LeRoy kids had a lot of fun while learning about teamwork and friendly competition at their T-ball end-of-season celebration.
Friday's LeRoy Summer League T-ball Spectacular was the last event on the two-month calendar for the league's four teams. Rather than a few innings played between just two teams, the Spectacular featured all four teams playing at the same time.
While two teams played on the main field, the others waited their turn, playing mini-games, working on base running or hitting off a tee. Kids also got their names announced along with walk-up music during games and ate free ice cream and popsicles at the end of the night.
Sam King, a player for the team sponsored by Baker Lawn Service, loved the base running mini-game.
“I get to run really fast and the wind’s in my hair,” he said.
Volunteers continue to support the league to maintain a low cost for all kids. Extra financial assistance assures nobody who wants to play is turned away.
“I just love to give back, because so many people have given to me when I was young and this age,” said Jake Podraza, a volunteer for the league. “So why not come out here and give back to the community and put these kids in a good place for them to keep continuing to play and just continue to work with others?”
Podraza first volunteered in 2013, when his children were playing T-ball. He has since moved to become an assistant coach for middle and high school baseball as his kids have gotten older, but still has continued to support T-ball events.
Without a score to keep track of, Podraza said kids instead focus on finding a love for the game before they begin baseball or softball.
“To be able to work with others and see them compete, and see them compete and have fun and then play against other teams and other players and still have that sportsmanship and know how to like pat them on the back after a rough day, or just learn the basics with friends they love and cherish and have this community support them,” said Podraza.
Much of the crowd was made up of parents and other family of players on the field. Tim Marcum has been proud to watch his grandson, Royce, have fun playing this season.
“He’s tickled to death. He’s happy,” said Marcum, adding he's also enjoyed the experience himself.
“Nothing any better. It's great to watch them improve, and just get to be with other kids and just have a good time,” he said..
The Spectacular was a well-attended event for the city of around 3,500 people, about 20 miles southeast of Bloomington-Normal. Steven Dean, longtime mayor of LeRoy, threw out the first pitch.
“It's just awesome to see all the families who push these kids to just have fun. That's one thing about the community that I really love,” said Podraza.
