Youths head to Wrigley Field for chance to advance in national competition

Before the Cubs take the diamond for batting practice Sunday at Wrigley Field, a second-grader from Libertyville will dig in for a chance to showcase his skills this summer at Major League Baseball's All-Star game in San Diego.

"I know I did good on my hitting and running," says 8-year-old Trevor Wallace, one of three winners in the boys 7-8-year-old group for the Scott's MLB Pitch Hit & Run competition. "I'm going to practice my pitching, hitting the target more."

Wallace, a pitcher and shortstop in the Libertyville Little League A's house and travel leagues, is one of the 24 finalists in four baseball and softball age groups from the recent sectional competition in Des Plaines to advance to the Wrigley Field event. He'll compete against two others in his age group.

Other suburban youths scheduled to compete Sunday are: Katelyn Dianis of Kildeer, 9-10 softball; Xiemena Banuelos of Bensenville, 11-12 softball; Claira Panos of Bensenville, 13-14 softball; Adam Hinkleman of Elgin and Benton Hart of Glen Ellyn, 9-10 baseball; Matthew Mittlestadt of Kildeer, 11-12 baseball; and Anthony Nalbono of Bartlett, 13-14 baseball.

The competition starts at 7:45 a.m. and each competitor received two tickets to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Every major league ballclub participates in the competition and fields its own team. Boys and girls compete in the baseball or softball divisions and can advance through four levels of competition, including team championships at major league parks. The White Sox team championship is June 11 at U.S. Cellular Field. The competition leads to the national finals in San Diego.

However, coming out on top in Chicago doesn't necessarily mean a paid flight and hotel stay in San Diego.

"You have to be one of the top three scores in the country," said Trevor's dad, John. He said his son hasn't let success go to his head.

"He's crazy about baseball and really takes pride in knowing the game and playing the right way. He's a pretty humble kid."

This was the first time Libertyville Little League hosted a local competition and it is expected to become an annual event, according to Michael Walters, a member of the board of directors.

Josh Cantres, athletic supervisor for the Des Plaines Park District, ran the sectional and will be one of the staff administrators at Wrigley Field.

"It's definitely a fun experience, especially for the kids," Cantres said. "For being free, the rewards are pretty cool."