How to see American Legion tourney in Carol Stream
It could be the last chance they play with their high school teammates, the last time they take the field in front of their home fans.
"This is it. This is what we worked all season for and what we trained all season for, to be the best in the state," coach Jerry Miller will tell his players before a four-day, American Legion baseball tournament opens Wednesday in Carol Stream.
Six teams from around the state will gather at Lee Pfund Stadium at Legion Field on Gary Avenue for the Illinois American Legion tourney.
What's at stake is an invitation to regionals, and from there, the American Legion World Series, aired on ESPN from Shelby, North Carolina.
But it's also an opportunity to extend the summer season with their high school buddies before many of them head to college to play ball.
"This is kind of the culmination," said Miller, tournament director and coach of the Post 76 Thunder team, featuring athletes from Wheaton North, Glenbard North, Wheaton Academy and Montini.
Spectators are invited to watch the action from a field that underwent renovations a couple years ago.
The roughly $3 million project - installing artificial turf, new lights and dugouts, among other improvements - helped convince organizers to bring the state tournament for the first time to the field owned by the Legion and leased by Wheaton College.
"We're super excited to host and showcase the Legion to the community," Miller said.
Concessions will be sold inside Legion Post 76, 570 S. Gary Ave. And a beer tent will be set up, too.
Admission ranges from $3 to $18. Proceeds will offset the cost, about $20,000, to host the tournament, Miller said.
The series officially began with a banquet Tuesday night. Carol Stream Mayor Frank Saverino will throw out the first pitch at the opener at noon Wednesday.
Games will be held at noon, 3:30 p.m., and under the lights at 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.
After weekend play, a champion will be crowned Saturday.
Some of the suburban teams vying for the state title are Elgin Post 57 and Northwest Post 690 out of Palatine.
The winner goes on to the Great Lakes Regional in downstate Alton Aug. 5 through Aug. 9.
For a look at the brackets, visit post76baseball.com.
If you go
What: Illinois American Legion State Baseball Tournament
When: Wednesday through Saturday, July 29-Aug. 1
Where: Lee Pfund Stadium, 570 S. Gary Ave., Carol Stream
Tickets: $7 a game or $18 for weekend admission; $3 a game or $8 for weekend ages 12 and under; free ages 5 and under and Legion members
Info: Post76baseball.com