Avon Township Youth Baseball Hosts First Tournament of Season

Spring was in the air this past weekend as Avon hosted its first Travel Baseball Tournament of the season at the grounds of the old Softball City in Hainesville.

Participating teams not only took advantage of the beautiful spring-like weather, but the updated facilities and fields as well. 

At the 10U level, the battle between Lake in the Hills and the Algonquin Storm provided a boisterous crowd of spectators, second to a major league stadium. Spectators on both sides cheered in unison as the game drew to an end. The see saw battle between these two teams ended in a 5-4 victory for the Algonquin Storm. 

At the 11U level, the Algonquin Storm, Grayslake Coyotes, Lake in the Hills, Mundelein and the Avon Township Youth Baseball Double Headers battled for first place.

The 11U Double Headers faced Mundelein in their first game and won with a score of 10-2, advancing them to the championship game only to face the team that defeated them the night before with a score of 13-2—the Algonquin Storm. The game went back and forth with both teams tied at 1 then tied at 3.  In the fourth inning, however, left fielder Jeremy Rowder broke the seal with a double and 2 RBIs! In the bottom of the 7th inning, Algonquin strung together a few runs and mounted what appeared to be a comeback. Closing pitcher Mykal Ashley shut the door with a game winning strike, allowing the Double Headers to win by a score of 12-10. 

At the 12 U level the Grayslake Coyotes took the championship title with a win over the Richmond Rockets. The Coyotes were led by pitchers Ethan Peterson and Nate Twardock giving up only two runs. The offensive punch was provided by Chris Thomas, 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, and Wes Kemming, the championship game MVP, who was 2 for 2, a double, and 3 RBIs.

Coach Steve Sturm shared that "not only was the tournament well run and professionally officiated, the spirit of good sportsmanship was evident at all games. The free hot dog and pop for home run hitters was a nice touch, too."

The 13U championship game was a rematch between the Avon Double Headers and the Aurora Thunder. Aurora’s bats were hot. The Thunder immediately took a four run lead at the top of the first inning. The Double Headers did not give up and were anchored by the efforts of Regan Marsell, who went 3 for 3, Sergio Meza, who went 2 for 3, and relief pitcher Jay Patel. Excellent defense from the Thunder contained the Double Headers and the Aurora Thunder took the Championship title.

When asked about her thoughts on the Spring Swing Tournament, Coyote 12U parent and Grayslake resident Megan Thomas shared, “Kudos to the Avon Double Headers family. This weekend’s tournament was amazing! The atmosphere was fun and friendly, and we loved the whole feel of the ball parks, quaint and cozy, nothing fancy, just baseball done right. The concessions were out of this world, so many choices, and all made to order! We loved hearing the ‘congrats’ blaring over the loud speaker for the boys that hit home runs; really captured and added to the excitement!  Well done Avon!”

At the completion of each game played, the coaches from each team awarded an MVP medal to a player on the opposing team. Various players received medals throughout the tournament, further underscoring good sportsmanship and an overall respect for the game.

—Courtesy of the ATYB Double Headers.

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