Little did you know, the most exciting baseball leagues in Chicago are found outside the ivy of Wrigley, behind community centers and in park districts all over the city and the suburbs. Boys and girls live out their dreams of home runs while parents coach their hearts out from the sidelines. There’s a reason it’s still America’s number one pastime.
Last Spring I had the opportunity to capture JCC Chicago’s Little League Baseball at their Roger’s Park location. Each team had a uniform and name to match an MLB team, looking like the real deal swinging for the fences and attacking home plate with a vengeance.
You'd think hitting the ball would be the most important skill but I'd say for these little leaguers it's running since those balls don't get very far...yet.
I love this player's proud smile. He simply couldn't contain how excited he was to be heading to home plate next. Just don't slide, that's not allowed in this league.
Every good game has one of these moments, right? "I got it, I got it, I got it, I got it, I got it, ouch. Did someone get that?"
As a kid watching baseball I was crazy about watching the pitchers. The best look like they are dancing on the field.
Focusing so hard as that ball bounces right into his glove...well, almost.
That's right kid, keep your eye on the ball. You've got this. It's only the championships you know.
Nothing like the required slapping of hands with the simple phrase, "good game."
All done for the day and ready to tackle some Sunday night dinner with family.
