Next week, the 12 best little league boys teams (ages 11-12) in District 9 will compete in the 44th Annual Roy A. Overholt Invitational tournament at Kiwanis Park in Brookfield. Originated in 1964 and recognized as the oldest structured little league tournament in the country, the prestigious event is commonly referred to as, “the World Series of District 9.”
Although the World Series vibe is palpable, the format could just as easily be classified as a baseball battle royal of sorts, albeit it in a good natured way. While no squads will be thrown over the top rope or tossed into a turnbuckle, each representative is keenly aware of the single elimination format and that only the last team standing will claim the title, “champion.”
Regardless of which team wins the tournament, typically all the players involved in the farewell to summer baseball bash have fun while also collecting special memories.
Defending champion Brookfield National, which has claimed the championship seven times during the tourney’s illustrious history, headlines a loaded group of teams this year. After finishing second or third seven times since 1998, Brookfield National won it all last year with a dramatic 5-4 championship game victory over LaGrange in eight innings. Last year’s standouts like T.J. Bongiorno, Andy Suzuki and Brett Hoyd have all moved on, paving the way for new stars on Brookfield National (18-4-1) like Erik Mikesh, Brad Bednar, Jack McCarthy, Jimmy Rock, Corbin Sepolio and Matt Lake.
“We drafted everybody from scratch,” Brookfield National Manager and League President Jim Bednar said. “Obviously, we have had some success this year. All of the kids have improved and had fun during the course of the season.”
While Brookfield National will be focused on achieving consecutive titles and enjoy the luxury of playing in their hometown, several other area squads should pose a formidable challenge.
Coached by Dan Murphy, Riverside rolls into the tournament with a 12-4-1 record and a talented roster of players led by Louis Virdin. Regarded as the team’s best hitter, Virdin blasted a 300-foot home run during the regular season and also tossed a pair of no-hitters. Shortstop/pitcher Jake Fieseler, catcher Dan Murphy and outfielder/second baseman Steve Baer also enjoyed outstanding campaigns.
“There is a lot of camaraderie on this team and we’re very excited to compete in the Overholt tournament,” Coach Murphy said. “Riverside won the Overholt in its inaugural year [1964] and we haven’t won it since then. Hopefully, we can have a good chance of doing it this year although there will be a lot of good teams trying to win it.”
Lyons McCook (13-4) is another dangerous team capable of making a deep run in the tournament. Igniting an explosive offense, Jason Owens started off the year going 21-for-25 at the plate and finished the regular season batting .700. David Visk and Nicholas Pieta each hit .400, while Victor Sanchez (5-0) anchored the pitching staff and hit at a .600 clip.
LaGrange, Lyons Township, North Riverside, Pleasantdale, LaGrange Park, Stickney, Western Springs, South Cicero and Berwyn comprise the rest of the field.
The tournament begins on Monday. All games will be played at 7:30 p.m.