Swinging into the summer season

Published by admin on Tue, 04/25/2023 - 4:47pm

Photo by Ann Gill
CHARLIE CHRISTENSEN TAKES a swing during the homerun derby hosted by the Coal City Youth Leagues on Saturday, April 22.

Photo by Ann Gill
PLAYERS WITH THE Coal City Youth Leagues stand as the American flag is raised over the field during opening ceremonies on Saturday, April 22. The flag raising was conducted by members of Operation Firm Handshake, a non-profit organization based in Coal City that honors veterans from across the state during an annual picnic in the fall.

Photo by Ann Gill
THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED Coaler Youth Baseball League and Coaler Youth Softball League came together over the weekend to host an opening day event that featured a homerun derby contest. RJ Kelly was among the participants in the event.

The Coaler Youth Baseball and Coaler Youth Softball opened the 2023 season with a day of activities that included a home run derby, games and scrimmages.

Founded separately in 2022, the two non-profit organizations offer recreational programs for kids interested in the two sports. The focus is on providing a place for kids to build skills and develop an appreciation for the game.

The season opened with a ceremonial first pitch tossed by Hall of Fame coach Jerry McDowell, who serves on the board of directors for the baseball group and is the current head coach of the Coal City High School varsity baseball team.

A highlight of the day was the home run derby with three top finishers in each category.

In the Shetland division the top batter was Beau Hines followed by Elliott Munsell and Benny Bailey.

In the Pinto boys division, Drew Novak finished in first place. Brock Bailey was second and Andrew Vironda placed third.

Emmy Hall was the first place batter in the Pinto girls division followed by Kensley Schomig and Larkyn Kaluzny.

Among Mustang players, in the boys division the top hitter was Andrew Becker with Liam Wynn finishing second and Rylan Davy third.

Girls Mustang derby finishers were Haleigh Case in first place, Ryleigh Kargle in second and Hailey Fisher finished third.

In the Bronco division the top batter in softball was Promise Walker. Sophia Smith came in second and Lila Symons was third.

And, the top hitters among boys in the Bronco division were Hunter Lamphier with first place, Rylan De Michele in second and Patrick Osipavicius was third.

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