Opening Day 2025 for HBSA

This past Saturday was the 2025 Opening Day Parade and Ceremony for The Hills Baseball and Softball Association.

Each team, from the Shetland T-ball through the 14U Softball made a float to show off their pride for their teams.

They spent the morning (and some teams, the night before also) decorating and dressing up at Conrady in Hickory Hills.

The parade stepped off, lead by fire trucks from the North Palos Fire department and the Roberts Fire department.

The floats made their way from Roberts Rd to 95th street and

finally 76th Ave, right into the parking lot for the HBSA.

Once at the fields, the teams made their way into the outfield of the Pony field.

The winners for the best parade floats were announced.

3rd place, winning free slushies from the concessions stand, was the Hills Heat 14U softball team with their firetruck entry.

2nd Place, winning free hot dogs from the concessions stand, was the Mustang White Sox.

With their lifted big wheel trucks plastered with photos of the team, pulling a trailer that housed the Mustang kids. And in 1st place, winning a pizza party at Pizza Castle, the 10U Hills Hawks softball team.

With their trailer decorated with oversized softballs and bats.

Next, Mayor Bennett from Palos Hills came out to welcome the families and players to the 2025 season.

This was Mayor Bennett's 44th opening day ceremony with the program. The Hickory Hills Mayor Howley came to the mound next with his turn to welcome everyone to the season.

After introducing the members of the HBSA board and the team managers, a few awards were handed out. Natalia DeHann was recognized for her years with the league, as she begins her final season with the HBSA.

After starting with them in 2018, she will have 8 years of her softball career played on these fields. Congratulations to this outstanding commitment of loyalty.

The winning championship banner was presented to last season's 14U Hills Heat softball team.

Next up, coach Megan Charniak was recognized for her years of dedication to the HBSA softball program. After many years of coaching, she has retired this year but was honored as being the Winningest Coach in HBSA history. With more championship wins under her direction than any other coach in the history of the league.

And finally, Pattie Wheeler was recognized for her years of dedication to the HBSA softball program. She is the current softball director for the HBSA, even though she hasn't had a child in the league for three years she continues to come back and help out.

With that, it was time for the first pitch! Coach Megan's teams had great success with the help of pitching coach, Jennifer Mrskos.

To thank her for her years of dedication, she showed off her wonderful technique on the mound. Although Coach Megan was intended to catch the first pitch, her glove was MIA, so Coach Jen's daughter stepped in.

The sun started to peak out slightly, as the morning games began. The Shetland T-ball teams played a round robin style game, so all 3 teams could play together. The Cubs, White Sox, and Red Sox showed off the skills they have been learning, as well as some fun action of the whole field going after the same ball, spinning all the way around while trying to hit off the tee, and leaving the field to go warm up in the dugout.

It's always entertaining to see the joy and innocence of the future ball players!

The Hills Pinto Red Sox played against the Hills Pinto Cubs for the opening day game. Jullion and Logan of the Cubs both hit home runs and Zachary had the most plays made with 12.

Logan pitched 8 strike outs for the Cubs. For the Red Sox, Frank pitched 12 strike outs.

Benjamin, Frank and Alan all collected one hit for the Red Sox. Final score, Cubs 10, Red Sox 0.

The Hills Mustang White Sox played against a Crestwood Crush team.

Owen pitched well, only giving up 2 runs over 3 innings, with 8 strike outs. Being patient at the plate, the team collected 17 walks and they stole 29 bases. Cameron made the most plays, with 6. Liam and Cleto both hit doubles. Final Score, White Sox 14, Crush 6.

The 10U Hills Hawks played against Burbank. Sophia, Valerie, Annabelle, Matilda and Alina all had hits.

RBI's were by Emilia, Niyah and Alina. The team was patient at the plate and collected 13 walks. Final Score Hill Hawks 13, Burbank 5.

The Hills Bronco Hellhounds played against the Chicago Ridge Dodgers.

The Hounds were trailing initially, but hits by Isaac and Jack got runs on the board. Thanks to singles by Logan and Amir, the Hounds took the lead. Nicholas, Tyler, Isaac and Jack helped the Hounds end up with 10 hits for the game. The team had 15 stolen bases, including a few at home. Final Score Hellhounds 12, Dodgers 5.

The Hills 12U Storm took on a Palos Power team. Some great softball was played.

Hits by Fabiola, Penelope and Cecelia allowed for runs scored. With a lot of patience at the plate, the Storm took many walks. The team took advantage and were able to steal numerous bases this game. With a few power hitters on the Power, the outfield worked to hold the runs to a minimum by getting the ball in quickly. Final Score, Storm 17, Power 9.

The morning started off cloudy and cold but as the sun came out, the fields were alive with baseball and softball fun. The day ended with many HBSA wins and lots of fun times with friends. The 2025 season is looking to be a great one!