Let's Play Two: Westside Baseball of Oak Lawn Opens 2025 Season

OAK LAWN, IL — No, that wasn't an M-80 you heard last Friday. Like many communities across the country, the first crack of the bat signaled the start of the 2025 Westside Baseball of Oak Lawn season.

Youngsters streamed onto the field to a blistering AC/DC track “Thunderstruck” courtesy of DJRipItUp. The T-ballers became distracted by a puppy on the field that caused a brief bottleneck.

“It’s an incredible feeling to see this field come alive again with the sound of laughter, cheers, and the crack of the bat,” Westside Baseball president Ryan Howell. “There’s something truly special about the start of a new season — it’s a fresh slate, full of promise, teamwork, and the joy of the game.”

The Illinois State Police Honor Guard brought a powerful and respectful presence, followed by a stunning rendition of the National Anthem by Jessica Jovel. Boomer from the Windy City ThunderBolts cavorted and posed for selfies. Former league president Steve Loulousis tossed out the first pitch. It bounced once between the mound and the plate, but still, Loulousis did better than former Congressman Dan Lipinski.

“To the parents, grandparents, and family members — your support is the foundation for every child who steps onto the field. Whether it’s early morning practices, late night games, or car rides full of pep talks and post-game snacks, your love and encouragement mean the world to these young athletes.”

Westside Baseball encompasses 8U-16u travel teams and 22 house ball teams with some really cool MLB uniforms. About 350 players participate. Teams play the Chicago Suburban Baseball League, West Suburban Baseball League and the Southwest InterLeague, as well as local and out-of-state tournaments. The 12U team participates each year in the Cooperstown Tournament. Travel teams compare in three to five tournaments a season. The fields are located at 94th Street and Oak Park Avenue.

“Westside Baseball is a 100 percent volunteer-run, nonprofit organization, and nights like Opening Day remind us how lucky we are to have such an engaged, generous, and spirited community,” said WBOL secretary Chrissi Petropulos

Opening night also signifies a sweet time for parents and grandparents before their kids and grandkids grow up in a nanosecond.

“To the parents who bring their kids out each night and the players who take the field with enthusiasm and heart: you are why we do this,” Howell said. “Our mission is to create a fun, positive experience for every child, and Opening Day was a perfect start.”