|
|
CABA World Series ...Visit the Website
Welcome to the Greatest Show on Dirt! Voted the No.1 CABA World Series site in the United States! Scheduled for July 25th through August 03, 2008, The 2008 CABA 15 year-old World Series is the premier baseball event in the United States and recognized as presenting the best travel teams from around the world. This is the highest level of play for national and international teams of this age group. Teams from Japan, Puerto Rico, Canada, Georgia, Washington, Florida, California, Illinois, New York and other states converge on Northern Illinois in late July and compete on the best fields, against the best teams. This will be our 16th consecutive year of hosting this prestigious event and 2008 is shaping up to be our biggest and best ever. Rest assured, we will do our utmost to continue providing this unique “CABA Experience” that has earned international accolades, tournament of excellence awards and stellar worldwide reputation for being known as The Gold Standard for World Series Events!
|
USA Olympic Baseball
BUFFALO GROVE, Ill., April 8, 2008 -- Peter Caliendo and his fellow commissioners with the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) are in the seventh inning of a high-stakes ballgame. Charged with the monumental task of delivering a winning Olympic Baseball program in Beijing, the IBAF has four months to make sure Beijing is not baseball’s last Olympic stand.
“As part of the Technical Committee for Olympic baseball, our goal is to make baseball a fan favorite in China --and worldwide for that matter-- while maintaining the integrity of this great game,” explained Pete Caliendo (Hoffman Estates), Youth Baseball Director for Buffalo Grove’s The Sports Academy and member of the Technical Committee for the IBAF. “It’s tough. Beyond the technical issues of building the stadium, training the umpires and setting the stage for exciting competition, we must teach the Chinese the game and get them to fall in love with a sport which most have never seen.”
Baseball was voted out of the 2012 Olympics. As rough as it may be, the IBAF won’t let the Beijing Olympics be the last diamond for baseball. As early as 2009, baseball can be voted back onto the lineup for the 2016 Olympics and Beijing can provide the world a new look at global baseball. Earlier the month in a show of IBAF bench strength, Major League Baseball (MLB) brought America’s pastime to the new Beijing Baseball stadium, helping the IBAF in their efforts to create fan enthusiasm in China.
Caliendo just returned from Beijing on a IBAF trip to monitor progress on the technical issues, and to collaborate with visiting MLB officials during the historic exhibition game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“Having MLB there was a great opportunity for us to test our progress, and get a sense for how the Chinese will react to competitive baseball,” said Caliendo. “Everything went very well but our biggest challenge remains fan education. For example, the Chinese applauded foul balls and weren’t ready to react to batted balls that rocket into the stands. But having stars like Dodger Manager Joe Torre, Dodger outfielder Andruw Jones, and Padres pitcher Trevor Hoffman enjoying the local sites and meeting fans, along with international media coverage, will go a long way toward creating a fan base.”
Caliendo and the IBAF Technical Commission identified numerous issues to address before the Olympics regarding how the Chinese presented and participated in the new stadium. Caliendo reports that Olympic Baseball games may resemble Minor League Baseball games in the way they rally the fans with entertainment between innings: “Chinese fans have to be entertained as well as taught the basics of the game in order for them to truly enjoy and appreciate the event.”
Appointed last year to the IBAF’s Olympic Committee (and with the IBAF Technical Committee since 2003), Caliendo has had to put dozens of batting lessons and his private coaching consulting practice on the bench to attend planning sessions in Beijing. Caliendo will continue to provide expert counsel to the IBAF as a technical commissioner in the months leading into the Games, and at the same time, direct youth baseball programs for future baseball Olympians at The Sports Academy Northwest (Buffalo Grove, IL) and coordinate international baseball competitions to Europe this summer. He is also the President of the Pitch & Hit Club, a professional baseball foundation dedicated to supporting the game. A past Team USA coach, Caliendo still considers coaching young baseball athletes in the proper throwing, fielding and batting mechanics—while keeping it fun—his toughest challenge.
|
 |
Tournament Recaps |
 |
|
|
Salina Glove Co. Classic (Fletcher World Qualifier)
|
May 6, 2009
|
|
This was another very competitive tournament held Standard Bank Stadium(Home of the Windy City Thunderbolts of the Frontier League in Chicago)
In the semi final games it was the Indiana Bruins over the Southwest Thunder 10-0.The second semi turned out to be a thriller between former MLB player John Cangelosi's Sparks and the Lincolnway Blue Demons both teams went back forth with runs and great plays.The game got so exciting that the Windy City Thunderbolts team came out of there locker room to see the game.The game was tied 3-3 after 7 complete innings.The game didn't end until the Sparks scored 5 runs in the top of the 9th.The championship was a high scoring game with the Bruins being too much for the Sparks to handle after that exhausting semi game.The Bruins ended up winning 11-7
in front of many fans that were waiting for the Thunderbolt game against the Joliet Jackhammers that followed our tournament.
|
|
|
Memorial Weekend Classic (Fletcher World Qualifier)
|
May 23,2009
|
|
It was beautiful a weekend for baseball in Rockford,Illinois.We had ages 8,10,and 11 participating in this event.The 8U division definitely attracted the most fans throughout the tournament.These little guys were having so much on the field that it made you realize what we are here for.(the kids)The Lakeland LLteam was so tough on defense that they didn't allow a run during the tournament.Lakeland won the Championship over the Rockford Heat 3-0.In the 10U,the Westchester Knights beat the Moline Blackhawks 7-1.Probably the bestgame came in the 11U Championship.It was the Hampshire Slaughter of Illinois vs. Wisconsin Rockhounds.This game was going back and forth,the Slaughter was down 3-0 after 2 innings,but responded with 3 in the top of the third.In the forth they went up 6 to 4 and the excitement continued as the Rockhounds get with in 1 run in the bottom half.In the fifth inning the Rockhounds tied the score at 6.In the top of the 6th
the Slaughter was unable to score,but in the bottom of the 6th,the Rockhounds were able to get a hit then bunted the runner over to second and the next player got a single to right to win the game.
|
|
|
Memorial Weekend Classic (Fletcher World Qualifier)
|
May 23,2009
|
|
This was a 14U tournament held at beautiful Road Ranger Stadium in Rockford,Illinois.(Home of the Rockford
Riverhawks of the Frontier League)This was a great weekend of baseball and enjoyable for the fans that were watching.The semi's provided some good teams with
the first semi being the Huntley Wolves vs. Crystal Lake Cyclones.The Cyclones seemed to be too much for the
Wolves as they easily handled them 9-1.The second semi
was a very exciting game as the Elk Grove Travelers were
playing the Forest Heat.This game was pretty much a pitcher's dual as the game was locked at 3 to 3 after 7.
Neither team was able to score in the 8th,9th,or 10th,but there was a play at the plate with runner being thrown out from right field.In the top of the 11th,the Travelers were able to explode for 4 runs which seem to be a comfortable situation.In the bottom of the 11th,the Heat was able to make the bases loaded and it looked like things were going to get close again.The Travelers were able to prevail by
getting the batter to fly out and win 7-3.The Championship didn't fail the fans with excitement either.This game went back and forth as well with the
game being tied at zero for most of the contest.In the top of the seventh,the Travelers put one on the board to go ahead.In the bottom of the seventh,the Cyclones answered with 2 runs to win the Championship 2-1.
|
|
|
Hoosier Bat Classic (Fletcher World Qualifier)
|
May 14,2009
|
|
This was another great tournament held in beautiful Standard Bank Stadium with the 14 year olds getting the opportunity to play the real game with wooden bats.With the bad weather on Friday and not being able to play,we were still able to get all of our games in over the weekend without cutting back time or innings.In the semi games we had three 3-0 teams in the Celtics,Prospects,and Raptors.The Force had to be called at there homes because they didn't think that they would make it on a 1-2 record.In the semi's the Force pulled an upset by beating the Celtics 7-4 in a hard fought game.The best game in the whole tournament came in the second semi with the Prospects scoring in the top of the seventh with a play at the plate.The game was not over by all means,as the Raptors put the bases loaded with no outs.The Prospects pulled off a great doubleplay and got out the next batter to end the game.In the Championship,the Prospects prevailed by beating the Force 3-0.
|
|
|
May Madness (Fletcher World Qualifier)
|
May 1, 2009
|
|
It was a beautiful weekend for baseball at Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood,IL.Some of the most talented 14 year teams were at this event.The Chicago White Sox came into this tournament undefeated,but at had to face there rival LW Blue Demons in a game that ended up 11 to 8 BlueDemons.
In the semi's,they faced each other again with the Blue Demons coming out on top 6 to 1.The other semi put former MLB player John Cangolosi's Sparks against the Ballpark Raiders.This game was a hard fought battle with the Raiders coming away with a 5 to 3 victory.The Championship game was definitely a game to watch as the LW Blue Demons pulled out a 4 to 3 victory over the Raiders
|
|
|
2009 USTBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
|
July 20, 2009
|
|
2009
NATIONAL
CHAMPIONSHIPS
July 20-25
UNITED STATES TRAVEL BASEBALL ASSOCIATION
CHAMPIONS
RECEIVE
RINGS!!!!
All Inclusive
Huge Team Savings!
One Price Includes Everything! No Hidden Charges - Low Pricing!
USTBA is excited to announce their "All Inclusive" Eastern National Championships at the “All New” Boundary Waters Park & Area High Schools in Douglasville Georgia just west of Atlanta. Available to 8U thru 18U age divisions, players, coaches and spectators will experience a competitive & fun filled event without the "Add-On" cost associated with a World Series or National Championships.
So... What's Included In The National Championships?
All Inclusive Entry Fee
NO GATE FEES! NO PARKING FEES! LOW "PER PLAYER" ENTRY FEE!
FREE USTBA National Championship Hat Pin For Each Player
FREE National Championship Program For Each Player
FREE National Championship T-Shirt For Each Player
FREE Skills Competitions & Fun Activities For Everyone
FREE National Championship Cap For Each Coach
5 Game Minimum
4 Game Pool Play & Play-Off Championship Brackets
Unique 3 Level Competition Championship Format
Championships In Three Divisions - Ultimate, American & National
NFHS Baseballs Provided For ALL Games
Exciting Opening Ceremonies
Former MLB Guest "Master Of Ceremonies"
Exciting Teams Introduction & Parade Of Teams
Military Presentation Of Colors & Gun Salute
Award Winning Band National Anthem & Presentation Of Songs
Coach/Player Dunking Tank, Pin Trading & Much-Much More!
Individual & Team Skill Competitions
"Outta Da' Park" Home Run Derby (individual competition - 2 players per team)
"Bulls-Eye" Bunting Competition (individual competition - 2 players per team)
"Touch Em' All" Base Running (team competition - 3 players per team)
"Gold Glove" Around The Horn (team competition - 5 players per team)
"Golden Arm" Accuracy Throwing (individual competition - 2 players per team)
1st & 2nd Place Awards To ALL Skill Competition Champions & Finalist
Fantastic Awards Package
Custom National Champion Rings Awarded In ALL Competition Levels
2nd - 4th Place Awards Presented in ALL Levels & Age Divisions
All Tournament Team Selection & Awards In ALL Age Divisions
MVP Offense, Defense & Sportsmanship Awards In ALL Age Divisions
The USTBA National Championships Promises To Be The
Most Exhilarating National Event Anywhere!
For More Information Visit The Website @ USTBA Eastern Nationals
To Register Your Team
Call 770-693-2247
or
Email @ USTBA Summer Nationals
8U - 9U - 10U - $59 per player
11U - 12U - 13U $69 per player
14U - 15U - 16U - 18U -$79 per player
|
|
|
Dynasty Elite 13 U wins the Pembroke Lakes Back to School Bash tournament
|
Aug 27, 2009
|
|
Thur, Aug 27 @ 6 PM, field # 10
Dynasty Elite 1 - PLakes Bulldogs 3
PLakes Bulldogs pitching shut down the Dynasty Elite bats to only 5 hits. We also did a bad job of base running and missing signs. Not a good start to this event. The only bright spots were the pitching and defense.
Fri, Aug 28 @ 6:30 PM, field # 10
Dynasty Elite 4 - Weston Hawks Elite 0
Dynasty Elite again gets great pitching and very strong defense to shut down the Weston Hawks Elite. However, the offense left 10 runners on base. We need to do a better job at the plate. Also, our base running is still not sharp.
Sat, Aug 29 @ 3 PM
Dynasty Elite 12 - Plantation Stars 1
Now we are talking. We put together the full package. Pitching, defense and the hitting came around. Good job!!!
Sun, Aug 30 @ 11 AM
Dynasty Elite 14 - Pembroke Lakes Bulldogs 3
Dynasty Elite get a fantastic pitching performance and defense was solid. The big difference between this game and the earlier tournament game Vs. PLakes Bulldogs was our offense. We did a better job offensively. We are off to the championship game.
Sun, Aug 30 @ 2 PM.
Dynasty Elite 6 - Margate Titans 2
Dynasty Elite took on a very strong Margate Titans team. The Titans had a combination of 13U and 14U players, so Dynasty Elite, a 13U team, had to be @ their best if they were going to win. And that is exactly what Dynasty Elite did. Again, lead by great pitching and fantastic defense, Dynasty Elite held the Titans to only 2 runs. Great way to start our 13 U campaign.
RECAP
Dynasty Elite came into this tournament with high expectations, and we were able to take care of business. The pitching staff was awesome and the defense was very strong, only allowing 9 total runs in 5 games. The offense got better as the games became more important. Nice job guys!!!!!!
|
|
|
Windy City Thunderbolt Opener (Fletcher World Qualifier)
|
April 3, 2009
|
|
Friday started the season off with a great game between the Chicago White Sox Elite and the Indiana Bruins.The game was very close and a great pitching dual until the White Sox pulled away with a 4 to 1 win.The second game was between the Lincolnway Blue Demons and the Pastime Prospects,which was one sided with Lincolnway winning 7 to 0.The games continued on Saturday with the White Sox winning over Lincolnway 7 to 1 and Pastime winning 4 to 3 over the Bruins in a very competitive game.We were unable to play on Sunday because of the rain and snow, so the White Sox were crowned the champions.
|
|
|
Bench's by Ron Invitational
|
April 23,2009
|
|
It was a very rainy weekend throughout Illinois and we were one of the few tournaments that was able to get all of our games in thanks to the tarps,groundscrew,
coaches,and parents that help take it on and off.We had
a special guest on Saturday,when my good friend former
White Sox slugger Ron Kittle showed up to sign autographs and take pictures for about 3 hours.The Championship Game was the White Sox Elite vs. Celtics.
The White Sox continued there winning ways by using there speed and hitting to win by an 8-0 score.The Celtics fought hard throughout the tournament to get the Championship Game,but finally ran out of gas.
|
|
|
Caliendo Sports Invitational (Fletcher World Qualifier)
|
April 17 , 2009
|
|
We had a great weekend of baseball at beautiful Standard Bank Stadium where the 14 and 15 year old Fletcher World Championships will be held.The championship put two teams that played earlier in the
tournament.In the first meeting the Dupage Dragons beat the Ballpark Raiders 5 to 4.The championship game brought in many fans to which made an exciting game.The Raiders jumped out to an early 2-0 lead The game continued to go back and forth,before the Raiders hit a couple shots off the fence of this big stadium.The Raiders ended up pulling away with a 9-4 victory for the Championship.
|
|
|
|
|
Click Here For Complete Tournament Coverage...
|
 Submit Your Tournament Recap Here...
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|