Thursday, November 6, 2008

2009 CSBL HALL OF FAME CLASS SELECTED

Last Sunday managers selected inductees for their CSBL Hall of Fame. The 2009 class will include managers Al Oremus (Prairie Gravel) and Bill Storrs (Crestwood Panthers), as well as players Mickey Bordon (Mustangs/Aurora/Westmont), Steve Colaizzi (Addison Braves), Mike DeLattre (Crestwood Panthers), Greg Ivarone (Lombard Orioles), and Todd Sippel (Beecher Muskies). The Hall of Fame Banquet will take place February 8.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

KAPTEYN AND HUDSON LEAD CSBL ALL-COLLEGE TEAM

During the annual fall meeting this past Sunday, CSBL managers honored twenty players by selecting them to the 2008 CSBL All-College Team. The team include the league's Collegiate Player of the Year, Braden Kapteyn of the Chicago Wildcats & the University of Kentucky, and the league's Collegiate Player of the Year Curtis Hudson of the Vee Pak Hawks and Elgin Community College. For the complete roster visit the "Honors" page or just click on the following: AnnualCollegiateAll-StarTeams.

Monday, November 3, 2008

AWARD WINNERS SELECTED DURING FALL MEETING

CSBL managers gathered last night for their annual fall meeting and selected their award winners for the 2008 season. Right-fielder Ryan Kopp of the Beecher Muskies was selected as the Positon Player of the Year. Kopp batted.354 with six home runs, seven doubles, and twenty runs batted in over 33 games. Seth Hill of the Lombard Orioles was selected as the Pitcher of the Year. Hill had a 4-1 record with a 1.12 ERA, as well as 31 strikesouts and only 9 walks in 40 innings. The league Newcomer of the Year award went to Mario Gianfortune of the Melrose Indians who not only hit .333 but led the leage with 30 stolen bases in 24 games. The Iron Man Award for the leading two-way player in the league went to Kevin Loukota of the Melrose Indians. Loukota not only hit .303 with 120 at bats in 32 games, but made fifteen appearance on the mound where he earned a 5-2 record. Braden Kapteyn of the Chicago Wildcats & the University of Kentucky was selected as the Collegiate Player of the Year after hitting .352 with six home runs and twenty runs batted in. Kapteyn also appeared twelve times on the mound and recorded a league-leading eight saves. Curtis Hudson of the Vee Pak Hawks and Elgin Community College received the Collegiate Pitcher of the Year award. Hudson threw 51 innings, giving up only 39 hits, while striking out 32 and recording a 1.94 ERA, accompanied by a 3-1 record.  The CSBL managers also selected the manager's from the two divisional champions as Managers of the Year. Jeff Vukovich was so honored after leading his team to another league championship, as well as a 2nd place finish in the AABC World Series.  Sam Hamstra & Tony Huntley, co-managers of the Chicago Wildcats were recognizes as managers of the year for leading the Wildcats to their first CSBL championship. The annual Umpire of the Year award went to Wayne Williams, his second such award from the CSBL.

Sunday, August 17, 2008
LOMBARD ORIOLES MAKE HISTORY BUT FINISH SECOND

For the first time in the history of the AABC Stan Musial World Series, two teams returned in consecutive years for the championship game. Last year, the Lombard Orioles defeated the Northwest (Houston) Wildcats for the championship.  This  year, however, the Wildcats, the tournament host with fiften former professional  baseball players in its roster, defeated the Orioles to win their second World Series title. 

After losing the first game to Puerto Rico, the Lombard Orioles marched  through the loser's bracket to the championship game against the the Wildcats. After following behind early by as many as seven runs, the Orioles made it a one run game in the seventh before losing 15-10. Orioles  Jared Koutnik and Jason Ganek were named to the All-Tournament team. For more details on the tournament, check out www.smws.us.

In other CSBL action, the Beecher Muskies failed  to advance out of pool play into the championship round of the NABF Major National Championship Tournament in Louisville, KY. Muskie outfielder Nate Weglarz was named to the All-Tournament team. The completion of the AABC and NABF tournaments brings the 2008 CSBL season to a conclusion.

Thursday, August 11, 2008
CSBL SUFFERS THREE LOSSES ON INTERNATIONAL STAGE

The Crestwood Panthers, the Lombard Orioles, and the Beecher Muskies, three teams from the top tier of the CSBL, each suffered a defeat in post-season play. This past Monday in Witchita, Kansas, at the NBC Tournament, the Crestwood Panthers suffered an 8-7 defeat at  the hands of hte Liberal (KS) BeeJays. The loss sent the Panthers home with a 2-2 record in the tournament. Yesterday, the Lombard Orioles opened up play in the AABC Stan Musial World Series (Huntsville, TX) against the Puerto Rico Vaqueros. The Orioles came up short, losing 4-1, but continue play in the double-elimnation tournament. Today, the Beecher Muskies lost 4-3 to the Tampa (FL) Elite in Louisville, KY. The first-round game of the NABF Major National Tournament went thirteen innings. The Muskies will play three more games in their pool to determine if they advance to the championship round.

Monday, August 11, 2008
LOMBARD, BEECHER & CRESTWOOD PLAY ON

The Lombard Orioles will advance to the AABC Stan Musial World Series in Texas after defeating the Sharkey's (Flint, MI) 7-1 in Battle Creek (MI) Regional. The Orioles will play Puerto Rico in the first round on Wednesday (www.smws.us). The Beecher Muskies will advance to the NABF Major World Series in Louisville, KY after defeating both the Westmont Red Sox (9-0) and the Chicago Gators (8-6). The Crestwood Panthers remain alive in the NBC tournament (Witchita, Kansas) after defeating the Oklahoma A's 8-3. Kyle DeYoung keyed a four-run third with a three-run triple. Blake Fairchild got the win for the Panthers (2-1), who next play the Liberal (KS) BeeJays.

Sunday, August 10, 2008
CSBL PLAYING FOR TWO REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Sharkey's from Flint, Michigan came out of the Loser's Bracket to knock the Melrose Indians out of the tournament and then give the Lombard Orioles their first loss. But the Orioles, with a 3-3-1 record, received a bye into the championship game of the AABC Stan Musial Regional in Battle Creek, MI. If they win, they will advance to the World Series in Texas where they will defend their 2007 championship. Closer to home, three CSBL teams remain in the NABF Regional in Kankakee, IL. In the first game on Saturday, the Chicago Gators (3-1) defeated the Intercon A's. In the second game, the host Beecher Muskies defeated the previously undefeated Westmont Red Sox in 13 innings by a score of 10-9. The Red Sox (3-1) and Muskies (3-1) will play again on Sunday at noon. The winner will play the Gators (3-1) for the championship and a slot in the NABF National Championship in Louisville, KY.

Saturday, August 9, 2008
CSBL POST-SEASON UPDATE

In AABC Regional Tournament action in Battle Creek, Michigan, the Lombard Orioles defeated the Melrose Indians 4-0.  The Orioles are now 2-0 in the tournament, while the Indians are 1-1. In NABF Regional action three CSBL teams have reached the semi-finals: Westmont Red Sox (3-0), Chicago Gators (2-1), and the Beecher Muskes (2-1). Late Friday night, the Muskies eliminated the Addison Braves who went 2-2 in the tournament. In NBC action, the Crestwood Panthers are now 1-1 after losing to the Kenai Peninsula Oilers.  In Puerto Rico, the Crystal Lake Cardinals are now 6-0.

Friday, August 8, 2008
CSBL POST-SEASON UPDATE

In AABC Regional Tournament action in Battle Creek, Michigan, the Lombard Orioles and Melrose Indians are both 1-0. The two teams will face one another in the second round. The Indians won their first game 2-1 with an 11th inning walk-off homer by Ryan Schievers. The Orioles won 9-0 over Battle Creek with Mike Recchia tossing a no-hitter.

In NABF Regional Tournament action in Kankakee, Illinois, the Westmont Red Sox won their first two games, including a thirteen-inning victory over the Addison Braves. The Beecher Muskies, the tournament host, is 1-0, opening with a 9-0 victory over the A's.  The Chicago Gators won their first game 4-3. 

In Puerto Rico, the Crystal Lake Cardinals are 3-0.

Thursday, August 7, 2008
PANTHERS OPEN THE NBC WITH VICTORY

The Crestwood Panthers won their first game in the NBC Tournament in Witchita, Kansas by defeating the San Diego Stars 4-1. Righthander Dan Atkenson got the victory, tossing six innings and striking out seven. The Panthers will play the Kenai (AK) Peninsula Oilers on Friday. For more details on this tournament, check out www.nbcbaseball.com.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008
LOMBARD TIES RECORD FOR MOST WINS

This past Tuesday, the Lombard Orioles defeated the Addison Braves 5-3 to gain their league-leading 28th victory of the season. The victory tied a CSBL mark for most wins in a season set by the High Tech Sanners in 2004.  The victory also marked the end of the 2008 CSBL season.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008
CSBL FEATURED ON YOU-TUBE

Walt Keys and Adam Benner have developed a nice five minute special on the Chicago Suburban Baseball League. The video was taken before and during a game between the Lombard Oriolesa and the Melrose Indians at Madison Meadows in Lombard. Check it out at www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNs4Abr3Pk.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008
EIGHT CSBL TEAMS CONTINUE POST-SEASON PLAY

While the Crestwood Panthers return to the NBC tournament in Witchita, and the Lombard Orioles and Melrose Indians compete in an AABC Stan Musial Regional, the Beecher Muskies will host the NABF Major Regional. The Muskies will be joined by the Addison Braves (who are entering this tournament through the Wisconsin State League), the Chicago Gators, and the Westmont  Red Sox.  But there's more - the Crystal Lake Cardinals are competing in a  tournament in Puerto Rico.

Monday, August 4, 2008
MELROSE INDIANS QUALIFY FOR FIRST AABC REGIONAL

The Melrose Indians defeated the Northwest (IN) Patriots to win the Illinois Stan Musical AABC Regional Qualifier in Oswego last night. The victory qualifies the Indians for their first-ever AABC Stan Musial Regional Tournament, which begins in Battle Creek, Michigan on Thursday. The Indians will be joined by the Lombard Orioles, the defending World Series Champions. The Orioles swept through their regional qualifier tournament with three straight wins. As a result, the CSBL will, once again, have two representatives in the Battle Creek Regional.

Sunday, August 3, 2008
AABC TOURNAMENT UPDATE

Round 1

Game 1 Oswego Cats 5 Westmont Red Sox 1

Game 2 Melrose Indians 11 Chicago Gators 3

Game 3 Addison Braves 4 Vee Pak Hawks 0

Game 4 Northwest Patriots 5 Oak Forest Shooters 3

Round 2 

Game 5 Westmont Red Sox 5 Chicago Gators 3           

Game 6 Oak Forest Shooters 1 Vee Pak Hawks 0  (12 innings)

Game 7 Melrose Indians 7 Oswego Cats 0

Game 8 Northwest Patriots 3 Addison Braves 1

Round 3

Game 9   Westmont Red Sox 4  Addison Braves 3

Game 10 Oswego Cats 8  Oak Forest Shooters 4

Game 11 Melrose Indians 2 Northwest Patriots 1

Round 4

Game 12  Northwest Patriots 3 Oswego Cats  1

Game 13  Westmont Red Sox 5 Melrose Indians 4

Round 5

Game 14  Northwest Patriots 14 Westmont Red Sox 4

Game 15  Melrose Indians 11  Northwest Patriots 1

                  Monday @ Oswego  8 PM  (If necessary)

Tuesday, July 29, 2008
ORIOLES & WILDCATS WIN DIVISION TITLES

The Chicago Wildcats, in their fifth year of existence, won their first-ever CSBL title finishing with a 24-9 record in the Southern Division. The Lombard Orioles, charter members of the CSBL, won their 18th division or league championship after sweeping the Crystal Lake Cardinals in a double-header last night. Their record is currently 26-4.  Also noteworthy, is that the Beecher Muskies are the first team to complete their 36 game league schedule. 

Monday, July 28, 2008
SEVEN TEAMS COMPETE FOR AABC REGIONAL

Seven CSBL Teams will compete in the Illinois Regional Qualifier for the AABC Stan Musial Tournament in Battle Creek, Michigan. The first round, which begins on Thursday, July 31, looks like this:

Game 1 8:00 PM @ Oswego HS - Oswego Cats vs Westmont Red Sox

Game 2 6:00 PM @ Alexian Field  - Melrose Indians vs Chicago Gators

Game 3 8:00 PM @ Addison - Addison Braves vs Oak Forest Shooters

Game 4 8:15 PM @ Alexian Field - Vee Pak Hawks vs Northwest Patriots

Wednesday, July 22, 2008
ITS OFFICIAL! WSL CLINCHES THE CHALLENGE

The Wisconsin State League - Chicago Suburban Baseball League 2008 Challenge includes 32 games between two of the nation's finest semi-pro leagues. After one week-end of play, the WSL led the Challenge 16-10, with six games postponed by rain. Last night in Oswego, the Addison Braves, representing the WSL, clinched the Challenge with a 11-10 victory over the Oswego Cats. The Cats had tied the game in the bottom of the 9th inning, 10th, and 11th, to push the game to 12 innings. In the last frame, at close to midnight, Brandon Harwell walked to lead off the inning and was eventually driven in with a single by Josh Harwell. The WSL now leads the Challenge 17-10.

Tuesday, July 21, 2008
OSWEGO UPSETS LOMBARD & SHOOTERS TOP PANTHERS

In the western suburbs, on a night of mild upsets, the Oswego Cats defeated the Lombard Orioles (in Oswego) by a score of 5-1. On the southwest side of town, in Oak Forest, the Shooters and Crestwood Panthers enjoyed a classic pitcher's duel. In this one, Joe Branigan led the Shooters to a 1-0 victory over Al Landini and the Panthers.

Thursday, July 17, 2008
HOLM LEADS ORIOLES OVER WESTMONT

Jeff Holm (Michigan State) hit two home runs for three rbi's to lead the Lombard Orioles to a 4-3 victory over the Westmont Red. Holm's heroics spoiled a complete game pitching performance by Nick Leonard.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008
WILDCATS DEFEAT ORIOLES WITH NO-HITTER

The North-Division, first-place Lombard Orioles, with the league's best team ERA, traveled to Midlothian for a game with the South-Division, first place Chicago Wildcats, with the league's best team batting average. After only one hour and forty-five minutes, the Chicago Wildcats came away with a 5-0 victory, led by left-handed pitcher Dave Norkus (St. Ambrose) who threw a no-hitter.

Only three Orioles reached base on Norkus (above): one an an error and two on walks. The victory by the Wildcats evened their two-game series with the Orioles who defeated the Wildcats 6-1 in Lombard on June 19.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008
CARDS SCORE FIVE IN THE 9th FOR WIN

The Crystal Lake Cardinals entered the top of the ninth inning at Standard Bank Field in Crestwood trailing 6-4. By the end their frame, the Cards scored five runs to earn a hard fought 9-6 victory. Kyle Kukulski got the win, throwing three innings of relief, giving up but one hit.

Monday, July 14, 2008
WSL - CSBL CHALLENGE PROVIDED EXCELLENT BASEBALL

While the CSBL trails the WSL by six games, the 2nd annual Challenge provided excellent baseball for teams from two of the finest semi-pro baseball leagues in the nation. The week-end included ten games determined by one run, seven shut-outs, and one no-hitter. Looking over the results, it looks like the CSBL did not pull off any upsets, but the same could not be said for the WSL who pulled off a couple unpredicted wins. All in all, the week-end provided excellent preparation for teams entering post-season play.

Sunday, July 13, 2008
WSL ESABLISHES 16-10 LEAD IN CHALLENGE

While there are six games yet to be played, the Wisconsin State League can finish no worse than a tie for this year's Challenge. Sixteen games were played today, with the WSL gaining 9 victories, giving the league a total of 16 victories (out of a possible 32) over two days of action. The CSBL has 10 victories. Six games were rained out and may or may not be rescheduled.  If they are rescheduled, the CSBL would have sweep all six to gain a tie. Remarkably, ten of the 26 games played were determined by one run! Check the schedule page for today's results, but here are some highights: Lombard Orioles Mike Recchia (EIU) threw a 4-0 complete-game shutout... The 2nd game between the Sheboygan A's and Westmont Red Sox went 13 innings before the A's secured a 6-5 victory.... The Crystal Lake Cards came from behind in the top of the 7th to win the first game 5-4.  In the second game, Gannon Zadwick tossed a shut-out and Jesse Wight homered in a 5-0 victory...Vee Pak's Tim LeBeau (St. Joes) tossed a 4-0 shutout of Janesville. He was helped by a three-run homer by Josh Zenawick. Vee Pak's Kevin Jakubauskas threw two-hit shut of Janesville in the second game.

Saturday, July 12, 2008
CSBL-WSL CHALLENGE UPDATE

The Melrose Indians put the CSBL up by one game with a 3-0 victory over the Eau Claire Cavaliers. Left-hander Andy Weeks (Wabash College) recorded the complete game shutout. In the nightcap, the Cavaliers bounced back for a 3-2 victory in nine innings.  Check out all the details at www.eauclairecavaliers.org.  In Oak Forest, IL, the Chicago Wildcats defeated the Osh Kosh Giants 8-2 and 3-1. The Wildcat attack included a three-run home run in the first game by Braden Kapteyn (Kentucky).The Beecher Muskies suffered two shut-outs by identical 2-0 scores to the Lombard Orioles who, while a member of the CSBL, are playing for the WSL this week-end. Orioles Aronson and Erickson tossed shut-outs. The Westmont Red Sox were swept by the Manitowoc Bandits by scores of 4-3 and 2-1. Mickey Bordon homered for the Sox. The Crystal Lake Cardinals traveled to Sheboygan to play the A's and were swept 1-0 and 4-3. So, after day 1, the WSL leads the CSBL seven games to three with six home games rained out. Sixteen games are scheduled for Sunday and the CSBL will need 10 wins just to gain a tie in the Challenge.

Saturday, July 12, 2008
RAIN IN CHICAGO POSES ANOTHER CHALLENGE

A three-hour morning rainfall in Chicago has brought some adjustments or cancellations to a handful of CSBL-WSL Challenge games. Three double-headers have been cancelled due to wet fields: Kenosha at Crestwood, Addison at Oswego, and Janesville versus Oak Forest.  In addition, the games between the Vee Pak Hawks and Chicago Gators were cancelled.  But, after an hour delay, the Chicago Wildcats and Osh Kosh Giants played their double-header at Oak Forest (IL) HS.  Plus, the Lombard Orioles and Beecher Muskies will get their games in tonight on the artificial surface at UIC.

Above - Osh Kosh Giant manager Brian Gerl exchanges line-up cards with Wildcat manager Sam Hamstra and umpires Craig Davelis (left) and Steve Shaw (right).

Friday, July 11, 2008
CSBL ARMED & READY FOR ROUND 2 OF CHALLENGE

The CSBL is armed and ready for its second challenge of the Wisconsin State League.  The Challenge pits two of the nation's finest semi-pro baseball league against one another for an exciting week-end of  baseball. In the 2007 Challenge, the WSL took the crown winning 19 of 32 games. This year's challenge once again includes 32 games between eight CSBL teams and eight WSL teams (including the Lombard Orioles and Addison Braves who play in both leagues). The teams have  been matched up according to the 2007 league standings. The Challenge begins Saturday at Noon with Crystal Lake at the Manitowac (WI) Bandits, and the Addison Braves at the Oswego Cats.

Thursday, July 10, 2008
BEECHER MAKES TRADE IN TIME FOR CHALLENGE

Just days before the CSBL-Wisconsin State League Challenge, the Beecher Muskies acquired catcher Brian Bajer (Butler University) from the Chicago Wildcats for future considerations. Bajer joins the Muskies whose catching core has been depleted by injuries.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008
PANTHER HEADS TO JAPAN

After leading the Crestwood Panthers to a 7-1 victory over the Chicago Gators, right-handed pitcher Lee Zerussen (University of Illinois) will head east to Japan for a good-will  tour as a member of a collegiate all-star baseball team.

Monday, July 7, 2008
FOURTEEN GAME WEEK-END

After a fourteen game week-end in the CSBL, the standings remained pretty-much the same, with the exception of the Crestwood Panthers moving into 2nd place in the South Division, and the Oak Forest Shooters jumping ahead of the Westmont Red Sox.  Crestwood Panther Mike Marshall hit a home run in the Panther's sweep of the Crystal Lake Cardinals. The Chicago Wildcats and Lombard Orioles held on to their spots on the top of their respective divisions, each winning 3 of 4 games this past week-end. CSBL highlights included two extra-inning ball games (Vee Pak over Beecher 2-1 in nine innings, and the Lombard Orioles over the Melrose Indians 7-5 in nine innings), a two-out game winning, walk-off hit by John Zielinski to lead the Vee Pak Hawks to their extra-inning victory over the Beecher Muskies, and a 5-0 shut-out of the Oswego Cats by CSBL Hall-of-Famer and Lombard Oriole Rich Capparelli.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008
JULY OPENS WITH SIX GAMES

On a beautiful summer evening in Chicago, ten CSBL teams met for six games. In Addison, the Oak Forest Shooters came from behind with two runs in the 9th inning to beat the Addison Braves in the 10th inning. At Judson College in Elgin, the Crystal Lake Cardinals beat the Beecher Muskies 4-2. In Oswego, the Vee Pak Hawks broke a tie game in the seventh and went on to a 9-5 victory over the Cats. In a battle for first place in the South Division, the Chicago Wildcats swept a twi-night double-header from the Crestwood Panthers at Standard Bank Field.   Panther Mike Marshall hit a home run. Finally, in Lombard, the defending AABC World Series Champions Lombard Orioles beat league-new comer, the Chicago Gators 11-3.

Monday, June 30, 2008
WEEK-END UPDATE

The Oak Forest Shooters swept the Chicago Gators in a four-game series this past week-end.  All games were played at Romeoville High School. The Melrose Indians hosted the Crystal Lake Cardinals on Saturday at Lake Park High School.  The two teams got one game in, a 5-3 victory by the Cardinals, before a 30 minute storm washed out the 2nd game with the teams tied 2-2 in the 4th. The Indians, then, traveled to Beecher on Sunday for a cross-over match-up with the Muskies and went home with two wins, including a 6-0 shut-out by right-handed pitcher Brad Altbach (Bradley University) and Eric Eul((Triton CC) . The Chicago Wildcats traveled to Austin, Minnesota for the SPAMtown Challenge, hosted by the Austin Greyhounds, a 16-team invitational tournament. The Wildcats went 4-1, losing to the tournament champion, the Cold Spring (MN) Springers.

Friday, June 27, 2008
TWO FAMILIAR FACES RETIRE

Two CSBL veterans recently announce their retirements. Former Illinois State Redbid and Oswego Cat Dave Schoeberlein has retired after an eleven year career in the CSBL. During that time the left hander pitched and played first base. CSBL Hall-Of-Famer Steve Lane retired after a 21 year career with the Beecher Muskies. In his illustratious career, Lane had over 2200 career at bats and a .359 lifetime batting average. Check out the "Honors" page for more on Lane.

Saturday, June 21, 2008
LAST YEAR'S CO-CHAMPS SPLIT

If you are going to split on the road, managers will tell you its  best to win the second game; it makes the ride home much more pleasant.  And that's exactly what the Beecher Muskies accomplished by handing the Lombard Orioles their first CSBL loss of the season with a 6-4 victory. In the first game of this much anticipated match-up, the Orioles won 5-4. Last year's CSBL co-champs will match up again in July, this time for a four game series at UIC. This series is part of the Wisconsin State League - CSBL Challenge.  Lombard will be representing the WSL.

Friday, June 20, 2008
FIRST PLACE TEAMS MATCH UP

Today, in MLB action, two first place teams will match up - the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Cubs. Last night, in CSBL action, our two first place teams matched up for a single, nine-inning contest in Lombard. Scoring five unearned runs in one inning, the Lombard Orioles, the 2007 AABC Stan Musial World Series Champions, coasted to a 6-1 victory over the Chicago Wildcats.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008
CSBL COLLEGIANS SIGN AS FREE AGENTS

Just days after the MLB draft, two players from the CSBL were signed as free agents. First, left-handed swinging, first baseman Brett Newsome (Chicago Wildcats and St. Ambrose) signed with the Washington Nationals.  Then, this past week-end, left-handed pitcher Mike Tomoleoni (Lombard Orioles and Barry University) signed with the Chicago White Sox.

Monday, June 16, 2008
CRYSTAL LAKE CARD NO-HITS BRAVES

In between all the rain showers, the Crystal Lake Cardinals and Addison Braves met for a double-header at Community Park in Addison.  In the first game, Crystal Lake Cardinal Teddy Ratliff (Boston College) threw the first no-hitter of his career, leading his team to a 3-0 victory over the Addison Braves. This outstanding performance followed just days after Dan Edwards and Mitch Thompson of Addison combined for a one-hitter against the Cardinals. Trouble is that the Cardinals won that game, as well, by a score of 1-0. The Cards scored their only run in the 8th inning on a hit, a sacrifice bunt, a stolen base, and a fielder's choice (attempted double-play which would  have ended the inning).

Friday, June 6, 2008
MLB DRAFT PICKS TEN PLAYERS FROM CSBL

As in previous years, Major League Baseball has selected several players with CSBL experience during its First Year Player Draft. LHP Rick Zagone (Crystal Lake & Missouri) went to the Baltimore Orioles in the 6th round. The Marlins grabbed LHP Andy Loomis (Wildcats & Purdue) in the 16th round. RHP Mike Eifel (Wildcats & Dominican) was taken by the Giants in the 21st round, while RHP David Cales (Crestwood Panthers and St. Xavier University) went in the 24th round to the Chicago Cubs. RHP Trevor Feeney (High Tech Scanners & NIU) went in the 31st round to the Tigers.  In that same round, the Cubs selected third baseman Kyle Wilson (Crystal Lake & Hill CC). Third baseman Braden Kapteyn (Chicago Wildcats & Illiana Christian HS) went in the 39th round to the San Franciso Giants. His brother, RHP Wade Kapteyn (Wildcats & Evansville) was selected in the very next round by the Twins. The White Sox chose shortstop Lee Fischer (Wildcats & Missouri) in the 46th round.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008
CATS SPOIL HAWKS DEBUT IN CRESTWOOD

The Vee Pak Hawks played their first ever home game in Crestwood at the Standard Bank Stadium (formerly Hawkinson Field), hosting the Oswego Cats tonight. But the visiting Cats scored five runs in the first three innings on their way to a 5-1 victory over the Hawks who play most of their home games at Alexian Field in Schaumburg. 

Friday, May 30, 2008
CSBL COLLEGIANS - NAIA ALL-AMERICANS

Two players from the Chicago Wildcats were named to the NAIA All-American team. Dan Higgins, with the University of St. Francis (Joliet, IL) was named to the First Team as a right-fielder. Higgins had a .456 batting average, with 9 home runs, 21 doubles, and 44 rbi. Brett Newsome, a junior with St. Ambrose Univeristy, was named to the Honorable Mention Team as a first baseman. Newsome hit .470 with 8 home runs, 20 doubles, and 63 RBI.  Both players are rostered with the 2008 Wildcats.

Friday, May 30, 2008
KURKOWSKI MAKES IT 26 YEARS IN A ROW!

When Larry Kurkowski, manager of the Addison Braves, entered the battered box as a pitch hitter last Saturday, in a CSBL games against the Beecher Muskie, he continued a remarkable streak.  Kurkowski has made a plate appearance in every year of the CSBL's 26 year history.  What is even more remarkable is that in that first at bat of the season, Kurkowski cracked a double. The guy still has game!

Monday, May 26, 2008
CSBL COLLEGIANS EARN ALL-TOURNEY HONORS

The 2007 class of CSBL collegiate players continues to rack up awards this 2008 college baseball season. Jordan Tokarz (Vee Pak Hawks of Elmhurst) was named MVP of the Ohio Valley Conference Baseball Tournament.  Tokarz had three doubles in the championship game as his Eastern Illinois Panthers topped Southwest Missiouri State 7-4. Illinois pitcher Kevin Manson (Crestwood Panthers) was named to the Big Ten All- Tournament team.  UIC pitcher Peter Iift (Westmont Red Sox) and first baseman Brett Schaefer (Westmont Red Sox) were both named to the Horizon League All-Tournament team.  Kent State University second-baseman Doug Sanders (Vee Pak Hawks of Elmhurst) was named to the Mid-America All Tournament tema. Ben McClarey (Westmont Red Sox) represents UW-Milwaukee on the Horizon League All-Tournament team.

Sunday, May 25, 2008
BEECHER MUSKIES OPEN WITH SWEEP
The Beecher Muskies began their defense of their 2007 co-championship with a double-header sweep of the Addison Braves.  In Game 1, the Braves tied the game in the top of the 7th, but the Muskies scored one in the next inning for a 5-4 victory. In Game 2, the Braves scored four runs in the first inning off Jason Squier, but the Muskie veteran right-hander settled down for a complete game 10- 5 victory. Muskie right-fielder Joe Howard helped the Muskies with a three-run homer.

Friday, May 16, 2008
OPENING DAY ON MAY 25
The CSBL will  begin its 28th season on Sunday, May 25, when the Addison Braves travel to Beecher for a double-header against the Muskies.  The double-header will launch the Beechers attempt to defend their 2007 CSBL Co-Championship. Manager Fred LeSage has announced that veteran pitchers Bill Nelson and Jason Squier will toe the rubber at Sippel Memorial FIeld against the Braves. Nelson and Squier have been two of the best dependable and successfull starting pitchers in the CSBL over last six seasons. In 47 appearances (42 starts), Squier has a 23-11 record, with a 2.59 ERA. Nelson has a 21-15 record with 44 appearances (all starts) and a 3.57 ERA.

May 6, 2008

DAN HIGGINS NAMED NAIA REGION & CCAC PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Dan Higgins (Chicago Wildcats) and junior right fielder for the University of St. Francis receieved both the NAIA Region VII and Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year awards.

Friday, April 4, 2008
BROOK GETS BOBBLEHEAD
The Frontier League River City Rascals have announced that former Muskie and CSBL player Steve Brook will be honored with a Bobblehead night - August 17. Steve is the Rascal's all time leader in career wins. He retired following last season and was named the Rascal's pitching coach for the 2008 season. Brook was named to the Rascal's 10th Anniversary All-Diamond team as one of only 15 players so honored. He was voted the franchise's most popular player in its history with over 55% of online voters naming him on their ballots.

Monday, February 11, 2008
2008 LEAGUE SCHEDULE SET
The CSBL will divide into two divisions for the 2008 campaign. The North Division will include the Oswego Cats, Melrose Indians, Lombard Orioles, Addison Braves, Crystal Lake Cardinals, and Vee Pak Hawks of Elmhurst. The remaining teams will constitute the South Division. Teams will play four games against each time in their division, and two games against teams outside of their division. Each team will participate in the 2nd Annual WSL-CSBL Challenge, thereby adding 4 games with teams from the prestigious Wisconsin State League.