Gee,Oak Park still in it? they are 20-11, it's about the 20th year in a row they have won 20 or more game's but according to some experts on this, I mean so called exprets,they should suck, because they don't do travel baseball. What a joke,their in house baseball makes them the power they are every year.I think this is the first year the freshman didn't win their league in about 10 years.Not bad coming off 80 foot bases the year before. And they have a coach who went through that program and know's how to win. GO huskies!!!
We havent heard from Bombski and devil dad since their senior citizen like bickering session with Sweaty some weeks back. Good to hear from you guys. Its great to see the WSC have 3 of the final 32 teams left in the tourny. I hope that this settles some arguments about which conference is one of the best in the area, if not, the state. Best of luck to all of the teams left. Hopefully, we can all be compadres in Geneva next weekend.
lotta love out there ballgame8,nothing but love....and to think i forgot op-rf was alive...i knew you be there chris good luck to you guys...you are a good coach and a good guy for the game
i love the hc lt banter. i hope we meet again somehow downstate. that'd be a ton of fun.
and to huskie power, oak park is a solid team, but their sectional is a joke. let's be serious.
Huskie Power...get rid of that chip on your shoulder.
No program has been better than OPRF over the last 20 or even 50 years.
Since I am the naysayer regarding your precious Pony League, know this:
The great coaching staff at OPRF will have a more difficult time achieving the same success in future years BECAUSE of the Pony League's refusal to coexist with Travel Ball. This years freshman were a good example of that.
The very best 10,11 and 12 year old's in OP are already giving up on Pony and joining Windy City and other solid Travel program's.
All Pony needed (needs) to do is create One (1) travel team of 15-17 players at each level. This would signifigantly help the HS coaches and the HS team's performance. To inherit a player that knows the game and that has played at a higher level is every coaches desire.
No player benefits from playing fewer games with lessor player's against poorer competition. PERIOD.
AND....the Huskies are 25-14. Coach Ledbetter has averaged close to 30 wins per year. I believe his winning percentage is either the best or very close to the best in Illinois.
No program has been better than OPRF over the last 20 or even 50 years.
Since I am the naysayer regarding your precious Pony League, know this:
The great coaching staff at OPRF will have a more difficult time achieving the same success in future years BECAUSE of the Pony League's refusal to coexist with Travel Ball. This years freshman were a good example of that.
The very best 10,11 and 12 year old's in OP are already giving up on Pony and joining Windy City and other solid Travel program's.
All Pony needed (needs) to do is create One (1) travel team of 15-17 players at each level. This would signifigantly help the HS coaches and the HS team's performance. To inherit a player that knows the game and that has played at a higher level is every coaches desire.
No player benefits from playing fewer games with lessor player's against poorer competition. PERIOD.
AND....the Huskies are 25-14. Coach Ledbetter has averaged close to 30 wins per year. I believe his winning percentage is either the best or very close to the best in Illinois.
Give it a rest nole, you sound like a broken drum.
Drum?
Maybe record but not drum (lol).
Maybe record but not drum (lol).
Nole...you talking about OPRF freshman baseball is like me talking about Free Shoes University baseball. I have very very very limited knowledge about the subject. I didnt see you at any of our games. Do you know where Lindberg park even is? Im not trying to pick a fight, but I was proud of how my kids played this year and where they ended up. No, we werent the most talented group in the conference, but we competed and won a lot of ballgames. I know this thread is about Sectionals, but I needed to speak my mind. Now, back to the LT/HC bantering...sweaty, its all yours??
i think i'll just observe. you know , you learn alot by observing? i know i read that somewhere.......
Huskie Power.....
Who ever said OPRF sucked?????? Who ever said that if they didn't play travel ball they would suck??????
OPRF has, and will continue to have one of the best programs in the state. There, I "warmed and fuzzied you". Now stop putting words into peoples mouths!!!!!!
Who ever said OPRF sucked?????? Who ever said that if they didn't play travel ball they would suck??????
OPRF has, and will continue to have one of the best programs in the state. There, I "warmed and fuzzied you". Now stop putting words into peoples mouths!!!!!!
ballgame 8.
My reply to Huskie Power was very much to the point. He said the program is alive and well, which it certainly is. In the same post he took a shot at travel, compared to Pony and I took exception, using his reference to this years conference results as an example.
I hope your team wins every game...and that will be more and more difficult with the PL standing in the way.
Steve Spurrier....your NOT!
My reply to Huskie Power was very much to the point. He said the program is alive and well, which it certainly is. In the same post he took a shot at travel, compared to Pony and I took exception, using his reference to this years conference results as an example.
I hope your team wins every game...and that will be more and more difficult with the PL standing in the way.
Steve Spurrier....your NOT!
sweaty....
Gotta love me!!!
Gotta love me!!!
O.K., enough of this banter, off to the game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NT 5 GBN 4 in 9 innnings
1 of the wilder and crazier games I've seen in a while. GBN had plenty of chances to score and did not capitalize on mnay of them (although my favotite umpire cost them a run in the 1st on a play at home). Altbach went 8 innings, and up 4-3 in the bottom of the 9th, they bring in some Freshman pitcher named Zach McMahon (perhaps you've heard of his dad, Jim). 1st and 2nd, 3-2 count with 2 outs, he gives up a double to NT's #2 hitter (name is escaping me). I know he threw a ton of pitches, but what's 1 more inning? Oh well, the *******s won again.
1 of the wilder and crazier games I've seen in a while. GBN had plenty of chances to score and did not capitalize on mnay of them (although my favotite umpire cost them a run in the 1st on a play at home). Altbach went 8 innings, and up 4-3 in the bottom of the 9th, they bring in some Freshman pitcher named Zach McMahon (perhaps you've heard of his dad, Jim). 1st and 2nd, 3-2 count with 2 outs, he gives up a double to NT's #2 hitter (name is escaping me). I know he threw a ton of pitches, but what's 1 more inning? Oh well, the *******s won again.
Boomer., Nole has said many times OPRF should go to travel ball, and the funny part is travel ball has been going on now for the last 15 year's and OPRF goes on and on , Its just hard for that guy to ever admitt he is wrong! So the last 15 years i will match OPRF record to all the other school's who's player's play on a travel team. Never cut down travel programs, just letting knoll-it-all he is wrong again!! GO HUSKIES!!! GO LEDDY!!!
quote:Originally posted by Huskie Power:
Boomer., Nole has said many times OPRF should go to travel ball, and the funny part is travel ball has been going on now for the last 15 year's and OPRF goes on and on , Its just hard for that guy to ever admitt he is wrong! So the last 15 years i will match OPRF record to all the other school's who's player's play on a travel team. Never cut down travel programs, just letting knoll-it-all he is wrong again!! GO HUSKIES!!! GO LEDDY!!!
Huskie Power, there are times that I disagree with soxnole, but this is not one of those times. The future, whether you like it or not, is travel ball. Travel baseball is all about player development and it is how youth baseball is now played. It is far from perfect, but it is still evolving and it is where the best players compete now and will in the future.
OPRF was traditionally ahead of other towns partly because their youth program was strong (and partly because the school is very large with a very large population to draw players from). The difference was that they were strong compared to Little League with 60' bases and no stealing or dropped third strike. Compared to high level travel teams who drill skills year round and play real baseball, they will start to lag behind.
Soxnole is certainly a Huskie fan and is actually thinking about the future of the program.
Eventually, Oak Park & River Forest will embrace travel baseball. And until they do, more and more the top players will look elsewhere to compete against other top players and the in town program will suffer.
Having travel players will help the high school program whether the program is based in OP or not. So you need not worry about OPRF's future.
Of course, you may want to start a travel program. Soxnole may even help you out.
Mike F
The GBN-New Trier game sounded like a great game. I wish I could've been there. Where is that sectional being played at?
another upset...
Grayslake 8
Carmel 1
Grayslake 8
Carmel 1
well it's here....#1 St Rita vs #2 Lyons Township...it should be a good one....can't wait...maybe i'll just go park there tonight. This is what it is all about...It should come down to who will execute the bunt or the defense of the bunt. Be there or be square 11 am at Nazareth Academy in LG park...see ya there
In reference to Huskie, Boomer, Mike and Nole: The whole full-time travel ball thing is a huge misconception and problem within Oak Park nowadays. Some people are of the opinion that by simply playing more games that makes you a better player. That’s like saying kids from Florida are better players than Midwest kids simply because they play more games (I recently read a post that said OPRF had the most D1 signings in the country last year). In reality what makes players better is practice.
Mike-RF plays Little League.
The future of Oak Park baseball is very solid right now from the 9-y/o level through 14-y/o.
Mike-RF plays Little League.
The future of Oak Park baseball is very solid right now from the 9-y/o level through 14-y/o.
Doinkurz12
More games are like practice for a hitter.Yes you still have to practice, Travel ball teams all have practice.Better competition will make you better.I think you use the games as spring training to help your baseball career.Bottom line the kids have to work hard to get better.this will also teach a kid what it is to be committed to something.Travel ball has other advantages than just baseball their is alot of good frindships made between the kids and the parents.I have to say ever kid in HS starting line played travel ball somewhere.Maybe our whole team even. Travel ball has my vote!!!
More games are like practice for a hitter.Yes you still have to practice, Travel ball teams all have practice.Better competition will make you better.I think you use the games as spring training to help your baseball career.Bottom line the kids have to work hard to get better.this will also teach a kid what it is to be committed to something.Travel ball has other advantages than just baseball their is alot of good frindships made between the kids and the parents.I have to say ever kid in HS starting line played travel ball somewhere.Maybe our whole team even. Travel ball has my vote!!!
Lt, MikeF. Never have I said travel ball is BAD. Your missing the point. It works for Oak Park-RiverForest period. Most towns have awful house league team's and rules! Lt dad your son is one of the best catcher's I have seen.
AGREE
Hammy, GBN-NT is the Niles West Sectional, and yeah it was a good one.
Unfortunatley for both the freshman teams at O.P.R.F and L.T. this was an off year. O.P.R.F finished 4th in conference, L.T. 5th in conference. Had nothing to do with travel ball as ltcdad mentioned or no travel ball. Talent level was down somewhat with quality arms but pride and effort was there. Some years are up, some are down. It tends to be cyclical at times. ........ The N.T vs GBN game was a tense game in its latter innings. Very tough loss for GBN as any close sectional games are. Brad Altbach was impressive for GBN. N.T. had 3 hits over a span of 8 innings. This young man was a warrior. A freshman pitcher to start the bottom of the 9th was a tough call but I am sure the coach new best. 2 walks, 2 K's and a 2 out 3-2 pitch opposite field bomb over the r.f head nailed the win.
Since 2003 Oak Park Youth Baseball has followed a hybrid approach of house league and travel ball for ages 8 - 12. All players selected for the travel teams (the Oak Park Eagles -- www.oakparkball2.org) also participate fully on a house league team in a season that culminates with a Village Championship series and All-Star games. Eagles players gain exposure to what is perceived to be a higher level of competition by playing in the NIML and various travel tournaments, but also enjoy the traditions and community-based values of an extremely competitive house league. The latter is probably something most travel ball players don't experience -- fortunately Oak Park's program is large enough to allow the Junior Bronco league ages 9-10)and Bronco league (ages 11-12) to field drafted teams that are extremely competitive. Our "best of both worlds" approach has, contrary to Soxnole's statement, kept almost all top players in the program. To my knowledge there was only one 9 year old player who left for outside travel ball this year, and none at ages 10-12. The Oak Park and River Forest systems combine at ages 13-14, but that's a different organization. I hear they're starting to play some in-season tournament ball, but I really hope they preserve the house league traditions as well.
I think we need to start a new forum:
Oak Park Freshmen Baseball
But anyways, what are some predictions for the Rita v LT game, should be a good one. I'd put the winner of this game in the championship next week, but who knows.
Sounds like there have been a ton of good games, and I'm sure this one promises to be right up there. Best of luck to everyone and keep playing hard.
Oak Park Freshmen Baseball
But anyways, what are some predictions for the Rita v LT game, should be a good one. I'd put the winner of this game in the championship next week, but who knows.
Sounds like there have been a ton of good games, and I'm sure this one promises to be right up there. Best of luck to everyone and keep playing hard.
colin if that is you, take it easy will you. what do you have a 1 hitter in 16 innings in the last week? we need you in the summer too.....we have a title to defend there in myrtle
Rita has one of the loudest dugouts/bench I have heard in quite awhile. They are aggressive from the start. They like to go after it early on. L.T. is a composed hard working bunch that keeps coming after you. They do have life in their dugout this year. If L.T. bends but doesn't break it will be tight. Being the #1 and #2 teams it will be played pitch by pitch. If you get comfortable in this game your gone.
Since my predictions have been so accurate 
I will take a shot at it.
In a surprise move Rita abandons the bunt and turns into a power hitting team with 6 solo homers, and Lyons uses 6 suicide squeeze bunts to tie the game at 6. Then Sweaty finds Devil Man in the crowd and they start a battle royal while all of a sudden the Oak Park Legion people get into a debate with Soxnole and the people who want more travel ball. After the militia is called in to restore the peace the IHSA decalres the game a forfeit so Mt. Carmel does not have to play any good opponents for their trip to the Eilte 8.
Seriously the only thing that is for certain is get there early if you want to find a place to park.
I will take a shot at it.In a surprise move Rita abandons the bunt and turns into a power hitting team with 6 solo homers, and Lyons uses 6 suicide squeeze bunts to tie the game at 6. Then Sweaty finds Devil Man in the crowd and they start a battle royal while all of a sudden the Oak Park Legion people get into a debate with Soxnole and the people who want more travel ball. After the militia is called in to restore the peace the IHSA decalres the game a forfeit so Mt. Carmel does not have to play any good opponents for their trip to the Eilte 8.
Seriously the only thing that is for certain is get there early if you want to find a place to park.
Suburban Fan,
I needed a good laugh today and you provided it. Hilarious post made in jest,.....but you never know!!
I needed a good laugh today and you provided it. Hilarious post made in jest,.....but you never know!!
this is the capper to a fine friday. you couldn't be more right either. LT is working on there bunts in the halls between classes today and my kid is pitching tomorrow if he gives up 6 homers he is moving out of the house....just kidding dan..i will love you know matter what happens on saturday..you have made me one proud papa and you continue too...i couldn't be prouder of you and all you have accomplished....a little tear jerker for everyone to ponder til tomorrow of course...ill be there at 7:30 with my lawn chairs (ala berwyn) to keep spots open for 10 bux anyone interested get there early
Sweaty just stay away from you know who!!!!
Good luck to LT tomorrow! (god- was that hard to type) just kidding boomer and sweaty. In between chewing on you nails, enjoy watching your boys tomorrow. You should be very proud.
Glenbrook South 3
Loyola 2
8 innings
Both pitchers Geldermann for GBS, Daker for Loyola, pitched really well. Daker was done in by his defense a couple times, but overall the game had a number of great plays for both sides.
Loyola 2
8 innings
Both pitchers Geldermann for GBS, Daker for Loyola, pitched really well. Daker was done in by his defense a couple times, but overall the game had a number of great plays for both sides.
Deuce...I left you a couple of PMs.
Boy, a guy does an honest days work and you guys really hit on a bunch of things today. Lets see if I can catch-up.
dirtbag.....
IF, OPRF, LT, Sandburg, Glenbard West, Morton, Glenbard East, shall I go on, didn't have quality players from travel programs like Prairie Gravel, Lombard Lightning, Berwyn Bulldogs, Orland Park Sparks, Tinley Park Thunder, White Sox Academy, Illinois Orioles (Cangelosi Orioles), Burr Ridge Barons, etc., etc. etc., you wouldn't have the quality, or parody of baseball today in the IHSA. Period!!!!!
I'm not saying that travel ball will get your son on the high school team, but you had better believe that with all the extra games, especially game situations, they will definitely be a better ball player.
Now, I'm not saying that travel baseball will teach fundamentals, and hopefully the coach knows some things (there's a pitching coach I question, but that's another topic), but the players had also be prepared to do extra hitting, conditioning, etc., themselves.
Oak Parks in-house program is a 'benchmark' for all little leagues, unfortunately most communities don't think the way they do!
As far as the freshman teams, across the board you will find that most schools will suffer because of the decline in commitement for travel baseball. Organizations such as Prairie Gravel set a standard that will be hard to follow. Sorry, but it's true. If you can get people like Sam Sorce to coach, train, teach, mentor players like he did, then you can expect travel ball to thrive in our area. I know that the Illinois Orioles will continue to produce quality players as well as the White Sox guys and several other programs.
Please don't condemn me if I didn't mention your team or organization, I just want make my point. Travel baseball will give you the players that can compete on a national level, you just need more dedicated coaches like Sam Sorce, or John Cangelosi, or Jack Copp (sorry again if I didn't mention other names. you know who you are).
ballfan......
I know you understand what I have said, that this is not a 'slam' on high school coaches!!!! This should be a collaborative task for all concerned. Unfortunately, it may get misconstrued.
Thanks for the "Good Luck"!!! You know we would reciprocate!!!!! And I didn't have a hard time typing this!!!!
Boomer
dirtbag.....
IF, OPRF, LT, Sandburg, Glenbard West, Morton, Glenbard East, shall I go on, didn't have quality players from travel programs like Prairie Gravel, Lombard Lightning, Berwyn Bulldogs, Orland Park Sparks, Tinley Park Thunder, White Sox Academy, Illinois Orioles (Cangelosi Orioles), Burr Ridge Barons, etc., etc. etc., you wouldn't have the quality, or parody of baseball today in the IHSA. Period!!!!!
I'm not saying that travel ball will get your son on the high school team, but you had better believe that with all the extra games, especially game situations, they will definitely be a better ball player.
Now, I'm not saying that travel baseball will teach fundamentals, and hopefully the coach knows some things (there's a pitching coach I question, but that's another topic), but the players had also be prepared to do extra hitting, conditioning, etc., themselves.
Oak Parks in-house program is a 'benchmark' for all little leagues, unfortunately most communities don't think the way they do!
As far as the freshman teams, across the board you will find that most schools will suffer because of the decline in commitement for travel baseball. Organizations such as Prairie Gravel set a standard that will be hard to follow. Sorry, but it's true. If you can get people like Sam Sorce to coach, train, teach, mentor players like he did, then you can expect travel ball to thrive in our area. I know that the Illinois Orioles will continue to produce quality players as well as the White Sox guys and several other programs.
Please don't condemn me if I didn't mention your team or organization, I just want make my point. Travel baseball will give you the players that can compete on a national level, you just need more dedicated coaches like Sam Sorce, or John Cangelosi, or Jack Copp (sorry again if I didn't mention other names. you know who you are).
ballfan......
I know you understand what I have said, that this is not a 'slam' on high school coaches!!!! This should be a collaborative task for all concerned. Unfortunately, it may get misconstrued.
Thanks for the "Good Luck"!!! You know we would reciprocate!!!!! And I didn't have a hard time typing this!!!!
Boomer
ballfan, i owe you big time so, i will start by saying good luck to you tomorrow. and second , thank you very much...you know what i'm talking about. i wish you had coached my kid sometime in his career....you give alot of yourself to the game and you deserve alot of credit....
sweaty and ballfan?
Enquiring minds want to know what's up with that!
Probably ol' Leddy trying to help another player that darn well deserves it!
Go WSS Silver.
Enquiring minds want to know what's up with that!
Probably ol' Leddy trying to help another player that darn well deserves it!
Go WSS Silver.