Boomers celebrate their championship at home opener

The Schaumburg Boomers' home opener was more than just a game for fans Friday evening.

The two-time Frontier League champions received their 2014 championship rings and hoisted the championship flag.

"It's exciting, we've been on the road for seven games at the start of the season, so there's even more excitement to come back home," said Boomers manager Jamie Bennett. "It's an exciting time for the guys and it's something to be proud of."

In pregame ceremonies, players from last year's championship team were given the rings they earned after defeating the River City Rascals 6-2 in September 2014.

"Words can't describe it, it was awesome," pitcher Dexter Price said about last year's crown. "Having been on the team the year before, they say it's different every year and it really is. Just because we won it the year before didn't make it any less special."

Although the Boomers were able to keep most of their roster from 2014 intact, several new players have joined the team and are mixing well with the veterans.

"We do have a lot of newcomers this year but we've made it work so far," Price said. "We all mix well, we have good team chemistry and that's really what (Bennett) looks for."

Past and present Boomers displayed the championship flag on the field, joined by the coaching staff, managing staff and Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson.

"In my opinion, we have the best fans in the Frontier League," Bennett said. "The fan base has grown, attendance has gone up every year for the last three years and I think we broke the record for wins at home last year and that's a huge part of that."

Boomers fall to Crushers:

After going 5-2 on the road to open the season, the Boomers dropped their home opener 5-4 to the Lake Erie Crushers.

The Boomers led 4-0 in the third inning, but the Crushers rallied with 3 runs in the seventh and 2 more in the eighth for the win.

The Boomers treated their fans to some postseason fireworks.

"It's amazing what fireworks at a baseball game do for a crowd," Bennett said. "It's more exciting for us if we win to get to enjoy some fireworks but it always does bring out a good crowd."

The Boomers host the Crushers at 6 p.m. Saturday and 6:30 p.m. Sunday.