Three Lemont Indians Baseball Teams Earn Top Trophies

Editor's Note: The following article was submitted by Lemont resident Mary Pollard.

Three levels of Lemont Indians boys travel baseball program won top trophies in Memorial weekend tournaments. 

The 11U team placed first at the Woodridge Memorial Classic Tournament, the 9U team placed second at the same tournament, and the 10U team placed first at the Downers Grove Long Shots National Tournament.  

As the only undefeated team in their age group, the 11U boys were seeded first in their tournament pool heading into the semi-final game. After a hard-fought victory over the West Suburban Wildcats, they played the host team, the Woodridge Bulldogs, for the championship. With talent and teamwork, the boys worked to a 12-2 lead in the fifth inning, ending the game under the slaughter rule a full 2 innings early.

Head coach Rick Tauer said, “During a close game, I asked the boys if they wanted to step up and play now or later. One boy said, now AND later! That encapsulated the whole tournament.”  

The 9U team entered their semi-final round having defeated every team by the slaughter rule. Like the older Indians team, the 9U team faced the Woodridge host team in the championship game. In the end, despite being cheered on by fans and many 11U players, the 9U team was defeated by the Bulldogs and took home the second place trophy.

Head coach Pat McDermott said, "I couldn't be more proud of the boys on this team. Each and every player had a big hit and made a key play in the field, which is what lead us to the championship game. The boys were the true definition of Team.”

It was a friend and family affair at the Woodridge tournament, as long-time friends and brothers competed side by side and cheered each other on. Most of the 11U team has been together for four years, forming friendships that extend both on and off the field. The 11U team includes twin brothers James and Conrad Tauer and Jaxson Dian, whose younger brothers Aidan Tauer and Justin Dian play on the 9U team. On the 9U team, triplet brothers Gavin, Jack, and Patrick McDermott play together with many of their long-time friends.

Also on the first place 11U team are Chad Biggs, Matt DiNardi, Luke Kilhafner, Justin Lazowski, Brandon Pollard, Joe Rita and Bobby Wisz. Assistant coaches are Jeff Dian, Scott Pollard and Sheldon Rita.

Rounding out the second place 9U team are Drew Antczak, Jake Bingen, Ryan Dunbar, Nick Muscolino, Maddox Swanstrom and AJ Taylor. Assistant coaches are Tony Antczak, Chris Bingen and Mike Dunbar.  

The 10U team won three games on Sunday in Downers Grove, defeating Frankfort 7-6 in a walk off game-winning hit by Jack Brady. They also beat Western Springs 11-4 and Clarendon Hills 11-5 while they battled the 90-degree heat and rolled through four games.

The 10U team is coached by Matt Brady, Dan Brannigan, Mike Fornero and Al Smiles. The 10U team is: Joe Agne, Paul Andriotti, Jack Brady, Daniel Brannigan, Anthony Fornero, Chris Johnson, Joe Klaff, Henry Roe, Luke Smiles, Jake Swalec and Marcos Voulgaris. 

The teams would like to thank their generous sponsors whose financial contributions help to provide the funds and resources they need to compete.

The sponsors for the 9U team are: Country Financial, Dunbar Systems, Next Level Training, Quality Quickprint and Sperka Construction.

The sponsors for the 11U team, who are helping to send the team to Cooperstown in 2013 are: Athletico, Ampak Company, Country Financial, Fit4Kix.com, Forzley Eye Clinic, Front Street Cantina, I Flip N Dance, Jeffrey LaMorte Salon and Day Spa, Norlux, Quality Quickprint, and Strike Factory.

To learn how to become a team sponsor, please contact Mary Pollard at marymarly@aol.com.

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