fan and so, rooted for them.  History was made and it was special.  I'm glad that you got to see it.  

I'm going to try to be consistent in posting in the Illinois Forum and see if I can get some activity here again.  We know from my area that Edwardsville and O'Fallon  will be good again.  They just reload.  Still, there are other programs on the rise and we'll see how they do.

Darrell, sorry to hear about your knee and hip problem. For Cindy and I 2017 wasn’t too easy either. Wife got new R hip in April and L hip in October. So I was her caregiver and then she became mine in December. It either brings couples closer, or paves the way for an old folks divorce.❤️⚾️We’re good. I’m smiling knowing that I’m speaking with you.

> On Jan 19, 2018, at 11:46 AM, HS Baseball Web <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>
>

Still here.  But please, no old folks medical talk.  Sounds too much like a holiday gathering. 

One good change for us this year, we are actually headed "south" for some spring break games.  Looking forward to the final year.  Will be rough as our team doesn't have much depth -- not even sure we have enough to field a quality 9.  A few seniors have already quit due to last year's nonsense.  One is on the fence.  At the end, we may have only 3 seniors.  No pitching.  No development.  Should be "fun."     

James G posted:

CoachB maybe you can give some insight...we are going down to Edwardsville mid March for a PBR Kick-Off event. We play Edwardsville and STL Marquette...one game I believe at Edwardsville HS and the other at Tom Pile fields.  Anybody know how those fields are? Turf I believe? Any good shops or food places we can check out?

Tom Pile Field is Edwardsville's main field.  It is at the HS.  They also have a Turf field that serves as their JV Field.  These fields are separated by a parking lot but in the same complex.   Edwardsville is always really good.  They have a stud on their team that, I believe, is a sophomore this year. Drake Westcott is one of the top players in his graduating year in the nation and is already committed to Louisville.  St. Louis Marquette is also a fine program.  There are food places all over so it would depend upon the type of food you want.  Near the field you will find a Quiznos, McDonalds, Wendy's, and then some better places.  While it can get pricey, the wife and I love Bella Milano.  It is right around the corner from the high school.  Edwardsville is an upscale place so you can find food at any price point you like.  

Side note - As many of you know, for 12 years, I was one of Tom Pile's assistant coaches there.  We won a couple of state championships and had a state runner up.  During that time, one team went 40-0 and another team(s) had a run of 64 wins in a row.  I've spent hours on that mound and filed.   My daughter just agreed to join the Edwardsville High School Softball Coaching Staff.  

Golfman25 posted:

Still here.  But please, no old folks medical talk.  Sounds too much like a holiday gathering. 

One good change for us this year, we are actually headed "south" for some spring break games.  Looking forward to the final year.  Will be rough as our team doesn't have much depth -- not even sure we have enough to field a quality 9.  A few seniors have already quit due to last year's nonsense.  One is on the fence.  At the end, we may have only 3 seniors.  No pitching.  No development.  Should be "fun."     

Wow, sounds really tough.  Hopefully you will have a surprise player step up.  

itsrosy posted:
Darrell, sorry to hear about your knee and hip problem. For Cindy and I 2017 wasn’t too easy either. Wife got new R hip in April and L hip in October. So I was her caregiver and then she became mine in December. It either brings couples closer, or paves the way for an old folks divorce.❤️⚾️We’re good. I’m smiling knowing that I’m speaking with you.

> On Jan 19, 2018, at 11:46 AM, HS Baseball Web <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>
>

Bruce, I just read your response.  I laughed at the thought of my wife being my "caregiver."  She is more apt to say that I got what I deserved to get up and get stuff myself.  LOL  On a side note, this has been one of the worst weeks I have had walking.  I seem to have great weeks and one or two bad days.  Have never had a bad week.  Don't care to have another one.  LOL  

James G posted:

CoachB maybe you can give some insight...we are going down to Edwardsville mid March for a PBR Kick-Off event. We play Edwardsville and STL Marquette...one game I believe at Edwardsville HS and the other at Tom Pile fields.  Anybody know how those fields are? Turf I believe? Any good shops or food places we can check out?

Having done a couple of tournaments in that area, outside of the convenient places right by the HS that CoachB mentioned, we and several other families liked Peel Wood Fired Pizza.

uncoach posted:
James G posted:

CoachB maybe you can give some insight...we are going down to Edwardsville mid March for a PBR Kick-Off event. We play Edwardsville and STL Marquette...one game I believe at Edwardsville HS and the other at Tom Pile fields.  Anybody know how those fields are? Turf I believe? Any good shops or food places we can check out?

Having done a couple of tournaments in that area, outside of the convenient places right by the HS that CoachB mentioned, we and several other families liked Peel Wood Fired Pizza.

This is an excellent recommendation.  I forgot to add that if you all are from Chicago, you won't probably like IMO's Pizza next to the sports complex.  The crust is thin-thin and not close to Chicago style pizza.  Peel's is wood fired and taste great.  There is a McAlister's Deli that is always busy and it is less than a mile southwest of the sports complex.  I like it a lot.  Bulls and Bears can be pricey but it is really good.  It is more of a grill and bar atmosphere.   The wings are expensive but they are also a pound or more.  

Golfman, Marion has always had outstanding baseball teams.  I haven't ever run into Murphysburo.  

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