Boomers to celebrate title at Friday's home opener
Independent baseball leagues, by nature, have a vested interest in the communities they call home. The defending Frontier League champion Schaumburg Boomers, who led the league in attendance last season, are no different.
After capturing two titles in a row, and enjoying the pomp and circumstance that comes with them, can the Boomers continue their winning ways this season?
Manager Jaime Bennett says his team is up to the task.
"We got guys from the two championship teams. The standards are high," Bennett said. "Having a successful season is the only option for those guys."
He said he often reminds his players to not rest on their laurels.
"Every year is a new year. Regardless of what we did in '13 and '14, this is '15," Bennett said. "They have to be their own team. You don't want to dwell too much on the past."
The Boomers, 4-2 after a six-game road trip to open the season, will celebrate their 2014 Frontier League title Friday night in their home opener at Boomer Stadium with the first of three games against the Lake Erie Crushers.
Last season, the Boomers gave their fans a lot to cheer about as the team tied for a league-best 61-35 regular-season record. Along the way, they put together a 10-game win streak in August and finished with a +131 run differential.
The team's offensive leaders were Tony Delmonico (. 356 BA/ 12 HR) and Justin Vasquez (106 hits). Their pitching was solid from front to back with big contributions from starter Eddie Cody (8-1, 2.86 ERA) and closer Dexter Price (franchise record 21 saves). Boomers RHP Seth Webster, fresh off his opening day start in which he pitched seven shutout innings, was signed last week by the Atlanta Braves' class A affiliate.
One of the team's newest pitching acquisitions, Arlington Heights native Scott Plaza, led UW-Whitewater to a Division III championship last season. He pitched the deciding game, allowing 7 hits and recording 9 strikeouts on three days rest. The Prospect High School grad, who made his first professional start Wednesday afternoon vs. Windy City, believes he can contribute to the team's winning tradition.
"I'm a guy who can compete and give the team the type of pitching they need," Plaza said. "I have to be ready to compete no matter what."
He also credits his support system, which includes veteran teammates and his family, with helping him make the transition from college ball.
"I have that surrounding cast that will support me," he said. "The guys are welcoming."
Infielder Ryan Tuntland, a Des Plaines native who was drafted in the 29th round by the San Francisco Giants in 2013 MLB Draft, echoes Plaza's sentiments.
"This is a back-to-back winning team so they have a tradition here," Tuntland said. "I just want to come in and do what I can to contribute and bring another championship to Schaumburg."
The Maine West grad says he likes how the team has come together.
"Team chemistry-wise, it's been great. Everyone is really going for each other," he said.
Fans will be treated to an on-field ring ceremony Friday and the raising of the 2014 Frontier League championship flag along with postgame fireworks. During the rest of the weekend, the first 1,000 fans will have a chance to get a replica championship ring and a magnet schedule. The final game of the weekend series is also Family Sunday as families can purchase 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 chips and 4 sodas for just $39.